Thankful for Adoption this Thanksgiving

Several years ago my husband gave me a “Journey Necklace.” It was intended to commemorate and recognize the many paths of our lives together. There have been several twists and turns. Some paths have brought us down into the valleys where we found our way watered with tears. Other paths have lead us up mountains where we experienced a fresh, new view of our God. More often than not we found as we ventured onto a new path it included both valleys and mountains. How blessed we have been to walk our journey hand-in-hand trusting the Lord when we couldn’t see what was ahead of us or around the next curve. 

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

We have traveled many places along our journey. Without a doubt the greatest joys of our lives together have been our growing love for one another and the wonderful gift of children and grandchildren. We echo the blessings that the Psalmist shared in Psalm 16. ​

“The lines are fallen unto us in pleasant places; yea, we have a goodly heritage.” (Psalm 16:6)

• Our Wedding Day—August 9, 1980: Our family began.
• Our First Born Daughter Was Born—June 9, 1982: Rachel June This little girl never met a stranger and entered life looking for adventure. She has brought us great joy. She married a godly young man (Joseph). They are rearing four of our grandchildren.
• Our Second Daughter Was Born—October 17, 1983: Sharon Elizabeth This sweet little girl loved her baby dolls and today has a passion and love for children that is contagious. She is a daily blessing to us.
• Our First Son Was Born—May 3, 1988: Charles Richard III (Chad) This young man had a passion for living. He was a loyal husband, father, son, sibling, friend etc. Today he abides in heaven with his beloved wife (Courtney) and their dear baby girl. How we look forward to our heavenly reunion.
• Our Second Son Was Born—April 8, 1991: Caleb Joshua From a very young age he has had a burden for souls and a desire to preach. Today he is the pastor of a wonderful church in Florida. He married his lovely bride (Rachel) soon after grad school. They are the parents of a spunky little girl and a newborn baby boy.
• Our Third Son Was Born—April 2, 1995: Daniel James As a little boy, he had a tender conscience. Today he has a special love for others. He meets people where they are and desires to see them take the next spiritual step.
• Our Fourth Son Was Adopted—September 6, 2019: Charles Richard Phelps IV (Chase) He was born on October 25, 2011. We are thankful that our heavenly father watched over him. When he was only 21 months old, he was in an accident. At that time Chase’s daddy, mommy, and unborn baby sister were ushered into the arms of Jesus. The loss is great, and Chad and Courtney can never be replaced. But this years we are privileged to become the parents of our sixth child. We moved Chase from permanent legal guardianship to adoption to give him place, security, and to assure him of how much he is loved. Many times I have heard my husband say, “Chase is a constant bucket of joy.”

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As we walk this journey together, we have no greater joy than to hear that our children walk in truth (3 John 4). Truly this journey together has been blessed by both valleys and mountains. Each step of the way we have seen the Lord lead and grow us. Our hearts are filled with gratitude.

​Linda Phelps

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