Thankful for what I am learning...

I am thankful for so many things. These past few months as we have begun to mold into a new family have been filled with so many emotions... ups and downs, joys and tears. I am thankful for them all because I have learned so much about God's love for me. I use to think I understood grace... I know what that is now. I used to think I understood God's unconditional love... I know more of what that is now. I understand that the expectation of perfection is from the enemy... this expectation robs us of our joys, peace and purpose. 

Here are some more things I am learning:

You say: 'It's impossible' 

God says: All things are possible 

(Luke 18:27)

You say: 'I'm too tired' 
God says: I will give you rest 
(Matthew 11:28-30) 

You say: 'Nobody really loves me' 
God says: I love you 
(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 ) 

You say: 'I can't go on' 
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: 'I can't figure things out' 
God says: I will direct your steps 
(Proverbs 3:5-6) 

You say: 'I can't do it' 
God says: You can do all things 
( Philippians 4:13) 

You say: 'I'm not able' 
God says: I am able 
(II Corinthians 9:8) 

You say: 'It's not worth it'
God says: It will be worth it 
(Roman 8:28 ) 

You say: 'I can't forgive my self' 
God says: I Forgive you 
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1) 

You say: 'I can't manage' 
God says: I will supply all your needs 
( Philippians 4:19) 

You say: 'I'm afraid' 
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear 
(II Timothy 1:7) 

You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated' 
God says: Cast all your cares on ME 
(I Peter 5:7) 

You say: 'I'm not smart enough' 
God says: I give you wisdom 
(I Corinthians 1:30) 

You say: 'I feel all alone' 
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you 
(Hebrews 13:5)

My grandmother's favorite Bible verse sits on my desk and reminds me daily of how God is in all of the details of my life. For this I am so thankful! Thank you Lord for the family you have given me!

"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28

Happy Thanksgiving!

We have two 13 year olds!

Last week Noah turned 13! We now have two 13 year olds in the house! We celebrated by going to dinner with grandma and papa. Noah chose Joe's Crab Shack where he could order a "Bucket of Crab Legs" (I was hoping he would choose McDonald's or Pizza Hut as his birthday dinner choice, but he has sophisticated tastes!). After dinner, we returned home for cake and ice cream and presents. Check out this awesome Rainbow cake I saw on another families blog.... it was so much fun to make and to eat! (Here is the recipe link: rainbow cake). Happy Birthday, Noah!

Soccer!

Eva loves soccer and has asked to play on a team since arriving to our house. We found the perfect solution: an indoor co-ed team of 13 year olds that plays once a week. Eva's plays midfield for her team called the Vicious Fishes. She is really fast and dad is already encouraging her to go our for the school track team this spring!