Blessing:Free Stuff

I kept telling Dave that we need to buy a bed for Jude. Since we are adopting a toddler I figured we could just skip to a twin sized bed. That way we can lay next to him and comfort him as he goes to sleep. We would look at prices in stores and he would say, "God is going to give us a bed." I still continued to shop around on Craigslist and online sales. Even when I found what I thought was a good deal, Dave would say the same thing. I decided to wait it out and trust in the Lord for a free bed, though I thought it sounded kind of funny.

God did just that, he gave us a twin size bed. A couple of weeks ago we were at small group and one of our friends was telling Dave how they had an extra twin bed in the basement that they needed to get rid of. I am excited about this blessing and again blessed by God's little surprises.

I had purchased the comforter on serious clearance a while back, and found the bedskirt for $5 over the weekend.

We have enjoyed having in set up in the office/Jude's future room. It seems to make it all feel a little more real. I've enjoyed sitting on the bed and praying for the boy across the world who will soon be here.

The animals really like it too.

Family Trips

Yesterday we were in Denver and that is where I took this picture. There is a large construction fence up that is covered with these crocheted flowers! Very Cool!

As we were walking around downtown I couldn't help but think of how different next year will be. It will be us and Jude. Us and a stroller. The three of us walking through the park and Jude wanting to pet all of the dogs walking by.

Then we will begin to have family pictures and memories.

What has been on my mind?

There have been a lot of things on my mind as of late. The always present thoughts about our adoption have filled my mind and heart even more than usual. I suppose it isn't necessarily the adoption, but the world; and I believe that thoughts about the world are much more prevalent in my mind than prior to adoption. I can't stop thinking about Ethiopia, the world orphan crisis, and how selfish we are. I am including myself on that, I am selfish. I have no unmet needs, there a things I want, but I have everything I need and more. I wonder what it is like to live in absolute poverty, I wonder what it is like to not have a family, or to be HIV+. My heart is breaking just thinking about what I will never experience in my ever so blessed life. I am thankful for all that the Lord has given us... and filled with questions of why there are so many people in need.

All I know is, it is my responsibility to do all that I can to change the world for the glory of God. Please don't misunderstand me. I know that I can not save the world, Jesus is the only savior. What I am trying to say is, we can all do something to impact the lives of others. It all starts with awareness.

Imagine for just a few minutes what it would be like to live here:

Now what are we going to do about it?

It is all too easy to see a video like this and say, "Wow, that is sad." I encourage you to let your heart break, and your life be changed.