Here is Steven's first birthday cake in the McClain family--even if he isn't home with us yet. Today (6th) he is 5 years old.
Here's our family gathered to celebrate: Billy, Scheri, Grandma (Joy's Mom), Teresa and James, Papa (Joy's Dad) and Caleb. Kevin wasn't home from work yet so he had to eat his food later. We had Easy Chicken Bake for our supper (made with strips of chicken breast mixed with cream of mushroom soup, sour cream and frozen mixed veggies with brocolli and topped with stuffing)
Caleb and James enjoying desert
Joy's parents and Caleb. They actually had just come over for cake but I 'forced' them into having some of the chicken casserole, too. They liked it.
Scheri being silly for the camera
Don't forget Mommy (Don't ya love these 'eating' pictures)
Decorated the cake with 'boy' stuff: grasshoppers, caterpillars, snails, frogs
Well today is Steven's 5th birthday and I must say I'm pretty bummed that he isn't here with us. But I plan to get a cake and celebrate anyway. I hope he is having a good day, that he is healthy and cared for and well-fed and warm and happy.
You all know what a horrible waiter I am. And you've all heard my jokes about God knowing how much I need patience so He's giving me lots of practice. I remember a saying that has spoken mightily to me before: "There is deafening activity in God's silence." Though I cannot see what God is up to, I can be assured He is working relentlessly behind the scenes to accomplish his purpose. Another saying I am reminded of is "when I cannot see His hand I can trust His heart."
I can "know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) I can be "confident of this, that He who began a good work in (me) will carry it on to completion." (Phil 1:6) I can be assured that he is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we are able to ask or think according to HIS riches in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 3:20) I am amazed at how uplifted I am when I begin to quote the promises of Scripture. Jesus will never leave me or forsake me.(Heb 13:5) And for Steven: "Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me." (Psalm 27:10) "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." (I Cor 2:9) "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Cor 2:16,17)
Well, I didn't set out to do an on-line Bible study but I am no longer so bummed. I remember Who is in control.
Happy Birthday, Steven. We love you so much. And so does Jesus.
Hope to see you soon,
Love, Mommy
P.S. Weird thing about those documents we sent. The tracking says they arrived in Paris on 3/5 at 7:35 pm, departed Paris at 9:35 pm and arrived in Paris at 12:11 am on 3/6. Sounds like they are having quite a party!! I guess Paris must be quite a place!
You all know what a horrible waiter I am. And you've all heard my jokes about God knowing how much I need patience so He's giving me lots of practice. I remember a saying that has spoken mightily to me before: "There is deafening activity in God's silence." Though I cannot see what God is up to, I can be assured He is working relentlessly behind the scenes to accomplish his purpose. Another saying I am reminded of is "when I cannot see His hand I can trust His heart."
I can "know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) I can be "confident of this, that He who began a good work in (me) will carry it on to completion." (Phil 1:6) I can be assured that he is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we are able to ask or think according to HIS riches in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 3:20) I am amazed at how uplifted I am when I begin to quote the promises of Scripture. Jesus will never leave me or forsake me.(Heb 13:5) And for Steven: "Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me." (Psalm 27:10) "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." (I Cor 2:9) "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Cor 2:16,17)
Well, I didn't set out to do an on-line Bible study but I am no longer so bummed. I remember Who is in control.
Happy Birthday, Steven. We love you so much. And so does Jesus.
Hope to see you soon,
Love, Mommy
P.S. Weird thing about those documents we sent. The tracking says they arrived in Paris on 3/5 at 7:35 pm, departed Paris at 9:35 pm and arrived in Paris at 12:11 am on 3/6. Sounds like they are having quite a party!! I guess Paris must be quite a place!
6 comments:
Happy birthday Steven, sad with a tear because I too wanted him home now with you :(
On the other hand~Love where you choose to turn for encouragment! No place better then His Word for our His comfort food :)
Praying, praying and praying some more!
Happy Birthday Steven!
Thank you for those scriptures, I feel better too.:)
Amy
I'm sorry you are having so many obstacles and having to wait. I've been praying and will continue to pray for you, Steven, and your adoption process.
Joy, you are an inspiration! Thanks for the online bible study.:) It did my heart so much good to see you standing strong on God's word! What a blessing you have been to me today!
And Happy Birthday sweet Steven!!
Much love,
Kristy
It's so hard to wait, especially around special events like birthdays. :( Praying Steven will be home with you all soon!
Happy Belated Birthday! Praying you are home to celebrate soon!
Thanks for the update with pictures..what a wonderful way to celebrate who Steven is in your home already with your children! And the cake looks like it tasted great!
Post a Comment