Ok, there is TOTALLY no purpose in posting the following video except...well...it makes us laugh. We are VERY easily entertained and thought we'd share the joy (or in this case, the sneeze).
The Majority Says.....
18 minutes ago
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Fingerprinting, Hydroplaning, and Tortillas
Ok, so we aren’t often without the kids. We couldn’t bring them to the fingerprint appointment though, so there we were all alone. Yes, this sounds like a line from some warped romance novel. Forget the romance though, Thomas and I get goofy. Laughter, for some amazing reason, is one of the key elements in Thomas and I’s relationship. So here we are, going to get our fingerprints for the adoption of our twins….and we are so goofy and obnoxious. I really think that people most likely were just thinking, “How can they be laughing so much first thing in the morning.” That’s just Thomas and I.
We got up at 6:00am (insane for us during the summer) to a torrential down pour. Seriously…it looked like the heavens opened up and someone had a giant bucket. It wasn’t separate droplets, but a sheet of water. I was glad that I had confidence God would not flood the earth again. The rain eased and we carted four of our wonderful (and wet) blessings off to grandma’s (another blessing). Tom’s ,14 now, and would rather sleep (though he loves his grandma…she’s the bomb!).
We wandered the back roads into our large metropolitan city. Rounding the corners slowly, we felt the tires slide. It was kinda fun, must be what drifting feels like (which I would LOVE to purposely experience), but for about 60 seconds I didn’t breathe. Thomas was so cool though, “Wow” was all he said calmly. He used his super powers (to stay so calm he must have) and got us on firm ground with a lot of traction.
We parked for awhile and Thomas found much joy in feeding the birds a tortilla (don’t ask where it came from). They would dip the tortilla in muddy puddles and eat it (they did this with the bugs too…yum…makes me hungry). Thomas was trying to be so nice giving them tortilla’s to make bug tacos. Either that or he was enjoying pelting me with tortilla’s which he SAID was an accident.
We made it to the fingerprinting in one piece…though the constant giggling, laughter, and jokes made everyone wonder if we were going to pieces. The large building was practically empty and everyone was SO nice! They had those biometric scanners that will pass or fail your fingerprints instantly, so I think we’re ok. I am SO glad that’s over.
Brilliant me though, asked our local adoption group how long it took for them to get their approval . All the most recent ones had the approval come back in about 2 weeks. Now I’m a tad freaked. Yes, I know I shouldn’t be. We are following God on this. He will provide the next payment that needs to be included with the dossier. It’s just a little daunting. It’s the second larger amount we need to send (a little over $6000). I have TOTAL faith that God will provide, but my human nature comes to the forefront.
So, as I sit here tonight, I ask for more prayers. That I don’t let my humanity creep in and that we follow this adoption with peaceful hearts. Thank you all for your prayers. They mean so much. Please understand that we have lived in and seen blessing after blessing in our adoptions. In the past we’ve had paperwork that was supposed to take four months, take two weeks. In previous adoptions we’ve had the last $100 we needed come in the mail right when it was due. We’ve had one adoption that was supposed to take 12 months, take six and another adoption that was supposed to take 18 months, take 9. Prayers have aided miracles in our lives.
Today’s Adoption Prayer Request:
Please Pray…
Help us to have peace and not stress, trusting God in every step.
Immediate Adoption Process Prayer Requests (Next 3 weeks)
*That God’s hand is on the remaining fingerprints and paperwork and that they proceed with not a glitch, quickly and correctly.
*That God blesses us with the funds to submit the paperwork (dossier) to Ethiopia when the time comes (hopefully only 3-4 weeks).
All Adoption Prayer Requests:
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing. That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
We got up at 6:00am (insane for us during the summer) to a torrential down pour. Seriously…it looked like the heavens opened up and someone had a giant bucket. It wasn’t separate droplets, but a sheet of water. I was glad that I had confidence God would not flood the earth again. The rain eased and we carted four of our wonderful (and wet) blessings off to grandma’s (another blessing). Tom’s ,14 now, and would rather sleep (though he loves his grandma…she’s the bomb!).
We wandered the back roads into our large metropolitan city. Rounding the corners slowly, we felt the tires slide. It was kinda fun, must be what drifting feels like (which I would LOVE to purposely experience), but for about 60 seconds I didn’t breathe. Thomas was so cool though, “Wow” was all he said calmly. He used his super powers (to stay so calm he must have) and got us on firm ground with a lot of traction.
We parked for awhile and Thomas found much joy in feeding the birds a tortilla (don’t ask where it came from). They would dip the tortilla in muddy puddles and eat it (they did this with the bugs too…yum…makes me hungry). Thomas was trying to be so nice giving them tortilla’s to make bug tacos. Either that or he was enjoying pelting me with tortilla’s which he SAID was an accident.
We made it to the fingerprinting in one piece…though the constant giggling, laughter, and jokes made everyone wonder if we were going to pieces. The large building was practically empty and everyone was SO nice! They had those biometric scanners that will pass or fail your fingerprints instantly, so I think we’re ok. I am SO glad that’s over.
Brilliant me though, asked our local adoption group how long it took for them to get their approval . All the most recent ones had the approval come back in about 2 weeks. Now I’m a tad freaked. Yes, I know I shouldn’t be. We are following God on this. He will provide the next payment that needs to be included with the dossier. It’s just a little daunting. It’s the second larger amount we need to send (a little over $6000). I have TOTAL faith that God will provide, but my human nature comes to the forefront.
So, as I sit here tonight, I ask for more prayers. That I don’t let my humanity creep in and that we follow this adoption with peaceful hearts. Thank you all for your prayers. They mean so much. Please understand that we have lived in and seen blessing after blessing in our adoptions. In the past we’ve had paperwork that was supposed to take four months, take two weeks. In previous adoptions we’ve had the last $100 we needed come in the mail right when it was due. We’ve had one adoption that was supposed to take 12 months, take six and another adoption that was supposed to take 18 months, take 9. Prayers have aided miracles in our lives.
Today’s Adoption Prayer Request:
Please Pray…
Help us to have peace and not stress, trusting God in every step.
Immediate Adoption Process Prayer Requests (Next 3 weeks)
*That God’s hand is on the remaining fingerprints and paperwork and that they proceed with not a glitch, quickly and correctly.
*That God blesses us with the funds to submit the paperwork (dossier) to Ethiopia when the time comes (hopefully only 3-4 weeks).
All Adoption Prayer Requests:
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing. That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Mini Adoption Update and Prayer Requests
Thomas and I feel so blessed to have so many friends and family excited and concerned about our adoption process. We’ve recently received many questions as to what’s going on in our newest journey to bring home our twins. I thought I’d set down today and share what little we have at this point.
As many of you know, the adoption journey is filled with “Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!” and “Wait! Wait! Wait!”. “Hurry up and wait” was a phrase (I believe) created for the adoption process. I smile when I say that because it is in God’s hands (of which we are SO thankful!).
Tomorrow is our long awaited fingerprinting date for USCIS. This is US Citizenship and Immigration Services (I always want to say “NCIS”, but since that’s a crime drama….). We are praying that the fingerprints are acceptable the first time since many we know had to re-fingerprint numerous times. Once our fingerprints are accepted, we await the immigration approval for the twins to enter the country. Once the approval occurs we take our stack of paperwork to our state capital to be certified. Next (which is HUGE) we send our paperwork to Ethiopia to be registered. All of these steps have been known to have a snag occasionally, but our hopes/prayers are that everything goes without a hitch.
Immediate Adoption Process Prayer Requests
*That God’s hand is on the remaining fingerprints and paperwork and that they proceed with not a glitch, quickly and correctly.
*That God blesses us with the funds to submit the paperwork (dossier) to Ethiopia when the time comes (hopefully only 3-4 weeks).
All Adoption Prayer Requests:
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing. That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
As many of you know, the adoption journey is filled with “Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!” and “Wait! Wait! Wait!”. “Hurry up and wait” was a phrase (I believe) created for the adoption process. I smile when I say that because it is in God’s hands (of which we are SO thankful!).
Tomorrow is our long awaited fingerprinting date for USCIS. This is US Citizenship and Immigration Services (I always want to say “NCIS”, but since that’s a crime drama….). We are praying that the fingerprints are acceptable the first time since many we know had to re-fingerprint numerous times. Once our fingerprints are accepted, we await the immigration approval for the twins to enter the country. Once the approval occurs we take our stack of paperwork to our state capital to be certified. Next (which is HUGE) we send our paperwork to Ethiopia to be registered. All of these steps have been known to have a snag occasionally, but our hopes/prayers are that everything goes without a hitch.
Immediate Adoption Process Prayer Requests
*That God’s hand is on the remaining fingerprints and paperwork and that they proceed with not a glitch, quickly and correctly.
*That God blesses us with the funds to submit the paperwork (dossier) to Ethiopia when the time comes (hopefully only 3-4 weeks).
All Adoption Prayer Requests:
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing. That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
We Must Remember-Orphans and Adoption
Adoption Prayer Requests:
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing. That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing.
*Currently we are in the paperwork stage in which many issues can occur. Please pray that God has His hand on our paperwork and that it gets done and processed quickly and correctly.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Why I Believe What I Believe- Homosexuality
I did not write this series of blogs to cause division, but as a journey to share and to find (at times) what I believe based on the Bible. There are three blogs (so far) to this series....Judgement, Homosexuality, and Abortion. I am working on more as I try to discover and/or write down my foundation of beliefs. As you read this you can see I have written it out of love and I hope you can understand that.
_______________________________________________________
In the loving nature of God we see the love of His creation. Did God stop loving Adam and Eve when they chose to believe a serpent over Him? No. Before I delve into what God’s word says, God is love. He does not ask us to go to his creation and pummel them into submission. He tells us to tell the truth out of love for our brothers and sisters…not to ignore the truth, but to tell it to protect others from the pain sin creates. We know that pain. We’ve all felt it. It’s a pain centered in sin. Why is it sin? Because God has shown us right from wrong…He created purity. He knows the joy it brings. Human Being are just very good at perverting that. As a far from perfect person I can attest to that fact.
Unfortunately I believe the sin acting in our lives often acts as a blinder. We pick and choose what we want to see in God’s word. We label it “the times” (which undoubtedly sometimes it is), but we are at times blinded by our own sin to the truth God places in front of us.
One of the biggest arguments that those who do love God and yet are blinded to homosexuality give is that in the Old Testament God condemned homosexuality because the earth was still being populated. If that argument holds true then murder will now be permitted after all the earth is not still being populated. Cain killing Abel would no longer be wrong.
Then following that process it could be said that murder is hurting someone else though, homosexuality is not. If we search the Bible, sin is not cordoned off to only those things that hurt others (not that homosexuality can not). It talks about in Matthew 5:28 that the lusts we dwell on in our mind ARE sin and they are not affecting others. So the argument that murder would still be wrong because it hurts someone and homosexuality doesn’t…well, it just doesn’t hold water.
A city was destroyed, Sodom and Gomorrah, because it was filled with such wickedness as the crowd that surrounded Lot’s house demanding the men (angels) be handed to them to have relations with (Genesis 19:3-5).
It says in Romans 1:26 and 27 ”Because of this God gave them over to shameful lust. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves their due penalty for their perversion”. Natural is obvious. Men and women’s bodies were made to fit together. They are truly like a puzzle. The oneness that a husband and wife share is the closest that we can physically be to another person here on earth. This verse is very clear about what unnatural relations are. This is far from the only verse in the Bible about Homosexuality, but the only verse I will delve into right now.
Jesus says himself in Matthew 21 & 22, “Another disciple said to Him, ‘Lord first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus told him ‘Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.’ ” This wasn’t said to cause pain, but to show us that this life is temporary and the way of following God is not easy. It may not be easy to see and admit when we have been doing something for years that we should have seen was against God’s will, but then we all face that at some time in our lives. We may scream and fight, we may struggle and be blinded, but the truth of God does not waiver. The truth may not be easy, but it is always right.
God loves us and does want what is best for us. Not all that feels good in the temporal sense (remember we are not temporary beings) is good and right in the eyes of God. This life is just a blip. God does know what is best and the truth is the truth, even if we choose not to see it. If a tree falls in the forest, but no one is there, does it still make a sound? Yes, like God’s laws, the laws of nature God set in place are there whether we are there with them or not. God’s laws are eternal and truth, whether we believe them or not.
In love we say these things. It is not hate mongering, but concern for our brothers and sisters out of love. Just as I hope someone will love me enough to share with me what I am blinded to. We want to spare others the pain that sin will and does create. Wanting to spare them from the pain caused by not having the joy and purity of a life based on the truth of God’s word. When the blinds have come off my eyes I feel a weight drop from my shoulders…it’s a burden…of sin being lifted that I didn’t even know was there.
_______________________________________________________
In the loving nature of God we see the love of His creation. Did God stop loving Adam and Eve when they chose to believe a serpent over Him? No. Before I delve into what God’s word says, God is love. He does not ask us to go to his creation and pummel them into submission. He tells us to tell the truth out of love for our brothers and sisters…not to ignore the truth, but to tell it to protect others from the pain sin creates. We know that pain. We’ve all felt it. It’s a pain centered in sin. Why is it sin? Because God has shown us right from wrong…He created purity. He knows the joy it brings. Human Being are just very good at perverting that. As a far from perfect person I can attest to that fact.
Unfortunately I believe the sin acting in our lives often acts as a blinder. We pick and choose what we want to see in God’s word. We label it “the times” (which undoubtedly sometimes it is), but we are at times blinded by our own sin to the truth God places in front of us.
One of the biggest arguments that those who do love God and yet are blinded to homosexuality give is that in the Old Testament God condemned homosexuality because the earth was still being populated. If that argument holds true then murder will now be permitted after all the earth is not still being populated. Cain killing Abel would no longer be wrong.
Then following that process it could be said that murder is hurting someone else though, homosexuality is not. If we search the Bible, sin is not cordoned off to only those things that hurt others (not that homosexuality can not). It talks about in Matthew 5:28 that the lusts we dwell on in our mind ARE sin and they are not affecting others. So the argument that murder would still be wrong because it hurts someone and homosexuality doesn’t…well, it just doesn’t hold water.
A city was destroyed, Sodom and Gomorrah, because it was filled with such wickedness as the crowd that surrounded Lot’s house demanding the men (angels) be handed to them to have relations with (Genesis 19:3-5).
It says in Romans 1:26 and 27 ”Because of this God gave them over to shameful lust. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves their due penalty for their perversion”. Natural is obvious. Men and women’s bodies were made to fit together. They are truly like a puzzle. The oneness that a husband and wife share is the closest that we can physically be to another person here on earth. This verse is very clear about what unnatural relations are. This is far from the only verse in the Bible about Homosexuality, but the only verse I will delve into right now.
Jesus says himself in Matthew 21 & 22, “Another disciple said to Him, ‘Lord first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus told him ‘Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.’ ” This wasn’t said to cause pain, but to show us that this life is temporary and the way of following God is not easy. It may not be easy to see and admit when we have been doing something for years that we should have seen was against God’s will, but then we all face that at some time in our lives. We may scream and fight, we may struggle and be blinded, but the truth of God does not waiver. The truth may not be easy, but it is always right.
God loves us and does want what is best for us. Not all that feels good in the temporal sense (remember we are not temporary beings) is good and right in the eyes of God. This life is just a blip. God does know what is best and the truth is the truth, even if we choose not to see it. If a tree falls in the forest, but no one is there, does it still make a sound? Yes, like God’s laws, the laws of nature God set in place are there whether we are there with them or not. God’s laws are eternal and truth, whether we believe them or not.
In love we say these things. It is not hate mongering, but concern for our brothers and sisters out of love. Just as I hope someone will love me enough to share with me what I am blinded to. We want to spare others the pain that sin will and does create. Wanting to spare them from the pain caused by not having the joy and purity of a life based on the truth of God’s word. When the blinds have come off my eyes I feel a weight drop from my shoulders…it’s a burden…of sin being lifted that I didn’t even know was there.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
High School, Home School, and Five Children
I know this may sound odd, but I have found that when I am doing God’s will, the bigger and more fearful I feel…. the more rewarding it usually is. Does that sound odd? I’m just thinking about the biggest decisions we’ve made in our marriage. Most often the decision goes against the “what’s normal” mentality. I know many women who are in their 9th month of pregnancy who say, “I am SO ready to have this baby!”. I also know the same number of women who, once labor pains have started, say, “I really could’ve waited a little longer…we don’t have to do this now.”
The “labor pains” we have when following God’s will for our life are not always pleasant, often scary, and in the end….amazingly rewarding.
Recently the following verse came to mind.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
I got sick. I woke up a week ago Thursday and couldn’t breathe. The acid was pouring up my throat and quickly sent me running to the bathroom heaving. After a few days of illness, allergies, and my “mood” hitting rock bottom…ideas…clarity started floating to the top. I spotted yet another area of my life that I had been exclaiming in my heart, “I will never do this!” It’s funny (I know I’ve said this before) the arrogance we have as humans. We ask God for His will, yet tell Him what we won’t do.
This time I had specifically been saying, “I will NEVER home school high school! That is insane…for others that is great, but for me…I AM NOT smart enough. I don’t have enough time. Our year will be busy enough as it is.”
I read that and yet remember us praying for clarity and guidance in showing us where Tom belonged next year. How could we have thought that we had an open heart when we were choosing the limits of our willingness to follow God.
God used this illness to bring light to a place that still had shadows in our lives. He brought light to the area that needed to be brightened. He brought us back to obedience in this area of our lives.
Yes, in case you are wondering, this is our blog to share that we are home schooling Tom next year as he goes into 9th grade. God has provided a wonderful home school association with many certified teacher’s where Tom will take his core curriculum two days a week. God has provided a wonderful Christian lady (thank you Teri!) that has given me ideas, shown me how this can be done, and encouraged me with her willingness to talk and kind words. God has also given us something we didn’t have in this area of our lives…peace. Peace that Tom will be where God wants him.
Ok, so I’m a little nervous. Yes, it is a BIG responsibility, but for the first time I can (we can…both Thomas and I feel it) see our son coming home content next year. We know the drama will exist…these are the years of drama…but this feels so good.
I wanted to share this with you all, because often we limit God with our thoughts. Our thoughts based so much on the world. God has never acted inside a box the world provides. He has always led us to a reality that is beyond the limits of a mere box. It is beyond the limits of human thought and understanding. He has given us the clear message that we are not “of this world”, we just live in it.
Can it be frightening? Yes, at times. Can it be rewarding? More than you can imagine.
May God bless you all as you follow God’s plans for your life outside the box.
_________________________________________________
Please pray with us as we start this adventure…homeschooling five children. Please also pray with us as we bring our twins home from Ethiopia.
Adoption Prayer Requests:
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing. That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing.
*Currently we are in the paperwork stage in which many issues can occur. Please pray that God has His hand on our paperwork and that it gets done and processed quickly and correctly.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
The “labor pains” we have when following God’s will for our life are not always pleasant, often scary, and in the end….amazingly rewarding.
Recently the following verse came to mind.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
I got sick. I woke up a week ago Thursday and couldn’t breathe. The acid was pouring up my throat and quickly sent me running to the bathroom heaving. After a few days of illness, allergies, and my “mood” hitting rock bottom…ideas…clarity started floating to the top. I spotted yet another area of my life that I had been exclaiming in my heart, “I will never do this!” It’s funny (I know I’ve said this before) the arrogance we have as humans. We ask God for His will, yet tell Him what we won’t do.
This time I had specifically been saying, “I will NEVER home school high school! That is insane…for others that is great, but for me…I AM NOT smart enough. I don’t have enough time. Our year will be busy enough as it is.”
I read that and yet remember us praying for clarity and guidance in showing us where Tom belonged next year. How could we have thought that we had an open heart when we were choosing the limits of our willingness to follow God.
God used this illness to bring light to a place that still had shadows in our lives. He brought light to the area that needed to be brightened. He brought us back to obedience in this area of our lives.
Yes, in case you are wondering, this is our blog to share that we are home schooling Tom next year as he goes into 9th grade. God has provided a wonderful home school association with many certified teacher’s where Tom will take his core curriculum two days a week. God has provided a wonderful Christian lady (thank you Teri!) that has given me ideas, shown me how this can be done, and encouraged me with her willingness to talk and kind words. God has also given us something we didn’t have in this area of our lives…peace. Peace that Tom will be where God wants him.
Ok, so I’m a little nervous. Yes, it is a BIG responsibility, but for the first time I can (we can…both Thomas and I feel it) see our son coming home content next year. We know the drama will exist…these are the years of drama…but this feels so good.
I wanted to share this with you all, because often we limit God with our thoughts. Our thoughts based so much on the world. God has never acted inside a box the world provides. He has always led us to a reality that is beyond the limits of a mere box. It is beyond the limits of human thought and understanding. He has given us the clear message that we are not “of this world”, we just live in it.
Can it be frightening? Yes, at times. Can it be rewarding? More than you can imagine.
May God bless you all as you follow God’s plans for your life outside the box.
_________________________________________________
Please pray with us as we start this adventure…homeschooling five children. Please also pray with us as we bring our twins home from Ethiopia.
Adoption Prayer Requests:
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing. That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing.
*Currently we are in the paperwork stage in which many issues can occur. Please pray that God has His hand on our paperwork and that it gets done and processed quickly and correctly.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Breakdowns, Root Canals, Smoke, and Bleach
So I’ve officially ventured into a well known avenue called insanity. I’m sorry dear (normal) friends, but I had to go…insanity beckoned. You all know how completely normal I am, right? (My husband now walks out of the room shaking his head).
It has been an interesting week. It’s been full of, well…surprises I didn’t expect.
First I woke up not being able to breathe last Thursday because I was throwing up (I know you all needed to know that and your lives are now fulfilled). I survived and God used this time to show me some things I wasn't seeing (more later).
Then, last night I had my routine, “freaking out over finances during an adoption process.” I wasn’t going to have it this time. I don’t freak a ton over money. I figured if I told myself I wouldn’t freak out during this adoption enough times, it might actually be true (ha ha). I really was at peace for a long time. Satan worked on me this week though and in my humanity I let him. You would think that by now, after two complete adoptions, that I would know without a doubt that God has my back (front, side, upside down, and inside out). He is so good to me and has such patience I sometimes wonder when I am going to learn to trust God. I do, but something is obviously lacking at times when I let things get to me that God has under control. Finances during any adoption can be daunting…are daunting. Yet God let us know he has another two beautiful blessings for us. I don’t think a little thing like money will get in the way.
One of the biggest surprises this week happened when I was referred for a root canal by my AWESOME dentist (PROPS Dr. Berry!). I walked into the specialists office this morning thinking that he would just take a look….BUT NO…this doctor was proactive. He strapped me to the chair…the restraints biting into my flesh (ok, there were no restraints, but it sounded so dramatic). He tipped me back, took a very cool digital x-ray that appeared immediately on the computer (I’m easily entertained), and said, “We have time to do this now!” He said it like it was a good thing! Really? Really!
He put this “jaw prop-er” into my mouth (don’t you love MY English language) and then this form that looked like a popped balloon made into a square and maneuvered it into my mouth. He said they put that in so they didn’t accidently drop these GIANT spikes (that he proceeded to show me) down my throat. I’m thinkin’ that was a very thoughtful thing to do.
Needles don’t phase me, even the long curved ones that you think only exist in horror movies (think again). As he plunged this into my gums I felt a tiny sting. Then the next time he had to maneuver it a tad while STILL IN MY GUMS. This was going to be fun!
I lay there, praying for the doctor…ok, seriously…nothing focuses my mind like prayer, I smell a wonderful burning smell of the drill digging into the “guts” of my tooth. What was that bleach smell? I still don’t know!
I had to laugh (mentally, I wasn’t going to laugh out loud for fear of the restraints ;-)) when he said, “This looks GREAT!”. I thought to myself, “Yes, I often have people tell me my teeth ‘guts’ look hot hot hot!
Unfortunately, the first shots didn’t quite cut it (that’ll teach me to let a broken back tooth go for so long). After a total of eight shots, I find that apparently they had to trim back my gums which were growing over the broken tooth (thus gingivectomy). THEY TRIMMED MY FLESH!
I’m home now. The pain is settling a little, but I have five children…this is nothing!
I’m gonna settle down with a Vicadin soon so that I can sleep. Hey…are these colors supposed to be talking to me?
________________________________________________________
*All references to the dental specialist are a tad melodramatic, true, but coming from a person that would rather…ummm…fall down a flight of stairs than get a root canal. He was a good guy that had to put up with a patient that was a tad bit of a big baby!
________________________________________________________
On a serious note...
Please continue to pray with us as we bring our twins home from Ethiopia...
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing. That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing.
*Currently we are in the paperwork stage in which many issues can occur. Please pray that God has His hand on our paperwork and that it gets done and processed quickly and correctly.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
It has been an interesting week. It’s been full of, well…surprises I didn’t expect.
First I woke up not being able to breathe last Thursday because I was throwing up (I know you all needed to know that and your lives are now fulfilled). I survived and God used this time to show me some things I wasn't seeing (more later).
Then, last night I had my routine, “freaking out over finances during an adoption process.” I wasn’t going to have it this time. I don’t freak a ton over money. I figured if I told myself I wouldn’t freak out during this adoption enough times, it might actually be true (ha ha). I really was at peace for a long time. Satan worked on me this week though and in my humanity I let him. You would think that by now, after two complete adoptions, that I would know without a doubt that God has my back (front, side, upside down, and inside out). He is so good to me and has such patience I sometimes wonder when I am going to learn to trust God. I do, but something is obviously lacking at times when I let things get to me that God has under control. Finances during any adoption can be daunting…are daunting. Yet God let us know he has another two beautiful blessings for us. I don’t think a little thing like money will get in the way.
One of the biggest surprises this week happened when I was referred for a root canal by my AWESOME dentist (PROPS Dr. Berry!). I walked into the specialists office this morning thinking that he would just take a look….BUT NO…this doctor was proactive. He strapped me to the chair…the restraints biting into my flesh (ok, there were no restraints, but it sounded so dramatic). He tipped me back, took a very cool digital x-ray that appeared immediately on the computer (I’m easily entertained), and said, “We have time to do this now!” He said it like it was a good thing! Really? Really!
He put this “jaw prop-er” into my mouth (don’t you love MY English language) and then this form that looked like a popped balloon made into a square and maneuvered it into my mouth. He said they put that in so they didn’t accidently drop these GIANT spikes (that he proceeded to show me) down my throat. I’m thinkin’ that was a very thoughtful thing to do.
Needles don’t phase me, even the long curved ones that you think only exist in horror movies (think again). As he plunged this into my gums I felt a tiny sting. Then the next time he had to maneuver it a tad while STILL IN MY GUMS. This was going to be fun!
I lay there, praying for the doctor…ok, seriously…nothing focuses my mind like prayer, I smell a wonderful burning smell of the drill digging into the “guts” of my tooth. What was that bleach smell? I still don’t know!
I had to laugh (mentally, I wasn’t going to laugh out loud for fear of the restraints ;-)) when he said, “This looks GREAT!”. I thought to myself, “Yes, I often have people tell me my teeth ‘guts’ look hot hot hot!
Unfortunately, the first shots didn’t quite cut it (that’ll teach me to let a broken back tooth go for so long). After a total of eight shots, I find that apparently they had to trim back my gums which were growing over the broken tooth (thus gingivectomy). THEY TRIMMED MY FLESH!
I’m home now. The pain is settling a little, but I have five children…this is nothing!
I’m gonna settle down with a Vicadin soon so that I can sleep. Hey…are these colors supposed to be talking to me?
________________________________________________________
*All references to the dental specialist are a tad melodramatic, true, but coming from a person that would rather…ummm…fall down a flight of stairs than get a root canal. He was a good guy that had to put up with a patient that was a tad bit of a big baby!
________________________________________________________
On a serious note...
Please continue to pray with us as we bring our twins home from Ethiopia...
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing. That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing.
*Currently we are in the paperwork stage in which many issues can occur. Please pray that God has His hand on our paperwork and that it gets done and processed quickly and correctly.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
Monday, July 6, 2009
My Child
This was in my heart today. I didn’t write it out of judgment… but it was written out of love mixed with anguish. It was one of those days I felt like screaming at the top of my lungs “Please someone do something!”. We go to our Heavenly Father and He guides us in His will. This I am SO thankful for. Please don’t take this as condemnation of anyone, but a heart filled with overflowing love for these little ones, knowing many are called elsewhere, but my heart does ache for many Christians who have the opportunity to be blessed and just say “I can’t”.
_________________________________________
Walking down the street, it is hard sometimes knowing that around the world children are setting alone. Some are rocking to comfort themselves or kicking stones down a dirt path. Others are walking down the side of the road with their infant brother tied their back. All these children have one thing in common, they have no one who calls them “my child”.
Tom loves football and is all teen…with a huge heart and desire to spare others feelings. He is my child.
My heart breaks at the thought of tears streaming down a child’s face as they cry at night…not wanting anyone to see…they wait in an orphanage not knowing if anyone will ever call them “my child”.
Sarah has this crazy sense of humor…she also has an amazing heart and desire to serve our Lord and Savior. She is my child.
I wish my heart could express the torrent of tears as it breaks for these children. The child who tries to swallow as fast as she can as the food is shoveled into her mouth…spilling out just as fast…knowing she won’t have another chance to eat today. Her body is wasting away as the nutrition fails to make it into her system. Nobody cares for her….she strains to feel the hope that someday someone will call her “my child”.
Anna is very dramatic. She is in tears if a bug dies…but those same tears indicate a sensitive spirit that cares for all living things. She is my child.
I feel like my heart is actually torn when I think of the last time I walked out of orphanage number two in Moscow, Russia. All those little ones looking back at me. Many with special needs that were considered unadoptable…setting in soaking clothes because even in this day and age there is a fear that if they touched them they may “catch” something. In all likelihood, these children will never have someone call them “my child”.
Max is more stubborn than any of our other children. Yet this stubbornness kept him alive and will glorify God when devoted to Him. He is “my child”
I watched stretchers be born away as we drove through the street of Ethiopia. Bodies covered with colorful blankets. Another family drenched in devastation…another child orphaned. The agencies may never find them. They may wander the street remembering when someone called them “my child”.
Bekah has hit three full force…she likes to get her way. She is also a child so filled with a joy that it is overflowing. She is my child.
I bow my head in prayer. Begging…pleading for the conviction of just one person who used to say “I don’t know how you do it. I couldn’t handle any more. I already have my child”.
God’s very nature holds us and nurtures us. His eyes look on these little ones, all alone. He holds them when no one else will and He always says, “This is my child”.
“I can’t God”. “I won’t God”. “I can’t ask you God, because I don’t want to know your answer”. “Please don’t ask me”. “I already have a house full of children”. “I have too much on my plate. I can’t call another child ‘my child’”.
At last I think of the little hand, smooth…smelling like the dirt they were just playing in, slipping into mine. Seeing the joy lighting their eyes at this gift. The joy of a gift that will give this little one hope, security, and love. This gift is just four little words. Words that every child longs to hear, yet many never get to hear them. Four little words that God tells us every day….
“You are my child”.
____________________________________________
Please continue to pray with us as we bring our twins home from Ethiopia...
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing. That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing.
*Currently we are in the paperwork stage in which many issues can occur. Please pray that God has His hand on our paperwork and that it gets done and processed quickly and correctly.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
_________________________________________
Walking down the street, it is hard sometimes knowing that around the world children are setting alone. Some are rocking to comfort themselves or kicking stones down a dirt path. Others are walking down the side of the road with their infant brother tied their back. All these children have one thing in common, they have no one who calls them “my child”.
Tom loves football and is all teen…with a huge heart and desire to spare others feelings. He is my child.
My heart breaks at the thought of tears streaming down a child’s face as they cry at night…not wanting anyone to see…they wait in an orphanage not knowing if anyone will ever call them “my child”.
Sarah has this crazy sense of humor…she also has an amazing heart and desire to serve our Lord and Savior. She is my child.
I wish my heart could express the torrent of tears as it breaks for these children. The child who tries to swallow as fast as she can as the food is shoveled into her mouth…spilling out just as fast…knowing she won’t have another chance to eat today. Her body is wasting away as the nutrition fails to make it into her system. Nobody cares for her….she strains to feel the hope that someday someone will call her “my child”.
Anna is very dramatic. She is in tears if a bug dies…but those same tears indicate a sensitive spirit that cares for all living things. She is my child.
I feel like my heart is actually torn when I think of the last time I walked out of orphanage number two in Moscow, Russia. All those little ones looking back at me. Many with special needs that were considered unadoptable…setting in soaking clothes because even in this day and age there is a fear that if they touched them they may “catch” something. In all likelihood, these children will never have someone call them “my child”.
Max is more stubborn than any of our other children. Yet this stubbornness kept him alive and will glorify God when devoted to Him. He is “my child”
I watched stretchers be born away as we drove through the street of Ethiopia. Bodies covered with colorful blankets. Another family drenched in devastation…another child orphaned. The agencies may never find them. They may wander the street remembering when someone called them “my child”.
Bekah has hit three full force…she likes to get her way. She is also a child so filled with a joy that it is overflowing. She is my child.
I bow my head in prayer. Begging…pleading for the conviction of just one person who used to say “I don’t know how you do it. I couldn’t handle any more. I already have my child”.
God’s very nature holds us and nurtures us. His eyes look on these little ones, all alone. He holds them when no one else will and He always says, “This is my child”.
“I can’t God”. “I won’t God”. “I can’t ask you God, because I don’t want to know your answer”. “Please don’t ask me”. “I already have a house full of children”. “I have too much on my plate. I can’t call another child ‘my child’”.
At last I think of the little hand, smooth…smelling like the dirt they were just playing in, slipping into mine. Seeing the joy lighting their eyes at this gift. The joy of a gift that will give this little one hope, security, and love. This gift is just four little words. Words that every child longs to hear, yet many never get to hear them. Four little words that God tells us every day….
“You are my child”.
____________________________________________
Please continue to pray with us as we bring our twins home from Ethiopia...
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing. That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing.
*Currently we are in the paperwork stage in which many issues can occur. Please pray that God has His hand on our paperwork and that it gets done and processed quickly and correctly.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Our Fourth of July Celebration
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Yes, I am a mean mom and subject my kids to constant photos (so mean). I've told my kids (and a couple have learned the hard way) that I will take 200 pics (over a two hour period) just to get a picture I like. They can either make it easy or hard. Man, I get good pics quick! LOL
Yes, our oldest is absent from the individual pictures. I took them, but he kindly asked me not to post them. As someone who doesn't enjoy pics of herself I occasionally will let my kids go, "I don't like that one."
Here is our Fourth of July celebration...enjoy!
_______________________________________
Please continue to pray with us as we bring our twins home from Ethiopia...
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing. That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing.
*Currently we are in the paperwork stage in which many issues can occur. Please pray that God has His hand on our paperwork and that it gets done and processed quickly and correctly.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
Friday, July 3, 2009
The Blacketer Family
Since I'm out of the habit of writing in a blog regularly, it didn't occur to me that I could share a HUGE prayer request with all of you.
Thomas and I have been privileged to know an amazing couple at Church, Jack and Barbara. Sometimes you meet people that you know are just supposed to be a part of your lives. There is just a connection. They are like extended family to us and have a very special place in our hearts. Awhile back their grandson and granddaughter were in a very serious accident. It's been a long road to recovery especially for their grandson Brandon, though he's been home and doing really good until yesterday. He's only in his 20's and from everything we've heard, he's such a survivor. Yesterday Brandon had a stroke.
Please pray for his healing and for peace for the Blacketer's and their family. We are praying for them and hurting with them...it feels like it has happened to our family too.
As of yet today their is no improvement or change in any way.
Sunday-Brandon is now home. He is able to talk some and is on anti seizure meds to try to prevent this from happening again. Thank you all for the prayers!!!!!
Thomas and I have been privileged to know an amazing couple at Church, Jack and Barbara. Sometimes you meet people that you know are just supposed to be a part of your lives. There is just a connection. They are like extended family to us and have a very special place in our hearts. Awhile back their grandson and granddaughter were in a very serious accident. It's been a long road to recovery especially for their grandson Brandon, though he's been home and doing really good until yesterday. He's only in his 20's and from everything we've heard, he's such a survivor. Yesterday Brandon had a stroke.
Please pray for his healing and for peace for the Blacketer's and their family. We are praying for them and hurting with them...it feels like it has happened to our family too.
As of yet today their is no improvement or change in any way.
Sunday-Brandon is now home. He is able to talk some and is on anti seizure meds to try to prevent this from happening again. Thank you all for the prayers!!!!!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
A Beautiful Story of Adoption
The following is a video collage chronicling the adoptive journey of a wonderful Christian Family. It shows some of the reality of the adoption process, the reality of life in Ethiopia, and the precious blessings these little ones are.
A little post script...we received the receipt for our USCIS (immigration) paperwork yesterday (6-30-09), so our process is still moving!
A little post script...we received the receipt for our USCIS (immigration) paperwork yesterday (6-30-09), so our process is still moving!
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