Encouraging Word-Breathe!

Hello My Friends!

I know there are times when the weight of the world feels unbearable-nearly crushing you beneath the pressures you face on a daily basis.  Sometimes you wonder if you'll ever find relief-envying those around you who seem unabashedly carefree.  Take heart, dear one, the storms don't last forever.  Your Heavenly Father promised to always be with you and "never forsake you."  

Psalm 30:5 

 "For His anger is but for a moment, but His favor is for a lifetime or His favor is life.  Weeping may endure for a night, but JOY comes in the morning." 

One of my favorite songs by Mandisa.  The lyrics inspired this post! 

May the Lord Bless You and Keep You...and Give You Peace! 

Until Next Time <3 

     

What Binds Us Together!

Hello again!

Finally, I think we are past the worst of this winter!  The most recent mini snow storm was hopefully the last of its kind for this season.  I am tired of freezing in the morning and freezing in the evening. Bring on the flowers and warm breeze!

If there is one thing that I have been joyfully and sometimes painfully made aware of is my adoption status.  People ask me questions about it all the time.  How does it feel?  What was it like growing up in an orphanage?  Do you want to find your birth parents?

As a child, it did not phase me that Mom and Dad were not biologically mine.  They were my parents, plain and simple.  But! As we've all experienced, people can be cruel, and lies mixed with the truth muddy the waters of our security.  Personal, traumatic experiences, as in my case, can also create wounds and scars that are loathe to heal.  Memories become nightmares that haunt you 24 hours a day.  The desire and need to forget consume every thought.

The consequence?  A skewed outlook on what is truly a gift by viewing it as a curse, a blemish, a failure.

It took me nearly 20 years to fully accept the fact that the people I love the most are not connected to me by blood and DNA.  When I looked at them, I saw a community, and I felt like the outsider.  I pulled away in order to protect myself from getting hurt, disappointed, or rejected.  I was afraid they too would see me as the outsider.  Did they make me feel that way?  Absolutely not!  From the first day I was adopted into my family, they loved me and accepted me without reservation.  

Around the age of nine, I began to resent being adopted.  I hated being different.  I did not like feeling disconnected.  As young children and adults, we all long for unity and security.  And, I did not feel that way.  As I was beginning to develop emotionally, spiritually, mentally, etc- I struggled with my identity and being from an entirely different country, culture, and family was certainly not helping.  The word ADOPTION felt like a dirty word; my own personal scarlet letter by which everyone could identify me.

I was much older, in my twenties to be exact, when I started to understand the beauty and gift my biological parents gave me in relinquishing parental rights.  Truth be told, I had not given a second thought to what it must have been like to be in their shoes.  I cannot EVER imagine having to make the heart wrenching choice to let my child go and trusting he or she will be well cared for, loved, and raised in a happy and healthy family environment.  That takes extraordinary selflessness and faith-both of which I failed to consider until I was old enough to appreciate their magnitude.

Furthermore, I never stopped to ponder the sacrifice and struggle my parents endured in the process of trying to adopt.  They sadly, could not have children of their own.  My Mom and Dad suffered heartbreak in the midst of trying to have a family.  For nearly two years, they logged thousands of hours with paper work, phone calls, doctor visits; the list goes on and on.  They paid with  more than just money;  they paid with time, emotions, fear, and most importantly love!

So here is the light bulb moment! I may not be bound to my family by BLOOD or DNA.  I may not have their physical features, laugh, or odd quirks, but there is one thing I definitely have-unconditional LOVE.  Love is what binds us together, and love will remain long after we have all grown up, moved away, had families of our own, and even passed from this earth.  As my mother used to say to me, "You may not have been born from inside my belly, but you were born from the depths of my heart!" 


A Letter I wrote last year...I thought I would share it again with you!
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Mama and Dad, You Gave Love to Me!

I wanted to take a moment to praise God and thank Him for blessing me with my precious Mom and Dad!  Today Mom and Dad, I celebrate YOU!  I know I don't tell you nearly enough how much you mean to me, or simply speak the words "I love you!"  

What most of you don't know, I am adopted.  Nearly 22 years ago, I was brought to America when I was 4 1/2 years old and literally placed into the arms of the woman and man who would guide each of my steps.  At the time, I knew them not and wanted nothing to do with them.  But!  I cannot imagine my life without my Mom or Dad, or a better friend with whom to share my joys and sorrows, triumphs and failures!  God knew what He was doing when He gave you to me and me to you!  You are one of my greatest gifts and miracles! 

I also want to thank the woman and man who gave me life.  I don't know you, and more than likely-I never will.  But, you too are in my heart today and always.  Your selfless love is what allowed you to give me up in order to provide me the best chance at a fulfilling future.  I read your letter of love often, and if I could thank you face-to-face, I would--with a hug!  Perhaps one day, I'll see you in Heaven, and I'll get to thank you in person.  Until then, I pray you are Blessed, that God is the center of your life, and that you have been blessed with more children-my brothers and sisters.  I didn't always understand why you made the choice to let me go, but I can only pray, if placed in the same situation, I would love as profoundly as you! 

To all of the mothers and fathers in the world here on earth and in Heaven, may you be celebrated, cherished, and remembered today.  For those of you reading this blog, take a extra moment today to let Mom and Dad know what they mean to you!  To all the parents who have adopted children; Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! You have given the greatest gift possible-YOU!     

Finally, to those agencies and free agents who give of their time and love to help place children with loving families..Thank YOU!  You are not recognized nearly enough!  To those who help reunite separated families...Thank  YOU!  You help mend what had once been broken!  God Bless YOU! <3  

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In all honestly, I think, we as Christians struggle, at one point or another in our walk, with the same identity crisis.  As sinners, we are separated from the Pure Holiness of our Heavenly Father. Essentially, we are orphans wandering about in a strange, cold, and unforgiving world.  But like the adoption agency and advocates that worked closely with my parents to secure my adoption, Jesus secured our adoption into God's Family through His Death and Resurrection.  That was the payment needed in order for us to no longer be orphans but instead, sons and daughters of the King of Kings.  

The Bible discusses in length about the beauty, prevalence, and importance of adoption both literally and spiritually.  Here are some of my favorite verses. 

Romans 8:14-16

"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.  So  you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves.  Instead,  you received God's Spirit when He ADOPTED you as His own children.  Now we call Him 'Abba Father,' for His spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children."   

Psalm 68:5

"Father to the fatherless, defender of widows- this is God, whose dwelling is holy.  God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy." 

Matthew 18:5

"And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me." 

I know how easy it is to struggle with understanding, accepting, and resting in the knowledge that Christ loves us no matter what we have done or where we have been.  We isolate ourselves in fear of being disappointed, hurt, abandoned, vulnerable, etc.  I STILL struggle with it from time-to-time.   

However, despite it all, one thing remains constant-God's love.  He promises to never "leave us or forsake us," "there is no shadow of turning with Him," and "He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow."  We are the ones who run away, turn away, and isolate. Let us stop fighting the arms that envelop us, the love that uplifts us, and the grace that sustains us.  Do NOT let it be decades, days, or seconds before allowing yourself to be loved and cherished.  Being adopted is the greatest gift you have ever received-so RECEIVE IT! 

Until Next Time! <3     

  

      
    

Encouraging Word-Staying Sure in His Faithfulness!

Hello again!

It's been a while and so much as happened since I've last written.  I pray you are well and blessed!

I have wonderfully joyful and exciting news!!  I was accepted into grad school for the Masters of Science of Speech and Language Pathology at a university in Florida.  I will begin my official studies in May of this year! 


And while I am overwhelmed with joy, the journey getting to this point was a difficult and long one.  The time between the initial application process and the acceptance notification was 10 months. TEN MONTHS!  And!  I hit several hurdles that I had to overcome.  I can say there were moments I wanted to throw up my hands, walk away, and quit.  And I am not certain if it was pride or determination or perhaps a mixture of both that kept me going.  Sadly, I have to admit, it wasn't my faith that God had me here for a reason.  It was in those moments that I doubted what His plan was for my life.  If you had heard my prayers, you probably would have shaken you head in disappointment.  I was definitely working on my adult temper tantrum skills.  You all know to what I am referring, because we've all had them at least once in our life times.   

However, despite those moments of doubt, I was reminded of several verses that brought me comfort, even if I had difficulty believing them ALL the time.

2 Timothy 2:13

Jeremiah 29:11-13

Hebrews 11:1

I can truly say that throughout this entire process, I learned two things.  I am terrible at waiting and patience is definitely not one of my greatest virtues.  Clearly God is working on that part of my life, and as painful as it felt at the time; as I look back-it really wasn't THAT bad or THAT long after all.  I am so beyond thankful for the Lord's faithfulness-even when I wasn't so faithful.  And even though I don't always understand His timing-it is indeed ALWAYS perfect.  

So, whatever you're going through in your life right now- rest in the knowledge and promise that God is with you ALWAYS!  It may feel as if He's left you alone to battle these struggles, but I promise you are far from alone AND His  timing is perfect. 

God Bless! <3 

Until Next Time!!   

Encouraging Word-Over the Hump!

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

By now, you are almost to the middle of the week..also known as Hump Day.  Smile and take a deep breath!  Yes, I do think of the Geico commercial with the obnoxious camel.  If you haven't seen this commercial-YouTube it. It will indeed put a smile on your face.  

Anyway! As you're now well established into your routine for the week, I ask you to sit back and give thanks for the blessings you've been given so far.  For example, this evening, I had the opportunity to celebrate the birthday of a wonderful friend, fellow co-worker, and Sister in Christ.  Surrounded by ten other friends and Sisters, we went out to dinner and celebrated with great food and conversation.  We didn't do anything fancy or crazy.  We simply joined together in honor of her precious life.  

You never know what tomorrow brings, or if it will even be yours to have.  Each day is a precious gift that holds immense opportunities yet to be discovered or experienced.  Much like precious stones buried deep beneath hard layers of earth, God chips away at the surfaces of our lives to reveal gems found in joy, sorrows, failures, triumphs, tears, and laughter.  How you are blessed depends on how you choose to see or live each moment.  Don't get so caught up in the "everyday" life that you miss the beauty that LIFE provides. You don't want to look back twenty years later and wonder "what did I do?"

1 Thessalonians 5:18

I absolutely love Mandisa and her joy inspiring music.  She always has such a positive and joyful message to her songs.  As someone who has overcome numerous battles in her life, it is so refreshing to see her enjoy each gift she is given.  This is a song I listen to almost EVERYDAY-no joke!  It gets me going for the day with an extra bounce in my step.  Hope you enjoy it too!

I pray your eyes are opened this week and you learn to SEE life in a fresh, new perspective.  

Until Next Time! <3 

        

Encouraging Word of the Day-Always Be My Home!

Hello again!  

By now, you've finished what's usually the hardest day of the week-Monday.  With it, has come new triumphs, failures, stresses, and worries.  For some of you, it continues the struggles and fears of the previous week, and for others, it introduces a new set of challenges.  

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I can say with certainty, that I understand how you feel.  Maybe not specifically the struggles you are experiencing, but the general ups and downs each day brings.  No one says it's going to be easy, but each day is a GIFT!  Please know that you are PRECIOUS in the sight of the Lord.  Struggles are not an indication that God doesn't care for you.  In fact, struggles are often tools of refinement that God uses to stretch and mold you.  Don't let your fears keep you from reaching out to Him in prayer.  He longs to hear from you every day, all day.  

I found this song by Rachel Lampa, titled Always Be My Home that spoke so deeply to me.  In fact, I was in tears the first time I listened to it.  I pray you are touched by her beautiful singing and the uplifting message she shares through her music.  Enjoy! 

               

Until Next Time! <3 

Encouraging Thought of the Day!

Hello to you all! 

Praying this week and weekend brought joy and many blessings.  And if they unfortunately brought sorrow, know that you are being prayed for even though I may know you not.  

I got to thinking this week about how I approach each day-from the time I rise to the time I lay my head on the pillow to rest.  I decided, that in between my longer, more substantial posts, I want to get into the habit of writing shorter blurbs that offer encouragement, while still getting our minds and hearts focused on the Lord! I pray you'll take this journey with me as we begin learning the discipline of giving thanks, reflecting daily, and actively praying.

"A woman's or [man's] heart should be so lost in God, that a man or [woman] must seek Him in order to find her or [him]."

                                                                          personal annotation of original quote

As a single woman, I am often reminded of my relationship status, and sometimes it is extremely discouraging.  It's easy to complain and grumble about how it's not fair that ALL of my friends are getting engaged and married, while I am still waiting for at least ONE guy to ask me out on a simple date.  And then I begin to wonder; what do they have that I don't?  What are they doing right that I am clearly doing wrong? Is there something wrong with me?  God! What is it that I am missing?  

As a single Christian, you and I both know the dating world can be a bit on the intimidating side- if not entirely terrifying.  We find ourselves holding back and waiting for that "right" someone, checking off our laundry list of "must haves" in personality, faith, and numerous other items. But!  Where does God fit into this equation?  How are we seeking to glorify Him?

I came across this quote several years ago, without my annotations, and it struck a chord deep within me.  It may not always be easy to wait and watch, but it is well worth waiting for God to lead, direct, and guide! 

As you start this week, take time to reflect on where you heart is centered.  As a Christian, is it focused on the Lord?  Are you seeking Him daily?  Are you actively engaged in prayer?  Or are you taking matters into your own hands? 

Are you deeply lost in your relationship with God? 

Prayers for a great start to your week! 

Until next time! <3    

                   

Simple Joys!

Hello!

It's been a while!  Hope you are doing well and are blessed!


This week, I took the time to step back from my crazy schedule just a bit.  Now, obviously, I have to go to work as usual, but I found myself enjoying the simple joys each day brought.  And!  I realized how often I take for granted each of God's little gifts given to me throughout the hours and days of a week.  Therefore, I started taking note of the blessings I experienced. 

Game Night! 

My family and friends got together for a marathon night of gaming-and I don't mean computerized.  I mean, good, old-fashioned board and card games.  21 of us, laughed, joked, and competed for nearly 8 hours.  We had the chance to catch up, and lift up one another.  It was so neat hearing the symphony of voices that filled the house and seeing four generations gathered together under one roof. Without a doubt, this will become the next annual tradition-and I for one am glad!  The blessing of family is one I do not take for granted.  Having been an orphan, I know what it is like to desire love, laughter, and hugs that come with the treasure of a family unit.  These memories will be held close to my heart for the rest of my life!       

Sounds of Spring!  

After a long, brutal winter, nothing is more uplifting and refreshing than seeing and hearing the first sounds of Spring!  Now granted, I know Spring is still a few weeks away, but I still love the days that give just a taste of what is to come.  Early in the morning, I am blessed to be greeted with the songs of various birds.  When outside, my hair is gently combed by a mischievous wind floating through the trees.  Furthermore, I am reminded of how Spring is the season of re-birth and life.  Much like Spring, Christ also blesses us with re-birth and new life through His death and resurrection.  After seasons of death, tragedy, and essentially winter in our lives, we are also given times of life and joy.  It brings me to two of my favorite passages of scripture.  

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 

"There is an appointed time for everything.  And there is a time for everything under heaven.  A time to give birth and a time to die.  A time to plant and a time to uproot what has been planted.  A time to kill and a time to heal.  A time to tear down and a time to build up.  A time to weep and a time to laugh.  A time to mourn and a time to dance.  A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones.  A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.  A time to search and a time to give up as lost.   A time to keep and a time to throw away.  A time to tear apart and a time to sew together.  A time to be silent and a time to speak.  A time to love and a time to hate.  A time for war and a time for peace." 

Psalm 96:1-2
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.  Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.  

     

Girl's Night!

I am so blessed to be surrounded by Sisters in Christ with whom I can talk, laugh, and cry.  This week I had the opportunity to gather with four amazing ladies.  We talked about every subject possible, ate a ton of food, and laughed until we cried.  Most importantly, however, we prayed for one another before going our separate ways.  We spoke frankly about individual struggles, fears, failures, and hopes for the future.  There was no room for shame or embarrassment.  The Love of Christ shone through each of my sisters, and I know we all left feeling encouraged and refreshed.  Christ talks a lot about fellowship and the importance of seeking out brothers and sisters who can offer sound advice, firm but gentle truth, and unconditional love.    

Matthew 18:20 

"For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."    

1 Thessalonians 5:11

"Therefore, encourage one another, and build one another up, just as you are doing."     

   

Proverbs 27:17

"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."

1 Peter 3:8

"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind."

Now!  I challenge and encourage you to take a few moments each day to recognize and give thanks for the gifts/blessings, big or small, that you encounter.  I know that some days are simply unbearable and seem hopeless.  But!  I promise you, without a doubt, that somewhere in the midst of the despair, you have been given a treasure of joy!  

I pray for many blessings as you enter into the weekend!  God Bless! 

Until next time...<3