“Your life, right now, today, is exploding with energy and power and detail and dimension, better than the best movie you have ever seen. You and your family and your friends and your house and your dinner table and your garage have all the makings of a life of epic proportions, a story for the ages. Because they all are. Every life is. You have stories worth telling, memories worth remembering, dreams worth working toward, a body worth feeding, a soul worth tending, and beyond that, the God of the universe dwells within you, the true culmination of super and natural. You are more than dust and bones. You are spirit and power and image of God…and you have been Given today.”
-Shauna Niequist
I got the prettiest bunch of begonias at the curbside market and did a little shuffling around on the entry table.
Every time I see a begonia I think, “Ya know. That might be my favorite flower ever“. It is at the moment, for sure. (Sorry, daisy! Ask me again in the Spring!) 😀
And speaking of favorites, how about those Hallmark Channel movies these days? I don’t care if I’ve already seen it- I’m watchin’em again! 😀
We’ve got another phone call scheduled with our caseworker, Meredith, tomorrow afternoon. The call we had on Tuesday was about traveling to Haiti: how to pack, what shots & medication to get (boo!), what to expect, what times of day we’ll be able to bond with our boy, etc. Tomorrow’s call is about updating our home study. They expire after 18 months, and we’re coming up on that date soon. Praying I don’t have to get stuck in the arm again…but knowing it’ll be worth it if I do. 🙂
Oh, and get this- turns out the person that needed to go and sign Sweet P’s paperwork actually did go to sign it (two weeks ago), but the other person that needs to be there to sign it at the same time was not there that afternoon.
*sigh*
Rumor has it, the first person *may* try to meet up with the second person again today, so we’ll see. If not today, I know he’ll try again when the time is Right.
I was texting with my friend, Lorie, who is waiting in a similar boat this week. In one of her messages, she typed “I have come to realize that in the waiting, the “not knowing” kind of waiting, is the opportunity to really express my Faith”.
Boy was that sentence food for thought! She’s so right, and that “not knowing” part really got me thinking, too. There really are two kinds of waiting. The “knowing” kind- like waiting for a traffic light to turn from red to green, because we know that’s what’s going to happen next, and the “not knowing” kind- like waiting for an answer, and hoping that’s what’s going to happen next. They each require a totally different kind of patience, ya know? But here’s a Gift we can lean on: Patience is God-given. It isn’t just tolerance or the absence of action, it’s a Power, (it is!) and we can tap into it by trusting that God will provide the strength we need to hang in there. And like my friend Lorie said, trusting allows us to be Faithful, which is the most important thing we were are called to do! 🙂
I hope thinking about patience that way is as encouraging to you as it is to me. Stay cozy this weekend, friend. I’ll be back on Monday with apple crisp…mmmm! 🙂
Angela Boone
Layla, thank you for this post! I am in a similar situation as far as waiting goes. I’m not adopting, but earlier this year, my husband and I miscarried our second child and are now hoping and praying we can have another. Our faith is definitely being tested, but we are hoping and praying we can use the experience to strengthen our faith, and that some day, we’ll look back on these difficult days and be grateful for the Lord’s blessing.
Deborah
Angela, I was in the same situation as you a number of years ago. I miscarried at 4 months after trying to get pregnant with our second child for over a year. It was a devastating time in our lives but God was there to pull us through. With God’s help and the help and prayers of family and friends we made it through that difficult time and one year later I delivered a healthy baby boy. God has been taking care of him from the beginning and he has devoted his life to living for God and doing God’s work. My prayers are with you an rejoice in His mercy for and in you. God bless you.
Amberly
I totally feel you Angela. We started trying a year ago to conceive our second child. I told my husband the other day I no longer expect each month to “be the month” and I’m going to be so completely surprised when it finally happens. We had no trouble conceiving our first child, so this completely blind-sided us. Waiting is the most difficult place to be!!
Layla
Lifting up a special prayer for you too, Amberly! I just read the Jesus Calling passage for yesterday (December 11) and thought I would share it here:
“I am working on your behalf. Bring Me all your concerns, including your dreams. Talk with Me about everything, letting the Light of My Presence shine on your hopes and plans. Spend time allowing My Light to infuse your dreams with life, gradually transforming them into reality. This is a very practical way of collaborating with Me. I, the Creator of the universe, have deigned to co-create with you. Do not try to hurry this process. If you want to work with Me, you have to accept My time frame. Hurry is not in My nature. Abraham and Sarah had to wait many years for the fulfillment of My promise, a son. How their long wait intensified their enjoyment of this child! Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses.”
Layla
Thank you for sharing that part of your heart with us here today, Angela. I am so sorry for your loss. I am going to lift up a prayer for you right this minute, and I am sending you a big, warm hug right through this screen! You are Loved, sweet Sister. Please keep in touch. XO
Laurie
Layla, your table vignette is beautiful — so pretty and cheery for Christmas! Love the sweet photo of you two in the middle and the cheery pops of red. I love how begonias are delicate and beautiful but also hardy in the summer heat. Where did you get the “Be kind, work hard…” sign? I am praying for your wonderful family and cannot wait to see your precious little boy in your arms… he is so blessed to have you for his mama!
Kara
I was wondering the same thing about that amazing sign! Love it!! Would love to know where you got it – and what the entire thing says!
Hayley
The sign looks like one done by Susie Harris. She was at the Chapel Market and does fantastic signs. Look her up! She does Instagram sales all the time and you can find some great pieces from her!
Layla
Yep! That’s a Susie sign! 😀
Laurie
Just realized that there is another sweet little photo in front of your couple photo : )
Barbara Scheihing
The home you are making is a beautiful place for your family to grow and be nurtured. Your heart is so much more beautiful. Thank you for giving us a glimpse. I love what you quoted at the beginning…..today is my birthday and when I read it this morning, it blessed me immensely…..it was as if God was speaking directly to me…..thank you. I am praying for you all.
Ellie
Thank you.
Julia G.
Love the begonia! It’s cheery red and green is perfect on your entry table. Praying for your upcoming trip!
Kathryn
ALL things are possible with God. I was told I would never own a home with my income over and over until a minister told me that desire of the heart is God-given and all things are possible if you only believe. And so, I went into the bank to see the mortgage lady. She looked at my w2’s and said she was sorry, I would never be able to borrow money as tears fell from my eyes. But while I was there, let’s just put everything into the computer. Her jaw dropped. She said not only can I buy a house but how much would I like to borrow. That was 11 years ago and my home is paid off. Matthew 21:22
Ter'e
I loved your paragraph on PATIENCE! It’s a great one to remember……no matter what we all are waiting for. We have to remember…….we are not in control of when things will happen.
I’m trying to sell a home in FL (so we can move to KC, MO) and you and Kev are charting your new life with Sweet P. It’s all out of our control.
Remember my fav saying……..”Let go – Let God”. I try to put this first and foremost, every day!!!
Xoxo
nancy
Patience is God-given. It isn’t just tolerance or the absence of action, it’s a Power!
Love that!
Iryna
I love all the little red touches!
Lisa @ Lisas Creative Designs
So pretty Layla. Love the touches of red.
Deborah
Enjoyed seeing your table. Can hardly wait for your news. God is good and in control.
Penny
Layla,
Your home is so tasteful and looks so comforting. i can picture little Sweet Pea there absorbing it all with you and Kevin.
Your paragraph at the beginning is one that I will hold on to, thank-you for sharing it.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and my hope is that things will fall into place in the very near future……
All the best to you all…………
Penny
Dawna
Your home is beautiful! all the right amount of country, and Christmas and just HOME! Praying that all goes well with your trip to Haiti and that God’s timing will be perfect!
Izabela
This is such a hopeful post. The mix of your beautiful house, and your words of hope and faith…my family is praying for you, and for Sweet P to come home soon.
Layla
Thank you so much, sweet Izabela! I sure do appreciate your prayers, and look forward to *hopefully* sharing some good news about our upcoming trip with you soon! XO
Jane
Your home is perfectly festive! Absolutely beautiful!
Can you please tell me where you purchased your ” be kind, work hard, stay humble” sign? It would make a lovely addition to our home.
Layla
Hi Jane!
Thank you for the kind comment! 😀
The sign came from our friend, Susie Harris. You can find her here: http://www.susieharrisblog.com
hello haha narf
thank you for this reminder: “But here’s a Gift we can lean on: Patience is God-given. It isn’t just tolerance or the absence of action, it’s a Power, (it is!) and we can tap into it by trusting that God will provide the strength we need to hang in there.”
praying for you, mr. p, and your sweet p, plus all those currently involved with the care of your boy. love to you all.
Kara
AHHH the blurred out photo up there! AHHHHHH
I am praying so fervently for you all. Gosh this makes me realize JUST how hard this process is. I thought trying to get pregnant and waiting and hoping and praying for that was hard… but this! My goodness. You all are doing such amazing work, just exactly as God ordained it. And all of us who get to follow along – you are touching us in ways beyond your understanding. Thank you so much. We are here cheering you and Kevin on!! Meeting Sweet P is going to be SO SO SWEET.
Mindy
Such wonderful insight God has given you during this time of waiting/preparation – praying your time comes soon. On another note, I love begonias and apparently our daughter did too because she used to say she was going to name her daughter Begonia if she had one. So far just 3 (soon to be 4) fur babies. Still waiting for Begonia : )
Rebekah
Thank you so much for sharing. That Jesus Calling & Scriptures have been helpful for my situation as well. My husband quit his job and is unsure of what direction he would like to take his career. He is a hard-working man and already has another job offer, but we are praying for the Lord’s guidance. Being in the “not-knowing” and yet seeking God’s peace and timing are hard, but yet I know that He is guiding us ALL along the way. Thanks again for the encouraging words! Merry Christmas:)
Kate, Chic on a Shoestring Decorating
Love all of your plaid touches. Everything is super cute! Best wishes for the rest of your adoption to be quick, can’t wait to see the Sweet P’s picture! 🙂
Roxanne
Layla, I come to your blog for design inspiration, but I always leave it with so much more! I love your spirit-filled posts. Praying that God brings you closer to your dreams as soon as possible.
Anon
I am so excited for you. We waited for years before we were blessed with twins, who are now 2. I think I’m a better mother because of it. I believe you get the children that are meant for you, and sometimes it is not a journey you ever imagined. On a lighter note, I’ll be excited to see how your house changes. I think most of us here are interested in decor and DIY. My house has evolved to incorporate my children, and it’s a moving target, but a great creative challenge. There is something so comforting in adapting the house to reflect our current life.
Vicki v
Layla, what a beautiful heart you have!
Jenn @ EngineerMommy
Love the Christmas touches… so warm and welcoming!
Sunny
I appreciate the “food for thought” Layla on patience..I think if I see it as His Power working in me..I won’t feel so vunerable , I will be able to abide in the gift of patience. Liked the whole blog..said a prayer for person #2 to be willing and get this done.
Megan P
Been following your journey for a while now …I was just over on Etsy as I am prone to do and I happened to see these sweet pea ornaments and they made me think of you waiting for your Sweet Pea. If I knew where to send them, I would have bought them for you.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/85471417/natural-christmas-ornaments-pea?ref=favs_view_19
Your faith is an inspiration to me.
Pam PB
I love following your sweet journey. May the new year bring you and hubby all the sweet “P”s of life!
Kate @KateMovingForward
Beautiful words and beautiful photos! For me patience and contentment are slow lessons.