A Way to Help!

I don't know if you remember THIS post, but there is a family at the tail end of a countdown to bring their two blessings home. They are in need of funds quickly!

They are having a drawing for a beautiful necklace worth $650 that was so graciously donated. For every $10 donated you will receive one entry. The necklace is beautiful, but the reason for giving is much more so.

I just wanted to share with you all a great way to help another adoptive family!

"Shine Like Stars"

"He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:26


Our Personal Prayer Requests

*For the waves rolling after the death of Thomas' step-dad.

*For the waves at my husband's place of business to smooth and calm.

*For everyone involved in our home study to feel confident (beyond reason) in our family being ready and perfect for Jael. That we are approved and it all goes quickly.

*That all paperwork may be quick and without flaw (in only a way the God can do) and both U.S. immigration approves us quickly and the Chinese government.

*For all "hiccups" to be banished and a hedge of protection be surrounding this journey.

*For our tax return and finances to fly that we may get started on our journey at a greater speed and that all finances come together with smoothness and speed.

*Please pray for our daughter across the world who faces each night alone, not knowing a family awaits her. Please pray that she feels God's presence, God's hedge of protection around her, 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.

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

March's Extra Adoption Prayer Requests:
* For home visit and interview with me(around the 25th most likely)
*Medicals on the kids(general), Thomas, and I. The kids and Thomas will be quick, but my physical is just before the home study.
*Our Psychological evaluation: Our agency would like us to do this as an added insurance since the twins came home only 8 months ago AND we have seven children. Not all agencies do this, but ours is extremely diligent. Of course, we don't LOVE it, but we LOVE that our agency is dotting every "i" and crossing every "t".
*Apply to Immigration-We need the fingerprint appointment to come quickly, as well as approval.
*Receive taxes so that we can pay the program fee and get started on our dossier. We had to mail in our taxes, so it will most likely take longer. That is a concern, but God is bigger that this.

Prayers for Our Brothers and Sisters
If you have a prayer request, I will be trying to place them at the end of EVERY blog. 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 pray for Eden, a little blessing from Ethiopia, who has a life threatening disorder.

*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 friends Michelle and Amber who both have parents struggling with cancer.

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

*Please pray for the funds to bring Isaiah and Ruth home in around three short weeks. May funds pour in....

*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!

*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)... 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, currently, for his serious health issues.

*For Eliz and their family as they bring home five beautiful blessings with Down Syndrome.

*Please pray for discernment and clarity for Gena and her family as they seek God's will about a future adoption. Also, please pray for their teen son to come to know Christ.

Praise God!!! Another Family Blessed (Again) by Adoption!!!

If you have a moment, check out this post at "A Place Called Simplicity". It left me with tears in my eyes and rejoicing! While we are bringing home our Jael, they will be bringing home their newest blessing. PRAISE GOD!!!!

"Our Big News-Part 1" at A Place Called Simplicity

Next Steps and Prayers

So many precious people in our lives are going through so much. It seems that things here are so trivial in comparison. I have so many posts running around in my head that I want to write, but am just not quite ready.

Since I know some may be wondering what the next step in our adoption is and what the next few weeks look like, I thought I'd focus on that. Even with the bug we all have, that is something I can write and still make a little bit of sense of (smile).

Many of you that have done a home study, know the paperwork aspect. We are still in somewhat of that stage. Updating our home study this time is more extensive. Usually we have our home study done before we see a picture of our child, but since God led us to Jael when we weren't expecting it...well, it's a little different than before. Though we are trying to hurry, so much paperwork is "hurry up and wait".

These are the things we have done and what we will be doing the next few weeks.

Done:
Letter of Intent to China and acceptance by them.
Application to agency and fees.
Contract for home study and fees.
Social worker interview with children and husband.
Official proof of employment by my husband's company.
Financial form (turning in this week at least)

Still to do in March:
*Home visit and interview with me (around the 25th most likely)
*Medicals on the kids (general), Thomas, and I. The kids and Thomas will be quick, but my physical is just before the home study.
*Our Psychological evaluation: Our agency would like us to do this as an added insurance since the twins came home only 8 months ago AND we have seven children. Not all agencies do this, but ours is extremely diligent. Of course, we don't LOVE it, but we LOVE that our agency is dotting every "i" and crossing every "t".
*Apply to Immigration
*Recieve taxes so that we can pay the program fee and get started on our dossier. We had to mail in our taxes, so it will most likely take longer. That is a concern, but God is bigger that this.

Every step we have in March is major...MAJOR. There are possible hiccups in every bit of progress this month. We believe firmly in God's guidance and His Hand on every step of our journey, but we would GREATLY appreciate anyone that feels they can join us in pray this month as we continue down this blessed road that God has led us on.

I'm hoping I didn't forget anything, but that is about all my melting brain can handle. Have a blessed night friends! More prayer request are below!

"He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:26


Our Personal Prayer Requests

*For the waves rolling after the death of Thomas' step-dad.

*For the waves at my husband's place of business to smooth and calm.

*For everyone involved in our home study to feel confident (beyond reason) in our family being ready and perfect for Jael. That we are approved and it all goes quickly.

*That all paperwork may be quick and without flaw (in only a way the God can do) and both U.S. immigration approves us quickly and the Chinese government.

*For all "hiccups" to be banished and a hedge of protection be surrounding this journey.

*For our tax return and finances to fly that we may get started on our journey at a greater speed and that all finances come together with smoothness and speed.

*Please pray for our daughter across the world who faces each night alone, not knowing a family awaits her. Please pray that she feels God's presence, God's hedge of protection around her, 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.

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

Prayers for Our Brothers and Sisters
If you have a prayer request, I will be trying to place them at the end of EVERY blog. 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 pray for Eden, a little blessing from Ethiopia, who has a life threatening disorder.

*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 friends Michelle and Amber who both have parents struggling with cancer.

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

*Please pray for the funds to bring Isaiah and Ruth home in around three short weeks. May funds pour in....

*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!

*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)... 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, currently, for his serious health issues.

*For Eliz and their family as they bring home five beautiful blessings with Down Syndrome.

*Please pray for discernment and clarity for Gena and her family as they seek God's will about a future adoption. Also, please pray for their teen son to come to know Christ.

New Prayer Request From A Fellow Blogger / ADOPTION

I just received a prayer request from a fellow adoptive family. I really feel the need to share it (as well as put in our our prayer request list). Many of us have been there and it's a privilege to watch God work to bring home our sweet children in such miraculous ways.

I can't WAIT to see God's provision in this.

Here is just a little bit of this family's journey.

"We just finalized the adoption of our son and daughter (Isaiah - 9 yr. and Ruth - 5 yr.) as of Friday. But we are about $8000 short of traveling to go get them. We are planning on leaving in less than 3 weeks, but we have to have the $ first. I KNOW God will provide. I'm just asking for prayer and intercession on our behalf, that the LORD will hear our cries for help and we will be able to raise $8000 in 2 1/2 weeks. Thanks! :)"

If you are like me and can't wait to see just how God provides, you can check out their blog. I know I will be!

"Shine Like Stars"


Our Personal Prayer Requests

*For the waves rolling after the death of Thomas' step-dad.

*For the waves at my husband's place of business to smooth and calm.

*For everyone involved in our home study to feel confident (beyond reason) in our family being ready and perfect for Jael. That we are approved and it all goes quickly.

*That all paperwork may be quick and without flaw (in only a way the God can do) and both U.S. immigration approves us quickly and the Chinese government.

*For all "hiccups" to be banished and a hedge of protection be surrounding this journey.

*For our tax return and finances to fly that we may get started on our journey at a greater speed and that all finances come together with smoothness and speed.

*Please pray for our daughter across the world who faces each night alone, not knowing a family awaits her. Please pray that she feels God's presence, God's hedge of protection around her, 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.

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

Prayers for Our Brothers and Sisters
If you have a prayer request, I will be trying to place them at the end of EVERY blog. 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 pray for Eden, a little blessing from Ethiopia, who has a life threatening disorder.

*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 Donna and her family as they are starting the adoption process at the same exact time we are and have their preliminary approval as well.

*Please pray for the funds to bring Isaiah and Ruth home in around three short weeks. May funds pour in....

*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!

*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)... 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, currently, for his serious health issues.

*For Eliz and their family as they bring home five beautiful blessings with Down Syndrome.

*Please pray for discernment and clarity for Gena and her family as they seek God's will about a future adoption. Also, please pray for their teen son to come to know Christ.

You Might Have Done Multiple Adoptions If...(Check Out My Bloggy Friend's Post!)

You might have done multiple adoptions if...

Okay, seriously funny...check out this post (the pictures are adorable too)!

"You Might Have Done Multiple Adoptions If..."

Step One of the Home Study

Today my husband took our oldest five down to our agency to speak individually with our social worker. Though she has always spoken individually with them in the past, this is the first time it's happened at the agency. Let me tell you, they were NERVOUS.

Though we explained that this was just for her to insure we were a good family for Jael, a couple of them were almost painfully nervous. They had already asked what kind of questions our social worker may ask (and we gave them a few), but I think the "bigness" of the situation hit them. They are SO excited for Jael, but I must say that they are excited that their main part is over. Our social worker was so kind and I think she recognized the nervousness of even our children that are NEVER nervous.

I must say, "Our kids are AWESOME!" They just have such huge hearts.

When they arrived home, our sensitive Anna (who actually went in with our four year old) curled up in my arms.

She said, "Mommy, I was just so nervous that I was going to say something wrong."
My question to her was this, "Did you tell the truth?"
"Yes", she whispered.
"Then you said NOTHING wrong."

We reiterated to the kids that they just needed to tell the truth above all.

It's over though, now it's time to go to the next step. Our actual home visit will probably be in one to two weeks. We just need to make sure everything is baby proofed (pretty much is) and our yard is fixed (a leaning fence has made it impossible for the kids to go outside). Our side yard also needs a little work. We'd love prayers for peace and a good home visit.

That's it for now. Sorry for the lack of posting. Life is busy with moving Thomas' mom and also the adoption. We are trying to make sure we don't drop any balls (or lose them in the abyss under the bed).

Have a blessed (and sane) night my friends!!!

"He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:26


Our Personal Prayer Requests

*For the waves rolling after the death of Thomas' step-dad.

*For the waves at my husband's place of business to smooth and calm.

*For everyone involved in our home study to feel confident (beyond reason) in our family being ready and perfect for Jael. That we are approved and it all goes quickly.

*That all paperwork may be quick and without flaw (in only a way the God can do) and both U.S. immigration approves us quickly and the Chinese government.

*For all "hiccups" to be banished and a hedge of protection be surrounding this journey.

*For our tax return and finances to fly that we may get started on our journey at a greater speed and that all finances come together with smoothness and speed.

*Please pray for our daughter across the world who faces each night alone, not knowing a family awaits her. Please pray that she feels God's presence, God's hedge of protection around her, 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.

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

Prayers for Our Brothers and Sisters
If you have a prayer request, I will be trying to place them at the end of EVERY blog. 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 pray for Eden, a little blessing from Ethiopia, who has a life threatening disorder.

*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 Donna and her family as they are starting the adoption process at the same exact time we are and have their preliminary approval 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!

*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)... 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, currently, for his serious health issues.

*For Eliz and their family as they bring home five beautiful blessings with Down Syndrome.

*Please pray for discernment and clarity for Gena and her family as they seek God's will about a future adoption. Also, please pray for their teen son to come to know Christ.

Another Mini Hiccup and I Don't Care...Smile

Today, as we planned to put the home study update (still waiting for taxes) on a credit card, we found something interesting. We only used this credit once for installation of a new A/C unit. It's been years. Yet, the funds were there and we thought, "Okay, we can pay it back and just use it until taxes come."

We found out today that we can ONLY use it with the company we opened it with. It is NOT a store specific card (such as a Target card). It IS a credit card. A weird, odd, never heard of anything like this before, credit card. Hmmmm...

We do think that the payment for the home study is already worked out, but I just wanted to celebrate this with you all!

You know why? Because satan OBVIOUSLY doesn't want this to happen.

Today I really was thinking (before we found out about the hiccup) that sometimes how I handle the hard stuff is MUCH more important than the hard stuff itself. I sat in the car earlier today and was praying for the strength to handle the "yuck" with courage.

When we found out the news I got tears in my eyes and started to get upset AND THEN I took a deep breath.

This is just another wave in the storm.

"He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:26


Our Personal Prayer Requests

*For the waves rolling after the death of Thomas' step-dad.

*For the waves at my husband's place of business to smooth and calm.

*For everyone involved in our home study to feel confident (beyond reason) in our family being ready and perfect for Jael. That we are approved and it all goes quickly.

*That all paperwork may be quick and without flaw (in only a way the God can do) and both U.S. immigration approves us quickly and the Chinese government.

*For all "hiccups" to be banished and a hedge of protection be surrounding this journey.

*For our tax return and finances to fly that we may get started on our journey at a greater speed and that all finances come together with smoothness and speed.

*Please pray for our daughter across the world who faces each night alone, not knowing a family awaits her. Please pray that she feels God's presence, God's hedge of protection around her, 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.

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

Prayers for Our Brothers and Sisters
If you have a prayer request, I will be trying to place them at the end of EVERY blog. 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 pray for Eden, a little blessing from Ethiopia, who has a life threatening disorder.

*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 Donna and her family as they are starting the adoption process at the same exact time we are and have their preliminary approval 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!

*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)... 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, currently, for his serious health issues.

*For Eliz and their family as they bring home five beautiful blessings with Down Syndrome.

*Please pray for discernment and clarity for Gena and her family as they seek God's will about a future adoption. Also, please pray for their teen son to come to know Christ.

One Prayer Answered Today in SUCH a Cool Way!

You may remember yesterday's post and these prayer requests. One of these prayers was answered today, but God gave me an added reiteration of HIS will.

*For the waves rolling after the death of Thomas' step-dad.

*For the waves at my husband's place of business to smooth and calm.

*For the individual that needs to contact us to feel positive about playing a role in our process (even on a small level), the waves of her heart (if they are there) are calmed, AND that she contacts us.

*For everyone involved in our home study to feel confident (beyond reason) in our family being ready and perfect for Jael.

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

*For all "hiccups" to be banished and a hedge of protection be surrounding this journey.

*For our tax return and finances to fly that we may get started on our journey at a greater speed.

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

Today, when I spoke to this person, I found that she had not seen the request and somehow missed it. I believe that in itself was God. If I had not been seeking her, she might not have shared the hug to my heart. Not only would she be happy to talk with our social worker, but shared with me that (it just so happens) her sister is adopting a special needs little girl from China too...right now.

I like my friend Amber's comment, "What are the odds of that?"

With only 2,990 adoptions from China in 2009 (most recent info) and 310,827,436 million people in the United States. That is only 0.00096 percent.

What are the odds?

Thank you for all your prayers. God's power amazes me.

We cherish any and all continued prayers as we CELEBRATE God and His amazing mercy!


Our Personal Prayer Requests

*For the waves rolling after the death of Thomas' step-dad.

*For the waves at my husband's place of business to smooth and calm.

*For everyone involved in our home study to feel confident (beyond reason) in our family being ready and perfect for Jael. That we are approved and it all goes quickly.

*That all paperwork may be quick and without flaw (in only a way the God can do) and both U.S. immigration approves us quickly and the Chinese government.

*For all "hiccups" to be banished and a hedge of protection be surrounding this journey.

*For our tax return and finances to fly that we may get started on our journey at a greater speed and that all finances come together with smoothness and speed.

*Please pray for our daughter across the world who faces each night alone, not knowing a family awaits her. Please pray that she feels God's presence, God's hedge of protection around her, 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.

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

Prayers for Our Brothers and Sisters
If you have a prayer request, I will be trying to place them at the end of EVERY blog. 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 pray for Eden, a little blessing from Ethiopia, who has a life threatening disorder.

*Please pray for Donna and her family as they are starting the adoption process at the same exact time we are and have their preliminary approval 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!

*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)... 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, currently, for his serious health issues.

*For Eliz and their family as they bring home five beautiful blessings with Down Syndrome.

*Please pray for discernment and clarity for Gena and her family as they seek God's will about a future adoption. Also, please pray for their teen son to come to know Christ.

"He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:26

Our Adoption Verse, The Storm, and the Beginning of Blessing

If you knew God as a child, you may remember the sweet innocent feeling of knowing God loved you. It wasn't tied in with mourning for what we have done or that intense depth....it's was an innocent tenderness...a fragrant aroma of God's sweet love.

That's the love of God that He is giving me lately. That innocent love, like a child. It's just that He loves me. It makes me sigh (and truly feel a little like romping through the fields pretending to hold Jesus' Hand).

That is the presence of God I feel as we begin to bring Jael home.

If you didn't read the post announcing the adoption of our beautiful Jael(Jay-EL), then you may not remember what happened the day after we made the decision.

The morning after we knew Jael was our daughter, Anna came in and threw herself on my lap terrified. She said, "Mommy, I had a scary dream. We adopted a little girl from China, who was born different than most kids. She was SO cute. That was the good part. The next part is the scary one. We were on this ship and all these people were trying to come on board and trying to hurt us."

The amazing thing is that Anna knew nothing about the impending adoption. She didn't know anything about our decision or even the consideration of another child for our family. This was all God.

As time passed and we announced our adoption, life took some hard turns. My husband's step dad died. The next morning I received in the mail the most beautiful prayer shawl knitted by a sweet and dear blog friend as she was praying for us. I was able to wrap it around me and remember God's arms and that of my dear Christian sister. I firmly believe God timed this blessing.

Where often there is mourning as things and life keep going on like nothing happened, in our personal experience (though we realize it is not this way with many) there is also team work, everyone working together to bring a smooth transition of life (and material goods) to those left behind.

Yet, as can often be when divorce is a part of the equation, waves have rolled instead of teamwork. Materialism has shown it's face. It's hard to know how to deal with the situation since it is so foreign to us. As you can guess, stuff doesn't mean a whole lot to us. This has been rough, to put it mildly. My husband wants to always handle things as a son of God. Our jaws have been dropped and have yet to come off the floor as we watch a saga unfold. I honestly feel a little numb.

As we were finding out the unkindness being unveiled in the situation, I then received a box in the mail. A box from another blog friend. This time it contained a book.



God is knocking again. While she was at the book store, she picked up a book she had never heard of. She had never considered. She read this book and knew I needed it, it was for us. This is the second gift from a friend that came in the mail the day I needed to be reminded of God's love the most. Should I need to be reminded? No, but God sent me a gift to remind me of the sweet aroma of love I mentioned earlier.

The waves have been rocking our boat here, but God is so faithful.

It was my turn for a dream, it was a good one. You may wonder why it was good, but it was very good to me.

I dreamed our entire family was on a steam boat on a river in China...our entire family including Jael. It was close to the dock. It started to sink. Everything we owned was in a closet on the boat. We didn't care about the suitcases. It was my purse (not one that I own, but I remember it exactly) with our passports and money. It was also our silver portable file that we've brought for every adoption, with ALL our adoption paperwork to get Jael home in it. The boat was sinking and everyone seemed to want to stop me from reaching back to that closet. I went to the closet and grabbed only my purse and the file. I then woke back up (or as my kids have always said, the dream popped).

It was a good dream, because we were bringing Jael home and nothing, no drama, no trauma, no 17 foot waves were going to stop us.

We do feel a little like were living with some waves crashing right now.

The day after this dream, the first adoption wave rocked us...maybe not the very first, but that's for another blog. We didn't have the $750 we needed to pay the application fee and such. We had it planned out and it fell through. I now firmly believe that this needed to happen to have God's glory shine through.

Yesterday my husband answered my cell phone and when he told me who it was, I dropped everything. A friend from a Church Home School Group, a blog friend I had never met and lives across the United States, was on the phone. I have grown to love and respect this wonderful woman so much. She has become such a blessing in my life, and now in all of ours. God has pressed on her the same message that He has pressed on us (which I will share in a few minutes). God has been using her.

She and her husband had gone to their Church about our need. The Church responded. We now have a $1000 check coming in the mail. This not only covers the $750 we need this week, but we have $250 to put to the next leg of our journey.

Isn't that so like God? He just makes me feel so loved.

All of that brings me to what God seems to be sharing with us through the dreams and just a tenderness of the heart.

We have storms we will have to weather during this adoption. I don't know if it's around Jael, or our family, extended family...but there are storms.

We feel the waves have started, but we also don't know what lies ahead. God is our comfort, but I can't say that this doesn't scare me at all. I don't want storms. I don't like storms. Yet, if that's what needs to happen to bring glory to God...then storms it is! Smile....

We feel that with that message so clear...the following verse is what we have chosen to symbolize this year of bringing Jael home. This is our verse of hope.

"He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:26

I am asking you today, not in lue of other prayer requests, but to petition God for our storm and the waves that may be ahead in a very specific way.

Please Pray....

*For the waves rolling after the death of Thomas' step-dad.

*For the waves at my husband's place of business to smooth and calm.

*For the individual that needs to contact us to feel positive about playing a role in our process (even on a small level), the waves of her heart (if they are there) are calmed, AND that she contacts us.

*For everyone involved in our home study to feel confident (beyond reason) in our family being ready and perfect for Jael.

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

*For all "hiccups" to be banished and a hedge of protection be surrounding this journey.

*For our tax return and finances to fly that we may get started on our journey at a greater speed.

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

Thank you my friends.

I hope to share with you in the next couple of days about another friend of mine who received approval TODAY from China to bring her little boy home. It's a story of how God interwove our families and blessed us yet again.

Update on Family, Adoption, and Need for Sleep (Smile)

It's been a rough week. Losing Thomas' step-dad was so hard, and (as with many times) when divorce is part of the equation, there is often long reaching implications.

Currently Thomas' mom is at my mom's house (as of tonight) around the corner and we feel so honored to have her there. I think that sometimes taking care of parents can be viewed as a burden, but I don't really get that. Oh, I know their are some exceptions (when it's for their own health, they are harmful, or for their own safety), but right now I'm doing what I always hate. I am generalizing. What a privilege it is to help someone else, let alone a parent.

Anyway, it has been a rough week, but then God grows us through roughness.

We even had a hiccup in our adoption. We had an old adoption loan/line of credit we were paying off. We called to see if we could get just our initial $750 fee off that line of credit for this adoption (until we receive our tax return) since it's due soon. The agency we are working with is WONDERFUL, but we needed to get it in.

On the phone the loan holder said, "We will be sending the check in the mail." Then we get a letter (after we told the agency we would be paying next week) that says that basically the economy is in such a way that they won't do it. Huh? It wouldn't have phased us if they had told us this on the phone, but I think that someone may have been avoiding just flat out saying it.

Do occasional things still worry me? YES (little mini "ugg!" there). Honestly, really just one right now (I'm trying to look at just what is immediately ahead).

My current "I'm losing my mind and forgetting who's in control" worry is that someone I HAVE to have contact me (to give her info to the social worker) has yet to. Of course then the nasty "What if" virus starts running through my head in spiked heals......"What if? What if? What if?"(Can't you hear the shoes clacking?)

See, isn't that silly? Though I will say (hee hee) that anyone is WELCOME to pray that she does respond soon and positively (see, the "what if" virus again).

Okay, now that I'm so tired that I'm probably not making sense, quickly, our family (if you didn't read the previous announcement) has been officially linked with our 2 1/2 year old daughter Jael (Jay-EL) in China (pre-approved to proceed). Now we have six months to do the home study, get approval from the government, and get the dossier complete. You can read our adoption announcement by looking at the "Kat-agory" called "Journey to Jael (Jay-EL)" at the right hand side of the blog (scroll down).

Our next step is really gathering things for the home study....there is A LOT to insure that others are as confident as we are that Jael is our daughter.

Hmmmm....closing my eyes as I type is not a good sign. Good night friends (hoping the spelling isn't all wrong since my eyes are closed). Hugs!!!

Now I'm wondering if I can copy and paste all prayer requests with my eyes closed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you have a prayer request, I will be trying to list them at the end of almost EVERY blog. Just comment or email me and I will list them. Please just let me know if it's a public request (can put it on the blog) or private.

Please let me know any updates or how God answers.

God is just so AMAZINGLY cool and awesome to watch answer!!!

Prayer Requests:

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

*Please pray for our friends (unnamed at this point, God knows) who are starting the adoption process at the same exact time we are. Please pray for their letter of intent to be pre-approved with amazing quickness AND for her fingerprints (and amazing story I will share later) are recognized the FIRST time they try.

*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!

*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)... 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, currently, for his serious health issues.

*For Eliz and their family as they bring home five beautiful blessings with Down Syndrome.

Personal Prayer Requests:

*Please pray God's blessing on this adoption.
*Please pray that those that need to contact us will and that they do believe in the blessing of big family (primarily ours..smile)
*Prayers for our home study. As we seek approval to adopt Jael, we also need approval here. We have a wonderful and thorough social worker that wants to insure the welfare of everyone involved. Also, this requires a paperwork and fingerprinting process, which we are praying is quick.
*Prayers for our immigration paperwork and dossier paperwork (which goes to China) to be easy, quick, and faster than we can fathom.
*Prayers that China processes are request quickly and Jael is able to come home with speed we can't imagine.
*Prayers for finances (we don't have quite as far to travel for the needed funds this time), that everything comes together to God's glory and with ease.
*More than the other prayer requests, please pray for our daughter across the world who faces each night alone, not knowing a family awaits her. Please pray that she feels God's presence, God's hedge of protection around her, 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.
*Please pray that God protects us from satan's attacks. When you follow God, satan always attacks.
*Lastly, please pray for our family, for peace and confidence as we wait and please pray that we see how we need to prepare, if there is something we have overlooked.

*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....

Funeral and Icy Roads

We are getting ready for a funeral for Thomas's step-dad. Please pray for protection, as road are icy. Thanks friends!

WOO HOO!!!!!

WE JUST RECIEVED PRE-APPROVAL FROM CHINA TO ADOPT JAEL!!!!!!

If you are going "huh?"...smile....check yesterday's post.

OUR BIG NEWS-FAMILY TIMELINE TO JAEL

The Journey to Family Time Line

*1. Get married to your best friend (1993)
*2. Tom enters the family (1994)
*3. Sarah enters the family (1996)
*4. Anna enters the family (2000)
*5. Max enters the family (2003)
*6. Bekah enters the family (2007)
*7 & 8. Gabe and Rachel enter the family (2010)

*9. Our family seeks to bring Jael (Jay-EL/Judges 4) out of China (2011/2012?)

Yes, this is the way a family is formed...through the years, births, leading, travel, and many many prayers.

Some of you may have noticed a name added to the family timeline, our daughter Jael (Jay-EL). Jael is across the world in the well known country of China. There our 2 1/2 year old waits. She has so much personality and has very special needs as well. Her legs don't look like other's legs. They are malformed and, though she is very active, without serious medical intervention she will never walk. An orthopedic specialist here says that both legs will need amputation to allow for prosthesis in the future. This little one not only has a long road to family, but a long medical road to be able to walk and run.

The morning after we knew Jael was our daughter, Anna came in and threw herself on my lap terrified. She said, "Mommy, I had a scary dream. We adopted a little girl from China, who was born different than most kids. She was SO cute. That was the good part. The next part is the scary one. We were on this ship and all these people were trying to come on board and trying to hurt us."

Anna didn't know what we were considering or praying, but God did know what we needed to be reminded of. We would have viewed this differently if it had come from a child who was aware of what God had been revealing, but instead it was our precious Anna.

We know many may be in shock and not have the same sense of joy we do, but we ask for prayers. Below we answer questions from, "How did the come about?" to "Why your family?" to "Do you know you will ACTUALLY have eight children?". Yet, before then we ask you for your prayers, if you feel able to offer them.

*Please pray God's blessing on this adoption.
*Please pray that the Chinese government gives us preliminary approval to adopt Jael. This is VERY important and the first step. We meet all requirements, but are praying that they see our family as a beautiful match to Jael's special needs. (Update: We are approved as of Februrary 9th, 2011!!!)
*Prayers for our home study. As we seek approval to adopt Jael, we also need approval here. We have a wonderful and thorough social worker that wants to insure the welfare of everyone involved (Home study is March 25th). Also, this requires a paperwork and fingerprinting process, which we are praying is quick.
*Prayers for our immigration paperwork and dossier paperwork (which goes to China) to be easy, quick, and faster than we can fathom.
*Prayers that China processes are request quickly and Jael is able to come home with speed we can't imagine.
*Prayers for finances (we don't have quite as far to travel for the needed funds this time), that everything comes together to God's glory and with ease.
*More than the other prayer requests, please pray for our daughter across the world who faces each night alone, not knowing a family awaits her. Please pray that she feels God's presence, God's hedge of protection around her, 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.
*Please pray that God protects us from satan's attacks. When you follow God, satan always attacks.
*Lastly, please pray for our family, for peace and confidence as we wait and please pray that we see how we need to prepare, if there is something we have overlooked.

Thank you. Many of you have prayed us through beautiful and amazing waves during our path to family. Below the words from our heart, we answer your questions...and thank you again for joining us on this journey.

Jesus Whispered Jael

My friends come and go,
one day here the next day gone.
I feel all alone
never chosen as "the one"

I remain.

My body looks different.
I am special they all say.
Then why do they not choose me?
Why's it not my day?

I remain

I get up in the morning
at the break of day
never knowing who is going
but always knowing I will stay.

It's okay though,
that I remain.

I hear whispers of comfort.
from a man so dear
From a man named Jesus.
whispered in my ear.

It's okay that I remain.

Because God has a plan for me.
A reason I am here.
To see me in a family.
It is worth the cold and tears.

For a little longer I remain.

He tells me that they love me
Across the ocean they pray
for the day that they can hold me
for the day that they can say,

"No longer will you remain."

They say that I am special,
beautiful, and treasured.
They say that I'm a gift,
that could never be measured.

No longer I remain

They say that Jesus whispered
into their hearts as well,
Telling them about me
Their daughter named Jael.

We're coming to get you sweet angel. No longer will you remain.


Questions and Answers

*How did you know? How can you know God called you?

So many times in life, we've heard people say, "I feel called. I feel that God led me." I remember a time where I was listening to an interview with a man saying that God called him to sell clear paint that made it impossible for camera's to take pictures of license plates. Ummmm....

Obviously, when you hear something that goes against Biblical principals, you know that it was man's wish vs. Gods. It's hard, knowing orphans are out there, children who wake up every morning with no one....often neglected or abused. Even if they are loved, they are still without family.

Did you know that twice in the last couple years, we were asked to adopt a baby? Both times, with God's clarity, we knew they were not our child...they belonged to someone else. Often we ask God, "What is your will?" and the most growing times for us both are when we get answers we don't expect and aren't looking for.

Yes, our hearts ache for the fatherless, but this path was one (and the speed of it) that we truly can't comprehend. There was fear, fear that is usually not present in our lives. Fear of going on a path to the unknown again. We had been asking God if Jael (a little girl God put on our hearts) was our daughter and if not, for her to find her forever family. Yet, one day God pressed on us...to the knees. There was no dwelling on it. We asked. God answered. I don't think either of us remotely expected it. There was no denying. We were told to bring her home.

When God leads, we need to go to the Bible first. Yet, all the good paths that we can take are not always the right ones, within God's will for our/your family. We then pray and seek wisdom of others, asking them to pray. Finally, when God leads...you just know with absolute knowledge of His speaking. There is no doubt, rationalization, or puzzle pieces missing from your knowledge.

The hard part is, even though God leads, He led us. It is natural for others who have not been petitioning along with you, to wonder. We expect and accept that. Yet, we firmly believe, that if you petition God as well...He will answer.

*Are you scared about everything that could go wrong?

There are days where fear reigns, but when fears reign...God is not. It's easy to look at the seemingly insurmountable obstacles. What if China doesn't approve us? What if we don't get an approved home study? What if China decides, when they finally receive our intensive paperwork 4-5 months from now, that we aren't suitable. What if we mess up somehow? What if Jael gets sick and we can't help her? What if attachment is more rough than we could ever imagine? What if something goes wrong during Jael's surgery? What if? What if? What if?

We cannot cling to these "what ifs" though. We have to step forward in faith, following God's will for our lives. The "what ifs?" tend to make us more like a deer in the headlights, frozen, than a servant moving forward to follow God.

Does fear crop up, yes...but the prayers for this entire adventure cover Jael and this journey like nothing else. God covers it.

We could wait to share this with all of you...waiting until we have our preliminary approval from China, our home study is approved, or our dossier is together...but we can't. We need to step forward and believe what we've been told. We especially need prayers covering this process every step of the way.

*Why your family?

First and foremost, because she is our daughter. She was meant to join our family. It was in God's plan.

There are an estimated 143,000,000 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.

They all need love. They all need families. We realize not everyone may be called, but when you are...it would be like leaving your newborn baby in that football stadium. God calls, we answer....

*You have will have eight children, two of which just came home, how is that fair to any of them? How can you give them the attention they deserve?

Gabe and Rachel are doing wonderfully. Yet, we know they are young. We are not looking at adding to our family as easy, but as a beautiful gift from God. Medically, for years, there may be therapies and such necessary for Jael, but (as we explain below) it will most likely be a full year before any surgery. We also recognize transition with a toddler will, most likely, be a lot more difficult. After all, she has acquired language and she doesn't know us. She has more history. She may be very young mentally and need to repeat the most basic foundation of nurturing. Just as with a pregnancy and newborn, you find the perfect nitch in your family for your newest treasure. It may not always be easy, but it's always worth it.

We are a close family. We do most things together, though the teens especially enjoy time with their friends. We have cuddle time, reading, learning in home school, and individual time with our children. Few days/nights go by without deep conversations with one or another of our children. EACH child is given the priority.

We are very cautious with the older ones, that they don't become the parent. Most children in our family know how to change a diaper, but probably less than once or twice a month they do it. They know how to make a bottle. They also go off and do their thing and we as parents...well, parent. They step up when needed, but often they are doing it to get cuddle time with the twins (told you they're a little spoiled...lol). Our children are awesome and helpful, but they are (most importantly) our children, not caretakers.

We know, as with any situation, we cannot foresee the future, the hard lessons, or what we may face. What we can know is that when we do see a situation, we are extremely creative and find a way to work within it. If we need help, we get it. We also have a couple sets of sweet friends and awesome family willing to stand in the gap during medical issues.

Though Jael is two and a half and a year older than the twins, she will most likely be more like a triplet to the twins. She will need a LOT of attention and bonding time. She, as the others did, will sleep in our room for the first year. She will be carried in a sling, along with the twins, but we will always find ways to create time to give every child attention. We are FAR from perfect, but God has always opened our eyes and guided our family.

If some ask, "How is that fair to the other children?" we ask, "How is introducing them to another sister who will love an adore them (in time) a negative thing? It is not about fair, but blessing."

*How can you afford this? You fund raised last time, how can you ask others to do it again?

We are blessed to be a little financially ahead this time, with not quite as much to raise. It currently looks like (we hope) we will have about half already covered. We will apply for grants. There are more out there for special needs children. We also will fundraise to a smaller extent as well.

We have definite view on fundraising in adoption (why?). The best way to describe it is written in the following blog post.
http://everlastingmomentum.blogspot.com/2011/01/ransoming-our-childrenfundraising-and.html

*What do the other children say about this?

Sarah and Tom knew from early on. The first time Sarah saw the picture of Jael, she said, "THAT is my sister." She knew, we prayed. When we informed her what God revealed to us, her response was, "Well, I already knew that. You just didn't believe me."

Tom just smiled really big and said, "WOW!". He is excited and positive. They don't seem concerned, even in the late night revealing of emotions. They just seem concerned about their sister across the world. If you want to see Anna, Max, and Bekah's reaction...you can view it yourself at a future date (we filmed it). They are joyous, with pictures taped by their beds. They remember the illness that we came back from Africa with last time, yet they know our hearts and their hearts become even more filled with love.

They are even excited about changing rooms. Tom, who had a room to himself, is excited. Our kids know they are loved and that all of our love just expands and does not get divided with the increasing blessing.

*What does Jael's medical future hold (as far as you know)?

A local pediatric orthopedic surgeon looked at Jael's file and pictures to let us know what the future might hold. He feels that both legs will need to be amputated. He was wonderful and shared with us that his close friend had the same issue and was able to play football in high school.

We will most likely wait to have surgery until we have had some time to attach. God has blessed us with a family that brought home their child from Korea with, what looks like, the exact same issue. They have shared with us that, surprisingly, the hospital time is limited...only a few days. You then go home for recovery and healing and finally, in a few months, a fitting for prosthetics. They waited a year before having surgery and did not regret it.

*What is your time line? What does the process look like?

We have what's called a "Letter of Intent" in China right now. This is where China issues us preliminary approval. Once we receive preliminary approval(Update: DONE!), we then work on our home study (much paperwork, home visit, fingerprints, and finally praying for an approved home study), dossier (LOTS of very specific paperwork that goes to China), and request approval from the U.S. government. Finally we send the dossier to China. This process usually takes four to five months. At that point the dossier (which now includes the home study) goes to China. The Chinese government then will give us final approval and we wait for travel. The total time line is averaging around a year currently. Jael will be around 3 1/2, most likely, when she comes home. You can see why we are praying for speed.

*Why didn't you tell us you were considering this earlier? Why are we just learning of this?

The prayers for orphans put in front of us have been taking place for a long time, but sweet Jael has only been in our view very recently. Since we've been praying for many sweet little ones, we didn't consider sharing this (as we pray many prayers and have asked this of God before). Our family, close family and children, are only just finding out. This was a surprise to us, as many pregnancies are. Jael is a surprise little blessing of which we don't deserve, but will be eternally thankful.

Please know that we welcome questions, brought in the heart of love. We recognize that we don't fit any "box" that is viewed as a normal family. We don't want to. We have been blessed, throughout our adoptions, to have so many prayers and so much support. Friends and family have supported us, even when they don't completely understand, because they know our hearts are with God and following Him.

"He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:26

Blessing in the Mourning

Thank you all for the prayers. Today has been a sad day of the realization sitting in. There's a lot of plans and a lot of things that are happening like dominoes right now. Not bad, but the death of my husband's step-dad means a lot of changes.

We can see God very clearly, but are taking steps (you know, the invisible ones that you know are there, but can't see) that are big.

I had actually planned on sharing our big news today, there MAY even be a tiny hint on our blog design(Yep, it's hard keeping my mouth completely shut. Really, someone should loan me some duct tape).

But today is a day that we are mourning, not for Joe, but for ourselves and for our family. I will share our big news, but it will need to be in a few days.

The funny thing is that in this sadness, God is so evident. From the comforting prayers and words from friends, to a very special handmade gift that came in the mail today from a special blog friend. It wasn't a mailman that brought it today, but God.

Today I will rejoice, because in death, life is even more evident.

Thank you to each of you for showing me a little of God's love. He is so very good to me.

"I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure..." Psalm 16:8-9

Mikeschair-Keep Changing the World

Just heard this for the first time today.

Click on the video twice to watch with a full screen.


Something here is wrong
There are children without homes
But we just move along to take care of our own
There's so much suffering just outside our door
A cry so deafening
We just can't ignore


To all the people who are fighting for the broken
All the people who keep holding on to love
All the people who are reaching for the lonely
Keep changing the world


Take a look around
Before the sun goes out
What's lost can still be found
It's not too late now
It only takes one spark to make the fire burn
So reach inside your heart and let this be the start

Chorus
I see you suffering
How they gonna cover it
People just look over like,
Like they don't even notice it
Everyone is focused in,
On ending all this hopelessness
You can change the world
By changing who the world is focused in

I see the sun coming up
It's a brighter day
Let's show the world that love is a better way
So lend a hand join the fight
'Cause time is ticking away

Chorus

It's Time...

They don't think my husband's step-dad will make it through the night. They have taken him off all machines and IVs (which were keeping him alive). He is in a coma.

Please pray for comfort for all and wisdom as we all proceed. Thank you and hugs precious friends.

Update: My husband's step-dad just passed away. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Update on Family and Prayers for Eden

My husband's mom is now home. It has been diagnosed (what was thought to be pneumonia), as a bad case of bronchitis. She has been given VERY strong medicine. Between the stress and the fact that she had a stroke in 2010, we are still very concerned about her.

My husband's step-dad is being moved to another hospital with more long term care. The damage (it sounds) is irreversible to his kidneys and liver. The news is not good, BUT I will say...I have heard prognosis just as bleak and still had remarkable recoveries, so we still hold out hope. All hope is in God and His will.

Please keep them in your prayers, as well as sweet Eden.

Please pray the news Eden's mom receives is good so that they can proceed with greater hope. Please also pray for this sweet little Ethiopian treasure's complete healing.

Lastly, please keep our family in your prayers (if you have a moment). We are following God and fear hits us occasionally out of the blue. Especially for peace and stress reduction for my husband who is going through so much right now, not just with concern over his mom and step-dad. We do hope to share more sometime this week (on the positive side).

Thank you friends...all your comments and prayers mean so much. Hugs...

Family-Please Pray

My step father-in-law, Joe, is in the hospital with liver failure and the beginnings of kidney failure. My mother-in-law is heading to the hospital with possible pneumonia. Please pray friends. The roads are so bad that we won't be able to head down there until possibly next week.

Quote of the Day

"Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows suffering in the world."

"So would I, but then I'm afraid He'd ask me the same question."

Immediate and Urgent Prayer for Little Eden

I just read about a little girl that just got a VERY scary diagnoses. It is beyond nightmarish for this mom and this beautiful child. They say it's terminal and painfully quick. Can you pray urgently for this little one.

Please read about her at the following link and drop to your knees with us...
"Life With My Angel"

Big Big Things

Big things...big big things...that I can't share yet (Arrgggg!!!)

HUGE things are happening and it's driving me crazy not sharing.

We are waiting. We are almost able to share...almost.

Lots of waves we may have to maneuver. Storms possible, but God is bigger.

Fear occasionally rears it's ugly head and I have to seriously work on kicking it's rear out of my house.

Please pray that the waves calm and our passage is smoothed!

Will share soon my friends!!!