Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Ramblings...
So I need to make up for not posting for a few days. It's been an unusually busy last several days for us.
Phoebe had her fall party at preschool on Thursday & for some reason unfathomable to me I can't find the pictures for that event. I'll try to post some later. She was dressed up as a Pirate girl.
Friday night was the fundraiser concert & ice cream social. The concert & ice cream social went great! The band was great & I really got to worship & praise God. The leader of the band was so humble. Randy & I thanked him for doing this for us & he said, "Thank you for letting me a part of it." They sang for about 30 minutes & then took a break. During the break people got to eat GD Ritzy's ice cream that was
donated to the event. During this time "Papa Don" showed two different
picture videos on the projection screen. The first one was different
pictures of our July Haiti trip & some other pictures of our children. The
second one was the one "Mama Kristina" did on her blog about the "E-ville
Group." After the break a lot of people left but we still had a nice crowd
that continued to worship. They stopped the music at 8:45pm & wrapped up
with a very nice prayer for all of the families from the area that are adopting from Three Angels.
Our two friends that were in charge of this event did a wonderful job! They
are both part of small groups in our church; the woman is in a women's small
group & the man is in the same small men's group that Randy is in. All the
people from those two groups helped do something for the event & they
"recruited" Papa Don to run the sound board which he is use to doing.
We were deeply touched by the people who made a huge effort to be there.
Mama Teresa who was doing a surgery but came as soon as she was finished.
Papa Jason who had Cole solo that night because Mama Amy was at a friend's
wedding, & he had to work the next morning. Mama Sarah & Papa Tim who brought their
children even though it was probably past the little one's bed times.
Brandy & Troy & 2 of their children who drove almost an hour
knowing they would probably arrive as the event was ending (they had a
Hallejuah Event at their church that their children really wanted to go to)
but still felt they needed to come & show their support & make a donation.
A couple who we had never met before who attends a local church who
were inspired by the article in the newspaper to come.
We were immensely blessed by a total amount of $1,400(and still counting) raised by this event with no outward expense to any of the people involved in hosting it except for time & some ice cream toppings. Although we are still $6,800 short of
what we need we are extremely pleased with the amount raised by this
fundraiser. I thank God for blessing us abundantly & know He will provide us with the rest of the money that we need.
Saturday night we went to a Halloween event hosted by Randy's work. Phoebe dressed up as Pirate girl again & won "Scariest costume" in the age 4 & under group. She really wasn't scary looking at all :o)
Sunday evening was our church's Trunk or Treat. We really enjoy this event every year & this year was no exception. Phoebe got way more candy than she or us needed :o)
Today we found out that the AP picked up the adoption story & it was in the IndyStar(Indy's big newspaper) today. We are still awaiting news on entering IBESR. There have been some issues with the medical reports that needed to be corrected so hopefully I will hear good news tomorrow. Some of the area moms adopting from Three Angels got to meet a mom from Florida today who adopted a girl from Three Angels three years ago. Her in laws live here so they were in town for a visit.
Okay...my brain fade is really bad right now so it's time to stop rambling!
Phoebe had her fall party at preschool on Thursday & for some reason unfathomable to me I can't find the pictures for that event. I'll try to post some later. She was dressed up as a Pirate girl.
Friday night was the fundraiser concert & ice cream social. The concert & ice cream social went great! The band was great & I really got to worship & praise God. The leader of the band was so humble. Randy & I thanked him for doing this for us & he said, "Thank you for letting me a part of it." They sang for about 30 minutes & then took a break. During the break people got to eat GD Ritzy's ice cream that was
donated to the event. During this time "Papa Don" showed two different
picture videos on the projection screen. The first one was different
pictures of our July Haiti trip & some other pictures of our children. The
second one was the one "Mama Kristina" did on her blog about the "E-ville
Group." After the break a lot of people left but we still had a nice crowd
that continued to worship. They stopped the music at 8:45pm & wrapped up
with a very nice prayer for all of the families from the area that are adopting from Three Angels.
Our two friends that were in charge of this event did a wonderful job! They
are both part of small groups in our church; the woman is in a women's small
group & the man is in the same small men's group that Randy is in. All the
people from those two groups helped do something for the event & they
"recruited" Papa Don to run the sound board which he is use to doing.
We were deeply touched by the people who made a huge effort to be there.
Mama Teresa who was doing a surgery but came as soon as she was finished.
Papa Jason who had Cole solo that night because Mama Amy was at a friend's
wedding, & he had to work the next morning. Mama Sarah & Papa Tim who brought their
children even though it was probably past the little one's bed times.
Brandy & Troy & 2 of their children who drove almost an hour
knowing they would probably arrive as the event was ending (they had a
Hallejuah Event at their church that their children really wanted to go to)
but still felt they needed to come & show their support & make a donation.
A couple who we had never met before who attends a local church who
were inspired by the article in the newspaper to come.
We were immensely blessed by a total amount of $1,400(and still counting) raised by this event with no outward expense to any of the people involved in hosting it except for time & some ice cream toppings. Although we are still $6,800 short of
what we need we are extremely pleased with the amount raised by this
fundraiser. I thank God for blessing us abundantly & know He will provide us with the rest of the money that we need.
Saturday night we went to a Halloween event hosted by Randy's work. Phoebe dressed up as Pirate girl again & won "Scariest costume" in the age 4 & under group. She really wasn't scary looking at all :o)
Sunday evening was our church's Trunk or Treat. We really enjoy this event every year & this year was no exception. Phoebe got way more candy than she or us needed :o)
Today we found out that the AP picked up the adoption story & it was in the IndyStar(Indy's big newspaper) today. We are still awaiting news on entering IBESR. There have been some issues with the medical reports that needed to be corrected so hopefully I will hear good news tomorrow. Some of the area moms adopting from Three Angels got to meet a mom from Florida today who adopted a girl from Three Angels three years ago. Her in laws live here so they were in town for a visit.
Okay...my brain fade is really bad right now so it's time to stop rambling!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Hot off the press!
I knew that the article was going to be in today's paper by the flurry of last minute phone calls we got last night trying to make sure all the details were right before the printing deadline. I also checked the "Tomorrow's Headlines" section on line to make sure the story was listed & it was. It was listed under local news which is a section in the middle of our newspaper. Imagine how "surprised" I was when I went to get my neighbor's newspaper this morning & saw the story on the front page.
I quickly brought the newspaper inside & read the article praying that it would be God pleasing & accurate. It was!!! Praise God!!! Angela did an awesome job with her phone interview. You can tell it was Holy Spirit inspired. It is not the entire article because you only get that if you're a paid on line subscriber. The paper version ended with a paragraph quote by Angela that made it clear that God was in control of these adoptions & He is who we put our faith & trust in. The paper version had 3 pictures. Two on the front page which included a picture of me, Randy, Samara, & her birthmother from our July visit to Haiti, a picture of Randy & Phoebe at church, & one picture on the last page of the article which showed Phoebe talking to Eva (Samendia & Jefferson's 3 year old sister) who was sitting on her mother Teresa's knee. Below is the online version of the article.
Haiti, Evansville create family bonds
Nine Evansville-area families plan to adopt Haitian orphans
Evansville Courier & Press
By Susan Orr (Contact)
Thursday, October 25, 2007
When Angela and Shawn Collins of Evansville traveled to Angel House orphanage in Haiti last year, their intent was to visit the children and volunteer there.
The couple wanted children but had put the idea aside after experiencing the pain of several miscarriages. But, Angela Collins said, God had a different plan. While at Angel House, she found herself drawn to two children. She told her husband, who said he also felt a connection with them. After praying about it and talking to the children, they decided to begin the adoption process for Steven and Belle, both 9.
"I never thought I'd go to an orphanage and decide to adopt two 9 year olds. ... I have no idea how to explain it. It was God," she said.
(Coincidentally, a few months after that Haiti visit, Angela learned she was pregnant. The Collinses' daughter, Madelyn, was born in July.)
The Collinses are among nine Evansville-area families who are in the process of adopting a total of 17 Angel House children, ages infant to 9. Located in Port-au-Prince, Angel House cares for children who have been abandoned, orphaned or brought in by parents too poor to care for them. If the adoptions proceed on schedule, the first of the children will arrive by Christmas, with all of them here by Christmas 2008.
The Angel House adoption network has grown through word-of-mouth.
Michelle Cundiff of Evansville, a friend of Angela Collins, is missions leader for Three Angels Children's Relief, the agency that runs the orphanage, a Christian school and a medical clinic. She and her husband, Jeremy, are in the process of adopting three children. It is unusual for so many families to be adopting from the same orphanage, especially since Haiti isn't necessarily a hot spot to adopt from," Cundiff wrote in an e-mail interview. "We attribute this to God."
Another family, Kathy and Randy Koenig of Newburgh, is working to adopt three children: Shakira, 5, Samara, 3, and Caleb, 5 months old. Those children will join Phoebe, 4, whom the Koenigs adopted as an infant in North Carolina. The Koenigs attend Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, and the church will host a benefit concert Friday at 7 p.m. to help raise money for the family's adoption expenses.
The Koenigs heard about Angel House through church friends who are adopting two children from there. Kathy Koenig's connection with the children began online. She was looking at the orphanage's Web site and saw Samara's photo. The little girl had the same birthday as Phoebe, the same gap-toothed grin and the same love of dance and music. Randy noticed the similarities, too. "We just knew we were meant to adopt Samara," Kathy said. In months to come, the couple decided to adopt the two other children. The couple traveled to Haiti in July to visit the children and meet their biological mothers. For Kathy, the experience was emotional. For Randy, it was a confirmation they were doing God's will. "I knew that these children needed me," Randy said. The Koenigs estimate all three adoptions should be complete between December and February. In the meantime, they're preparing for the new arrivals.
Photographs of the children hang on the walls, and the Koenigs regularly send family pictures to Angel House. The Koenigs are learning to speak some Creole, and they are collecting Haitian recipes.
As the families wait, they have gotten to know each other. Cundiff hosts a weekly mothers' prayer gathering, and the families plan to stay in touch. "We feel extremely blessed that the children will be able to continue the friendships they have formed in the orphanage," Cundiff wrote.
I quickly brought the newspaper inside & read the article praying that it would be God pleasing & accurate. It was!!! Praise God!!! Angela did an awesome job with her phone interview. You can tell it was Holy Spirit inspired. It is not the entire article because you only get that if you're a paid on line subscriber. The paper version ended with a paragraph quote by Angela that made it clear that God was in control of these adoptions & He is who we put our faith & trust in. The paper version had 3 pictures. Two on the front page which included a picture of me, Randy, Samara, & her birthmother from our July visit to Haiti, a picture of Randy & Phoebe at church, & one picture on the last page of the article which showed Phoebe talking to Eva (Samendia & Jefferson's 3 year old sister) who was sitting on her mother Teresa's knee. Below is the online version of the article.
Haiti, Evansville create family bonds
Nine Evansville-area families plan to adopt Haitian orphans
Evansville Courier & Press
By Susan Orr (Contact)
Thursday, October 25, 2007
When Angela and Shawn Collins of Evansville traveled to Angel House orphanage in Haiti last year, their intent was to visit the children and volunteer there.
The couple wanted children but had put the idea aside after experiencing the pain of several miscarriages. But, Angela Collins said, God had a different plan. While at Angel House, she found herself drawn to two children. She told her husband, who said he also felt a connection with them. After praying about it and talking to the children, they decided to begin the adoption process for Steven and Belle, both 9.
"I never thought I'd go to an orphanage and decide to adopt two 9 year olds. ... I have no idea how to explain it. It was God," she said.
(Coincidentally, a few months after that Haiti visit, Angela learned she was pregnant. The Collinses' daughter, Madelyn, was born in July.)
The Collinses are among nine Evansville-area families who are in the process of adopting a total of 17 Angel House children, ages infant to 9. Located in Port-au-Prince, Angel House cares for children who have been abandoned, orphaned or brought in by parents too poor to care for them. If the adoptions proceed on schedule, the first of the children will arrive by Christmas, with all of them here by Christmas 2008.
The Angel House adoption network has grown through word-of-mouth.
Michelle Cundiff of Evansville, a friend of Angela Collins, is missions leader for Three Angels Children's Relief, the agency that runs the orphanage, a Christian school and a medical clinic. She and her husband, Jeremy, are in the process of adopting three children. It is unusual for so many families to be adopting from the same orphanage, especially since Haiti isn't necessarily a hot spot to adopt from," Cundiff wrote in an e-mail interview. "We attribute this to God."
Another family, Kathy and Randy Koenig of Newburgh, is working to adopt three children: Shakira, 5, Samara, 3, and Caleb, 5 months old. Those children will join Phoebe, 4, whom the Koenigs adopted as an infant in North Carolina. The Koenigs attend Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, and the church will host a benefit concert Friday at 7 p.m. to help raise money for the family's adoption expenses.
The Koenigs heard about Angel House through church friends who are adopting two children from there. Kathy Koenig's connection with the children began online. She was looking at the orphanage's Web site and saw Samara's photo. The little girl had the same birthday as Phoebe, the same gap-toothed grin and the same love of dance and music. Randy noticed the similarities, too. "We just knew we were meant to adopt Samara," Kathy said. In months to come, the couple decided to adopt the two other children. The couple traveled to Haiti in July to visit the children and meet their biological mothers. For Kathy, the experience was emotional. For Randy, it was a confirmation they were doing God's will. "I knew that these children needed me," Randy said. The Koenigs estimate all three adoptions should be complete between December and February. In the meantime, they're preparing for the new arrivals.
Photographs of the children hang on the walls, and the Koenigs regularly send family pictures to Angel House. The Koenigs are learning to speak some Creole, and they are collecting Haitian recipes.
As the families wait, they have gotten to know each other. Cundiff hosts a weekly mothers' prayer gathering, and the families plan to stay in touch. "We feel extremely blessed that the children will be able to continue the friendships they have formed in the orphanage," Cundiff wrote.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Thorns
Sandra felt as low as the heels of her shoes when she pulled open the florist shop door, against a November gust of wind. Her life had been as sweet as a spring breeze and then, in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a "minor" automobile accident stole her joy.
This was Thanksgiving week and the time she should have delivered their infant son. She grieved over their loss. Troubles had multiplied. Her husband's company "threatened" to transfer his job to a new location. Her sister had
called to say that she could not come for her long awaited holiday visit. What's worse, Sandra's friend suggested that Sandra's grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer. "She has no idea what I'm feeling," thought Sandra with a shudder. "Thanksgiving? Thankful for what?" she wondered. "For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her life, but took her child's?"
"Good afternoon, can I help you?" Sandra was startled by the approach of the shop clerk. "I . . . I need an arrangement," stammered Sandra. "For Thanksgiving? I'm convinced that flowers tell stories," she continued. "Are you looking for something that conveys 'gratitude' this Thanksgiving?" "Not exactly!" Sandra blurted out. "In the last five months, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong."
Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the clerk said, "I have the perfect arrangement for you." Then the bell on the door rang, and the clerk greeted the new customer, "Hi, Barbara, let me get your order." She excused herself and walked back to a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows, and what appeared to be long-stemmed thorny roses. Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped: there were no flowers.
"Do you want these in a box?" asked the clerk. Sandra watched - was this a joke? Who
would want rose stems with no flowers! She waited for laughter, but neither woman laughed. "Yes, please," Barbara replied with an appreciative smile. "You'd think after three years of getting the special, I wouldn't be so moved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again," she said, as she gently tapped her chest. Sandra stammered, "Ah, that lady just left with . . . uh . . . she left with no flowers!" "That's right," said the clerk. "I cut off the flowers. That's the 'Special'. I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet. Barbara came into the shop three years ago, feeling much as you do today," explained the clerk. "She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had just lost her father to cancer; the family business was failing; her son had gotten into drugs; and she was facing major surgery. That same year I had lost my husband," continued the clerk. "For the first time in my life, I had to spend the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too much debt to allow any travel."
"So what did you do?" asked Sandra. "I learned to be thankful for thorns," answered the clerk quietly. "I've always thanked God for the good things in my life and I never questioned Him why those good things happened to me, but when the bad stuff hit, I cried out, 'Why? Why me?!' It took time for me to learn that the dark times are important to our faith! I have always enjoyed the 'flowers' of my life, but it took the thorns to show me the beauty of God's comfort! You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others." Sandra sucked in her breath, as she thought about what her friend had tried to tell her. "I guess the truth is I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God." Just then someone else walked in the shop. "Hey, Phil!" the clerk greeted the balding, rotund man. "My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving arrangement . . . twelve thorny, long-stemmed stems!" laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a tissue wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator.
"Those are for your wife?" asked Sandra incredulously. "Do you mind telling me why she wants a bouquet that looks like that?" "Four years ago, my wife and I nearly divorced," Phil replied. "After forty years, we were in a real mess, but with the Lord's grace and guidance, we trudged through problem after problem, the Lord rescued our marriage. Jenny here (the clerk) told me she kept a vase of rose stems to remind her of what she had learned from "thorny" times. That was good enough for me. I took home some of those stems. My wife and I decided to label each one for a specific "problem" and give thanks for what that problem taught us."
As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra, "I highly recommend the Special!"
"I don't know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life" Sandra said to the clerk. "It's all too fresh." "Well," the clerk replied carefully, "my experience has shown me that the thorns make the roses more precious. We treasure God's providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember that it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don't resent the thorns."
Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on her resentment. "I'll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please," she managed to choke out. "I hoped you would," said the clerk gently. "I'll have them ready in a minute." "Thank you. What do I owe you?"
"Nothing. Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year's arrangement is always on me." The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. "I'll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you would like to read it first."
It read: "My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant."
Praise Him for the roses; thank Him for the thorns.
This was Thanksgiving week and the time she should have delivered their infant son. She grieved over their loss. Troubles had multiplied. Her husband's company "threatened" to transfer his job to a new location. Her sister had
called to say that she could not come for her long awaited holiday visit. What's worse, Sandra's friend suggested that Sandra's grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer. "She has no idea what I'm feeling," thought Sandra with a shudder. "Thanksgiving? Thankful for what?" she wondered. "For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her life, but took her child's?"
"Good afternoon, can I help you?" Sandra was startled by the approach of the shop clerk. "I . . . I need an arrangement," stammered Sandra. "For Thanksgiving? I'm convinced that flowers tell stories," she continued. "Are you looking for something that conveys 'gratitude' this Thanksgiving?" "Not exactly!" Sandra blurted out. "In the last five months, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong."
Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the clerk said, "I have the perfect arrangement for you." Then the bell on the door rang, and the clerk greeted the new customer, "Hi, Barbara, let me get your order." She excused herself and walked back to a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows, and what appeared to be long-stemmed thorny roses. Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped: there were no flowers.
"Do you want these in a box?" asked the clerk. Sandra watched - was this a joke? Who
would want rose stems with no flowers! She waited for laughter, but neither woman laughed. "Yes, please," Barbara replied with an appreciative smile. "You'd think after three years of getting the special, I wouldn't be so moved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again," she said, as she gently tapped her chest. Sandra stammered, "Ah, that lady just left with . . . uh . . . she left with no flowers!" "That's right," said the clerk. "I cut off the flowers. That's the 'Special'. I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet. Barbara came into the shop three years ago, feeling much as you do today," explained the clerk. "She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had just lost her father to cancer; the family business was failing; her son had gotten into drugs; and she was facing major surgery. That same year I had lost my husband," continued the clerk. "For the first time in my life, I had to spend the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too much debt to allow any travel."
"So what did you do?" asked Sandra. "I learned to be thankful for thorns," answered the clerk quietly. "I've always thanked God for the good things in my life and I never questioned Him why those good things happened to me, but when the bad stuff hit, I cried out, 'Why? Why me?!' It took time for me to learn that the dark times are important to our faith! I have always enjoyed the 'flowers' of my life, but it took the thorns to show me the beauty of God's comfort! You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others." Sandra sucked in her breath, as she thought about what her friend had tried to tell her. "I guess the truth is I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God." Just then someone else walked in the shop. "Hey, Phil!" the clerk greeted the balding, rotund man. "My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving arrangement . . . twelve thorny, long-stemmed stems!" laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a tissue wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator.
"Those are for your wife?" asked Sandra incredulously. "Do you mind telling me why she wants a bouquet that looks like that?" "Four years ago, my wife and I nearly divorced," Phil replied. "After forty years, we were in a real mess, but with the Lord's grace and guidance, we trudged through problem after problem, the Lord rescued our marriage. Jenny here (the clerk) told me she kept a vase of rose stems to remind her of what she had learned from "thorny" times. That was good enough for me. I took home some of those stems. My wife and I decided to label each one for a specific "problem" and give thanks for what that problem taught us."
As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra, "I highly recommend the Special!"
"I don't know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life" Sandra said to the clerk. "It's all too fresh." "Well," the clerk replied carefully, "my experience has shown me that the thorns make the roses more precious. We treasure God's providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember that it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don't resent the thorns."
Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on her resentment. "I'll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please," she managed to choke out. "I hoped you would," said the clerk gently. "I'll have them ready in a minute." "Thank you. What do I owe you?"
"Nothing. Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year's arrangement is always on me." The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. "I'll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you would like to read it first."
It read: "My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant."
Praise Him for the roses; thank Him for the thorns.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
REMINDER...
that our Praise & Worship concert & ice cream social fundraiser is this Friday Oct. 26th at 7pm at Our Redeemer across from U of E. If you need more information please contact me. Please pray that the newspaper article of our adoption story will be in tomorrow's paper. It was slated for Saturday the 20th but has not been printed yet. I know Satan doesn't want people to know about the amazing things that God is doing in our area. He also doesn't want people to know about the fundraiser, & it's suppose to be mentioned in the story as well. Please pray that the story will be accurate, God pleasing & encourage people to donate to our adoption fund as well as support Three Angels in whatever way they can. Thanks so much!
Monday, October 22, 2007
SoCal Fire Update...
Thank you so much for your prayers today regarding Fiona & Bob. They were evacuated at 10am but have since returned to their home & everything is okay there. The winds & fire have shifted & are now heading toward Shannon. Please pray for protection for her, her family, & their home. Please pray that the peace that passes understanding will fill them during this uneasy time. Thank you!
Prayers Needed Now!
Please pray for Fiona & Bob (Nancy & Alixon's Mamma & Papa). They live in Southern California & the fires are getting way too close to their house. They are waiting for an evacuation order. Please pray for their physical safey as well the safety of their house & for everyone in their neighborhood. Their children are close to coming home from the orphanage & need to be in "their" home. Thanks so much!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Quadruply Blessed!
I have no idea if that's a "real" word or not but I'm going to use it. Today we were blessed with the last twin mattress we needed, a dresser, a chest of drawers, & a couch. I just "reminded" God Friday that we needed 3 of the 4 things & He was quick to answer today as well as throw in a couch that will work much better than the one we currently use downstairs. Thank you Lord for all of the blessings you bestow on us!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Happy Day!
Praise God! We got our DHS approval letter in the mail today! I am unsure of our IBESR status because I have not spoken to the adoptive parent liasion yet but I am praying that we are in & we just don't know it yet. Thanks for all of your prayers...keep praying!
Cutie pie Caleb...
I didn't think I was going to be able to post this picture because I couldn't figure out how to save or copy it but a faithful friend helped me out so here it is. Latest measurements from the orphanage say he is 15 pounds & 27 inches long. He is 5 months old today. I love you & miss you "little man!"
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Samara's Gift...
This is an ornament that Samara made for us. It was given to me today by my friend Bethany who was on the 1st October mission trip. It will be the first ornament we put on the tree this year.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Amazing Women...
These women love much & live much. They live for Christ. They give their hearts & lives to the children of Haiti. Please pray for them & if you ever get the chance, please encourage them & support them in what they do.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Our prayers...
I have been praying fervently for the past month regarding some progress in our adoption paper work. Although I currently do not have any "visible" signs of progress I know that God hears my prayers & is working on our behalf. I was getting ready to post a devotion on prayer when a friend sent me the following devotion. As usual it is timely in my life. I hope that it may speak to your heart as well.
He Is Attentive to Your Prayers
Today's Scripture
“For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God), and His ears are attentive to their prayer…” (I Peter 3:12 AMP).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Do you ever wonder if the Lord hears your prayers? There is Good News today—this verse promises that He is attentive to the prayers of the righteous! If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior and have asked Him to cleanse you of your past sins, then you are righteous by the blood of Jesus. God longs to show Himself strong on your behalf. Your prayers open the door for Him to move in your life. You can be sure that He is attentive and listening for your prayers. Keep standing, keep believing, and keep praying knowing that God is on your side. He hears you. He’s working behind the scenes and orchestrating things in your favor. Thank Him today for listening. Thank Him for making you righteous. As you stand in faith, you will see God move in your life. Don’t shrink back—move forward in confidence knowing that the eyes of the Lord are upon you, and He is attentive to your prayers!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for making me righteous. Thank You for making me clean and new. Thank You for hearing my prayers today. I cast my cares and burdens on You knowing that You are working in my life today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(I'm assuming this devotion came from Joel & Victoria Osteen although I am not for sure since my friend did not state where it came from)
He Is Attentive to Your Prayers
Today's Scripture
“For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God), and His ears are attentive to their prayer…” (I Peter 3:12 AMP).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Do you ever wonder if the Lord hears your prayers? There is Good News today—this verse promises that He is attentive to the prayers of the righteous! If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior and have asked Him to cleanse you of your past sins, then you are righteous by the blood of Jesus. God longs to show Himself strong on your behalf. Your prayers open the door for Him to move in your life. You can be sure that He is attentive and listening for your prayers. Keep standing, keep believing, and keep praying knowing that God is on your side. He hears you. He’s working behind the scenes and orchestrating things in your favor. Thank Him today for listening. Thank Him for making you righteous. As you stand in faith, you will see God move in your life. Don’t shrink back—move forward in confidence knowing that the eyes of the Lord are upon you, and He is attentive to your prayers!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for making me righteous. Thank You for making me clean and new. Thank You for hearing my prayers today. I cast my cares and burdens on You knowing that You are working in my life today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(I'm assuming this devotion came from Joel & Victoria Osteen although I am not for sure since my friend did not state where it came from)
Picture Day!
Yesterday was picture day at Phoebe's preschool. She even got her hair styled for the "event." Here are two pictures that I took of her at home before she went to school. I pray that she did not pose like this at school because I already paid money to buy a package :o)
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Finely tuned...
"I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call
on My name and I will answer them; I will say, "They are My people," and they will say, "The Lord is our God." - Zechariah 13:9
A friend sent me this the other day & I think the timing was perfect for me.
My former business career was as an owner of an advertising agency. Over the years, I had the privilege to work on many different and prestigious accounts. One of those accounts was Steinway Pianos, the maker of the world's finest pianos. Each piano has always been made from scratch; it takes over a year to make one Steinway. The most impressive scene as I toured the manufacturing plant was the place where the soundboard is stretched to its maximum tolerance and allowed to sit for an extended
period until it remains in the curved design. This was done in an off-to-the-corner part of the plant. If the wood were alive, it would be crying out for mercy.
After an extended time of stretching, the wood will never spring back to
its original state. It is permanently changed. The piano is becoming a fine-tuned instrument. After this process takes place, the next step requires another point of stress. It takes 11 tons of pressure on a piano to tune it. Each step in the process moves the piano closer to a finished product that will ultimately be played by the world's finest musicians. These musicians desire a particular sound that only a piano like this can make.
God looks at each of us as a fine-tuned instrument. However, we begin as rough wood that He desires to transform into gold. Tuning us requires certain experiences that will stretch our faith, our frame, and our very life. Sainthood springs out of suffering. If we can stand the strain of this intense process, we will come forth as gold-as a sweet-smelling offering to our Maker. When we are in the midst of these times, it feels like fire. It is painful to be stretched beyond our perceived
limits, but the Lord knows this is necessary for us to become an instrument that can play a beautiful song that others will seek after. Let the master Craftsman have His way in your life today. You will be pleased with the instrument He fashions.
on My name and I will answer them; I will say, "They are My people," and they will say, "The Lord is our God." - Zechariah 13:9
A friend sent me this the other day & I think the timing was perfect for me.
My former business career was as an owner of an advertising agency. Over the years, I had the privilege to work on many different and prestigious accounts. One of those accounts was Steinway Pianos, the maker of the world's finest pianos. Each piano has always been made from scratch; it takes over a year to make one Steinway. The most impressive scene as I toured the manufacturing plant was the place where the soundboard is stretched to its maximum tolerance and allowed to sit for an extended
period until it remains in the curved design. This was done in an off-to-the-corner part of the plant. If the wood were alive, it would be crying out for mercy.
After an extended time of stretching, the wood will never spring back to
its original state. It is permanently changed. The piano is becoming a fine-tuned instrument. After this process takes place, the next step requires another point of stress. It takes 11 tons of pressure on a piano to tune it. Each step in the process moves the piano closer to a finished product that will ultimately be played by the world's finest musicians. These musicians desire a particular sound that only a piano like this can make.
God looks at each of us as a fine-tuned instrument. However, we begin as rough wood that He desires to transform into gold. Tuning us requires certain experiences that will stretch our faith, our frame, and our very life. Sainthood springs out of suffering. If we can stand the strain of this intense process, we will come forth as gold-as a sweet-smelling offering to our Maker. When we are in the midst of these times, it feels like fire. It is painful to be stretched beyond our perceived
limits, but the Lord knows this is necessary for us to become an instrument that can play a beautiful song that others will seek after. Let the master Craftsman have His way in your life today. You will be pleased with the instrument He fashions.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Do not doubt...Do not waiver!
"Do not doubt...do not waiver!" These words have been running through my brain almost constantly since Thursday. I know God is telling me this because of the battle that has been ensuing regarding our adoption papers. Today is a "critical" day in the process although at this point I have no idea in what ways. I've been praying fervently this morning & will continue to do so through out the day. Please join me in prayer as we "move mountains" through Jesus. Thank you!
"I assure you, even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' & it would move. Nothing would be impossible." Matthew 17:20b-c
"I assure you, even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' & it would move. Nothing would be impossible." Matthew 17:20b-c
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Back to back bad...
I just recieved two back to back phone calls relating "bad" news. Please pray for both situations. The first one was to inform me that my friend Mike's son committed suicide. Please pray for Mike & his family. Words can not even express the anguish one feels when they lose a loved one to suicide.
The second one was from a friend of mine who just got a call that her mother who lives in Bloomington is sick & has to have a pace maker put in tomorrow. She is not in the best of health to start with. She has battled skin cancer & some other illnesses. Please pray for her as well as travel safety for Katrina & her 2 year old. Please pray that Randy & I can be a comfort & help to both Mike & Katrina during this time. Thanks so much!
The second one was from a friend of mine who just got a call that her mother who lives in Bloomington is sick & has to have a pace maker put in tomorrow. She is not in the best of health to start with. She has battled skin cancer & some other illnesses. Please pray for her as well as travel safety for Katrina & her 2 year old. Please pray that Randy & I can be a comfort & help to both Mike & Katrina during this time. Thanks so much!
One down...one to go!
We were in need of two twin mattresses for the girls room & we were blessed with one today. Thank you Lord! I know He will provide us with the other one soon.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Psalm 147
Praise the Lord!
How good it is to sing praises to our God!
How delightful & how right!
The Lord is rebuilding Jerusalem
& bringing the exiles back to Israel.
He heals the broken hearted,
binding up their wounds.
He counts the stars
& calls them all by name.
How great is our Lord! His power is absolute!
His understanding is beyond comprehension!
The Lord supports the humble,
but he brings the wicked down into the dust.
Sing out your thanks to the Lord;
sing praises to our God, accompanied by harps.
He covers the heavens with clouds,
provides rain for the earth,
& makes the green grass grow in mountain pastures.
He feeds the wild animals,
& the young ravens cry to him for food.
The strength of a horse does not impress him;
how puny in his sight is the strength of a man.
Rather, the Lord's delight is in those who honor him,
those who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Praise The Lord, O Jerusalem!
Praise your God, O Zion!
For he has fortified the bars of your gates
& blessed your children within you.
He sends peace across your nation
& satisifes you with plenty of the finest wheat.
He sends his orders to the world-how swiftly his word flies!
He sends the snow like white wool;
he scatters frost upon the ground like ashes.
He hurls the hail like stones.
Who can stand against his freezing cold?
Then, at his command, it all melts.
He sends his winds, & the ice thaws.
He has revealed his words to Jacob,
his principles & laws to Israel.
He has not done this with any other nation;
they do not know his laws.
Praise the Lord!
How good it is to sing praises to our God!
How delightful & how right!
The Lord is rebuilding Jerusalem
& bringing the exiles back to Israel.
He heals the broken hearted,
binding up their wounds.
He counts the stars
& calls them all by name.
How great is our Lord! His power is absolute!
His understanding is beyond comprehension!
The Lord supports the humble,
but he brings the wicked down into the dust.
Sing out your thanks to the Lord;
sing praises to our God, accompanied by harps.
He covers the heavens with clouds,
provides rain for the earth,
& makes the green grass grow in mountain pastures.
He feeds the wild animals,
& the young ravens cry to him for food.
The strength of a horse does not impress him;
how puny in his sight is the strength of a man.
Rather, the Lord's delight is in those who honor him,
those who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Praise The Lord, O Jerusalem!
Praise your God, O Zion!
For he has fortified the bars of your gates
& blessed your children within you.
He sends peace across your nation
& satisifes you with plenty of the finest wheat.
He sends his orders to the world-how swiftly his word flies!
He sends the snow like white wool;
he scatters frost upon the ground like ashes.
He hurls the hail like stones.
Who can stand against his freezing cold?
Then, at his command, it all melts.
He sends his winds, & the ice thaws.
He has revealed his words to Jacob,
his principles & laws to Israel.
He has not done this with any other nation;
they do not know his laws.
Praise the Lord!
Friday, October 5, 2007
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Moving Mountains!
Jesus says in Matthew 21:21-22 "I assure you, if you have faith & do not doubt, you can do things like this & much more. You can even say to this mountain, 'May God lift you up & throw you into the sea,' & it will happen. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." He says a similiar comment in Mark 11:23 "I assure you that you can say to this mountain, 'May God lift you up & throw you into the sea' & your command will be obeyed. All that's required is that you really believe & do not doubt in your heart."
From the start of our adoption process I have believed that God is in control of these adoptions & that He does want our children home quickly. I still believe that & now it's time to move some mountains!!! It's time for the mountains in Haiti that are standing in the way of our children coming home be tossed into the sea! Please stand with me in prayer about the following specific things:
1. That Mr. Fagan in the DHS office in Haiti will sign the DHS approvals Thursday Oct. 4th for both us & our friends Cathy & Troy if he has not already done so.
2. That us, our friends Don & Teresa, & Cathy & Troy enter IBESR no later than Monday Oct. 8th.
3. That our friends Michelle & Jeremy, Kristina & Todd, Angela & Shawn, Tanya & Derek, & Fiona & her husband would come out of Parquet quickly & smoothly & that their children will be home with them before Christmas.
4. That all of the Three Angels adoptive parents that are in IBESR now would exit quickly & would quickly enter & exit Parquet.
5. That us, our friends Don & Teresa, & Cathy Troy exit IBESR quickly & smoothly & enter & exit Parquet quickly & smoothly & that our children would come as soon as possible...perferably before Christmas but no later than Febuary.
6. That our friends Amy & Sarah's DHS appointments go smoothly while they are in Haiti & that they will get their DHS approvals quickly & enter & exit IBESR quickly & smoothly.
7. That all of the birthparents involved in these adoptions will come to know Jesus as their Lord & Savior if they don't already. And that they will be filled with His peace & comfort during & after the adoptions.
8. That if it's the Lords will for our friends Kelly & Jarod to adopt soon that He will make it "crystal clear" to both of them & they will be filled with His peace.
9. Please pray for wisdom, guidance, strength, & encouragement for all the people involved with Three Angels Children's Relief. Their jobs are not easy and their love for the children is great.
From the start of our adoption process I have believed that God is in control of these adoptions & that He does want our children home quickly. I still believe that & now it's time to move some mountains!!! It's time for the mountains in Haiti that are standing in the way of our children coming home be tossed into the sea! Please stand with me in prayer about the following specific things:
1. That Mr. Fagan in the DHS office in Haiti will sign the DHS approvals Thursday Oct. 4th for both us & our friends Cathy & Troy if he has not already done so.
2. That us, our friends Don & Teresa, & Cathy & Troy enter IBESR no later than Monday Oct. 8th.
3. That our friends Michelle & Jeremy, Kristina & Todd, Angela & Shawn, Tanya & Derek, & Fiona & her husband would come out of Parquet quickly & smoothly & that their children will be home with them before Christmas.
4. That all of the Three Angels adoptive parents that are in IBESR now would exit quickly & would quickly enter & exit Parquet.
5. That us, our friends Don & Teresa, & Cathy Troy exit IBESR quickly & smoothly & enter & exit Parquet quickly & smoothly & that our children would come as soon as possible...perferably before Christmas but no later than Febuary.
6. That our friends Amy & Sarah's DHS appointments go smoothly while they are in Haiti & that they will get their DHS approvals quickly & enter & exit IBESR quickly & smoothly.
7. That all of the birthparents involved in these adoptions will come to know Jesus as their Lord & Savior if they don't already. And that they will be filled with His peace & comfort during & after the adoptions.
8. That if it's the Lords will for our friends Kelly & Jarod to adopt soon that He will make it "crystal clear" to both of them & they will be filled with His peace.
9. Please pray for wisdom, guidance, strength, & encouragement for all the people involved with Three Angels Children's Relief. Their jobs are not easy and their love for the children is great.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Stephania...
Please pray for Stephania. She currently is the only child at Three Angels available for adoption. Please pray that she finds her forever family soon. You can go to the Three Angels website (link is posted to the right on my web links) & click on Orphanage & then Children waiting for families if you want more information on Stephania. Thanks!
Cat in the Hat...I mean sink!
This is what I found yesterday when I went in our downstairs bathroom. Cali is the most playful & mischievous kitten I have ever had so far. Good thing she's cute! :o)
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