FOREVER CHANGED

Give me Your eyes for just one second

Give me Your eyes so I can see

Everything that I keep missing

Give me Your love for humanity

Give me Your arms for the broken-hearted

The ones that are far beyond my reach

Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten

Give me Your eyes so I can see

This song was my heart’s prayer during all of 2013. This is also the year that we started on a journey known as foster care.

The Lord called our family very specifically to love these foster children. I was beyond excited and ready to begin this journey with Him.

I wanted to be His hands and feet. I desired to help the hurting, mend their wounds, and love the “least of these” in my community.

I envisioned ministering to these children, teaching them about Jesus, and witnessing to their parents.

We became an approved Foster home at 4:30 pm on March 20th, 2014. The first foster child walked through our door at 6:30pm that same day.

And in the blink of an eye…my eyes were open….reality hit…and it tore me apart!

I was overwhelmed!!!!

Were these things really happening to children in my own backyard?

How did I not know?

Why aren’t people outraged about these things?

Why had no one told me?

I realized that I had been living in a bubble. I chose not to see past my own nose.

I paid no attention to the strange faces staring back at me at the store, at the local park, or even in the pews of my own church.

My eyes were not open to the pain and darkness surrounding me…or maybe…I did not care enough to see it

Chad and I have had the privilege of loving 8 children so far through the adventure called foster care.

Despite the darkness of their situation, these babies are a LIGHT that SHINES so brightly in my world.

They are DAILY reminders of God’s unending LOVE, GRACE, and MERCY in a fallen world.

They have done more for me then I could ever do for them. They are precious and we are beyond grateful that He allowed our family to be a part of their story.

I am FOREVER changed.

One thing I know for sure…

I can never go back to the way I was.

My eyes have been opened.

The need is too great.

I can promise you this…

An adventure waits for anyone willing to partner with Jesus!

Begin with simply asking Jesus to open your eyes!  Get on your knees and pray for your neighbors! Open your heart to the unlovable, the outcasts, and the broken. And then wait and watch as God does the rest!

Your life will NEVER be the same!

 

 

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

 

 

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21

 

 

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,  rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

 

 

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Proverbs 3:27

 

 

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Psalm 37:5-6

Colt turns 2!

Colt,

Happy Birthday sweet angel!

 

Did you know that your life is an example of God’s love?

In the midst of my very darkest hour there was a little ray of light.

When I wanted to lose hope and get lost in the grief over losing my mother, I could not. There was a baby.

 

There was a baby who needed me to keep it together. There was a baby that begged me to eat and who kept me from drowning  in my sorrow. There was a baby who gave me hope and a future.

In the midst of our grief…God sent a baby….

 

 

You were a light in our darkness, joy in our pain, and a promise that our family would move forward and thrive!

I want you to always know how God has used your life, even before you took your first breath.

 

You were fearfully and wonderfully made, my sweet baby boy!

From the top of your white, blond hair… to the bottom of your dirty, chunky feet… YOU are HIS!

He made you unique!

 

Oh, and ARE you EVER the unique child! You are shy and prefer to be at home. And if you are not at home, you want to be wherever your Daddy is…

You want to sit with him while he watches TV, you want to stare at him as he cuts the grass, and you stand outside the door while he is in the bathroom. You love going to his closet and getting out his shoes…just to see if they fit your feet this time. You cry when he leaves the house and REJOICE when he gets home!

 

 

 

Your laugh is the greatest sound I have ever heard. I wish I could bottle it up and keep it forever. I have never met such a good looking baby boy in my life! The first time I got a good look at you, I remember thinking how handsome you were already.

Your Grandaddy ("Da Da Da") says you are the smartest boy in Georgia ;)! He watches your every move.

I am not sure if you ever will start talking. ..but that does not slow you down. We all know EXACTLY how you are feeling at any moment.

Your sister is your best friend! You two have a blast together.  She adores you and HATES to hear you cry.  She is your biggest defender and I pray it always stays that way.

 

But deep, deep down…everyone knows your heart belongs to your Mommy. We are a team.

 

I am so thankful that Jesus chose me to be your Mom. I can think of no higher honor.

Each moment that I get to pray over your life brings me joy. Oh, and there are A LOT of prayers!

He has used you in a mighty and powerful way already. I cannot imagine what He has in store for your life! I am so thankful to have a front row seat!

I love you Colt Man! You make my heart sing!

Love, Mommy

 

 

 

 

 

Letter to Heaven, Volume 2

(I guess I forgot to publish this! )

Dear Mama,

 Today Eva began Kindergarten! Can you believe it? Weren’t we just in the delivery room? You started singing her “Happy Birthday” trying to get her to make her grand appearance!  I guess you thought that if you started singing she would decide to come out. Nice try…to bad it didn’t work.

No, Eva has always done things her own way in her own time. She is confidant in everything she does and comfortable in her own skin. I sure do hope she stays that way.

She walked into that Kindergarten room like she owned the place. She then gave me a limit to how many pictures I could take and then she quietly asked me to leave. She said, “Mom, I’ve got this!”

Oh Mama, I could have burst into tears right in that room!  I have worries and fears for her. Trusting Jesus with her life is probably one of the hardest things I have ever done. I wonder if you felt the same way the day you went to heaven.  I looked into your eyes and said, “Don’t worry Mama, I’ve got this!”

 This morning I woke up early and prayed. HARD.  I then watched Chad crawl beside Eva in bed and whisper words of encouragement and love to his little angel. Yes Mama, he is still pretty great! Not that you doubted him!

 I let her eat a chocolate muffin for breakfast!  She only ate the top part and gave her banana to Colt! We read over a Bible verse to remind her that God would be walking the halls right beside her! She smiled!

 I cried after I dropped her off. I cried because she was growing up, but mostly I cried because I wish you were here experiencing her life with me.

But God has not forgotten me and He sent some pretty amazing women to call me and listen to this mother's heart. And of course, I have my daddy!

I just wanted you to know. I love you!
Erin
 

 

 

 

One Step Closer

Our journey to become foster parents is still in high gear. Last week we had our first home study.  We hurried around the house to make sure every detail was perfect, every crumb swept up and every toy put away. It is hard for me to describe the emotions that I was feeling. Before our case worker arrived we stopped and prayed as a family. It was a very simple prayer, yet to Chad and I, it was everything.

“Lord, this is us being obedient to you. Let your will be done. Thank you for bringing us this far. We trust you.  Amen”

The visit was powerful. We got to tell the story of how Jesus brought us on this journey. Hearing it from Chad’s lips is a beautiful thing! I got to describe Chad as a husband and father; he got to talk about me as a wife and mother.  There were words of validation and confirmation that we were, in fact, in this together.  

We have no expectations for what this journey holds. All we know is that God wants us in this place. We would love your prayers and encouragement!

We have our second home study tomorrow and then we wait! It could take several months before we know if we are approved.

I would like to share some verses and quotes that I have collected along the way that give me strength in times of doubt. Oh... and in case you were wondering… I do have doubts! EVERY.SINGLE.DAY.

 

If Jesus ever commanded us to do something that He was unable to equip us to accomplish, He would be a liar. And if we make our own inability a stumbling block or an excuse not to be obedient, it means that we are telling God that there is something which He has not yet taken into account. Every element of our own self-reliance must be put to death by the power of God. The moment we recognize our complete weakness and our dependence upon Him will be the very moment that the Spirit of God will exhibit His power. – Oswald Chambers

 

“Now the God of Peace, who raised Jesus from the dead, will equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, and HE will get the glory.” Hebrews 13:21

 

“Now to Him who is ABLE to do far more abundantly than we could ever ask or imagine…To Him be the glory! Ephesians 3:20

 

"God's call on your life, what He's asking you to surrender to right now in this season, means that He has chosen you above anyone else to do what He's asking. You are the one He singled out as His partner for a particular project. Whether it's parenting a special needs child (hello), starting a Bible Study, or even, like Jonah, reaching out to people you'd rather avoid, He's purposefully given you the high honor of being the one He deemed suited for a task with heavenly implications.

A supernatural outcome waits on the horizon for anyone who chooses to partner with God. So go ahead, sit on the edge of your seat in anticipation and accept the interruption as the GIFT that it is.

God offers you a chance to write a story of eternal significance, and it all begins...with an interruption."

PRACILLA SHIRER “Jonah”

 

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it!

Proverbs 3:27

 

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert

and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:19

 

“The harvest is plenty but the workers are few.”

Mathew 9:37

 

Is God calling you to a new task? Has He been pounding at your door? Ask him to show you what that looks like for you. He is patiently waiting for you to answer His calling on your life! I am praying that you find it!

Love, Erin

Happy 40th Birthday Chad!

Chad,

 I love June 11th! It's one of my favorite days of the year! Any excuse to celebrate your life makes a great day in my world!

 

HAPPY 40^th BIRTHDAY!

 

Today you have been on this earth for 40 years! Isn't that crazy!?!?!? In that short time you have impacted the lives of many. You have been a friend, encourager,care-giver , comforter, and so much more. I have always been amazed at how you jump at the chance to help friends and family in need. You have a genuine love and compassion for people. Others recognize this quality in you…which is why your phone is always ringing! God calls us to love each other. He must be so proud of the child He has in Chad Davis!

I want to thank you for the husband that you are! You loved me even when I didn’t love myself. The person that I was before Christ got a hold of my life was less than desirable. I am still not sure what you saw in that 23 year old girl…oh but I am so thankful that you chose me to be your one and only! I strive to be a Proverbs 31 wife every day. I fail at it …EVERY. DAY. Then you remind me... in your own special way... that no matter what, I am loved and adored. I am so thankful and humbled to be your partner in this journey called life. God has blessed me much more than I deserve.

I always knew that you would be a great father….but you have blown away all of my dreams and expectations. Your love and passion for our children is like nothing I have ever seen. They live for their daddy…for your smile and attention. Each day when you come home from work is like a HUGE reunion! The home that you built is our little piece of heaven on earth. Eva and Colt are so blessed to be able to call you “daddy”…and they know it! I can’t wait for other children to experience the love of Jesus through you! (wink wink)

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to this family and to your friends. I have learned what strength looks like through your life... I have learned what humility looks like also.

It is my prayer that you continue to be the man God has designed…That you seek His face in everything you do. I have loved watching Him at work in your life. I can’t wait to see how He continues to use you for His glory! Watch out baby…the next 40 years will be your biggest adventure yet!

I want to share some words that Pastor Doug and his wife put in your birthday book:

                        "40" is not just another number
* For 40 days God let it rain to let His earth begin again
* For 40 years God prepared Moses to lead His people
* For 40 days Christ was alone to glorify His father by withstanding the temptation of Satan
* For 40 years the children wandered in the wilderness before making it to the home God chose for them.

It has taken 40 years for God to make you into the man you are today - husband, father, friend

Chad...you are ready...it is time!

Happy Birthday my love!

Erin

Interview with Eva, volume 1

Day’s like Saturday April 6^th, 2013 are precious! We had a busy Saturday as normal…but this time we were all together...all 4 of us... for the entire day. This rarely happens…but when it does…it is heaven! The hustle and bustle of our busy lives pulls us in many directions. Although we all see each other every day, we hardly get to enjoy the whole day as a family. We forget how magical it can be…we forget how important and necessary it is to simply be together. Eva pointed this out to us as the afternoon came to a close…she said, “This is the best day ever, because I am with my family all day!” Chad and I shared a glance that spoke a thousand words.

As I reflect on this perfect Saturday, I am reminded of how God must feel when His children spend time with Him and how important and necessary it is to simply be in His presence. Have you sat with Jesus lately? Soak Him in sweet friends…there is nothing more sweet!

Our Perfect Saturday! Let my heart never forget!

 

Softball Opening Day

 

 

Let's go Lady Tigers

 

 

Mommy's MVP!

 

 

 

 

 

She went 4 for 4

 

 

 

I think I got carried away!

 

 

Helping Colt learn to ride

 

 

Be still my heart!

 

 

growing up on the golf course

 

 

She is a natural!

 

 

 

Interview with Eva. Volume 1

5 years old

 

 

 

Love,

One grateful Mommy



 

Ready or Not! Here we go!

Last September our church did a Bible study series called “Not a Fan” by Kyle Idleman. This was the first Bible study that Chad and I have done together. It challenged us to look into our lives. It begged the question…”are you a true follower of Jesus? Or just a fan?”

After weeks of soul searching, daily challenges, bible diving, and a ton of prayer… we were changed. Chad and I realized that we were simply fans of Jesus …and that was no longer acceptable…we wanted to be followers. Every. Single. Day.

This is the story that stepped on our toes and opened our eyes:

A family was preparing to go on vacation for a month. They hired a sweet, young couple to house sit for them while they were away. The family created a journal for the young couple with directions on how to care for things while they were gone. The journal included directions on how to feed and tend to the animals. It asked them to get the mail and water the flowers. It told them which day was trash day and which bills to send off. The couple was excited and ready for their job to begin.

 A month went by and the family returned from vacation. As they pulled up to the house they noticed that the mail was pouring out of the mailbox, the flowers were dead and the animals were starved. The house was dark because the power had been disconnected.  The young couple rushed out to meet the family with HUGE smiles! They were excited!  They told the family of all that they had done with the journal. They memorized every line. They had friends over to talk about the journal. The couple even highlighted the important parts. They were certain that they had done a wonderful job and awaited their pay.

The family was infuriated and sent the couple away with nothing…..

 

You  see friends…Chad and I are that sweet, young couple….

We go to church, we tithe, and we even participate in a mission project or two. These are all good things ….however we only do these things when it is convenient. We do not listen for His direction for our lives. We are not obedient. We are fans!

We have not allowed our life to be interrupted.

Until now….

“Then Jesus told his disciples, “if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. “ Matthew 16: 24-25

 Chad and I are seeking the Lord in a way that we never imagined. In our journey to become followers He has changed our lives. We are no longer content with the way things used to be…we are ready to be used by Him!

So…After many months of calling us in a way that only God can do…we have begun a journey that we NEVER imagined to be on.

We are on our way to becoming Foster Parents!

YIKES!!!!! Saying it out loud is even scary for me! Talk about a life interrupted…….

How we got to this point is a whole new blog in itself!!!!! But feel free to ask me anytime…I love talking about how our God works! But please make no mistake…This is something that Chad and I could not do without Gods calling and direction. It is such a personal decision that it is difficult and scary for me to share.

We started this journey in November. We have completed 2 months of training and mounds of paperwork. We have passed drug screens, back ground checks, and we are awaiting our final medical evaluations and the paperwork will be complete! Then the home studies begin!

We have kept this to ourselves for quite a while. We wanted to make sure that this is the direction God was leading our family. We were not ready to hear outside opinions and wanted to listen for only God’s voice!

However, we have come a long way and we are ready! Well…actually I don’t ever think we can be totally ready … but we are 50% prepared and 100% prayed up!!!!!

In reality, I started this whole blogging thing because I wanted to track our Foster journey. I want to remember how and why we started this and to be able to look back on all that God has done! Even if we never have one foster child in our home…I never want to forget how He changed a heart like mine!

I want Eva and Colt to be able to see how God has moved in our family so that they can trust Him with theirs!

Will you pray with us on this journey? Oh how we need them!

“Jesus never said it would be easy, but He said it would be worth it!” Matthew 7: 13-14      

Dreaming of a house full of crazy,

Erin

 

**our specific prayer need this week is for us to get all of our paper work complete! **