Kierstyn is 3 weeks old now — and she had a pretty big week!
Not only did Kierstyn gain enough weight to pass her weight check at the pediatrician (and no longer have to keep going back for weight checks!), but she also got to meet two of her aunts (one of my sisters lives in TN and one lives in SC, so they met up and drove together to stay at our house this weekend).
Jesse took the kids to see the Blue Angels fly over Nashville.
“You are amazing! I don’t know how you do it!”
I’ve heard this over and over from people in the last 9 weeks as we said yes to fostering precious Champ right before we had sweet Kierstyn.
Here’s the thing you need to know: I’m not superwoman; but I serve a super God.
We prayed so much and talked at length as a family before we said yes to fostering Champ. And God gave us so much peace. We didn’t know how it was all going to work out, but we knew God was calling us to it and He never calls you to something that He will not also equip you for and carry you through.
That doesn’t mean it will be easy. Often God’s callings involve a lot of stretching and hard things. But God promises to be faithful through it.
I look back over the last 9 weeks and am so grateful we said yes to Champ. He has been such a gift to our home and brought so much joy. It has been an honor to care for him on behalf of his mom. And we have loved having two babies! (swipe to hear the baby noises that fill our home!)
No, it hasn’t been easy, but it has been good. And we’ve seen God be so faithful again and again and again!
If God is calling you to say yes to something, can I just encourage you to step out in faith and obedience? Even if it seems impossible and scary, saying yes might be the gateway to some of the greatest blessings in your life!
As I’ve watched this man lavishly love these two, I’ve thought a lot about my Heavenly Father’s love for me.
I don’t have to do anything to earn His love. He loves me for exactly who I am.
I can be fully and totally secure in His love. My actions (or lack of actions) do not dictate His level of love for me.
He pulls me in close. His whispers His love over me. And He says, “No matter what, I’m here. I love you. I’m not going anywhere.”
I don’t have to worry if I’m enough, if I’m too much, or if I’m approved by others. Instead, I can rest securely in God’s never failing, never changing, never stopping love for me and live in confidence knowing I am wholeheartedly and fully known, chosen, wanted, and loved by the God of the Universe.
Valerie says
OMGosh – the picture of your husband and the babies… beyond words.
Crystal Paine says
It’s one of my favorite pictures ever!
Cindy Moran says
I love that you have opened your arms to a foster child and also to your own and so close in age They are so precious and I’m glad you are hanging in there. I am a mom of seven and I know how hard each day can be and there is so much to do but God is faithful to walk with us. I just graduated my youngest Josh and he had his 18th birthday today and I am also caring for my 93 yo mom. One of the things she always use to tell me when the kids were little is Cindy, these are the best years of your life. Enjoy them. Sometimes I didn’t agree or feel they were but when I look back they sure were and if I could go back, I wouldn’t have changed a thing and I would have chosen my kids again. Time goes by so fast. What a joy each one has been. My husband like yours was very involved and helpful, even to this day. I couldn’t do this with out him and I’ve told him he is a picture of how God cares for us, to me and to our children. For him to take in my mom is saying something. Thanks for sharing your life with those of us out here, still beating the pavement and trying to live life to the fullest.
Crystal Paine says
Congratulations on graduating your youngest son! And thank you so much for your encouragement!
Lana says
Amen! Loving your testimony!
Crystal Paine says
Thank you for your encouragement!
JJ says
Love how God in His Sovereignty pieces everything together! He is awesome!!! And those babies!!! So awesome you got to see two sisters!!! 💞🙌💞🙌
Crystal Paine says
Yes, He is so good!
April says
Sweet pictures.
I’m so thankful your sisters were able to meet your miracle baby. Hopefully you can go on a beach trip and see them again soon!
Crystal Paine says
We’re hoping to get to see the whole family in August… but are still waiting to see what traveling will be like and when the foster care travel ban will be lifted.
Jennifer says
This is more of a rhetorical question, but how different would the last nine weeks have been if Covid-19 hadn’t happened? The kids would be in school and both you and Jesse would be going much more than now. Sometimes life is tough, but we can find positivity if we look for it. Good can come out of bad. I bet we can all find something to be thankful for during this tough time.
Crystal Paine says
Yes! There is truly always something to be thankful for!
Becky Roberts says
Thank you for sharing the post of your husband and the two babies. It brought tears to my eyes that Champ shares in the safety of an earthly and heavenly Father’s love. So many applications from that picture. Thanks!
Crystal Paine says
I’m so grateful it encouraged you!
Patti Smith says
Just makes my morning! So happy you are all doing so well. The children are so darling, the pictures of the two babies together just melts my heart! Wishing continued blessings for your family:)
Crystal Paine says
Thank you for your encouragement!