Life Unexpected

There have been so many amazing moments we have been able to have with Biruk since bringing him home almost 7 months ago.  Just this past week, as I was sitting on the floor playing with Biruk, we had one of those "mommy/son" moments that melted my heart.  We were watching the Today Show (which we do every morning), when they began to highlight the three US snowboarders who swept the slopestyle ski event at the Olympics the night before.  They proceeded to show the medal ceremony with all three skiers on the podium and the National Anthem blasting in the background.  All of a sudden, Biruk stopped playing, scooted up next to me and grabbed a hold of my hand.  He held it during the whole song!  I am not sure why, but in that moment, I was reminded just how incredible this journey that God has allowed us to walk really is.  Last year at this time, Biruk was half way around the world, sharing a crib with another baby, while we were praying that God would ...

I have been told a time or two that I have A LOT of clothing.  Ironically, when I look into my closet, I often find myself staring at all that I have and wishing I had more, or something different, or something more trendy, or something cuter than what I already have.  So, I stand in front of my closet and I loudly exclaim what I am sure a lot of people mutter on a daily basis, "I have nothing to wear!"  To which my kind and honest husband says back, "Are you serious right now?  Look at all of those clothes!"  It's the story of my life and it's one of the reasons that I have chosen to do the "7" experiment/fast.  It's a fast that has challenged me and created a deeper desire to know God and understand the real things that he wants for my life.  It's a fast from all the excess we find ourselves smothered in.  It's a fast that has forced me to look at the reality of my life...I have a lot. Today is the second week of the second mont...

I have officially finished month one of my "7" experiment/fast.  When I say, "officially finished," what I really mean is that I have moved onto month 2.  Honest confession...I ended the fast 3 days early.  At the start of January, I was so excited about embarking on this journey of "7."  I knew that it would be challenging, but I had no idea just how challenging it would be.  For the first week, my seven foods tasted amazing.  I felt like I was eating healthy, I felt like I was focusing on God, and I felt like I could conquer the world (by that I mean...survive 28 days of going without coffee).  The second week, it got a little more challenging.  I continued to do my best to stay within the fast, but each day brought on new cravings.  I spent a lot of time praying that I would would desire God more than I desired food, Dunkin Donut runs, and the candy sitting a foot away from me at my desk.  The third week, I struggled with more than ...