A Little Guy Named Anthony

This past week has been one that I will remember for a lifetime. For the past year, we have loved as part of our family a little guy named Anthony ... he's changed our lives in so many good ways.  Through the first few months we didn't know how long he would stay with us and that was hard because we loved him so much, but as each month passed we felt more of a peace and a confidence that God would give us the privilege of having him as an official part of our family. And so we waited ...

This past week, Thursday, to be exact, we were given the honor of adopting Anthony Michael Thrush into our family.  This little guy and our experience with him has shaped us in a profound way.  He's put another chapter in our family's story, and most importantly, our view of God and ourselves has been shaped.  We have come to know in a much more powerful way what Scripture says is the reality of who we are to our Father in heaven ... we are His child, adopted into His family, given a new identity, and loved beyond our wildest dreams by the King of the universe. IT'S A TRUTH THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING.

Thursday we were blessed to share the finalization of the adoption with so many dear friends (pictured above), and tonight in our backyard we continued to celebrate with an even larger circle of people whom we love (see pictures here). Each day was full of memorable scenes that I will never forget. We are humbled and overwhelmed by how God has blessed us with each person in our lives.  Our family is grateful for each of you.

Finally, I want to include the little slideshow that we showed tonight of Anthony's first year.  As you watch and can see the love that took this little guy in ... know that our heavenly Father's love for you is so much greater.

"In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."  Ephesians 1:5