Title Meaning

Recently I changed the title of our blog and I have had a few people ask where "Choosing to See" came from. Here's the story:
- At the beginning of school one of the other kindergarten teacher came up and was telling me about this book she was reading by Mary Curtis Chapman that was titled Choosing to See. She talked about how wonderful it was and how she wanted me to read it. She clearly stated that when she begin reading this book she quickly thought about me and wanted to share it with me. Well it took her a little while to finish it but she continued to talk about it ALL the time! Prior to this I had never heard of the author or her husband even though one of the songs we played at our wedding was sung by her husband! A few weeks ago she brought me the book and needless to say I finished it within about 3 or 4 days. I couldn't lay it down! I cried and laughed the whole way through (which I never do in books). I think everybody should read it at least once. When I took the book back a few days later she could not believe that I had already finished it! The purpose of the book is to say that know matter what happens in life good or bad we need to always choose to see God's plan in it. I won't give away anymore! This was a message that would play out in my life in only about 48 hours after finishing this book. Of course, I have needed to choose to see God's plan in many things that have happened in my life but this one probably tops most of them and God knew that I was going to have to choose to see His plan for all of it to work out (If you don't know this story you will have to ask me in person because it's a bit much to put on the blog).

It's sometimes breath taking the way God places simple things such as a book into the hands of another person who then brings it to you that can mean the whole difference to the outlook of situations. I told some people that if I could write a book about the last 2 weeks of my life and the way that God has placed the most trying things but yet the answers to them right in front of me no person could read it and not know that God is real. The scariest thing was probably the day that I read an email from Tyler asking if I was prepared to do what we where asked to do. I went to the front of the school to call him (this was a day that the students where not there) and discuss this with him before making a final decision. I called him and he didn't answer and by this time I was about to loose it. I looked up at God and clearly said, "I can't do this God... I need somebody!" I kid you not a lady who I adore more than just about anything in life walked in the front door of the school (and no she's not a teacher and she is never away from her kids when they are not at school) and walked over to me put her hand on my shoulder and was starting to ask how I was and she KNEW instantly that I was not ok. I can honestly say when God says He will not give you more than you can handle He isn't lying! I have never had a prayer answered like that and it was the most amazing thing ever. What's funny is I have never told this special lady this story because it is almost too crazy to be true and I know she will read it on here because she is a faithful reader, so to her, YOU WERE MY ANGEL THAT DAY!

Opportunities

Each day of our adoption journey God continues to amaze me with the lessons and opportunities He provides us. A few weeks back our social worker asked us to keep 3 little boys. These weren't just 3 regular little boys but 3 who were adopted from Ukraine just 4 months ago. This was quite special because it was an opportunity to get a little glimse as to what our child "is" like. It got even more interesting when the social worker told us they only live about 1 mile from us! Yes, they live out in Coaling! I run past their house several times a week. It was a blessing that we never thought possible. Since the moment we met them I think we both know a lot has changed in us. It was kind of like a light at the end of the tunnel to see what we are really working toward. It's so hard sometimes to know and actually realize the end result is a "CHILD". Many times I get so wrapped up in the paperwork and waiting game it seems like it is going to take forever. I've known from the very start of this process God is no doubt going to teach me patience throughout this process. I guess He knew it was going to take something major for my thick-head to ever learn to wait! I just love how along this journey He is placing in our lives connections that are going to help us for a lifetime but for now are providing us motivation along the way!
Tonight we are getting the opportunity again to spend some time with these special little guys and it is a blessing. I love seeing how awesome a father Tyler is going to be. Seriously, I had to call Tyler down more than the boys! The boys were still eating supper and Tyler was already getting out the football to play. This of course ruined supper! God provided in Tyler a real ability with children and he is going to be a fantastic Christian Father. I love seeing how excited he is getting about having a little one of his own.
As I read these kiddos a book before tucking them into bed it really made it all so clear to me how I am going to get to do this every night one day. They are so sweet and loving and I just can't wait for them to meet our "child" someday. I know God gave us this family for a very special reason. They have already been such a blessing in our lives.
I just have to say once again God amazes me with not only these opportunites but also the blessings of people around us. I shared that we were going to keep these 3 boys for some time this weekend with my coworkers and a friend today and to my amazement these people were more that helpful. Of course, I have no toys for little boys to play with and a friend who has 2 boys knew I wasn't going to make it long with that! She shows up at my house with a van load of toys, air mattress, and nessecities! The boys were so excited. They were helping her unload and playing with everything as they went.

God, Thank you for these opportunites and faithful friends who you continue to put in our journey. We know you have had this planned quite some time and now its our turn to let it all play out. You never cease to amaze me even when I don't understand everything quite so well! It's so hard sometimes to not know what's gonna happen next but comforting to know that You are in control. Thank you for giving us this family who we are going to learn so much from and for our friends who prove to be so helpful in everything we do.