Adopted for Life

On December 28th, 2012, we had the immense joy and privilege of officially welcoming our daughter (Eliana Hope) into the Parker family! It was such an beautiful day, and we are so thankful for those who came out to fill the courtroom with their love and support. We have been humbled by God's grace these last 4 months, and we are rejoicing in the story that He continues to unfold in and through our lives!

I couldn’t help but be struck afresh that day by what God has done for us by adopting us into His family. I love the fact that Eliana had nothing to do with her adoption. Now she not only is a permenant part of the Parker family, but I particularly love how our decree of adoption words the transaction. It says that the state of Washington “is authorized to issue a new birth certificate, indicating that the child is the natural child of the petitioners(!)” So, not only does Eliana get to join the family, but legally, her birth certificate will list us as the birth parents. As if she was blood!

I don’t know of a more beautiful picture of what God has done for those who place their faith in Him. In the same way we wanted Eliana to be a apart of our family before she was even born, Eph 1:4 says that, "He (God) chose us before the foundations of the world" to be in Him. Then, in the same way we entered into the legal binding agreement to adopt Eliana, Jesus purchases us with his blood and adopts us into his family (Eph 1:5). Removing all of our past sin and history, and giving us His righteousness, a new name, a new identity, a new family!

There’s nothing that Eliana can do or say that will change how we love and feel about her, and that she's now a part of our family. In the same way, no matter what I feel like tomorrow morning when I wake up, I’ve been adopted by the King! I can know that God loves me, delights in me, and has my best, because He died for me to bring me into a right relationship with Him! (1 Jn 3:16) How awesome is that?!

There’s so many parallels that I continue to process, but one last one for now; In the same way when the judge asked us if we’ll take care of Eliana for the rest of our lives, God makes the same covenant with us. When I’m tempted to sin, and the enemy would love to tell me that I’m an orphan, an alien, and a stranger (Eph 2:10), I can cling to the promises of God. That I’m adopted for life, that he loves me, will never leave me or forsake me (Heb 13:5), and that He’s working ALL things out for my good, and His glory (Rom 8:28). He just lovingly and patiently continues to invite me to trust Him. Trust that He’s not only a good Dad, but a perfect Father. (Matt 6:31-34)

Michelle and I are deeply thankful and humbled by God’s grace and the story that He is writing. Even through 11 years of infertility, we can rejoice today not only because he gave us a baby, but because He’s chosen and adopted us for life! We are praying that Jesus will be made to look as good as He is through our lives and the little girl he has entrusted to us!

Adopted by the King,
David and Michelle

Rom 8:15-17 "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ…"

If you want to learn more on theology of adoption, I would highly recommend reading "Adopted for Life" by Russel Moore. 

One Month Ago Today

It's hard to believe that a month has passed since Eliana entered our world. In some ways it seems like we have had her in our life for longer than that, but in other ways it seems like it was only last week that we were waiting to hear her first cry!

She has been a joy to have in our lives--the first month has brought lots of long nights, but also lots of sweet times of cuddling and just watching her cute little lips while she sleeps. Some "firsts" in this first month: she is holding her head up pretty well by herself (she was "headstrong" since the day she came out!) and we *think* she smiled at us this Thursday, but we're still not sure if it was intentional or not. We like to think it was! :-) She also is starting to have some "hang out" times where she is awake and not crying, which has been such a wonderful thing to enjoy!  Eliana loves to eat, and has been given the nickname "bear" because of her attitude when she's hungry (which is quite often!)--she makes these cute little grunting noises, and has a very demanding appetite, so the name stuck!

Our daughter is an amazing gift, and one that has humbled us so much-- every time we think of the fact that we were given this beautiful, perfectly healthy little girl, we are astounded by God's grace, and also by the bravery and love of her birth parents. We did nothing to deserve the gift they have given us, yet they freely gave her to us...what a beautiful reminder of God's grace to us in Jesus! Happy one month birthday Eliana! We thank God for you everyday!

The Gift of Hope

Today we have the great privilege of introducing you to

 an answered prayer.

Her name is Eliana Hope.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the  Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13

Although Eliana was born at 1:40 am on Thursday, September 27, her story started long before that day.  In fact, God has been weaving her story since the beginning of time, and it is only now that we are getting to witness the puzzle pieces fitting together. It is amazing to watch, and humbling to be a part of...We'll have to save the "long version" for another post, but for now, we stand humbled and blessed to be invited into the story God is weaving in this dear little baby girl's life.

Our daughter's name is very dear to us.  Eliana is Hebrew for "My God has answered me." And, before God gave us this dear answer to prayer, He blessed us with an even greater answer to prayer: Hope. Hope that God is in control and that He is good...all the time. 

"I will bless the Lord at all times;
    his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
    let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
    and let us exalt his name together!
 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
    and delivered me from all my fears." (Psm 34:1-4)

No News Yet!

Just wanted to update everyone who is faithfully praying for us-- we haven't received any calls yet so we are assuming the baby is taking some extra time in Momma's tummy. We'd love continued prayers for the birth mom and dad during this time, and for us, as we trust God with the process! Thanks!!

Psalm 46:10- "Be still and know that I am God;

 I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

This Changes Everything

(at least that's what we're told)

Things have been a little crazy in the Parker home lately. We wish we had time to talk to everyone, but we wanted to let you know the good news: we are "expecting" and are due in 9 days! (Sept 17th due date)!! We have met with a very sweet couple that is courageously making the decision to give their baby up for adoption, and they have chosen us to be the parents! So, Lord willing, in a little over a week we will be have a little baby…and since I'm sure you're all wondering…it's a girl! :-)  

There are still a few bridges to cross with the legal issues of adoption, and of course, the parents could change their mind, so this is not a 100% sure thing yet …BUT, we are excited to see what God is doing, and we are hopeful and trusting that He has a plan!

We'd appreciate your prayers as we continue to navigate all that needs to be done to prepare in the next week (purchase #1 was made by "Grandma and Grandpa" Kuhn on their trip out west, so we thought we'd include a pic! :-) Also please continue to pray for the birthparents: a healthy delivery, speedy recovery, and God's peace for them and for us.

We will try to keep everyone updated as things progress.  

Psalms 39:7:  “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.  

Romans 15:13 " May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

Love,

David and Michelle

A blog within a blog

I know, we are terrible at posting anything on this blog! But, to make myself feel better, I wanted to link you to a blog that we technically did just post on...kind of. It's a friend's blog. She is doing a special theme for February, of "loving & leaping", and she asked us to be a part of it. It was a lot of fun to reminisce about our relationship, and dig up some old pictures. Hope you enjoy it!

Thank You, Michelle.

I know we've been horrible about updating this blog, but just wanted to take a few minutes to publicly say 'Thank You!' to my bride.

10 years ago today, I married my high school sweetheart, Michelle. What a blessing and a gift Michelle has been. It's been a journey filled with ups and downs, pain and laughter, tears and joy, but through all of it, I'm truly thankful that I have been graced with a wife that loves Jesus and loves me. I continue to learn that no matter what the struggle, we have a savior that loves us deeply and allows us to truly love each other. So Michelle, I'm thankful for your years of love and service, and the grace you have shown me as we have walked through life together. Thank you for your continued love and patience with me through thick and thin. Thank you for being a picture of Jesus to me, and reminding me of where my ultimate hope lies. Because of you, I am not the same man you married ten years ago, and I'm so thankful for that! I can't imagine my life without you, and thankful I get to spend the rest of it with you!

So today, I want to reaffirm my commitment to you. A commitment to love and cherish you for the rest of my life. To continually give myself up for you. To be faithful to you. To remind you of Jesus, and to walk with you and enjoy your friendship and company, no matter what the future holds.

Thank you for being my best friend, Michelle!

Will you Marry Me? Again? :-)

I love you,
- Your Husband.
Eph 5:25-30