What Do You Expect?

Corey was dragging his feet at my idea of a yard sale to help raise money for our next adoption.  But friends and family have been so generous, showering us with all kinds of items, that he's changed his tune! A few of the items we have collected: two couches, a recliner, two computer desks, a microwave, a queen mattress, a sofa table, four lamps, nightstands, toys, a total body workout machine (similar to the chuck norris), a TON of girls clothes, and much more! When you commit whatever you do to the Lord, your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16: 3)...so what did we expect?  Since I've never done a yard sale before, I've appreciated all the tips from friends!  You can tell Jude and I don't know where to start with our organizing.  Many things will go on craigslist so we can get a higher price..but also to make room in our garage.  It's very exciting. We're already praying for our baby. Health and safety. We're not gender specific in our request to the agency.  The Lord knows what we need. But my heart is full of all things pink. But I love blue too. That's why I'm thankful the Lord chooses. Perhaps He'll send us one of each...in that case, I'll need to hold several more yard sales.

Among other things, we're holding a Yard Sale to earn money for our next little one!  We're looking forward to seeing what God has in store for us and Jude...a new little brother..or sister...? 

Disheartened

Well, i recently discovered (again) there are those in the world who can take the most wonderful situations and turn them into a sad, terrible things. I came upon an adoption blog written by a very bitter birthmother. She must have a lot of bitter followers, too. On her most recent post, there were 21 comments. Curious, I reviewed them, and shouldn't have. Things that were said SHOCKED me.  As an adoptive mother I posted my own comment (I couldn't help it and I was pretty gentle!) and received a nasty one in response. For Corey and I to be happy with our new family, there certainly had to be a loss on behalf of the mother. While we know she is lost and searching for the Peace we all seek, we think so highly of her and the decision she made.  There is no greater act, nothing more selfless than giving your child to another, knowing it is for their well being.  

Corey and I spent several years praying and beseeching the Lord with so many questions about this journey. While I guess you could say we were often overwhelmed with where our path was taking us, (not knowing your future can do that) Jesus was always at the core.  No one understands the deep recesses of your heart like our Lord, so we continually took our burdens, hopes, and dreams to Him...laid them at His feet, all the while trusting He had our very best in mind and knew the desires of our hearts.  We often prayed for the birthmother..that she was staying healthy, that she was making the right decision to adopt her baby, and as she was reviewing the faces of possible parents for her baby that she would choose us if it was right. I'm confident that God, in His infinite wisdom, orchestrated all the roads that brought us together.  God was all wrapped up in this adoption.

So with the Divine miracle that is our family, it's hard to imagine there are those who feel there is a negative side to creating families through adoption.  But, as I write this, I'm not rattled by their comments for my own sake, but by the bitterness they carry over the loss of their children and the adoptive parents who have them.  So with that, I pray for these women who hold tightly to the resentment, bitterness, and anger that is shaping their lives. May they know the sweet release of forgiveness, rest in the freedom of His peace, and find new joy that their children are being raised in loving homes, which they provided, through adoption.  

Jude's First Easter!

We were surprised to see snow on good friday...enough to cover the ground!  By the end of the day, it was warm and sunny.

                                      Hunting for Eggs!




                                                    
                       

Learning to stand

Jude wants to play fetch with Espn!

Six Grandkids!

Joy (2yrs) Paul (3yrs) Jude (8mon) Claire (22mon) James (3 1/2mon) & Shep (5mon)

Don't cry Claire!

I went running late this afternoon with corey pushing jude in a stroller. we have a st.patty's day race this weekend..6K. I don't run so it's especially challenging for me! Several members of my family will be joining us, so it should be fun. I won't be setting any records though...Top o' the mornin' to ya!

As I continue to read this book, I've been caught up in the idea of "visioncasting." Our words can so easily influence that of others..our family, friends, those we come in contact with. With a sentence we can inspire someone to be greater than they thought they could be...or shake their confidence enough to change the course of their life in a less than positive way. The author, Andy Stanley, quoted Larry Crabb:

"What would it be like if we had a vision for each other, if we could see the lost glory in ourselves, our family, and our friends?"


Lost glory. Do you ever wonder what you could be? What you were destined to be? Hopefully we're all living the lives we imagined we would...and we're right where we're suppose to be. But if not, how do we get there? How do we discover who we're meant to be? How do you influence and encourage others to take hold of their God ordained destiny? What is God's vision for all of us?

It's encouraged me to take hold of the hope that God has great things for me and those around me...a destiny I try to imagine, but, for now, it's hard for these eyes to see. no lost glory here.

Corey and i have been discussing what a difference Jude has made in our lives. There are the obvious changes...our schedules, me staying at home, changing diapers, not eating out, getting up for that night time feeding at 2am (still). But aside from all that, we've decided Jude is a promise, a tangible answer to our prayers. We love him like all parents love their children, I'm sure, but we also see him as confirmation that the Lord hears and answers our prayers. This difficutle season in our lives, not only resulted in a family, but sealed in our hearts how loving and gracious our God is.

One of my favorite scriptures is Ephesians 3:14-20

14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

My favorite verses are 19-20....he who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine… a reminder that God is beyond all of our circumstances and troubles, beyond time and our worries, sees past what we are and instead sees who we can be, who we will be, in Him...

Jude Thomas

Well, well, well...look who decided to start blogging again! i wasn't very good about doing it before...so we'll see. I picked a great time to start up again...just as one of my favorite shows, 24, is starting. I guess i can type during commercials.

We adopted our little boy last summer! Jude Thomas officially became a Heitschmidt on January 22, 2010. He is so precious and continuously makes us smile. I marvel at how far we've come over the last couple of years. A wide range of emotions; fear, anxiety, a lot of anger, a lot of questions, deep sadness, loneliness, hope, happiness, and joy. While we started our family through adoption out of necessity, we realize now what a spectacular example it is of God's love. We've been chosen by Him, adopted into His family, pulled out of the ashes and consecrated for His glory. We anxiously await the next addition to our family, knowing the Lord has all these things in His hands.

I've been reading a great book lately, Visioneering, by Andy Stanley. If you've ever had a vision about what your life should be spent doing, if you've ever had a deep passion for something, if you've ever felt the world as you know it should be different than what it is, you should read this book. It discusses the difference between good ideas, which fade, and God given visions, that require His leading.