An Ode to Maddie Grace

It was May 4th, 1989,
Life with one sibling was going just fine.

The next day when I opened my eyes,
I had no idea that this day would bring a big surprise.

When Madisan Grace entered the world my sister count doubled,
But I was overjoyed, not worried or troubled.

We were five years apart and not always on the same page,
But we loved each other, even when that love was hard to gauge.

Our childhood years were full of things like bike rides, laughter, face slapping wars,
Arguing, gaming, and paying her a penny to do my chores.

Although we disagreed about things such as watching Rugrats or the Olympic Games,
When honor was due, she was quick to give rousing acclaims.

As we've grown older, I've learned to treasure her as not only a sister, but also a dear friend,
My love for Maddie has only grown even as our lives twist and bend.

She is funny and honest and loves others lots,
She deserves happiness, love, and lots of big yachts.

Through life's trials she doesn't make things up and try to save face,
She's kind and compassionate, always showing God's grace.

Now her life is full of mushiness, hugs, and kisses,
I am so glad that she met Jacob and that soon she will be his Mrs.

So tomorrow we celebrate with vows, laughter, family and cheers,
Here's to wishing you many extraordinarily happy and love-filled years!

I love you Maddie Grace!

Taking Steps of Faith

Adoption: It is a word that we may hear often, but may not really stop and consider what it means or how it affects people every day. Chances are that we know someone who has been adopted, or has adopted/will adopt children. We often throw the word around lightly, for instance, calling a good friend's parents our "adoptive parents."

As Christians, adoption should mean a whole lot more to us. This is something that God has been putting on my heart for the last few years. We are adopted by God! This is a HUGE truth that we often don't really stop and think about. We are part of His family! We don't deserve it, but He chose us to be His children. How cool is that?!?!

As I said, this has been on my heart for a few years, and in the last few months, even more so. I watched the movie "The Drop Box" and walked away saying, "I want to hug those hurting mamas and love on those precious kids." I've seen friends go through the process of adopting children. I've had countless conversations with people about adoption. In each of these instances, God has clearly laid the importance of adoption on my heart. Every time I think, "I have to do something. These kids need to know love."

After watching "The Drop Box" I cried out to God asking how I could help. What He would have for me in the area of adoption, why this kept coming up. I knew that it was time to take a step of faith. I am in no place personally to adopt right now. I know without a doubt that is not the way that God is leading me for this stage of life. I do, however, want to glorify Him by helping in the adoption process.

After doing some research and a whole lot of praying, I looked into working for adoption agencies of some kind. I quickly discovered that a college degree would help tremendously if I want to help these kiddos. I had been thinking about going back to school, but was directionless. After much prayer, I am taking a step of faith and beginning the process of going back to school to get a degree in social work.

Life may be crazy for the next couple of years, but the timing worked out perfectly with a change of schedule at my current job so that I can begin taking some classes. I don't know for sure what God has planned in my life. I don't know what my future job will be or how I will help the adoption process. I do know, that I am putting one foot in front of the other and taking one step of faith at a time. I know that God is guiding me toward the adoption field at this stage in my life. I know that He has a plan and is trustworthy. I know that my life is in His hands. I know that I am adopted by Him. I know that He calls us to care for the fatherless and the widows.

For now, I go with what I know to be true of Him and putting one step in front of the other. Steps of faith... Here we go!