8 Days of Thankfulness

Today, I am thankful for two things forgiveness and the ability to rejoice, even in the face of hurt and sadness; I can rejoice in the blessings God has given our family. Because of Him, I can forgive freely. Sometimes, it takes some time to give that forgiveness. Sometimes, it is easier to hang on to it than to give the situation over to Him and offer up forgiveness in place of the hurt and sadness.

Thankfully, coming to a place where I know I can only pray for whatever the issues at hand are, whether it be with family, being letdown by a friend or a loved one, or my heart aching for the orphans we left behind---I know that praying is all I need to be able to forgive, let go and rejoice.

I can rejoice in my Heavenly Father, who is always there for me. I can rejoice that my heart is full of love for my boys and my husband. I can rejoice in the journey that led us from Alexander to the Ukraine to bring home our son, Jadon; not just a child, we did not do this to save a child. We brought home our son, and believe me, there is a difference. I can rejoice that our transition here at home has been full of supports and love. I can rejoice that Jadon has eased into our family with such simplicity that I stand in AWE of what He has done for our family, even though that meant leaving another family forever changed as well.

I will continue to pray for the situations I know I have no control over and rejoice in knowing they are HIS job to handle and not mine.

It is truly great being here, now, and knowing....that I have been given the hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places and I KNOW that HE is my LORD. My adoption prayer was answered.



"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)