Summers are always a great time to catch up on some reading. If I am being honest...it's just too hot to do anything else! I have enjoyed some great books already this summer and I thought I would share them with you. I would love to hear what you are reading this summer too!
The House on Tradd Street by Karen White
The Girl on Legare Street by Karen White
Plantation by Dorthea Benton Frank
Lowcountry Summer by Dorthea Benton Frank
The White Queen by Philippa Gregory
The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory
You may notice my list has a lot of lowcountry stories. I just love reading books centered around Charleston SC. Having lived there for 7 years it holds such a dear place in my heart. It is fun to read books that talk about the city, the awesome restaurants, Sullivan's Island and the beaches as well as the culture that I grew to love!
So go on...what are you reading?
7/11/10
1/27/10
Heavy Heart
Yesterday a childhood friend of mine laid to rest her 10 month old daughter. I cannot believe that pain she must be going through. Her daughter, Lydia, had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). This type of leukemia is most common in children yet Lydia was in a high-risk category because of her age. I was able to keep up with Lydia through CaringBridge and was amazed at this little girls courage and fight. I was also inspired at the strength and love of her parents. I know that their faith was what kept them going as they put their little girl in the Father's Hands! God isn't absent during our times of crisis and I believe holds us in our times of need. My prayer is that He holds onto my friend right now and gives her peace and comfort!
I did want to share the website that they had posted for donations in lieu of flowers. I would love for you to visit it. Donate if you wish but familiarize yourself with this disease and learn how you may be apart of helping familes and children with Cancer. Children shouldn't have to deal with this nasty disease. The treatment seems so cruel for adults much less little babies. A cure would be amazing. The site is http://www.friendsofkids.com/. I love their mission statement; Helping Kids with Cancer...Be Kids!
You know for the past year Brad and I have been going through the adoption process. It has been hard at times and frustrating too but the result was pure joy. And today as look down at little Cooper with his toothless grin I am reminded that life is short. We must make the most of every minute and take time to let those who are close to us know we love them! So since today is my birthday...my birthday wish is that you take time to hug your children, your husband, your mom and dad and siblings today! Life is short!
I did want to share the website that they had posted for donations in lieu of flowers. I would love for you to visit it. Donate if you wish but familiarize yourself with this disease and learn how you may be apart of helping familes and children with Cancer. Children shouldn't have to deal with this nasty disease. The treatment seems so cruel for adults much less little babies. A cure would be amazing. The site is http://www.friendsofkids.com/. I love their mission statement; Helping Kids with Cancer...Be Kids!
You know for the past year Brad and I have been going through the adoption process. It has been hard at times and frustrating too but the result was pure joy. And today as look down at little Cooper with his toothless grin I am reminded that life is short. We must make the most of every minute and take time to let those who are close to us know we love them! So since today is my birthday...my birthday wish is that you take time to hug your children, your husband, your mom and dad and siblings today! Life is short!
12/22/09
IT'S A BOY!
It almost seems unreal that our adoption journey came to fruition last month. On November 24, 2009 our son Cooper Isaac Bedingfield was born in South Carolina. He is a doll and an answer to prayer. Today Cooper is 4 weeks old. I cannot believe how time has flown by and have wanted to blog so many times since he came home. But as all moms know...your time is not your own!
Mostly I wanted to share with you how sweet our time was in South Carolina after Cooper's birth. We were able to spend time in the hospital after his birth and had special moments with the birth family. It was an emotional time for all but amazing to see God's hand working in and through all of our lives. I was so impressed and moved by the strength of the birth-mom as she made the final decision to relinquish her rights. She was committed to Cooper's future and what was best for him. It was a humbling moment to have someone entrust a child to you. To see their emotions as they hand over this precious gift and to feel the love as well as the joy at the same time. As we all held hands there at the hospital and prayed together, Cooper slept in my arms totally unfazed by all the emotion yet he had a contentment that seemed God sent.
I am forever grateful to this precious girl and her family for this little gift named Cooper! I am amazed at God's love and provision. And yes His faithfulness...2 Timothy 2:13 tells us that "if we are faithless, He remains faithful because He cannot disown himself". It is God's character to be faithful at all times and in all circumstances. And true to His character I believe this adoption is a picture of His faithfulness, and not so much for Brad and I but for Cooper. God has plans for this little one and He will be faithful to complete it!
"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6
11/6/09
What to write??
Blogging is hard for me. I think of so many things to write about during the week but don't have time to sit and put it into words and on my blog. Here are some things that ran through my head this week that may have been good blog postings...
Trusting God in the midst of circumstances out of your control!
Florida Football and why I think Urban Myer and Spikes got too much flak (is that a word?) for the whole eye poking thing. We all know that things happen under the pile in football.
How things are going with the adoption process and the hurdles facing us today.
Pet Peeves - why do lawn companies blow leaves into the road instead of raking them up? What are some of your pet peeves?
It's that time of the season when you shock yourself getting out of the car. And that that time of the year when you have to hold your nose going into Publix because of the stinky cinnamon broomsticks. Why do they carry those things??
The beauty of FALL and the leaves changing colors or the flood in Georiga and how we are now just drying out.
Why didn't I pay attention in English class and learn how to write well? What is a subject in school that you wish you would have paid more attention in?
Just so many things to write about. I guess I see this blog as a place to share my feelings about things. And sometimes...it's hard to put those feelings into words. But I am going to try. So if I get a thought or feeling at 1AM in the morning and think, "that would be a great blog", I am going to get up right then and write it. Stay tuned!
Trusting God in the midst of circumstances out of your control!
Florida Football and why I think Urban Myer and Spikes got too much flak (is that a word?) for the whole eye poking thing. We all know that things happen under the pile in football.
How things are going with the adoption process and the hurdles facing us today.
Pet Peeves - why do lawn companies blow leaves into the road instead of raking them up? What are some of your pet peeves?
It's that time of the season when you shock yourself getting out of the car. And that that time of the year when you have to hold your nose going into Publix because of the stinky cinnamon broomsticks. Why do they carry those things??
The beauty of FALL and the leaves changing colors or the flood in Georiga and how we are now just drying out.
Why didn't I pay attention in English class and learn how to write well? What is a subject in school that you wish you would have paid more attention in?
Just so many things to write about. I guess I see this blog as a place to share my feelings about things. And sometimes...it's hard to put those feelings into words. But I am going to try. So if I get a thought or feeling at 1AM in the morning and think, "that would be a great blog", I am going to get up right then and write it. Stay tuned!
10/2/09
Limbo
Do you ever feel like you are in limbo? In the middle of 2 things....ending something and beginning something new? Transitional periods are so hard. I am in one of those right now. Looking towards something ahead but unable to fully act on it. I know this is the perfect opportunity to wait on the Lord. The only problem is, I am not that good at waiting. Waiting=Anxiety for me and that is not a good combination.
What comforts me is this...God is faithful, His timing is perfect and that He renews those who wait on Him.
What comforts me is this...God is faithful, His timing is perfect and that He renews those who wait on Him.
9/21/09
Adoption and Fundraising!
As many of you know Brad and I have been going through the adoption process. Well, we have finally completed our paper work and are now in what Brad has joked is the “gestation period.” For adoptions, that could be up to 18 months as we wait for the little one God is preparing for us.
In the meantime we are preparing our home and nursery and doing all the things anyone would do as they get ready for a new addition to the family. We have also been encouraged by our adoption agency to consider some fundraising during this time. Adoption costs can run extremely high. And although we had not considered any fundraising initially, the suggestion from our adoption agency as well as the encouragement from many friends has led us to pursue some fundraising options.
We have been humbled by the overwhelming support from everyone and wanted to share with you some of the ways we have chosen to raise extra adoption funds!
First is our Candles for a Cause Fundraiser - many of you know my company Celebrating HOME has a wonderful candle fundraiser. We have chosen to run with this product because we know it’s quality and feel it is a product that people can use in their homes or give as gifts for the upcoming holidays. There are 8 wonderful fragrances for the fall and the cost is $20 per candle or (2) for $35. We plan to run this fundraiser for the next several weeks. If you are interested in purchasing a candle all you have to do is email us at bandlb@comcast.net. I can email you a flyer with more details! Additionally if you would like to be a Fundraiser Flyer Hostess please let us know. We will send you a fundraiser flyer for you to take and share with your co-workers, family and friends.
We are also having an Adoption Fund Yard Sale - October 17th we will have a yard sale. There's no time like the present to clear out our home to make room for a new baby! If you have anything in your garage that you would like to get rid of and want to donate to our sale we would so appreciate it. Just give us a call at 770-427-2669 or email us at bandlb@comcast.net. We would be happy to come and pick up anything you have to donate! Of course if you live outside of Atlanta...we appreciate the support but you may want to consider the candle fundraiser:)!
Again we want you to know how humbled we are that you might consider joining us in this exciting journey. We appreciate anything you might be willing to do and look forward to keeping up to date with our progress.
Sincerely,
Leigh Anne (and Brad)
P.S. As I was preparing this note last week, we received a call from an attorney with a potential adoption opportunity. It seems now our waiting period may be significantly shorter that we had originally planned for. We may actually have a baby before the holidays. We will keep you posted. Thanks again!
In the meantime we are preparing our home and nursery and doing all the things anyone would do as they get ready for a new addition to the family. We have also been encouraged by our adoption agency to consider some fundraising during this time. Adoption costs can run extremely high. And although we had not considered any fundraising initially, the suggestion from our adoption agency as well as the encouragement from many friends has led us to pursue some fundraising options.
We have been humbled by the overwhelming support from everyone and wanted to share with you some of the ways we have chosen to raise extra adoption funds!
First is our Candles for a Cause Fundraiser - many of you know my company Celebrating HOME has a wonderful candle fundraiser. We have chosen to run with this product because we know it’s quality and feel it is a product that people can use in their homes or give as gifts for the upcoming holidays. There are 8 wonderful fragrances for the fall and the cost is $20 per candle or (2) for $35. We plan to run this fundraiser for the next several weeks. If you are interested in purchasing a candle all you have to do is email us at bandlb@comcast.net. I can email you a flyer with more details! Additionally if you would like to be a Fundraiser Flyer Hostess please let us know. We will send you a fundraiser flyer for you to take and share with your co-workers, family and friends.
We are also having an Adoption Fund Yard Sale - October 17th we will have a yard sale. There's no time like the present to clear out our home to make room for a new baby! If you have anything in your garage that you would like to get rid of and want to donate to our sale we would so appreciate it. Just give us a call at 770-427-2669 or email us at bandlb@comcast.net. We would be happy to come and pick up anything you have to donate! Of course if you live outside of Atlanta...we appreciate the support but you may want to consider the candle fundraiser:)!
Again we want you to know how humbled we are that you might consider joining us in this exciting journey. We appreciate anything you might be willing to do and look forward to keeping up to date with our progress.
Sincerely,
Leigh Anne (and Brad)
P.S. As I was preparing this note last week, we received a call from an attorney with a potential adoption opportunity. It seems now our waiting period may be significantly shorter that we had originally planned for. We may actually have a baby before the holidays. We will keep you posted. Thanks again!
8/6/09
Embrace
Lately I have thought a lot about the word embrace. And actually decided that this was going to be the word to describe where I am in life. So I looked it up to check out its full meaning. The Merriam-Webster definition says that embrace means to take up especially readily or glady; to welcome. Another dictionary adds that it is to receive gladly; accept willingly. After reading these definitions I was convinced that this was going to be "my" word.
It is easy to get frustrated with our circumstances in life. And for me dealing with infertility and then all the paperwork etc with the adoption process was causing some frustrations. I felt uptight, moody, disappointed, indignant and a little depressed. Until one day I just thought about the word EMBRACE! I knew that if I would just accept this path with joy and gladness, that if I would welcome it then I would find some peace and a little grace to keep me going. I also felt I needed to tie the word embrace with surrender. It's not necessarily enought to just accept my circumstances but I needed to surrender them to the One who knows all my needs. So here I am, handing it over to God, trusting Him with the outcome and embracing it as I go!
One more thing though...can I share with you what else I found when looking up the word embrace? Its synonym...ADOPT! Coincidence? You tell me.
It is easy to get frustrated with our circumstances in life. And for me dealing with infertility and then all the paperwork etc with the adoption process was causing some frustrations. I felt uptight, moody, disappointed, indignant and a little depressed. Until one day I just thought about the word EMBRACE! I knew that if I would just accept this path with joy and gladness, that if I would welcome it then I would find some peace and a little grace to keep me going. I also felt I needed to tie the word embrace with surrender. It's not necessarily enought to just accept my circumstances but I needed to surrender them to the One who knows all my needs. So here I am, handing it over to God, trusting Him with the outcome and embracing it as I go!
One more thing though...can I share with you what else I found when looking up the word embrace? Its synonym...ADOPT! Coincidence? You tell me.
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