Blessings and Raindrops

seeking joy in the midst of the ordinary

Archives for June 2013

God is with us in the wait.

If we’re friends on facebook, you know that I am just over this whole waiting thing.

I’m done. 

I’m ready to have S home. I’m ready for the boys to play with their sister instead of pretending to drive to Africa on their bikes to visit her. I’m ready to watch her grow up here in our home, instead of through photos {and, yes, the photos are treasures, little glimpses into her world…but, they are not substitute for the real thing}. I’m ready to ensure her belly is full of healthy food that will give her nourishment. I’m ready to hear her laugh. I’m ready to teach her new things. I’m ready to learn how she likes to sleep {ben has to be surrounded by his stuffed animals and holding onto two – very precise- tags on his blankets & nate likes to hold all three of his babies and be covered up with his blanket from grandma marrs with two others at his feet. they’re hilarious}. I’m ready to hold her and rock her to sleep. I’m ready to see her wearing the cute little outfits hanging in her closet. I’m ready to get to know her and her personality. I’m ready to hear her cry and learn what soothes her. I’m ready to teach her new words. I’m ready to show her the love of a family. I’m just ready, already.

All of it. The good, the bad and the ugly. I’m ready.

I shared this photo on facebook and received so many words of encouragement from loved ones. Many who have been here, smack dab in the middle of this tormenting wait, who understand the pain and the urgency and the tears.

I had a friend {who is in south africa right now to bring home their son!!}, share these wise words:

“Always remember that God is never separate from your wait. He is The Lord of waiting. He is the liberal giver of grace for the wait. Because your wait isn’t outside of his plan, but a vital and necessary part of it, he’s with you in your wait. And remember…God isn’t so much after the success of your life or ministry- he’s after you. So as you wait, tell yourself again and again: waiting isn’t just about what I get at the end of the wait, but about who I become as I wait.” -Paul Tripp 

What a poignant reminder of the work God is doing in my heart during this wait. A reminder that the dark nights of grieving and fear pressing down on me, attempting to crush my hope and trust; always give way to the light of the morning. The light that was purchased at such a high cost on a cross so many years ago. The light of His righteousness.

As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I will wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me…For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord himself will be my light…the Lord will bring me out of darkness and into the light, and I will see His righteousness.
{Micah 7: 7-9}
I don’t know how much longer we will wait. Delays and uncertainty stretch as far as we can see from our place here on earth. Yet, God sees the big picture. He authored this story and knows how it ends. He knows the victory is coming.
Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. {Habakkuk 2:3}

relax and laugh…

Today’s devotional in Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling is so beautifully said and freeing. A reminder to ignore the whispers of the enemy that take the form of guilt. A reminder that our loving God wants us to experience joy in abundance. 


“Learn to laugh at yourself more freely. Don’t take yourself or your circumstances so seriously. Relax and know that I am God with you.”


After a perfect day yesterday celebrating Dave for Father’s Day, I can’t help but think of how fitting Sarah’s words are this morning. Relax, laugh, enjoy these days.

We spent the day experiencing quiet moments tucked away from the world. Moments of joy. We stepped away from our responsibilities. We slowed our pace. We deeply inhaled the fragrance of summer – heavy air dripping with humidity – and escaped to the luxury of a mid-afternoon movie date while a sweet neighbor read to our sleepy boys and stayed home for us while they napped.

The day was steeped in holy moments.

That evening, we were ushered into His kingdom by the laughter of our boys.

“Laughter lightens your load and lifts your heart into heavenly places. Your laughter rises to heaven and blends with angelic melodies of praise. Just as parents delight in the laughter of their children, so I delight in hearing My children laugh. I rejoice when you trust Me enough to enjoy your life lightheartedly. 

Do not miss the Joy of My Presence by carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Rather, take My yoke upon you and learn from Me. My yoke is comfortable and pleasant; My burden is light and easily borne.”





what else we’ve been up to…

This summer is already flying by! We are in full-swing summer mode. ice cream, homemade popsicles, barbecues, dinners with friends…hmmm…I’m sensing a theme: food.  ha! We have been busy with fun other than just eating. Here’s a little of the crazy we’ve been up to around here…

Birthday parties galore! We’ve been to bug parties, Curious George parties, Chuck-e-Cheese parties, swim parties… there are so many May/June birthdays for the boy’s little friends! It has been fun celebrating each one. {I haven’t done a great job of taking photos! Sorry if you’ve seen all of these on instagram already :). I’ve been too busy chasing the boys around after consuming way too much cake…}

Free entertainment abounds in our little town during the summer. Library story time, the art museum near our house, the splash pad, the lake, hikes, splashing in waterfalls and creeks … oh, and, might I suggest ensuring that your neighbor’s tree is cut down while you’re trying to get ready in the morning? Works like a charm.

Baseball has been a hit around here. {Side note, we have had several incidents with those darn plastic bats. The boys now choose to wear helmets while playing with their t-ball set. We’re working on only hitting the ball. We may get there some day}. The boys were mesmerized at their cousin’s game and we have had so much fun cheering on our minor league team, the Naturals.

They wanted to be right there with the big kids… 

Three year check-ups. They did great and actually had fun at the doctor’s office. Thank you, Doc McStuffins {and snacks}. 🙂 We thought it was pretty neat that we were in the “Africa” room.

And, we made a summer bucket list. We really looovveee summer around here :).

Praying boldly for that last one to happen this summer. ^^

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend celebrating the dad’s in your life!

a harvest of blessing.

Remember this lil’ care package? Look! It made it from my arms to the arms of my baby girl!! 
Isn’t it amazing how something so small can mean SO much to a momma’s weary heart? God is so good to provide blessing after blessing as He fights for us to get our girl into our arms. He knows that I’m weary, He knows that I’m aching, He knows that I just need to know she is okay. He knows that I long to have her home. 
And, He knows that these small blessings are treasures. 
Reminders that He is a God of strength and might.
Reminders that He is always faithful. 
Reminders that He is the provider of goodness and mercy. 
Reminders that He never, ever authors pain. 
Reminders that He loves justice and will always defend the oppressed and orphaned. 
Reminders that our daughter is a daughter first and foremost of the King. He loves her fiercely and has protected her and held her close every day of her seventeen months on this earth. 
As I read Paul’s words in his letter to the Galatians this morning, I was struck by their significance for this journey we are on.  
So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. 
{Galatians 6:9; emphasis mine}

I will not give up. God is at work and His sovereignty is above all governments and authorities. He will get her home to us. He will continue to fight on our behalf. The bountiful harvest of blessing is within reach.