And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow — not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below — indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 Love wins is a mantra of sorts… Read more Love Wins {28 of 40 Stories} →
When people learn Andy and I adopted most of our children when they were older, there’s always a story. I hear stories that start like this… My neighbor’s daughter adopted a 12 year old.My sister’s husband’s best friend adopted a 5 year old and 6 year old sibling group.My aunt decided to adopt some foster kids after her kids went to college.These people at my brother’s church adopted an 8 year old. I used to get excited. I love story. I love story inspired by my story. I love story… Read more It’s Not About Luck {27 of 40 Stories} →
Click here for the backstory. There was a vineyard owner who went out early in the morning to hire people to work for him. He promised them a day’s wage, and then sent them into the vineyard. A few hours later he hired more people to help, promising a fair wage. Later in the day he rounded up another group to work in the vineyards, and promised to pay whatever was right.. Again, when it was almost time to quit work, he did the same thing. When the sun set,… Read more A Glimpse of Grace {26 of 40 Stories} →
Click here for the backstory. We learned from adopting Sam how God gives blessings out of an abundant love. Before Sam, we waited for a baby. We were matched, and the baby was due on January 31. On Andy’s birthday, in December, we received a phone call informing us the birthmother changed her mind. Although we were matched again at the end of December, the due date wasn’t until March, giving this new birthmother plenty of time to change her mind. We closed up the nursery and didn’t think about… Read more I Learned to Keep Laughing {24 of 40 Stories} →
Click here for the backstory. She used to lie to stay safe. She used to steal to eat. Lies and thefts became part of her existence. These practices were critical to survival. A habit was formed. When she moved home, to our forever family, we began to break the habit. She learned it was wrong to lie and steal. She learned to recognize the impulse and stop it. We prayed to be able to tell the difference between lying and four year old mistakes. It was an answered prayer. Whenever… Read more Not Yet, But She Will {24 of 40 Stories} →
Click here for the backstory. For a long time, I’ve claimed Philippians 4:4-7 as a compass to how I live. I’ve memorized the New International Version. Tonight I read The Message and smiled. You’ll see why… Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! Don’t fret or worry.… Read more Celebrate Anyway {23 of 40 Stories} →
Click here for the backstory. Recently I have been asking God to be strict with me. It isn’t best for a child to have loose boundaries. It also isn’t good for a child to set her own boundaries. I don’t just want to live a good life according to the world’s standards, but I want to live the life I was created to live according to Gods’ standards. Please be strict with me, is a brave prayer. As a recovering perfectionist, I don’t like to do things wrong. This prayer… Read more Be Strict With Me {16 of 40 Stories} →
Six years separate then and now. I tried to recall a single photo of just the three of us during the span of time between then and now. I don’t… Read more Then & Now {Story 12 of 40} →
Click here for the backstory. Last week marked the sixth year of our forever family for our daughters. Walking in the front door for the first time as a family of five, I think I was the most awe struck of us all. I didn’t expect to be there – standing in our entry way with two new daughters and a two year old on my hip. I imagine my eyes to be a bit wild, my curls not quite contained, and the family I always imagined seemed like a… Read more By Faith {Story 11 of 40} →
Ruth Ayres Writes 