Thursday, December 31, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas!
First of all, I feel blessed. More than I deserve. I have five of the most beautiful treasures and a husband that just so happens to be my best friend.........I am not worthy of these gifts. They are gifts.
The gift of Jesus. He is my hope.
These gifts have been given by God through His love and grace - I am thankful. I am praying this next year that I love the Lord with all my heart - serving Him and the ones He has entrusted me with passionately!
Merry Christmas - God is good!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Be Blessed - I was!
This video was made by the beautiful children in our church. I love all these beautiful faces, esspecially one handsome adult shepherd and 5 little angels and shepherds! :) Enjoy and be blessed!!
(Please pause the music on the bottom to hear their little voices read God's word!)
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Where did she go?
Hehe - no I am here, but having 5 kids and it being the holiday season and still tying up loose ends from being gone so long has been keeping me VERY busy..... and I am loving every minute of it. I collapse in bed and sleep very hard.
Isaiah is doing great. He has been to the Dr. and dentist and he did amazing at both places. I am very proud of him. He still has little issues - he hates having water on his face, cats are still really not cool and if he gets too much attention when we are out he checks out (we call it his happy place). I told Justin that sometimes I feel like a rehab center with him. We are trying to teach him to express his feelings (he has never been asked what he wants, so he does not have an opinion), we are teaching him that if he put a toy down or takes his clothes off that they will be there later, we are teaching him animals are good and a lot of other little things we take for granted with having a child from birth. He has come a long way and I love watching the improvement!
Well the dish fairy never arrived like I was praying for so I guess I better get to the dishes! I hope all my bloggy friends are enjoying the Christmas season with their family and friends!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
I love these people!
I was blessed to have my sister and crew here for a quick visit! I love, love, love them and was thrilled to introduce them to Isaiah. This is my sis that took care of my kiddos while we were in Africa for 2 weeks - what a blessing to us all - we could not have done it with out her and her awesome family.
Checking out the tree!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
It bothers me...
It bothers me that we may not have know his eyes. If you have met him you know what I mean - he has eyelashes any woman would die for - they melt me.
It bothers me that he would have just moved onto another institution - soon.
I bothers me that he would have never experience a bubble bath - he giggles even when there are bubbles in the sink - he is a bubble freak.
I bothers me that no one may have cared that red is his favorite color - he points it out everywhere.
I bothers me that I may have never known that he has a huge desire to please. Days can be frustrating - teaching him a whole new world but he has a HUGE desire to please his mommy and daddy - HUGE - it can cut the most frustrating of moments.
It bothers me that no one would give him music lesson that are sure to come - he drums in the air and has rhythm at 2!
It bothers me that no one would have rocked him to sleep - ever.
It bothers me that my other children my have never know him.
It bothers me that I would have never heard him and Lily giggle at nap time for 15 minutes straight (what they were laughing about, I could not tell but I was loving the sound).
It bothers me that he may not have had an opportunity have an education. He loves to learn - this kid LOVES to learn.
It bothers me that all of my fear about the looks I would get in public having a black child on my hip have been unfounded. In fact I get smiles and encouragement. I have seen a few judgemental looks - very few - and those are the same people that glared at me when I walked in with 4 small children.
It bothers me that people felt the need to tell their horror stories that they have heard of from some newspaper in Southern California 10 years ago (you get the idea). What those people don't know is.......that I have never been discouraged by anyone that has adopted - not once - and trust me, I have asked for the truth (and A LOT of people). To every horror story that is out there I have received 3 times as many success stories. Some have been at the most divine time - I will share that story soon.
It bothers me that Isaiah may not have been around our Thanksgiving table this year - that makes my stomach turn.
It bothers me that had I let the world corrupt me (see the end of James 1:27) I would not have known Isaiah and been his mommy for the last month - and now I cannot remember life without him.
(This is a pic - of not one mommy but 2 - just ask her - helping Isaiah to feel better)
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Let us flood Heaven with prayer!
What if blogland can carry a voice to the Canadian government? God can use media for His purposes too and as I started praying about this I thought what a perfect time to move the hearts of Canadians! For them to raise their voices to bring these kids home for the holidays!
This denial does not just effect one family (although - what if it was your 1 family?) - this effects those behind them. Like James and Cheremi who will be sending their paperwork to the Embassy hopefully in a few days. Not to mention those I do not personally know!
Pleeeeease pray - please ask God what to do! Please get involved - there is no justice in this - we as Christians are to fight for justice!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
So hows it going?
I think a lot of the struggle these past few weeks have been MY struggle and frustration more than Isaiah's. I did not do well in Africa. I missed my kids at home so bad I could hardly think straight. Africa and the culture did not bother me - it was being away from my kids - I did not feel like myself at all. I just wanted to get Isaiah and get out of there back to my hubby and kids. It was hard for me to bond with him - It was hard for me to do anything, really. I had always thought I would do this and that when I was in Uganda but I did not factor in the crippling depression I would get while there. I guess I have been a stay at home mom for 10 + years, no job - ALWAYS with my kids - and then boom - "don't worry, have fun, enjoy this time" - nope, didn't work. The thing is, I love being at home. I love taking care of my kids. I love spending my time just keeping the home fires burning - I am really a hermit at heart (a very social hermit if there could be such a thing). But more than all of that I love My Jesus more. More than ALL of it, and for him I would do it again and yes, probably will. ---- Deep breath all my loved ones, not anytime soon! :)
For Jesus I would do it again. You may ask why? Why, if it was that hard and depressing? Well because we are never promised that following Christ will "feel" fabulous, comfortable or easy. Was it fabulous for the apostles to be beaten time and time again? Was it easy for Jesus to keep preaching, though at times he was trying to get away for some rest? No, but he saw the people and had compassion and then he preached and healed. Our examples in God's Word make it very clear. If you think following Christ does not include suffering I challenge you to biblegateway.com and search the word suffering - scroll through the New Testament verses - you will get the idea really fast. It is something we share with Christ.
I have been reading a lot lately about how in our weakness He is made strong. Honestly I look at my time in Africa and think - God was I even letting your light shine through - was I SOOO weak that You could not even use me? But as I decompress from the trip I see how God was with me...
It could have ONLY been God that did all of that in less than 3 weeks - ONLY God! He moved mountains and paved ways and I take no credit for any of it - God did it. Many people have asked how we independently adopted that fast and I say ONLY GOD - He walked us through it all. From the finances here at home to the judges in Uganda - ONLY GOD!
To God be the Glory! I desire to passionately serve Him all my days! His promises never fail!
The blessings! - many times I write about what is heavy on my heart but I do want you to know about the blessings - here are some pics to give you a taste.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Leaving on a jet plane.........
Thank you all for praying bloggy friends - I feel so blessed and excited that God brought us to this and through this. Isaiah is a blessing and possibly the easiest 2 year old in the world. I can not wait to get him to his forever family - FOREVER! FOREVER! :)
I have so many posts in my head - I will be sharing soon .........
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Our Little Night Show!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
'lil update
Thank you all for praying - it means more than I could ever express!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Thankful Tuesday! :)
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Update!
We had our court hearing today! All went well and we are scheduled for a ruling on Thursday. It was relatively painless and Isaiah was an angel the whole time. His little heart was beating very fast and I think he was overwhelmed at all the new sights. We took him to a restaurant to eat where I had the best chicken burger I have ever had. Isaiah on the other hand was not into it and I look forward to the day that he feels good with a great appetite. We have an appointment with the Dr. tomorrow.
Thank you for all you prayers! I feel them and know that God is with us. I could not do it if I did not have God to cry out to all day long. Life is hard here in Africa. The culture, for me, has been a fine adjustment (I love the food and weather) but the orphan life has been devastating to me. I can not stop the tears. I can not get over it. I pray I never do and that my sorrow fuels a passion.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Calling all the Saints!
We are SO feeling the hand of God. Yesterday was hard - last minute everything. I had a friend show up and help get us on the way - thanks Teresa, we stopped at a mini mart and ran into a friend we rarely see and he asked if he could pray with us all and then we dropped the kids off with my sis and saw how loving and ready they all were for our brood! I am feeling so blessed - am I going to cry through this whole experience? LeAnn and Cheremi you would be proud - :)!
Please pray for the whole thing - what ever the Lord leads you to pray!
Whoohoo - we are off.................
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Thankful Thursday and lots of news!
I am thankful for my sis and her family for loving on my babies while we are gone. It is funny because when God was stirring our hearts toward Uganda and adoption, I had read that it could take 3-5 weeks to go through the process. I remember standing up and telling God "well that is that - no way would I be willing to leave for that long" - and now here we are just a few days away and I keep marveling at how God has worked out all the details. I have so much peace and the kids are bubbling over with excitement - I am wondering now why J and I haven't ditched the kids more often -hehe - I am joking. I know that it is the Lord and when we give our life to Him, He in return, gives us the things of Him!
I am thankful for my kids. I had to talk to each of their teachers about their upcoming absence and each teacher went on and on about what good kids they are. I would like to take credit but honestly I feel like it is a privilege to be their parent. They are not perfect but they sure are great kids!
I am thankful for our Canadian friends. We have become very close with them and are thankful for their friendship! Praying for them to bring their little Ugandan babies home soon - VERY soon, like with US soon - praying, praying!
I am thankful for all my friends and family who have rallied around - I don't think a day has gone by when someone has not called to encourage or ask what they can do to help. Isaiah has a lot of people who are cheering him home! I am so thankful for each and everyone of them!
I am thankful that I can go to Africa knowing that no matter what, God will never leave me nor forsake me - it is a promise!
What are you thankful for?
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Thankful Thursday!
Whether your feelings are mean or kind Your attitude to life is the key. Don't wait to be happy until things are just right. Don't let life's little annoyances get in the way...You can be as happy as you decide to be. - unknown
I had something amazing happen a few days ago. #3 read to ME for the first time! Having my kids read for the first time has been the most exciting milestone for me. I was able to teach #1 and #2 but was challenged by #3. He learns in a unique way that I was needing some one more experienced to teach me how to teach him. His teacher is amazing and had him reading in the second month of school! I am so thankful!
I am so thankful for my husband, he is so loving and kind.
I am so thankful for my sister who is going to watch our kids for us while we are gone. #1 told me she can not sleep because she is so excited to go stay with her cousins. I know they will have a great time and make special memories. There are not a lot of people I would even start to think to ask to take 4 kids but her house is always full and she loves it. Thank you Jenay! Thank you! My kids may not want to come home after all your homemade cookies. :)
OK I could go on and on but dinner is already late....................
What are you thankful for?
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Holocaust
I ask myself what would I have done in that time? Would I have known and still turned away? Would I have said, well it is their problem? Would I have just ignored it and thought of my comforts and focused on my self-centered life?
Corrie Ten Boom - I love that woman. I hope I would have been like Corrie Ten Boom. I hope I would have been a woman who's heart was broken for the things that break God's. I hope I would have seen the situation like she did. She did what she could. She used what God had given her and she fought - she fought for justice - after all justice is the foundation of the throne of her God - how could she not? Psalm 89:14Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.
She took them INTO her home. She risked her family and their comfort. Why would she do that? Did she save all of the Jew's? Did she make a huge difference in that moment of hiding those Jews? In the grand number no, no she didn't. In fact if you have read The Hiding Place you know that her life did not get easier once she obeyed what God had her to do. In fact it got horrible, heart breaking. But if you know Corrie Ten Boom, you know the rest of the story..........this woman went on to have a major impact for the Lord. She went on to leave a legacy of faithfulness and beauty. That kind of faithfulness and beauty came from hardship - getting messy, watching the hand of God and keeping the eternal perspective through out. SHE left a legacy. She now has impacted generations!
That holocaust is no different in my eyes to the pain and suffering happening in Africa. The pain and suffering happening to innocent children. The color of their skin makes them no different. Did Corrie Ten Boom say "Oh no they do not believe Jesus is the Son of God so they do not deserve my service"? No, she SHOWED them the love of Jesus Christ, she was the hands and feet of Jesus.
Was she special? No - she was OBEDIENT - she was obedient and crazy about her Savior.
Will Hubby and I save Africa by adopting Isaiah? Will we even make a dent in the many that suffer? No, probably not, but we will be obedient. It is not our job to be God and know how this all turns out. It is our job to be obedient, to seek His face daily and allow Him to lead the way. We are not doing this as a "good deed," we are doing this to be obedient to the call of adopting a little boy. Isaiah, we are coming soon and I can't wait! :)
James 4:17 (New International Version)17Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Adoption, Adoption, Adoption..............
As I have said many times before this has been a wild ride. There has been sooooo (I can't add as many oooooo's as I want to) much with this process. And I am thankful for each one. It has changed who I am, and not that I was a bad person before, it is not about that, it is about the heart - I believe my heart beats, possibly, closer to God's and the things of Him. My heart is now breaking for the things that breaks His and, I hope, I am less focused on myself and more in Christ.
People have asked time and time again - Why are you adopting? This question stumps me every time - how do you explain a heart change? How do you explain your eyes being opened? How do I explain the process God brought me through to get me to this point? So today it dawned on me how I am going to answer - It is not about me! It is the first words to The Purpose Driven Life book (sadly, I do believe I am the only soul who has not read it) but I do know that is how it starts and I completely get what he is saying - IT IS NOT ABOUT ME!! It is not about what I want or need. It is about a couple coming to a point in their life, crying out to God and getting an answer. If you have never done that - I highly recommend it! Obey the call - in that, you will find the life Jesus was talking about (Mark 8:34-36).
So where are we at and how is it going? It is going great! Do I wish Isaiah was here 3 months ago, yes! But I also know that God has perfect timing and I am trusting in that. We are taking each step at a time. Currently we have been approved by our country - which was a big deal and today we are sending all the paperwork to Uganda. We are hoping to travel in October. All the details of that are being lifted up to our Savior and asking him to show the way and I believe He will!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Thankful Thursday!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Thankful Thursday!
Hebrews 13:15 (Amplified Bible)
15Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.
I am thankful for my great husband!
I am thankful for my wonderful children!
I am thankful to God for bringing me to the process of adoption. A process that had brought every thought and belief straight to the top - to be examined and sought in the word of God - the only truth! I am so thankful for this.
I am thankful that God has adopted me.
Ephesians 1:4-6 (New International Version)
In love 5 he[a] predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
Sometimes when I do these Thankful Thursday posts I get overwhelmed because how could I possibly list everything I am thankful for? God is so good, He's so good to me!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Fair Time!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
New Life!!
I feel so blessed this morning. I feel overwhelmed by the miracle of new life - can that ever get old?
I am so grateful to of been Cassie's coach. I grieve for Cassie and RW not being together in this moment but overflowing with gratitude for the sacrifice. RW is fighting for us all and the freedoms we have - thank you RW, thank you Cassie, thank you David. If you can, thank a soldier today! There is a very proud Papa in the midst of a war today.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Huddle
http://sargentsquad.blogspot.com/2009/07/huddle.html
God please give me to strength and ablility to stay AND play hard in the game. Amen
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Surrender
http://www.gcast.com/u/iriverchurch/iriverchurch?nr=1&&s=265738892
This blessed me so much! Listen and be blessed!
Lord I surrender! Amen
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thankful Thursday!
I am thankful for my mom and the nice e-mail she wrote to me this week.
I am thankful for my daughter going to camp and those that are with her, loving her, teaching her and taking care of her this week.
I am thankful for my daughter and all that she contributes to this family. With her being gone, I feel it so much - thank you Jesus for #1 and the beautiful women she is becoming. I pray this week she draws close to you and learns more about You.
I am thankful for answered prayer!
I am thankful for James MacDonald's messages lately - wow - what a call to step it up.
I am thankful that my dishwasher broke, yes, you read right. Though it may not appear that I am thankful because of all my whining about it, I am. It has made me evaluate our commitment to not go into debt anymore. Hubby and I have been trying to climb out of debt and have not charged a thing since October (sad to say that is a record for us). God has blessed that and has cut our debt it half in that time. Back to the broken dishwasher........Were we going to go into debt and run down to the local Sears? Or could I stand at the sink and wash my dishes and trust that if God wants me to have a dishwasher he will provide? It has also put me in my place thinking about those in third world countries.......ya, not so bad to have a broken dish washer, hu? Hubby and I have laughed because we have been having some great conversations at night while I wash and he drys - I am thankful.
I am thankful for much more but now I must go wash dishes - haha! :)
What are you thankful for?
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Thankful Thursday
I am thankful for a Sister in Christ that called just to check in on my spiritual condition. How cool was that? I am so thankful for real Christians that love to get real - LOVE IT!
I am thankful for an awesome playdate that I had today. 6 Super Awesome Mama's, 2 Loving Grandma's, 16 beautiful kids and a water slide = an awesome afternoon!
I am thankful for our church family. They Rock!
I am thankful for Thursday mornings when I get together with a girlfriend and we walk up a very steep hill. I am always sure I am not going to make it but I do and I love the feeling afterward. Ya wanta hear something cool? My girlfriend and I are reading through The Power of a Praying Parent book - she reads out loud while we walk - she has a massive talent, hu? We walk fast and I would surly break and arm trying to do that.;)
I am thankful for getting a little update on a sweet little boy we already love so much in Africa, thanks Shawnda!
I am thankful for our social worker - she was an adopted at age 8 from Ethiopia and she has adopted. She had such insight on many different levels. There are a lot of opinions out there about adoption and being able to ask her questions was priceless!
OK - I could go on and on but my hubby and kids are beginning to circle me so I shall go!:) What are you thankful for?
Monday, July 6, 2009
Avoiding Folding
Soccer in the back yard! I am no soccer buff but I am sure this is not how you play!?!
We have had some pretty awesome weather around here. This was just an evening thunder storm building. God's work of art is amazing!