Adopted

"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."

Luke 19:10

 

This is the verse that led to a life-changing discussion I had with Maia. We were studying and memorizing this verse for AWANA clubs that week. I asked Maia if she knew what the verse meant by "lost." When she told me no, I explained it meant those who needed to trust in Jesus as their Savior.  Then she said, "I've done that but you and Daddy won't let me get baptized."

 

There have been several times over the past year or so, when she would hint at being interested but then would quickly move on.  We knew when she was ready she'd let us know and so we tried very deliberately not to push her into this decision. 

 

But on the night of October 17, 2012, I knew the time had come.  I walked her through the simple ABC's of salvation, and there on her bed, our precious Maia asked Christ to be her Savior.

There is no greater joy for a believing parent, than to know that your child has made this most important decision and has the assurance of Salvation.

 

As I was  thanking God for this over the next several days that followed, many songs would come to mind. But one in particular kept popping up. Phil Wickham's This is the Day, to me, epitomizes this moment in a person's life. It's so fun and biblically sound.  I encourage you as you're watching the video to turn up the sound, really listen to the words and think about the day of your own salvation. Praise Him for it, because He's worthy!

Thank you, sweet Jesus, for dying on the cross for my sins, for my daughter's sins, for the sins of all mankind.  We don't deserve an ounce of your unmerited favor, which makes it all the more precious.

Thanks for loving us so perfectly. 

Three little Treats

Seriously, how cute are these three?!

 

Spider Girl

Violet (Incredible)

50's Cutie

 

 

 

Also, a little side note is the girls and I got creative this year and made some little paintings that will be hung in the Reed house during Halloween for years to come.

 

The kitty's eyes, nose and ears are Josie's fingerprints.

The ghosts are Kyra's footprints.

The spider is Maia's hand prints. 

Very fun!

 

Happy 1st Birthday, Kyra!

It's hard to believe it's been an entire year since our little home-birth baby came into our world and forever changed our lives. 

 

 

On September 28, we celebrated Kyra Dean Reed's first year with us!

 

 

 

I'll be the first to admit that becoming a mom of three has been quite an adjustment.  But one that has ultimately brought me so much joy. 

 

 

Some people say that Kyra looks like Maia and some say Josie.  I think she's a perfect blend of both! She definitely has her own unique personality and it seems as though she has her daddy wrapped around her little finger.

Parenting and attempting to guard the hearts of my three daughters is not a task I take lightly and truthfully I probably fail more than I succeed.  I'm just asking the Father for guidance and thanking Him for the undeserved opportunity to give it my best shot.

Happy first birthday, sweet little Kyra.  We love you to pieces and look forward to seeing  you grow and mature in the One who made you wonderfully.

My Architect

*Here is a little disclaimer about this post.  I actually wrote the bulk of it several weeks ago but needed to add a few finishing touches before posting it, and consequently it has been sitting in my draft folder ever since then.  Last week I read an article about why speaking well of your spouse is so important.  This is something I do try to do but admittedly am not great at. I don't bash him (at least I don't think) but I tend to do all my edifying in private. However, the point of the article was really about why it's important to speak well of your spouse publicly. That publicly part is what I find difficult.  Not that I don't have good things to say about my spouse.  But there are times when it seems those I know that do, are trying to overcompensate for something and it just comes off forced.  A judgemental thought, I know. But I guess there is a fear that if I'm boasting about how great my man is, then it will come off the same way. The truth is, it's not up to me to decide what the motivation is of others. I just need to worry about my own motivations and do what I'm convicted by the Spirit to do.  And so, this post has morphed a little from it's original intent, but that's okay.  Bottom line is I did catch a great one in Robert and here's some of the proof...

 

 

On Thursday, September 13, we got to celebrate a very momentous occasion in the Reed Family.  Our family and closest friends came together to celebrate Robert becoming a registered architect.

 

This was a goal Robert has been working to achieve for many years, and so deserved a proper celebration.

 

In case you are unaware of all that he had to do to become registered, here's the gist of it:  

 

Two college degrees: Bachelor of Environmental Design and Master of Architecture

Hundreds of required internship hours

Eight licensing exams totaling over 30 hours of test taking (which does not include time spent studying!)

 

Also, while he was undertaking all of this, he got married, had three children, worked a total of 19 months as interim worship pastor at our church, and began building a 400 sq ft addition onto our home!

 

 

It was so nice of everyone (minus a few due to sickness and distance) to come celebrate this huge accomplishment in Robert's life.  Even both of Robert's bosses came to help celebrate. 



SURPRISE! The party was not a surprise, but this New iPad was! A special thanks to Amy, David and Carol, Lindsey and Brandon, Janna, Sammy and Susan, Scott and Heather, and Shannon and Lorenzo for all chipping in to get him such a special gift.  This is something he never would have purchased on his own and he was so excited to receive such a gift!

 

During the party, Sammy, my dad, and Robert's boss Jim Rhotenberry, made some toasts to Robert.  Sammy began with some very sweet words and also asked if anyone wanted to say something.  I did in fact want to speak, but I guess nerves got the best of me.  However, here is what I should have said...

 

Two of my favorite qualities in a person are humility and authenticity.  These two things are a couple of the very things that I first loved about Robert.  All these years later, he is still one of the most humble persons I know.

 

He's a very creative and intelligent person, as well as gifted musically.  But you wouldn't know either of these things because he boasts about them, you have to see them in action.

 

He has been involved in at least four state and nationally award winning architectural projects and therefore has been recognized in state and national architecture magazines. But again, I only know that because I'm married to him, not because he's the least bit vocal about it.

 

Even when he found out he passed his final licensing exam, after a few days I asked if he told either of his bosses.  "Nope," came the reply.  Then another day passed and I asked if he'd told either of his parents.  His reply this time was, "You're the only one I've told."  So, I took it upon myself to enlighten them. :)

 

I am super proud of this guy for accomplishing something very few people can say they've accomplished. There are only a little over 104,000 registered architects in the entire U.S.  With a population of 311 million people, I'd say that's pretty impressive.  But, I know I'm biased!

 

I guess the point I'm trying to make is that there are plenty of reasons for which Robert could speak of his own accomplishments.  But that couldn't be more counter to who he is and so, he never does. Which is one of the many reasons I'm so crazy about him!

 

Way to go Robert!  I'm so proud of who you are and what you're about. Congratulations on such a major accomplishment! Loves to you :)