He cares about the little things

When my mom asked me what I wanted for my birthday I had two things on my list: a wireless mouse and a ceramic travel mug.  My wonderful kiddos got me the mouse and mom and dad gave me the mug, and I also received various other generous and thoughtful gifts.  What I didn't tell my mom, though, was that I really wanted a massage. However I did toss that request up to God in a very quick way.  I was not focused on it at all, but it was a real desire of mine that I briefly prayed about.

The day before my birthday I got a call from a dear friend who I hadn't seen in six months.  She wanted to take me out to lunch for my birthday.  She also mentioned that we'd make another brief stop.  On Black Friday we had a lovely lunch at Abuelo's and afterwards we drove to the mall.  The mall on Black Friday?!?  Yikes!  I am NOT a Black Friday shopper.  The parking lot was packed, but we immediately scored a great parking spot.  After walking through the mall craziness for a bit, suddenly my friend said, "Here we are."  We were in front of the chair-massage kiosk.  I can still feel the effects of the amazing massage she gifted to me. (I had a really tight shoulder that is almost completely better now!)  What was so cool is that we were the only ones there, in this BUSY mall, on the busiest shopping day of the year. Almost immediately after my massage started other people started coming up to get in line for the next one.

The past several months (and especially the past month or so) I have been going through a season of re-learning to trust the Lord--really TRUSTING Him for everything.

This experience helped assure me that He hears my prayers and delights in answering them.  It was also an encouragement to my friend--that she does hear from the Lord.  She really felt prompted to get me a massage, but she wasn't sure I'd like it.  I am thankful she was bold enough to follow through. 

God heard me.  She heard God.  God cares about the tiniest details.  He has my best interests at heart.  I can trust Him.  With everything.

Happy birthday to me!

Today is my birthday!  I have never been a big birthday celebrator.  In fact today I am going to "celebrate" by making several pies for Thanksgiving and doing some laundry.  We will cut into the pies tonight, some friends are coming over, and I don't have to cook dinner, so it is all good.  I truly couldn't be happier (unless Jovie's grant fund was to go up).  Thanksgiving week is my very favorite time of year.  I received the sweetest cards from my kiddos and, of course, I received the best present of all when Super-T's adoption was finalized on Friday.

The highlight of the day was when the judge let Super-T sit in his chair and hold the gavel.  Super-T immediately banged it on the judge's microphone.  Fortunately the judge had a great sense of humor and my brother was able to capture the moment.  I love the expression on LOTL's face!  He gets such a kick out of his brother sometimes.

Now I am officially and legally "mom" to three wonderful kiddos!  I am truly blessed!

I have so much to be thankful for this year!  What are you thankful for?

Great and hidden things

This verse was in my morning Bible reading.

Jer. 33:2-3

Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it--the Lord is his name:  Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

The omniscient Creator, God of all the universe who knows EVERYTHING, is the one we pray to.  He can and will teach us things that it would be impossible for us to otherwise learn.

John 14:26 (Jesus talking)

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

John 16:13 (still part of Jesus' discourse above...this is possibly the best 4 chapters in the entire Bible, if it is possible to rank it: read John 14-17)

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

We should not rely on Google for our information.  Go straight to the source!

Adoption Finalization and $5 Friday!

Today, at long last, Super-T's adoption is going to be legally finalized here in the USA.  The country I adopted him from grants the adoptive parents custody and then, after six months and all the post-placement visits have been made, they grant permission to finalize the adoption.  Well, for one reason and another, we had the perfect storm of delays (paperwork lost in the mail, our attorney in a serious car accident, court system losing paperwork, etc. etc.) and now, just two months shy of two years later, we finally have a court date.  Super-T will legally become my son today!  His name will be changed to what we have been calling him for the past two years, and he will become a U.S. citizen!

In honor of Super-T's adoption I am having $5 Friday over on my new blog Joy Down in My Heart .  All the money raised goes directly to Jovie's grant fund (honestly, I can't even see who donates, but I'll be able to see her total go up).  Jovie is an orphan with Down syndrome who lives in the same child care home that Super-T lived in for three years.  Jovie has a family that recently committed to bringing her home, and I know by experience what an arduous process that can be.  Please help me celebrate Super-T's adoption by helping another orphan come home.

Thank you!

Distracted

So I've been a little distracted lately and have blogged even less than usual (if that is possible).  One reason for the distraction is here.  Come check it out.  And I do plan on blogging here again, but I'm not quite sure when.