Valentine's Day Thoughts

"We love because He first loved us."

I John 4:19

Valentine's Day. Also lovingly referred to as "Single's Awareness Day." The day of love. The day of spending time with that special someone in your life. Or, for those of us who don't have a special someone, a day to feel sorry for ourselves. Or is it? Why does it have to be like that? 

I will admit, I used to be one of those girls. The one who was all depressed when February 14th would come and go. "Where was my special someone and why in the world was he taking so long to find me?" I would be lying if I said that those thoughts don't still cross my mind every once in a while. But I was not going to let it ruin my Valentine's Day or where the Lord has be today. This is a day that is about love. But it doesn't just have to be the romantic kind. I think about the love I have for other people and for me especially, the love I have for the precious children in my life at this moment. I also think about the love Christ has for me and for you.

"But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Romans 5:8

Now that, my friends, is love. So why, as a single female, do I need to get all sad and depressed on February 14th? There is absolutely no need! The God of the universe loves me and I am cherished by Him. What more could I ask for? I am loved so much by Him that I can't even comprehend it.

"I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filed to the measure of all the fullness of God."

Ephesians 3:16-19

This is a day about love. Spending time with those you love. And remembering the God who made you, knows you, loves you, and has such an incredible plan for your life and mine. It's not a day of sadness, but one of joy.

"Whoever does not love does not know God because God is love."

I John 4:8

So today I encourage you to love, laugh, and eat a cookie or two. This a day to love those incredible people around us who the Lord has placed in our path for a purpose.

My heart breaks for young girls and women (and men as I don't want to stereotype!) who struggle with self-worth and insecurity. We all struggle with this, me included. But the Lord has taught me so much in the last few years about who He has created me to be and how He doesn't make mistakes. He has a plan and has a purpose for each of our lives. No, it may not be falling into place exactly how I pictured it, but I do know that when God says "no" or "not now" to one thing, it's because He has an even greater plan.

I first heard this song on Veggie Tales (funny, right?) and it stuck with me. This Valentine's Day, remember you are loved and cherished. Love those that the Lord has placed in your path and love them with everything you have. Oh yeah, and eat some cookies or chocolate or both!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to proper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Wordless Wednesday: Her Bow

No Words

It is so nice to be back! I really don't have many words to share except that my kids just love Thad. Like REALLY love him. And he is awesome with them! 

I will now leave you with some pictures...

I haven't even edited these yet but I had to share! Enjoyed a nice lunch and now heading to meet the babies and some friends later!

Day 23 of Thankfulness: Coffee

I am thankful for coffee.

Some would say I'm addicted. I would say I'm in love. I absolutely love this hot beverage, especially in the morning when I'm still trying to wake up. Nothing quite like a hot cup of coffee while sitting down for my quiet time each morning. 

So why in the world did I pick a country where they really don't drink coffee? Hmmmm, now that, my friends, is a good question. Thankfully, I have dear friends back home who support my addiction and send me coffee. And yes, we do have Starbucks here but sadly no Tim Hortons. I have to take what I can get though, right?

Oh, What Kids Do!

Oh, the things that kids say and the things that they do! Something I need to get better at, is blogging about some of the happenings at the foster home and the adorable (and not so adorable) things my kiddos do. I have been recently doing one-on-ones with Miracle and don't get me wrong, I love him to pieces, but he definitely tests my patience at times! He knows how to push my buttons and he does! But he is so darn adorable, you can't get upset with him. He is always making me laugh over one thing or another.

So today..... we had our "class." First of all, he gets distracted VERY easily. And he LOVES balls. Baseballs, basketballs, kickballs, etc. If it rolls, he calls it a ball. In fact, while working on his vocabulary cards today, he insisted on calling a doughnut a "ball." I kept saying, "no, doughnut." He would look at me and then in his sweet, innocent voice, exclaim "ball!" This probably went on 4 or 5 times before he believed me that it really IS called a doughnut. We then proceeded to work on our "ABC's." We (I sang while he stared at me) sang the alphabet a few times and then I said the letters and had him repeat. Of course if he doesn't want too, he shakes his head firmly. Well we got all the way to letter "E" and what does he do? Instead of saying "E," he breaks into "Old McDonald had a far...e-i-e-i-o!!!" Yes, the pig noises were included in his little solo. I just shook my head and smiled. Tried to get him to say "E" again and once again, he breaks into song. *Sigh* Of course as he was singing and looking around, he notices a Dora sticker nearby and then yells "Dora!" proceeded by "D-D-D-D-Dora!" (in singing form). And if that wasn't enough, after looking at the sticker, noticed the balls on the wall (we had been working on circles in preschool) and yells "ball!!" Oh my.... Miracle, you sure are cute but you drive me bananas some days!

Of course this is the same child that if he finds class time boring or doesn't want to do something, he closes his eyes and pretends to "sleep." *Sigh* As frustrated as I get, I can't help but smile. He really is a hoot and I am going to miss him and all his craziness when he leaves us to join his forever family.

Oh the joys of working with kids.

Sunday Snapshot: My Girl

Okay, so I'm a bit behind in posting pictures from my trip home. 

But I couldn't help but share these.

Can I just brag for a second about the amazing young woman who is my sister?

God brought us together from half a world apart and the way she fits into our family is just incredible.

Not only is she adorable, but she has such a heart for people. 

For real, I could learn a thing or two from her.

This girl is always making me smile. I just love her. : )

How in the world is she going to be a teenager next year?

My... the years sure fly.

Seems like yesterday she was a toddling 15 month old walking through the security gate in the airport meeting her big sister for the first time.

Tired after our "hike" through the woods.

Ni Hao Yall

Wordless Wednesday