Soli Deo Gloria

The day my sweet girl came home. We were told she hated to be held. Nothing was farther from the truth.

We've always said that at times it seems as though Hannah is "waking up". She will have a major spurt of development and usually it's accompanied by a personality change, hence the waking up... an alertness that wasn't there before. Within the past few weeks I noticed my girl laughing spontaneously for the first times... big 'ol belly laughs, language taking over, recalling and sharing information extremely quickly, and understanding a gigantic bunch of concepts.

The girls came into our lives with us not knowing what Hannah's future held. In all honesty our hopes weren't great (actually, Dane had great hopes and confidence in her). We've had many medical personnel share the same thoughts with us. One actually told me that all she had hoped for was for Hannah to recognize me and make contact. She has blown all of our mines... God has blown all our minds. 

For a long time, I've shared Hannah's story, in part because of anger and in part out of amazement for her growth. I think of Esther's story and Mordecai's statement to her that perhaps her entire life leading up to this moment and becoming queen was "for such a time as this." A time to be used by God. A time to bring rescue... salvation. A time for God to receive the glory.

I know with all my heart that God's will was not for my sweet daughters to be abused. I know that He wept. I know that He spared Hannah's life. I know He held her. I know He put a dear sister of mine in place to hold her and rock her and sing how Jesus loves her and pray over her as she sat alone in a hospital. I know He put another brother and sister in place to get a call on them, and pray for them and that they would be in a home where they would know Jesus. I know He spoke to our hearts and said adopt. I know that on the very day they came into custody He spoke to me and told me to trust . I know that God placed my daughters in our home. Mostly though, I know that God will bring Himself glory through their lives.

Many people say, "oh, you guys have done so much," or "oh, you're so wonderful," or "they are so blessed to be in your family." The truth is though that it's not about us. It's about Him. It's about the God of the whole universe who sent His Son for me. To change my life and my heart. To love me so that I could become His daughter. He has blessed me.

For me to pretend any of this is about us, is to steal His glory. He alone can restore in such miraculous ways. So with each new accomplishment I will praise the God who heals and be reminded of His incredible faithfulness.