Faith

Adoption

It's September 30th, the last day of the month.  Wow!  The weeks flew by and autumn has officially begun.  The leaves are beginning to turn their shades of fall colors and the little creatures are seen in my front yard gathering food in the pouches of their cheeks to store for the winter months. 

Not only is today the last day of the month, but it is also the last day of the work week.  And, l must admit to you that it has been an extremely full and eventful week at that!  Monday, I spent a productive afternoon with our amazing editor.  Tuesday, a very dear high school friend came from Pennsylvania to visit for the day.  Wednesday, our grandson's, Aidan, #adoption was finalized!!  Yay!  Thursday, my birth daughter, Heather, was adopted by my terrific husband, Jim, now legally her dad. (I had always dreamed of adopting or having a child with my remarkable husband.  Dreams do come true and we have a child together.  Of course, all our children are "ours" but Heather is now in all ways ours.)  Friday, I am recovering from the enormous excitement, activity, and emotional highs.

As I reflect over the course of the past five days, I am reminded that "In love He predestined us for adoptions as [children] through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace." (Ephesians 1:4-6)  We, all of us, are in some way adopted and we adopt others.  Whether through friendship or adding family members, we choose, we #adopt, the people who will be important in our lives.  Even our #pets of all shapes, sizes, and species are adopted into our families.  For this, I am eternally grateful.  Because of this, my family has been blessed and enriched beyond measure.

I encourage everyone to adopt, to gain the richness of love and acceptance.  Adding or rescuing only increases the love given and the love received.  What a gift - adoption.

Heather, Aidan Orlando (nine and a half months), Julius, and Ava Constance (3 year ).

Heather, Aidan Orlando (nine and a half months), Julius, and Ava Constance (3 year ).

Dad, Heather, and Mom!  (Aidan was zonked out from his celebration the day before and slept through this entire hearing!)  We are truly blessed.

Dad, Heather, and Mom!  (Aidan was zonked out from his celebration the day before and slept through this entire hearing!)  We are truly blessed.

Remember Me Thursday 2016

Meet our three rescued pups:  Clarence (yellow Lab), Judea (Dalmatian), and Heidi (Beagle).  Oh, yes - That's my husband, Jim, and me.  I often think that we didn't rescue our wonderful pups but it is they who rescued us.  They bring amazing light, joy, and love into our lives and teach us the power of unbreakable bond and unwavering forgiveness.  We are blessed to have these beautiful gifts and are made responsible for their safety and well being.  This we must NOT forget.

Remember Me Thursday is held the fourth week in September.  And, while we need to remember our furry, four-legged family members every day, today is marked as a special day.  We light a candle to honor the memories of the orphaned, abandoned, and/or adopted animals who have "found a home on earth only in our hearts, as well as [those] we have lost."   If you are like me and are an animal lover, you are invited to light your own candle or a virtual one on the Remember Me Thursday website.

https://youtu.be/G_mN7gg8LbU