Merely statistics?

>>If 1 family from 1 out of every 3 churches adopted there would be no more orphans in the US<<

I can't stop thinking about this fact. Body of Christ, will these things be merely statistics, or will we see past facts on a page to the individual hearts of vulnerable children? We have been welcomed by our heavenly Father, adopted, rescued. We are His children and His hands and feet in this world.

Check out this link and this link for more.

Removed, a short film

This short film is such an accurate look at the life of a child in foster care.  Sometimes I forget what my siblings have been through, and how many children are still waiting.  It's good to be reminded.  James 1:27

::The joy of new life::

My beautiful sister and her wonderful husband are expecting again.  I am so excited, and so thankful for the miracle of new life.  Isn't it amazing to see the creative, almighty hand of God at work as He knits together each precious little life?  If you want to see Hannah and Josh's super cute baby announcement (plus a bunch of adorable pictures of my niece, Marian) you can hop over to Hannah's blog: throughthelensofgrace.blogspot.com.  Enjoy!  :)

One year ago today . . .

There is nothing quite like watching God script a love story between a man and a woman given to Him.  It's breathtaking.  It's beautiful.  It's inspiring.  It calls my heart to worship.  It draws my eyes to my heavenly Beloved.  It reminds me of His love, of His grace, of His goodness, of His creativity, of His delight to make His nature and His ways known through His people.

One year ago today I had the privilege of being the maid of honor at my sister's wedding, and I will forever cherish the memories from that day and the days leading up to it.  Hannah and Josh displayed Jesus in every step of their relationship, and their marriage ceremony was so obviously given to Him and centered around Him.  It truly was an honor to be part of their special day and to be up close as they joined their lives together for His glory.

A lot has changed for Hannah and Josh in the past year--they've bought a house, Josh has a new job, they welcomed Marian Grace into the world just over a month ago.  But one thing hasn't changed--they are still centered around Christ, given to Him in day to day life, and they still sincerely desire for Him to be seen and glorified through their lives and marriage.

Happy first anniversary, Hannah and Josh!  Thank you for your continued example and encouragement.  Thank you for being witnesses and for pressing me deeper into the depths of our God.  I love you!

More pictures of Marian

If you'd like to see more pictures of my beautiful little niece, Marian, visit Hannah's blog--throughthelensofgrace.blogspot.com.  You won't be sorry.  :)

Introducing . . .

Marian Grace Day

Born February 28th, 2013 at 3:15 am

8 pounds, 4 ounces, 21" long

 The happy parents--Josh and Hannah Day

 Mom meeting her first grandbaby

 Auntie Sarah

 A very happy auntie!

Auntie Miah

(Miah is her birth-home twin.  Both Miah and Marian were born at my grandparents' house, and Miah cut Marian's cord.)