Grabill Fair, Opening Day, C3 Baptism, Laney's First Day

I guess when I don't post for a week I have a lot to put on here. So this is going to be LONG!

We have had a fun week. We spent time at the Grabill Fair with my brother's family. Love fall at the fair and that hot gooey caramel corn. And who doesn't love $1 face paint that makes your daughter feel like a diva?

Saturday was Opening Day for the boys' football league. Keaton's team is the Colts! Kayden plays for the Bengals. Of course it was rainy and cold all day so I couldn't get any action shots of the games, but that didn't stop them from having fun. They are so cute in their pads and helmets. This may be the only year I can say that out loud before they start hitting me!

Sunday our church had their first outdoor baptism in a pond at the HUB. It was just one of those days. The sun was shining, families were sitting on their simple lawn chairs, kids were singing How Great is Our God in unabandoned worship, and people were showing their life change by getting into freezing cold water and following Jesus' lead in being baptized. The Spirit of God was there and for those of you that have experienced His presence, you know what I mean. It was just...

And this week Laney had her first day of preschool. She is in the monkey class this year with her best friend Addy and loves everything about school!

Throughout the busyness of this week, God kept speaking or I should say SCREAMING to me. Watching Macy and many other kids that have joined their families through the gift of adoption I was reminded once again that Macy wouldn't be a Brown but by the grace of God and our family's obedience to a whisper. In the same way that I wouldn't be a member of God's forever family but by the gift of Christ on the cross to offer us the opportunity for adoption as sons.

Macy wouldn't be tasting carmel corn at the fair. She wouldn't be shivering in a rainy car during football games. She wouldn't be worshipping with her church. She wouldn't be glammed up with lip gloss by her sister as she dresses for preschool.

So I felt the need to share with you something you already know. There are so many orphaned children in the world that need us. Yes, they need the basics like food, education, medical care, etc. They need us to advocate for them and be their voice. But more than that they need love, acceptance and the chance to be part of a family. And even more than that they need to be introduced to this person called Jesus so that they can grow to love Him, know Him, follow Him, and serve Him. What more natural way to offer all of this than through life in a Christian family? If you are feeling the gentle nudge of Jesus' calling, please listen.