Stand Firm

SO, I’ll go ahead and tell you–if you plan to adopt…put that seatbelt on…

I have heard it before...things start to break when you have both feet going down the adoption route. A few months ago, our frig broke, then the well pump needed to be repaired, then the water softener went and the tractor broke. Then just recently, our neighbor's tree fell on the trampoline and left a huge mess for us to tend to. Last Friday, Troy's car got hit and damaged while parked (no note left). Yesterday, my dad discovered that our circuit box in the basement had come away from the wall and was literally hanging by wires. That is the same day I saw smoke billowing out of the chimney, because of a furnace clog. Meanwhile, the kids seem EXTRA hard. The littlest ones seem to listen less, throw more tantrums, and fight more than ever. Our parenting strategies look like they are mere threats falling on deaf ears.

Sometimes I feel so weak and spread so thin. Sometimes I want to hide under the covers.

But I remind myself...

We are not called to back away…to chicken out…or lay low–but to TAKE A STAND.

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 

Some days I let frustration get the best of me. I grumble loudly, wear a scowl and only remember myself. I forget to appreciate my husband's efforts at work or the kid's desire to learn. I forget how thankful I am for our health and our house and our opportunities.

That, friends, is grace. And I don’t deserve it. I’m too busy wearing my Mary nametag and acting like Martha. Bustling around with worry and doubt.

We are called to be prepared–to know hard things WILL come our way and to STAND through the battle of faith not fear. We will not give up.

Georgia Vacation!

Our vacations in Georgia keep getting better. The kids are getting older, and the family keeps getting bigger. We had a wonderful time. We got up early and stayed up late. Us girls made food like we were running a restaurant and then layed on floats soaking up the hot summer sun.

I’m so glad Aunt T took lots of pictures in the chaos of it all. Here are a few of my favorites.

Can you guess who is a bit crazy on the tube?

Yes, I took some epic spills in the lake.  You won't find me in any of these photos, but I did have some awesome moves.

Troy proved to have the magic with the baby. I love this photo of the three brothers.

Right Now...

Right now, I am...

:: feeling grateful to have our leisurely family dinners back without the rush of a game or practice to follow.

:: enjoying the season continuing in the backyard. (LAX Season never really ends.)

:: loving the fact that our dear friends are in Ethiopia right now meeting their three kids.

:: praying that our time will be come eventually.

:: excited for a nice long swim tomorrow.

:: wondering if I will win this new Double Bubble client. My kids are thoroughly impressed I am potentially working for a sugary gum company.

:: planning our long 14 hour road trip to Georgia for summer vacation, a true adventure. Also, stopping in DC on the way back home and visiting little Ethiopia.

:: anticipating all the tasty food my mother-in-law and sister-in-law will feed us.

:: hoping to get up on water skis again this year.

:: looking forward to meeting our newest niece, sweet Elizabeth.

:: wishing you all a most lovely start to your week, whatever adventures it may hold for you!