Unexpected Blessings

For over a year, my husband and I have been trying to have a child with no success. Then, by God's sovereign grace and endless mercy, He chose us to have custody of our little 1 month old niece. Whether we have her for a short time or forever, I will eternally be grateful for this opportunity. I'm so in love... I'm so in awe... My heart is so full... overflowing in fact... The riches of God's grace are so enormous... His goodness beyond my comprehension... His design so magnificent... And His provision so perfect... He gives beauty for ashes... He restores the years the locusts have eaten... He places streams in the deserts of our lives... And through it all, He rules, He reigns, and He so completely redeems... May I live up to the task He has given... May I surrender to His will, obey His Word, and be filled with His Spirit in every moment... Walking by faith, Basking in His grace, And never ceasing to praise Him! Before I even met her, I was already looking forward to savoring every minute... I can't wait to learn every sound, every move, and watch every milestone as she grows. I eagerly anticipate teaching her all about Jesus and His life-changing Word. I want the first song she sings to be Jesus Loves Me. I can't wait to teach her how to pray, how to praise, and how to practice living in the presence of God. I hope to write down and document memories of the most important things... Like what her face looks like when she realizes what Amazing Grace is, or the light in her smile when she comprehends how great God's forgiveness is, or the sound of her voice as she memorizes her first scripture. As long as we have her, I pray she never feels abandoned or rejected, but instead knows that she is deeply loved and cherished. I pray for the strength to be firm when necessary and to remain faithful even when it's hard. I hope she learns at a young age that she is a sinner and that she accepts Jesus as her Lord and Savior. I long to see her surrender her life to Christ, and to glorify Him in every moment. I will make mistakes, and so will she... And may I always point her to God's magnificent mercy. May she be rooted and grounded in the truth, a vessel of grace with a kind, tender heart, in a very tough world. As of last week, our home has included this little blessing... An opportunity I will never take for granted. I would appreciate your prayers for all of us! We are blown away by God's goodness and His sovereign design, yet we know this new adventure will be full of challenges as we walk by faith one step at a time. Thank You, Lord... Just thank you. May this time in my journey with You be etched in my heart and mind as one that represents a life surrendered to You, with nothing wasted and everything for the purpose of bringing You glory, honor, and praise!