Testimony

Ok...so I like tv. It's probably not a surprise to anyone reading this, but it's true. And one of my favorite shows (though I am a little embarrassed to admit it :) ) is America's Next Top Model. I just think it is so interesting how they do the photo shoots, hair/make up, etc. and plus the reruns are on like three different channels. So you can pretty much catch it any time of day!
Anyway, my blog isn't really just about that show :) I actually heard one of the models say something really interesting. She said, "There is no testimony without a test." Now, being that she's a model, she probably didn't come up with that quote herself! HA! :) But I thought that it was really interesting. Because mainly peoples' stories, or testimonies, are usually about the difficult things they've encountered throughout their life and how by God's grace they have overcome. So as we struggle through the daily grind and face challenges, we can be comforted by the fact that God has put us through this challenge to strengthen our faith and to maybe help someone else overcome. Because, "There is no testimony without a test."

OVERWHELMED...by Game Night! :)

Still this morning, I'm trying to wrap my brain around the wonderful surprise Matt and I received last night. We were told that some friends of ours were getting together at our church to play games and just hang out. Ok, sounds fun! We realized this was not the case when we arrived at the church to see most of the side parking lot full and recognizing our parents' cars. Still we had no idea what was going on. As we walked into the church we see friends, family, coworkers, and church members with big smiles on their faces. And...still confused...we walk in and wonder what this could be. Little did we realize the truly amazing people God has blessed us with. For months now, a committee has been planning this surprise for us. That was a big surprise in itself (that nobody spilled the beans! :) ).
We received overwhelming gifts of support for our adoption, a beautifully handmade quilt, a scrapbook with encouraging words, and a gift of $4000. Yes, that is not a typo...$4,000! We were absolutely speechless! And as I write this blog, I still have tears in my eyes. We never imagined that anyone would go to all this trouble for us. I don't think you will ever know how truly touched we are and I don't think I have the words to express it. Our journey is one we never would have planned for ourselves, but one we are blessed to be on thanks to the people who love and support us. Thank you does not do it justice. We know we are loved and cannot wait to show our child how many wonderful people loved him or her before they even met! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

HAPPY 2008!

It's always exciting to look forward to a new beginning, new year, new experiences, and new memories to create. For more info about what we did at our New Year's Bash check out Jenn and Jess's blogs. They've got some great pictures...and luckily no videos yet! :) I wish everyone a very happy year with friends and loved ones. Keep God as the focus and although it won't be perfect, it will be much easier to travel through 2008. Love you all!