Monday, May 18, 2009

REJOICE In The Midst of it All

What a day!

I barely got this post in before the strike of midnight. But I stop the clock on my wait since I learned that the adoption was made final today -- May 18, 2009 (32 days since my original court date). The day has brought with it many different emotions, none that I'm sure I could have predicted but more than anything in my heart their is nothing but gratefulness. I am grateful that I was led to this journey, grateful for all the good things that have happened along the way, grateful for the stops and starts, grateful for the high hurdles, and seemingly impossible mountains that I had to climb. I'm grateful that through it all, at every stop along the way when their were doubts, false starts, fear, and disbelief that Jesus kept me not in spite of but in the midst of it all.

This is one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite gospel albums of all times. It sums up me feelings on this day better than any words I could ever say. As I listened to this song today, I think that this not only my song but it is the song of my children as well. There lives don't only begin anew once they find their way to me, Jesus has faithfully kept them through it all, in the midst of it all and no matter what I've gone through at 43 it pales when I compare it to what they have already endured at 5 and 6. There is nothing in my life that I could have ever done to deserve this opportunity and when I did things to blow the opportunity He was ever faithful to me. For that, too, I am grateful.



I've come through many hard trials
Through temptations on every hand
Though Satan's tried to stop me
And to place my feet on sinking sand
Through the pain and all of my sorrows
Through tears and all of my fears
The Lord was there to keep me
For He's kept me in the midst of it all

Not because I've been so faithful
Not Because I've always obeyed
It's not because I trust him
To be with me all of the way
But it's because He loves me so dearly
He was there to answer my call
There always to protect me
For He's kept me in the midst of it all

[Choir:]
I've come through many hard trials
Through temptations on every hand
Though Satan's tried to stop me
And to place my feet on sinking sand
Because Jesus loves me dearly
He was there to answer my call
There always to protect me
For He's kept me in the midst of it all

[Chorus:]
No He's never left me
And He' never let me fall
Oh yes He will protect you
For He's kept me in the midst of it all

[Vamp:]
Yes, He kept me
Yes, Jesus kept me
Jesus kept me [3x], in the midst of it all
For He's kept me in the midst of it all

When I thought I was going to lose my mind.
Jesus kept me. Jesus kept me.
With his power Jesus kept me.
He didn't let me fall. Jesus kept me.
Right there, right there in the midst of it all.
In the midst of it all.

I don't know what you're going through. Jesus kept me.
But would you allow me to encourage you.
I know it he did it for me, for me, for me, for me.
He will do the same for you. In the midst of it all.
Jesus. Jesus. Yes he did!
Jesus. Jesus. Yes he did!
I don't know nobody else to call in time of trouble.
I tried my mother and I know she loved me.
I tried my family and I know they love me.

Nobody but Jesus.
He held my hand, he brought me through.
He wouldn't let me fall, so let me encourage you.
Don't give up! Don't give in!
I don't care what nobody else says. You can win.
With Jesus. With Jesus.
You can make.
Just understand that you have everything inside of you to take it.

17 comments:

waitingarms said...

Congratulations! Your blog will be an amazing chronicle for your children when they are older - all the mountains and valleys their mommy had to go through to get to this day! I will go to sleep tonight very happy indeed - I have been following your journey for about a year now and have been praying that God that this day would come soon!

Blessings from one mommy to another.

Angela said...

Congratulations Valerie!

You are certainly a minister of the gospel as well as a new mommy! I'm sure you'll allow God to continually guide your journey.

Jenny and Matt said...

That's great news! Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

I cannot stop rejoicing for you and praising God for how faithful He is in our lives. Hallelujah!

Tami said...

Congratulations sister. Love ya! Now go get my niece and nephew.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Valerie!!
I'm so happy for you and that your long process and wait is over. Having just passed court unexpectedly last week after six months since referral I can relate to the mix of emotions. Hopefully you will travel soon!
Martha

paige said...

Congratulations Gal!!!!!!

Calmil2 said...

Yipee!!! When do you travel?

kn said...

Yay!!

Your faith will be a wonderful example for your children and a great comfort to them.

When, when, when do you fly back to get them??????

Debbie said...

Wow!!!!! Congratulations mommy!!!!! May the rest of your journey be swift and smooth.

veggiemom said...

Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for you!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Mommy-

Those words sound GREAT after your long wait.
GOD always comes RIGHT on time.
I wish you and your children a safe trip and a smooth transition.
I am so HAPPY for you and your family.
Keep us posted and please post pics when you can.

Blessings!
Sen (lurker) :)

Monica Lidya's Mom said...

Congratulations! Hope your travel dates come quickly. I would love to see more pictures of the kids room too. It was really looking nice in the last photos you posted.

hazel said...

Congratulations Valarie. You have been Mother to these children for a long time - now it is 'officially official!'

I hope you have a quick travel date. Get packing!!

Anonymous said...

Fantastic news. So happy. Now, how bout some pictures!

Jan

Jebena said...

Now, go in God's Speed----We love you!!!!

Dawn said...

Congratulations to you!

Original Court Date: April 18, 2009
Final Court Date: May 18, 2009
[607 total days & 165 days w/IAN]