And Now You Know Why...

...you will never be the same.  

Not a single day will go by that you will look at your life a you did before.

Once your eyes caught a glimpse of your tiny baby making her way into the joy-filled hospital room...you would not, could not be the same.

Yes, your body is different...but now you know why it is simply okay.  

And now you know why God chose her first nine months to be home nestled right beneath your heart.

And why He chose the perfect spot to be cradled by your arms long before you even met.

And why her tiny ears formed early to hear your soft voice comfort her.

And now you know why and how your heart IS indeed capable of more love, more joy, more compassion and more wonder than you ever thought possible.

And now you know why your somewhat quiet world has been replaced with baby cries, late night feedings, more laundry, and the fact that you are on call now and needed 24/7 without exception and you wouldn't have it any other way!

And now you know why sometimes tears flow for no reason at all while you look down at her delicate, long fingers as they grasp your finger while rocking  her to sleep.

And now you know why mommas hear everything.  Your ears are tuned to her every whimper and move...every sneeze and hiccup and every coo and yawn.

And now you know why baby kisses were never meant to be portioned out.  They were meant to be given out in large doses...just because.

And now you know why I always said that sometimes God uses children to teach us what His heart is really like...and how He loves us unconditionally and shepherds our heart.

And now you know why...

we have prayed for this child.

Welcome Baby Adalynn

Photo credit:  Jessica Lyons Photography

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Count Your Many Blessings

Hymns.  They reach down to the deepest part of your soul.  No matter how many years it has been since you have listened to them, it seems a mere impossibility to forget the strong words of Truth and Faith.
I think every hymn is my favorite...but there are those that are my favorite.favorite!

How very easy it is to feel lost in this world...keeping track of wrongs, having lack of purpose and direction, busyness and a sense that the good days are forever gone and have regretfully been replaced with the bad days.  This is so far from the what God has for us!



When upon life's billows
You are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged,
Thinking all is lost
Count your many blessings,
Name them one by one
And it will surprise you
What the Lord has done.

Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your blessings,
See what God has done
Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings,
See what God has done.

Are you ever burdened
With a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy
You are called to bear?
Count your many blessings,
Ev'ry doubt will fly
And you will be singing
As the days go by.

When you look at others
With their lands and gold
Think that Christ has promised
You His wealth untold
Count your many blessings,
Money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven,
Nor your home on high.


So, amid the conflict,
Whether great or small
Do not be discouraged,
God is over all
Count your many blessings,
Angels will attend
Help and comfort give you
To your journey's end.

Words by:  Johnson Oatman, Jr.

I hope this encourages you today!!
If it is hard for you to list your blessings...maybe you can take a short walk around the block and talk to Jesus and ask Him to bring blessings to your mind as you hum a hymn of old.

This picture is a hint as to what is going on in our little family.  There is much more to come.

Photo Credit:  Jessica Lyons Photography

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