Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Dream Child?

During our state mandated adoption training class tonight, one of the instructors asked, "What does your dream child look like?". Some people were very open and specific about the child they saw in their head. When it came our turn I honestly answered that I hadn't imagined such details in my head. Seriously! Gosh, we just want to be parents to the parentless. I've never thought about what our possible adoptive child might look like, especially since we are open to any gender and any race.

However, there are some things that have crossed my mind and lips when thinking/talking about the wide range of children God has created who need loving homes to call their own:

1. If we were given the honor of mothering a child of color, I would have a few practical things to learn, such as braiding. My next door neighbor is African-American and I have often reminded her that if the Lord brings us a black daughter then we are going to have to celebrate with a hair-education class!

2. Luke tells me everyday that he wants Abigail to have a sister so she won't have to sleep in her room alone. He likes sharing a room with Andrew and feels safe having another breathing relative within eyesight at night. He desires Abigail to have that same comfort.

3. After the meeting late last night when I picked up Abigail from a friend's house, she looked around the empty van and said to me, "Where's my baby sister?".

4. Luke has told me that he wants to nickname his future sibling "Mickey Mouse". I told him that, although it's a cute name, the child God brings to our family will probably already have a name.

5. Andrew is desperately trying to get the fifth (empty) chair at our dining table to hold another McGinnis member. We are praying along with him!

6. Last night at the meeting, we were given a book of pictures and bios of children that are waiting for a family. It broke my heart that most of them were preteens and teenagers. Will these children ever know Christ? Will they ever be held by their mother? Will they ever be shown the wonders of a faithful and committed earthly father? If only the paperwork chase would move faster.....

7. Missy's words have spoken my heart. Missy adopted internationally while we are adopting domestically. Either way, this is also my response when I'm asked this question:

Q: Why do you want to adopt?

A: The short answer: We want more children. There are children who want parents. Voila.

The long answer: God placed a love of adoption on both of our hearts before we ever met..... We are blessed, honored and humbled to mimic our Father in this manner: to choose a child who is not of us, to call him or her our own, and make him or her our beloved heir - in the same way that the Lord did for us via the blood of our Savior Jesus Christ.

There are 147 million orphans in the world. That number makes me weep. I would mother all of them if I could. I can't. But I can mother at least one.

7. November is National Adoption month....will you pray with us? (Desiring God)


Psalm 68:5
Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.

Galatians 4:6-7
And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

Wordless Wednesday

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Saying "bye" for now

The Wilsons have been members of our church for 27 years. Just a few short months ago, they announced that they would be moving from our city to live closer to their family in the Atlanta area. We are thrilled that they will be able to now see their grandchildren more often, receive visits from their own children regularly, and get a new place to live....but our church family is sad to see them go. It will really feel "weird" not to have this sweet, dedicated, godly couple in our presence every week.

We love you Emma and AT! You are a wonderful example of devotion to our Father. It's seen in your love for him and in your love for each other. Wow.....married for over 50 years, too!

Baby shower for Danielle

Danielle (and Joe) is pregnant with her first child and is due in just a few months. Our church family had fun celebrating with her and her extended family tonight. Isn't Danielle just radiant? Joe's not bad either.

Best friends....they are a hoot when together. Wild women!

College friends from NGCSU.
Admirers of the funeral fan.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Still up

Yeah, that's right....I'm blogging at 1:13 AM. Wanna know why? My baby girl has decided that she no longer wants to sleep more than five hours at a time (I feel your pain, Becky).

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Happy teary video

Get ready to cry....this is amazing.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Update on Luke: dentist

We took Luke to the dentist again.
Nitrous oxide up the nostrils did send
But nothing was accomplished...again.
*Sigh* Husband and I are at our wits end.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Crafting and words to ponder

It rained ALL DAY today. The boys were restless as they are used to being able to run and play outside in the afternoons. They kept themselves entertained by watching a movie, playing with their cars and trains, competing in a game of Memory, and getting crafty with Bingo markers.

They each said two things today that really struck my heart:

Andrew: Mom, even though it's raining, every day is a pretty day because God made it.
Luke: Mama, I know all the Fruits of the Spirit. Wanna hear them? They are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Thanks, Andrew, for reminding me of God's goodness. It's in the rain today that he nourished the earth and gave me rest.

Thanks, Luke, for listening to God's Word and hiding it in your heart. Your little ears surely hear what we speak and read!

Monday, November 09, 2009

35th birthday

Thanks to my precious little ones and to my fantastic husband, I had a great 35th birthday celebration. Mitch gave me three hours to myself on Saturday night...and it was glorious - don't laugh at how I spent it....grocery shopping at Target & Wal-Mart! I was ALONE, people! A-L-O-N-E!!! Ahhhhhhh..........


Jesus ever abiding friend
My soul's rest and journey's end
Blameless one who erased my sin
For eternity
Comfort through my deepest pain
Love that sees beyond my shame
Christ the sweetest dearest name
That my heart has ever known

-Keith Getty

She likes chicken

Mom, I think you should take this photo with you on your next trip to Mississippi when you visit "Chicken Bone" hill / church.