Today, I give thanks.  With the cold outside, the waiting inside; the
beauty there standing tall in midst of gray- new life, questions, hope,
mystery. Choosing to embrace the journey of today even when I want to
retreat.  The feet, one in front of the other, deep breath (breathe in
the allergy spray- thanks for the tip Sarah!),  remembering the
promises, choosing thanks- seeing it differently, by grace, when the old
self fights to breakout.  This waiting, our “normal”, still doesn’t
feel normal.  Surprise message from adoptive parent/friend last night. 
So helpful.  Her asking.  The blog with the family waiting to add “Song”
to their family from across the sea.  And the blog with the family of
6, the youngest child adopted domestically.  Hope determined to break up
through crusted surface.  Gaps found, hope a song there; somewhere.

#1726 
That she asked the other day “Any adoption updates, Mom?”  Open door to
briefly share.  Realizing that there is always hope, even when I try to
suppress it;  every time our profile is shown.  This #6.  The days long
as we wait for news.  Trying to do “business as usual” not really
working totally.  Thankful He knows; He knows how hard this is, how deep
we feel, how with losses and new lives circling round our core- we
grow; not wanting to grow hard, but to grow roots that can be used to
bring beauty, bring fruit, bring real life.  “Let your roots grow
deep into (Christ Jesus), and let your lives be built on Him.  Then your
faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will
overflow with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:7 NLT).

#1727  For the “So Long, Insecurity” bible study (by Beth Moore)
that I am blessed to be a part of at church.  For the safe space to
share, for the honor of getting to know others there, to learn together,
to help support each other; glad I took the risk to be a part, with all
my insecurities.

#1728  For her 8th birthday coming up.  For the way she connects
with animals; for the exuberance and love for His creatures.  For the
free Horse magazine that arrived yesterday (thanks for the great tip and
idea Jenn!); the look on the face, the mind to learn all about them. 
For the weekend and what is in the works…can’t wait to see and hear
her reaction.

#1729  For our time away, the 5 of us, so grateful to be
together.  For experiencing news things together, making memories,
laughing, growing, playing, being.

#1731  For the simple joy of a favorite restaurant, the excellent food and service; “my pleasure”.

#1730  For the toy he brought home, and
the wipes and formula…special gifts, priceless to my heart, excitement
daring to build in us all.  The baby coming, someday coming.

#1731  For His presence, fragrant and amazing, closer than we
know.  That He forgives, upholds, and “He has made everything beautiful
in its time. He has also set eternity
in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from
beginning to end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV).

Psalm 118:28 and 29  “Thou art my God and I give thanks to
Thee.  Thou art my God, I extol Thee.  Give thanks to the LORD for He
is good; for His lovingkindess is everlasting.”