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...