Conversations with Maggie

Maggie opens this conversation while I'm getting dressed to go out on a date with Lucas.

Maggie: Mommy, you going to church?

Me: No, I'm going on a date.

Maggie: I go on date with Mommy?

Me: Nope. This date is just for me and my husband. When you're 18, you can go on a date.

Maggie: No, I go when I Two.

How We Spent our Sunday Afternoon

Today right before nap time Max took a big spill in the bathroom, falling off the step at the sink and slashing his face on the toilet.

After much deliberation, and a this-is-why-I-love-Siloam-Springs house call from our nurse friend Cindy and then Lucas fortuitously running into our favorite dr. at Zaxby's to talk through what we should do, we made the decision not to take him into the ER.

It was a pretty good gash, and it probably could have used a couple of stitches, but we decided that we would just let it heal on its own. Cindy described to us what the process would be like to get stitches, and it sounded like it would be horribly traumatic for Max. So we butterfly bandaged it and are hoping it won't leave much of a scar.

I found out today how weak I am when it comes to dealing with bloody situations. I had to lie down a couple of times because I kept getting light headed while trying to help Max. I'm so thankful that Lucas was not so squeamish!

And I'm also SO thankful that the gash did not actually make it to Max's eye, although it came VERY close. Thank you, Lord, for protecting our little one today!

Titus Task 5K and Fun Run: This Saturday!

Want to know something about me that not many people know.... not even some people who are really, really close to me? I love adoption. I need to make one of the those t-shirts like the I (HEART) NY shirts, except replace the NY with ADOPTION. That's me, friends. I (HEART)ADOPTION.

I believe adoption is one of the most vivid human pictures of the gospel. God has taken us as His own children and made us a permanent part of His forever family. It gives me chills every time I think about believers demonstrating that aspect of God's love to a watching world through adoption. Not to mention what a life-changing gift it is to the adopted child. Simply beautiful. And I sure hope that there is or will be a child somewhere out in our great big world that God intends for Lucas and I to adopt someday.

So, blogworld, now you know something new about me. :-)

If you live in or around Siloam Springs and want to support families who are pursuing domestic and/or international adoptions, take a little time out of your Saturday (Oct. 10) and come support the Titus Task event in downtown Siloam Springs. There will be a 5K race and a 1 Mile Fun Run, along with lots of fun stuff for your family to do (music, inflatables, food, professional photos, etc.).

Click here for more information. Lucas and I and the kids will be there: hope to see you there, too!

Cry Out to God

Sunday afternoons are nap days at the Roebuck house. Even grown-ups take naps on Sundays. Today I put the kids down for naps and was finishing up a couple little jobs on the other side of the house from where the kids were sleeping. Just as I started to lie down, I faintly heard Max crying, so I got back up and went to check on him.

I found him in the bathroom, on the toilet, tears streaming down his face. He was stuck on the toilet and couldn't get down because he needed help wiping. I looked around and saw how he had made several attempts to wipe himself and get down, to no avail. The place was a mess and he was covered in dried poop. He had been there for a while.

As soon as he saw me, his eyes brightened with hope. He said, "I was crying and crying, and then I just cried to God. I asked Him to send you to help me."

As we worked to get him cleaned up, we talked about how God had answered His prayer. Max looked away, as if in shame, and told me quietly, "Even after I asked God to send you, I still cried some more." His tender little heart was already aware of a lack of faith.

Oh, I feel ya, Buddy. Crying out to God, but then not sure if he's really coming with the help He's promised. Today Maximus reminded me that when we cry out to God, He will always hear and answer. Every time.

And the sweetest part? I know that the Father whispering this to my son today: No matter what mess you're in, I am here, and I will help.

Psalm 57:1-2

² I cry out to God Most High,
to God, who fulfills his purpose for me.

³ He sends from heaven and saves me,
rebuking those who hotly pursue me;
Selah
God sends his love and his faithfulness.