Sunday, June 17, 2012

A dad who chose to be.

My dad wasn't there when I was born. In fact, I didn't meet him until 2 years later when he married my mom. But that doesn't mean he's not my dad. He's more of a dad than some biological fathers are. And he's so special to me- because he chose to be my father.
I am forever grateful that in October of 1995 he adopted me and chose to have me as his little girl. He always acted like I was his anyway, but that just made it official.
I used to get really upset that other people had their biological father and I didn't. But now I am so thankful because I know my dad was there for me because he wanted to be. Because he chose me.
Happy fathers day to a dad who truly changed the way I see the world and who gave my mom and I a life I am so grateful for.
I love you dad!
-Lace

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Count your many blessings...

... see what God has done!

Sometimes I can't believe the way life works out. Sometimes I wonder "why do I get to be so lucky?" I see people suffering every day at work. People with health problems, financial problems, relationship problems. And I just feel so blessed. God has provided above and beyond what we could imagine. I don't understand why some people have so much suffering and others don't. But I feel like he just continues to bless us. Even in the midst of all our sin. I have always clung to Romans 8:28 and believe whole heartedly that all things work together for those who love the Lord. I don't think that means that everything that happens to a believer will always be good, but that it will work for good. It will ultimately accomplish a good purpose.

I look back at our lives and just see God's hand at work. From the time I started ETBU and God drew me away from A&M as I reluctantly kicked and screamed the whole way.. to being at ETBU and getting an incredible experience of interning with a missions organization, and eventually meeting my husband. None of which would have happened if I were at A&M. I think about how there's no way in you-know-where that I should have gotten accepted to PA school because I didn't have a lick of experience, barely had my prerequisites. And I did. I think about how I didn't know if I could pass, but I did with flying colors. I think about how I felt like I couldn't make it without my husband by my side but we made it while he was in Arkansas- and we are stronger for it. I think about how God ordained that move for us- how our house sold in record time, which was only by His grace. I think about recently how we weren't happy or fulfilled where we were and I prayed that something would change. Jacob came home a few days later and said he would probably be getting a transfer. He did, and we ended up getting to move back home to our families and away from the city. I think of how our house sold- in 1 week! We had 3 offers! I think of how we actually had to pay to sell our house because we hadn't been in it long enough, and then we got a check in the mail a week later from our escrow account for almost the exact same amount we paid at closing.  Now tell me that's not God at work! We came back home and miraculously there was a perfect rent house just near my parents so I wouldn't be alone when Jake was gone. We sold our house, both started new jobs, found a rent house, and found some land to buy within like 2 weeks! Unbelievable. I think of how I love my job, and I wasn't sure I would ever find that.

That's the short version- God has had his hand in our lives and sometimes I just can't believe how richly we have been blessed. I'm just thankful.

I'm also thankful that my jake showed up at home last night when he wasn't supposed to be there for another week! I was so surprised! And I am so thankful for him too :)

I feel so blessed and I know this is a post of ramblings, but sometimes I just need to remind myself how much I have to be truly thankful for. Because I know there will be a day when we will suffer and things will not seem so fantastic. And that's when I will need this reminder that God is here, everyday. He does not leave us, and He works all things together for good.

Lace