Puppy's Plight

Well.

Any guesses on what happened here?? (The title is a clue...)

Fervent Friday

Today's song choice has been in my head and heart a lot lately with all of our adoption plans.

And speaking of adoption plans...let me give a little update. :)

We finally made up our mind on which type of adoption to pursue. (If you're not sure what I'm talking about, check out this post of mine) And that choice is........domestic! Though we both want to adopt internationally someday, logistically, domestic is the best choice for us for right now.

However, we did find out that the Bethany Christian Services office 2 hours away from us will be unable to service us because it is not in the state we live in. And our state has more requirements.

Cuz they're all nice like that. :)

We will continue to work with them, though, it will just involve a 4.5 hour drive every now and then. :) Last night, Joe and I filled out our preliminary application, so hopefully things will begin to pick up!

Can you tell I'm a little anxious and impatient? And it's only the beginning....there will be much more waiting to come.

Hence today's song choice. And it's even in video form to please all those visual learners out there. :) Enjoy!!

Fervent Friday

Today I want to share the lyrics to a song that have been in my head all week. I'm sure it has something to do with going to our adoption meeting last week and feeling a little anxious about all the big decisions looming ahead of us. It's a wonderful thing to know that I can trust completely in my Maker. The One who is in control of the HUGE things like gravity, placement of stars and nations, is also looking after little ol' me.

What a wondrous thought!

This is off the album "Come Weary Saints", put out by *Sovereign Grace Ministries. If you'd like to hear how it sounds, you can listen to a portion of it here.

*If you haven't looked into Sovereign Grace's ministry or their music - check it out! It's solid stuff.

"So I Will Trust You"
Almighty Maker, Universe Shaper
You put the stars into space
Yet You descneded, You have befriended
Those who have hated Your name, just like me

King of Glory, I know You love me
So I will trust You, yes I will trust You.
God Almighty, You have saved me,
So I will trust You, yes I will trust in You

Lord over nations, King of creation,
Heaven and earth bow to You.
I am Your child, I've been reconciled
With tender affection You drew me to You

King of Glory, I know You love me
So I will trust You, yes I will trust You.
God Almighty, You have saved me,
So I will trust You, yes I will trust in You

How could I not trust my King,
The One who has formed me and shaped me.
I will rejoice and will sing
For the One who has made me has saved me

King of Glory, I know You love me
So I will trust You, yes I will trust You.
God Almighty, You have saved me,
So I will trust You, yes I will trust in You

The thrill of the hunt

If there's one thing that gets my heart pumping, it's getting a good bargain. I often come home from shopping with my coupons only to exclaim to Joe, "Guess how much I spent on this?!", and then continue to wax on about what a great deal it was, or how I could use double coupons or whatever.

Yes, I'm a nerd. But hey! It saves us money!

Anywho...

With spring around the corner, my mind has turned to the thoughts of garage sales. I have fond memories of going garage sale-ing with my mom or grandparents through most of my childhood and adolescence. You never know what you'll find! In fact, some major household items in our home were bought at a garage sale (our kitchen table, chest freezer, etc).

In our area, the month of May is every garage-sale-lover's dream come true. 100 miles of garage sales...all on the same weekend! It is because of this amazing ritual that I rarely go bargain hunting throughout the summer. I can get it all done in one weekend! :)

And now on to the real point of this post...

In past years, whether I'm hosting a garage sale or going to one, I have always noticed the tables upon tables of baby clothes, booties and other accessories, not to mention like-new cribs, swings, walkers, toys, books, etc. etc.

And yesterday, I realized that this will be the first year I can actually look for some of that stuff.

*Insert face-splitting grin*

 I can't wait!

Fervent Friday

Starting today, each Friday I will be sharing the lyrics from a favorite song or hymn of mine. I've decided to name it "Fervent Friday". (I thought everyone's suggestions on facebook and here were great! I just ended up choosing something completely different. :) Hope you all understand!!)

fervent - adjective

1. having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm, etc.; ardent: a fervent admirer; a fervent plea 
2. hot, burning, glowing

I know that by the end of the week I am often worn out and looking forward to the weekend - to rest and relaxation! I often don't want to clean my house, read my Bible or start gathering the info for our taxes (yikes!) on that day just because I want to be lazy. However, our love for the Savior and desire to please Him should never fade or die, but should be intense, fiery, fervent. (Hence the title. :) )

Music often inspires me in a way that not much else can, and sometimes simple lyrics put to a beautiful tune can set my heart aright on a terrible day. So, to kick-off Friday, here's a hymn that I grew to love while in college. I remember singing it during our morning chapel time and it soon became a favorite during our periodic evening hymn-sings. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Spirit of God, descend upon my heart;
Wean it from earth, through all its pulses move;
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art,
And make me love Thee as I ought to love.

Hast Thou not bid us love Thee, God and King?
All, all thine own, soul, heart and strength and mind;
I see Thy cross there teach my heart to cling:
O let me seek Thee, and O let me find.


Teach me to feel that Thou art always nigh;
Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear,
To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh;
Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.


Teach me to love Thee as Thine angels love,
One holy passion filling all my frame;
The baptism of the heav'n-descended Dove,
My heart an altar, and Thy love the flame.

Written by George Croly