Driving around the neighborhood,
sparks of color have been found among the trees as pink and white and purple
blossoms enter in. All the while, the calendar states it is merely the middle
of February. Perhaps it is the abundance of clouds and rain this winter but it
seems a little early for their arrival. Despite my usual love for their
elegance and grace as spring is ushered in, this year it seems to early and out
of place. But they are declaring in their sweet and soft voices of the newness
to come, as does the sun, boasting its extra minutes of light.
So much beauty and birth still to
come.
This season has been about birth
and newness on more levels than I could possible keep record. The summer
brought a season of hard and love
and the fall ushered in one of surprise and shifting, as moving boxes filled
our garage, while newborn diapers and more social workers graced our homes.
Transition has been a key word in
my vocabulary, more than I thought was possible but with each use, as it has
rolled off the tongue, God has showed something of himself and brought us to
place of truly open hands to his leading.
Now, new birth and life is
coming. Blossoms lining the road ahead as we go.
Today is the termination of parental
rights for our littlest son, as we are in the process of adopting Ryland's
biological brother. We are thankful to tuck four littles in to bed and kiss
four little heads good night and surprised by God's grace to allow us one more
of his.
We moved from our homiest of
neighborhoods, following God's leading throughout it all (perhaps I will share
details later) and starting to build an extension of our church there.
And then there is this silly thing
that I really questioned God's timing about. With four small children and
starting a new church in a new community, is it really time to start something
else new? Clearly the answer is yes, because time is his and he gives and makes
time for things that his heart is for, should I have the obedience to trust and
listen.
As I mentioned months ago about starting a small creative
business to support women coming out of hard places and trafficking and
addiction, it is now on the cusp of its birth. As products are being listed and
the website is almost tuned and women are coming together to be the hands and
feet and encourage and inspire others, it leaves me in awe and wonder at what God
will do, all the while worshipping and cultivating thankfulness.
Everything is under construction
at the new website. I had debated keeping the blog or including it in the new
site, so when I did not renew the domain over the summer and the new owner
wanted several thousands of dollars for it, I got my answer.
So this is me tying up the last
bit of ingracealways and heading over to more new things. If you would like to
continue along, feel free to check out the new blog over at theinspireshop.com
Here's to blossoms and new
beginnings.
Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the
wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43: 19
