Orphan Sunday 2015

This morning at church, we celebrated Orphan Sunday. As part of the service, Michael, along with 25 other kids, sang "I'm Adopted"! They did a great job, and we are so proud of him!

Our little family at church. We Love Adoption!! 

                                                 

Lydia and Abby were so excited to see Michael on stage singing! We are so thankful for such great friends!

                                           

And here is Michael on Orphan Sunday 2013, 2014, 2015! He's finally growing into his shirt! But I think we will get another year out of it! 

                                             

Orphan Sunday

Yesterday was Orphan Sunday, and this is the video our church did. Andrew and I are so blessed to be a part of something like this!

First Sunday at church

This past Sunday was Michael's first Sunday at Southside Fellowship. We love our church, and were so excited to bring Michael. There are so many people who have been praying for us and for him, and I was ready for everyone to meet him.

All ready for church. Don't you just love his socks? Thanks Aunt Julie!

Barb was so excited to meet him. She and her husband have been close friends with Andrew's family for many years. They actually gave us a reference when we started the adoption process.

Sunday afternoon nap. Notice that my boys match? And yes, I did plan that!
They were resting up for an exciting afternoon. Sunday afternoon was our first baby shower! I will do a whole separate post about that.

Finding my Joy in Jesus

The past two weeks at church have been all about finding your joy in Jesus. At first, I didn't think anything of this, just a new series for the new year. But after the first sermon, I knew that God had used this series to speak directly to me. The last year has been really hard for Andrew and I. The things I thought would give us joy, just weren't happening. Instead of moving forward with his job, things seemed to be moving backward for Andrew. Instead of getting pregnant, and finally having the child we so desired, we have had month after month of disappointment, including a miscarriage in September. But what I have learned from the series at church, is that my Joy should be found in Jesus, and nothing else. The fact that he so graciously gave me salvation, is all I need to be happy.

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. " Matthew 13:44

This year, I am going to focus on finding my joy in Jesus, instead of my circumstances. I know that God has a plan for my life. And His plan for me right now is to focus on Him.

"6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. " 1 Peter 1:6-9

At the end of the church service two weeks ago, we sang this song. I have sung this song so many times, but never really read the lyrics, or believed the lyrics. Take a minute to read them, and think about them. They are very powerful.

Trading My Sorrows
By Darrell Evans
I'm trading my sorrow
I'm trading my shame
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord

I'm trading my sickness
I'm trading my pain
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord

Chorus:
And we say yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord
Yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord
Yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord Amen

I'm pressed but not crushed persecuted not abandoned
Struck down but not destroyed
I'm blessed beyond the curse for his promise will endure
And his joy's gonna be my strength

Though the sorrow may last for the night
His joy comes with the morning