Oh Mercy Me what a blessing!!

I started this blog a little over 2 years ago and like most people, didn't realize just how far and wide the world wide web really is. (Duh I know) It was sort of like a journal for me and a way to let my friends see pictures of my growing kiddo's.

What I didn't know was how God would use this blog to be such a blessing to me. I had no idea how many amazing people I would meet and connect with. I didn't realize how many people who I would meet along the way that would be there by my side, who would change who I am, and who would help me to see the world through a whole different lens. I had no idea how many friendships I would develop, some of who I talk to daily and cherish more than words could say. We laugh together, cry together, hurt for each other and truly care- all through connections from a blog. (you know who you are). For some our lives only touch each others briefly and yet I still go on knowing that this person, their story, left me a little better than I was before.

Some of these friends I have never met in person and it's something I long to do. Yet sometimes God allows me to. Sometimes God works it out so we can meet in person and that is always such a huge blessing. This is exactly what happened this week. This precious woman, Abby, who had been reading my blog (which she had stumbled on through another blog) found out that we lived near each other. So, she called me up and asked our entire family (how brave was she??) over to her house for dinner.

I cannot even begin to describe to you how awesome this family is. They have 3 beautiful children, one who was adopted from Kazakhstan, and their children's joy just radiates from their little souls-obviously a testament to Abby and her husband Mikes parenting. But the coolest thing was how truly genuine this family is. I mean they are the real deal folks- and in a world full of so much uncertainty it was so awesome to witness this family and how REAL they truly are. Because what Abby didn't tell me on the phone when she called (proof of how humble they are) is that her husband Mike is the lead guitarist for the Christian band MercyMe. If you do not listen to MercyMe you are not really living.

Seriously, go out and buy every single one of their CD's like right now- today- or else you are missing something big time.

My kiddo's love to sing at the top of their lungs in the car to their music (well actually, I do too *blush*). Yet not only is their music awesome but now that I know just how incredible and genuine Abby and Mike truly are- it makes worshiping the Lord to their music all the more sweeter. I'm going to be really honest here and say that if I were Abby or Mike and I was a part of MercyMe I would be thinking I was like all that and a bag of chips. But not at all the case with Abby and Mike which is what struck me the most and left me once again changed.

Thank you Abby and Mike for opening your home to us and for your precious example. The people you are, the way you live your life- speaks volumes for Christ in a world that is full of lost people.

Lord, thank you for this amazing family and for their lives and their realness. Thank you for the music they sing so that we can worship you Lord. Bless them Lord for not only singing about you- but truly living like you live in them. Thank you for Abby and her precious spirit- I see you in her. Thank you for their friendship and thank you for their hearts towards adoption. And Lord, please bless those who too sing at the top of their lungs in the car to their songs for it brings us just a little closer to you.