Four Generations:
Lauren's Grandmother with Eli, Lauren, and Lauren's Aunt
Twenty Three years ago, God blessed my husband and his first wife, Roberta with their second daughter. Their journey to parenthood began with difficulty and ended with two beautiful blessings. Lauren, their second blessing was born to young teenage parents. Their love enabled them to trust Doug and Roberta (Lauren's adoptive parents) with her care. At age 14, Lauren's adoptive mother died and Dad continued his journey raising both girls. In 2005, Doug and I (Andrea) married, blending families. Our greatest blessing came instantly as our children grew close with hearts full of love for one another.
I, as step-mom gave birth to Lauren as a teenager. I carefully and sometimes painfully tried to be step-mom, yet not "mom." Her Dad and I share the desire for her adoptive mother, who raised her from birth to 14 to be present in spirit. Roberta's love brought Lauren home from the hospital and raised her under the divine guidance of her Heavenly Father. Daily, I seek to keep those values at the forefront with each of our children. On July 27th, I was privileged to stand in her mother's place as she gave birth to our beautiful grandson, Eli. Lauren will never be able to give me a greater gift.
On Monday, Doug and I met Lauren's Grandmother (adoptive mother/Roberta's mother) and her Aunt (adoptive mother's sister) and led them to Lauren's home to meet Eli. Once again, Doug and I were blessed to watch as GOD poured HIMSELF out through each of them. GOD's love is evident in each of their eyes and beautiful smiles in the photo above.
Lauren is loved by many! Biology does not make a family, God's love does! For those of you struggling with blended families or adopted children, where God's love abounds a beautiful end is in sight. Look to His light and He will lead you through the difficult and painful moments filling you with His peace that passes all understanding.
Blessed to be step-mom,
Andrea
67 comments:
Amen, such a heart touching post. Blessings to your precious family.
Dear Andrea, what a beautiful post and I know it comes from a beautiful heart. Blessings to you and Doug, Lauren and all of your family. I feel very grateful to know your lovely family.
Amen, Andrea! Touched my heart. Blessings to you!!
Aw, love the pretty picture ~ Thanks for sharing with us, Dear.
Beautiful post, Andrea. As an adult child of multiple divorces, I can say my life would have been much easier if the various parties involved had been as gracious and caring as you. I know you think you're lucky to have been blessed with Lauren, but I can say from experience that she, too, was lucky t have been blessed with you.
Amen Andrea, Beautiful post and beautiful family. You are a blessing.
Andrea, this is a great story. You have done as good a job as I have ever seen with a blended family. I know there are a number of factors involved, but one of them is your great heart. Have you ever thought of writing a book on blended families? It really is a necessary topic for today. You could address the subject very ably.
Also, does Lauren have a blog? She would have some great stories to share.
wb
Lovely story.
I was a step Mom for 3 years....they had been in my ex Dh"s custody for 14 years before we met and chose to go home to their Mum a year before we married...when my ex left due to a mental breakdown (impending at that time) the children clung to me...they were 19 yrs of age down...the older one was not so close but the youngest son still sometimes rings me from USA where he now lives. My ex left in '82, so am not quite sure what I am...maybe an ex step mum. Son has more to do with me than he does with his Dad which is dad and our contact is every few years.
Andrea, A loving story! But tragically not all stories end that way. Lovely picture and a precious baby. You have a heart full of love.
blessings on your lives together as a family.
"Biology does not make a family, God's love does!" Oh this is so very true!
Blessings to you,
Lyn
what a beautiful interweaving of lives. And I like what Lynda says God's love not biology makes a family.
What a beautiful story and a happy continuation of God's love! :O)
Such a beautiful, beautiful, story! Your wording brought tears to my eyes at the thought of how God orchestrated bringing you all together...He is so good!
The picture is wonderful...and yes...you can see the love in their eyes....
I love this beautiful story! And God's perfect love. The picture is precious!! Andrea, y'all have been quite busy!! Thank you for your prayers for Kristi! Enjoy your day!
Hugs!
Susan
Andrea,
This is a beautiful story that only the Lord can right. As one who has been affected by divorce, remarriage, step families and all that goes along with it since I was young, I can tell you that many lives would be different if others would take the lead of all those involved in Lauren's love story. Thanks for taking the time to share with us.
I've missed seeing you around but having not been up to visiting lately. I am trying to get back into the swing of things day by day and step by step. Thank you for your prayers through this time.
Hugs,
Kat
So beautiful, Andrea. Really an amazing post. I was blessed reading it.
May God bless your family. And thank you for blessing me with your words.
Rachel
Thanks for posting, Andrea. As someone who was raised by women who showed me amazing love, I can attest that biology has nothing to do with what makes anyone a good and loving parent.
Blessings.
Absolutely beautiful!! Thank you so much for posting. I hope that you're doing well :)
Such beautiful women Andrea. Our daughter is adopted, and she is the joy of our hearts. This is a wonderful tribute to love.
Crazy here too!! But, storming the heavens has solidified you as my prayer partner whether we are "talking" or not!
This blended family post makes me cry. Big, happy, tears!!
Family is a beautiful thing; and as you indicate, it is determined by love rather than biology.
you sound like a wonderful stepmom!
it was difficult navigating the teenage
years, and i imagine very tricky as a
stepmom.
she is very blessed to have you!
Andrea, thanks for sharing such a beautiful story. How true that biology doesn't make a family. Only God's love can bring it about. Thanks for being a willing light of testimony to God's goodness in difficult circumstances.
Beautiful!!!
What a beautiful story of the different generations and God's love. Eli is so sweet. Love that name.
Such encouragement and hope for someone in a similar situation. Thank you for sharing your story and God's love for all families, no matter what the design.
Andrea,
I LOVE IT!
Biology does not make a family, God's love does!
So true!
Enjoyed this story and what a blessing!
Hugs,
Holly
Have a wonderful Wednesday, Andrea. xx
She is very blessed and you are such a blessing to her by accepting all of her family.
This is such a tender story. It gave me big tears to see what God does with hearts that live for Him. I love Him, and you, so much.
What a beautiful post Andrea!!! It's amazing how God knits all these people into our lives and creates and grows our families.
What a beautiful story, Andrea! I have tears in my eyes. Congratulations on your grandbaby! Many blessings to all of you!
Wow. What a journey. You are Blessed indeed, Andrea. I'd say so are Doug and his girls, to have you.
LOve
Jen
Our family has blended beautifully! I always thank God for that. The photo was just beautiful Andrea. I can see the love. Bless you all!
Love Di ♥
What a beautiful story to end this day with Andrea... this is truly God's story in all of your lives. How blessed each one of you are, to share the family that He has created!
Hugs!
Amen! Such blessings coming from so many directions. God's love truly is evident in the faces of these women and in your words, Andrea, relating this beautiful story to us.
Thanking you with love, ~ linda
This, right here:
"Biology does not make a family, God's love does!"
We don't have to share DNA to be linked by the true Father.
May the Abba Father -- our everlasting Dad -- bless you all!
What a beautiful post! You are so right about blended families. Sometimes you really can't tell because everybody starts to physically look alike anyway! Congrats on baby Eli.
Just goes to show ya that real family is grown and not always birthed. What a wonderful picture. God always knows what he's doin'. That little Eli is just precious, you are blessed my friend! :o)
Enjoy your day sweetie!!!
Its neat how God "weaves" our lives! I too am a step mom and we are expecting a grandbaby from my hubbys daughter in November...so the generations are a neat thing! Gods blessing carries on!! Blessings to you and your family! thanks for sharing!! and for dropping by my blog as well!!
Andrea what a blessing you are as a mom and a friend. I wish there were more step moms around the world like you.
This is a beautiful post and so enjoyed reading about your family.
My post are so crazy I am always think oh no Andrea going to be reading this but you still love me so see what a blessing you are to all of us
Love
Maggie
Such a beautiful story, Andrea, and so so true. The love you express here is so moving. Thank you for showing me this piece of God in you.
Andrea, you are a wonderful "Mom" and such a great disciple of God......I just love how this story of life has played on for you!!!
Hugs and thank you for keeping me in your prayers.
Margaret B
oh i love that picture with 4 generations sitting on a couch - generation 1 has generation 4 in her arms - that's moving!!
So true it is about the love of God. Beautiful story.
A very precious post, Andrea.
Becky K.
What a beautiful post Andrea. Blessed to have read this today.
Thank you for visiting Saved by Grace and the encouraging comment. I look forward to reading more of your blog. :)
Lou
Beautiful story!
Thank you, Andrea, for your prayers for my son. I appreciate it more than I can say. God bless you.
I'm 1000% with you on this that biology doesn't make family aside of God. Its a privileged position to be a child of God.Good reflections.
hi visiting and dropping on your blog..
so to be frank do u like my blog..if so follow and drop a comment ..if u dont like means just dont drop a comment ..
Such a lovely post...sending you blessings for a great weekend. xoxox
Amen! What a beautiful message of LOVE Andrea!!!
Precious photo!!!
So true that biology doesn't make a family but God's love does! I love that!
Praying for you and your beautiful family loved by GOD!!!
This truly is a love story! Blessings to you and your family.
Howdy Andrea
Amen to God's love story.
I think I need two boxes of kleenex as I try to see clear enough to thank you for sharing this amazing miracle .
Congratulations to you all !
May God continue to pour out His great love upon you and yours that the Love of God may touch many more who are in need of His healing touch .
God bless you dear lady .
I have missed being able to visit .
Just know I think of you and continue to pray for you often .
Big Hugs from Texas
Until next time
Happy Trails
What a beautiful story of God's love spreading through a family far & wide.
How neat thet they all got to be together and that you were a part of that.
What a beautiful girl! I just love how much love there is in this post! I can hear it oooozing out Andrea! That is a really fun picture. That is so awesome you desired to keep her mom's spirit alive in her life. What a gift!
What a beautiful girl! I just love how much love there is in this post! I can hear it oooozing out Andrea! That is a really fun picture. That is so awesome you desired to keep her mom's spirit alive in her life. What a gift!
How beautiful!
What a gracious and caring post Andrea! As someone who, along with hubby, will be adopting children.. this really touched me
Jen x
Beautiful post....I so understand being a stepmom myself...giving birth to a 9 and 11 year old who have now given me those precious gifts...my grandchildren. It is about the love God places in each heart...that is the blood line that makes us family. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story.
What a beautiful family, Andrea! Lauren is just beautiful and Eli is adorable!
You're right--"Biology does not make a family, God's love does!"
May He continue to pour His love into your family...into all of our families.
Blessings to you...and Congrats!
This post was such an encouragement to me as two of our children are/or will soon be parents to 3 adopted children!
The "body language" on the picture is beautiful...and your gracious words complete the story.
God bless Lauren & her precious young family. And you and Doug, too :)
Andrea~
You always touch my heart with your words.
Beautiful post, my friend!
Blessings~
Laura
What a beautiful post. God Bless.
Andrea:
What a beautiful tribute to Lauren's adoptive mother and her family. I am aware that not all families formed like yours are as blessed.
What a wonderful post! Wonderful picture... making memories.
until next time... nel
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