Hopes for 2011

In our house we don't have New Years Resolutions. We have hopes for the future. Often, when New Years Resolutions don't turn out like we wanted, we give up. When we have hope, we know failure happens, but we can hold on and persevere.

"...and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5

We have some pretty serious hopes for this year...some big ones. To tell you the truth, I'm a little fearful (to be COMPLETELY honest). I know we haven't been given a spirit of fear, but I admit my weakness.

Who is scared? ME! ME!

"For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!'" Romans 8:15

I wish it wasn't so, but I think every once in awhile we have to confront our demons. We follow God and then He asks us to take a step farther in faith than He ever has before.

I have decided that this year I will write out our list of hopes. At the end 2011 I will attempt to share, not only new hopes, but how 2011 turned out. I've created a tag (end of the blog) just for this so I don't forget. Some "hopes" are personal goals that go along with Biblical principals, some are just a glimmer of what we hope (not being able to share everything yet).

These are NOT in order of importance...well, most of them anyway. Number one kinda is.

***I would love to read your hopes for the upcoming days! Please let me know if you create a post on this. I would love to see how God works in your lives this year!***

HOPES FOR 2011

1. We hope we can sit and share the word of Christ with the broken and struggling this year.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19-20

2.That my husband finds his place, to glorify God the most, in his job (or whatever job God wishes him to have).

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6

3. That our family seeks out an even greater path to following God.

"Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in His ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way." Psalm 25:8-9

4. Health- We would like to truly treat our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. Confession wise, we haven't been. We have been so busy that it's been put on the back burner. I have one med that I have to take that I would like to get completely off of which is very possible if we focus on health.

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." I Corinthians 6:19

5.We would like to have more of a directed savings. Early on in our marriage we saved money specifically for certain reasons. We had a mission fund (to help emergency situations), a Christmas fund, funds saved specifically for emergencies, etc. We haven't done that in awhile as our savings (praise God!) helped us as we were bringing our blessings home. We would like to get back to that. This doesn't mean it won't be used for other blessings this year, but this is more of a "back to budget" hope.

"The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down." Proverbs 21:20

6. That we are able to start paying down our debt mistakes. We feel very responsible for debt we've incurred and hope, at some point, to be able to live debt free and be able to help others more.

"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." Proverbs 22:7

7. This is our somewhat private hope. It is a hope we are still figuring out. This is the hope we're praying for clarity and provision for. You may have an inkling and your inkling may very well be right.

It's big, crazy, and the one that leaves me a little fearful...it's not the hope itself, but what it takes to get there...the physical/financial side of it. I'm tired and it's flat out scary to me. I (very literally) thank God that I don't follow fear, but follow Him.

This next verse, instead of being about the hope, is more of a prayer concerning it.

"Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me." Psalm 31:3

Well, that is our list of hopes for 2011. I'm excited, hopeful, scared, and joyous all at the same time.

Let's pray in this New Year, that our lives may bring God glory and that our hopes may reflect Him.

I can't wait to see what this new year brings!

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Though our prayer requests have not changed a lot, they have intensified. God has been clarifying some things, but the intensity and challenge (even from ourselves) has stepped up a lot. Can you please pray with us (below) and pray God makes this even more clear and provides a clear financial way. It's pretty serious and we can not only see the momentum building, but the resistance as well.



Prayer Requests:

*Rolando and Julia (Guatemala-It has been over five years.), AND Junior and Diamoh (Liberia) to be able to finally come home to their families and that these countries open to legitimate adoptions.
*Renae-For the continued transition of their sweet family. Their daughter joined their family this year!
*Daniel (Liberia) and Jeremiah (Taiwan)- for their continued health issues. God's blessings and Hand on them and their families.
*Our friend's (unnamed, God knows) foster son, his family, and all who will make or influence decisions on his behalf that God's will be done in every aspect of his life.

Personal Prayer Requests:

*My husband and I, right now, are asking for a direct answer from God. We are asking for something so clear that neither of us can miss it. This is a very specific situation. We don't feel we're supposed to share all the details yet. Depending on the answer, it may change more than just our lives. If you have a moment (or many :)), can you pray with us. Can you pray for direct guidance and God's provision (there is a serious financial aspect involved too), that we may clearly see God's answer and be able to act immediately.

*We also ask that you join us in prayer for wisdom and guidance (that we can bring God the most glory) in the career field. We're limited in what we can share, but feel pressed on to pray about both these prayer requests and God knows exactly what we're asking.

*Last, we ask that you pray protection against satan's barbs. Thank you.

The Lies satan Tells About Adoption

*Why would God lead you?

*You are far from a perfect parent, let alone a Christian.

*You fail so much, why would He entrust you with another child?

*Don't you EVER want to get your house fixed up or have money in savings to spare? Don't you ever want to retire? You're stupid for thinking that you should do this. You don't even have college funds and have to budget for everything. How is that fair to your family?

*What if you/your spouse loses your job? Where will you be then with another mouth to feed? What if something happens to you and you leave your spouse with even more children to care for?

*You won't be able to raise that kind of money.

*Do you know what everyone will say if you adopt AGAIN? Think about the stress you'll have to deal with.

*What if you fail? What if you can't handle it?

*You need to get everything in order and perfect before you even consider this.

*Others don't understand, maybe you didn't hear God right.

*You shouldn't have to fight for something if it's God's will. It should be easy. This obviously isn't God's will.

*What about your other children? This is too much for them to handle.

*You have too many children, shouldn't you just help someone else adopt?

*What if you make a mistake? This really isn't your child and this child is so emotionally damaged with some disorder or syndrome that they RUIN your family.

*You are not good enough for this. You don't deserve it.

*Just take a deep breath, let it go, and go on with your life. It will be much easier.

What satan does not tell you...

*Why would God lead you?

He loves you as it says in John 3:16. Why else would He give His Son for YOU.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

He uses the imperfect (us) to bring Him glory as stated in I Corinthians 1:27. I am personally praising God for this (smile).

"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong."

*You are far from a perfect parent, let alone Christian.

God sent His Son to die because NONE of us are perfect and we are all sinners. There are great parents out there, but ALL are human and fall short. If we listen to this reasoning then no orphans would find their forever families.

"...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

*You fail so much, why would He entrust you with another child?

This is one of satan's favorite lies.

Remember...."...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

AND

"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." 1 Corinthians 1:27

*Don't you EVER want to get your house fixed up or have money in savings to spare? Don't you ever want to retire? You're stupid for thinking that you should do this again. You don't even have college funds and have to budget for everything. How is that fair to your family?

I see this lie often told to men, many times the main providers in a family. There is so much pressure to provide not only material comforts, but savings, college funds, retirement, and such as well. We live in a rich country, though often we do not feel rich. There are many things expected that I don't believe have a Biblical foundation, yet we blindly accept.

There IS a Biblical foundation for providing for our families though.

Take 1 Timothy 5:3-4
"Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God."

Also, 1 Timothy 5:8
"If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."

These make it very obvious that there is a responsibility to provide when possible.

It is also very clear that we are to be good stewards of what is given us and provides guidance toward saving and staying out of debt.

"In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has." Proverbs 21:20

"The wicked borrow and do not repay." Psalms 37:21

So we do not get to completely dismiss the responsibility we hold to our families, but we need to do two things. First is to remember that what the world views as necessary is not always what God does. Search the Bible and ask yourself, "Do I see a Biblical foundation that says God finds this necessary?"

Second, we need to look at Christ's life and those closest to Him. You see, when those in the Bible followed God (this includes adoption, as taking care of the orphans is a command in James 1:27) there was not an expectation of bank accounts building up. There was not an expectation of worldly blessings. When God calls us, it does not negate the fact that we need to provide, but even MORE importantly providing does not negate the fact that we need to follow God.

"As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 'Truly I tell you,' He said, 'this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.' Luke 21:1-4

Does this say the widow was criticized for giving everything she had to God? No, she was praised for giving all she had to Him.

When we are doing the work God clearly commands us to do, we give our all. We give everything. Bringing orphans into family is God's work.

"Better is a little with righteousness, than great income with injustice." Proverbs 16:8

Finally, we need to look at Christ's words alone in several different verses.

"Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, 'Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.'
Immediately they left their nets and followed Him." Matthew 4:18-20

Christ didn't tell them to go back and gather their possessions when asking them to follow Him.

"Still another said, 'I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.' Jesus replied, 'No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'” Luke 9:61-62

"When Jesus heard this, he said to him, 'You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'” Luke 18:22

*What if you/your spouse loses your job? Where will you be then with another mouth to feed? What if something happens to you and you leave your spouse with even more children to care for?

We would do nothing for God if we are truly held captives by tomorrow. We wouldn't let our children out of the house if we really realized how temporary life is. Would we spend time going to a movie or would we rather walk through the park chatting. We can plan for a future that MIGHT be, but we cannot plan for every eventuality without driving ourselves crazy.

Do we have life insurance? Yes, but we can't negate God's will with "what ifs". Can we save? When we can...yes.

What it comes down to is trusting God and that He has led us. He's not going to drop us or let go of our hands. HE will provide.

"Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." James 4:13-14

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38

"Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?" Luke 12:22-25

*You won't be able to raise that kind of money.

YOU don't need to raise this kind of money. Adoption is expensive and God does not tell you to follow Him without providing a way to do it. Sometimes it means work, but more importantly it means trust. During this last adoption we couldn't even have applied for a loan. We began the adoption with nothing and yet God provided again and again.

We may have used EVERY penny, but sleeping in cribs behind me are two amazing blessings.

You may try to convince yourself (if you have adopted before) that last time you had things you could sell or another avenue that is not available. You then need to ask yourself, do you really think you provided OR did God?

Here are some verses quoted already and some new and very important ones.

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38

"And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?" Luke 12:24-25

"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: 'They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.' Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness." 2 Corinthians 6:7-10

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8

Lastly, this is the verse we clung to while we strove to bring Gabe and Rachel home.

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."Psalm 37:4

*Do you know what everyone will say if you adopt AGAIN? Think about the stress you'll have to deal with.

We are not here to please others. It actually states in the Bible that, at times, families will face off against families (Luke 12:51-53). We are on this earth not to please man, but God. It doesn't matter what everyone else thinks.

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." John 15:18-20

This does not mean persecution will only come from those who do not know Christ, but we do need to understand that it is not about others. They may not see Christ from the perspective we do. It's as if we all stand around a circle, with God at the center. Some may stand next to you and understand what you see, but some may stand across the circle from you and do not understand from your perspective, because they view God from another place in the circle.

*What if you fail? What if you can't handle it?

We have failed in the past and we can assume we will fail in the future. Though satan seems to enjoy this lie. It is not about our failures, this is just a diversion. It is about God's triumphs.

As to handling it? This verse says it perfectly.

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."Romans 8:37

This verse is a good reminder too.

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."1 Corinthians 10:13

*You need to get everything in order and perfect before you even consider this.

This one is a little funny when you think about it. You see, nothing is ever perfect. There is one (satan) that will make sure of that (if that is what you are waiting for). There is no such thing as perfection. We follow God, not because we OR our lives are in order, but because He commands us to.

"And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:27

*Others don't understand, maybe you didn't hear God right.

From personal experience, when God talks to you...you know. It may be just for an instance, but there is an absolute certainty. Very quickly, you will find, satan will try to convince you otherwise. Others are not required to understand. Sometimes time will have to pass while God works on their hearts, but if you know the will of God (and you know that it is backed up by the scriptures)hold onto it. Don't let satan convince you otherwise.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

*You shouldn't have to fight for something if it's God's will. It should be easy. This obviously isn't God's will.

God doesn't say following Him will be easy. Actually, He says just the opposite. Again, John 15:18-20 and Luke 14:27 are some verses we need to look at.

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also."

"And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."

*What about your other children? This is too much for them to handle.

Really? This one just doesn't stand up either. Think about what we are teaching our children when we follow God in adoption? Love? Devotion? Adoption, as God adopted us, into a family formed in such a cool way?

"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.And by him we cry, “Abba,Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Romans 8:14-17

What an amazing way for our children to learn about OUR adoption as sons and daughters.

*You have too many children, shouldn't you just help someone else adopt?

Being called to help someone else does not negate God's call for us. If He has called you to adopt, it is not your choice (or we should not make it that) for us to decide that helping someone else is fulfilling what God is telling US to do.

While we aid the orphans and other's adoptions (which is AWESOME), there is a child, waiting in an orphanage or foster home, that is a child meant for OUR family. If we choose to negate God's calling for us, then OUR child may remain an orphan.

"The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9

*What if you make a mistake? This really isn't your child and this child is so emotionally damaged with some disorder or syndrome that they RUIN your family.

God does not promise everything will be easy. Our children will come to us wounded. How could they not? What He asks us is to trust Him and follow Him. This is not a worry we can dwell on. It is not a lie we can buy into. We cannot know about tomorrow. We can read, become more knowledgeable, prepare, but we cannot base our decision (as stated previously) on what MAY happen or we will be frozen in inaction.

"Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." James 4:13-14

*You are not good enough for this. You don't deserve it.

This is one that is thrown in the faces of so many (me included). We do not deserve any of this, but God loves us anyway. He blesses us. He loves us.

The lies satan tells to destroy us are, at times, almost humorous.

Sometimes I feel like screaming/laughing (at satan) from a mountain top, "You are RIGHT! I don't deserve it! Christ gave His life for me and I don't deserve it! He blesses me anyway so GO AWAY!"

God wins, satan doesn't like that. It's not about "deserving" it's about blessing.

"...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

*Just take a deep breath, let it go, and go on with your life. It will be much easier.

Easier? Maybe, but not as fulfilled, full of laughter, hugs, love. A child may remain an orphan if we "let it go". It's a battle worth fighting.

Easier? Maybe, but then we don't get to live with the knowledge that we are following our Heavenly Father.

satan will try to make us busy and forget God's call, putting it in the back of our minds.

I have saved James 1:27 for last.

We can't forget.
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

satan is the world. satan doesn't want you to adopt and teach a child about God and His love. Following God may not be easy, but we all know who wins. It is VERY worth it.

Don't let satan's lies drive you.

Let God's truth carry you.

One of My Favorite Books! Two to Give Away in Celebration!

I just couldn't bring myself to buy it. I mean the name itself, "The Hole in Our Gospel". There is NO hole in the Gospel....none. Until someone explained it to me. The book in not about a actual hole in the gospel, but one we place there.

It was such a deep and painful (yep, in a good way) book, that often I would read a chapter and have to sit it down. I felt like I had to take a deep breath. It is a life changing and eye opening book. Not much robs me of breath...this book did.

Well, I have two new paperback copies sitting by our computer, just waiting for new owners.

I will draw two names on Sunday, January 2nd in celebration of our six months as a family blessed by two amazing children. Yep, it's been six months! God is so very good to us!

If you would like a chance to win a copy, just comment below and leave me a way to contact you! If you want an extra chance or two to win, you can share this on facebook and/or on your blog. Just let me know in the comments section!

I'm sorry I can only ship to the United States.

Thank you for joining our celebration!!!!

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Though our prayer requests have not changed a lot, they have intensified. God has been clarifying some things, but the intensity and challenge (even from ourselves) has stepped up a lot. Can you please pray with us (below) and pray God makes this even more clear and provides a clear financial way. It's pretty serious and we can not only see the momentum building, but the resistance as well.



Prayer Requests:

*Rolando and Julia (Guatemala-It has been over five years.), AND Junior and Diamoh (Liberia) to be able to finally come home to their families and that these countries open to legitimate adoptions.
*Renae-For the continued transition of their sweet family. Their daughter joined their family this year!
*Daniel (Liberia) and Jeremiah (Taiwan)- for their continued health issues. God's blessings and Hand on them and their families.
*Our friend's (unnamed, God knows) foster son, his family, and all who will make or influence decisions on his behalf that God's will be done in every aspect of his life.

Personal Prayer Requests:

*My husband and I, right now, are asking for a direct answer from God. We are asking for something so clear that neither of us can miss it. This is a very specific situation. We don't feel we're supposed to share all the details yet. Depending on the answer, it may change more than just our lives. If you have a moment (or many :)), can you pray with us. Can you pray for direct guidance and God's provision (there is a serious financial aspect involved too), that we may clearly see God's answer and be able to act immediately.

*We also ask that you join us in prayer for wisdom and guidance (that we can bring God the most glory) in the career field. We're limited in what we can share, but feel pressed on to pray about both these prayer requests and God knows exactly what we're asking.

*Last, we ask that you pray protection against satan's barbs. Thank you.

The Gift We Wish- Great Adoption Post and Prayer Request

I thought this was a beautiful post from a fellow blogger. It's about blessings (or gifts) we wish for our adopted children.

There are some really cool thoughts here.

"His Hands, His Feet Today....Giving-Adoption"

Though our prayer requests have not changed a lot, they have intensified. God has been clarifying some things, but the intensity and challenge (even from ourselves) has stepped up a lot. Can you please pray with us (below) and pray God makes this even more clear and provides a clear financial way. It's pretty serious and we can not only see the momentum building, but the resistance as well.


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Prayer Requests:

*Rolando and Julia (Guatemala-It has been over five years.), AND Junior and Diamoh (Liberia) to be able to finally come home to their families and that these countries open to legitimate adoptions.
*Renae-For the continued transition of their sweet family. Their daughter joined their family this year!
*Daniel (Liberia) and Jeremiah (Taiwan)- for their continued health issues. God's blessings and Hand on them and their families.
*Our friend's (unnamed, God knows) foster son, his family, and all who will make or influence decisions on his behalf that God's will be done in every aspect of his life.

Personal Prayer Requests:

*My husband and I, right now, are asking for a direct answer from God. We are asking for something so clear that neither of us can miss it. This is a very specific situation. We don't feel we're supposed to share all the details yet. Depending on the answer, it may change more than just our lives. If you have a moment (or many :)), can you pray with us. Can you pray for direct guidance and God's provision (there is a serious financial aspect involved too), that we may clearly see God's answer and be able to act immediately.

*We also ask that you join us in prayer for wisdom and guidance (that we can bring God the most glory) in the career field. We're limited in what we can share, but feel pressed on to pray about both these prayer requests and God knows exactly what we're asking.

*Last, we ask that you pray protection against satan's barbs. Thank you.

Merry Christmas, Beautiful Reality, and a Family Christmas Video

It's easy to hear the story of the birth of our Savior and not take it in. It's read in Church, written on blogs, and quoted everywhere. Many have heard it since they were little. It may feel like we know it so well that we stop listening.

The older I get the more I realize how wrong that is.

It's like putting several thin pieces of parchment paper over a chapter of the Bible. You can't see the words until you start removing the sheets. Each sheet we remove makes things clearer and clearer. Each time we read the story of the birth of Jesus, it becomes more and more personal and we see things we never had before.

I want to encourage you to read it again today. Don't read ahead in your memory (not really reading it), but read...devour every word. It is our salvation.

May the beauty of Christ shine though and may He live in your heart for eternity.

"This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.'

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' which means, 'God with us.'

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.'
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 'In Bethlehem in Judea,' they replied, 'for this is what the prophet has written:

But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, 'Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.'

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route." Matthew 1:18-2:12

Merry CHRISTmas from our family to yours...

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Twas the Night Before Christmas (In Reality)

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
only snoring was heard, from the littlest mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with dreams,
In hopes that daddy and mommy would fill them (it seems).



The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of the nativity swam through their heads.
And mamma in her t-shirt, and I in my shorts,
Had just settled down for a sweet nap of sorts.

When out in the living room arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the room I flew like a tornado,
Tore open the door and tripped on Bob the Tomato.

The light on the breast of the new shredded paper,
Gave the lustre of sunshine to the obvious caper.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a guilty looking cat, not shedding a tear.



With a little orange tail, the shape of a puff ball,
I knew in a moment Sienna must take the fall.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he meowed, and purred, called the guilty by name!



"Now Brrreow! now, Sadie! now, MiK and Blackie!
On, Arwen! On, Tundra! on, on Abby and Obie!
To under the couch! to the top of the shelves!
Run for your lives! Dash away! Dash away naughty elves!"




As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the shelves the coursers they flew,
With paper stuck to their claws, and tape stuck there too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard from the beds
The yawning and groaning of each little head.


As I opened my mouth, and was turning around,
On my back Sienna came with a bound.


He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his fur was all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of gerbils he had flung on his back,
And he tried to look innocent, opening his mouth with a smack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like feathers, his nose a wet cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as orange and glowed.

The stump of a tail he held tight in his teeth,
And the attempted halo encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!



He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And sharpened his nails on the stocking, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his claw aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the curtains he rose!

He sprang to his top, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"I think we're in trouble, there's no catnip tonight."

An Epiphany...The Bomb Squad

If you haven't read "The Barbs, The Bombs, The Attacks (Praising God!)" then this post may not make a ton of sense.

This is such an afterthought, but I thought it was interesting (at least in my own little world...smile).

When thinking through everything that satan was throwing at us, I had forgotten about the Bomb Squad.

Delays (causing frustration) are one of satan's specialties. If he thinks he can tick you off because someone took your parking space, a light refuses to turn green, or the Bomb Squad stops you from being on time...he will.

Wait, did you say the "Bomb Squad"? Yep, I sure did.

When driving to our very brave friends house (after all, she invited a family of nine over) a police officer walked out into the highway right in front of us.

We were the first in a long line of vehicles and in the lane closest to the...wait, did that truck say "Bomb Squad"?

In my 39 years, I have never even seen an actual Bomb Squad. I can now check it off our list. We were in the middle of a bomb scare and out came a man in head to toe gear. Wow, what a sight!

This got me thinking. Who is our bomb squad, dismantling the intricate wiring of explosives satan throws in our lives?

God? YES, absolutely!!!! Praise Him!

He has also given us an amazing team of support though.

So this is my mini epiphany my friends, you are part of my Bomb Squad. We are part of each others Bomb Squads. God has given each of us the ability to plead and petition on each others behalf. HE dismantles the bombs, but He gave us team members that can rush to each others aid as well.

This is a thank you to my Bomb Squad. We're a team, a strong and hard working unit.

God, my maker, my redeemer, thank you for the encouragers you've brought into our lives. Thank you for dismantling the most grisly bombs thrown at us. Thank you Lord for giving us warriors to stand beside us while you do.

"First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you" Romans 1:8-9

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Prayer Requests:

*Rolando and Julia (Guatemala-It has been over five years.), AND Junior and Diamoh (Liberia) to be able to finally come home to their families and that these countries open to legitimate adoptions.
*Renae-For the continued transition of their sweet family. Their daughter joined their family this year!
*Daniel (Liberia) and Jeremiah (Taiwan)- for their continued health issues. God's blessings and Hand on them and their families.
*Our friend's (unnamed, God knows) foster son, his family, and all who will make or influence decisions on his behalf that God's will be done in every aspect of his life.

Personal Prayer Requests:

*My husband and I, right now, are asking for a direct answer from God. We are asking for something so clear that neither of us can miss it. This is a very specific situation. We don't feel we're supposed to share all the details yet. Depending on the answer, it may change more than just our lives. If you have a moment (or many :)), can you pray with us. Can you pray for direct guidance and God's provision (there is a serious financial aspect involved too), that we may clearly see God's answer and be able to act immediately.

*We also ask that you join us in prayer for wisdom and guidance (that we can bring God the most glory) in the career field. We're limited in what we can share, but feel pressed on to pray about both these prayer requests and God knows exactly what we're asking.

*Last, we ask that you pray protection against satan's barbs. Thank you.

Beautiful, Just Beautiful...

My friend Cheryl wrote this. I have been blessed to get to know her through our daughter's friendship. She has a heart for Christ and a love that is beautiful to witness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I AM

When I feel all alone... You are there.

When I know I've done wrong...

When my heart is heavy and I can't go on...You are there.

You are...

the shelter from the storm

the peace when I feel torn

the strength when I am weak

the voice when I can't speak.

When all I want to do is cry...or run away and hide...

You are there.

You run to me when I call Your name.

wanting me to call before the clouds begin to form

before the whirling winds of doubt

before the fear of the storm

threatens to shake my faith and take me out..

Knowing You are always the same

You never change

the Alpha and Omega

Beginning and the End

Creator of the universe

The Holy Spirit wind.

Not just the Beginning and the End...

Everything in between

The here and now - My very present help in trouble

Visible, yet unseen.

My faith becomes belief

My belief becomes hope

My hope becomes relief

My relief becomes victory..

Over sin and death, Shadows and darkness, Sorrow and pain

Bringing

Peace... that passes understanding

Joy... unspeakable

Love beyond measure

for You...

the Son of God, the Prince of Peace

My Savior and Redeemer,

My Rock and My Shelter...

You are...

I AM.

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Prayer Requests:

*Rolando and Julia (Guatemala-It has been over five years.), AND Junior and Diamoh (Liberia) to be able to finally come home to their families and that these countries open to legitimate adoptions.
*Renae-For the continued transition of their sweet family. Their daughter joined their family this year!
*Daniel (Liberia) and Jeremiah (Taiwan)- for their continued health issues. God's blessings and Hand on them and their families.
*Our friend's (unnamed, God knows) foster son, his family, and all who will make or influence decisions on his behalf that God's will be done in every aspect of his life.

Personal Prayer Requests:

*My husband and I, right now, are asking for a direct answer from God. We are asking for something so clear that neither of us can miss it. This is a very specific situation. We don't feel we're supposed to share all the details yet. Depending on the answer, it may change more than just our lives. If you have a moment (or many :)), can you pray with us. Can you pray for direct guidance and God's provision (there is a serious financial aspect involved too), that we may clearly see God's answer and be able to act immediately.

*We also ask that you join us in prayer for wisdom and guidance (that we can bring God the most glory) in the career field. We're limited in what we can share, but feel pressed on to pray about both these prayer requests and God knows exactly what we're asking.

*Last, we ask that you pray protection against satan's barbs. Thank you.

The Barbs, The Bombs, The Attacks (Praising God!)

A thought pressing on my spirit...pray with your husband. There are two things you must pray about, but pray together.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I know it's not just us, I do. Too many others have shared their stories. I KNOW it's not just us. It gets pretty blatant too...the attacks that is.

The laptop breaks, a odd negative situation at work, the microwave starts acting wonky, satan (very literally) throws a very specific temptation up to the only two that might struggle with it. Yep, satan is on the prowl.

It seems like every time we seek God and are truly trying to follow God's path for us, Satan attacks. During our adoptions a deluge of attacks appeared.

I remember when our third blessing was baptized....the temptations escalated for our child. She came to me crying, knowing exactly that. As a nine year old, she knew.

When we follow God, satan doesn't like it.

We've learned, with time, to start praying against satan's barbs, his bombs. The problem is that we forget. Time passes and we get on with every day life and the emphasis on satan's barbs diminishes.

All of a sudden God speaks and then we forget that satan is just prowling, waiting for the moment we are not prepared.

I forget, I really do.

We have literally had something happen to us almost daily since my husband and I started praying very specifically together recently. What day did it start? Guess! NO JOKE...the day we started praying.

It has got to the point where my husband and child went for a walk today, satan threw something very obvious and blatant out (out of the ordinary AND specific). It was just a low blow, yet when I was told about it I wanted to smile.

Seriously?! This was so blatant and so obvious that we could see it. Temptation has never been a reason for me to do a happy dance before, but I kinda felt like it today. You see, I want to do God's will. I really do. When satan is chucking these bombs, we must be moving (at least somewhat) in the right direction.

Will this make us stop praying? NOPE, but we will be praying against Satan's barbs too. We know who wins.

Tonight, as we did devotional with the kids, this verse was brought to my attention.

God is just so merciful that way.

"Now this I know:
The LORD gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
with the victorious power of his right hand.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm."
Psalm 20:6-8

Prayer Requests:

*Rolando and Julia (Guatemala-It has been over five years.), AND Junior and Diamoh (Liberia) to be able to finally come home to their families and that these countries open to legitimate adoptions.
*Renae-For the continued transition of their sweet family. Their daughter joined their family this year!
*Daniel (Liberia) and Jeremiah (Taiwan)- for their continued health issues. God's blessings and Hand on them and their families.
*Our friend's (unnamed, God knows) foster son, his family, and all who will make or influence decisions on his behalf that God's will be done in every aspect of his life.

Personal Prayer Requests:

*My husband and I, right now, are asking for a direct answer from God. We are asking for something so clear that neither of us can miss it. This is a very specific situation. We don't feel we're supposed to share all the details yet. Depending on the answer, it may change more than just our lives. If you have a moment (or many :)), can you pray with us. Can you pray for direct guidance and God's provision (there is a serious financial aspect involved too), that we may clearly see God's answer and be able to act immediately.

*We also ask that you join us in prayer for wisdom and guidance (that we can bring God the most glory) in the career field. We're limited in what we can share, but feel pressed on to pray about both these prayer requests and God knows exactly what we're asking.

*Last, we ask that you pray protection against satan's barbs. Thank you.

Our Own Personal Disco Baby-Rachel Rockin' It!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

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Prayer Requests:

*Rolando and Julia (Guatemala-It has been over five years.), AND Junior and Diamoh (Liberia) to be able to finally come home to their families and that these countries open to legitimate adoptions.

*Renae-For the continued transition of their sweet family. Their daughter joined their family this year!

*Daniel (Liberia) and Jeremiah (Taiwan)- for their continued health issues. God's blessings and Hand on them and their families.

*Our friend's (unnamed, God knows) foster son, his family, and all who will make or influence decisions on his behalf that God's will be done in every aspect of his life.

Personal Prayer Requests:

*My husband and I, right now, are asking for a direct answer from God. We are asking for something so clear that neither of us can miss it. This is a very specific situation. We don't feel we're supposed to share all the details yet. Depending on the answer, it may change more than just our lives. If you have a moment (or many :)), can you pray with us. Can you pray for direct guidance and God's provision, that we may clearly see God's answer and be able to act immediately. Thank you my friends...

*We also ask that you join us in prayer for wisdom and guidance (that we can bring God the most glory) in the career field. We're limited in what we can share, but feel pressed on to pray about both these prayer requests and God knows exactly what we're asking. Thank you....

I'm Sitting Here Soaking Wet...

I bet you can't guess why?

Quote of the Day

This quote made me think at a deeper level about what being a "living sacrifice" is. Thank you Cheryl for sharing it.

"The problem with being a living sacrifice is that we keep crawling off the altar."

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." Romans 12:1

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Prayer Requests:

*Rolando and Julia (Guatemala-It has been over five years.), AND Junior and Diamoh (Liberia) to be able to finally come home to their families and that these countries open to legitimate adoptions.

*Renae-For the continued transition of their sweet family. Their daughter joined their family this year!

*Daniel (Liberia) and Jeremiah (Taiwan)- for their continued health issues. God's blessings and Hand on them and their families.

*Our friend's (unnamed, God knows) foster son, his family, and all who will make or influence decisions on his behalf that God's will be done in every aspect of his life.

Personal Prayer Requests:

*My husband and I, right now, are asking for a direct answer from God. We are asking for something so clear that neither of us can miss it. This is a very specific situation. We don't feel we're supposed to share all the details yet. Depending on the answer, it may change more than just our lives. If you have a moment (or many :)), can you pray with us. Can you pray for direct guidance and God's provision, that we may clearly see God's answer and be able to act immediately. Thank you my friends...

*We also ask that you join us in prayer for wisdom and guidance (that we can bring God the most glory) in the career field. We're limited in what we can share, but feel pressed on to pray about both these prayer requests and God knows exactly what we're asking. Thank you....

Current Prayer Requests (Last Update July 2011)

If you have a prayer request, I will be trying to list them at the end of many of my posts. Just comment or email me and I will list them. If you have a private one, just let me know and I will hold it up to God in prayer, but not place it on our blog.

Please let me know any updates or how God answers. God is just so AMAZINGLY cool and a privilege to watch answer!!!

July's/August's Immanent Adoption Prayer Requests:

*The immediate prayer request (as stated above) is to do with the timeline. The average wait in this next step is 2-4 months. Friends of ours (almost 2 years ago) received theirs in weeks. We are praying we receive ours under the two month time frame (prayerfully within weeks). To have Jael in our arms by Christmas, this would be a massive step in the right direction.

Our Personal Prayer Requests

*For God to bring peace (and glory to HIM) in my husbands professional life.

*For all "hiccups" to be banished and a hedge of protection (no shrubbery, purely cement :)) be surrounding this journey.

*For all decision to be positive and to FLY on wings bringing Jael home quickly...prayerfully before Christmas.

*That all paperwork may be quick and without flaw (in only a way the God can do).

*Please pray for our daughter across the world who faces each night alone. Please pray that she feels GOD's presence, GOD's hedge of protection around her...physical, spiritual, and emotional.... that her heart is prepared and ready for family, and that Jesus fills her heart and helps her to be ready to attach to her family. Also for her biological family and their peace and knowledge of a God that loves them so very much.

*Please pray that GOD protects us from satan's attacks. When you follow GOD, satan always attacks.

*Please pray for the drama surrounding a situation not directly effecting us or in our immediate family, but none the less...drama.

*Please pray for peace for our family and for hope to reign.

*Most importantly, that GOD be brought glory and His will be done in all of this.

Prayers for Our Brothers and Sisters


*Please pray for Eden, a little blessing from Ethiopia, who has a life threatening disorder.

*Please pray for a young man (Karl) who was just in an accident and is suffering from VERY serious head injuries. He is the boyfriend of Linny's daughter (A Place Called Simplicity)

*Please pray for Wes, a new little blessing from Ethiopia, who just had surgery on his skull. He is home now, but please pray the surgery was successful and he remains free from infection and injury.

*Please pray for little Selah, Lorraine's daughter, who has hydrocephalus and issues cropping up regarding this.

*Please pray for Judah, a little one from Ethiopia that is on a medical visa here in the United States. He has hydrocephalus and the doctors are evaluating him for treatment that is not available there. GOD is working miracles, can we pray for some more?

*Please pray for my friend Michelle and her father who is struggling with cancer. Michelle also has an Uncle fighting cancer as well. Please also pray for my friend Amber whose mother just passed away after a long battle with cancer...please pray for peace and comfort for them all.

*Please pray for Donna and her family as they are in the adoption process at the same time we are and have their preliminary approval for their two boys as well.

*Rolando and Julia (Guatemala-It has been over five years.), AND Junior and Diamoh (Liberia) to be able to finally come home to their families and that these countries open to legitimate adoptions.

*Renae-For the continued transition of their sweet family. Their daughter joined their family this year and they are starting the process of another amazing journey to Ethiopia! Their dossier has just been completed!

*Daniel (Liberia) and Jeremiah (Taiwan)- for their continued health issues. GOD's blessings and Hand on them and their families.

*My friend (unnamed, GOD knows)...NEWLY adopted son (just finalized through foster care)and his family. That God guides them as they raise their children to glorify God. (This one is also a praise! WOO HOO!)

*For Eliz and their family as they bring home five beautiful blessings with Down Syndrome. They travel to bring home the first two of their blessings this next month.

*Please pray for Gena (and family) and their teen son. Please pray for him to come to know CHRIST.

*Please pray for our friend whose daughter Kennedy is having seizures. Please pray that they cease and whatever is causing them never returns.

*Please pray for the Young family~That God would grow them to be the parents their son needs, and that their fears would be relieved.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8

Great Post! "You Have Enough Kids"

How could I help but like this post? I have just a few things in common with the author (hee hee). Her thoughts are beautifully worded and so very true. If you have a moment, check out this post!

"You Have Enough Kids".

Thank you "KingsKids for sharing this post with us!!!

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

Most Common Questions Since Bringing the Twins Home-Difference in Adopting Twins, More Children, General Thoughts

So what do you think the most common question we've received since arriving home? I bet you could TOTALLY guess! It's the same thing people ask immediately after birth. Got it yet?

It is usually phrased one of two ways? One is slightly more positive than the other (hee hee).

*Are you going to adopt again/have any more?
*Are you done YET?!

Guess which one is slightly more positive? (Smile)

It's a fair question I guess. People see a big family and think "insanity". They're right you know. It's amazing, fantastic, God following, blessed insanity...and it ROCKS!

I thought I'd sit down today and answer some of our most common questions and share some thoughts, starting with the above question.

Question #1-Will you adopt again/have any more children?

When we first arrived home and someone would ask this question, we pretty much answered with one pat answer, "If God wills, we will."

Things changed though...after we rested, got well, and generally got back in the pattern of life (though our previous answer is still VERY true). My husband and I sat and talked a few weeks back. We feel God has opened a door and our sight. We don't feel He's closed it yet. This is so different than in the past...it's as unique as a newborn child.

Before we always had God saying, "Go!". Now we feel like the "Go!" is still there and ever present. He works in such amazing ways and seems to be teaching us with every step.

Each of our children are so unique and a gift from God. So when people ask if we will adopt again or have any more children, our immediate thought is...."I sure hope so."

Question #2-Are twins harder?

Hmmmm...well, there's two babies instead of one, but we haven't found a ton of difference in actual "hardness of care". We had to learn how to carry them both and feed them at the same time. I must say that the diapers have multiplied (hee hee). By the time the twins are out of diapers (sat down and figured it out once) we will have changed around 30,000 diapers. We are now considered diaper experts (smile).

Do you have a diaper problem? Kat is here to help...lol.

Both Gabe and Rachel are unique and individual with their individual likes, needs, and wants...but I do think that the fact that they are our 6th and 7th child makes a difference. Our first two were 23 months a part. Our 3rd and 4th were 20 months a part. We are used to taking care of two young children with the needs of two young children. We also have a family that works together and that's a beautiful and awesome thing.

Yes, I'm a home school mom of seven, but there is nothing I'd rather do and have twins...TWO precious blessings added to our fold.

Now the BIG difference I see in twins is the connection. Gabe and Rachel have a connection that I've only seen other twins have. They seem to read each other. They love together, work together, fight together. It's the coolest thing to watch.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What My Concerns Were When Following God in Expanding Our Family....and How That Played Out

Concern #1

Before I head out I want to talk about a couple more things. My concern, as well as many others thinking of expanding their families, was that I wanted to insure that I am raising my own children. I did not want our older kids to take on so much responsibility that they were raising our children instead of us.

I will not say that our children do not have more to do more than a smaller family. What I will say is that often the "extra" is not due to more children, but the fact that we ALL choose to home school. I don't have the extra eight hours in the day to clean, cook, and do certain activities ALL BY MYSELF (not that we would think that's the best way to go anyway :)). We all tend to work as a team, with Thomas and I as coaches......and GOD AS THE OWNER :).

I always disliked when families stated that they worked like a well oiled machine. It's so cold and impersonal, but now I do understand what they meant. Everything and everyone with their own responsibilities and working together like gears meshing.

I prefer to think of it, though, as a functioning tapestry. Each thread is necessary to make the beauty work. Without one, some unraveling takes place.

Yes, our older kids will be prepared for parenthood (and babysitting). They do know how to change a diaper and make a bottle...that's part of life around here :).

Yet, they all know we are WAY meaner than them (hee hee) and earned the parents title (wink).

Concern #2

Illness was our next concern. Though we were sick for about four months straight upon arriving home, it was more of an obscure, picked up in travel thing.

Illness does hit our family hard at times, but here's something I've noticed. It does not seem to be based solely on family size. I have friends that have two children and have been equally sick. I think immune system seems to be the biggest holding point. We have a couple with immune systems of rocks (NEVER getting sick) and a few of us that catch everything (me being the biggest baby :)).

Concern #3

I will say that finances didn't start out being a concern, and truthfully...we shouldn't have let it get to us. You may remember this financial prayer request post.

"Could Use Some Prayers"

Between paying $350 a month in specialized formula, $2000 in hospital and doctor bills, our brakes going out, and one car dying, travel back and forth for a family emergency...well, life got stressful.

Yet, I kept on having this feeling it was going to be okay. It is and was. I'm not going to share about how this all came about...now. If you check my "Memorial Box Monday" post coming up. I'll share more about God's provisions.

Though adoption in itself is an expensive process...there is NOTHING like watching Him provide and having money provided from the least possible source. It doesn't stop when the children come home.

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Well, that's about it. I hope a few questions were answered (feel free to ask anything in love).

This is the end of my eclectic sharing post (smile). My brain is shooting off in every direction, so I hope I covered everything :).

May God's glory shine through you today! Have a blessed day!!!

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Prayer Request:

My husband and I, right now, are asking for a direct answer from God. We are asking for something so clear that neither of us can miss it.

We, at times, get so blinded by every day life, that we may not give the attention to the things God's telling us. This is a very specific situation. I don't feel I'm supposed to share all the details yet.

Depending on the answer, it may change more than just our lives.

If you have a moment (or many :)), can you pray with us. Can you pray for direct guidance, that we may clearly see God's answer. Thank you my friends....

"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" Matthew 19:14

Heart Touching Video of Our Friend's Journey to Family

God has led us through quite a journey. Before the twins came home He led us out of the Church where we were at. He told us He had another home for us. Seriously hard, but MANY blessings through the journey.

One day we visited a Church where the past head of our adoption agency attended (Shout out to Susan!). She hugged me and said, "Kat, you have to meet Donna! They JUST brought home their sweet little girl from China." Donna and I started talking (and went out to coffee).

She went to the same University I did. She knew some of the same people I did (actually one of my best friends). SHE CAME TO A MOVIE NIGHT IN MY APARTMENT!!!! I had met her BEFORE I had met my husband.

This world is very very small. Her family supported us as we raised funds to bring our twins home (both emotionally and physically). They have been such a blessing to our family!

Now this video is very personal to me and close to my heart. I LOVE their girls...seriously. This one brought the tears....

It's been a year, but it seems like yesterday.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Baby Juddah (Ethiopia)-IMMINENT PRAYERS NEEDED

Baby Juddah's little hand curls up in the picture I viewed of him. I just want to kiss that little hand. He's tiny, precious, and still a newborn. He also has been diagnosed with Hydrocephalus.

In Ethiopia there is nothing to be done.

He needs to come to the U.S. for the proper medical care.

God's blessings have been raining down. Everything is almost in place for Juddah to get the medical care he so desperately needs.

Yet I just found out that Baby Juddah has now been diagnosed with pneumonia. He is tiny, his body is compromised and he needs prayers NOW! Please, pray warriors, storm Heaven with prayers for this precious child of God!

You can read about Juddah's birth at the blog called "Baby Juddah-Meeting Baby Juddah". We were privileged to meet the writer of this blog, Cherrie, in Ethiopia while we were bringing the twins home. She has this heart you can not believe and is a gift from God herself!

You can read the latest about Judah here..

Adult Adoptee Speaks About Life on the Street and God's Redemptive Power

It'll take twenty-four minutes, please find time in your day. Sit down and find a comfortable place.

This is important to view, not only as an adoptive parent or adoptee, but as a child of God.

Stephanie Fast, an adult adoptee from Korea, speaks....

Christian Alliance For Orphans Summit 2010 from Kristen Munson on Vimeo.

Remembering the Little Ones this Christmas-Toby Mac

Toby Mac "This Christmas"

Click on the video twice to see the full screen on You Tube.

A Gift I Didn't Know I Needed...Memorial Box Monday

What is a Memorial Box? A Memorial Box is a way to remember what God has done for us. It's so easy to forget. Think about the Israelites.

You place a item on a shelf or set of shelves (your Memorial Box) dedicated to remembering these stories...to remembering what God has done. When the times get hard, you have a visual reminder that God is there, loving you, holding you, very active in your life.

Right now I'm having a hard time writing a "Memorial Box Monday" post. God has done so much for me that I have a hard time catching my breath. I don't deserve even half the blessings He's given me.

Please don't think I'm sitting here downing myself, but...do any of us deserve the mercy and blessings showered on us? It takes my breath away.

God has given me EVERY desire of my heart. The deepest most passionate wishes and dreams. He may give them to me in ways that I don't expect or see at the time...but given them He has.

Sometimes He gives me something I don't even know I need...like a friend.

When my husband was in the military, we lived on a little base in the middle of the sweltering hot desert. In this little "L" shaped house we lived. We actually lived on only one side of the "L" with another family in the other half. It was empty for a bit. But now I'm getting ahead of myself....

My dad was dying. He was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis when I was only 24 years old. His lungs basically hardened, slowly suffocating him. We knew he was dying, but we didn't know how long he had.

Meanwhile, with two beautiful children and a husband at my side, my 24 year old back gave out.

When I had to have help crawling to the bathroom, I knew there was a problem. I had two herniated discs in my back that no steroid shot in the spine could alleviate. The answer was surgery, a very successful one.

That's when the calls started. Every time my husband would leave the house, someone would call and not say a word. Every time....one day my husband's truck was at the shop and he was finally able to see that someone was watching. It was nerve wracking. They even knew when he was sent away to training and such and the calls would accelerate. The MP's were limited (at the time) and the number was blocked. We basically had to live with it.

As we were going through these things the cleaning people arrived. They were hired to clean and paint the house attached to ours to get ready for a new family. After our last neighbors, we were a little concerned.

Funnily, the cleaning crew threw a bunch of beer bottles in our front bushes and our new neighbors were really worried about us too. They were afraid that they just got the "party" neighbors. Okay, if you knew us this really was funny.

As they were moving in and we stopped by to introduce ourselves, I noticed something weird. They had the same cushions on the couch only in a different color. They had the same glider swing in their back yard. Their bathroom was EXACTLY the same as ours. Huh?

It took awhile for me to realize it, but God gave me the spiritual sister I needed to face what was to happen in the following years we had left at the base. I just didn't know I needed her.

My father died. My best friend through my growing up years (who lived in my home town) shattered me, our friendship beyond repair (not forgiveness, but repair). A close family member committed suicide.

Yet Michelle, my "worried we were partiers" neighbor, was there every step of the way. When I messed up, she was still there, and to this day...if I need her...she is there.

You see, God often gives us what we need before we know we know we need it. So many times I've written about answered prayers.

Today I wanted to remind everyone that God is there...loving, blessing, and providing even when we don't ask AND we don't know we even need it OR desire it.

God is there...period.

So when you feel like you can't take anymore and the calamities seem to be rolling like waves, He is there to see you through.

He will provide a way to get through it even without you asking Him. Whether it be financially, changing others (or our own) hearts, or giving us something simple (and irreplaceable) like friendship. God provides.

May you see God's love for you tonight. He loves you passionately. His love is ALWAYS there, we just have to see it.

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26

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My husband and I, right now, are asking for a direct answer from God. We are asking for something so clear that neither of us can miss it.

We, at times, get so blinded by every day life, that we may not give the attention to the things God's telling us. This is a very specific situation. I don't feel I'm supposed to share all the details yet.

Depending on the answer, it may change more than just our lives.

If you have a moment (or many :)), can you pray with us. Can you pray for direct guidance, that we may clearly see God's answer. Thank you my friends....

Song for the Stressed Out Mom-Why We Do What We Do

My friend Christina posted this on my Facebook wall today. She must of known I needed it.

Will it surprise you to know it made me cry? It reminded me, as a mom, what we are doing and why we are doing it.

This time it's not a video really...just a song. Set back and close your eyes and remember why we do what we do.

Didn't Make it to Church, but did Make it to La La Land

Yep, it's awful. I didn't make it to Church (again) and I wasn't even sick. I will say, in my defense, that this time mental health just may have been an issue.

Though my family is AMAZING, we've all had those mornings. You know the ones...

Here's how mine went.

(P.S. I've never heard half these phrases before)

(Parent to child) "Time to get up!" "Why?" "It's Sunday and we need to get ready for Church." Groan, sigh. Five minutes later, no child....ten minutes pass, no child. Child is still under covers and mom figures that blanket must have attacked child and said child is unable to move. Poor child....

(Child to Child) "You took all the cereal. You didn't leave me any! How would you feel if I did this to you?" I did not remind said offspring that he did the same thing last week.

(Child to Child) "Are you STILL in the bathroom. If it takes that long to get your shirt on you must have a serious problem!" (Shirtlexia...a dangerous disease)

(Child and Parent) "I can't find my socks!!!" "Did you put them in your shoes like I asked you last night?" "Ummm...no, but I still can't find them!" The next 20 minutes were followed with talking to sister, playing with toy, seeing how far a rubber band could shoot. "I STILL can't find any socks!"

(Child to Parent) "How do I look?" "Good, but don't you think that shirt is a little big?" "No, it was hanging up in my closet." "Well, since it's your dad's shirt, don't you think maybe you should've known it wasn't yours?" "Ya, I guess. Can I wear it?" "It's three sizes too big, I think you should find something else." Comes back in a few minutes. "Can I wear this one?" Happens to be the one he wanted to wear last night that I had told him "NO" to. "This is the only one I can find." Husband then takes over to avoid death and destruction. Miraculously another shirt is found.

(Parent to Infant) Mouth open wide as infant moves in for a chomp. "Nooo...we don't bite, we hug" Infant puts mouth on sibling. "Noooo....WE DON'T BITE, WE HUG." Infant looks at me and smiles, throws her arms open wide....and then tackles said twin.

(Parent to Child) "Can you go get the gel so I can do your hair please?" "Okay" Looks at the ceiling waiting for gel to rain down from above. "I can't find it ANYWHERE!" "Did you look under the sink or in the hair stuff box?" "Ummm, no" "Go look for it." Found holding Gerbil in the play area 15 minutes later. "Did you find the gel?" "Huh?"

(Parent to Child) "Can you go check and see if the twins shoes are in the back of the car?" "Okay" "Honey, it's 38 degrees outside, you might want to put on some shoes." "Do I have to? It's not that cold." "Yes" Sigh...Groan...search for keys...no shoes...door opening hoping I forgot. I seriously contemplate making him wear his sisters huge pink fuzzy slippers. (Why can I never think of these things in the midst of it?)

(Parent to child) "Do I have to wear tights?" "Yes, it's cold. We always wear tights when it's this cold." "But they are SO uncomfortable! Do I REALLY have to" "Yes, I do not plan on you getting frostbite on the way to Church." Grumble, grumble, grumble "If you keep on grumbling I just may LET you wear them all day instead of taking them off when you get home." Grumbling stops, the world sings....

(Parent to child) Venting to husband and child walks in, "Hey mom, do you know where my __________is?" (fill in something that they were not only supposed to get together last night, but also HAD to be washed) "Go out please." Two minutes have passed, child comes back in and plops down. "Well I can't find it, what should I do?" "I'm not sure that's really my concern since you were supposed to have it in the clothes that needed to be washed for Church." "BUT MOOOOMMMMMMM.....WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?" Mom, feeling the need for a large, very deep breath, "You need to figure that out yourself sweetheart." (Sweetheart is not what I am thinking at this point)

(Parent to infant) "Don't play with that computer. Don't do it. No, no, no..." One finger barely resting on the computer while said infant continues to look at me and smile angelically. "Noooooo" Said infant proceeds to put a second finger on the computer.

(Parent to anyone listening) "Can someone get me a diaper?! He's soaked and I thought I had one next to me!" Crickets "PLEASE, he's naked and I'm aiming him somewhere other than my face!" Crickets...(Did I mention THREE children were busy doing something else in that very room? To tell you the truth though, the crickets were so loud that I think they couldn't hear me.)

(Parent to Child) "I want you to go to the bathroom before we leave." "I don't need to go." "I understand that you don't feel like you need to go, but I want you to try." "But I don't need to go." "Go" "Really, nothing is going to come out." "You heard me." Insert sound of liquid hitting water for THREE MINUTES STRAIGHT.

"The sky is so blue this morning.""I am thinking it looks more like a paisley." (Okay, that one was just plain made up, but not far from reality, smile).

"Grandma's here! Can we go out?" "Not until we find the keys." Children sit down or wander around aimlessly. "Can I go out now?" "Nooo...we still need to find the keys." Crickets....Can someone call the exterminator, we have a problem. "Grandma's waiting..." Mommy, now at the extreme limit of mental capability sees keys. "Okay, ask Grandma if she can take you to Bible class. If you have to wait any longer you'll be late and I need to finish packing the diaper bag."

By this time I am fully dressed, toenails painted (yes, I admit it) blue, and babies are dressed, dry, and oh so cute. I AM ACTUALLY GOING TO MAKE IT TO CHURCH.

(Parent to Parent) Digging through clean UNFOLDED clothes to find an extra outfit for infant. Other half throws a onesie shorts/summer outfit at me and says, "Here!" "Honey, it's 38 degrees outside, and we need something warm if he wets through." "It's only for 'just in case' though." "'Just in case' happens a lot honey." "It will match these sweats." (Doesn't, would be very uncomfortable, and a size too small)

Wife (me) bursts into tears. My husband has obviously gone over to the dark side and joined the children in their plot to overthrow mommy.

Me, "I have talked to you about this so many times. Why do we have to have this SAME discussion ALL the time? Why do I have to tell everyone everything 20 times? Why does everyone want to argue about the color of the sky or whether they have to use the bathroom? Why can't I just tell someone to do something and they see the benefit of just obeying" You see, I've lost my mind at this point. "Just go to Church." We are already late at this point "I can't face everyone. I'll just cry. Leave the babies here. Just GO...."

My husband, not wanting to leave me, but recognizing that my mom has five children at Church and would wonder what happened to us if we didn't show up, grudgingly acquiesced.

Over the next hour I went from my pity party to remembering my mom. I remembered a couple times where she said, "I quit..."

I remembered a discussion she had with a friend. She had shared about how everyone took her for granted. She shared how no one would pick up after themselves and would bicker. She shared about how she would try to make everything go smoothly and it wouldn't AND how she put everything she had into everyone else (she did by the way). "I'm tired of it", she said.

You know what her friend said, "Oh, so your tired of being a mom?"

My mom, in much wisdom, shared this with me. I think she shared this with me because she knew. She knew that being a mom is the hardest job ever (EVEN with fantastic kids that don't normally have mornings like this). She knew that some day in the future I would feel like saying, "I quit..."

So today I took a "mental health day". I do think the Lord understands. There must be times when He looks at us and just shakes His head and wonders what we are thinking. We question Him. Put our fingers on figurative keyboards while he says, "Nooooo". We grumble, argue, don't move when we need to. At times we don't respond...now GOD must really want to zap those crickets at times.

I think today God showed me what He goes through with millions, billions of His children.

I may be a mom, but HE is THE DAD.

"But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God." John 3:21