My favorite Christmas present

God began speaking to our hearts last year, readying us for another little one, calling us to adoption a second time, as a way to increase our family.  Sure, we could “’try” for more biological children, but His call was unmistakable.  What started as a small tug at my heart continued increasing until we knew it was time to step out in faith in pursuit of adopting another child.

I had thought about Sarah many times last year, Caleb’s birth mom.  I was so overwhelmed by her gift to us on numerous occasions as I held Caleb.  God kept bringing her to mind last year off and on, and I’d think about her and pray for her as well.  It got the point that one day I asked Garrett if he thought maybe Sarah was pregnant again.  We knew she’d planned on having her tubes tied, so it was doubtful.  But yet, I just couldn’t help but wonder….and I began nesting like crazy.  I was rearranging things, taking things from Caleb’s room and packing them into plastic boxes, labeling them into the preemie, newborn, 0-3 months…you get the picture.  I stored these things up in the attic, right on the edge, for quick, easy access.  I also put all the baby gear like the infant car seat, pac n play bassinet portion into the guest room closet.  I hung two items of baby clothing into the closet, one little Ralph Lauren girl’s outfit and the navy suit that Caleb wore the day we had parent/child dedication at church.  I kept finding myself cleaning out everything, and getting ready.  I even commented to many of my friends that I was nesting like crazy…which meant somewhere out there…a birth mommy had to be getting ready to give us the one of the greatest gifts we could ever receive. 

All this nesting, preparing for adoption, and thinking about Sarah led me to write an email.  I discussed it with Garrett and I got the green light.  So…I wrote an email to Sarah’s Aunt, who’d been the one who’d helped Sarah locate an adoptive family for Caleb.  The letter dated Oct. 17, 2011 basically said that if Sarah ever found herself considering placing another child for adoption that we’d be extremely interested in praying about being adoptive parents to her child.  My hope was that Sarah’s Aunt would see Sarah and relay that message to her.  About a month later, I received a reply from Sarah’s Aunt.  The reply wasn’t anything related to pregnancy but sort of an update on Sarah’s family and on her own family. 

About a month later, we attended an orientation meeting as prospective adoptive parents held by the Department of Family and Children’s Services.  Mid December, we had the DFCS come into our home for a home study.  We were to attend classes in January and then upon completion, enter the adoption process.

Dec. 20 was the 3^rd anniversary of our precious infant son Gabe’s home going.  It’s always a bittersweet day for me personally.  The following day, Caleb and I met Garrett for lunch.   We were eating at El Maya when his cell phone rang with a 251 area code.  He shared the area code with me and I knew it was either someone affiliated with Pastor Ed’s church in Mobile or maybe, just maybe it was related to adoption.  Garrett chose to answer, a God thing, he doesn’t take many calls while we are having family meals, and said, “Hi, David.”  I knew immediately who was on the other line.  It was our lawyer from Mobile.  He had no reason to call.  Garrett was listening intently and I was picking up clues left and right.  We’d both stopped eating, and before he hung up, I was ready to pull all the preemie and infant clothes out of the attic, and get on the road to meet our new baby boy!  Sarah indeed was pregnant and was interested in placing her baby boy with us as adoptive parents.  Incredible!

We began packing, running to the bank, going to get fingerprinted, and making tons of calls associated with the logistics of an adoption.  We were not home study “updated” at this time.  The home study update can take up to 60 days!  But, with God, all things are possible. 

I will leave all the minor details out, but about 5:30 CST, we got a call that Sarah had the baby and it was a girl!  Incredible!  None of my baby boy clothes would work!  But, praise the Lord, I have plenty of pink now…God totally covered all those bases.  It’s been my experience that where He guides, He provides…always.

We met our precious, Chaney Elisabeth Grubbs on Dec. 22, 2011, the day after she was born.  It was wonderful and so déjàvu-like to be in the same hospital talking to Sarah and having the privilege of being parents to her precious child again.  She had intended to have her tubes tied and was unable to do so.  Bottom line, God had intended for us to be parents again, and for Caleb to have a biological sister to grow up with in this world.  Incredible.

God’s fingerprints have been all over this adoption. These days have been unbelievable.  It is awesome to see immediate connections between Caleb and Chaney.  He kissed her the first chance he had and continues to greet his sister with kisses almost every time he can.  I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for these two precious children who are only 16 months apart in age.  I am honored to be chosen as their mommy.

How you can pray:  We don’t know when we will come home…but when the process is finished…we will get to eventually…lol…but there is no firm date.  It’ll probably be another couple of weeks that we’ll be here.  We are renting an apartment during this time.  Family and friends have been gracious to come to stay with me as Garrett is working and unable to be here.  Each of these ladies has been such a blessing.  So many friends in Dothan have loved on us in different ways and it’s meant so much.

While learning how to do 2 kids verses one presents new challenges, what has been the most stressful  is being tired and still dealing with all of the things that we had to do for our home study and for all the legal part of it.  Pray for continued renewing of our strength.  It was hard with the family separated and the kids being sick either in Albany or when Chaney was hospitalized.  That stress has since been relieved.  Also not being with Daddy is hard.  I have much respect for those who don’t have Daddy around.

We weren’t planning for another private adoption, we were planning on a state adoption, so praying that the Lord continues to supply us with what we need when we need it.  Pray that the ICPC process (the process that keeps us in Alabama with baby Chaney until all the legals are completed between Alabama and Georgia) goes quickly.  Last time we adopted Caleb, we were here in Alabama for 3 weeks total, but he was hospitalized for 10 days of those 21. 

It’s been 25 days since we’ve been here, our home study was just completed, so I am hopeful and prayerful that we will be able to be home 11 days from Wednesday (which is when the home study and some paperwork that the lawyer needs from us that we just received Friday from them will arrive).  We all miss Daddy being part of our lives. 

Chaney will be 4 weeks old this coming Wednesday, Caleb just turned 17 months old this week and will officially be a toddler next month.

 It’s been a great adventure for sure; a God sized adventure and I am trusting that He will continue to bring us home in His perfect timing and will keep me in perfect peace until that day.  In the meantime, we covet your prayers.

We can’t wait to introduce Chaney to our Sherwood family, family, friends, and to our community!  Thanks for praying; it’s been felt.

“But I have trusted in Your faithful love; my heart will rejoice I Your deliverance.  I’ll sing to the Lord because He’s treated me generously.” 

“….and run with ENDURANCE the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith…” Heb. 12

“Now without faith it’s impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe He exists and rewards those who seek Him.” Heb. 11:6

“Proclaim with me the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt His name together.” Psalm 34:3

Happy 1st Birthday, Caleb

Dear sweet Caleb,

This year has been incredible! 

Grateful for that unexpected call on your birthday Aug. 12, 2010 that started our forever family journey.


The first time I held you in my arms



First time in Daddy's arms

You spent 10 days in the NICU and then....it was time to go home with Mommy and Daddy!
  

this is the face you made when we asked u if u were ready to go home

 

Our "tiny miracle" weighed 4.10





riding out of the hospital in your big car seat





You were social from the start. You love to smile at people.  It brings our hearts such joy to see you smile and for people to smile back at you.




Bringing you into our home was an answer to many prayers. 

 Psalm 113:9, "He gives the childless woman a family, making her a happy mother, Praise the Lord!"

He added a beautiful arrow to our quiver:

"...Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warriors hands.  How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them..." Psalm 127:4-5

We kept the nursery ready for your arrival...we were "preparing for rain."  Look what God did!


The Lord filled our hearts and our nursery.  This pic was taken in your crib. 

Our prayer has always been that you'd have a heart like Caleb. 


"He has a different spirit; he follows me passionately.  I'll bring him into the land he scouted and his children will inherit it."  Numbers 14:24 (the Message)

We pray this verse for you often, that you'd be a mighty warrior, a Christ follower, from an early age with an endless passion for the Lord.  That His love, grace, and mercy will draw you near to His heart, compel you, and drive you to share the gospel in a dark world.  That you'd love Truth and that you'd desire to obey His Word. Praying that you make wise choices based on the Truth.  That you would fear God alone and not seek to please people. That you will look beyond impossible and allow God to do great things in and through you as you yield to Him.  Praying you'll be strong in Him and very, very bold for Him. Praying you'll always know of our love for you.  How grateful we are to be your parents.

And look at your in your nursery now, at one year old, standing up! 

So... a quick recap of your first year by picture....I wish  I could add them all...but here are a few of our favs, Caleb:


This is how you spent your one month birthday.



What a joy to watch you sleep...especially like Daddy...with one foot out of the covers.



At 3 months, this was your favorite pose.

1st CandyFest....your Nana made your costume...you were a handsome lil lion



Your 1st Thanksgiving!

"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."  Psalm 100:1-5

Our first Christmas together.  You loved the Christmas Tree.



Your favorite Christmas present was your wagon!  You love to ride in the wagon!

I was so happy when you could sit up in the bumbo long enough to stroll you in wagon around the neighborhood.  You loved it, I loved it, and the neighbors would always wave, smile, and sometimes even stopped to talk to you.  I had prayed on numerous occasions for God to bring you into our lives on that route; what a blessing to praise him and turn those times into praying over your life.

One Dec. 30th, we were able to return to your birthplace and finalize your adoption!  It was a great day!

In February, you wore your 1st sports coat



We committed before the church to raise you as unto the Lord...acknowledging you are His

"For this boy I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition, which I asked of Him. So, I have also dedicated him to the Lord; as long as he lives he is dedicated to the Lord." 1 Sam. 1:27-28

Parent/child dedication was such an emotional day...because we were able to celebrate with our Sherwood family God's faithfulness to bring you into our lives.  Your Sherwood family loves you, Caleb.  They have prayed for you before you were born; they continue to pray for you.  We are blessed with a praying church family.  (I loved that while you were being introduced to the family, your feet were going 90 miles an hour).

You have learned soooo much this year!  From opening your eyes to cruising around the furniture...I have loved being with you every step of the way.


My most favorite Mother's Day 2011



Your 1st beach trip! 



You love your daddy!  And your Daddy loves you. 

First youth camp

This year was filled with firsts; too many to name, but all incredibly etched in my mind.  You were a little learning and growing machine this year. 

We went a lot of neat places together.  You even got to visit both sets of your grandparents at their houses...one you took an airplane to and even got pilot's wings.  The other we drove to Florida to see...and you swam for the very 1st time in a pool.  Your grandparents love you so very much.  I am working on a page with pictures of you and them so you will always be able to see the love they have for you in their eyes.  This page will also include your great grandparents, which you are blessed to have.  I also hope to put pictures of you and your extended family on another page.  You have a wonderful extended family that have also enjoyed watching you grow this year.

I have learned this year that the old saying holds true, "time flies when you are having fun." Before I knew it our family was gathered to celebrate your first birthday at our house!  The baby was gone and the pre-toddler had come.  At your party you enjoyed the company of your family and loved the chocolate birthday cake; it's the 1st thing you fed yourself!

Caleb, You have brought so much laughter to our hearts and lives.  As we look toward each new day, our prayer for our family is found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 which reads:

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates."

I thank God for your life and how He brought you into our lives.  Celebrating God's gift of your life to us while we walk this earth.  What a special boy you are.  Jesus loves you dearly.  He has a wonderful plan for your life.  Seek Him, son.

Caleb Elliot Grubbs,

We love you!

Happy 1st birthday!

The joys of diapers & infant car seats

 One Sunday in May of 2010 Sherwood students, parents, and student workers at Sherwood surprised us with a baby shower.  It was an awesome surprise; a themed shower...diapers, wipes, and car seat!  The students purchased our infant travel system stroller/car seat (the big blue package in the middle of the stage) and a TON of diapers and wipes.

We loaded the diapers into the nursery closet.  This pic doesn't even do justice to what the closet actually held...it spans further to the right/left and goes up even higher than the picture could capture. 

Not until today, August 1, 2011, only 11 days shy of Caleb's 1st birthday, did we finish up using the very last diaper.  The diapers and wipes were such a HUGE BLESSING!  Thank you, thank you, thank you, again for diapering Caleb!  We truly appreciate it!  Here's the after shot! 

Let me give a shout out to the Lord, whose timing is always perfect...the Publix baby diaper sale ran last week, and I bought my first thing of non-preemie diapers for a great deal with my store and manufacturer coupons in preparation of this moment (when the lifetime supply of diapers would run out).  After my first diaper purchase, I realized how much money we were able to save all last year thanks to the generosity of sweet people!  Thanks y'all!

As for the travel system we received, this was little four pound Caleb's 1st ride in his infant car seat on his way to the car.  He was wearing his "tiny miracle" outfit. 

Again, just shy of a year, I recently started noticing signs that my baby was moving into the pretoddler phase as it began getting harder to put him into the infant car seat without bonking his head; even his legs dangled over the edge.  Did I mention...he was heavy to try and tote in it as well. 



Closing the chapter on Caleb's 1st year is bittersweet.  I recently washed the padding of the infant car seat to store it for the next baby Grubbs; there was a lot of finality in that process, no more baby Caleb, and welcome pretoddler Caleb. 

We had so many precious memories in the infant seat, from bringing him home to the hotel from the hospital, to crossing into our home state with him, bringing him into our home for the first time-the infant car seat is filled with memories of many firsts.  We also put a lot of miles on that infant seat, from flying to see grandparents, to youth trips, or day trips to visit daddy at work...

It was really cute when Caleb learned how to peek around the car seat to look at the driver....

And I loved when he learned to find me in the mirror...I'd turn around to see his beautiful smile!  (I took this pic from the front seat of the car).

This year has been priceless.  Firsts...I treasure them!  I am extremely grateful for Caleb's precious life that we've been entrusted to raise on this side of eternity.  There are so many joys found in being Caleb's mom..I love them all! 

Recently, rather than deleting a particular email from Toys R Us, I opened it...to my surprise I found that the car seat that I'd heard so many good things about was on sale....a rare thing for this brand...which is normally excluded from coupons, etc....and it was just in time for our purchase...another PRAISE the Lord!  I LOVE His timing!  And His Spirit's leading me to open that email! 

Look at the big boy loving his new seat!  Such a welcome site!  A beautiful new season!  He couldn't stop smiling from the time we put him in it.  I am sure it was a mixture of being able to ride facing forward, being able to see us, as much as it was probably a lot more comfortable than being stuffed into a tiny infant seat as a growing boy. 

I look forward to all that God has in store in the days to come and the memories to be made in the big boy car seat! 

Again, I am reminded of the following verses:

"He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD." Psalm 113:9

Ephesians 3:20, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."

He is so good, y'all!  Mountaintops and valleys!   

Iron Sharpens Iron by Howard & William Hendricks

"People often lack insight into themselves."  Authors Howard & William Hendricks remind readers of the incredible blessing found when we grant someone who's willing permission to speak objectively into our lives in. They note that, ideally we should invite a variety of influences to walk through life with us.

What led me to pick up this book was that although I have been mentoring teenagers for years, I felt like I needed to reevaluate what I could do better as a mentor.  I needed sharpening. I want to be found a faithful steward of those young lives I have been privileged to pour into during this season.  If that's where you find yourself, it's an excellent resource.  While it's geared towards men, I believe the principles transcend across the gender lines for women.

On the flip side, I treasure the wisdom and love I've received and continue to receive from older women and from my peers.  I am grateful for those who are willing to take time to invest in me, to ask me hard questions, who  pray for me, or who ask me how things are going, like maybe my scripture memory, or something I've confided to them.  What's so cool is that I've discovered that during different seasons of life God has had a way of leading just the right faith friends my way at just the right times to encourage me and to offer insight.

One statement that really stuck our in Iron Sharpens Iron was, "A mentor can help you pick up the pace in personal development."  We need to stop buying the lie that only weak men/women need help; the truth is, men/women who seek help become strong. The Hendricks encourage readers to seek out a Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy in our lives and explain why this is important.

I also wanted to share a little of what I gleaned from this book because I have heard a lot of folks mention recently that they are praying for a mentor or that they are looking for a mentor.  One half of Iron Sharpens Iron is written to the protegees/mentorees on how to find a mentor.  All the tips are right on target. 

I really enjoyed reading the Hendrick's book, gleaning some new insights, and  lots of take a ways.  I would recommend Iron Sharpens Iron to anyone of any age.  It's never too late to learn and be sharpened by someone or to offer to pour into a peer or a young Timothy.  I think it's an excellent resource, very practical, very biblical in its principles, and very encouraging/inspiring. 

As for me, I am thankful for the blessing of those clearly defined relationships with precious women that "encourage, enhance, and motivate me to love Jesus with all of my heart, soul, mind, and to finish life without dishonoring God's name."

"As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend."  Proverbs 27:17

When A Nation Forgets God

Who'd guess that we'd ever see parallels between America today and in Nazi Germany?  The cover of When A Nation Forgets God  conveys the message for its readers best: "7 lessons we must learn from Nazi Germany."  The book's 7 chapter themes discuss the 7 lessons readers can take away and prayerfully be changed as a result.  It's a call to be courageous, a call to be about our sweet duty of praying, and a call to stand for Truth in our nation.

To spark your interest to purchase and read the book, I will note the topics:  1) When God is separated from government, judgment follows, 2) economy 3) although legal, it could be evil 4) how propaganda changes a nation 5) words to parents...one of my favorite chapters...I'd pick up the book solely for this chapter 6) how ordinary people can be heroes...calling us to action 7) the Cross of Christ must be exalted during dark times.

The author, Erwin Lutzer asks, as many of us would, where were the pastors in Nazi Germany, the believers, in the midst of such national atrocity, and why did believers allow this happen?  How could they allow that?  Before we throw stones their way, we need to evaluate our own lives. 

We must seize each day, each moment, to stand for Christ, to give Him glory.  We must live the gospel and let it carry over into every area of our lives.  Most people of Nazi Germany were more concerned with keeping their lives than giving their lives for what was right.  Sound familiar?  Does to me. We are concerned with keeping up appearances, keeping our jobs, keeping our finances safe, keeping our families safe, etc.  But could God be calling us to trust Him, to step out in faith and live a life that counts?  To be as John the Baptist, a voice crying out in the wilderness, to make way for the Lord?  Wherever He's placed us, He's positioned us to point to Him in speech and in action. 

Lutzer shares about 800 pastors in those days that were arrested and imprisoned for taking a stand for what was right.  They found standing for Christ a priviliege. Does this sounds weird to you?  It was heroic.   It was by God's grace, for God's glory; it couldn't have been pleasurable nor easy.  Peter says it this way in 1 Peter 4:12-14, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice that you participate int he sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.  If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." 

I can't begin to imagine what these believers or their Jewish friends really lived and were a part of everyday until their death or rescue.  I have visited the Holocaust Museums in DC and in Israel, what I observed in the museums was unbelievable.  But it really did happen...and a nation allowed it to happen when they forgot God.  Oh, Lord Jesus, that we will not forget you today, or tomorrow.  Help us be strong and courageous in you and for you.
   
The book, When A Nation Forgets God is a must read.  It was recently referred to by our pastor.  Find it at the Source bookstore at Sherwood Church if you live here locally, or order a copy from the Source or on Amazon.  I never would've imagined the parallels that we are seeing in our country everyday that mimic those of Nazi Germany.  But then again, to boil a frog, you start with cold water, then adjust the heat slowly, and before you know it, you've got a boiled frog...and he was blindsided.  Hitler was excellent at "boiling frogs." Hitler knew that if he threw a frog in hot boiling water, they'd jump out.  He was a man of strategy.  Let's resolve to be strategical ourselves:  vigilant, prayerful, and eager to take a stand for the Truth.  Let's listen to His voice and obey. 

Privilege of Persecution

     Our pastor recently shared a story from the book The Privilege of Persecution in a recent sermon.  The authors minister to those Christians around the world that experience persecution for their faith.  Persecutions like being denied religious freedoms and basic human rights are woven throughout the book.  These persecuted Christians are discriminated against for their faith, put into prison for their faith, and some believers are even killed for their faith in Jesus Christ.  The faith of the persecuted Church cost them more than it does in the West.  We may end up losing friends but  it can cost them their lives, their families, their comfort, & favor. The Privilege of Persecution caused me to really think.
     Believers in some of the countries have to hide God's Word in their hearts because it's the only way to access it.  Americans whine about how hard it is to commit scripture to memory, me included.  Ask me the lyrics to my favorite songs from years ago or even now, no problem there. Not disciplining myself to memorize scripture because it's hard is a copout. I am an athlete.  I know how much discipline and training it takes to win, to achieve, to succeed, to reach my goals.  It's hard, sometimes painful, and sometimes I honestly don't like it.  It's bound to be the same with scripture memory, but the results are worth it.
     What if....we find our freedom to have the Bible in our possession stripped away tomorrow? Where would I be? I know several verses; but passages, nope.  Quiet honestly, that's embarrassing on so many levels.  I must follow the example of our persecuted brothers and sisters and know the Word, treasure it in my heart.  Why? It's Truth.  It's freedom, it's life, it's power, it's everything.  This will take accountability.
     The persecuted church likes to pray.  Yes, they" like" to pray.  I was reminded that how we view prayer is actually how we view God.  They are happy that the God of the entire universe would actually make time to spend with them personally as they talk to Him and as "get" to listen to Him.  They are absolutely dependant on prayer.  We need more of that.  I need more of that.  Their love for the Lord, their fear of Him, the way they worship the holy God is beautiful.
     Other issues addressed in the book that caused me to do a heart check were on their non-issues, like busyness, forgiveness, letting our blessings/our stuff get in the way of our walk.   My toes were getting stepped on all over this book.



     I have a lot to put into practice that I see in the lives my persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ.  I walk away with much respect for the persecuted church and their willingness to live out their faith no matter what the cost.  I want to adopt that attitude, that heart, for Jesus, in America.  And "if" my freedoms were removed, would I be as courageous as these? I pray so.  Would I see persecution on behalf of the one I profess to love a privilege?

2 Tim 3:12," All who want to live a godly life in union with the Messiah Jesus will be persecuted." (ISV)

Why read Passion and Purity

In a society where nothing is sacred, Elisabeth Elliot offers us a real example of how to handle our passions and to pursue purity.  Elisabeth is a giant in the faith for us as women.  She truly seeks to live life abiding in Christ.  She encourages young women/women that purity, although costly, is worth the pursuit, it isn't cheap.  I love Elisabeth's love story that unfolds in the book, with the Lord! She's leaving an amazing legacy for us!  Billy Graham said, "This book is definitely for men, too."  I read Passion and Purity as a teenager, it's almost as if I was reading it for the first time recently.  Can I encourage you to read or reread the book?  Married, single, or teenager, it's an incredibly applicable to every season of life!  Make time, it'll be worth it.