Signs and Messages

Sunday is family day...and Church day. I have attended KCF since 1996 and it is the only church Olivia knows as "home". Of course we've been to other services--like my BF's ordination service, a baptism service for my god-daughter and weddings, so Olivia knows other churches, but she knows KCF to be home. Today as we were turning the corner to enter the parking lot we saw this weeks motivational meesage on the sign. It read: "Don't let regrets become your dreams". It reads a tad odd just now but in essence chase your dreams so they don't end up being regrets. UUUM.

There was a Water Baptism service this morning where 3 people chose to be baptised. Pastor Dave officiates for baptisms. All the kids-5 in total with the nieces and nephews- were trying to get a better seat on my lap so to see the baptism. I missed the biblical reference Dave quoted but he spoke of an "Ethiopian" that came across a water baptism and wanting to follow Jesus, was baptised right then and there. Uuuum, Pastor Dave did you say "Ethiopian"?

Pastor Steve takes over and begins to preach. Our focus this while has been on Faith. How to have it but also to receive it. Just as important. I always take notes. And drat when I don't have functioning pen. But doesn' t Pastor Steve quote Gal. 4:4-6...."that we might receive the adoption as sons."
OK--so I am now totally not listening and have actually heard "adoption OF sons". Yeah ok-so clarified the verse but...come on...grasping here folks.
As we left service, I had Adryan, Courtney and Olivia with me (my S-I-L was steps behind) Pastor Steve bent way over (he's about 6ft plus) and gave a group hug squeeze. The children LOVE Pastor Steve--and that's because he has a heart for children and is not afraid to show it. I commented that he does pretty well to bend that far over to grab these kids and he rises up to hug me, saying how much Olivia LOOKS like me. (And she does) He continues saying, something about me being Asian. To that I answered, "well my next child -from Ethiopia- definitely will not look like me-unless for the chubby cheeks" His response was positive. Nothing I can quote because it was just a moment...a glance...another squeeze and chuckle...my S-I-L heard it too. Planting the seed. Looking desparately for signs. I'd say today was full of them.
During supper--tacos for the first time--Olivia was munching away and out of the blue says, "Gabriel". My mother and I just looked at each other. I asked Olivia to repeat what she said, she shrugged and repeated it but claims she doesn't know where she heard it or if she knows a Gabriel or not. Insuggnificant to her, right. BUT way odd to me. She could've over heard us...but neither of us thinks she did, since I have curbed the sibling talk for the last few months. And only entertain conversations with my mom when Olivia is asleep.
Uuum. Five years ago, I was starting a homestudy to adopt Olivia. Is September a lucky month?? uuugh!!