Some days you can just feel the excitement building.  Today was one of those days for me.  Today I got to see the latest addition to our family in all "his" glory on the ultrasound.  God has abundantly blessed me with such wonderful, healthy grandchildren and I am so thrilled that another little guy will come our way in December.  


This story is such a wonderful testament to the amazing grace that has been bestowed on our ever growing family for the past almost 8 years.  Fourteen years ago this past June, I got a phone call that would forever change my life and the lives of my family.  Someone I didn't even know called me to just talk because she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and her daughter knowing my relationship with the Lord suggested to her that I might be someone who could offer encouragement and support. 


Thankfully I was blessed to walk with her through all that cancer could throw at us for 6 wonderful years.  There were lots of hard times, doctor's appointments, MRI's, chemo treatments, radiation treatments...and the list could go on and on.  I say all of that to simply acknowledge the grace of a mighty God.  He carried my friend through a lot of joy and suffering during those six years.  Because I grew to love her so deeply as a friend and sister in Christ, I knew that my life would somehow be changed forever.  How I wasn't sure...but changed...absolutely.


Over the course of our journey and near the end of her battle, I made a promise to her that I would, as long as the Lord allowed, take care of her daughters and welcome them into our family as my own.  Those two "inherited" daughters are our children in every sense of the word.  I always knew that I would adopt in some way.  Randy and I even embarked on that road a few times, but God continually closed each and every door.  Why?  Because as Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  He knew all about my sweet friend and her comings and goings.  He knew all that those two young ladies would need.  He knew just the right family to place them in.  He knew from the beginning.  He orchestrated every last detail.  How great is our God?  


Today I saw new life on a screen.  Sometimes I am sad because of all that my dear friend is missing since she went home to be with the Lord.  Not today.  Today I am rejoicing in all that she trusted me with.  Today I am thankful that she is with a loving heavenly Father that loves her beyond what I can imagine.  Today I rejoice in the reality that we are going to be a family of 15 this year.  Today I am completely and totally in awe of a mighty and awesome Lord!  Today I honor my friend and know that she knows how much I love and miss her everyday:)


Congratulations Anna and Kevin.  


It all comes down to this...love knows no bounds.