My bestie, Ronda, and I have this agreement that we will always do our best to tell each other any major news firsthand. In today's technological world, especially now with the blogworld, news spreads fast. But it is extremely important to both of us that we communicate directly with one another.
Obviously, the birth of her twins today qualifies as one of these MAJOR events/news.
But I couldn't contain myself with excitement today. And even though I promised her that I would do my best not to check Jen's blog (Ronda's sister-in-law), I lost all self-control about thirty minutes ago and checked.
I'm so sorry, Ronda! I know that you will be calling me when you can, but I'm weak. I couldn't wait. Please forgive me.
So, my friends, even though I'm not supposed to know this yet, it brings me, "Aunt Erica," great pleasure to announce the arrival of two little miracle blessings:
Evan Charles (5 lbs. 15 oz.)
and
Emily Grace (5 lbs. 13 oz.)
PRAISE GOD! I have heard everyone is healthy and doing well!
Oh, if I was any more excited I would explode!! Thank you, Lord, for the great work You have done. May You be glorified all the days of Evan and Emily's lives.
P.S. I think these two little ones are destined for greatness - their first names start with an "E" and they have a February birthday! Watch out world - this combination is a force to be reckoned with! :)
Friday, February 27, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Patience is a Virtue
And apparently I have a huge deficiency in this area.
No updates from the agency. We are still waiting to learn whether of not we're selected for the 4-way placement meetings on either of the two cases from last week. I think it's still a little early to start bugging the agency, but if I don't hear anything by the middle of next week I will follow-up with them. If I can make it that long...
Seriously, though, this waiting thing is torturous at times. I know this is self-centered, but I'm getting very fed up. I feel like we have already been waiting long enough. And at times I can't help but wonder if God has forgotten about us. I know all the "right" answers - those Christian statements that we're all so quick to throw out - "God has a plan." Or "It will happen in His perfect timing." But sometimes I get to the point where those are more frustrating than encouraging. Do you know what I mean?
Again, this may be very selfish of me, and it's probably just a way I'm self-medicating, but I keep telling myself that the best masterpieces take a lot of time and care to create. So if that's true, then I'd like to think that our family is going to be something extra special. And well worth the wait...just not that much longer, please! :)
No updates from the agency. We are still waiting to learn whether of not we're selected for the 4-way placement meetings on either of the two cases from last week. I think it's still a little early to start bugging the agency, but if I don't hear anything by the middle of next week I will follow-up with them. If I can make it that long...
Seriously, though, this waiting thing is torturous at times. I know this is self-centered, but I'm getting very fed up. I feel like we have already been waiting long enough. And at times I can't help but wonder if God has forgotten about us. I know all the "right" answers - those Christian statements that we're all so quick to throw out - "God has a plan." Or "It will happen in His perfect timing." But sometimes I get to the point where those are more frustrating than encouraging. Do you know what I mean?
Again, this may be very selfish of me, and it's probably just a way I'm self-medicating, but I keep telling myself that the best masterpieces take a lot of time and care to create. So if that's true, then I'd like to think that our family is going to be something extra special. And well worth the wait...just not that much longer, please! :)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Desert Song
We are living in troubled times. It feels as though everywhere I turn people are desperately hurting - some with physical illness, others with the pain of empty arms, many with the fear of the unknown in today's economy, some with strained relationships, and still others are surrounded by people but still feel all alone. The list could go on and on.
Today I stumbled upon one of Hillsong United's new songs, Desert Song. It is a firm and confident declaration of our faith that moves beyond circumstances in this earthly life. Below is the YouTube clip as well as the song lyrics. The beginning of the video is Jill McCloghry's (one of the performers in the video) testimony. It's powerful.
Desert Song
This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger and need
My God is the God who provides
And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here
And this is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've recieved I will sow
PRAISE HIM that our circumstances do not change who He is!
He is still God.
He is still good.
He remains sovereign.
Today I stumbled upon one of Hillsong United's new songs, Desert Song. It is a firm and confident declaration of our faith that moves beyond circumstances in this earthly life. Below is the YouTube clip as well as the song lyrics. The beginning of the video is Jill McCloghry's (one of the performers in the video) testimony. It's powerful.
Desert Song
This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger and need
My God is the God who provides
And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here
And this is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've recieved I will sow
PRAISE HIM that our circumstances do not change who He is!
He is still God.
He is still good.
He remains sovereign.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Action, Action! We want action!
And today we got it!
Mr. Wonderful and I were presented with eight cases today! (I had a headache at the end of the day from trying to take it all in.) Only two cases were a fit for us, so we gave our agency permission to submit our homestudy on both.
Will you please pray for us and these cases? I think my prayer from last time remains appropriate - that God would open doors that need to be opened and close doors that need to be shut. I know that if we stay focused on Him, trusting Him fully as we wait, that He will faithfully provide us the peace we so desperately need in all the uncertainty.
Thanks, friends! Stay tuned...
Mr. Wonderful and I were presented with eight cases today! (I had a headache at the end of the day from trying to take it all in.) Only two cases were a fit for us, so we gave our agency permission to submit our homestudy on both.
Will you please pray for us and these cases? I think my prayer from last time remains appropriate - that God would open doors that need to be opened and close doors that need to be shut. I know that if we stay focused on Him, trusting Him fully as we wait, that He will faithfully provide us the peace we so desperately need in all the uncertainty.
Thanks, friends! Stay tuned...
Saturday, February 7, 2009
A Glimpse Inside
I am beyond pleased with how well our life book turned out. It's beautiful, but more than that it has the loving fingerprints of so many of my friends all over it. When I look at it I will always remember the blessing of our friends on this journey!
For a myriad of reasons I am not going to show every page of the life book on the blog. But as promised below is an excerpt so you can get a glimpse. If you double-click on the picture it should enlarge the image so you can see the details better.
Enjoy!!
The Cover
The Journey Begins
(a few pictures from our dating years)
Our honeymoon in Kauai, Hawaii
Some pictures of our house and neighborhood
Our four-legged babies!
Vacation memories
The last page in our book
(It's probably my favorite!)
For a myriad of reasons I am not going to show every page of the life book on the blog. But as promised below is an excerpt so you can get a glimpse. If you double-click on the picture it should enlarge the image so you can see the details better.
Enjoy!!
The Cover
The Journey Begins(a few pictures from our dating years)
Our honeymoon in Kauai, Hawaii
Some pictures of our house and neighborhood
Our four-legged babies!
Vacation memories
The last page in our book(It's probably my favorite!)
Friday, February 6, 2009
Trust
I receive a daily e-mail devotional from Sarah's Laughter, an infertility support ministry out of LA. I thought today's message couldn't be more appropriate given this week's events. And I thought maybe - just maybe - someone else reading this today may be encouraged/re-focused as well.
Do you trust God? Really trust Him? Do you believe that “God is for (you)...”? (Rom. 8:31) I’m sure we’d all say “yes”, but sometimes our actions don’t demonstrate that trust we profess to have.
What does “trust” mean to you? The dictionary defines “trust” as “a firm belief in the reliability...ability, or strength of someone...”or “acceptance of a statement as true without evidence...” Infertility will teach you how to trust. The bible says that God has good plans for me (Jer.29:11), and that all things work together for my good (Rom.8:28). How can infertility be good?! I don’t know, but I trust in the Lord. When the crack addict is pregnant with her third child and I’ve started my period again, I trust in the Lord. When you read in the news about the young mother who drowned her children and you’ve had another failed IUI, trust in the Lord. When infertility treatment has drained your bank account, trust in the Lord.
Trust.
(c) 2009 Sarah’s Laughter-Christian Support for Infertility & Child Loss
Trust
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust.
Do you trust God? Really trust Him? Do you believe that “God is for (you)...”? (Rom. 8:31) I’m sure we’d all say “yes”, but sometimes our actions don’t demonstrate that trust we profess to have.
What does “trust” mean to you? The dictionary defines “trust” as “a firm belief in the reliability...ability, or strength of someone...”or “acceptance of a statement as true without evidence...” Infertility will teach you how to trust. The bible says that God has good plans for me (Jer.29:11), and that all things work together for my good (Rom.8:28). How can infertility be good?! I don’t know, but I trust in the Lord. When the crack addict is pregnant with her third child and I’ve started my period again, I trust in the Lord. When you read in the news about the young mother who drowned her children and you’ve had another failed IUI, trust in the Lord. When infertility treatment has drained your bank account, trust in the Lord.
God IS for us, God IS good, and God IS working in our lives, even when the outcome is not what we desire.
Trust.
(c) 2009 Sarah’s Laughter-Christian Support for Infertility & Child Loss
Thursday, February 5, 2009
God is Good, ALL the Time
Thank you friends for all of your prayers today. They were definitely felt. I was scared and anxious all morning, but this afternoon my spirit was much more peaceful.
I got the call shortly after 5 today, and we were not selected for this case. I am disappointed but ok. The Arrow worker that represented us today said that the family chosen was an excellent family, so I am at peace that this baby boy will be in good hands. It appears that the reason the other family was chosen is becuase they are hispanic like the baby boy. (We were the caseworker's second choice.)
We'd appreciate your continued prayers, especially tonight as I process today's outcome. This is tough. There is a part of me that feels like once again I wasn't good enough to be blessed with a child. But there remains a bigger part of me that knows that God is not going to show us gold and then give us silver.
Thanks again for all of your support, encouragement and prayers. It has been my prayer this week that God would open doors that need to be opened and close those that need to be shut. Despite my disappointment, I trust that He did just that today.
I got the call shortly after 5 today, and we were not selected for this case. I am disappointed but ok. The Arrow worker that represented us today said that the family chosen was an excellent family, so I am at peace that this baby boy will be in good hands. It appears that the reason the other family was chosen is becuase they are hispanic like the baby boy. (We were the caseworker's second choice.)
We'd appreciate your continued prayers, especially tonight as I process today's outcome. This is tough. There is a part of me that feels like once again I wasn't good enough to be blessed with a child. But there remains a bigger part of me that knows that God is not going to show us gold and then give us silver.
Thanks again for all of your support, encouragement and prayers. It has been my prayer this week that God would open doors that need to be opened and close those that need to be shut. Despite my disappointment, I trust that He did just that today.
Little One(s),
We believe you are out there, and
we trust that it is only a matter of time
before God brings you home to us.
We continue to pray for you.
We long to meet you, to hold you and take you in.
We love you more with each passing day.
Love, Mommy & Daddy
We believe you are out there, and
we trust that it is only a matter of time
before God brings you home to us.
We continue to pray for you.
We long to meet you, to hold you and take you in.
We love you more with each passing day.
Love, Mommy & Daddy
A Verse for Today
"Do not be afraid or discouraged,
for the LORD will personally go ahead of you.
He will be with you;
He will neither fail you nor abandon you."
Deuteronomy 31:8
I have been anxious and tense since the moment my feet hit the floor this morning. Today will be another stepping stone in our journey. And I am scared. I am claiming this verse above and will recite it to myself a hundred times each hour if needed - the Lord has gone before us. May His perfect Will be done today.
Thank you for all of the e-mails, phone calls, and comments this morning alone! I am immensely blessed to be so covered in prayer today! The placement meeting is scheduled for 3pm this afternoon. I will keep you all posted once I hear more.
We are beyond grateful for each of you and love you all!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Prayers for a Fellow Blogger
Calling all Prayer Warriors --
My friend Karlin from church told me about the following blog (link below), and I wanted to ask all of you to please pray for this family. This young mom lost her baby at 38 weeks due to cord strangulation. I can't imagine the grief this family is experiencing; please pray for peace and comfort during this very difficult time. Thanks!
P.S. I took pictures of the inside of my book this morning. I think they look ok, so I will try to get those up on here either tonight or tomorrow. :)
My friend Karlin from church told me about the following blog (link below), and I wanted to ask all of you to please pray for this family. This young mom lost her baby at 38 weeks due to cord strangulation. I can't imagine the grief this family is experiencing; please pray for peace and comfort during this very difficult time. Thanks!
P.S. I took pictures of the inside of my book this morning. I think they look ok, so I will try to get those up on here either tonight or tomorrow. :)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Blessed
Where have you been, Erica?
Finishing this beauty...
It's D-O-N-E!!
All I can say is that there is no possible way I could have completed this without my girls! I am truly blessed with the world's best girlfriends: from Jennifer who met me on Saturday to deliver a box full of her scrapbooking supplies and tools, to the girls in my Sunday school class (shout out to B1!) who worked tirelessly on Sunday during the Superbowl game. Let alone the many of you who called or e-mailed me to let me know that you had supplies I could use if needed. I am so blessed!
In total nearly 35 man hours went into assembling our book (plus the time I spent shopping for supplies, running around my neighborhood taking pictures, and the multiple trips to Walgreens to pick-up developed pictures). Clearly this would have been impossible for me to complete on my own in this short timeframe.
I told Mr. Wonderful the other day that even if things don't work out for us on this particular case, the timing of this case was a blessing. If I was going to have a life book sprung on me last minute, I could not have asked for a more perfect weekend. God is so good!!
Our placement meeting is this Thursday at 3pm. We would appreciate your prayers leading up to the meeting - that God would prepare all of our hearts and make His Will abundantly clear.
Thank you again for all of your support, love, and prayers!!
Finishing this beauty...
It's D-O-N-E!! Hallelujah!
I only wish there was a way for you to see the inside pages. I think it turned out great, and hopefully this is something that will be cherished by our family for years to come.
All I can say is that there is no possible way I could have completed this without my girls! I am truly blessed with the world's best girlfriends: from Jennifer who met me on Saturday to deliver a box full of her scrapbooking supplies and tools, to the girls in my Sunday school class (shout out to B1!) who worked tirelessly on Sunday during the Superbowl game. Let alone the many of you who called or e-mailed me to let me know that you had supplies I could use if needed. I am so blessed!
In total nearly 35 man hours went into assembling our book (plus the time I spent shopping for supplies, running around my neighborhood taking pictures, and the multiple trips to Walgreens to pick-up developed pictures). Clearly this would have been impossible for me to complete on my own in this short timeframe.
I told Mr. Wonderful the other day that even if things don't work out for us on this particular case, the timing of this case was a blessing. If I was going to have a life book sprung on me last minute, I could not have asked for a more perfect weekend. God is so good!!
Our placement meeting is this Thursday at 3pm. We would appreciate your prayers leading up to the meeting - that God would prepare all of our hearts and make His Will abundantly clear.
Thank you again for all of your support, love, and prayers!!
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