I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Rom 12:1-2

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Forty-two and scattered

Yesterday was my birthday, however I am not going to blame the scattered nature of this post on my age (as far as I am concerned forty-two is still very young.)  I am going to blame it on the excited anticipation of happy news within the next week.  I have many lists going and much to do and the High Court Order isn't here yet, but it really looks like Baby Girl will be home for Christmas.  I am so excited!!!!  In light of that fact I though I'd do a catch-all post about several things because time will be even scarcer than normal soon (and I'm not exactly known for frequent posting under the best of circumstances.)

First, a reminder.  I am a widow and I lead a young widows' group at my church.  Being this close to so many losses really reminds me of how the holidays are not always happy times for everyone.  Please take a moment to remember and pray for those for whom Thanksgiving and Christmas are just two more huge reminders of loss and loneliness.  My friend Heather wrote beautifully and briefly about this first holiday season without her mom.  I highly recommend it to get a personal perspective on holidays and loss.  Maybe you have a friend who lost a parent, a spouse, a child, or significant other.  Make some time this holiday season to care about them and their pain.

Next up:  now is the time to support Reece's Rainbow's Angel Tree.  Yesterday the kids and I chose our Christmas angels and donated to them.  There is a button over on the right of my blog or use the link above to donate to your own angel.  This grant money will help their family bring them home.  Maybe one of these angels is supposed to be your son or daughter!  What they need most is a family!

Widows and orphans.  My themes.

If you would rather donate to deserving orphans AND have a chance at a fabulous giveaway go visit The Wannderers.  My friend Stori has a wonderful giveaway going on to support her Angel Tree baby and two older orphans, including my sweetie Suzanne, who I have mentioned a number of times on this blog.  Even if you are choosing another angel baby, go to Stori's blog to see the effects of institutionalization on these orphans with Down syndrome.  Heartbreaking.

Sweet Suzanne, where is your mommy?

Now on to happier thoughts, and why I advocate for orphans...last year at this time Super-T officially and legally became a member of our family.  Here was my birthday post from last year.

Super-T banged the judges gavel on the microphone.
Good thing the papers were already signed.  Ha! Ha!

One final super-happy thought!  Last year I was advocating for one specific little girl, "Jovie" on the Angel Tree.  I set up a separate blog called Joy Down in My Heart for that.  Early in the Angel Tree, Jovie was place on the "My Family Found Me" page.  
I am THRILLED to announce that sweet "Jovie" is now home with her new family!!!    
They just got home last week!  How do I know?  Because Jovie and Baby Girl were in the same orphanage.
The place is emptying out!!!

Baby Girl, mommy is coming SOON!!!

It is so exciting to see God putting families together! 
Won't you say "yes" to whatever "yes" He has for you?  
It could be adopting.
It could be sponsoring.
It could be encouraging those who are adopting.
It could be bringing a meal to a family who just brought their little one home.
 Won't you say "yes" to whatever "yes" He has for you?


3 comments:

Angela said...

We are saying yes and I'm so excited. My heart jumped when I saw Suzanne's picture.

Vicky said...

Justine, I'm so excited that you are going after baby girl and that you will be home for Christmas. What a wonderful blessing to you and your family.

Happy Belated Birthday! What a treasure to get new photos of your baby girl!

Blessings to you and your family during this exciting time! Thank you for your love and support during my adoption journey!

Heather said...

Happy Belated birthday, my sweet cyber friend.My sweet YOUNG cyber friend.

I began to read your post and was thinking about loss, of course my mom and then all of my sweet mommy friends who lost their loves on our oncology floor and then You mention me, my mom and our journey, wow, humbled and honored for sure. Thank you for that.

I think you are amazing Justine and I know how hard it sometimes to wear that badge of amazing. Somedays, don't you just wish you could ditch it and say, hey, how about not having all these trials and tragedies? How about my old life? Easier times? But one day we find this is our path and this was the plan, however unfair and we realize, to wear that title of inspiring and amazing, we are really honoring the ones who got us there to begin with. Their roads, their struggles and yes, the loss of them, necessitate us accepting the titles.No give back I suppose.

So I think you are amazing. I am blessed to have found you and I am beyond excited for your baby girl to be home with you for Christmas. What a gift. Perhaps the ultimate.

We continue to wait patiently on news. Well, maybe not so patiently. But will wait.