If you are wondering why you haven't seen as much of me...

If your wondering why the posts have been few and far between, the family seems to have a not so fun virus. Nasty stuff and all but two of us have had (or do have) it.

Sooooo, as much as I love to write (and talk, ask my husband :)) I was very much needing to curl up in the bed with a bottle of NyQuil and a JUG of Pepto. My family has been wonderful as we all wade through this (smile). We now seem to be on the last one or two children suffering with the yuck.

I will write more very exciting things...soon...VERY soon.

Wonderful Video-How Cool is Our God!!!!

I stumbled across this video. It is a beautiful testimony of God's goodness. The family even talks about how satan attacked them during the process (which we all have discussed).

If you have a moment, it's worth it!



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Don't hesitate to tell me if there are any prayer requests or praises you would like to share!

Answered Prayer/Praises

*Eliz just got their official referral of the first two (of five) of their sweet boys. Her husband will be taking their first trip withing WEEKS!!!
*God has spoken to us...that's just it...so cool.

Prayer Requests (Personal Family Requests Below)

*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! They are also embarking on another blessed journey to their next child (Ethiopia). Please pray God's hand on them and His protection (as satan is already attacking).
*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. Also, please pray for his health as he has had some VERY serious health problems lately.
*Eliz and her family-Blessings of speed of process and safety for her five fragile sons with Down Syndrome as they wait to bring them home.
*Please pray for our friends (the Stokes family) and their adoption from China as they reach the last stages to bring home their newest blessing.
*Please continue to pray for Abby, Tatum, and Elke (little blessings with leukemia). Though remission may be there, please pray for their continued health.
*Please pray for my spiritual sister Michelle's dad who is in a battle with cancer.
*Please pray for a special friend Amber's mom who is also battling cancer.
*Please pray for baby Judah (a newborn little blessing from Ethiopia) who has hydrocephalus and is currently in the U.S. for treatment.
*A sweet friend (God knows) who are starting another adoption. Please pray for discernment and blessing for this wonderful family. Please pray all waivers are granted and approvals are made!

Our Family Prayer Requests:

*We pray for God's Hand on us as we follow His path to our future child. We pray that financially things will fall into place to be able to adopt so that we will not have to wait on any funds (at least initially). We pray for health as we plan for the future. We pray for our future children, our current blessings, and our family...that they may be loved and prepared for another amazing blessing. Especially we pray that whatever happens, it is to God's glory and is HIS will.

*We also ask that you join us in prayer for wisdom and guidance (that we can bring God the most glory) in my husband's career. 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/attacks which we've been seeing quite a few of recently. Thank you.

A Dr. Suess Moment

If God says go, we go.
It does not matter how fast or slow.

Think it'd be a great phrase for a new book (laughing).

Getting Antsy

Yep, I am getting antsy to share God's pressing. It drives me crazy to keep anything from those I know are prayer warriors on our behalf. Thank you for not throwing me overboard (smile). Soon...I promise....

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Don't hesitate to tell me if there are any prayer requests or praises you would like to share!

Answered Prayer/Praises

*Eliz just got their official referral of the first two (of five) of their sweet boys. Her husband will be taking their first trip withing WEEKS!!!
*God has spoken to us...that's just it...so cool.

Prayer Requests (Personal Family Requests Below)

*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! They are also embarking on another blessed journey to their next child (Ethiopia). Please pray God's hand on them and His protection (as satan is already attacking).
*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. Also, please pray for his health as he has had some VERY serious health problems lately.
*Eliz and her family-Blessings of speed of process and safety for her five fragile sons with Down Syndrome as they wait to bring them home.
*Please pray for our friends (the Stokes family) and their adoption from China as they reach the last stages to bring home their newest blessing.
*Please continue to pray for Abby, Tatum, and Elke (little blessings with leukemia). Though remission may be there, please pray for their continued health.
*Please pray for my spiritual sister Michelle's dad who is in a battle with cancer.
*Please pray for a special friend Amber's mom who is also battling cancer.
*Please pray for baby Judah (a newborn little blessing from Ethiopia) who has hydrocephalus and is currently in the U.S. for treatment.
*A sweet friend (God knows) who are starting another adoption. Please pray for discernment and blessing for this wonderful family. Please pray all waivers are granted and approvals are made!

Our Family Prayer Requests:

*We pray for God's Hand on us as we follow His path to our future child. We pray that financially things will fall into place to be able to adopt so that we will not have to wait on any funds (at least initially). We pray for health as we plan for the future. We pray for our future children, our current blessings, and our family...that they may be loved and prepared for another amazing blessing. Especially we pray that whatever happens, it is to God's glory and is HIS will.

*We also ask that you join us in prayer for wisdom and guidance (that we can bring God the most glory) in my husband's career. 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/attacks which we've been seeing quite a few of recently. Thank you.

Morning My Friends

For some crazy reason I've been up since four (actually spelled that "FOR" the first time around...yep, not quite awake yet).

Yet, THIS TIME, I was not woken up by....
*My daughter WAKING ME UP to tell me she's awake and going in the living room.
*My teen son waking me up on a NON school (co-op) day to groggily ask, "Aren't you supposed to take me to school today?"
*My sweet 17 month old twins having a blanket fight between their cribs (very literally throwing their blankets at each other and cracking up).

All those happened this week, but this morning my body decided IT had other plans. Anyone have a replacement body I can borrow?

Since this is the most pointless post EVER...lol...I will just say....

"Good morning bloggy friends! May your day be blessed (and rested)."

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God" Colossians 1:9-10

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Don't hesitate to tell me if there are any prayer requests or praises you would like to share!

Answered Prayer/Praises

*Eliz just got their official referral of the first two (of five) of their sweet boys. Her husband will be taking their first trip withing WEEKS!!!
*God has spoken to us...that's just it...so cool.

Prayer Requests (Personal Family Requests Below)

*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! They are also embarking on another blessed journey to their next child (Ethiopia). Please pray God's hand on them and His protection (as satan is already attacking).
*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. Also, please pray for his health as he has had some VERY serious health problems lately.
*Eliz and her family-Blessings of speed of process and safety for her five fragile sons with Down Syndrome as they wait to bring them home.
*Please pray for our friends (the Stokes family) and their adoption from China as they reach the last stages to bring home their newest blessing.
*Please continue to pray for Abby, Tatum, and Elke (little blessings with leukemia). Though remission may be there, please pray for their continued health.
*Please pray for my spiritual sister Michelle's dad who is in a battle with cancer.
*Please pray for a special friend Amber's mom who is also battling cancer.
*Please pray for baby Judah (a newborn little blessing from Ethiopia) who has hydrocephalus and is currently in the U.S. for treatment.
*A sweet friend (God knows) who are on the verge of starting another adoption. Please pray for discernment and blessing for this wonderful family.

Our Family Prayer Requests:

*We pray for God's Hand on us as we follow His path to our future child. We pray that financially things will fall into place to be able to adopt so that we will not have to wait on any funds (at least initially). We pray for health as we plan for the future. We pray for our future children, our current blessings, and our family...that they may be loved and prepared for another amazing blessing. Especially we pray that whatever happens, it is to God's glory and is HIS will.

*We also ask that you join us in prayer for wisdom and guidance (that we can bring God the most glory) in my husband's career. 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/attacks which we've been seeing quite a few of recently. Thank you.

Ugg!

This is just a brief apology for those bloggy friends that have emailed me in the last month. I am SOOO behind in email, but I've mentally replied several times (lol). I still plan on writing back!

Your words mean so much to me and I LOVE to share. I kinda talk a lot, not that you would have ever guessed...hee hee. I'm hoping this weekend offers me the time.

Thank you for the forgiveness for my flakiness!!!!

The Big Press...Petitioning God with Thankfulness (II Chronicles)

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.



Today is Memorial Box Monday on Tuesday...lol. That's kind of like our life lately....not totally in order, but cool.

I don't remember the last time I read II Chronicles twenty.

Today, in my Bible study, there it was. The story of how Judah was about to be attacked. King Jehoshaphat reaction was not fear at the impending army, but with thankfulness, petitioning, and fasting, he took his prayers to God.

"Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the LORD in the front of the new courtyard and said:

'LORD, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’"
II Chronicles 20:5-9

God answered so directly and made his paths straight. Bringing victory in a situation that was overwhelming. The following verse really hits me.

"Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s."
II Chronicles 20:15b

It was an amazing parallel to my life today. I've been petitioning...wondering if God would answer, because I know that sometimes His answer is "wait" or "I have something better in mind."

Today, in a very direct act of clarity and intensity, God answered with a feeling of being "pressed" like never before. It brought me to my knees (very literally) and took my breath away. It was almost painful. It's beyond words to describe.

I love that God gave me this Bible study today. He reminded me that when we pray with thankfulness and petitioning, He will answer. It is not always what we may want initially want sometimes, but if we want His will the above all else, then HIS answer is exactly what we want.

I can't wait to share more with you. It may be a little bit, so please be patient. God has revealed and answer to a petition, but there is still more ahead. Now if I can just get this "scared" thing to go away :). If I can just get rid of the list of things running through my mind that "could" happen. If I can just silence the voice that is filled with doubt. God is bigger than all that. HE is Mighty and Powerful and this is HIS path that HE has chosen for us. Following HIM cannot go wrong.

Hugs and thanks for the prayers today. I feel honored to feel the Holy Spirit's "pressing" through our most POWERFUL GOD.

Today, in my Memorial Box, I will remember God answered and this battle is His. That's all I need...God's voice.

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Prayer Requests (Personal Family Requests Below)

*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! They are also embarking on another blessed journey to their next child (Ethiopia). Please pray God's hand on them and His protection (as satan is already attacking).
*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.
*Eliz and her family-Blessings of speed of process and safety for her five fragile sons with Down Syndrome as they wait to bring them home.
*Please pray for our friends (the Stokes family) and their adoption from China as they reach the last stages to bring home their newest blessing.
*Please continue to pray for Abby, Tatum, and Elke (little blessings with leukemia). Though remission may be there, please pray for their continued health.
*Please pray for my spiritual sister Michelle's dad who is in a battle with cancer.
*Please pray for a special friend Amber's mom who is also battling cancer.
*Please pray for baby Judah (a newborn little blessing from Ethiopia) who has hydrocephalus and is currently in the U.S. for treatment.
*A sweet friend (God knows) who are on the verge of starting another adoption. Please pray for discernment and blessing for this wonderful family.

Our Family Prayer Requests:

*We pray for God's Hand on us as we follow His path to our future child. We pray that financially things will fall into place to be able to adopt so that we will not have to wait on any funds (at least initially). We pray for health as we plan for the future. We pray for our future children, our current blessings, and our family...that they may be loved and prepared for another amazing blessing. Especially we pray that whatever happens, it is to God's glory and is HIS will.

*We also ask that you join us in prayer for wisdom and guidance (that we can bring God the most glory) in my husband's career. 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/attacks which we've been seeing quite a few of recently. Thank you

GOD IS PRESSING

For the last few days I've had a feeling of immanence in the spirit (that GOD... the Holy Spirit was pressing something on me). At first I felt that something, not negative (though hard) was going to happen. That wasn't it though. Do you know the feeling that you just haven't quite got it? That was me.

Today, just about an hour or so ago, the "pressing" started and came with intensity, almost like I've never known. It dropped me to my knees in prayer. Man, this is intense. Now I believe a know the action that needs to result.

Can you please pray with us? Whatever you feel God calling you to pray...

A Comment the Other Day on Roe Vs. Wade...Very Real Thanks to Anonymous

I received a comment the other day that I really appreciated. I LOVE all the comments and feel just like I'm chatting with my friends. Yet, I appreciated this one specifically. Why? Because on a very tough subject, disagreeing with me, she handled it with maturity.

In an age where there is so much anger (abortion is a VERY painful subject) it is nice to see that we, as adults, can talk with each other with the love of Christ. I may not have agreed with her, but I am thankful that we can (figuratively) sit together and talk.

I have very strong views on abortion and the harm it causes, but WELCOME questions and discussions why. How else can we share? I have learned so much from others and hope that God allows me to touch another life.

Below is the comment from Anonymous and my response (also two previous posts on this subject).

I have a reason for why I believe what I do...several. One, the first one, I have not shared yet. It is very personal and involves someone else. I need to insure this other person won't be hurt as I share our story before I will consider posting it. Here is the comment from the previous post.

"If only it was always that simple. I know women who have had terminations due to the baby being incompatible with life-ie no kidneys, no brain, those who have terminated because of special needs-downs syndrome, dwarfism and those who feel that is not the right time for a baby. it is NEVER taken lightly but very few of these women regret their decision. I don't know what I would do in their circumstances but do believe Christian families who adopt special needs babies to say YES WE WANT YOUR BABY would help. But interested in your opinion in if the baby is incompatible with life? Should the Mama go through another 4 months of a pregnancy where the baby WILL NOT live as no kidneys or brain? What then? This happened to a fellow colleague last week (20 weeks pregnant, Potters Syndrome) and had to abort.
By Anonymous on 38th Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade...Sadness on 1/23/11"

My response...

"I am so thankful for your thoughtful comment. I do ache so much for these decisions that are made and for the mothers whose hearts are breaking themselves. I have tears in my eyes (yep, maybe I'm a little emotional lately...smile) when I think of how their hearts are torn.

I do think differently though I completely understand what you're saying. I have seen the diagnoses of "not compatible with life". The child had no brain. The parents decided to have their child and God performed a miracle. The child, with no brain, had enough communication (somehow...I don't understand all the medical things) to be able to have some part of life. He was never what is considered normal, but did have the ability of some communication (to a degree).

I think that some children are born not only to teach us as humans, compassion, but to teach us to grow. Their blessing on this earth goes beyond their heart beating. When doctors render a diagnoses, I think that is when we need to realize that God is bigger than any diagnoses. His miracles are astounding. There are times where God will not answer what we want, but then again, He has a greater plan for the situation. I think it is not for us to determine the value of life, whether God will perform a miracle, or whether hearts will be broken but grow in a way that we (as mere humans) cannot understand.

I do believe that doctors are wonderful and there for a reason, but that (many of them will admit) they don't know why a life that they felt wasn't compatible with outside the womb became compatible. They don't know why a cancer disappears or a person that they felt would have little brain function is now teaching at a major college. They can't explain God.

I do ache for the mothers. I do. I just also believe each little one has a purpose, even if it's so painful and shattering and growing us in a way we don't want to.

Close friends of ours knew that the doctors said that their little one wouldn't live very long once born. They had their daughter and she lived three blessed days. They held her and never regretted their decision. I do understand the pain. I just think we are not told that there will not be pain, horrific pain in life. That there will not be trials.

It's awful, truly awful, and though I understand what you are saying, I don't think abortion is the answer. Though I do have compassion in the pain, I don't think abortion is the answer.

I think some children are born in the womb to die, but then we all are born to die...just as Christ was.
By Kat on 38th Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade...Sadness on 1/23/11"

For more on why I believe what I believe, you can click on the following links.

Why I Believe What I Believe-Abortion

38th Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade...Sadness

A Year of Truth- The Food Stronghold

Life is never what I expect and often so much cooler. As I sit here with a cup of mint tea and watch the cat try to get into the gerbil cage, I realize just how blessed I am.

It is only January and in the last couple months God has "grown" me so much. I thought thirty was a big year for me. Thirty four brought some BIG veil rending. Now thirty nine....thirty nine is life changing.

God has shown me clarity in the last few months. We still pray for discernment in certain things, but clarity to discern what's going on in my head....well, my friends, that's HUGE! My mind seems to shoot so many different directions at one time that it's crazy that I'd ever be able to make sense of it (smile).

I am seeing God's truth on a whole new level. That's what it's really about, truth. I've talked so often about lies of the evil one, but truth is the real clarity. One of my favorite bumper stickers said, "Truth is not always popular, but it's always right."

We seem to jump on the "lie" bandwagon so often. Blindly accepting the lies being thrown at us. We accept the "You're a failure." and "Can't you do anything right?!" It's so easy to believe what failures we are.

"There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:22b-23

I know I've talked about this before, but God doesn't talk to us while pounding "FAILURE!!!" into our heads. If that's all I learn this year, that's HUGE!!! If all I learn is that God's words are reconstructive, while satan's are destructive (see the post "Epiphanies and Lies") then "YEE HAW!" This is a very good year!

Each week it seems that God is revealing truth in parts of my life.

I've been doing a Bible study called "Freedom from Emotional Eating" by Barb Raveling (thanks Eliz!) and it has just brought so much more clarity. It has helped me to see that what the world says is a "battle with the bulge" is really a spiritual battle over one of satan's strongholds. Not that eating is wrong (ya, that wouldn't be fun), but that any aspect of our lives that is controlling us (and not of God) is a stronghold of satan. This Bible study has been an eye opener in many areas. It reveals so many lies the world/the master of lies tells us. It isn't even just about eating. You see my issue isn't heavy or thin...it's food. I've been both. There are several points she's made so far that hit home with me (and I'm only on week three).

This author lists some of the lies we tell ourselves.

Recognize any...these are some of my favorites.

*I won't worry about eating healthy on vacation. After all, it's vacation.
*I will start eating healthy tomorrow (and give ourselves permission to eat horribly tonight).
*I will start Monday.
*I messed up already today, so I might as well give up today and wait until tomorrow.
*I deserve this treat. I have worked so hard.

These are just a few.

One of the biggest realizations for me has been the "I can have just a little bit" lie. I've believed it my whole life.

I have certain foods that will always make me derail on the health train (just as vacations and holidays do). She talks about giving these foods up for a season OR for good. The world says that's crazy. Yet the Bible is very clear when it says...

"And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell." Matthew 5:30

There is so much more in this Bible study and God brought it in my life during a time of unveiling the lies. This is just another aspect of my life that clarity is slowly sweeping in.

This is a year of truth, a year of lies falling away.

I just wanted to share with you just another tidbit of what God is sharing with me.

I highly recommend this Bible Study. It comes from a side I had never thought of and has given me clarity that I never have had before in this part of my life. Someday I will share with you the trials that brought me to a point where food became a stronghold, but for now I would just like to share with you a little more in my "Year of Truth".

If you would like to read more about this journey. You can also read,
The Lies satan Tells About Adoption

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Prayer Requests (Personal Family Requests Below)

*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! They are also embarking on another blessed journey to their next child (Ethiopia). Please pray God's hand on them and His protection (as satan is already attacking).
*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.
*Eliz and her family-Blessings of speed of process and safety for her five fragile sons with Down Syndrome as they wait to bring them home.
*Please pray for our friends (the Stokes family) and their adoption from China as they reach the last stages to bring home their newest blessing.
*Please continue to pray for Abby, Tatum, and Elke (little blessings with leukemia). Though remission may be there, please pray for their continued health.
*Please pray for my spiritual sister Michelle's dad who is in a battle with cancer.
*Please pray for a special friend Amber's mom who is also battling cancer.
*Please pray for baby Judah (a newborn little blessing from Ethiopia) who has hydrocephalus and is currently in the U.S. for treatment.
*A sweet friend (God knows) who are on the verge of starting another adoption. Please pray for discernment and blessing for this wonderful family.

Our Family Prayer Requests:

*We pray that God may help us discern if a child we view is our next child. We pray that financially things will fall into place to be able to adopt so that we will not have to wait on any funds (at least initially). We pray for health as we plan for the future. We pray for our future children, our current blessings, and our family...that they may be loved and prepared for another amazing blessing. Especially we pray that whatever happens, it is to God's glory and is HIS will.

*We also ask that you join us in prayer for wisdom and guidance (that we can bring God the most glory) in my husband's career. 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/attacks which we've been seeing quite a few of recently. Thank you

38th Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade...Sadness

I have no urge to cause division, but know how destructive abortion is, not just in the death of a baby, but to many of the women that buy into the lie that their child is "just a piece of tissue".

I've heard story of story of women saying they didn't know until it was too late. The horrific truth is that many don't realize not only what abortion is, but how it originated with a woman who firmly believed in eugenics (weeding out those considered lesser).

I had the heart rending opportunity to be friends with a man who, after at least ten years, still broke into tears over a decision that he and his wife made (as teens) to abort their child.

We need to all be stepping up and helping those who feel they have no other alternative. We need to be sharing with them life through our Savior. We need to be physically and emotionally supporting them.

We also need to be loving and supporting those broken over the death of their child. Many don't realize that they have caused the death of their baby until it's too late. They've bought into lies and God is the only one who can bring healing.

This breaks my heart.

I'm going to post a link to a video. This is a video that made me sick to my stomach. It made my eyes fill with tears. It is EXTREMEMLY graphic. I hate it.

There is no question though, once this video is viewed, at the viciousness of abortion...everyone is hurt and death is the result.

The Reality of Abortion

For more on why I believe what I believe, you can click on the following links.

Why I Believe What I Believe-Abortion

A Comment the Other Day on Roe Vs. Wade...Very Real Thanks to Anonymous

HIV/AIDS Orphans-Share the Truth

Double Click to watch the full screen on You Tube.

As Always, I'm Asking Again for....

...prayers for some wonderful brothers and sisters.

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

There are some imminent prayers needed that I would like to share with you.

My spiritual sister's father has been diagnosed with cancer and emphysema. He's had surgery on some tumors (the place where it IS operable), but complications (infections, torn area during surgery) have emerged. He needs to start radiation/chemo for the area of cancer that is inoperable, but can't until these problems are resolved. This is not good and getting more and more complicated. Can you please join me in prayer for Michelle's father and her family?

Another good friend's mom has been struggling with cancer, infection, clots, for YEARS and is still fighting. Her father is now having health issues that have a possibility of being very serious. Can you please pray for Amber's parents and family?

A sweet sister and their family have been following God and it looks like they may be on the verge of starting another adoption. They need God's strength and leading as doubt attacks. If you can just pray for Kat's friend...God knows.

A sweet bloggy friend is weeks from bringing home their sweet Liliana from China. They may be as little as a week away from receiving a travel date and possibly only 10 days after that until travel. They are still thousands of dollars away from being able to travel. Can you pray with us as we pray for the funds to flood in and as we pray Liliana home?

You can read more about Lilianna here.

Lastly, but so importantly, can you pray for baby Judah. A sweet newborn from Ethiopia with Hydrocephalus, that has FINALLY made it to the states for the medical care he so desperately needs.

You can read more about baby Judah here.

Other 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! They are also embarking on another blessed journey to their next child (Ethiopia). Please pray God's hand on them and His protection (as satan is already attacking).
*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.
*Eliz and her family-Blessings of speed of process and safety for her five fragile sons with Down Syndrome as they wait to bring them home.
*Please pray for our friends (the Stokes family) and their adoption from China as they reach the last stages to bring home their newest blessing.

Our Family Prayer Requests:

*We pray that God shows us our next child. We pray that financially things will fall into place to be able to adopt so that we will not have to wait on any funds (at least initially). We pray for health as we plan for the future. We pray for our future children, our current blessings, and our family...that they may be loved and prepared for another amazing blessing. Especially we pray that whatever happens, it is to God's glory and is HIS will.

*We also ask that you join us in prayer for wisdom and guidance (that we can bring God the most glory) in my husband's career. 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.

Back and Forth it Goes-Adoption

I read a post today that is true, but also made me realize something I hadn't touched on before. Truthfully, it also made me laugh.

It seems that often one spouse will run ahead, so excited about a new child, so excited about adopting.

One spouse may drag their feet. They just don't see it. They are fearful or flat out don't feel called.

Finally, while running ahead, one spouse stops...sits on a giant boulder...and prays.

While praying, they don't see their spouse walking up ahead. Walking up ahead because they are seeing the joy in a new child and adopting. God HAS convicted them.

When the praying spouse looks up, they realize that the next step is real and maybe a little more than scary. They then wrestle with a reality and struggle with God, trying to remember why God chose them in the first place.

Back and forth it goes, one spouse is ready and one is not quite there. This is more common than many realize. It's a heady thing to raise a child and not a choice taken lightly. Listening to God isn't a choice taken lightly either.

Yet, somewhere down this convoluted path, hand and hand you will eventually walk.

The cool thing about it is, it took this long because God knows the perfect timing, just as He knows our hearts. He knows the perfect timing for you to meet your child.

Here's the post I just thought was awesome today...enjoy!
"Five Plus Yes".

Martin Luther King Jr. and Beautifully Colored Families

My mom often likes to tell the story of dropping my brothers at high school (when I was still very young). I was SO impressed with the beauty of one teenager, but my mom (at first) didn't have a clue who I was talking about. I described her to the tee, but did not mention that she was the only African American teen in the entire group. I honestly didn't think about it...truly.

Growing up in a melting pot, I didn't see a lot of bigotry. Yet, I've learned, that even today it exists. It's sad to me that some don't know the love of our Father. If they did, they would realize that one of the blessings is in the diversity. How cool is God to create us all so stunningly different?!!

As a mother of three adorable African American children, I cannot be color blind though. Why would I want to be? They are so unique and beautiful.

Yet, as with all my children, they need to know the history. They need to learn from it.

Today we read a sweet, and fairly young, book about Martin Luther King Junior. For the first time I saw the realization set, just a little bit, in our sweet Bekah's eyes. She saw a man, that though human, stood up against what was accepted. He stood up for God and He stood up for man.

She looked so sad at the end of the story.

"Honey, Why do you look so sad?"

"Because I miss him mommy."

"You know, I do too."

What a honor it would have been to have met him...to have marched with him.

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

Please don't hesitate to tell me of any prayer need. I would love to add your prayer requests to this list (which I try to put at the end of each post).

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.
*Eliz and her family-Blessings of speed of process and safety for her five fragile sons with Down Syndrome as they wait to bring them home.
*Please pray for our friends (the Stokes family) and their adoption from China as they reach the last stages to bring home their newest blessing.

Personal Prayer Requests:

*We pray that God shows us our next child. We pray that financially things will fall into place to be able to adopt so that we will not have to wait on any funds (at least initially). We pray for health as we plan for the future. We pray for our future children, our current blessings, and our family...that they may be loved and prepared for another amazing blessing. Especially we pray that whatever happens, it is to God's glory and is HIS will.

*We also ask that you join us in prayer for wisdom and guidance (that we can bring God the most glory) in my husband's career. 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.

Riveting Title to Post

Just pretend this post is inordinately profound. I'm saying something really witty here. Oh, now I'm saying something tear jerking.

You moved yet? Naw, me neither, but I seriously just can't think of much to say. So much is going on and God is stretching us, but the words are only SLOWLY forming in my mind.

This week was a good week of home school, with a touch of fairies flying around heads (nobody wanted to think...bad fairies). We had a little illness (Lysol shooters now attached to wrists...my super power) and LOTS of prayer.

I'm feeling excited for some reason. Okay, I'm feeling excited because God is working on us and I can feel it (somewhat painfully, but feeling it is a AWESOME thing).

Mostly I've been excited about feeling hungry for the Bible. Maybe I should save this for a more serious post, but I've been thinking about starvation.

There's a point in starvation that your body just kinda gives up (from what I've read) and the hunger just isn't really there on a heightened level. Well, it hit me that reading God's word is a lot like that. We are feeding our spirit. The less we live in the word, at least with me, the less I actually crave it. I've committed to a plan though on YouVersion.com which gets me through the Bible in one year, shows me the percentage I've read, and is just all around cool. I'm SERIOUSLY hungry right now, and not a hunger chips and salsa can fill. I figure if I read the Bible through at least once every year I ought to eventually know something...hee hee.

Right now, all I DO know is that I want to curl up in bed. It's almost midnight and I'm wondering exactly what I'm doing up.

This post may not make sense tomorrow, but I'll blame that on the fairies.

Have sweet sleep my bloggy friends!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please don't hesitate to tell me of any prayer need. I would love to add your prayer requests to this list (which I try to put at the end of each post).

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.
*Eliz and her family-Blessings of speed of process and safety for her five fragile sons with Down Syndrome as they wait to bring them home.
*Please pray for our friends (the Stokes family) and their adoption from China as they reach the last stages to bring home their newest blessing.

Personal Prayer Requests:

*We pray that God shows us our next child. We pray that financially things will fall into place to be able to adopt so that we will not have to wait on any funds (at least initially). We pray for health as we plan for the future. We pray for our future children, our current blessings, and our family...that they may be loved and prepared for another amazing blessing. Especially we pray that whatever happens, it is to God's glory and is HIS will.

*We also ask that you join us in prayer for wisdom and guidance (that we can bring God the most glory) in my husband's career. 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.

Out of the Mouths of Babes-Reading the Bible

This nine year old, in one video, clarifies what many of us adults take YEARS to realize. Listen until the end...



"He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me." Matthew 18:2-5
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please don't hesitate to tell me of any prayer need. I would love to add your prayer requests to this list (which I try to put at the end of each post).

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.
*Eliz and her family-Blessings of speed of process and safety for her five fragile sons with Down Syndrome as they wait to bring them home.
*Please pray for our friends (the Stokes family) and their adoption from China as they reach the last stages to bring home their newest blessing.

Personal Prayer Requests:

*We pray that God shows us our next child. We pray that financially things will fall into place to be able to adopt so that we will not have to wait on any funds (at least initially). We pray for health as we plan for the future. We pray for our future children, our current blessings, and our family...that they may be loved and prepared for another amazing blessing. Especially we pray that whatever happens, it is to God's glory and is HIS will.

*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.

Please Pray for Little Wes

Please pray on behalf a bloggy friend and her family. Their son in Ethiopia (they are in process) is severely under weight and had been hospitalized. She met him very recently on a mission trip and knew he was their son.

Though he has now been released, they are now awaiting a doctors report. My heart aches and I am asking that those reading this spend some extra time in prayer for this little guy.

Here's a link to their most recent blog.
"A Momma's Heart Just Knows.....".

God Loves You - A True Story

A friend of mine called recently. She said, "Kat...I just had the COOLEST thing happen and I need to share it with you."

Here's the story she told me written as a narrative. I did change one of the names to protect the intimacy of this story.

THE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT

Angel looked at her tree. Every ornament brought back a memory, each was an emotional journey...a gift from a loved one, a gift to her daughter. They brought back some beautiful memories. She needed that right now.

This was a rough Christmas. She felt alone. Her husband abandoned her and her daughter. She lost her job. Her unique circumstances made it more difficult for her to find work.

Her daughter would get no gift from her dad. Oh, he would call drunk occasionally, but he was completely absent the rest of the time. No money to help raise her daughter. No emotional support. Most importantly, no father for Angel's daughter.

Yet a FATHER was working, just not the one who abandoned them. This FATHER would never abandon them.

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

Some miles away sat one of her friends, looking at her tree. She fingered her favorite ornament. It was BEAUTIFUL! Her mother had given it to her. It came in a set of three fragile glass ornaments.

One was her favorite though. One was the most stunning version of the nativity that she had ever seen. She loved it so much, that at her feet lay three boxes. Amber had ordered another set (just in case one was broken).

Realistically, she had three daughters and knew that the ornament may perish in a "run-by" of giggling girls. It wasn't like her to order a second of anything. Life was not about things, but Christ and the family and friends He had given her.

This ornament was different though and the second set just arrived. As she held the box she heard, "Give it to Angel."

Okay, this couldn't be God. She had been looking forward to this for so long.

"Give it to Angel" she heard a second time.

You know, thought Amber, I really don't want to. This ornament means so much to me. It's celebrating your Son, after all.

Amber opened the first of the three boxes containing the ornaments. It was the nativity. "Give it to angel." was whispered to her heart a third time.

"Sigh" said her heart (though it was almost audible).

Then the floodgates opened in her mind. Memories of a conversation...a conversation had when she was VERY distracted and late for her daughters dentist appointment.

She was at Angel's house picking up her younger daughters. The memories flooded in...

*A tree of gifted and emotionally important ornaments.
*A friend who was so tired and alone.
*A child that had no father, no real father.

The voice came to Amber's mind again, "Give it to Angel. There will be a gift from her FATHER this year."

Tears poured down Amber's face (and Angel's when the gift was received).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WEEKS LATER ACROSS THE UNITED STATES

After a long drive to visit family, Amber had tears streaming again.

Her mother-in-law, who had not known the story or imagined that Amber had ever seen such beautiful nativity ornaments, had bought her TWO of the EXACT same nativity ornaments for Christmas...TWO beautiful symbols of God's love for her.

God is so amazing.

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

You see, our Heavenly Father cares when we are at our lowest. He cares with a love that is more than we can fathom as mere humans. He is THE FATHER to the fatherless.

Don't forget this winter season, that God is there. No matter what you may face. Listen to Him, that He may work through you. Turn to Him, and He will always be there.

We just celebrated HIS SON's birthday, the same Son He gave to die for you. He loves YOU. You are His child.

If He can take an ornament and create a reminder of His love, He can hold you too. Don't give up. Give it up to God.

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
'For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.'
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:31-39

Another Post You Need to Read

If you have a moment, read this post. It hit me hard. God's love is so great.

"Why He Came".

Day of Rest and Snowball Fights

Snuggling down with hot chocolate now...

It's cold, but I had to post proof that it does snow....here at least.

Yes, the kids wear disposable dish washing gloves over their mittens, cause we're cool like that (laughing) and YES, our door mat does say, "Fo Shizzle, Welcome to Our Hizzle". Don't laugh, at least I didn't show you the rock that says, "Forget the dogs, beware of the kids".

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Good Movie on Fox Tonight?

I've heard Fox Network (tonight) is going to be showing a movie called, "Change of Plans". I've seen it advertised and it sounds like a good one. It looks to be very pro-adoption and family.

We don't have cable, so....we may or may not be able to watch it. I'm hoping that it's a a positive movie.

Just thought I'd give you an F.Y.I.!!! Let me know what you think of it!

Thought Provoking Quote

I know people mean well when they they say, "You are really a blessing to these kids" (referring to our children from around the world). Though we hope to bless them, it is we who are blessed. They our BEYOND a blessing to us. They are a gift from God that has come through hardship to find family.

I saw this quote on a sweet friend's blog (A Bevy of Boys) and thought I needed to share it.

"Adoption loss is the only trauma in the world where the victims are expected by the whole of society to be grateful" -- Rev. Keith C. Griffith, MBE

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please don't hesitate to tell me of any prayer need. I would love to add your prayer requests to this list (which I try to put at the end of each post).

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.
*Eliz and her family-Blessings of speed of process and safety for her five fragile sons with Down Syndrome as they wait to bring them home.

Personal Prayer Requests:

*We pray that God shows us our next child. We pray that financially things will fall into place to be able to adopt so that we will not have to wait on any funds (at least initially). We pray for health as we plan for the future. We pray for our future children, our current blessings, and our family...that they may be loved and prepared for another amazing blessing. Especially we pray that whatever happens, it is to God's glory and is HIS will.

*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.

What Our Prayer Request Meant-Answers and a New One

Following God is a stunning path to travel.

That has been the amazing and crazy road we have been on. We always try to follow God, but He had some very clear lessons to share with us recently.

I promised to share with you, when I could, what one of our prayer requests meant.

You may remember this...

"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, have complete peace, and be able to act immediately."

You see, God had shown us a precious special needs little girl in China. She is beautiful and we were asking God if she was our daughter. Never did God say, "She is your child." clearly (as He had in the past).

After being led to several verses, all that was heard was that we needed to proceed.

This was daunting in itself. I'm ashamed to say that, though there was excitement and honor, there was also fear. I have never been a very fearful person. I know God will provide a way for whatever He asks. When I ask for prayers, it's not out of fear, but out of exhaustion and knowing just how powerful prayers are.

I had this crazy fear of having to figure out finances again. Is that sad or what? Fundraising/tax return/selling things brought our sweet little ones home. It was exhausting, not knowing where it would come from, though.

That thought process in itself was wrong. Fundraising/tax returns/and selling things did NOT bring our babies home, God did. We were willing and going to proceed, but with fear and some panicked feelings.

We eventually got around to seeing exactly what our fears were saying though. We gave it to God and, while praying, began to tentatively progress (still not knowing if this was our daughter).

We requested her file and found (within a day) that she had just been "locked in" by another family. We are so happy and there is not an ounce of regret. SHE IS GOING TO HAVE A FAMILY!!! This was first and foremost our prayer.

God had not told us specifically that she was our daughter, just to proceed.

Why would He do that?
He did that for several reasons we believe.
*We needed to get past our fears and give it to HIM, realizing there is NO need to proceed with fear...ever.
*We needed to be willing to obey. It was kind of an Abraham/Isaac moment. We needed to be willing....
*We needed to prepare for God to show us another of our blessings.

This has been a crazy roller coaster. I wasn't prepared for it so soon after we brought our babies home.

Now. I. Am.....or at least I'm getting there.

I must admit that I do want to be blessed with more children. My heart is especially with some of the special needs children out there.

You know what the hard part of this is for me? The waiting is a killer. The not knowing exactly where or when God will lead us. Will He lead us to another child?

So our prayer request has now changed.

We pray that God shows us our next child. We pray that financially things will fall into place to be able to adopt so that we will not have to wait on any funds (at least initially). We pray for health as we plan for the future. We pray for our future children, our current blessings, and our family...that they may be loved and prepared for another amazing blessing. Especially we pray that whatever happens, it is to God's glory and is HIS will.

So though my mommy arms are very full, I still feel a little sad that they won't be able to comfort another of the orphaned little ones soon and that we won't be expanding our family with the same immediacy. We are assured that God can and does do amazing things AND if it is to His glory, that would be awesome.

We know this is all in God's plan.

Tonight, as we sat down for our family devotional, the Bible was already open. I thought my husband had picked out the verses and just wanted me to read it tonight. When I asked him, he said that he thought I had picked them out. Here is what we read...

"As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, 'I will follow you wherever you go.' Jesus replied, 'Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.' He said to another man, 'Follow me.' But he replied, 'Lord, first let me go and bury my father.' Jesus said to him, 'Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.' 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 9:57-62

No looking back.

That's it friends, that's what's been going on here. A little insanity, a little love, some fear and A TON OF FOLLOWING GOD.

Thank you for your prayers as we continue down this very cool road.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6


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.
*Eliz and her family-Blessings of speed of process and safety for her five fragile sons with Down Syndrome as they wait to bring them home.

Personal Prayer Requests:

*We pray that God shows us our next child. We pray that financially things will fall into place to be able to adopt so that we will not have to wait on any funds (at least initially). We pray for health as we plan for the future. We pray for our future children, our current blessings, and our family...that they may be loved and prepared for another amazing blessing. Especially we pray that whatever happens, it is to God's glory and is HIS will.

*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.

Epiphanies and Lies

Oh, it's not that bad. Today was one of those days. I didn't sleep well last night. One child chose a small measure of defiance to test limits. It was the first day back of home school. It was a day where I was tired and struggling with many instances of others "not thinking it through" and little hurts. In other words, a day like we all have occasionally.

Yet the difference in today is that when satan started working on me, I knew he was lying.

"Your a failure"
"Your not good enough"
"They're pretending to like you, but they really don't"
"See, no one listens to you. You're a lousy parent."
"Your not pretty enough or skinny enough"

The lies rest in the lap of satan. Oh, we are all far from perfect and we all have times in our lives where we can't get a grip, but God doesn't tell us stuff that just breaks us down to the point of giving up. That's satan's job.

God is reconstructive (even when it hurts). satan is destructive.
God is honest in His instruction, telling painful truths to reconstruct us to His tool.
satan is the master of lies, telling us lies in a way that will only cause us harm.

God causes life.
satan causes death.

God numbers our days until we can be with Him.
satan tries to cut short our days with depression or suicide.

There's a pattern.

God says things such as, "You are turning from me and letting others opinions be your master."
satan says, "You are a failure, AGAIN, no one likes you."

God says things such as, "Your children are not listening, just as you have not listened to me, in their rebellious spirit."
satan says, "You're no good as a parent. You've made a mess of your kids."

God says things such as, "Your body is mine. You need to grow and treat it with the respect I want you to. Do not let food be your master."
satan says, "Your too fat/too skinny, your shaped like a kangaroo on steroids. Man! You are so ugly."

God says things like, "I'm proud of you my child."
satan says things like, "You don't need God. You are amazing on your own."

God says things like, "I gave you my promise."
Satan says, "You will fail."

God is reconstructive.
satan is destructive.

I've been recognizing satan's lies for what they are lately. It only took me 39 years. When the ugliness and shattering lies rack through my brain, trying to ruin me...I have to ask myself, is this destructive or reconstructive? When you have your answer, you know exactly where it came from.

I realized this recently in another area of my life, as you can see in the post "The Lies satan Tells Us About Adoption".

Now I am realizing this in the rest of my life. My life is not my own, why would my Savior want to destroy it? Now then, satan has a good reason. We are not his children. He has been disinherited. We are now claiming exactly what he wants.

I ask you to join me in remembering (again) that God loves us. He claims us as His own. He is a jealous God. He wants our untarnished devotion. He cherishes our spirits. He knows our flaws. He will not bend easily to the shedding of His children through the lies of the great deceiver.

God is our sheild where satan's lies cannot penetrate...that is when we rest in Him.

"...so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power." I Corinthians 2:5

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

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.
*Eliz and her family-Blessings of speed of process and safety for her five fragile sons with Down Syndrome as they wait to bring them home.

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, have complete peace, 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.

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.

Eliz at "God's Gifts In My Family"-Prayers and Inspiration

I have a friend (yes, shock...hee hee) that is in the midst of an amazing journey. As my husband and I pray for guidance, she and her family are inspirational.

Some may not understand the journey she and her family are on, but that doesn't matter in the slightest. It may hurt, oh yes, but in the big picture they are following God and inspiring fellow believers. It's not always easy following God, but it's SOOOO worth it!

Right now they can use some prayers. They are in the process to bring home five (yes, I did say FIVE) beautiful sons with Down syndrome (internationally) in two different adoptive journeys. I have to check myself, because it's so stunning.

The first two (Julius and Paul) could have a ruling as early as Friday (and then up to a four month wait to bring the boys home). The next three (Noah, Moses, and Jacob) must wait until the first two are home.

Can you join me in prayer for Eliz and her family? Let's pray together for a ruling and God's protective Hands on ALL these very fragile little boys as they wait. Let's also pray for a speed that can only be given by God.

You can read more about their very cool family here.
"Three love bugs wait as we wait to hear on our Dossier".

Eliz, hugs my sweet sister.

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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.
*Eliz and her family-Blessings of speed of process and safety for her five fragile sons with Down Syndrome as they wait to bring them home.

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, have complete peace, 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.

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.

Six Months with Rachel and Gabe and the Winners Are...

Six Months today! It seems like they've always been here, but six months ago today we stepped off the plane and became family!

Gabe, our character, keeps everyone laughing with the little gleam in his eyes. He wasn't exactly supposed to have his daddy's cell phone.




Rachel, her sweetness, makes everyone want to just kiss her as she gives her precious smile.



Thank you for celebrating with us!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The winners of the "The Hole in Our Gospel Giveaway" are...

PATTY and ARLINCZER!!!

I will be contacting you soon! Patty, I clicked on your profile and can't find a way to get a hold of you. Could you contact me or leave a comment to this post! THANK YOU!!!!





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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, have complete peace, 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.

Ransoming Our Children/Fundraising and Adoption

"My friends, adoption is redemption. It's costly, exhausting, expensive, and outrageous. Buying back lives costs so much. When God set out to redeem us, it killed Him."

- Derek Loux

This quote always hits me so hard. Even more so after reading a blog (here) about the criticism one sometimes receives when fundraising for an adoption.

What if someone told you that to take custody of your child after you gave birth to them, you had to have $30,000?

That is what orphans face every day. They are somehow deemed less valuable, less "real" than a child waking up to your warm snuggles each morning. They aren't though, they are innately beautiful gifts from God. They are OUR children. They are OUR responsibility.

Like us, many don't have an extra $30,000 setting in our bank accounts. Somehow, for some, providing for an adoption is viewed as "less" than other very worthy endeavors. What they don't realize is that they are, like the above example, ransoming our children.

Who wouldn't scramble to aid someone forced to pay to take their child home from the hospital? Are these children any less worthy?

I don't usually like to throw out numbers, but there is thought to be 147,000,000 orphans in this world.

If a pro football stadium holds and average of 80,000 fans. It would take 1,877.5 stadiums to hold the fatherless of this generation.

If an aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy holds around 5000 people. It would take 29,400 aircraft carriers to hold all of those who live daily without mothers.

It is thought that the largest city in the world is Tokyo, Japan with about 32,450,000. Orphans would fill the streets of about 4.5 cities the size of Tokyo.

So why does supporting...no, ransoming one child matter?

Because that one child gets to walk out of the football stadium, off the aircraft carrier, and out of Tokyo...and into the arms of love and family.

Shonya shared a very poignant quote from one of her friends today.

"When she was adopting (the first time), she had no idea how she would get the money. Her grandpa called her up one day and said 'I am paying for it'. He said that he would rather know that his money is going to give a child a family while he is alive, than to a car after he was dead."

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"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." James 1:27

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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.