Magical Princess

Last weekend I walked by Lily's room and found her all dressed up in her
butterfly wing princess dress that her aunt and uncle gave her for her birthday.
 I decided to snap a few pictures to capture the moment (even her mischievous little grin).

The light pouring into her room was a welcome change to the rainy, cold weather we have had in recent days.  

She kept waving her wand around saying "magical princess...magical princess".  

I pray that she will always embrace this spirit of freedom and joy to be all that God has created her to be. 

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  Ephesians 2:10

Forever Family Day...3 years later

When we met Lily on March 14, 2011 she held an apple tightly in one hand and a sucker in another. They were her sense of security when her world was changing upside down.

I ran across the sucker recently as I was looking for something in our attic. I was amazed to find it exactly as it was the day we met her. The wrapper slightly torn...half way open...covering the sweet treat hidden inside. An interesting analogy to the gift we were handed that special day. Our little girl...broken yet full of sweet joy beyond measure once we began to unwrap the layers of her personality over time.

These are the shoes she was wearing...in perfect condition...purchased just for her to wear to meet her forever family. An act of love and thoughtfulness on behalf of those who cared for her.

It is amazing how time heals and changes our perspective on life. As I reflect on this pivotal day, I am humbled by the beauty that continues to rise out of the brokenness...out of the hard places we have walked. So much joy...so much gratitude...so much hope fills my heart. Our daughter, chosen from the beginning of time, is a beautiful reflection of God's grace.

I love these words to Steven Curtis Chapman's song "Only One and Only You".  

 Happy forever family day Lily Grace! You are God's masterpiece and such a blessing to our family.