Divine Appointments

Today as I waited at the doctors office there was one lady beside me and another one across from me. The one next to me asked me how far along I was and then if it was my first child. Which my answer to this question is always, "well, it's my first pregnancy but not our first child as we were blessed to adopt a son 2 years ago after years of infertility." I guess I don't always have to share this level of detail but am proud of our story and how God worked in our lives so I do. Well, the woman across from me then joined the conversation to tell me she adopted 2 children domestically as well. We shared our stories and I told of how we were blessed with this miracle pregnancy and how I wouldn't change any of it for the world. That although the infertility was tough had we not gone through it our son would literally have different parents and now God's perfect timing has blessed us with a pregnancy.

I share our story a lot so I didn't think much more about it as we both got called back to our rooms. It wasn't until the doctor walked into my room and said, "I don't know what you said to my last patient but you gave her more hope and faith then you could ever imagine" that I realized I just experienced a divine appointment. I couldn't help but be really moved by his statement and by this simple conversation that I've had so many times. God orchestrated this conversation in order to give hope & faith to someone. I certainly didn't do anything special but share our story but God certainly moved in such an amazing way through putting us all in the same place with all the right questions. Normally, this wouldn't be so profound to me but I guess it just really spoke to how we impact one another without knowing it. It makes me realize how many divine appointments are in our lives and makes me think about how many I have missed because I felt too busy. I don't know how big or little of a real impact I made in that woman's life today but she sure made one in mine.

I love the book “What Happens When Women Say Yes to God” by Lysa TerKeurst which talks a great deal about this topic and here is also a nice article that I found on Divine Appointments.

VBS Recap

What a wonderful week we had at VBS! Today was our last day as I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow which I'm EXTREMELY happy about because I don't think my sciatica could have taken one more day of VBS. Today in fact, we had to go in 1 1/2 hours late cause I was in so much pain but we got through it. It was such a blessing to be a part of such an incredible ministry and I'm so thankful that I could be apart. It took over 100 volunteers to make it happen so I'm glad I could do my small part.

Another lady and I taught the 3rd graders and had 15 kids. (Side note: it was extremely interesting to note the differences in boys vs. girls. I love my little boy and am thankful for having another one on the way - but boys are a real handful. It's amazing to see how different they are - boys being so physical vs. girls being emotional.) Total there were probably around 200 kids attending VBS at our church. Our church does a fantastic job organizing it and keeping the kids busy. It starts at 9am and ends at 12 each day. We basically rotated around different areas throughout each day starting & ending in the fellowship hall for music. We do crafts, movie, drama, snack & bible story time. Our church did such a great job letting the kids experience the bible story each day physically, musically, emotionally, etc. It really drove the story home each day. One day the kids were blindfolded and had oatmeal put above their eyes. Yesterday the kids got to even walk on water - a fun experiment with cornstarch and water makes this possible. It was such a great experience!

Joshua was in the 2 year old class and was brought to the finale music each day. I can't tell you how precious he looked every day walking into the fellowship hall seemingly in awe of all the kids and the "fast" (that is how he says loud) music. Every night at dinner we tell daddy about our day and I wondered how much Joshua was getting out of the program so I asked him if he heard a story about Jesus and he said, "Yes, walk water". I was FLOORED that he actually recalled the theme for the day which was the story of Peter walking on water. Anyways, it just goes to show you what little sponges their little brains are even at 2!

Peace

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I can't believe Thanksgiving is a week from today. It's such a great reminder that we are to give thanks to God in ALL circumstances. I don't mean to always bring up my mom, but I am so THANKFUL to have a relationship with God so that in my time of need and sorrow I could have peace. Sometimes I'm surprised that my heart did not become bitter or angry when my mom died but then I remind myself that is the promise of God, it's truly the "peace that passes all understanding". God was and will always be with me. So today I'm thankful that God is with us in our joy, in our pain, and everywhere in between.

Prayer Request Update - Noah

Noah continues to improve everyday! He is now over 4lbs!!! Here is a sweet picture of him that I couldn't resist sharing with you guys. Look at his tiny hand holding that finger. Melts my heart! Thanks so much for the prayers.

Please lift these families in prayer...

I have two friend who are going through a lot right now and could use any and everyone's prayers.

My dear friends Cheryl & Al had a baby about 2 weeks ago 9 weeks early. The little precious boy, Noah is just over 2 lbs and desperately fighting to live. His brain is severely bleeding and he had a hole in his heart that did close up. Please pray for strength for this couple and for healing for little Noah. Here is a picture of him.

My other friends Tripp, Anna & Ella are struggling as Tripp just has his 4 brain tumor operation and found out that his cancer is now progressing at a faster pace. He is just now starting chemo & radiation. They are in their 30s and have a young daughter and one on the way.

Thank you so much for lifting them up in prayer!!