Keep Praying, Please: An Adoption Update

October 27, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Believe it or not, I haven’t been forgetting to update you about our daughter Kristin and son-in-law Shawn’s adoption efforts. I’ve just been waiting for the next big step in the process to get here. And praise be to God, it’s finally here!

Back in June, I asked you to pray (and keep on praying!) for Kristin and Shawn as they began pursuing adoption. Since then, they—and we—have found out what an indepth and lengthy process it is to be approved as adoptive parents by an adoption agency. I’m sure this is a necessary and good thing for the babies, but it can sure be frustrating and emotionally draining for adoptive parents and those of us who love them.

But now, the first big wait is over. Kristin and Shawn have been officially approved by their adoption agency! This means that a woman who wants to give her baby a better life will now have the chance to allow Kristin and Shawn to be her baby’s parents!

As you can imagine, our whole family is excited :) Parenthood for Kristin and Shawn (and grandparenthood for us!) feels within reach now, but we also realize that we could easily be on the front side of another long wait. So once again we have to trust God and know that his timing is perfect.

The long road getting to this point has definitely taught Kristin and Shawn—and us, too—some lessons about waiting and trusting in God. I think I can safely speak for all of us when I say we’re tired of learning lessons now, though, and are ready to move on to the blessing :)

If there are more lessons to be learned through this experience, however, before the blessing comes, it’s a comfort to know that our Lord will be right by our sides, walking with us each step of the way and even carrying us when needed.

One of the ways God carries any of us is through the prayers of others, so will you please continue to pray for Kristin and Shawn (and for us)—and also for the birth mother and for the sweet baby who will one day join our family?

I appreciate each of you so much. Thank you for praying!

“On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on ourbehalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” 2 Corinthians 1:10b-11

*By the way, I do know there are blessings even in the midst of lesson-learning. We’re waiting for one blessing in particular, though :)

*Photo by Kristin (as you can probably tell from her outstretched arm! :) )

**The Life Notes Subscriber Appreciation Giveaway is still underway. Details are in my Oct. 17 post and sign-up is to the right. Don’t miss out on the chance to win a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble!

Filed Under: challenge, dream, family, perseverance, prayer, wait

Abandoned

September 12, 2012 by 4 Comments

Remember the robin who stayed focused and built her nest in spite of my interloping presence? I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but something went wrong.

I’m not sure what happened. She faithfully sat on her eggs during the height of the heat wave. She watched over her nest and tongue-lashed other birds who came too close. When she wasn’t in the nest, she never seemed far away or gone for long.

When we left for vacation, I wondered if the sound of baby birds would greet us on our return. But no—no cheep-cheep-cheeps could be heard. No little upturned beaks gaped wide for a meal from momma.

Instead, momma bird was there, still faithfully sitting on the nest, still panting through the heat. I was glad I’d be on hand for the hatching. Glad I’d get to witness the birth of new life.

But one morning a few days after our return, the momma bird wasn’t in her nest. I thought it odd but not too unusual. When I checked that evening, again she was gone.

The next day the empty nest met me once more as I made my rounds. Now I feared something was indeed wrong. No sight of the momma bird in the days that followed confirmed my suspicions. The nest had been abandoned.

What would cause such a faithful and focused momma to walk away—or fly away, as in this case? More than likely, something happened to the eggs. I don’t know anything about the viability of birds’ eggs, but I suspect the unrelenting heat was the culprit. What a disappointment—for the momma bird and for me as well.

Poor momma bird. I wonder how long past the normal time she waited, hoping to see her babies pecking their way out into the world. I wonder how many hot days she soldiered through, doing all in her power to succeed. I wonder how she knew it was time to move on.

Some of us have had plans and projects that didn’t work out. A few of us may be in the midst of one right now. We’ve worked faithfully and done all we know to do. We’ve kept trying, and we’ve waited—and then waited some more. We finally reach a point when we know it’s over, when we know it’s time to move on.

Our hearts, heavy with the disappointment of an unfulfilled dream, sometimes want to cling to the pain and nurse our wounds. And that’s okay for a time. But like the momma bird, we need to abandon the dashed plans and move forward to what life has to offer now.

We’ll certainly learn from the experience and grow stronger, but for now—for today—it’s time to lift our eyes to the future and fly away.

“I lift my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

*Have you ever had to fly away from one of your hopes or dreams? Did a future blessing await you?

Filed Under: disappointment, dream, focus, hope, nature, wait

Waiting to be Discovered

September 5, 2012 by 10 Comments

My dear friend Teri, knowing that I’d developed an interest in birds this summer— thanks to my desire to use my camera—got me a bird feeder for my birthday in August.Of course, she included a songbird blend of food and also a bird guidebook. Yes, she’s one of those friends who doesn’t miss a beat.

Within days, I had the bird feeder up and filled with food. I even bought a special pole to hang it on in the backyard. I positioned it not too far from the birdbath and also made sure I could see it from my back porch steps. I was all set. Couldn’t wait to see the flurry of beautiful birds that would visit my yard now.

Fast forward a few weeks and my bird feeder still waits to be discovered. I’ve glanced out my office window and looked out my back door several times each day, and only once have I seen a bird come close to it. The tiny sparrow flew away before it landed, almost as if it was afraid to try it.

I’ve done my part. The feeder is filled with food and is even located near a water source. It’s all prepped and available, just waiting for a taker, just waiting to be discovered. Once that happens, the news will probably quickly spread by word of mouth—or should I say by tweet of beak? :)

I wonder if the Lord feels the same way I do as he waits for us to discover the provision he’s made for our spiritual nourishment. He’s given us his Word. He’s inspired and equipped preachers, teachers, and writers to offer sermons, Bible studies, and other spiritual food. He’s done his part and made the feast available.

Yes, I think God longs to see us fly to his Word—to his truths—and to partake of all that he’s given. He waits for each of us to discover his provision.

Let’s not be like the birds who come close but go on their way unfed. Instead, let’s be the ones who discover the treasure of nourishment. Let’s be the ones to share the good news!

“The ordinances of the LORD . . . are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.”  Psalm 19:9b-10

*Before I finished writing this post, the bird feeder was finally discovered! Success! :)

Filed Under: nature, preparation, provision, wait, Word of God

Pray, Please — Our Kids Are Pursuing Adoption!

June 17, 2012 by 16 Comments

Big things are afoot in our family. I’m coming closer to being a grandma! That’s right—Kristin and Shawn have decided to adopt! Can you tell I’m a little excited? :)

In fact, we’re all excited. And if truth be told, we’re a little nervous, too. We know the next few months might hold some unexpected twists and turns, and the unknown can be a little scary. This is definitely an opportunity for all of us to keep our eyes on the Lord and trust him each step of the way.

Would you please pray for Kristin and Shawn—and us!—as we wait for the Lord’s plan to unfold? We know he has good things in store, but the ride could be a little bumpy getting there. We need your prayers, please!

Thanks so much for lifting this need to our Father over the next few months. Can’t wait to share the exciting news of our grandchild!! :)

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17

*Note: I changed the title of my blog to more accurately reflect my tagline and brand. If you have my link listed on your blogroll, would you please change it to read simply “Cheryl Barker”? Thanks!

Filed Under: family, hope, new thing, prayer, wait

Waiting Rewarded

May 30, 2012 by 15 Comments
 

Several weeks ago I did battle with myself in the purse department at Macy’s. No blood was shed, but the struggle was intense.

I mentally debated the pros and cons of purchasing my perfect find and modeled it in a mirror at least a dozen times, but in the end, I put it back on the shelf. It wasn’t on sale. And there was no way I could bring myself to purchase it at full price. Talk about frustration.

For the past couple of months, I’d been on a quest—one I also undertook last year—to find a black and white purse to carry during the spring and summer months. Since black coordinates well with most of my wardrobe, I wanted to keep that color, but I also wanted something to lighten up my look—something that looked more summery. White would do the trick.

Not only was I on the hunt for that particular color combination, but size was a factor as well. Physically, I can’t carry big purses, but I also don’t want anything too small. On top of that, I need a purse with at least a two sections and some pockets for organization. I’m afraid I’d lose what little mind I have left if I had to rifle through one big abyss every time I needed to find my lipstick.

So, when I spotted the answer to my prayers perched attractively on that Macy’s shelf, I almost broke out into a victory dance. But before jumping into full celebration mode, I decided to check the price tag. Oh, my goodness. All I can say is good grief, dang, and why me?

Even though it was disheartening to have to walk away, I would have been even more miserable if I’d overspent in a moment of shopping desperation. Showing restraint was the right call. I’d just have to hope the purse would still be there and go on sale during one of my subsequent trips to the city.

Fast forward a month. My friend Teri had given me a great coupon for Macy’s so into the store I marched with coupon in hand, hoping against hope that my dream purse would be on sale, sitting on the shelf waiting for me to clutch it to my bosom in sweet relief. And you know what? My dreams came true! Not only was the purse nearly 50% off, the clerk allowed me to use the coupon as well. Score!!

I believe more that luck was involved, though. I think God had a hand in my good fortune that day. Not only does he care about the things that concern us, but he loves to bless us—just like we love to bless our kids. He rewarded my patience and self-restraint and provided for me at just the right time. Hmmm . . . that somehow sounds familiar.

Yes, he’s taught me that lesson now a time or two . . . or maybe ten. I hope I remember it next time I do battle in a Macy’s aisle. More than that, I hope I remember it day in and day out, as I make decisions either to rush ahead or wait on God.

So what do you say? Next time we find ourselves in a battle with ourselves, let’s show restraint. Let’s practice patience. Let’s trust God to provide for us at just the right time.

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14

*How has the Lord rewarded a time of waiting in your life?

*By popular demand, I’ve added a link to a photo of the purse :) http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/giani-bernini-handbag-swagger-satchel?ID=702734&CategoryID=54507#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D88%26ruleId%3D52%26slotId%3D4

*Flickr photo at top of post by kelsey_lovefusionphoto

Filed Under: celebrate, frustration, hope, provision, trust, wait
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