Happy Endings and New Beginnings

Here we are!  We're just a few hours away from the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013. I am amazed when I think back over this past year and everything that has occurred. In January, Gabe was born.  He is such a blessing. At my 6 week postpartum checkup, my doctor advised us not to pursue pregnancy again due to the complications I experienced during my pregnancies with both Matthew and Gabe. But this wasn't to be and ending.  He was just giving us a new beginning. Shortly thereafter, God reignited a flame He had been steadily fanning: adoption. When God set us on the path to adoption, He blessed us with so much more than a baby in our future. We started praying and researching, trying to learn all we could and select the right agency to go through.  We are convinced that God placed Agape in our path as part of His perfect plan. Since then, Mike and I have been working toward becoming adoptive parents. All the details are falling together so well.  There are still things to finish and a few obstacles, but we feel confident that God will provide solutions in His appointed timing. This year, I know that we have grown closer to God. We have learned more this year about trusting God's timing and putting our faith in Him than ever before.  It can be hard at times to give up control, but we have found that in the moments when we let go of the reigns and let God drive, the paths get straighter and are usually less bumpy.
Our boys have both grown so much over this past year.  It's hard to believe that Gabe will soon be turning ONE. WOW! Where did the time go...seriously?? Matthew has grown so much and in so many ways. He has overcome so much. His speech is steadily improving.  His vocabulary is constantly expanding, and he is actually making sentences and carrying on conversations with us.  We are so thankful, and we know that he will continue to improve. It has been a long road paved with adversity, but God has seen us through it.
Our prayer for 2013 is that God will continue to bring us closer to Him, and that we will continue to grow in our walk. While 2012 is drawing to a close along with some chapters of our life, we know that 2013 will bring new beginnings in many ways, as well as new and exciting opportunities. We look forward to all that God has in store for us. It is so exciting to think of all the things I could be sitting here reflecting on this time next year! We pray for the mother of our future baby, as her adoption journey may be beginning in 2013 if it has not already.  We pray that she will stay healthy and make healthy choices for her and the baby. We pray also for all of our loved ones who are struggling in some way, whether it be personal issues or family issues... that they will put their faith in God and allow him to guide them down the right paths. We pray for the lost... that in this new year they will accept a new beginning and a new life through Jesus Christ, one of forgiveness and salvation. May God bless you all in the new year. Thank you all for the love and support you have shown us this past year, and we look forward to sharing our journey with you through 2013!