Adventure Awaits!

"To LIVE will be an awfully BIG ADVENTURE." Peter Pan

Life is quite the adventure, huh? Every single day brings new experiences and opportunities for adventure. Adventure is defined as "an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity." So... if you don't mind me asking, what kind of an adventure are you on? Although you may not really "feel" like you are on an "adventure" in this moment, everyone is on some type of an adventure that requires us to journey along the way as we travel through different seasons of life. Adventures are thrilling, exciting, difficult, and yes, sometimes scary. BUT... always worth it, wouldn't you agree? Because, with every adventure brings experience and from experience comes growth. 

Are you confident in your journey regardless of what adventures come your way? Trust me, I know it's hard. It's tough. It's life. BUT... What a life we could live if we truly believed that God is working ALL things for our good and His glory! Yes, ALL things... the good. the bad. the ugly. HE is aware. HE is in control. HE is GOD. Do you trust Him?

Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

I have heard this verse my entire life and heard it preached on many times, BUT if you are asking God A LOT of questions about your journey, click the link below and listen to the sermon preached this past week at our church. So grateful for His Word and how we can KNOW that He is working ALL things for our good and HIS glory.

http://harvestmemphis.org/category/media/sermons/

I was also recently encouraged by the following from Jesus Calling: 

"As you become increasingly aware of My Presence, you find it easier to discern the way you should go. This is one of the practical benefits of living close to Me. Instead of wondering about what is on the road ahead or worrying about what you should do if... or when..., you can concentrate on staying in communication with Me. When you actually arrive at a choice-point, I will show you which direction to go.

Many people are so preoccupied with future plans and decisions that they fails to see choices they need to make today. Without any conscious awareness, they make their habitual responses. People who live this way find a dullness creeping into their lives. They sleepwalk through their days, following well-worn paths of routine.

I, the Creator of the universe, am the most creative Being imaginable. I will not leave you circling in deeply rutted paths. Instead, I will lead you along fresh trails of ADVENTURE, revealing to you things you did not know. Stay in communication with Me. Follow My guiding Presence." 

In the Old Testament, God commanded Joshua to set up a memorial to remind them and future generations of what God miraculously did for them on the adventure of crossing the Jordan River.In the “Cooper Cottage” kitchen we have a large jar where we write down our different adventures throughout the year. These “adventures” come in quite the variety: surprises, goals met, little things that made a big difference, lol moments, good times, blessings, verses, and “just because" moments. These moments, big and small, are memorials for our little family for the year 2015, and on New Year’s Eve, we will read each one and remember how God has been faithful to us through the good and the bad. Our home, our “Peace Place”, itself is a memorial of something that only God could have done and is full of small reminders of God’s love and faithfulness to us. What memorials do you have in your home or have written down that remind you of God’s love and faithfulness shown to you and your family? Are these reminders discussed with your children and shared with your guests when they visit your “Peace Place”? 

We desire nothing more than for God to be glorified in our journey. And although joy is not automatic, as children of God, joy is available to us throughout the journey.

This month is National Adoption month, so for the month of November, we will be selling “Cooper Adoption” t-shirts. They are $25 and come in youth and adult sizes. To order yours, just contact me (morgan@befreerevolution.com), let me know your size, and you can pay with either cash or check. Or... you can order your's this Saturday at The Rev from 2-4:00 as we celebrate Silas and World Adoption Day! These t-shirts are not just a fundraiser, friends, but an awesome opportunity for “our village” to rock the reminder that there is “Joy in the Journey”. 

"Now unto him that is able to exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," Ephesians 3:20 

Worship in Waiting:

"Same Power" Jeremy Camp

"Fix My Eyes" for King & Country

31 Reasons & an UPDATE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY week to my hunky, hottie of a hubby! This Sunday, October 18th, we will be celebrating Jared's 31st birthday. Our journey began as two, young kids that just wanted to obey God. Most days, we still feel like those young kids. Yes, I still feel like that young 8th grade girl with a crush. I am so thankful for Jared and his sweet spirit as he is constantly speaking truth and love into my life. He is my confidence and balance as he leads our little family with such humility and grace. And... that is just a few of the reasons I love him! Sooo... here are 31 more!

1. He is a hard-worker.

2. He does the dishes.

3. He is a good example.

4. He is loyal.

5. He is honest.

6. He does the grocery shopping.

7. He is funny.

8. He is thoughtful.

9. He is reliable.

10. He is my best friend.

11. He is smart.

12. He makes me laugh.

13. He is so talented.

14. He provides for our little family.

15. He is patient.

16. He is obedient.

17. He likes my cooking.

18. He is an outstanding teacher. 

19. He listens. 

20. He is faithful.

21. He is so cute.

22. He helps fold the clothes. 

23. He gives the best hugs. 

24. He sits on my cold feet to warm them up.

25. He is kind.

26. He cleans the bathrooms.

27. He compliments my crazy hair. 

28. He writes me sweet notes

29. He surprises me. 

30. He is so handsome.

31. He is already an amazing daddy. 

I am so grateful for all of the “firsts” that Jared and I have experienced together. Our first “date” when we basically just sat beside each other when I was in the 8th grade, and he was in the 11th grade. Our wedding day when we shared many firsts… all in one day. Our first pet. Our first home. our first mission to Kenya, and NOW... our first child. I know that the best is yet to come!

Application. CHECK.
Home Study. CHECK.
Immigration. CHECK.
Dossier. ALMOST...

When we started the journey of adoption almost 9 months ago, we were told that it would be a long, unpredictable process. BUT... here we are, checking things off of the list daily knowing that each step is just one more step closer to bringing this little guy home from Haiti. According to the timeline we were given, we were expecting to submit our dossier in December. ("The term ‘dossier’ when used in the context of adoption refers to a collection of legal documents that are appropriately authenticated and translated and used in international adoption cases to process the adoption of a child in its own country by the adoptive parents. The information that is required differs by country. Normally, records to prove a family's identity, finances, health, and character are included in a dossier." US Legal & Law Definition) However, just a few weeks ago, we were contacted by our agency telling us that a few spots had opened up, and as quickly as we can get everything together for our dossier, it could hopefully be submitted earlier then expected! Whoop! Whoop! Soooo... We have been like two crazy people gathering everything and are so grateful that it is almost, YES, almost complete. After approval, our agency will submit our dossier to the Haitian government.

After our dossier is submitted, we will be waiting to be matched with our little guy, then wait for an invitation to make our first visit to meet him. Because Haiti requires two trips, we will return home after the first trip and wait for the adoption to be finalized before returning back to Haiti in order to bring this little guy home for good. The past nine months have been FULL of highs and lows, but what an incredible journey it has already been! We have definitely experienced many different emotions, and every day brings its own unique joys and challenges. Because we have experienced deep grief, we have also been able to experience true joy. Our God has taught us so much about who He is, revealing Himself to us in our sometimes pitiful pursuit of Him. We are beyond grateful for "our village" made up of friends and family around the world who continue to support us and speak truth and hope into our lives as we prepare to be parents to this special kiddo.  

Your prayers are most appreciated, friends. What a life we could live if we TRULY believed that God is working ALL things for our good and His glory. He just asks us to simply acknowledge Him and obey His Word. I am so grateful that He not only hears our prayers, BUT answers them. Please continue to pray for the following as we desire nothing more than for God to be glorified through this journey:

- God's provision as we apply for grants and fundraise the remaining $20,000 needed
- Our preparation for parenting
- Our child's spiritual, physical, and emotional health
- For those providing care to our child until he is brought home
- The people of Lifeline as they guide us through this process 

http://www.gofundme.com/cooperadoptionfund  

Worship in Waiting: (2 of the Birthday Boy's Favs) 
"My Story" Big Daddy Weave
"When God Ran" Phillips, Craig & Dean

Frappuccinos, Fall, Fed Ex, Friends, Family & Flawless

Friday, Football, Food, Fitness, Fashion, Funky, Forgiveness, Freedom, Faith... Those of you who know me, know my LOVE (well, maybe obsession) with alliteration, so this post is to update you on some Fantastic things happening! 

FRAPPUCCINOS: First of all, I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who celebrated my birthday with me last week! It was Full of all my Favorite people and things with lots of surprises along the way including the cutest headband that I received from my sweet Momma that has mini Frappuccinos on it... so Fun, right? I was completely overwhelmed and humbled by all of the love that I received from so many. Each of you mean so much to me, and I am beyond grateful to share this journey with you. Asante sana! (THANK YOU very much in Swahili) 

FALL: With the cooler temps, Fall is definitely on its way, and I can hardly wait! Fall is my absolute Favorite time of year. So to stick with my tradition of decorating the Cooper Cottage for fall the week after my birthday, the Fall-scented candles, pumpkins, and hues of brown, red, and burnt orange are Filling our Peace Place. 

FED EX: This week has been an exciting week as my hubby was able to Fed Ex adoption paperwork! Little by little, day by day, we are checking things off of the list and are a day closer to bringing our little one home. Next on the list, applying for grants and submitting our dossier to the Haitian government. Stay tune, Friends and keep praying! We still have about $15,000 to raise, lots of paperwork to fill out, and lots of waiting. BUT... Our God is so Faithful and so Full of grace. We know that He is working all things for our good and His glory! (https://www.gofundme.com/cooperadoptionfund)

FRIENDS & FAMILY: Be Free Revolution is a huge part of mine and Jared's journey; and we are humbled to be a part of the BFR Family. This week, The Rev launched their brand new website! (Check it out: http://therevmemphis.com) The Rev is an extension of BFR, and a place where you can "shop and gather for good". I am so proud of Britney and Lacey. Their heart for others and for our God is evident as they respond to His call in obedience seeking after God and His will with their whole heart. They live the lifestyle of Go. Serve. Lead. Love. with such humility and grace; and I would never be able to thank them enough for inviting me to be a part of this mission and investing their lives into mine. They are my mission-buddies, Friends that have become like Family, and 2 mommas that I want to be like "when I grow up". Hey, you 2, keep on keeping on knowing that you are called and loved by God. Remember that when action meets compassion, lives change! Friends are Family that you choose, and I am beyond grateful for Friends like you, Britney and Lacey. Nakupenda, friends. 

FLAWLESS (shoutout to Michelle Pashby and the girls of Faith Walk #68): I gave my life to Jesus at the age of 6, and as a kid, I loved when missionaries came to speak at our church. I quickly Fell in love with travel and the beauty of different cultures, and in the 8th grade, I attended a leadership conference where the mission Focus was a country in Africa. It was that weekend, at the age of 14, I prayed the “Wherever. Whatever. Whenever.” prayer and surrendered my life to Full-time ministry. I left that weekend with a poster that I hung on the wall of my room and still have today that said, “Jesus’ missions trip cost Him His life. How much are you willing to sacrifice to reach a lost world?” I also wrote on a sheet of paper “You are now entering the mission field” and placed it above my bedroom door. Yes, right above my Justin Timberlake poster hanging on the back of my door. Realizing that at 14, I would not be hopping on a plane to head across the big pond anytime soon, my parents encouraged me to Focus on my mission Field right where I was.  I remember it just like it was yesterday. Six years old and sitting on my daddy’s lap right after I asked Jesus to make me a part of His Family and Forgive me of my sins. My daddy asked me, “How do you feel?”. I remember saying, “I feel so clean inside.” From that day on, I just have desired to stay as clean as possible, which has resulted in an exhausting pursuit of perfection. I have learned and am still learning that I am held to a standard of GRACE not perfection. It is because of that grace, that as a child of God, I AM... YOU ARE... WE ARE... FLAWLESS, friends! Quick question: Is He FIRST in your life? Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek ye FIRST the Kingdom of God..." As children of God, we are without any blemishes or imperfections. Perfect. Forgiven. and Free! Let's seek Him FIRST!
  

Worship in Waiting: 

"Flawless" Mercy Me
"First" Lauren Daigle

TRUTH is... "Pretty Is Is Pretty Does"

7 states. 7 countries. 7 years of marriage celebrated. The journey of July has been full of crazy, beautiful adventures with many highs and lows; yet, from creation to culture, God continues to reveal Himself and His glory in intimate, diverse and unique ways. 

"You are wisdom unimagined. Who can understand your ways. Reigning high above the heavens. Reaching down in endless grace. You're the Lifter of the lowly. Compassionate and kind. You surround and You uphold me. Your promises are my delight. Your plans are still to prosper. You have not forgotten us. Your with us in the fire and the flood. Faithful forever. Perfect in love. You are sovereign over us."

Although joy is available throughout any journey, it is not automatic. The last few weeks have consisted of some of the darkest days of my life. Wanting so hard to find joy in the midst of confusion, frustration, and miscommunication, I found myself feeling empty and very much alone although constantly surrounded by so much love and support. After so many tears and prayers, God brought a precious person into my path to speak truth into my life. She encouraged me to write down the lies that I was believing, then use Truth to combat those lies. This concept did not change my circumstances; however, the Truth of Scripture changed my perspective and radically transformed my thought process. I realized that my spirit was starving for Truth, and when fed Scripture, my soul was satisfied and free.

I shared this concept while visiting with the teen girls at Wings of Life School in Kibera slum in Kenya, and my heart was completely overwhelmed as we listed the lies we sometimes believe, then we began to work down the list one by one, battling each with many verses of Scripture. "For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires." Hebrews 4:12

Below is a portion from my list of lies that represent the many different journeys that I am on - spiritual, physical, mental, emotional. Body image and social issues are a daily struggle for me. Working out like a crazy person and wanting to be liked by everyone is absolutely, completely exhausting. No journey is meant to be traveled alone, so whether it is a discipleship group, workout buddy, counselor, spouse, family member, or friend, allow accountability to be the key to living a life built on a foundation of TRUTH.     

I am not pretty, skinny, or smart enough. And... this hair, really?  

Psalm 139:13-18

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body

    and knit me together in my mother’s womb.

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!

    Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,

    as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.

You saw me before I was born.

    Every day of my life was recorded in your book.

Every moment was laid out

    before a single day had passed.

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.

    They cannot be numbered!

I can’t even count them;

    they outnumber the grains of sand!

And when I wake up,

    you are still with me!"

Everyone thinks that I am just a "goody 2 shoes".

Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father."

Galatians 6:9-10 "So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith."

My job is to please everybody and make everyone happy.

Galatians 1:10 "Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant."

I cannot mess up = Pressure of Perfection

2 Corinthians 12:9 "Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me."

Because I am Positive Perky Planning Patty and always "half-full", I am not allowed to struggle or have a bad day.
James 1:2-4 "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

Infertility = Punishment

Psalm 84:11 "For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right."

I am learning that it is ok to not be ok, and it is in these moments that freedom and true joy can be found. Temporary happiness may be found in a number on the scale or in a social circle, but only joy can be found in the eternal power of the Holy Spirit revealed to us through the Truth of God's Word. And just like Grandmother always said anyways, "Pretty is is pretty does."

Adoption Update: Please pray that our home study will be completed very soon so that we can submit our dossier to the Haitian government. There have been many changes in our agency and the Haiti program which has slowed the process down a bit, so pray for patience knowing that God's timing is perfect. Your prayers are most appreciated. Also, please continue to pray for the following as we desire nothing more than for God to be glorified through this journey:
- God's provision
- Our preparation for parenting
- Our child's spiritual, physical, and emotional health
- For those providing care to our child until he is brought home
- The people of Lifeline as they guide us through this process 

http://www.gofundme.com/cooperadoptionfund  

Worship in Waiting:
"Exhale" Plumb
"Touch the Sky" Hillsong United

"Fatherfull" - from the Daddy to Be

 It’s Father’s Day, and I cannot help but sit here and ponder how blessed I am. I have been blessed with many people that have molded and shaped me into the man I am today, but especially all of my “fathers.” I have to start, of course, with my Dad. I share his name (Phillip), and I am carrying on his hairline. Morgan reminds me often that I display many of his mannerisms. Don’t get me wrong... I am proud of all that, but I most strive to exemplify his walk with the Lord. This rambunctious kid was always running through the house playing, and invariably I would stumble into my parent’s room to find my Dad on his knees. I knew that I wasn’t supposed to disturb him, and I knew that he was praying for me. Thank you, Dad, for living a life of faithful service to God and our family and pointing me to my heavenly Father.

And then there’s Big Daddy, my Daddy-in-law. He is always telling people that he couldn’t find two better sons-in-law for his girls if he searched the world over. I know I can speak for Zach, but the truth is, we couldn’t have found a better daddy-in-law in the entire world! Sure, on the outside, he looks like Godwin from Duck Dynasty, but deep down, he’s a big “softie” with the most generous heart. I don’t take lightly everything that he’s done for me, and I’m most thankful for the wonderful girl that he raised. Thank you, Big Daddy, for showing Christ through your sacrificial heart and pointing me to Him.

Even though he’s more like my big brother, I do have to give a shout-out to my “father-figure” in Delaware. You know who you are. You have taught me so much over the years. I’ve watched you like a hawk, and I’ve always wanted to be like you because your life preaches so much more than your mouth ever could. I’m blessed to call you my friend. I love ya, man!

As you can see, I am blessed way beyond what I deserve. This is because of the most wonderful DADDY that anyone can have, my heavenly Father. He has been so gracious to me in my life. If it were not for Him, none of these wonderful men would be a part of my life. Like Levi and Lia in this video, I truly am “Fatherfull!” Check out this video to see "Fatherful" defined in two, little lives that were once "fatherless": https://www.facebook.com/persecuted/videos/10153582868432454/?pnref=story

I cannot imagine what it is like for so many children throughout this world to not know the love of a father. It breaks my heart to think that many of them may not even know that they are loved by a heavenly Father. I am thankful to God that He has allowed us to minister to young people both locally and globally. As I ponder fatherhood this Father’s Day, I am both excited and scared out of my mind! Lord willing, it will be next year sometime when we will be able to make our first trip to see our little one(s). I desire to continue the legacy of my “fathers” by living and sharing with our children the love of Christ and pointing them to the best Father of all. With Him, everyone is “Fatherfull!”

Romans 8:15-18, "...but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba, Father!" The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow ears with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us."

Thank you to everyone that has prayed for us and supported us financially in completing our puzzle. We are one step closer to bringing our baby (or babies) home from Haiti! Happy Father's Day! 

Worship in Waiting: 

"So Far to Find You" Casting Crowns

"Courageous" Casting Crowns

Feeling Down? Look Around.

Well... HI friends...It has been a while, huh? Summer is here, and the Coopers are enjoying some extra time together since school is out. We have been very busy with our home study and are so grateful that it is almost, YES, almost complete. Next, we will submit our dossier to the Haitian government: "The term ‘dossier’ when used in the context of adoption refers to a collection of legal documents that are appropriately authenticated and translated and used in international adoption cases to process the adoption of a child in its own country by the adoptive parents. The information that is required differs by country. Normally, records to prove a family's identity, finances, health, and character are included in a dossier." (US Legal & Law Definition) 

After our dossier is submitted, we will be waiting to be matched with our baby (or babies), then wait for an invitation to make our first visit to meet our kiddos. The past six months have been FULL of highs and lows, but what an incredible journey it has already been! We have definitely experienced many different emotions, and every day brings its own unique joys and challenges. BUT... there have been two things that have been constant: OUR GOD and HIS PEOPLE.

OUR GOD is so very faithful, good, right, and He loves us so much. He continues to reveal Himself in such unique, powerful, and intimate ways. We have made our little one's closet a place of prayer and praise, and it has become a special place to experience true, sweet peace that can only be found in God's presence. Philippians 4:6-7 "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." 

HIS PEOPLE have loved, supported, and prayed for us. You know who you are... Those of you that have texted, called, hugged, supported, laughed and cried with us. God, in His sovereignty, has used so many to encourage us and join us on this incredible journey. Our baby (or babies) have no idea how much they are loved! Your love and support will show our little ones that they are loved by so MANY... MORE than they could ever imagine, but MOST by our God. THANK YOU for allowing God to use you to speak life into us. Galatians 6:2 "Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ."

When I am feeling down, all I have to do is look around. Our God is working in our waiting through His People. 

Our God. His People... Give us JOY in the Journey! 

PUZZLE UPDATE: 443 pieces sponsored. 138 families. 16 states. 57 to go!!! 

http://www.gofundme.com/cooperadoptionfund

Worship in Waiting:

"The Real Me" Natalie Grant

"Glorious Unfolding" Steven Curtis Chapman

What the Last Week has "MINT" to Me

Spring is here and everything MINT is what this girl is into! From my favorite MINT Papers of Peace necklace, my MINT toenails, my favorite pair of "stretchy pants" with mini MINT stripes, Moroccan MINT hot tea, MINT gum, MINT chocolate chip ice cream, pepperMINT oil, MINT chapstick, to my 10 year old MINT house shoes - MINT is just a little, simple thing that has brought so much joy the past week. Clean. Calm. Cool. Refreshing. Energizing...  My fetish with MINT in the recent days has nothing really to do with anything, other than being grateful for the joy found in simplicity. 

This past week, April 19th-25th was National Infertility Awareness Week and has "mint" something very special to me. The purpose of this blog is to share our journey with those of you who continue to be a constant source of encouragement and support to Jared and I. 1 out of 8 couples will experience infertility, and we are 1 or those 1s.

Obviously being the "1 out of 8" was not part of "our plan" - especially not "Positive Perky Planning Patty's" plan (for those of you who know me well). "Our Plan" was simple: "Have 2. Adopt 2." But now, after over 5 years of not preventing pregnancy, we have decided that maybe...just maybe...God's plan for our family is simply: "Adopt 2. Have 2." And... if not, our God is always good. Our God is always right. Our God is always faithful. Our God is able.

Adoption was never "Plan B" for us. It was always a part of our "Plan A", and we knew even before we were married that adoption would be a part of our journey. There have been many days that we did not even know how to pray. Knowing that our God sees us and knows our desire for a child, we allowed Scripture to speak hope and the Spirit of God to bring peace in what seems many times like a helpless, desperate, and painful situation. If that's you in your journey... Keep praying. Keep trusting. Be still. Create an atmosphere where you are invited into the presence of God. Rest in His peace. His Spirit intercedes for you. Romans 8:26 says, "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness for we we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."

So many people assume that we are unable to biologically have children, because we are adopting. But... that is not the case. According to tests that have been done, there is no "reason" that we cannot biologically have children. So here is just a thought: Is it possible that God just may be preventing pregnancy in order to bring a little one (or ones) all the way from Haiti to be a part of our family? What a life we could live if we TRULY believed that God is working ALL things for our good and His glory. He just asks us to simply acknowledge Him and obey His Word. 

Sovereign Over Us

There is strength within the sorrow, There is beauty in our tears

You meet us in our mourning, With a love that casts out fear

You are working in our waiting, Sanctifying us

When beyond our understanding, You're teaching us to trust

Your plans are still to prosper, You have not forgotten us

You're with us in the fire and the flood

Faithful forever, Perfect in love

You are sovereign over us 

You are wisdom unimagined, Who could understand your ways

Reigning high above the heavens, Reaching down in endless grace

You're the Lifter of the lowly, Compassionate and kind

You surround and You uphold me, Your promises are my delight

Even what the enemy means for evil

You turn it for our good, You turn it for our good and for your glory

Even in the valley You are faithful

You're working for our good, You're working for our good and for Your glory

Although adoption was not "Plan B" for our family, we ARE "Plan B" for this baby in Haiti. "Plan A" for this baby would be for this child to grow up with their biological family in the country and culture they were born. We are not the heroes in this story... Not. At. All. We are not even "Plan B" or even "Plan C" for this child that will grieve their biological parents, their country, their identity. James 1:27, "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." 

Our journey is not and never will be "glamorous" and will probably never look as what our culture would consider "normal". However, no one's journey is normal really, because no one is perfect. And, is it just me, or is perfect kinda... well... boring? This journey has definitely been far from boring and most days quite difficult, but as children of God, joy is available to us although not automatic. We did not choose adoption. Adoption chose us, and we must respond in obedience knowing that His grace is sufficient. We desire for humility to be the theme of our journey as we choose joy. Because we are children of God, we are the rescued ones not our babies.   

Our Father redeemed us and rescued us to make us children of God! He loves us. He understands us. He provides for us. He forgives us. He disciplines us. He leads us. He is our Father! Romans 8:14-17 says, "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God''s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father." For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering."

May I share something with you that is so intimate, overwhelmingly freeing, humbling, and unbelievably powerful that I can barely even continue to type? I am truly grateful to be 1 of the "1 out of 8". My Father has taught me so much about Him and His heart on this journey as He chooses to continue to reveal Himself to me even in my sad, pitiful attempt to pursue Him. He is sovereign, and His plan is perfect. Whatever journey you are on, be confident in who God is and that His plan is perfect. He is sovereign. He is always good. He is always right. He is always faithful, and He is our Father. You are chosen. As a child of God, you are adopted! 

Puzzle Update: 270 out of 500 pieces have been sponsored. We are so overwhelmed, humbled, and grateful to so many for their generosity. Over 90 families representing 10 different states have joined us on this journey. Continue to pray for us as we are currently in the home study process. Pray for efficiency and endurance. Pray for our little one or ones in Haiti. Pray for their safety, health, and little hearts to be protected throughout this process. Thank you to all of you who have joined us in this incredible journey of God growing our family through adoption.

Click here to sponsor a puzzle piece: http://www.gofundme.com/cooperadoptionfund 

Worship in Waiting:

"Sovereign Over Us" Aaron Keyes

"Children of God" Third Day