The Blessing of Waiting

I recently finished reading Letters from Ruth's Attic. One of the final devotions in the book was about waiting. This devotion resonated with me because I have found it's lesson to be so true in my life. How many times in life have you thought you wanted or needed something right now? For instance, Bryan and I have wanted a child for a long time. We both felt strongly about adoption and were getting anxious in the waiting process.

Several times people told us about children that were potentially available. Each time we would follow the lead and see what may happen. One child in particular we had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with. As his case progressed we were asked about potentially taking him on a more permanent basis. Initially, we thought that this was it. He was the one for us. God had plopped him in our laps, right?

All of the sudden things changed. A lot of doubts flooded over me almost in an instant. I just couldn't find a peace about the situation. Bryan and I talked and prayed and over and over. The more we prayed the more my doubts were confirmed. Though we knew we were doing the right thing, it didn't seem logical. We wanted a child so badly and here is one right in front of us that needs a home. I knew God had something else in store for us. I just needed to trust Him and WAIT. We didn't have to wait very long. Within 6 weeks the call came and two weeks later God blessed us with Reese!

I thought of this situation when I read Ruth Graham's words, "Then I understood, as never before, why God does not answer all of our prayers right away. Today we may be beseeching Him for things that we would not want six months from now." How true that has been for us. We could never have imagined where we are now and we wouldn't trade it for anything.

When we pray according to God's will we know that He hears us and He will answer our prayers. Those answers will come in His time. Know that He is faithful and the blessing will be worth the wait.

I patiently waited, LORD, for you to hear my prayer. You listened and pulled me from a lonely pit full of mud and mire. You let me stand on a rock with my feet firm,

Psalm 40:1-2 (CEV)

Inaugaration Part 2

Reese seemed to be as interested as I was in the inauguration. The funniest thing happened when President Obama was taking the oath of office. Reese was listening intently to the chief justice. When he stopped speaking Reese seemed to be repeating after him just as President Obama was. This happened with every part of the oath. Reese must think that he is the President now that he has taken the oath of office as well.

As this was happening in front of me, I couldn't help but laugh and think of it's significance. This truly was a door of opportunity opened up for Reese. In the past biracial children have been looked down upon. They are often whispered about and made fun of (as if they had any choice in their ethnicity). Looking at my biracial child I realized how much of an impact this could have on his life. Being a biracial man, President Obama just showed my child and every other biracial child that they are can be or do anything they work hard for. The key to that is working hard. They have to work hard not because they are biracial, but because they are human.

One final thing stood out to me about the ceremonies. During his address, President Obama made a couple of statements that I want to leave you to think about. "To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy." "In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned."

The Presidential Inauguration part 1

In some sense, I am a fan of history. I did not enjoy History classes in college (what is the point of taking Western Civilization if you aren't a history major?), however, I find American history and SC history fascinating. This is probably why I was very interested in watching the inauguration and all of the coverage surrounding it. No matter who you voted for, this was an exciting part of American history. Each inauguration has it's own historical value, but this was stood out to me for several reasons.

Some of the things that stood out to me were because they were funny and others were serious. I couldn't stop thinking about Malia and Sasha. Those two girls are absolutely beautiful. When I saw them walking down the steps to be introduced I was overwhelmed with the need to stop and pray for them. Not because I think that they or their parents are evil, but because it hit me that they are going to be thrown to the wolves so to speak. These young ladies will be living in a fish bowl, on top of that, there may be times that there safety is at risk, and I can only imagine the stress that they may face over the safety of their dad. I prayed that God would protect them, their hearts, their families, and give their parents the wisdom that they need to raise these girls.

I must say that I was moved by the letter that the Bush girls wrote to the Obama girls. It was so poignant to close the letter with this line, "So here is our most important piece of advice: remember who your dad really is." I would like to add to that that they remember who they are. They are beautiful daughters of our Lord and King. No matter what the media may say about them or how they may change in their time in the White House, they will always be beloved daugthers of our Lord!

One final note about the Obama girls... Malia is a girl after my own heart. I couldn't help but laugh as I saw her taking pictures of everything.

Another funny thing that I noticed was the first President Bush's hat. That was awesome to see all of those important people dressed very sophisticated and then to notice President Bush's fur lumber jack hat in the corner of the screen. Thanks for the comic relief!

Speaking of the platform, it was incredible to me to think of all the power that was represented there. To think of how those people have effected this world for the last 30 something years. (I know it has been at least 30 years since Carter was President when I was born.) Former VP Quayle and his wife Marilyn hold a special place in my heart. Quayle was the first presidential nominee I ever voted for. Oh the memories... my first election in a tiny elementary school in Jefferson City, TN. The power on that platform reminded me of how incredible it is that we live in a country where we are free and empowered to help those less fortunate than us. Whether those politician represented your vote or not, think about how incredible it is that you even had the opportunity to speak up.

There are some more things that I would like to share, but I have a stinky baby awaiting me. Please come back for part 2 of my take on the inauguration.

Stomach Virus

On my way to the grocery store yesterday, I started feeling weird. By the time I parked the car I realized that I was going to throw up. That was about 5 pm and it continued until 3:30 am. Can I just say that I hate throwing up. I hate it even more when it is 5 or 6 times in a row and there is nothing left in my stomach. I will be spending the rest of the day in the bed or on the couch. The worst part is that I want to hold my baby so bad! However, I am not prepared for a baby with a stomach virus, so I am keeping my distance. He stayed at church with Bryan last night and has gone back to church with Bryan this morning.

I have to give Bryan a shout out. He has done well on his own for the last 18 hours. Reese is fed, dressed, dry, and loved. That is all that really matters, right!?

Video Problems

I apologize for the video problems. I was able to post one video directly to the blog. The other is too large. Both of them have been posted on my facebook page. Sorry about the problems.

Reese's Nghtly Rant

Let's try this again! This is was Reese's take on Monday. We get to be a part of this lovely debriefing every night starting around 7:30.

7 months

Today our little buddy turns 7 months old. In celebration of this milestone, yesterday Taylor & Sara come over for lunch and we made cupcakes. Of course, Reese couldn't eat the cupcakes (nor could he eat the cookie that the lady at the grocery store offered him), so we were forced to enjoy the cupcakes for him. Today we will make baby applesauce. hopefully this sweet treat will be a good celebration for him.

Yesterday I took him in the grocery store with me for the first time. I took the cart cover in and tried to figure it out. NO LUCK! It is hard enough to hold the baby and put the thing in when you know what you are doing! I finally just laid the thing in there and sat him on it. He was not quite ready for that, he kept tipping over in the cart. I guess I won't try taking him in the store again for a while and I certainly won't be trying to use the cart cover again any time soon.

I wonder if all new mom's struggle with these things or if I am just a moron?!?!