Beyond Blessed

I can't even express how thankful I am. Every time I start making a list, I stop because it could never include everything. For the first time ever, I am going to throw my type A self to the side and make one!  I suppose it does not have to include everything, and that the list doesn't have to be in order of appreciation.  :)

I am thankful for...
*My salvation. Without it I would be lost, literally. Guilt-ridden, purposeless, and headed for disaster.
*My husband who is my love, my Godly leader, my protector, my sounding board, my provider, and a wonderful father to our boys.
*Landon- who has stolen my heart. I love his affection. The way he grabs my face and kisses me, and the way he gives the tightest hugs.  The way he randomly says, "I love you, Mom." I love how much he cares for his brother. They were made to be brothers. I love his silliness, and the way it brings me instantly back to my childhood. I love his wit- the way he constantly comes out with hilarious comments or lines from movies that are always trying to outsmart my already made decisions.
*Ethan- who stole my heart all over again. I love his big toothy grin and the way his eyes light up when he sees me. I love how he is always exploring and learning new things. His understanding is constantly blowing me away. Oh, his dimples! How I love them too!!
*My sisters- all of them!! Blood, marriage, and beyond! I love how we can be so honest with each other, and am beyond grateful the trust and bond we share!
*My parents- I can now fully appreciate all their sacrificial love that they continue to pour out on their children. I am so thankful for their Godly example, and love having the opportunity to try my best to follow in their footsteps.
*My Family- Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I am thankful for the memories I have, and for the new ones we continue to make together. I am thankful for the relationship we have that continues to grow. I am thankful for the examples that my grandparents, aunts and uncles have been to me as a mama.
*My In-laws- the best anyone could ever dream of having. I have never felt like an "in-law" and have always been welcomed as a daughter and a sister. I am thankful for their Godly examples, for their friendship, and for their unconditional prayers, support and guidance through the years.
*My job- I am so grateful to have the opportunity to go to work everyday knowing that I have a chance to impact someone's life. It is daily inspiration and purpose. I love the relationships I have had, and continue to have with my students and their families! It makes all the time and effort completely worthwhile!
*My church family- I am so thankful to have a church family that I can e-mail or call or text and know they will be praying or supporting us in whatever we are in the midst of- trials, adoption, service projects, etc. I am thankful for the Godly couples in our church that encourage us and model lifelong love. I am thankful specific relationships that have grown over the years, and for the chance to see some "once kids" grow to be amazing adults.
*My girlfriends! Ah...my breath of fresh air. My honest, accountability partners. My pick-me-up, my break, my getaway. I love you!!
*Provision and luxuries- my house, hot running water, clothing, our cars, health care, our good health, electricity, food! We have so much and have never been in dire need. Praise God.
*Adoption- I am so thankful God has adopted me into His family and has chosen to give me a fresh start, daily, and that he loves me for me. I am so thankful He has allowed adoption to change our lives, and for the opportunity to see His love for us through our sons.
*And the list could go on!! ...but my children are calling. :-)

Above all, on this day of thanks, I want to thank God who has blessed us "immeasurably, more than all we ask, or imagine, according to His power that is at work in us." 

Orphan Sunday 2012

Three years ago, I did not know there was such a thing as "Orphan Sunday." Greg and I were thinking about and praying about adoption, but little did we know the amazing plans God had in store for us. I smile just thinking- God must have felt like I do right now... I have all these fun gifts that I know our boys will love, and I just can't wait to give them to them on Christmas Day. It is so tempting sometimes to go pull them out of hiding and give them early, but I know that giving the gift before it is time, will only satisfy the short term desire. Waiting until just the right time is the key. It's probably why God wrote the verse,

Matthew 7:11

English Standard Version (ESV)

¹¹ If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!


Two years ago, we were still unaware of an official Orphan Sunday, but had just met and fallen in love with one particular little orphan boy who we knew God had created just for our family. We were praying harder than ever for a call saying we could come back to court and to bring him home. We were heartbroken for all the other children who were also living with our boy who did not have family coming for them.

One year ago, we participated in Orphan Sunday for the first time, sharing our heart with our church family and sharing our desire to do something more. We just did not know what.

Orphan Sunday 2012 brings with it my same heart's desire- to share my passion for those here in the US and all over the world who do not have a forever family. This year, we have decided to take one step further. We are going to honor Orphan Sunday by  hosting a "shoe cutting party" at our church. We will be cutting out materials which will help provide shoes for orphaned children in Uganda. It is a simple way to make a huge difference. All you need is a pair of scissors, a pair of jeans, and either a button up or polo shirt (thicker material than a t-shirt)! Rather than go into a wordy description of what it is all about, here is a link to a video that explains it all. We will be showing this video next week in church, so if you are a Laurel Hill'er, than you are getting a sneak peak!

I don't know what future Orphan Sundays will bring for us as a family, or Laurel Hill as a church family...but, I smile, knowing that God knows. He may even be trying to conceal a smile while knowing that He has plans better than all we could ever ask or even imagine!