Little Ebenezers

I was always puzzled by the line in "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing"

Here I raise my ebenezer
Hither by Thy help I'm come

The only Ebenezer I was familiar with was the crotchety old skinflint from A Christmas Carol.  Humorous pictures of someone holding up Old Scrooge, had crossed my mind.  As an adult, I learned that an ebenezer is something that reminds the world of God's help and sovereignty in the lives of His people.  We keep the prybar that was in Shane's belt when he fell 20ft backward off the roof as an ebenezer of God's protection of Shane.  It could have impaled him, but only left a little scratch.  

I have some pictures that will serve as ebenezers.  Here are my little men, just one year ago:

And just a few days ago:

God has given these brothers such a sweet love for each other.  Knox even calls for Grae and Grae can understand his baby speak.  Grae is the soother, protector, and playmate of our newest addition.  Knox looks at Grae with awe.  It is a precious picture and testimony of how the Lord can take 2 unrelated people, grafted to a family by adoption and knit them together. 

Rise and Shine

I love the comfort of my cozy bed and the rumbling of my hub's loud breathing.  It usually takes a scream through the baby monitor, or the entrance of one very loud almost 4 year old to pry me out of my cocoon of comfort. 

I am a changed woman.  I've been waking up a little after 6 (I still hit the snooze) to spend some time in Bible study.  It's been three weeks and I actually look forward to getting up.  My friend Beth joked about our new chair and a half in our library.  "You drawing close to Jesus in that chair?"  I am, and I love it. 

My life at this stage is full of busyness.  Managing a one year old (with fabulous hair) and his variety of therapist appointments, an energetic 3.8 year old and his alphabet, and my viking of a husband requires an extra dose of energy. (Hubs is such a help and a blessing)  I have felt a new vigor and encouragement with this little time to myself.  I'm digging in and scraping every last morsel of wisdom from my time in the Word.  I'm praying for people instead of just saying I will.  I'm starting my day with the right focus.  Who knew in my battle for discipline, I'd win this tiny victory.

Next battle, weight loss . . .

Surprise

One year ago today a family entered the hospital to give birth to their son.

One year ago today their little boy was born with down syndrome and congenital heart defects.

One year ago today, a family wrestled with a life changing decision.

One year ago today, we had no idea we would have a baby in 15 days.

One year ago today, the Lord began a journey to bring us together.

One year ago today, our newest blessing was born.

Happy Birthday Ciaran Knox!