Friday, April 15, 2011

The Beginning.....

Oh, how this all happened!! God planted a seed in Steve and I a little over a year ago when we joined Grace Life Baptist Church, fka Loveless Park. We joined a fabulous Sunday school class and started slowly getting involved. I started photographing events at the church and Steve started helping out when needed. But, we felt like something was still missing. In December 2010, Steve and myself along with both of our parents adopted a family for Christmas from Sav-A-Life in Bessemer. Granted we did not get to see the 3 kids open the gifts on Christmas morning, but I can tell you we had a good time shopping for them!! What a blessing to know we had a hand in a smile that they would have that morning!! What a "WOW" experience!! In January 2011, I began to notice alot of different signs, through scripture, billboards (yes, billboards), signs on the side of the road, coworkers discussing adoption with me, praise and worship songs, and on and on....Well one day, jokingly, I told Steve, " I think God is sending me signs to adopt a child!!!!" Love the look he gave me including a few words, "Honey, just pray!!!" Oh boy, did I ever!! I prayed and prayed and prayed so very much every day!! Then came along February and March!! Continued to pray to God to continue with his signs if it was his will. Well, one day in March, I prayed to God, "Please Dear Lord, take the signs away and let me have a peaceful day without thinking about it!!" "The thought of adoption will not leave my mind!!" " I can not concentrate at work, I am driving my husband crazy!" Guess what, He did not leave me alone!!! I came home from work that day and expressed to Steve that it did not leave my mind and I can not stop thinking about it. Steve told me that "If it is God's will, then we should follow his signs and be obedient." Oh wow!! Really???? Uh-oh!! Well, that Wednesday, we went to church and looked down on the prayer meeting paper and at the bottom it said, "If you are interested in Adoption.......please attend a meeting on this day." I looked at Steve after I slapped him on the arm and said, "I told you so." After I got the look for slapping him, he laughed and said, "Honey, just pray!!!" I have met so many fabulous people through this experience. Our faith is stronger now that ever before! God lead us through this experience to grow closer to him and to also share the gospel with our children. It is such a blessing to hear all the questions from our children about the gospel and church!! The joy that has filled our hearts through this is so fabulous!! I wish I could spread it around to everyone!! Oh the feeling of the good Lord having a hand in our lives is so fabulous!! Well, we attended the meeting at our church, which also created a small group at the same time, and had a great time. We met some fabulous people and heard some great stories and testimonies!! After the meeting, Steve went his way onto play golf and I went to take some engagement photographs. On the way, Steve called and said, "What did you think?" Well, to me that was a question that I was afraid to answer. So, I said, "What did you think?" He said, "Honey, let's pray and move forward to pursue adoption!!" I cried and praised the Lord!! I sat there and thought, "What in the world do we do now??" Pray!! We prayed together and with the kids!! Prayer is so powerful!!! The good Lord is amazing and to bring us to this and make our family closer is amazing!! We are in awe over all of this and so thankful for the blessings and the new friends that we have made!!! Tuesday, April 12, 2011, I contacted Lifeline Adoption Center and made an appointment to meet with a social worker. We met with social worker on Thursday, April 14 and had a great appointment. When we walked out of the doors to the agency, we looked at each other and said, "We are on our way to China!!!" I knew then, "This was my surprise party that God has been wanting to share with me!!" Our lives are forever changed and we are so excited!! 


Matthew 25:40 The king will reply, I will tell you the truth. Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine you did for me. 

2 comments:

  1. YAY!! This is so exciting... so glad I got to know you at the beginning of this amazing journey. Praying for you and your family! BTW, I'm also excited that I got to be your FIRST follower..... I never get to be first.. this is great : ) PB

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  2. Julie and Steve-
    I just shared this with Michael and we are so excited for you both. We will be praying for you and your entire family. God has opened a door for you that most people will never experience. You are truly blessed. Love yall,
    Angie and Michael

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