do the next thing

There is not enough time in the day. It seems when there are little children in the home, there is half of 'not enough time in the day'. {And yet the years fly by!!} Some days are a struggle to keep on top of things. I remember when Sweet P came home I constantly had the feeling of barely keeping my nose above water- drowning in tasks of every day life. It's easy to look around and think, where do I even begin? There's too much to do in too many places. My flesh says, forget it! Bury your head in the sand- you're helpless. But we can't. we. must. keep. going. As mothers, the well being of our family largely depends on us and as followers of Christ, it's required of us to keep pressing on. I found this script from a radio program featuring Elisabeth Elliot extremely encouraging when the task ahead is more than I feel I can bear. {When you can sneak 5 minutes away from your too short day, read and soak in all the wisdom she shares in her interview- it's well worth it.} She quotes a short poem- 

"Do it immediately, do it with prayer, do it reliantly, casting all care. Do it with reverence, tracing His hand who placed it before thee with earnest command. Stayed on omnipotence, safe 'neath His wing, leave all resultings, do the next thing."

their world

The world may not change if you adopt a child. But for that child, their world will change.

one year

Though our navigation through the whole adoption/placement process was fairly smooth, there were twists and turns and turmoil in my heart along the way.  But God  {doesn't that phrase just thrill your soul!?}   was steadfast and faithful. He was my Rock, Comforter, and Forgiver through the last couple years when my faith faltered, my strength gave way or I flat out disobeyed. Today as our daughter turns one, I rejoice in who God is, that He has brought us thus far and give Him thanks for this precious gift.

Our video tribute

And as my heart overflows in thanksgiving, I remember that this might not be a day of rejoicing for some.  That it may stir up different types of memories and emotions- may the Lord be their Rock and Comforter in need as well. 

giving

Some of you might remember the picture of this little cutie I had on our blog a while back:

Through the amazing MICAH Fund and loving, generous family, friends and "strangers" we were able to finance a large chunk of our adoption. The organization exists to glorify God by promoting the adoption of American black and black biracial infants and children by providing financial grants for qualified couples in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and the Dakotas.
Now through December 31st, all donations to the MICAH Fund will be matched by a donor...dollar for dollar up to 25K! They ask that we prayerfully consider giving to fully utilize this tremendous gift from that donor. So, let's dig a little deeper and give sacrificially as "whatever you do, work {give}heartily as for the Lord and not for men."
As a family blessed by the MICAH Fund, I can attest to how valuable and essential this ministry is. We're eternally grateful to them and you as we watch our little SweetPea grow~ answered prayer before our eyes.

it's fall!

-or in our house, the most wonderful time of the year! We love the fall season around here. We celebrate our firstborn's birthday and our anniversary, hunting season begins and I bake, bake, bake. With all the pumpkin recipes floating around I decided to share my bread recipe instead of something seasonal. It's the only bread recipe I make anymore...no more dead duck day in our house.

This recipe uses a bread machine-
Add ingredients to pan in order listed, set machine to dough cycle and start:
-1 cup milk, lukewarm
-1/4 cup water
-3 tablespoons butter, soft and cut into pieces
-2 tablespoons coconut oil (can use butter)
-2 tablespoons sugar
-1 1/2 teaspoon salt
-1 cup whole wheat flour
-2 1/2 cups bread flour
-1/2 cup wheat germ
-1 tablespoon wheat gluten (can skip but really improves texture)
-2 teaspoons or 1 pkg yeast

When cycle has finished, punch down and divide dough in two. Let dough rise in buttered loaf pans until doubled in size and bake at 350* for 18-20 minutes- tops should be golden. I brush butter over the tops when they come out of the oven to keep the crust chewy. Cool in the pans for about 30 minutes, then turn out on a cooling rack. If you have will power, do not cut until completely cooled. Otherwise slice and serve warm with that new pumpkin butter recipe you've found :) As my son says, dee-yish-ish!

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall not thirst".