Happy Fall Ya'll

I absolutely adore Fall!  Wearing sweatshirts, eating smores and drinking apple cider just makes me feel all cozy and warm and I love that!  
Our family had a little fall-getaway a couple of weekends ago and I've been so late on getting some pictures posted, but better late than never...here are a few -

    

Hope you're taking time this Fall to create beautiful memories with your family!

Christmas Frenzy

It may be time for pumpkins, apple cider and bonfires, but Christmas will be here before we know it! That means it's time to start thinking about a Christmas list. As I do my shopping this year, I want to try to help as many families as possible on their adoption journeys.  Many families are doing fundraisers right now to support their adoptions - including us!  A sweet family is bringing together many different adoptive
families and showcasing their adoption fundraiser items. Check out Christmas Frenzy on their blog here!  Enjoy your Christmas shopping and find joy in knowing that you are giving gifts that will keep on giving!

So Thankful!

"Has God trusted you with a silence - a silence that is big with meaning?  God's silences are His answers.  Just think of those days of absolute silence in the home at Bethany (when Jesus did not come at Mary and Martha's request, and Lazarus died)...His silence is the sign that He is bringing you into an even more wonderful understanding of Himself."  Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

I have been in a spot of seeming silence from God lately.  I was beginning to feel discouraged, but then God sent me this amazing reminder today (via Oswald Chambers).  I'm learning that more than anything my desire is to know God intimately and there are times when silence is necessary.  It causes me to cling more closely to Him so that I'm ready to hear the moment the silence stops.

So thankful for His reminder today!

Trying too hard...

Most of us either try too hard or we quit trying. 
In both cases, we miss God.
Linda Dillow, Calm my Anxious Heart

I'm reading the book The Relief of Imperfection, again!  I tend to fall into that "try too hard" category and need to be reminded again and again that without Christ, I can do nothing of eternal value.  With Him, I can do whatever He calls me to do.  I love that!  It's all dependent on Him and the great news - the woohoo news - is that He never fails! 
Now does that mean that life and circumstances always turn out like I think they should - of course not.  It does mean that His purposes are carried out and I'll take His purposes over my purposes any moment of the day - any day of the week!

I love the way The Message puts Matthew 11:28-30  "Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly." 

I'm praying this week that God will continue to teach me the unforced rhythms of grace.  It's not trying too hard - it's not giving up.  It's finding God in each step and letting His mercy and love and peace and passion flow freely.