Never. Forget.

As I sit snuggled in my favorite Alabama sweatshirt, a hot cup of creamer with a bit of coffee, my pup curled up beside me, the sunlight bringing the Cooper Cottage to life while also exposing a bit of dust in quite a few places, missing my hubby while he is away at work and counting down the hours until he comes through the door, I am quite distracted by a picture of a beautiful baby boy with big eyes and a sweet, sweet, sweet smile. As I look at his picture while surrounded by “stones of remembrance” throughout our “Peace Place”, I hear the sweet Spirit of my God say to my soul, “Never forget”. 

Never forget.  

Never forget those dark days full of questions, doubts, fear, anxiety, brokenness, loneliness, shame, guilt, jealousy, anger. Never forget how words said to you, though unintentional, still hurt. Never forget the lies that were believed. Never forget the tears and the 2:00 A.M. voices in your head. Never forget. 

But… REMEMBER.

My Heavenly Father was and remains WITH ME. He is sovereign over ALL things. His ways are greater. He works ALL things for my good and for His glory. He sees me and intimately pursues me. He is able and always faithful. He is my peace, the Giver of grace. He is my hope and my ultimate and only answer. He is where I find complete fulfillment and ultimate JOY. 

REMEMBER… Because His Spirit lives within me. Because His love never fails. And because His Word is alive.

REMEMBER… 

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers[a] in harmony with God’s own will.” Romans 8:26-27

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25

“The Lord is my strength and my shield.” Psalm 28:7

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:26

“Don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.” Philippians 4:6-8

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not onto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“You are beautiful for you are fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14

“Be strong. Be Brave. Be fearless. You are never alone.” Joshua 1:9

“Mightier than the waves of the sea is His love for you.” Psalm 93:4

“Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created.” Esther 4:14

“And in Christ you have been brought to fullness.” Colossians 2:10

“Declare over yourself: ‘God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.’” 2 Timothy 1:7

“For I know the plans I have for you.” Jeremiah 29:11

“The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

“I will never leave you or forsake you.” Joshua 1:5

“You are altogether beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way.” Song of Solomon 4:7   

As I glance back over to the picture of our "gift of grace", our beautiful baby boy with his big, dark eyes smiling back at me, I am humbled how God has used his little life to already teach me so much about Him and His heart. ONLY. OUR. GOD. can take our sorrow and turn it into a song - a song of gratitude for what He has done as a result of the darkest of days.  

We continue on this incredible, messy, scary, beautiful journey of adoption each day singing our song… OUT. LOUD… along with “our village” - a tribe of over 500 people from 28 different states and 5 countries! THANK YOU to everyone who has had a part in bringing our little loves home. MUCH progress has been made in a very short amount of time, and we are daily checking things off of the list and are looking forward to the countdown to Colombia... then, Haiti! You are SO loved, little Valentines! 

Never. Forget. 

But… Remember.

Respond... in gratitude and worship. 

Then, join with others on their journey and together, sing OUT LOUD the songs that were written in the secret places of sorrow or shame by a God that restores, rescues and redeems.

"...that's what love does. It pursues blindly, unflinchingly and without end." - Love Does

Worship in Waiting:
"We Dance" Bethel
"Priceless" For King and Country

Our "Red Sea Road"

"Sweet Morgan, stop asking God for babies and start thanking Him for your babies. It is done. He has heard your prayers, and He will answer them. "... Words from a beautiful soul, advice given to me from a dear family member right after my PawPaw went to be with Jesus. This was just about three weeks ago now, friends. My PawPaw was one of the hardest working men I have ever known. He was not just a good man, but a Godly man. I thought my daddy said it best when boldly speaking at my PawPaw's funeral. He said, "Man of God" is the description given to a man who follows God in every way, who obeys His commands with joy, who does not live for the things of this life, but for the things of eternity, who willingly serves His God in giving freely of all the resources, yet gladly suffers as a consequence of his faith. Perhaps Micah 6:8 sums up the "Man of God" in one verse, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." After days of watching the reality of eternity unfold right before my eyes, feeling the presence of God so intensely and realizing more than ever the importance of loving and serving those around you well, my drive back to Memphis was a sweet time of gratitude and worship that also resulted in a phone call from our social worker right as I pulled into our driveway. 

Her words. Goodness... Every. Single. One. I couldn't believe what she was saying. After praying for babies for almost six years now, honestly, it seems that we have somehow settled into the "weight of the wait". The conversation resulted in a variety of conflicting emotions. Emotions that we thought we had experienced before, but nope, friends, not like this. These emotions from deep, deep, deep within resulted in only two words able to be spoken over and over again: THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. 

Because... ONLY. OUR. GOD.

We are beyond excited and humbled to announce that we are officially in a concurrent international adoption process with HAITI and COLOMBIA! While waiting on an official referral from Haiti, we are also pursuing with MUCH urgency a little guy in Colombia. Because of his special needs, this process has the potential to move very quickly. Much progress has already been made in just the past few weeks, and we are needing our village to come together in order to get this little guy home before eventually heading to Haiti to meet his brother or sister. We are truly humbled and honored to have the privilege of stewarding these sweet souls, that they may experience the glory and unconditional love of our Heavenly Father who knit them together, fearfully and wonderfully. He has always known them and sees them even now. He is sovereign over their little lives as He orchestrates all things for their good and His glory. 

Sweet babies, You were wished for, longed for, prayed for and wanted. And as Paul loved the church of Corinth as his very own children, 2 Corinthians 12:15 says, "I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you." You, our little loves, are our JOY in this journey. 

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

You have chosen to join us on this journey and because of that, we continue to be truly grateful and humbled by the love and support shown for our little family. Your continued prayers are most appreciated as we desire nothing more than for God to be glorified through this journey. Please be in prayer for the following:

- Our preparation for parenting

- Our kiddo's spiritual, physical, and emotional health 

- For those in Haiti and Colombia caring for our kiddos

- God's provision. We are taking a huge step of faith, knowing that our God is able. Please prayerfully consider helping support us financially. You can make a donation by going to https://www.gofundme.com/cooperadoptionfund or https://www.purecharity.com/cooper-babies-adoption-fund in order for your gift to be tax deductible. 

"We will sing to our souls. We won't bury our hope. Where He leads us to go, there's a Red Sea Road. When we can't see the way, He will part the waves. And we'll never walk alone down this Red Sea Road." 

Worship in Waiting:  

"Red Sea Road" Ellie Holcomb
"Wonderfully Made" Ellie Holcomb

The "Not So Much of an Update" Update

Fall has finally arrived in Memphis, friends! Well, I think so anyways… And although it seems to have taken its time, I’m hopeful that the “boot weather” is here to stay. Like so many, fall is my absolute favorite time of year and when asked my favorite color, I simply say… “fall”. Our nest just always seems extra cozy and coordinated this time of year… says the girl with the red kitchen, burnt orange hallway, olive green bathrooms and mocha brown bedrooms full of mustard yellow accents. However, in just a few days all things pumpkin will become all things peppermint in the Cooper Cottage, and although I truly enjoy the “most wonderful time of the year”, I’m sad to see the pumpkins go. But, every day, every month, every season is just one moment closer to bringing our little love home. With November being National Adoption Month and the holidays just around the corner, I wanted to take some time to update our village. 

1 year. 11 months. 500 puzzle pieces. 150 t-shirts. 900 bracelets. 20 blogposts. A tribe of over 500 people from 28 different states and 4 countries. What seems like over a million pieces of paper. And here we are… with “not so much of an update” update. We continue to be so overwhelmed and humbled by the generosity, love and support shown for our little family, and we are beyond grateful that so many have joined us on this incredible, scary, messy, beautiful journey. We are currently waiting on an official referral. In July, we were told that we had been “softly matched”, but it has not been made official since Haiti is now transitioning after becoming a Hague country in 2014. We understand that like us, our village has so many questions, and we always, always, always want you to feel free to ask, and please, keep asking. Although we sometimes struggle with feeling discouraged after giving the same responses… “We are still waiting”, “One day closer”, “Praying it will be soon”, with every question asked, we hear His Spirit say, “You are not forgotten. Your child is known. Your child is loved and prayed for by so many.” We desire to be good stewards of this season by becoming as educated about adoption and the process as possible and by educating others as well. God is also teaching us so much as we trust His Word and His heart as He continues to work ALL things for our good and His glory.

So while we wait, I have the amazing privilege to teach a few days a week at our church’s preschool. A few weeks ago while on my way to school, I noticed something unique. Along the side of the two lane road is a row of pine trees for about half of a mile. They are grand and green… well, except for this one smaller tree that happens to not be an evergreen like the rest. This tree’s leaves are bold and shine bright with all of the favorite colors of fall. You would never know that this tree’s leaves were actually dying, because they are beautiful, but again, this tree is so different than the rest. So, after I passed, it happened. Our Creator did what He does, friends. He showed up in the small and quiet. I know I’m not the only one, because I talk to friends every day who are in a season of waiting, a season of uncertainty, a season of change, a season of hurt. I sometimes, well most days, feel like that tree, wanting my story to look like everyone else’s and yes, sometimes, I feel like I’m dying on the inside. BUT… it has been the past 5 years of infertility and these days of waiting that have resulted in a lush, bold, bright, beautiful relationship with my Creator. I am also learning that there is such freedom and grace in transparency among God’s people. He created us to show our “true colors”, friends. That two lane road is now my favorite part of my drive, my reminder from my Creator to embrace this season, because He is creating something new within me - something that is beautiful and honestly, cannot even be explained other than my Creator was, is and always will be… GOOD. 

Below is a recent update we received from our agency as well as a few other resources that we wanted to share with our tribe.  

From Lifeline Children’s Services: “As many of you know, there has been a lot of transition happening in Haiti since they officially became a Hague country in 2014. We are grateful that IBESR has made clear their desire to serve the best interest of the children of Haiti that are in need of forever families. As IBESR has sought out the best way to insure that adoptions are done in alignment with Hague regulation, there has been a shift in the way that they are choosing to match children with adoptive families. In the past, under the old law, we (Lifeline) were able to propose specific matches for families to IBESR. Now, under the new law, IBESR is the entity with complete control over the matching procedure, and they are not giving US agencies the same leverage in the matching process. In other news, the passport office in Haiti has made the announcement that they are out of passport booklets, which has caused delay for families who are waiting on their child’s passport in order to begin their final file review at the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince. The good news is that the US Embassy made an announcement that they are, at this time, allowing families’ files to be submitted to the US Embassy for their final file review, as long as all the adoption paperwork (with the exception of the child’s passport) is present. This is great news for these families as it allows the US Embassy to be working on something, while we are waiting on the passport booklets. At this point, there has only been hearsay in regards to when the new booklets will arrive, but we are praying that this happens sooner rather than later. We will keep you all in the loop on this as we receive further updates from Haiti.”

*There is a documentary on Netflix called “STUCK” that we highly recommend. It is very informative while also communicating and illustrating the good, the bad, and the ugly of the international adoption process. Check it out and feel free to let us know what you think. 

* "Holiday Tips for Waiting Families" - "As the holidays roll in, you may find yourself in a time of longing and waiting—waiting for your family to be complete; waiting for your child; and waiting on the Lord’s perfect timing. Our eternal perspective and belief in God’s sovereignty can help us journey with these emotions and still have joy. Read some tips that our post adoption team offers to help your waiting have more purpose."

*Also, feel free to visit our agency’s website to learn more about the Haiti program. 

http://lifelinechild.org/country/haiti/

Your continued prayers are most appreciated, friends. Please pray for the following as we desire nothing more than for our God to be glorified through this journey:

• Pray for IBESR as they continue to improve this new matching system. Pray for an urgency to streamline this new system for the sake of the many children in need of forever families.
• Pray for the passport issue to be resolved quickly and for the passport booklets to be replenished soon.
• 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 the remainder of the process
• Those impacted by Hurricane Matthew

Worship in Waiting: (Songs that the hubby and I have recently been serenading to each other.)

"True Colors" Justin Timberlake & Anna Kendrick

"No Matter Where You Are" Us the Duo

MORE Than Beads and a Birthday

Our Plan = Sell 150 bracelets in 30 days in order to fundraise for our adoption while also giving back to the people of Haiti. HIS Plan = 450 SOLD in 15 DAYS!!! What started out as an idea to fundraise a bit for my birthday month has turned into a part of our journey that will be forever treasured. These paper beads have become like stones set up in Joshua 4 as a memorial to always remember what GOD has done and will do. My planner has been packed with lunches and coffees with our tribe for bead delivery, and the Cooper Cottage has been full of friends stopping by to pick and pay. I have loved being in the space of every single one of you, even if it was a quick, curb-side pick-up. I have also made quite a few friends at the post office! For the past few months, my "late nights" have consisted of lots of tears and fears, BUT the late nights of the past few weeks have been FULL of gratitude and worship as names are written and assigned to each paper bead bracelet. "For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." Zephaniah 3:17

As a teacher who loves to learn. I have learned that getting older is really not all that bad. Yes, with each year comes different changes and challenges; BUT, with each year also comes new experiences lived and lessons learned. I mean, I am smarter now than I have ever been, right? So, for year 29, here are 29 things I have learned recently: 

1. Collect moments NOT things. 2. Headbands and hats are a must. 3. My story is written for HIS glory. 4. Who I am in prayer is who I am in ministry. 5. Coffee is good, really good - hot or iced. 6. Kids can teach us so much. 7. Maxi skirts are just as comfortable as pjs. 8. Asking for and extending forgiveness is always worth it. 9. It's not about how I look, but how I feel. 10. My gratitude determines my attitude. 11. Life on mission is meant to be lived every day, everywhere. 12. Sending and receiving "happy mail" is the best. 13. making a difference starts with loving and serving my family. 14. I have an old soul obsessed with the "good 'ole days". 15. Worship is the BEST way to get through a tough day. 16. Perfection is not the standard, but GRACE. 17. Humility is not meant to be glamorous. 18. Anywhere near water is where I want to be. 19. Books are the best "brain break". 20. Walks and talks are meant for giggles and tears. 21. Hot tea with the hubby is a sweet time. 22. Our "Peace Place" is home to all. 23. This "Happy Camper" loves to be outside. 24. Confidence is an issue of identity. 25. There is a difference in knowing God and knowing about God. 26. Peppermint and lavender oil are my kind of perfume. 27. Rest is more than sleeping. 28. See every person as God sees them. 29. Moments should be printed off not just scrolled through.

In a season of learning so much, I am grateful and more confident in my calling than I have ever been. As a student of the Word and the tribe of people surrounding me, my God  continues to sustain while pruning away at my pitiful pursuit of perfection. 

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other." John 15:1-17

The month of September has been about MUCH MORE than beads and a birthday, friends. It has been about our faithful GOD who not only hears our prayers, BUT answers. Our GOD who uses the ordinary to do the EXTRAordinary. To our incredible village, THANK YOU! Our kiddos will see your names and hear ALL about how GOD used you in such a miraculous way. "Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it." Habakkuk 1:5 

These beauties are just $10 each ($3 shipping) and handmade in Haiti! Not only will your purchase help this mommy and daddy bring their little love home from Haiti, but will also empower mommies and daddies in Haiti to care for their children with hope and dignity. We know our God is working in our waiting, and we continue to be humbled and completely overwhelmed by our tribe that continues to love and support us in this journey. Shop the "Birthday Beads" today, friends!!! In fact, 150 MORE bracelets are on their way from Haiti NOW! Comment, message, text, email tmorgancooper@gmail.com or visit https://www.gofundme.com/cooperadoptionfund to order.

If you haven't already, please take a few minutes to watch this video! It's amazing that these beauties are made from cereal boxes and clay. 1 cereal box can make about 50 beads, and they go through 400 boxes per day! The clay beads are hand-rolled and dried in the sun before painted. https://vimeo.com/161863916?ref=fb-share Grateful that HE makes ALL things NEW. Be sure to check out the Apparent Project at http://apparentproject.org!

What are you learning? Who can you learn from? Who can you teach? What is your mission? Who can you serve? Know HIM. Make HIM known. Choose JOY in your journey! 

Worship in Waiting:

"Beautiful Things" Gungor

"Through it All (It is Well)" Bethel

"Demo Day"

It sure has been a while, friends... And even as I begin, I question whether to continue or just keep these thoughts buried deep within. However, the purpose of this blog is yes, to keep our village posted on adoption updates, but also to encourage others to choose JOY in their journey. Although each journey is different, as children of God, our journeys are all designed to ultimately glorify the same God who is working ALL things for our good and His glory. Yes, ALL things - the highs AND the lows. With so many talented writers and bloggers out there, please know that my goal is not to gain "followers" or even be a real "blogger". My motive and reason for writing, sharing, posting is for that one. The one who feels alone. The one who is discouraged. The one who is struggling to find joy in their journey whatever it may be. So... for the one who just might find themselves reading my scattered thoughts, know that you are not alone. You are loved, and you CAN have JOY in your journey.  

The past few months have definitely resulted in many lessons learned and lots of questions with little to no answers as our little family has experienced many highs and lows, emotionally, physically, spiritually, financially... as does everyone, everyday. Our days are filled with the unexpected. Each moment, unknown to us, but perfectly known by our Father. Some days I wake up, ready the day. Then some days, not wanting to leave my bed, fearful of what the day may hold and the harsh realities faced each day in our world. However, it is those days when I am most desperate for the truth spoken from God's Word. As I glance over at my Bible that I have had for the past 15 years, missing its cover, pages held in place by paper clips, the entire book held together in multiple pieces in an old-school Bible cover, I am reminded of just HOW desperate I am for this Book as the Holy Spirit makes it come alive and speak power and peace into my heavy heart. Friends, my worn out Bible does not represent anything other than a hot mess of a girl that simply can not face the day without it. Some days, even just a word or two from its pages will completely silence those little voices fighting for control in my head and heart. Other days, I read and read, before stopping, allowing stillness, welcoming silence, and waiting for the Holy Spirit to speak. Recently, it has been so many of the verses that I memorized as a child that God has allowed me to hear with new ears as if hearing them for the very first time, coming in and what has felt like completely destroying everything I once thought made me who I am. But these "demo days" are now being RESTORED by the Creator and Sustainer of my heart.

From Broadway shows to the "Summer Movie Series", the Orpheum Theatre is my favorite place to visit in downtown Memphis. The Orpheum was originally built in the 1920s and is a trip back in time with every visit. With massive chandeliers, six levels, and over 2,300 seats, the Orpheum still maintains a glamorous, intimate atmosphere with every experience. 

This summer, thanks to some sweet friends, Jared and I were given tickets to "Dinner on Stage" at the Orpheum. After enjoying live music in the lobby, we were led outside and in through the back door of the theatre in order to experience what life is like "behind the scenes". After being backstage, we were escorted center-stage to our table for dinner with the massive, red curtain drawn not allowing for us to see the many levels of empty seats along with the grand and ornate details of the theatre. After being seated, we were told that our "Dinner on Stage" experience would be unlike any other for over the past 15 years, because this summer, the theatre was being RESTORED. The massive curtain was then lifted to reveal what I once knew as one of the most beautiful to a sight of scaffolding, ladders, plastic, dust, overwhelmed by darkness and emptiness. For a moment, I was quite disappointed, then sitting there center-stage, I heard His Spirit say to mine, "This is what I am doing, dear one. I am RESTORING your soul and will bring your spirit back to a place greater, more beautiful, more intimate with Me than before. The completion will be greater than your original condition, my beloved. Just trust. I am here." 

Photos from: https://www.facebook.com/theorpheum/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10153508351015947

Since that night, I have not only learned to embrace and celebrate this season of restoration, but have also asked God to open my eyes to the possible "demo" going on in other's lives as well. Everyone experiences seasons of struggle, grief, loss, hurt, disappointment. And instead, of comparing, competing, and criticizing, why not be a part of the restoration by speaking life and giving hope? Be the answer to their prayer. The words of Psalm 23, verses I memorized as a kid, have not only left me with a new sense of surrender to my God and His purpose for my journey, but also a new mission in how I love and serve. 

"Although David might have written Psalm 23 from an experience of questioning, wanting, or worrying, he recognized the Lord as his shepherd. Just as David would have always had the best interests of his sheep in mind, he trusted God in this same way. Then he expressed his understanding of God's purpose for his waiting period when he wrote, "He makes me lie down in green pastures (REST), he leads me beside quiet waters (REFLECTION), he restores my soul (RESTORATION). He guides me in paths of righteousness (RIGHT CHOICES) for his name's sake (It is all about God, not about David)" Psalm 23:2-3. David chose to resist the temptation of discontentment by seeing the greater good of this waiting period. Rest, Reflection, Restoration, learning to make Right Choices, and remembering it is all about God and not me are all positive ways to spend any nervous energy that might come my way during my own next waiting period." (Lysa Terkeurst from Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl)

Not only did that night at the Orpheum show me the true beauty of restoration, but now... I can not watch anything on HGTV without basically, well... worshipping the One who Restores. Renovates. Reconstructs. Rebuilds. Recovers. Renews. Revives. Rescues. Redeems. Embrace and celebrate your "Demo Day", friend. 

Adoption Update: 1 year and 8 months in. Things are happening, and we are confident that our God is working in our waiting. Your prayers are most appreciated. Please pray for the following as we desire nothing more than for God to be glorified through this journey:
- Matching process would speed up
- God's provision
- Our preparation for parenting
- Our child's spiritual, physical, and emotional health
- Safe travels to and from Haiti and for the welfare of our friends and family back home
  while we are away
- For those providing care to our child until he is brought home
- The people of Lifeline as they guide us through this process

Worship in Waiting:
"I Shall Not Want" Audrey Assad
"Good to Me" Audrey Assad

POP. The Man. The Myth. The Legend.

"Nothing I love more than my girls! I am so proud of you and love ya with all that I am"... Yep, this is just one of the many texts I received from my daddy this week. His "morning text" and "around 3:30 phone-call" are a guarantee almost daily. He is just TOO much, right? And for so many of you, you know him and there really just are no words, huh? YET, at the same time... So. Much. To. Say.

"1... 2... 3... JUMP!!! JUMP, Morgan! C'mon, you can do it! I'm right here! You know how to swim. It will be fun! Just one time, and you will want to do it over and over again! I PROMISE! Would I ever tell you to do something that I thought would hurt you? Of course not! It will be fun! TRUST ME, Toot! Ok... here we go! 1... 2... 3... GOOOOO!!!" Yep, there I was, friends, a chubby, little girl on the high dive at the campground pool scared to death. The diving board shaking from my knees knocking while realizing the reality of turning around and going back down the lengthy ladder was not an option. My dad in the pool down below, like SO FAR down below. A moment I will never forget, friends. YES, I knew how to swim. YES, I trusted my daddy. YES, it looked like so much fun. BUT... that first jump was oh so scary. BUT... once my feet left the board, OH SO WORTH IT! 

My daddy has always encouraged me to try new, even scary things, work hard and always dream big. He has always created experiences and opportunities for memories to be made and challenges to be overcome. No excuses. No whining. No regrets. Just try. Do your best. Give 100%. And, see what happens. From my earliest memories of him combing out this crazy, curly head-of-hair after a bath, to camping, coaching, dancing and singing loudly at home, in the car, on the river... anywhere really, laughing until we cry and crying until we laugh, giving the "My World" speech followed by family prayer time, disciplining in firm yet delicate ways, communicating while always working on "his delivery", teaching us that there is a "Sunday School lesson" in everything, dating my momma, protecting and providing, he has been a constant source of strength as he leads his family fiercely and loves his girls gracefully. 

Heading six hours away to college just a little over ten years ago was the beginning of a season where, I think, I begin to put him on the diving board, asking him to "jump" with me. He is the one who taught me to "swim". To jump. To trust. To dream. To try. To obey. To TRULY follow the God he had taught me to not just know about, but to KNOW. So from college, to Africa, to marriage, to Memphis, to marathons, to back to Africa, and back to Africa, and back to Africa, and back to Africa, to now adoption, I have been overwhelmed and so humbled by him jumping WITH me. Yep... ALL of it. Every single bit. Oh so scary. BUT... OH SO WORTH IT! 

Fun. Kind. Generous. Hard-working. Detailed. Faithful. Creative. Mr. Fix-It. On time. Human Jukebox. Dedicated. Involved. Loyal. Sappy. Silly. Leader. Duct Tape/Bungee Cord King. Humble. Listener. Giver. Compassionate. Learner. Helper. Committed. Talented. Encourager. Friend. He really is... The Man. The Myth. The Legend. Daddy, the only thing better than having you as my daddy, is for my kiddos to have you as their POP. They have no idea what they are getting themselves into, huh? I can't wait! Thank You for jumping with me and choosing JOY in this journey. No matter how many times I say Thank You, it would never be enough. So, instead, I'll just keep jumping, knowing you taught me how to swim. And, ultimately, I know I can trust HIM. I LOVE YOU, Knucklehead! Happy Father's Day! 

Worship in Waiting:

"Born Again" Third Day

"Revelation Song" Phillips, Craig & Dean

"I Get It from My Momma"

"I get it from my Momma" is the thought that comes to mind so often as I "nest" and, as she calls it, "piddle around" my Peace Place, and today is no different. I often think about why I adore small spaces, old things, lots of pictures, sweet-smelling candles, green plants, rose bushes, banana bread in the oven... Well, because my momma does. Growing up, she always kept our home where at any time, we could invite friends over. It was and still is a place where everyone and anyone feels welcome. That is my desire for the Cooper Cottage - a place where people gather and feel at home. You can feel free to eat your dessert or drink your sweet tea anywhere, because the decor is definitely not anything new or fancy; however, almost everything on the walls and most pieces of furniture tell a story. 

Hospitality, beauty in simplicity, love for the water and strawberry cake are just a few other things I get from my momma. But one thing that I hope and pray I get from her is to be the best wife, and one day, best mommy and friend for my babies. There are many days that "mom-to-be fears" overwhelm me, and she is the one always there on the other end of the phone every day (sometimes multiple times a day) to encourage me. Even if it is with, "Morgan, I remember leaving the hospital with you in my arms thinking, "Are they just going to let us walk out of here with her? We don't know what we are doing!". And here she is today, over 28 years later, still rockin' this "Mom thing". She makes me laugh and jealous of her super, cute wardrobe. She chats about what God is teaching her and is constantly learning new ways to love others. She can "rough it" camping and on the river with earrings and lip gloss. She still loves handmade, thoughtful gifts and anything and everything monogramed. She is willing to try new recipes and just smiles and serves it anyway, even if it doesn't quite go as planned. She doesn't want to just talk about it, but says, "Let's pray about it." She works hard, but knows how to have fun. She still holds my hand and even sometimes, cries with me. Yes, she still worries about me even when I tell her that I'm fine. She always has our favorite treats on the table when we come home for the weekend and never lets us head back to Memphis without snacks and a drink for the road. She never claims to have the answers to all of my questions, but always points to the One who does. She supports my crazy ideas, because she is the one who taught me to dream big. You can always find her in the background, quietly cheering on my sister and I in whatever season of life we are in. She still dates my daddy and lets him lead. She is... well, the list goes on and on. Although I would say she is a picture of perfection, she would disagree and say a picture of grace.

Her faith and sweet spirit are a constant source of encouragement as she continues to serve our family with such humility and grace. With Mother's Day come a lot of different emotions for many people. For my mom, I know her heart is full with sweet memories of her mother, and at the same time, aches because she wishes she could pick up the phone just one more time and talk to my sweet Grandmother who is now with Jesus. For me, it is an overwhelming sense of gratitude for my momma and the sweet friendship I have with her as she continues to love and disciple me. At the same time, it is yet another Mother's Day without babies to call my own. Over the past five years, there have been many times I have felt like a Varsity player only allowed on the J.V. team, because I have not yet obtained the ultimate title of "Mommy". However, my momma has empowered me to use this season to encourage others and pursue Jesus passionately knowing He works all things for our good and His glory. 

Some of my earliest memories as a child is watching my momma with my new baby sister. I was three years old and loved everything about this new baby. I was eager to learn how to hold her supporting her head just right, feed her and even change her diaper. I loved to play with her and would do just about anything to make her smile. I always knew I wanted to be a mommy after having a front row seat to this amazing experience. I wanted to be a mommy, well... because I wanted to be just like MY mommy. 

Happy Mother's Day & Thank YOU, Momma, for being such an incredible support on this journey and for also choosing JOY in the journey! I have had friends tell me what a good mom I will be one day, and to that I say, Thanks... I get it from MY MOMMA. 

Worship in Waiting:
"If We're Honest" Francesca Battistelli
"Just Be Held" Casting Crowns