Baby J's "Susu" and "Aunt Jenny" Praying for More at Merry Marketplace

Thankful for Blogging

Today I am thankful for blogging.

My reasons for blogging have changed over the years, but my love of blogging is constant.  Blogging, for me, has become the most amazing journal of my life, my thoughts, our struggles, our successes, and a photo album full of story-telling pictures.

I began blogging as a fun way for family and friends to keep up with our daily life when we lived four hours away.  It wasn't long until I shared our infertility story and realized just how many readers I actually had!  These readers became my support group.  They would "listen" to me ramble about daily nuances and support me when I was reflective on my longing to become a mother.  Soon, my readers became a special part of my life because they knew things about me that I never would have verbalized.  They were reading a "window to my soul," as one sweet friend called it last week.  Since we began our adoption journey, blogging has become even more than a support group and sharing of our life.  My blog has become a place where our prayer warriors can check in to see exactly what our prayer needs are, where the process is, what our struggles are, and watch as pictures of prayer warriors grace the pages time after time.  This blog has become a letter to Baby J and precious reminders of our journey.  This blog is my outlet.  It is my little area of internet space to say what I like, how I like, and feel safe doing so.  This is my own little corner of the world wide web to share what I know to be true.  To show others how God has worked, and continues to work, in my life.  This is my little space to share God's story for us as we pursue this adoption.  This is my little page where I can encourage others going through similar trials, excitement, and waiting.  Bottom line...this is my space to speak.

One of my favorite parts about blogging (and any blogger will probably agree) is the precious comments our readers leave.  As much as we'd like to be content with writing for ourselves, there is just something so nice about knowing others are reading.  We have opened our blog up to anyone.  My blog is not just for family and friends.  This blog is not even only for prayer warriors.  My blog is open to anyone who enjoys reading it.

I've made one little change to my comment section.  When you comment, you may notice that your comment will be moderated before it is published.  This simply means that I will have to click the "okay" button before it's published on the blog.  This is helpful for several reasons: I will make sure to see every sweet comment (I don't want to miss a single word from the precious readers) and I will be able to keep my blog purposeful.  There are SO many things that are welcome here.  Your fun anecdotes and life stories after a fun family blog post are always welcome.  Your encouraging words and prayers and praises are always welcome.  Your confirmations are always welcome.  These comments let me know that I'm not alone.  They let me know that I'm still doing okay.  That being said, I want to let you know that your disagreements are also welcome here.  We don't all have to agree to love each other and enjoy blogs.  Disagreements and discussion help us understand each other.  Healthy debate is good for the order, I think.  "Anonymous" comments are welcome!  I know that many of my sweet family and friends don't have Google accounts and can't link up.  That's okay.  Comment anonymously and sign your name! 

Now, given my purpose for blogging and the tone of my blog, I do have one little thing that is not welcome here.  Lengthy "anonymous" debates filled with sarcasm, character attacks, snide comments, and undercutting remarks (especially when it comes to our choices in our adoption journey) will absolutely not be welcomed here.  The points of debate are welcome...not the other "stuff."  If, for some unknown reason, you feel like you just must tell me everything you think in those unflattering terms...I have my email address on the sidebar for you to use.  I would very much like to be able to get back in touch with you after such a monologue.  I would like a chance to not only debate my viewpoint, but also to let you know exactly what your words meant to me.  I would like to, hopefully, get a better understanding of your intent because I like to hope that your intent wasn't to be sarcastic, snide, and undercutting.  I like to hope that your intentions were pure, but your word choice was poor.  So, if those comments are left anonymously, especially, they will not be welcomed here and will not be published.

I am so thankful for this little space that I have been able to use for the last three years.  I am so thankful to meet new friends, encourage others, learn from others, and love others through this venue.  I am so thankful that my blog, unlike Facebook, is a site that one must choose to read.  I am thankful that those who enjoy our blog can choose to read it and join our journey.  I am also thankful that those who don't like this blog can choose not to read it.  I am thankful for how supportive you have all been on my openness throughout our struggles and high points.  I am thankful to have this "journal" printed out as a life story that I'm sure our kids and grandkids will LOVE, laugh over, and talk about all the time.  I love that when I forget something, I can look it back up on the blog to find the answer.  I am SO incredibly thankful for blogging!

And, I am thankful for my readers!  You keep me going.  If you are a blogger, take a minute to thank your readers for their support, comments, and for joining you in your life journey. Thank YOU!

Thankful for Freedom

I am thankful.

Today I am so thankful to live in a country where men and women fought and lost lives all for me to have freedom.  These men and women fought so that our God-given freedoms were not taken from us.  I'm forever grateful for precious friends who have served, or are serving, in our military.  I am thankful for their families who sacrifice as well.  Take time today to thank those who have fought tirelessly to keep our freedoms!

I am thankful, on election day, that I have the freedom to vote how I choose.  I am thankful that I have the freedom to speak out how I choose.  And, I am thankful to be able to debate topics without condemnation, but with facts and questions.  I am thankful for those who have listened, even without agreeing.  I am thankful for those who have taken a stand regardless of popularity, ridicule, name-calling, and fear.  I am thankful for those sweet friends who have taken a stand respectfully - full of facts, faith, and a strong desire to do the will of their Father.  I am thankful for friends earnestly searching out the facts to be as informed as possible.  I am thankful for the debates I have encountered, because through them I have been forced to research even more.  I am thankful that I am an INFORMED voter.

I am thankful for His Word that guides me in my decisions.  I am thankful that I was raised to stand up for what is right unashamed.  I am thankful for friends who challenge me to view all things, not just the "hot topics," through the lens of scripture. I am also thankful for those who don't condemn me for doing so.  I am thankful for friends who challenge me to accept the consequences of choosing what I know to be right. 

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13

But, most of all, I am thankful that my Creator...the One who creates life...is bigger than any of these issues facing us today.  I am thankful that I can leave all the "what ifs" in His hands and TRUST that He has control.  I am thankful that my past experiences have taught me more and more to trust Him and His will.

My prayer today is that all pro-life voters, no matter what the outcome, will come together for the lives of the unborn.  I pray that those who vote "no" will work as hard for "better" legislation as they have pushed against this one.  I also pray that those of us who vote "yes" will continue the fight just as much as we have throughout this debate and accept the responsibility that comes with our YES vote!

Separated...But Still Praying for More

Today I'm thankful for sweet friends and prayer warriors like Holly and Dale.  Russ and I couldn't have made it this far without you all, and we cannot make it to the end without you either.  We are so thankful and overwhelmed by your generosity, support, prayers, and positive comments throughout our journey.  I know I use the word "overwhelmed" a lot, but that is truly how we feel!  We LOVE getting all your pictures of you and your loved ones "praying for more" from all over the world.  We have our book started with all your pictures to show Baby J.  There is really no better way to show him/her how much love and prayers there are for him/her!  So...thank YOU!

Military mommy Praying for More

Praying for More at the Air Force Base

We are so thankful for YOU!  May God bless you just as He has blessed us through you.

3 Months

Sweet Baby J,

Well, today marks three months since your daddy and I have been approved to adopt you.  I know this sounds like it has been just a number of days, but I must tell you that it seems like an eternity!  We know that the day we meet you, the difficult days will simply melt away.  We will be so overcome with love and thankfulness, I'm sure the hard times will not even cross our minds.

I haven't shopped quite as much for you this past month.  I did order you one cute sock monkey, and I LOVE him!  I hope you love him too!  Your room smells so good, by the way.  I found the long lost Island Margarita Wallflower I've been looking for.  Ha!  I know the name doesn't sound very much like a baby, but it is delightful!

This past month has been a month of great friends and prayer warriors!  We are forever grateful for the tens and hundreds of people praying for you, praying for your birthmother, and praying for us.  How do I know they are praying?  Well, we constantly receive texts, emails, messages, letters, fun gifts, and we still have new people ordering shirts!  Just last week, your "Aunt" Felicia and Pat sent us a fun package in the mail!  Felicia knows my love of Candy Corn, so she sent me a king size bag.  She also knows how obsessed I am with anything owl, so she sent a cute owl Wallflower plug, and they sent you a precious owl pacifier clip.  I love it!  For an October touch, they added a cute kitchen towel for fun!  Trust me...I will introduce you to the Robbins very soon after you join our family.  They are such a precious part of our lives and your journey.  We love them dearly!  And they love YOU!  If you are a boy, you will probably be best buds with Toby and Nate.  And, if you're a girl...well, we might just try to arrange a marriage with one of those little boys!  I can ONLY imagine the fun family holidays that would ensue!  Ha!

We haven't seen any placements online this month, so that helps keep me sane I think.  I sure would love for the next placement to be you.  I also know that God's timing is perfect, and I choose to wait on Him.  My heart is aching for you in my arms.  My eyes are dying to see your sweet face.  And my dreams are full of mystery when I dream about you, because I can't get a clear picture of your face. 

I know I tell you every month, Baby J, but hurry home!  We are ready to meet you, hold you, kiss you, teach you, and love you!  We pray for you every day...several times a day.  We pray for the angel who is carrying you, or will carry you.  We pray that you are growing strong (or will grow strong).  We pray that your first mother will allow the Lord to guide her as she chooses your forever family.  And, we pray that He use us to minister to her or comfort her however she may need.  We pray that you always feel the respect and pride for her that we already do.  I'm sure you will, because we will teach you to be proud of her decision. 

November is such a wonderful time.  It's a month that we all focus on giving thanks.  It is also National Adoption Month.  So, today, I'm especially thankful for adoption.  And, I'm thankful for your journey.  I never could have imagined such a wonderful journey!  God truly is able to do immeasurably more!  This journey has taught us so much...most importantly, it has taught us how to be totally dependent on Him and trust His plan and timing.  Adoption also gives such a tangible picture of what our Heavenly Father has done for us...adopting us into His family for eternity!  I'm so thankful for this experience.  I hope you will feel the same as you grow.

The holidays are coming soon, and I can't help but wonder if you will be here to enjoy our family celebrations this year.  I'm up for it!  Are you?  For the record, we would LOVE to welcome you into our family traditions this holiday season!  So, come on, little one!  We are waiting!  And, while we wait...we will trust God's timing. 

 Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.  Psalm 27:14

Love,
Mama

Birthmothers

Today I'm thankful for birthmothers.

Birthmother (burth-muhth'-er) n. a person's mother related biologically rather than by adoption.

During this month that we place an emphasis on thanksgiving, I want to make it very clear how thankful Russ and I are for birthmothers.  Not just the woman who is or will carry our child...but all birthmothers.  Have you ever stopped and considered for a moment what it must be like for birthmothers?  No?  Well, let's take a few seconds to consider a birthmother's journey.

Every case is certainly unique, but every birthmother shares one decision (or more).  These women, who for whatever reason, make a huge decision.  Their first decision is one of LIFE.  These women are courageous enough to choose life for the little person growing inside of them.  I cannot tell you how much respect I have for these women and their support systems who encourage and support throughout this selfless decision.  Birthmothers have made a life-changing decision to carry this baby for nine months.  These women will feel each time that child kicks, moves, squirms, and hiccups.  These women will grow, over time, out of their regular clothes.  These women will face gossip and ridicule.  These women will make a plan for their child.  These women...really not much different from you and I.  Some of these women made one mistake, and it changed their lives.  Have you ever made a mistake?  I'm guessing the answer is yes.  Then there are women with a house full of children, and she is barely able to care for them financially...much less another one coming into the home.  Some women make a decision to protect their child from the environment they are living in.  Some women have become pregnant through a tragic event such as rape or incest.  Each of these women make a decision.  Make a plan.  For their child.  This child that may share their eye color, hair color, nose, and attitude.  Can you imagine that decision?

If these women chose the "easy" route simply to "get rid of" this child, I'm quite sure they would not have chosen LIFE.  These women, expectant mothers, make SELFLESS decisions to make a future plan for their child to live a life they could not provide for one reason or another.

More women, today, make a second decision.  Most adoptions, now, are open to some degree.  These women look through profiles, books, letters, and videos to choose the family for their child.  Can you imagine that decision?  Brantley, at For This Journey We're On, recently created her will for their sweet daughter.  While trying to make the decision about who would be best left to care for their child in the event of their death, she couldn't help but think about her daughter's first mother and the decision she made to choose a family for her child.  Possibly never to see her again.  Sometimes to get updates through the mail.  At times, to visit.

Let's take a moment to give thanks for these selfless, courageous, and beautiful women who not only make a selfless decision to give LIFE and face the difficult decision of choosing just the right family, but let's take a moment to give thanks for these women who give HOPE to so many families waiting to love on their children forever.  God truly can work all things to the good of those who love Him.  I want to shout it from the rooftops!  I'm so incredibly grateful for these women and the decisions they make.  Not only to provide a future for their child, but to offer such a gift to families who long for a child from the deepest parts of their heart.  Let's take a moment to give thanks for these women who lie in their hospital beds after hours of labor and face the pain of knowing she will soon hand her precious newborn over to someone else.  Because of her love for her child.  Such a gift.  Such a sacrifice.  Such a blessing.

Take a moment, if you know a birthmother, to thank her for her sacrifice, selflessness, and love for her child.  Thank her for me.  It is because of women like her that I have hope.  If you don't know a birthmother, maybe you could take time to thank God for birthmothers and pray for those facing these decisions right now.  Pray for God to comfort them, guide them, and give a peace to them as they journey this road.  I know I pray those things over our birthmother.  I truly want God's will, because I know it's the best place to be (even though it can be hard).  I pray that our birthmother allow God to guide her as she chooses a family for her child.  I pray that she feel peace with her decision.  And, I pray that she feel comforted by Him and those around her.  Take a moment and pray the same.

With Amendment 26 looming around the corner, we have raised much public discussion on the topic of abortion.  One lady made a great statement that if we mothers and families will band together to support these women facing these decisions and glorify the adoption option, abortion might become less of an issue in our country.  It seems that so many fail to recognize the honorable role birthmothers play in the life of each adopted family.  Recognize that today, and give thanks.

Thankful

Well, I can't believe it!  October came and went.  I mean, really...where did the time go?  Of course, I'm happy time keeps flying by because each day that passes means we are one day closer to meeting Baby J.  And I know when we meet him or her, we will be begging for time to slow down. 

It's officially November!  A month of thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving is so often overlooked between the fun of Halloween and the excitement of getting ready for Christmas.  But, I love how Thanksgiving is a day set aside specifically for everyone to think about what they have to be thankful for.  Shouldn't every day be a day of thanksgiving?  YES!  If you are in a rut, and you are having a pity party or are going through a blah time, I encourage you to get encouragement on giving thanks.  One Thousand Gifts is one of the greatest, life changing, and thought changing books I've ever read.  If you haven't read it, please do so.  Ann Voskamp's writing style is a little different from most things I read.  But I LOVE how her style forces me to really pay attention and dig in to the everyday miracles around me.  It pretty much just thumps you in the ear (like your mom used to do during church) and wakes you up to the idea of being thankful and content right where you are.

I could certainly use a little thump right now.  I somehow got stuck in a pity party as we wait aimlessly on Baby J.  And, when I say "aimlessly" I mean no date to aim for.  It could be tomorrow.  It could be a year from now.  We just have no idea.  Yes,  I know that God knows the perfect time.  I know that.  I still wish that he would share some of that information with me!  Ha! So, I think I'll pick this book back up and get a good old fashioned thump in the ear.  I need to stop pouting and live fully right where I am!

While I'm giving thanks, I'll start with a view of our refrigerator at the moment.  This is what is covering my fridge today.  Babies.  All these precious babies born in the last few months.  Some surprises, some prayed for and longed for, some planned for, and some miracles.  All of these babies are pictures of HOPE for us.  I join with these sweet families giving thanks for their precious lives. 

So, today, I'm choosing to be thankful.  I'm thankful for these sweet friends and their adorable itty bitty babes.  Thankful that God has our Baby J picked out for us and thankful for all the prayer warriors keeping us going.  What are you thankful for this month?

The Countdown is ON!

Wanna know what I did yesterday?  Good.  Because I'm gonna tell you!  I went grocery shopping at Walmart, first of all.  I know.  I've lost it completely!  Since we have moved, I have been to our local Walmart a total of five times in the last year.  I typically stick to Kroger and Target, since they are close and right next to each other.  Today, I did it.  Since I was there, I mosied on over to the holiday section.  This is one reason I do not need to frequent this place.  Too many distractions for me.  Ha!
I probably browsed each aisle twice.  Then, I settled on necessities that tend to get limited as the holidays get closer.  I stocked up on gift boxes, tape, gift tags, and cute boxes for my homemade holiday goodies. 

Too early, you say?  I don't think so!  By my estimation (and the ticker on my sidebar), we have merely 59 days left until Christmas!  Did you hear that?  And, in case you missed it, I work at the cutest little gift shop on the Square.  This means my holiday schedule is about to get extremely busy and full of glitter!  Seriously, glitter in my hair, glitter in my clothes, glitter in my nose, and probably glitter even in my bra!  So, I'm trying to get my personal gift-giving organized so that when I come home from a long day of tying bows and wrapping boxes, I will be able to smile at my supplied gift wrapping closet and wrap a few of my own.

And, yes, I've started shopping.  However, I have quite a ways to go before I get the family covered!  I'm holding out for some just in case there's something spectacular lurking around the corner.

How are you on your Christmas preparations?  Are you getting it together before the busy-ness starts?  If not, maybe you should.  I promise your holidays are so much less stressful when you start on little things early.  Just sayin'.  Take it or leave it.  Just remember...59 days.  The countdown is ON!

One Question

WARNING: This blog post is not for the faint at heart.  If you are not up to the challenge of a lengthy heart to heart, you may decide to forgo this post.  It is a post voicing my convictions and my heart.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you, and I ordained you a prophet unto the nations."  Jeremiah 1:5

One question.  There is only one question I want you to answer.  When does life begin?  Does it begin after birth?  Does it begin when you feel movement?  Does it begin when you hold that baby in your arms?  Does it begin when you hear a heartbeat?  When do you say that life begins?

On November 8, we will have the opportunity to cast our vote letting our state know when life begins.  We will vote on Amendment 26, which says:

Initiative #26
“Be it Enacted by the People of the State of Mississippi:
SECTION 1. Article III of the constitution of the state of Mississippi is hearby amended BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SECTION TO READ:
SECTION 33. Person defined. As used in this Article III of the state constitution, “The term ‘person’ or ‘persons’ shall include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning or the functional equivalent thereof.”

This initiative, in the language listed above states that life begins at conception..."from the moment of fertilization, cloning, or the functional equivalent thereof."  Life begins at conception.  To be clear, it takes one sperm and one egg to form a life.  One cell from a woman and one cell from a man.  Once fertilization has occurred, the woman gives no more cells to this life.  The man gives no more cells to this life.  This new creation is not a liver, gall bladder, or any other organ of the woman's body.  This creation is genetically different from the woman and is his/her own identity separate from the mother.  This creation already has all 46 chromosomes (23 from the female and 23 from the male).  There is now a 46 chromosomed individual, with a gender, that has not previously existed.  Period.  This creation is not a fish.  It is not a lung.  This creation is nothing other than a human being.  This creation is in the early stages of human development.  This new life is living in the safest place there is to live...the belly of a woman.  This life...this baby...depends solely on the mother to nurture and keep him/her safe.  I just wanted to clear this up.  Life begins at conception...fertilization.  Cloning of a human being is the fertilization of an egg asexually as I understand it.  Still...fertilization.  The human developmental process has begun. 

There are many pretty smart people that have agreed, based on experimental evidence, that life is present at conception.  One of those is Dr. Jerome Lejeune, "The Father of Modern Genetics".  He states, "To accept the fact that after fertilization has taken place a new human has come into being is no longer a matter of taste or opinion...it is plain experimental evidence."  Another pretty intelligent man by the  name of Dr. Hymie Gordon, Chairman, Department of Genetics at the Mayo Clinic states "By all criteria of modern molecular biology, life is present from the moment of conception."  Dr. Albert Liley, the renowned physiologist known as the "Father of Fetology" has stated, "Biologically, at no stage of development can we subscribe to the view that the unborn child is a mere appendage of the mother. Genetically, the mother and baby are separate individuals from conception."  

All that seems pretty clear cut for me.  I do not need modern science to tell me how valuable human life is, but it is there for us nonetheless.  Human life begins at conception.  The human body is constantly developing until natural death, barring tragedy.  The human body develops from the moment of conception until death.  So, to answer the question that the ballot asks me...YES!  I believe that a "person" should include every human being from the point of "fertilization, cloning, or the functional equivalent thereof."

Now, since this initiative has become such a hot-button topic...there have been many rumors flying around about what this amendment will do to our country.  The more research I do on my own and the more I hear from others who are opposing this amendment, my heart becomes heavy.  I encourage you to check facts before taking the word of one viewpoint or the other.  Somehow, people think this is a political issue.  I, however, view it as a MORAL ISSUE.  This is a moral issue that I will take a stand on.

Some of the hot-button issues I have seen or heard brought up against this amendment, and my response based on research and counsel with medical professionals and many who have directly referenced me to check facts for myself...

• Fear of this amendment "overreaching" or having "overreaching consequences" - First of all, I still have not really heard any specific examples of "overreaching".  When someone gives me specific "overreaching consequences," we might can address those issues.  Is it "overreaching" to put human life above profit?  Must we discard ethics in the name of research?  At what stage of development is it okay to kill a baby in the womb.  Consequences?  I hope so!  Like the end of a 38 year long continual slaughter of millions of unborn babies in abortion clinics! 
• Fear that this amendment will not stop abortions - The only way I can see to reverse legalized abortion is to define "personhood."  Supreme Court decision in Roe in 1973 was that personhood does not exist prenatally.  Unless the legal status of personhood is given to the unborn I see no way the court will reverse that decision.  The best, if not the only way, given the logic of the Roe decision, is to provide the protection of the 14th Amendment to the unborn...granting the human life within the womb the legal status of personhood.  That human life within the womb seen through ultrasound is a baby.  Scientific proof and commonsense confirms that. 

For those first two concerns, let me pose this question...What solution do you offer?  For 38 YEARS we have waited and waited and waited for someone to come up with the "appropriate" plan of attack....and while we waited 50+ million precious babies ran out of time because "thoughtful" people had no answer and only critical judgements for those who dared be a voice for these babies whose silent screams were heard only by One! Thankfully, they now are with Him wrapped in His warm embrace of unconditional love!

•  "This amendment is written by politicians rather than physicians" - This amendment is NOT written by politicians, but by attorneys who are champions of the unborn.  This is not a political issue.  It is a moral one!  Who has thier ear?! Tell them to listen and they might hear the silent scream of one they say they support crying for them to do "something"!!! If you are too afraid to lead the charge then get out of the way so that courageous men and women can rescue the perishing and care for the dieing!
• What about IVF? - This amendment would NOT prohibit IVF.  It WOULD protect unused embryos from being destroyed or sold for the harvesting of embryonic stem cells which would destroy the life of the embryo. Again, multi-billion dollar industry.  Even now some couples are limiting the number of eggs extracted to be fertilized to the number of children they would be willing to support if all the embryos implanted would survive and grow to term. On a personal note, most of you know that Russ and I considered IVF.  However, we knew from the beginning that if we did...we would make sure to use all the embryos...no matter how many that meant for us.  We chose not to pursue IVF...NOT because we thought it was wrong...but because we felt God calling us to something different for now.
• Fear of choosing to save an unborn baby over the life of the mother - This is covered by existing law.   Doctors would be compelled to save life of both if possible. But if not, and the baby is not viable the life of the mother would be saved.  If the baby is viable, the child would be delivered to save the mother.   In ectopic pregnancy the baby can not continue to term, but must be removed to save the mother's life.  I spoke with another medical professional who stated that the medical teams do not make those decisions if there must be a choice.  She said that the families make that decision.  When I asked a second opinion to a very credible, knowledgeable man, his response was, "Doctors are protected when these decisions are made by families... in consult with the physician. I assume a mother could refuse removal, but that would be a fatal decision for her...at least that is my understanding.  This was the common and legal practice before legalized abortion as I understand it."
• Fear that the right to birth control will be taken away - I'm sorry if I offend anyone, but this is the silliest rumor I've heard.  Common sense (or 6th grade biology...maybe even earlier nowadays!  Who knows!  Ha!) tells us that many forms of birth control PREVENT fertilization.  If there is no fertilization, there is no person.  What this amendment WILL ban is RU486, which is used in early pregnancies to detach the developing baby in its early stages from the lining of the uterus in the mom and cause an abortion.  There is the possibility, perhaps, that IUDs could be banned because they essentially make it unfavorable for a fertilized egg to attach itself inside the uterus and begin growing.  Other birth control methods that prevent fertilization would not be affected at all by this amendment.  I am blown away at the number of people that actually believed this rumor.
• Will this take away a woman's right to choose? - It will take away a woman's right to choose abortion.  It will give rights to the unborn, just as we have rights.
• "What about the babies whose body is "incompatible with life" or have disabilities?  Isn't it less cruel to abort those children because they will have no quality of life?" - Who's to say??  Who's to say that a child with Down's Syndrome, who gives JOY to so many will have no quality of life?  Who's to say it is more compassionate to "end a pregnancy" if the child is not going to survive?  Who is willing to play God in this role?  Who's to say that He doesn't have a purpose for these babies?  If you need personal testimony to these precious souls who have made more of an impact for Christ than I ever will, please check Blessings 4 Life and Bring the Rain.  These godly women will tell you that those precious babies fulfilled a God-given purpose far exceeding what we could ever imagine doing ourselves.  "Ending these pregnancies" is less cruel for who?  I urge you to read up on the techniques used to "end these pregnancies" and the eye witness accounts to some of these horrific events.
• What about rape and incest? - I cannot even begin to fathom being a victim to such a tragic, horrible, pathetic act.  I pray I never do.  My question still is, "When is it okay to kill a baby in the womb?"  The baby is a victim...just as the mother is a victim.  Why should this innocent, voiceless baby be killed because of the horrific crime of the father?  Again, the pain and life-changing effects of rape are unfathomable to me.  But, I do know that killing another is not the answer.  At what cost?

I think I've covered all the issues that I've seen come up, among those I know, surrounding this issue.  Will there be further challenges and unforeseen issues that come up if this passes?  Certainly.  These would need to be addressed through the legal and legislative process just like any other amendment and piece of legislation.

But, still, my question is..."When does life begin?"  If you believe that life begins with conception, it's time for you to step up and speak out with your vote.  Speak for those who have no voice.  Speak for God's children.

"Rescue the perishing; don't hesitate to step in and help.  If you say, "Hey, that's none of my business," will that get you off the hook? Someone is watching you closely, you know - Someone not impressed with weak excuses."  Proverbs 24:11-12 (Msg)

This is not the country I grew up in.  The issues surrounding us today and the evil that surrounds us is scary.  I pray for healing for our country.  I'm sure you pray for God to heal our land too.

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14 

So, what will you choose on November 8?  Realizing the danger of taking scripture out of context, I want to preface this verse by saying that it is referring to God's precepts.  God tells us to defend the rights of the weak and fatherless and rescue the needy from the hand of the wicked (Psalm 51:1-2).  God also tells us not to murder. (Exodus 20:13)  God has given us his precepts.  He has set his Word before us, and it is up to us to turn from our wicked ways and seek His face.  Then, he will hear from Heaven.  This verse refers to choosing His ways.  Choosing His ways results in healing and life.

"This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live."  Deuteronomy 30:19

 I urge you to VOTE YES on November 8, answering the question.  When does life begin?

That's Fine With Me

There are lots of things that are not okay.

When a child is disrespectful...it's not okay.  When I step in gum...it's not okay.  When my team loses...it's not okay.  When my mom buys something that I already bought her for Christmas...it's not okay.  When we're out of milk after I've already cooked the macaroni and cheese noodles...it's definitely not okay.

Now, of course, there are many things I love too.  One of those is being an aunt.  When Russ and I were dating, I entered into a family that was already formed.  A large family that had been growing for 15 years before me.  I never knew his sister and brother before marriage or kids.  I never knew his parents before grandkids.  I was a nervous wreck at all times when we were all together.  Not because I was made to feel uncomfortable, but because I felt so young.  I felt like I wouldn't have anything in common with all these "grownups" and children.  To be completely honest, it was the children that I clung to first.  I loved those sweet babies to death!  Let's see...Olivia was 5 years old at that time, which would make Will 7 or 8.  Now, Will is 20 and Olivia is 16!  Crazy how time flies!  Of course, as you well know, I grew very very close to both my sister-in-laws.  But, it was after we had been married a while before I really felt like we weren't on different planets.  (They are probably going to die when they read that!  Ha!)

Our first piece of mail in our new apartment last fall...from Grace

One thing I've always loved is the dream of being a mother.  Since that dream hasn't quite happened yet, I'm remembering that I still have a special place.  I'm an aunt.

Drawing by Leah when we kept them overnight this past spring

I'm an aunt to eight sweet nieces and nephews who love me, I hope, as much as I love them.  I'm the aunt that buys loud toys for Christmas and lets them wear makeup and play with my hair as long as they want to.  I'm an aunt who can do all those fun things and not worry about being a disciplinarian.  I'm just the aunt, after all!  Ha!

Thank you note from Julie after Christmas one year

 Not only am I an aunt to these children, but I'm "Aunt Megan" to most of their friends too.  I hear "Aunt Megan" and I turn to find a child I've never seen before!  I love it!  It cracks me up!  Roan texted me the other day and said that the Spartans (their homeschool cross country group) wanted to know when "Aunt Megan" was coming to watch them run.  So fun!  (By the way, Spartans, I'm trying to make it to see you run!  I've been working every Saturday I'm not in Starkville.)

Sweet note from one of the new Jefcoat children...LOVE the names she gave us!

I taught second grade in VBS this year, and most of the girls were friends with one of our neices.  So, instead of Mrs. Megan, they called me "Aunt Megan."  I loved it.  We had many people VERY confused, but that's okay.  Something about these kids feeling that close to me makes me smile.

Thank you note from Clay a few years ago for Christmas gifts...also LOVE the spelling!  Keepsake!

I know that my time as a mother will come one day.  At least I pray that it does.  But, if I'm nothing more than an aunt for now...

that's fine with me!