Sing Praises

Psalm 30:4

English Standard Version (ESV)

 ⁴ Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, 

   and give thanks to his holy name.

Source: Uploaded by user via Janae on Pinterest

I want a tattoo.

Actually I want 3:

ὑπομένω This is greek for Hupomeno. Definition: to remain to tarry behind to remain i.e. abide, not recede or flee to preserve: under misfortunes and trials to hold fast to one's faith in Christ to endure, bear bravely and calmly: ill treatments There are so many times I want out of a situation. But God clearly calls us to endure to.the.end and through the through He refines us making us more like His son.  Life may, no, it will get HOT, uncomfortable, confusing, painful but God calls us to stay put.  Bear up under.  I need this reminder daily.  #2: Abide Jesus said: John 15:5 English Standard Version (ESV) 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. Yes and Amen.  I must abide in Him. #3: δοῦλος doúlos (a masculine noun of uncertain derivation) – properly, someone who belongs to another; a bond-slave, without any ownership rights of their own. Ironically, 1401 /doúlos ("bond-slave") is used with the highest dignity in the NT – namely, of believers who willingly live under Christ's authority as His devoted followers. Our friend, who #5 is named after, talked about getting this one.  He never did, but he made me think a lot about this. I am not a male but I am a slave to Christ, yet I am very free.  Doulos.

~playing with my blog.  sister taught me how to make pictures bigger. :)  Isn't he cute and so funny?~

sent. assessed. advised.

Hubby and I were blessed to be sent by our church, and fellowship, to Denver, CO for a leadership assessment.  I had no idea what this really was but now have walked away blessed, filled and further directed.  

We arrived to a very snowy Denver.  Absolutely beautiful.
Then, drove straight to someones house that I have wanted to meet for 3 years!

Meet Shonnie.  She has been a mentor to me, specifically in the ways of adoption, since before we brought Isaiah home.  I felt so blessed to hug her neck and and spend a night in their home. 

Our #1 and #6 tagged along and were able to spend some time with this wonderful family.  #1 took awhile to warm up but in no time, made fast friends.

We share the same heart for serving Our Jesus into the world of adoption.  Hubby and I respect them so and loved our time of fellowship.

There are few that share this unique call.  What a blessing to hear their hearts and glean from their wisdom.  Not to mention all the laughter.  [we love you S and S - thank you for opening your home and heart]

After being filled up with love and great friendship we headed to Boulder for the assessment.  On the way we saw some ginormous bucks.  This made Hubby very happy.  Very.

As we followed the freeway it came into view……. The Denver Broncos Stadium.
Hubby LOVES the Denver Broncos [and loves loves loves Tim Tebow - I admit he seems to be a great guy ;)].  With these events alone, this was the making of an amazing trip. :)

Baby enjoyed the constant attention and adventure.

I have been trying to come up with words to explain this leadership assessment.

A few other couples and many assessors gathered together under the banner of Jesus to further His kingdom.

Proverbs 15:11 says "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers plans succeed."


We were there with many wise advisers.  Words can not describe how blessed I felt that they would take time out of their busy schedule to get to know us, the gifts and abilities God has given, hear our call to ministry and then speak into our lives.  


Hubby and I walked away from this experience:  humbled.  understanding ourselves better.  encouraged.  can I repeat that one?  very encouraged.  confirmed in some areas the Lord was already prompting.  and understanding some areas we need to pursue for growth.

#1 hung out in the nursery with #6, they had a great time.

On our way home #1 requested a little stop.

I wanted to go here but refrained:

Instead joined in on this:

I love him.

Look at #6's face.

Mmmm...

Time to go home.  Baby in the sling and off we flew.

There is so much more I could write about our experience and what the Lord showed us.  I am sure I will record the "side effects" as our journey continues.

God is good, people.

He loves us.

He uses us.

He is worthy of all our hearts, all our strength and all our lives.  For, in Him, there is life.

ginkgo biloba?

I have a problem.

I keep forgetting everything.  Stuff.  Not the children - thank the Lord!  But things.  Everywhere I go lately.

Last Friday I left my purse at a restaurant.  Saturday I left my phone in a grocery store.  Wednesday I left my purse AND the diaper bag at church and then today I was at my hairdressers (with the 3 littlest) and I was gathering my munchkins, saying by to all the ladies and started to walk out, without paying!  How embarrassing.  Luckily my hairdresser is my friend but still.  THEN, I go to Wal-mart.  I was in a hurry to pick the 3 big ones up from guitar and quickly loaded up the littles, started to jump in the driver seat and the sweetest old couple walked by and said "Is this yours?" - as in my cart with all my stuff?  Uh!  "Yes, yes, it is!"  I rambled on about loosing my mind and how grateful I was that they walked by at that moment.

*sigh*

My solution?

I am never leaving the house again.

The end.