Sweet Hour of Prayer

During a time when we're supposed to be celebrating the birth of our Savior, we are heartbroken and grieving for families that have been forever changed because of the unbelievable evil of one person.  Evil that has shaken us to our core.

The Savior whose birth we are celebrating is the Savior that came and conquered sin and death.  Because of  our Savior, we have hope even in the darkest of times.  And, to this we will cling!

"Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer
That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare,
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!"

Counting down while thinking of Sam

Sam,
Every month we look forward to seeing pictures of your sweet little face.  This week we were so excited to get pictures of you from your dol (the celebration for a baby's first birthday).  You look like a little man in the pictures wearing your hanbok (traditional Korean dress worn by babies on their first birthday), and the smile on your face completely melts my heart!!

The doljabi ceremony takes place at the birthday celebration.  During the ceremony, the baby is placed in front of several objects that all symbolize something.  Some of the objects that are used include money which would symbolize wealth; thread or string which symbolizes a long life; books/pencils would symbolize a scholar, etc.  I can see in some of your pictures the things that were placed in front of you--an airplane, string, a microphone, a pencil, and a judge's gavel.  For your doljabi, you chose the pencil, which I think is awesome :).

So, while we're counting down to Christmas, we are thanking God for blessing us with you and looking forward to the day we bring you home! ~love you, sweet boy~

Christmas Countdown: A Gift Like No Other

Last Christmas, we were finishing up our home study paperwork and looking forward to being matched with a baby.

This year, we have been Christmas shopping for our sweet Sam--such a seemingly small act that speaks to God's goodness and amazing love for us!

Let's celebrate the Love that came down at Christmastime, for it is a gift like no other!

Here's the Christmas present that we sent to Sam.  It couldn't weigh more than two pounds and had to fit in a ziploc bag, so we sent him an outfit and a Little People car.  I'm sure he's going to look like a cutie in his outfit :).

Christmas Countdown: Celebrate Adoption

After an interesting conversation the other day, I realized that to some adoption is curious thing, and this causes them to ask some forward questions about private things; questions that make my heart want to roll up like a roly-poly.  Instead of taking the form of a roly-poly, I answer their questions by sharing the journey that God has us on, hoping that my response points to the Author of adoption.

On the surface, this may not have anything to do with Christmas.  But, take a closer look, and you'll see it has everything to do with Christmas.  Because Christ came to be our Savior, we can experience the beauty of adoption by a Heavenly Father.

Celebrate adoption this Christmas.  Celebrate your adoption into God's family, and celebrate the adoption of God's babies here on Earth.

Still counting down

On my way to school earlier this week, I heard a song (a Rush of Fools song I think) that contains part of Matthew 11:28.  That song and the verse has been on my mind all week, and although it's not a Christmas song, it has continually reminded me of the reason we're celebrating this season.  It's a beautiful reminder that because Christ came as our Savior, we can come to Him and receive rest for our souls when we're weary.  What a reason to celebrate and give thanks!

"Come to me you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28

Countdown to Christmas Day 2

Minutes after posting last night that I was determined to be purposeful in celebrating the true meaning of Christmas, I was distracted by something that has nothing to do with the Reason we celebrate.  Isn't that the way it goes??

Thankfully, we serve a God that is great at drawing His children's attention back to where it needs to be!  I am thankful that He used a beautiful worship service with our church family to remind me of what this season is all about.

"Hallelujah to the newborn King
Hallelujah to the peace He brings"

Countdown to Christmas Day 1

Our tree is up, and I took a trip down memory lane as I hung the ornaments on it.  Remembering who gave them to us or what was going on in life when we got them causes me to be thankful for the memories they represent and thankful to the One that is our reason for celebrating.

Instead of jumping into the fray and getting caught up in the hustle and bustle that comes with this time of year, I'm determined to be purposeful in celebrating the true meaning of Christmas, for this is where the blessings will be found!