Before the Morning

 I was spending a lazy day reading on the couch Saturday and this song came on the radio.  I don't think I've ever really listened to the words before, but they struck me that day and gave me a sense of peace about where we are in this journey.  I wanted to share them in case they minister to you too.

Before the Morning by Josh Wilson

Do you wonder why you have to,
feel the things that hurt you,
if there's a God who loves you,
where is He now?

Maybe, there are things you can't see
and all those things are happening
to bring a better ending
some day, some how, you'll see, you'll see

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,
that you still have a reason to sing,
'cause the pain you've been feeling,
can't compare to the joy that's coming

so hold on, you got to wait for the light
press on, just fight the good fight
because the pain you've been feeling,
it's just the dark before the morning

My friend, you know how this all ends
and you know where you're going,
you just don't know how you get there
so just say a prayer.

And hold on, cause there's good for those who love God,
life is not a snapshot, it might take a little time,
but you'll see the bigger picture

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,
that you still have a reason to sing,
'cause the pain you've been feeling,
can't compare to the joy that's coming

so hold on, you got to wait for the light
press on, just fight the good fight
because the pain you've been feeling,
it's just the dark before the morning

Once you feel the way of glory,
all your pain will fade to memory
once you feel the way of glory,
all your pain will fade to memory

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,
that you still have a reason to sing,
'cause the pain you've been feeling,
can't compare to the joy that's coming

Family Time

I had a lovely time with my Mom and brother last weekend.  It's so nice to to spend time with family and be surrounded by their love.  We spent the day on Saturday taking in some of the sights in our charming city - including the Nelson Atkins Art Museum.  There was a photography exhibit about the early days of Egyptian exploration that I wanted to see before it was done and then we also got to view the new permanent Egyptian exhibit.  My Mom hasn't been to the Nelson yet during her visits here and it turns out she's a lot like me in thinking the building is just as impressive as the art inside it.  I think I also got my interest in Egypt from her if the truth was known!

Then we met up with my brother and took in the movie "Despicable Me" in 3D.  It was such a cute flick - love those little minions!  And it of course has an adoption theme which is such a fun thing about my life right now.  There are so many songs, movies, bible verses, and books that remind me about the joy of this process and before we got started I think I might have totally overlooked them.  Now I get to experience these moments with the joy and anticipation of someone who at least partially understands the journey.

Wrapping up the Vacation

I have to say that it's nice to be home.  We spent some time in Manhattan this weekend for a reunion and visited Life Choice Ministries while we were there.  I had to chuckle when I realized that it is the crisis pregnancy center that my apartment was directly over the top of when I was a senior at K-State.  My how life comes full-circle!  We have to fill out more applications and have an interview and then if all that goes well, it will be another place where birthparents can find our profile.  We are also celebrating with another couple from our adoption small-group who have been chosen as parents this week.  God is good!

I came home to some happy little veggies growing in the garden too.  I decided to pull all the carrots and go another round with new potatoes.  My last plant got destroyed by rollie-pollies.  Who knew they were such vicious little creatures?  And hungry too!!!

Happy 4th of July!

We spent our 4th of July this year on Lake Michigan with Brandon's cousin and her husband.  It was such a great trip and we spent our days soaking up the sun and learning about life on a sailboat.  Brittney and Dave own a boat and keep it at the harbor in Racine, Wisconsin.  We slept on the boat and Janell had her first sailing experience.  The water there is so clear and blue - and COLD!

We made great friends at the dock party on the holiday and reconnected with family.  The girls left to get fries and ice cream that evening and returned to find the boys creating what is now fondly referred to as "The Sparkler Torch".  Imagine around 150 sparklers duct-taped to a broom handle and you've got an idea of what this creation looked like.  Always an adventure with the Petersons!