by Stacey | Dec 22, 2011 | Devotionals, reflections, and encouragement
You abound in steadfast love. You listen to my pleas. You answer. Always.
You are great. You do wondrous things. You alone are God. My God.
You did a wondrous thing when you came to earth as a baby. You did a wondrous thing when you died in my place. You did a wondrous thing when you called an unworthy sinner like me by name. Thank you for grace.
Everything I have, all that I am, all whom I love are because of Your grace.
That I know You at all is an act of Your grace.
You are merciful and generous. I humbly ask for neither poverty nor riches but that I find joy in your presence. Pure Joy.
I want a thirst for You only quenched by time spent with You. I want to always want more, to know You more, to love You more.
Happy Birthday my Saviour. Please accept the only gift I have to give. My love.
by Stacey | Dec 19, 2011 | Devotionals, reflections, and encouragement
The mountain of laundry multiplies. Dirty dishes soak. Groceries are put away just in time to make lunch, just in time to clean up, just in time to start dinner.
Always behind. Always rushing. Always worried about tomorrow.
What if for one day I stopped thinking of what comes next? What if I lived in this moment thanking God that I have just enough for right now?
Just enough clean clothes to dress the kids and just enough clean dishes. Just enough in the cupboard to feed small hungry bellies. Just enough for this moment.
Just enough grace. Just enough love. Just enough strength. Just enough patience.
Moment by moment. Day by day. Trusting tomorrow to Him; living in this moment.
by Stacey | Dec 15, 2011 | Special Announcements
Yesterday we celebrated the legalization of our adoption of Jon and Nick. What a day! Family and friends drove up from Chatham to join us in court as a tear filled judge officiated, happy to celebrate a joyous event in Family Court.
She spoke if how much it pleased her to sign these forms and make the change that happened over a year ago in our heart legal. Emotion choked her up. As her voice caught in her throat my tears fell.
She read Jon’s birth name and legally changed it to Jonathan David Ray Weeks. She read Nick’s birth name and legally changed it to Nicholas Kevin Weeks. I cried some more.
Our group of 17 filled the small court room and celebrated the short (very short!) ceremony with hugs, tears, and pictures.
I didn’t expect to feel any different because in reality, these boys joined our family a year ago. But last night, after the last guest drove away, we cuddled together on the couch and watched a Christmas cartoon. Jon snuggled in close to dad. Kate and Nick curled up with me.
It felt nice.
It felt right.
It felt like the beginning of forever.
by Stacey | Nov 21, 2011 | Devotionals, reflections, and encouragement
We recently celebrated Jon’s promotion into the car booster seat with great enthusiasm. It makes travel so much easier. When Jon stepped onto the scale and saw the number 40 appear he thrust his fist into the air and punctuated the action with a resounding, “Yes, I’m growing!”
We all celebrated with him, some family members more ardently than others.
Kaitlyn has faithfully weighed herself weekly in hopes of reaching booster seat status. She struggled with the unfairness of it all. As the eldest sibling she should reach this milestone first.
I saw in her expression how much she wanted to cry when Jon obtained what she longed for. I saw her struggle to maintain composure the first time Jon buckled up. I saw the difficulty.
I also saw her swallow her disappointment and offer a weak smile. I saw determination rise up as she chose to put her sadness aside and focus on something positive. I saw something beautiful.
It’s been difficult watching her new brother swoop in and obtain something she has wanted for years. But she did what many adults struggle to do – she took the high road. She set aside her wants and celebrated with her brother. She refused to complain about something she couldn’t change.
As a parent I am forever aware that my actions constantly teach my children. This time, Kaitlyn’s actions taught me. Things don’t always unfold the way you plan. Sometimes others win, and life isn’t all about me.
Thanks for the reminder Kate.
by Stacey | Nov 17, 2011 | Special Announcements
It seems impossible that it was only one year ago that the boys entered our lives. So much has changed in twelve months.
We watched Kaitlyn bloom into a proud big sister as she helped two boys open themselves to love and family. I hope you all enjoy our first collection of professional photographs taken of our entire family.
For this child I have prayed and God has granted my request.
1 Samuel 1:27
What an incredible gift from God.
Kate loves her role as big sister, teacher and protector. She enjoys being in charge, organized and cuddled.
Jon spends hours building innovative Lego machines and tells elaborate tales about what the machines can do. He loves to be heard.
Nick always has a train in his hand and a car in his pocket. He’s quick to declare his love and is full of mischief. Life with him is an adventure.
