Friday, January 1, 2010

Life Is A Journey


Webster Dictionary defines a JOURNEY as

jour·ney (jʉr)

noun pl. journeys -·neys

  1. the act or an instance of traveling from one place to another; trip
  2. any course or passage from one stage or experience to another

As I look back over 2009 I have to say it definitely was a journey.  It was probably one of the harder years we have experienced in our married life.  The economy took a toll on Eric's company and he was forced to let a number of employees go.  This brought a bigger work load for him and a lot more stress.  There was the stress of finances, work, putting into our marriage, kids and then just the daily things that happen in life.  What a comfort to know that we believe in a sovereign God that has a plan for our family.  Even though it was a hard year it was a year I would walk through again.  It made me really look at where my security lies. Does financial security or feeling loved by husband bring me security?  Does no stress or a stable pay check bring me security?  Does health or thriving kids bring me security?  Do I look to the things of this world to bring me security?  Do I look to my husband or kids for  security? As I struggled through stressful times wanting to control them I had no choice but to lay them down. This year I truly learned what it meant to fully rely on God and what that looks like as a woman, wife and mom.  
There is security in knowing that I put my trust in a God that loves me unconditionally, sent his Son to die for me and has a plan for my life. Is everything we went through this past year preparing us for something BIGGER?  

As I look back over the past year I see God's hand so evident in our life.  And as this year comes to a close it also marks a new journey we are on as a family.   A journey both Eric and I feel God has called us to.  Were things we went through this past year preparing us for this new journey?  As we begin a journey to a son in China I know what it means to fully rely on Him and trust in his perfect plan for our family.  We would be lying if we didn't say there was fear of the unknown or uncertainty that is before us.  But I also know that the excitement that we feel and the confidence we have in God's calling on our family to adopt a little boy in China is something I can't explain.  So yes maybe 2009 was a hard journey at times but maybe in part to prepare us for the journey that will forever change our lives in 2010. 

Please join us in praying for the little boy that God has for our family in China.  

I have started a new blog The Journey To Our Son
I will be posting our little guy's story here.  I will be posting what led us to our decision to adopt a little boy from China, our progress through the adoption process and then finally our trip to our son. I can't wait for you to share this journey with us!  

10 comments:

Carey said...

WOW!!! How exciting!!! Praise God!!! I'll be praying for you guys, and am excited to watch your journey!!

Amy Kaylor Photography said...

Blessings to you and yours today and always!!!

mommy24treasures said...

oh Julie I am so excited for you!!!!

Kathy said...

Julie, I am SO excited for you and to watch your journey to your son unfold. You can count on prayers coming from Washington for you through the process.

I understand how you feel about the challenges of your last year. 2008 was horrid for us for so many reasons and through it my faith grew exponentially and I learned what it REALLY meant to rely on and trust in God. I read somewhere how your faith can grow so much more during times of real strife than when things are easy. It's so true and feels like such a gift--and a lasting one that will help sustain you through the next valley.

I hope that 2010 brings much less stress and great happiness for you and your sweet family.

Kathy

Shans said...

What a great post and a wonderful way to look back at your journey through 2009. We too will be sending prayers your way for a blessed 2010 and smooth adoption of your son from China.

Blessing & Happy New Year!
Shannon

Carrie said...

2009 was hard for our family, too! But like you, God poured out an extra portion and we were drawn closer to Him.

Talk about darling children ... you have a beautiful family!!! I'm excited to follow along on your journey to China. It is truly an experience of a lifetime and has forever altered our family for the better! ;)

Kathryn Schoon-Tanis said...

thanks for posting this, my friend. loved reading it, and loved all it made me think about...
kst

ji said...

You all are just the cutest little family!! You remind me a lot of my own family! We have three little ones 4 and under and another on the way! I loved to read your adoption story! What an amazing journey you are on! I pray that God continues to bless you on your journey! I will certainly be following along!

Thanks for the sweet comment on my blog! :)

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