What's in a name?

Juliet:

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."

This quote came to me today as family members were discussing why they chose baby names for their children/future children. Where do names come from? Family names, biblical names, favorite actor/actress...

I have names picked out and they are the hope I cling to...  Only God knows our future and what will happen; God knows the children who will be placed in our home as their forever home. These children may not have been born in my womb, but they were definitely born into my heart. God has placed a special longing in my heart to be a mother to child. The most amazing thing is that God has a plan for that child and He is going to allow Lance and I to raise it in His ways.

By any other name the child will still be ours. Even if it's a name another family picked out, that child will still be ours. That child will still "smell as sweet" to our family, because the Lord gives his people a promise.

 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

before you were born I set you apart;"

Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)

He still Rises (even when we don't )

I am thankful that I serve a mighty and awesome God who continues to rise even when I don't! This a.m. was sunrise service @ 6 @ church... Needless to say I did not rise for the rising of the Son. Here lately I have been feeling drained of energy. (Therefore, I'm making an appointment to have my levels checked... Once again my body is deciding to act up.) I just keep in mind Jesus has risen and helps me to rise even when I think I can't.

It was also brought to my attention this week that we need to ask to be placed on the adoption list at Seller's Maternity Home in Baton Rouge. The question is always asked of me if we want a new baby or an older child. And honestly we will take in any child that God sees fit, because He is the performer of miracles and knows our plans (Jeremiah 29:11). Still the human nature in me, the mother in me wants to have the opportunity to mother a newborn baby and experience all the late nights and not knowing why they are crying. So... this week I'm calling for us to be placed on that list. I know that it could be 2 years or more before any chance of adopting through them... I just feel blessed and find peace in knowing that God has something amazing in store for Lance and mine's life.

The Lord will give strength to

His people; The Lord will bless His

people with peace.

{Psalm 29:11}