Sunday, March 30, 2008
Spring Break Review...
Well, Phoebe had a great spring break. Although she had a minor version of the "crud" I have, she really enjoyed Spring Break Sports Camp. She liked doing gymnastics the best...no surprise there! They finished the camp on Friday with a Karate demonstration so now she's been "practicing" some moves on us...thanks camp! :o) I guess I did "okay" with my to do list considering I was dealing with allergies, a chest cold, & a hand thing all week. I did get Caleb's room finished & I am really pleased on how it looks. I still have to organize closets, utility room, & garages. I will work on the closets & utility room over the next couple of weeks & then will tackle the garages after that. I don't want to wait too long to complete those projects because I will soon be heading out doors to do spring planting & some outside painting to the house trim, garages, & shed. I wanted to do that last spring but got sidetracked with adoption paper work so I really want to do it this year because I know that once the kids come home I won't be tackling any major projects for quite some time. The high light of my week was Carolina getting into the Final 4!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Giving...
As I have grown closer to the Lord over the years, my idea of giving has changed a lot. I have always considered myself a giving person but after some careful reflection or maybe through some convicting conversations with God, I realized that I still had a ways to go in this area. God wants us to be generous in our giving. That doesn't mean He is telling us to give away all of our money...He may...but a lot of times He does not. In the Bible God instructs us to be a cheerful giver. We should be cheerful whether we are giving a little or a lot, whether it be money or in time or talents, & above all it should be done to the Glory of God & not so we can boast in ourselves. So now when God instructs me to give I try not to even hesitate about it. I may not even know why He's instructing me to give a certain thing or at a certain time that may not make sense to me but I need to trust in His plans & His ways & be obedient. The following is a devotion by Dr. David Jeremiah on giving & helping others.
Ten Dollar Bill
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:18 NIV
Recommended Reading
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Traveling home from Georgia, a man saw a family walking on the side of the road; so he pulled over to see if they needed help. He discovered they had just lost their home in a fire the night before, and they were almost to their neighbor's house where they would stay temporarily. Seeing that they didn't need a ride, the man pulled a ten dollar bill from his wallet, handed it to the family, and drove away. The Lord began to speak to him though, reminding him of his thriving business, palatial home, bank accounts, and investments. He pulled over and emptied his wallet into his hat. He then drove back to the family and handed them all of the money, which amounted to several hundred dollars.
In the face of disaster, we have witnessed many generous people reaching out to those who've lost everything. This spirit of sharing should be evident in the lives of believers all the time, but especially in times of great need.
Be warm and merciful and let no one go from you empty-handed. The least you can offer is your time and patience, your affection and prayer.
Anonymous
Ten Dollar Bill
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:18 NIV
Recommended Reading
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Traveling home from Georgia, a man saw a family walking on the side of the road; so he pulled over to see if they needed help. He discovered they had just lost their home in a fire the night before, and they were almost to their neighbor's house where they would stay temporarily. Seeing that they didn't need a ride, the man pulled a ten dollar bill from his wallet, handed it to the family, and drove away. The Lord began to speak to him though, reminding him of his thriving business, palatial home, bank accounts, and investments. He pulled over and emptied his wallet into his hat. He then drove back to the family and handed them all of the money, which amounted to several hundred dollars.
In the face of disaster, we have witnessed many generous people reaching out to those who've lost everything. This spirit of sharing should be evident in the lives of believers all the time, but especially in times of great need.
Be warm and merciful and let no one go from you empty-handed. The least you can offer is your time and patience, your affection and prayer.
Anonymous
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Jumpin'
--
A friend sent this to me yesterday & I just had to post it. It's Shakira on her birthday last year.
A friend sent this to me yesterday & I just had to post it. It's Shakira on her birthday last year.
Monday, March 24, 2008
MIA Alert...
Just wanted to give everyone a head's up that I may be MIA this week in blog land. Phoebe has Spring Break Sports Camp M-F this week from 8-5. She will have free play time, playing baseball, basketball, dodgeball, flag football, gymnastics, & soccer. She will also get to watch movies & make crafts. She will be very busy & so will I!
I'm sure most of you are thinking since I will have the whole house to myself all week that I can sit back, relax, watch soaps, & eat bon bons. Although that sounds really nice, I can assure you that is not what will be happening here. Here is my to do list for the week. This is of course, in addition to my normal daily activities.
1. Strip wall paper out of Caleb's closet
2. Prep Caleb's room for painting
3. Paint Caleb's room
4. Pull out carpet in Caleb's room
5. Clean & polish the floor in Caleb's room
6. Organize 5 closets, large downstairs utility room, & 2 garages
7. Take a nap :o)
Please pray for Phoebe's safety as she will be very active this week. Please pray for mine as well :o) I'll give you an update at the end of the week to let you know if I was able to finish my list of things to do. Have a great week!
I'm sure most of you are thinking since I will have the whole house to myself all week that I can sit back, relax, watch soaps, & eat bon bons. Although that sounds really nice, I can assure you that is not what will be happening here. Here is my to do list for the week. This is of course, in addition to my normal daily activities.
1. Strip wall paper out of Caleb's closet
2. Prep Caleb's room for painting
3. Paint Caleb's room
4. Pull out carpet in Caleb's room
5. Clean & polish the floor in Caleb's room
6. Organize 5 closets, large downstairs utility room, & 2 garages
7. Take a nap :o)
Please pray for Phoebe's safety as she will be very active this week. Please pray for mine as well :o) I'll give you an update at the end of the week to let you know if I was able to finish my list of things to do. Have a great week!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Easter Pictures...
Sorry that I don't have church pictures included in this. Mrs. "Organization" forgot her camera & Phoebe's Easter basket this morning.
He is Risen!!!
He is risen indeed!!! These are pictures from yesterday's Easter service at the orphanage. Have a blessed Resurrection Day!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Phone call...
This is the closest that Shakira got to a phone call with us today. We were suppose to have a skype call today but they were having connection problems in Haiti so we didn't have it. We finally have a web cam now so they will be able to see us now at home.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Good Friday...
Today is "Good Friday." I always thought that was a strange title for today. I'm sure if I had beaten, made to carry a cross, & then be crucified on it...I wouldn't call it "good." I know that although Jesus's death was very painful & "bad" for him...it was "good" for us. For without it we would not have the opportunity to have a close, personal relationship with him through the Holy Spirit & we would still be sacrificing animals for the temporary atonement of our sins. Jesus made that atonement for us...once & for all.
The following is today's devotion from Dr. David Jeremiah. He mentions the different traditions that different countries across the world do at Easter. They also fly kites in Haiti at Easter.
Go Fly a Kite
There they crucified Him.
Luke 23:33
Recommended Reading
Luke 23:26-34
Today is Karfreitag, a German word meaning "Friday of Lamentation." In English we call it Good Friday, but other languages usually refer to it as Holy Friday. In Armenia it's called High Friday, and the Russians refer to it as Passion Friday. In China, it's known as the Day of Christ's Suffering.
In Bermuda, kites will be flown today, all of them using wooden frames in the shape of a cross. As the kites soar into the sky, they symbolize the crucified one who has now ascended into heaven. In England, hot cross buns will be served, and the BBC will introduce its morning newscast with a verse from Isaac Watts' hymn, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross."
All over the world, Christians will pause today to ponder anew the wonder of our Lord Jesus who shed His blood for the sins of the world. Perhaps each of us should establish a personal tradition. Let's find a way and a time today to direct our thoughts to the old rugged cross and to thank God for overcoming death and making us more than conquerors through Him.
I can't control all the circumstances, but I have One who lives within me who is able to triumph over them all, because if He triumphed over death, is there anything that can happen to me that is too much for Him?
David Jeremiah
I pray that you are having a very blessed & thankful "Good Friday."
The following is today's devotion from Dr. David Jeremiah. He mentions the different traditions that different countries across the world do at Easter. They also fly kites in Haiti at Easter.
Go Fly a Kite
There they crucified Him.
Luke 23:33
Recommended Reading
Luke 23:26-34
Today is Karfreitag, a German word meaning "Friday of Lamentation." In English we call it Good Friday, but other languages usually refer to it as Holy Friday. In Armenia it's called High Friday, and the Russians refer to it as Passion Friday. In China, it's known as the Day of Christ's Suffering.
In Bermuda, kites will be flown today, all of them using wooden frames in the shape of a cross. As the kites soar into the sky, they symbolize the crucified one who has now ascended into heaven. In England, hot cross buns will be served, and the BBC will introduce its morning newscast with a verse from Isaac Watts' hymn, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross."
All over the world, Christians will pause today to ponder anew the wonder of our Lord Jesus who shed His blood for the sins of the world. Perhaps each of us should establish a personal tradition. Let's find a way and a time today to direct our thoughts to the old rugged cross and to thank God for overcoming death and making us more than conquerors through Him.
I can't control all the circumstances, but I have One who lives within me who is able to triumph over them all, because if He triumphed over death, is there anything that can happen to me that is too much for Him?
David Jeremiah
I pray that you are having a very blessed & thankful "Good Friday."
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Stuck in my discomfort...
After talking to a few of my friends lately either in person or via comptuer, I've come to the realization that there must be a "cloud of dryness & reflection" hanging over us right now. I use to ignore my spiritual "dry spells" because I don't like feeling dry...it makes me uncomfortable. But as I continue to grow closer to God I know that these "dry places" can also be places of change & growth if I allow them to be. So for the past few weeks I have been reflecting on my life & God's plan for me. It's a good thing to do from time to time but it can get pretty deep with thoughts & feelings. Add to it that with the exception of a couple of days here & there it has either been freezing cold, ice, snowing, or raining since the middle of December = one very "interesting" Kathy. Randy & Phoebe deserve some sort of reward for having to deal with my hormones, SADD, & reflection time right now. So as I eagerly anticipate spring & the things it brings such as sunny, warmer days, & blooming flowers...I eagerly anticpate moving out of the dry desert into a land of green grass & gently flowing rivers.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
Get ready...
because the first "deployment" of the E-ville crew from Haiti will be here soon! I just got the word today that my friend Michelle's files are on the last desk of the last step prior to getting their passports & visa....Praise God!!! Please pray that they will be home very, very soon!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Pray for Haiti...
Please pray for the people of Haiti as well for all of our adoptions. Below is an article just recently published by a woman who has been involved with Haiti for quite awhile.
The article was published in the San Francisco Daily Journal and ran on Thursday, Februrary 28th.
Love and Haiti
By Vera Valdivia
The country of Haiti is located just 600 miles off the coast of Florida. It is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and one of the poorest in the world. Additionally, Haiti has one of the worst records of human rights violations in the world.
It is time for a call to action, which is why on Friday, March 7, 2008, at Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, a panel consisting of legal academics, Haitian government officials, a Haitian human rights lawyer and women and children’s rights activists are coming together to discuss these egregious violations.
In Haiti, political activities result in the violation of human rights through kidnapping and torture, poor people are detained in jails without legal representation for stealing a loaf of bread, girls and women are forced into prostitution, children are used as household slaves, thousands of children die from malnutrition and illness, and hundreds of babies die at birth or shortly thereafter.
The Haitian legal system is not available to protect the victims because only people with financial resources can afford justice. In Haiti, about 10 percent of the population holds 90 percent of the wealth. Consequently, the economically powerless, especially women and children, suffer unspeakable abuses and do not have access to the protection of law. Many of the tiniest victims of this abuse end up in one of the morgues located in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. The morgue I saw resembles a toy store with what looks like hundreds of toy dolls on storage shelves in a large dark room. However, they are not dolls but dead babies and children who are stacked on top of one another on shelves that reach all the way to the ceiling. Nobody seems to cry for these dead children, nobody asks how or why they died. Nobody comes to claim their bodies.
Many of the dead babies were born to the girls and women who have been forced into prostitution for various reasons, and as a result many unwanted babies are born. Babies end up in garbage piles on the side of the road, inside of sewer drains or in the river drowned. Some of the babies are born out of liaisons between the prostitutes and U.N. peacekeeping troops.
American, Canadian, French and Dutch nonprofit humanitarian or church-sponsored organizations operate and fund many of the Haitian orphanages that provide shelter to some of the unwanted, abandoned and orphaned babies and older children. Several of these organizations seek adoptive homes for the children and, since the mid-1990s, thousands of Haitian children have found permanent homes with families in the United States, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Ireland, Argentina and Germany. Although international adoption is not the long-term solution for the plight of so many of Haiti’s children, it provides homes to unwanted children while the Haitian government and the international community should be working on making fundamental changes in the country’s economic and legal system.
UNICEF has expressed its concern to the Haitian government regarding the deplorable conditions under which the majority of Haitian children have to live. Although UNICEF does not have the financial resources to improve the situation of the abandoned and orphaned children, it told the Haitian government that “too many children” were adopted internationally.
In 2006, approximately 1,059 formerly abandoned and orphaned Haitian children joined their adoptive families in the above-mentioned countries. This number dropped dramatically in 2007, when only approximately 724 adopted Haitian children joined their new families. However, this decrease is not a result of a drop in numbers of abandoned or orphaned children because Haitian orphanages are still filled beyond capacity, and needy children are turned away daily because there is no more room.
Some powerful judicial and government officials appear to have taken notice of UNICEF’s concern regarding the large numbers of children leaving the country through adoption. One of the judicial officials, a powerful judge with the title of chief prosecutor of the Port-au-Prince parquet (the main court), is in charge of approving international adoptions for orphanages located within the capital’s judicial district. Another government official works within the Ministry of Interior who has been placed in charge of approving passport applications for adopted children who are about to leave the country to live with their new families.
In 2007, the chief prosecutor began refusing to sign adoption decrees even though the petitions have been approved by the home countries of the adopting families after thorough screening and by IBESR, the Haitian Social Services Ministry. More than 300 adoption files have been stuck in his office during 2007. These adoption files represent 300 children who remain in orphanages waiting, while their prospective adoptive parents hope that the chief prosecutor will have a miraculous change of heart and sign the decrees.
One of the problems with the Haitian legal system, which is based on French Napoleonic codes, is that as new laws are passed by the legislature, old laws are not repealed and stay on the books. One of these old, unrepealed laws only permits childless singles or couples to adopt. The law had not been applied in years, but the chief prosecutor cites this particular law as the reason he has not signed off on the adoption decrees. In response to the existence of the old law, Haitian President René Préval has issued letters of exemption for these families granting a presidential pardon and permitting the adoption. The chief prosecutor, however, has continued with his refusal to sign the adoption files. Conversely, many of the waiting adoption files are of childless singles or couples, and the chief prosecutor has refused to sign those adoption decrees as well, without citing a reason. Some of the adoption files have been waiting in the main court for a year.
Since January 2007, the Ministry of Interior has been in charge of reviewing all documents related to completed adoptions that have been processed and legalized by the different Parquet (court) locations in Haiti and the few adoptions that the chief prosecutor has signed. The passport office is not permitted to issue passports for adopted children without an approval letter from the Ministry of Interior. Approximately 500 completed adoption files are currently awaiting such approval. Some files have been waiting for passport approval for the past 12 months. In the meantime, adopted children who are no longer abandoned or orphaned cannot join their new families because they cannot leave the country without a Haitian passport.
Instead of focusing on the real problems and working to make effective changes that will improve the lives of children, these officials have reduced the number of adopted children who left the country during 2007 by about 32 percent. Hundreds of children whose files are stuck in the adoption process or who are waiting for passports remain in orphanages. Other children, without a prospect for a better future, continue to be homeless, malnourished and ill.
Haiti is desperately in need of possible solutions to its human rights crisis and changes to its legal system. These fundamental changes have to be made in order to improve Haiti’s human rights record and to improve the lives of all Haitians, but especially those of women and children.
The article was published in the San Francisco Daily Journal and ran on Thursday, Februrary 28th.
Love and Haiti
By Vera Valdivia
The country of Haiti is located just 600 miles off the coast of Florida. It is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and one of the poorest in the world. Additionally, Haiti has one of the worst records of human rights violations in the world.
It is time for a call to action, which is why on Friday, March 7, 2008, at Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, a panel consisting of legal academics, Haitian government officials, a Haitian human rights lawyer and women and children’s rights activists are coming together to discuss these egregious violations.
In Haiti, political activities result in the violation of human rights through kidnapping and torture, poor people are detained in jails without legal representation for stealing a loaf of bread, girls and women are forced into prostitution, children are used as household slaves, thousands of children die from malnutrition and illness, and hundreds of babies die at birth or shortly thereafter.
The Haitian legal system is not available to protect the victims because only people with financial resources can afford justice. In Haiti, about 10 percent of the population holds 90 percent of the wealth. Consequently, the economically powerless, especially women and children, suffer unspeakable abuses and do not have access to the protection of law. Many of the tiniest victims of this abuse end up in one of the morgues located in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. The morgue I saw resembles a toy store with what looks like hundreds of toy dolls on storage shelves in a large dark room. However, they are not dolls but dead babies and children who are stacked on top of one another on shelves that reach all the way to the ceiling. Nobody seems to cry for these dead children, nobody asks how or why they died. Nobody comes to claim their bodies.
Many of the dead babies were born to the girls and women who have been forced into prostitution for various reasons, and as a result many unwanted babies are born. Babies end up in garbage piles on the side of the road, inside of sewer drains or in the river drowned. Some of the babies are born out of liaisons between the prostitutes and U.N. peacekeeping troops.
American, Canadian, French and Dutch nonprofit humanitarian or church-sponsored organizations operate and fund many of the Haitian orphanages that provide shelter to some of the unwanted, abandoned and orphaned babies and older children. Several of these organizations seek adoptive homes for the children and, since the mid-1990s, thousands of Haitian children have found permanent homes with families in the United States, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Ireland, Argentina and Germany. Although international adoption is not the long-term solution for the plight of so many of Haiti’s children, it provides homes to unwanted children while the Haitian government and the international community should be working on making fundamental changes in the country’s economic and legal system.
UNICEF has expressed its concern to the Haitian government regarding the deplorable conditions under which the majority of Haitian children have to live. Although UNICEF does not have the financial resources to improve the situation of the abandoned and orphaned children, it told the Haitian government that “too many children” were adopted internationally.
In 2006, approximately 1,059 formerly abandoned and orphaned Haitian children joined their adoptive families in the above-mentioned countries. This number dropped dramatically in 2007, when only approximately 724 adopted Haitian children joined their new families. However, this decrease is not a result of a drop in numbers of abandoned or orphaned children because Haitian orphanages are still filled beyond capacity, and needy children are turned away daily because there is no more room.
Some powerful judicial and government officials appear to have taken notice of UNICEF’s concern regarding the large numbers of children leaving the country through adoption. One of the judicial officials, a powerful judge with the title of chief prosecutor of the Port-au-Prince parquet (the main court), is in charge of approving international adoptions for orphanages located within the capital’s judicial district. Another government official works within the Ministry of Interior who has been placed in charge of approving passport applications for adopted children who are about to leave the country to live with their new families.
In 2007, the chief prosecutor began refusing to sign adoption decrees even though the petitions have been approved by the home countries of the adopting families after thorough screening and by IBESR, the Haitian Social Services Ministry. More than 300 adoption files have been stuck in his office during 2007. These adoption files represent 300 children who remain in orphanages waiting, while their prospective adoptive parents hope that the chief prosecutor will have a miraculous change of heart and sign the decrees.
One of the problems with the Haitian legal system, which is based on French Napoleonic codes, is that as new laws are passed by the legislature, old laws are not repealed and stay on the books. One of these old, unrepealed laws only permits childless singles or couples to adopt. The law had not been applied in years, but the chief prosecutor cites this particular law as the reason he has not signed off on the adoption decrees. In response to the existence of the old law, Haitian President René Préval has issued letters of exemption for these families granting a presidential pardon and permitting the adoption. The chief prosecutor, however, has continued with his refusal to sign the adoption files. Conversely, many of the waiting adoption files are of childless singles or couples, and the chief prosecutor has refused to sign those adoption decrees as well, without citing a reason. Some of the adoption files have been waiting in the main court for a year.
Since January 2007, the Ministry of Interior has been in charge of reviewing all documents related to completed adoptions that have been processed and legalized by the different Parquet (court) locations in Haiti and the few adoptions that the chief prosecutor has signed. The passport office is not permitted to issue passports for adopted children without an approval letter from the Ministry of Interior. Approximately 500 completed adoption files are currently awaiting such approval. Some files have been waiting for passport approval for the past 12 months. In the meantime, adopted children who are no longer abandoned or orphaned cannot join their new families because they cannot leave the country without a Haitian passport.
Instead of focusing on the real problems and working to make effective changes that will improve the lives of children, these officials have reduced the number of adopted children who left the country during 2007 by about 32 percent. Hundreds of children whose files are stuck in the adoption process or who are waiting for passports remain in orphanages. Other children, without a prospect for a better future, continue to be homeless, malnourished and ill.
Haiti is desperately in need of possible solutions to its human rights crisis and changes to its legal system. These fundamental changes have to be made in order to improve Haiti’s human rights record and to improve the lives of all Haitians, but especially those of women and children.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Fun in the Snow...
Well, we finally got a "real" snow last night. Not ice, not just a couple of inches of snow...but a "real" snow of 4-6 inches. Enough to make a "real" snowman & go sledding. Randy & Phoebe made this snowman together. I brought out the "extras" to go on Mr. Snowman.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Goody bags...
I sent Shakira, Samara, & Caleb goody bags from us down with the Feb. trip. It looks like the girls enjoyed theirs. I didn't get a picture of Caleb with his...hopefully he liked the baby food I sent down :o)
Monday, March 3, 2008
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Kristal Bells...
This is Phoebe playing with the "Kristal Bells" today. It's a children's hand bells group with the church where her pre school is located. They played Amazing Grace.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Pictures...
I "borrowed" these pictures from the 3A blog. They are pictures taken during the last mission trip. Hopefully I will get some pictures from my friends who just went down there. I'm still waiting for one friend who went in Jan. to give me the pictures he took :o)
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Shout & Praise God!!!
We're in Parquet!!! Praise God!!! Thank you Lord!!! Now please pray that we get out very quickly! :o) Please also pray that our dear friends Don & Teresa, & Cathy & Troy exit IBESR very soon & quickly enter Parquet so we can bring our children home at the same time. Thanks!
Just as a reminder to those of you not familiar with the Haitian adoption process I am reposting the steps I posted back in Nov. to show you what steps we have already gone through & what steps we still need to complete.
These are steps that are taken once our dossier reaches Haiti...which happened May 2007.
Minister of Foreign Affairs (1st legal)• Documents notarized and authenticated are now legalized.
DHS
• Submit Orphan First Petition and birth parents interview happens, DNA testing is done if requested by DHS officer.
Justice of the Peace
• Judge issues a formal request for IBESR to exam potential adoptive family as permanent family for child.
IBESR• Family and child’s dossier are examined. 4 signatures required to exit.
Civil Judge• Issues official adoption decree.
Parquet• Social Representative (similar to a prosecutor in a US court), insures that the above departments have done everything legally.
Civil State Officer
• New birth certificate is issued.
Archive• Verifies all signature’s, certificate is issued. (Similar to being notarized)
Minister of Justice
• Above verifications are now legalized (similar to notary being authenticated).
Passports• Minister of Interior
Insures all of the above documents have not been falsified.
Political Affairs
Gives final authorization to issue the passport.
• Passport is issued
DHS• Take adoption decree to finalize orphan first petition.
Embassy• Visa is issued.
****We get the call to come and get them**** Do the HBWD & get on an airplane!!!
Just as a reminder to those of you not familiar with the Haitian adoption process I am reposting the steps I posted back in Nov. to show you what steps we have already gone through & what steps we still need to complete.
These are steps that are taken once our dossier reaches Haiti...which happened May 2007.
Minister of Foreign Affairs (1st legal)• Documents notarized and authenticated are now legalized.
DHS
• Submit Orphan First Petition and birth parents interview happens, DNA testing is done if requested by DHS officer.
Justice of the Peace
• Judge issues a formal request for IBESR to exam potential adoptive family as permanent family for child.
IBESR• Family and child’s dossier are examined. 4 signatures required to exit.
Civil Judge• Issues official adoption decree.
Parquet• Social Representative (similar to a prosecutor in a US court), insures that the above departments have done everything legally.
Civil State Officer
• New birth certificate is issued.
Archive• Verifies all signature’s, certificate is issued. (Similar to being notarized)
Minister of Justice
• Above verifications are now legalized (similar to notary being authenticated).
Passports• Minister of Interior
Insures all of the above documents have not been falsified.
Political Affairs
Gives final authorization to issue the passport.
• Passport is issued
DHS• Take adoption decree to finalize orphan first petition.
Embassy• Visa is issued.
****We get the call to come and get them**** Do the HBWD & get on an airplane!!!
The Work of the Potter...
The following is a devotion that Randy & I read this morning out of our "Quiet Moments with God for couples" devotion book by Honor Books. I have always liked the analogy of God as the potter & we are the clay so this particular devotion really spoke to me & I would like to share it with you.
"I went down to the potter's house, & behold, he wrought a work on the wheels."
Jeremiah 18:3 KJV
Have you ever watched potters begin to shape vessels? It is a most amazing sight, because the potters will only succeed if they get the unformed chunk of clay in the exact center of the wheel. Once the clay is centered, the skill of the potters can be realized. The potters carefully wet their hands, select the clay, & place it on the wheel. As they begin to turn the wheel, the lumps in the clay are revealed. Spinning the wheel faster, they smooth out the lumps, & the clay begins to take on an unruffled apprearance.
This is just the first part of the task. We now see them shape the mass of clay so that its heart is perfectly aligned with the very center of the wheel. This requires both strength & a loving, delicate touch. This "centering" is the most important step in the preparation process, because it gives the piece strength & integrity. Our spiritual walk with God is just like this. We begin as a hunk of clay with many lumps, & through God's grace & skill, we are transformed into beautiful, strong vessels for the Kingdom. But we must align our very heart with the center of God's will. God is always at work in our lives, especially during the times of proper preparation.
Henry Ward Beecher said, "We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things." Of this you can be rest assured; When you allow God to shape you, He will always use you for good.
"Be simple: take our Lord's hand & walk through things." Father Andrew
"I went down to the potter's house, & behold, he wrought a work on the wheels."
Jeremiah 18:3 KJV
Have you ever watched potters begin to shape vessels? It is a most amazing sight, because the potters will only succeed if they get the unformed chunk of clay in the exact center of the wheel. Once the clay is centered, the skill of the potters can be realized. The potters carefully wet their hands, select the clay, & place it on the wheel. As they begin to turn the wheel, the lumps in the clay are revealed. Spinning the wheel faster, they smooth out the lumps, & the clay begins to take on an unruffled apprearance.
This is just the first part of the task. We now see them shape the mass of clay so that its heart is perfectly aligned with the very center of the wheel. This requires both strength & a loving, delicate touch. This "centering" is the most important step in the preparation process, because it gives the piece strength & integrity. Our spiritual walk with God is just like this. We begin as a hunk of clay with many lumps, & through God's grace & skill, we are transformed into beautiful, strong vessels for the Kingdom. But we must align our very heart with the center of God's will. God is always at work in our lives, especially during the times of proper preparation.
Henry Ward Beecher said, "We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things." Of this you can be rest assured; When you allow God to shape you, He will always use you for good.
"Be simple: take our Lord's hand & walk through things." Father Andrew
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tom Petty & My Life...
You're probably wondering what in the world Tom Petty has to do with my life. We aren't related...I have never met him...haven't even been to one of his concerts although I would have liked to "back in the day." I don't listen to much secular music anymore but I still have my favorites & Tom Petty has always been one of them.
I liked him & his music for several reasons. I liked his clothes because he always wore whatever he wanted to...not what some one told him he should wear. I liked his outfits because they were different without being "out there." I really liked his hat collection...I wonder if he still has all those hats???
Although he may not have the best singing voice in the world...I like it. I think that sometimes a person's heart & love for music can over shadow the fact that they don't have the best singing voice...notice I said "sometimes" :o)
He wrote many of his songs & I connected to the words of many of them. Several of them could be used as anthems for my life such as "I Won't Back Down", "Runnin' Down A Dream," "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around," & "The Waiting." I use to think "I Won't Back Down" was my theme song...and it was to a certain degree but as I continue to be refined by God's Holy Spirit...it isn't anymore. I do however, think that Phoebe has picked it up as her theme song...Lord help me! :o) Right now I am definetely in another period of "The Waiting...is the hardest part." I keep telling God that I have this waiting down because I've done it so much...that I really don't need to do it anymore...but He's not buying it :o) So until then...I'll continue to wait...it's better than "Free Fallin' :o)
I liked him & his music for several reasons. I liked his clothes because he always wore whatever he wanted to...not what some one told him he should wear. I liked his outfits because they were different without being "out there." I really liked his hat collection...I wonder if he still has all those hats???
Although he may not have the best singing voice in the world...I like it. I think that sometimes a person's heart & love for music can over shadow the fact that they don't have the best singing voice...notice I said "sometimes" :o)
He wrote many of his songs & I connected to the words of many of them. Several of them could be used as anthems for my life such as "I Won't Back Down", "Runnin' Down A Dream," "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around," & "The Waiting." I use to think "I Won't Back Down" was my theme song...and it was to a certain degree but as I continue to be refined by God's Holy Spirit...it isn't anymore. I do however, think that Phoebe has picked it up as her theme song...Lord help me! :o) Right now I am definetely in another period of "The Waiting...is the hardest part." I keep telling God that I have this waiting down because I've done it so much...that I really don't need to do it anymore...but He's not buying it :o) So until then...I'll continue to wait...it's better than "Free Fallin' :o)
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Weekend Polling Question...
Randy & I think that Cole, Reece's little brother, looks like a little Peyton Manning. All he needs is a Colts jersey! Do you think he looks like Peyton Manning or not? Yes or no would suffice but you can elaborate if you would like :o)
Friday, February 22, 2008
The most awesome call!
My friend Angela, pictured with Caleb, called me via Skype yesterday. She's in Haiti right now & she called so I could see Caleb crawl & trying to walk. It was so precious. I could see & hear them but they couldn't see or hear me so I "chatted" when I needed to say something. It was awesome just to watch him crawl, stand up, take a couple of steps, fall down, get back up, sit back down, crawl, play with computer cords, play with a cup, play with a puzzle piece. It really warmed my heart & it did Phoebe a world of good. She has been so sad lately because they are not home yet & she's not gotten to spend time with them like Randy & I have. After the phone call her whole countance changed. It was wonderful! Thanks again Angela! I love you! Give my "little man" much love from his mama & papa. Please give hugs to our girls too!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Papa is on his way in May!!!
I bought Randy's airplane ticket last night so he can go to Haiti with the May mission trip. I am sooooooooooooo excited that he's going to visit our children. He has been to Haiti once last July so it's time for him to see them again. I know they will be so excited!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Wedding Day...
Phoebe was having a "pretend" wedding day today. I fixed her hair & did her makeup...note to self...I know now why I won't be fixing them on her "real" wedding day :o) Then I helped her into her wedding dress. She walked down the "aisle" with her daddy & then went through the "ceremony." We were then at the dance & she was dancing with her daddy which is what the video is about.
Friday, February 15, 2008
The test...
I personally have never "enjoyed" taking tests. They didn't make me very nervous like they did some people but I still didn't like them although I knew they were necessary to measure what I had or had not learned. As an adult out of school, I still have tests. They usually aren't the paper & pencil type any more. They usually come in the form of daily life tests that test my spiritual & moral integrity, & my mental & emotional fortitude. I still don't like them but I know they are necessary. The following is a devotion from Dr. David Jeremiah that speaks to this.
The testing of your faith produces patience.
James 1:3
Recommended Reading
Psalm 17:3-5
About a hundred years ago, a Bible college in Lestershire, New York,
asked Walter Martin to help them compile a hymnal for school use. He
moved there with his family and took up the assignment. One Sunday he
left the house for a preaching appointment, but his wife Civilla felt
ill and stayed home. That evening as Civilla thought about the struggles
of life, she wrote the words to the poem, "God Will Take Care of You."
Returning home, Walter read the poem and composed the music; and a great
hymn was born.
The last stanza of this hymn says, "No matter what may be the test, God
will take care of you." Our trials and troubles are often tests. Genesis
22:1 says that God tested Abraham. David said, "I know also, my God,
that You test the heart" (1 Chronicles 29:17). Psalm 11:5 says, "The
Lord tests the righteous."
If you're facing trials and troubles now, think of it as a test. God is
testing the quality of your faith to see if you'll trust Him; and He's
testing the extent of your dependability to see if you'll obey Him.
The testing of our faith produces patience; and as we trust and obey
Him, He will take care of us.
"Through every day, o'er all the way; He will take care of you." Civilla Martin
Blessings upon you today as you take various "tests." :o)
The testing of your faith produces patience.
James 1:3
Recommended Reading
Psalm 17:3-5
About a hundred years ago, a Bible college in Lestershire, New York,
asked Walter Martin to help them compile a hymnal for school use. He
moved there with his family and took up the assignment. One Sunday he
left the house for a preaching appointment, but his wife Civilla felt
ill and stayed home. That evening as Civilla thought about the struggles
of life, she wrote the words to the poem, "God Will Take Care of You."
Returning home, Walter read the poem and composed the music; and a great
hymn was born.
The last stanza of this hymn says, "No matter what may be the test, God
will take care of you." Our trials and troubles are often tests. Genesis
22:1 says that God tested Abraham. David said, "I know also, my God,
that You test the heart" (1 Chronicles 29:17). Psalm 11:5 says, "The
Lord tests the righteous."
If you're facing trials and troubles now, think of it as a test. God is
testing the quality of your faith to see if you'll trust Him; and He's
testing the extent of your dependability to see if you'll obey Him.
The testing of our faith produces patience; and as we trust and obey
Him, He will take care of us.
"Through every day, o'er all the way; He will take care of you." Civilla Martin
Blessings upon you today as you take various "tests." :o)
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Rock N Roll "Starr"...
For two years now, Phoebe has been saying she wants to be a "rock n roll star" when she grows up. She definetely has the personality for it. I think she needs some guitar lessons from Shawn :o) And no...the "Starr" in the title is not a typo...it's her middle name :o)
IBESR exit...
I just got the word that we are out of IBESR...Yeah!!! Time for the HBWD!!! Now it's time to pray that we'll quickly enter & quickly exit Parquet. :o)
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Phone call #2...
This past Saturday we had another Skype video call with the kids. They can see us but we can't see them yet but that will change by the end of the month when a web cam is being sent down for the "O". Samara didn't talk much the last time so I thought we would engage her by singing her favorite "English" song which is "This is the day that the Lord has made." It didn't really work well. She did sing a little with us at the end but Sandy said she was smiling at the screen. You could hear Shakira in the background singing a little. Sandy said she was up dancing around. They both told us that they loved us & that was so good for our ears & hearts :o) Sandy didn't put the head phones on Caleb this time but she did bring him in to look at our faces. He is crawling all over the place & trying to walk. Samara is doing very well. Sandy suspects Shakira may have a corn allergy so she's going to keep an eye on that but other than that is doing well. She said that her attention span is increasing & she's sitting still for longer periods of time. Sandy is also working with her on potty training which is so wonderful! It would be great if she was potty trained before she came home. Four of my close friends are going on the Feb. mission trip to the "O" & although I would love to be able to go with them, I am content on having them love on my children for me & taking some pictures of them.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Friday, February 8, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Intense Love...
If we all loved & obeyed like this. The following is from Dr. David Jeremiah.
And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands.
2 John 1:6
Recommended Reading 1 Samuel 15:22
Bible teacher Donald Grey Barnhouse told the story of a young son of a
missionary couple in Zaire who was playing in the yard when suddenly he
heard his father's voice ring out, "Philip, obey me instantly! Drop to
your stomach!" The boy did so immediately. "Now crawl to me as fast as
you can!" The boy obeyed. "Now stand up and run to me!" Philip ran into
his father's arms. When the young boy looked back at the tree he had
been playing near, he saw a large deadly snake hanging from one of the
branches. His instant obedience had saved his life!
You can almost feel the intensity of this father's love as he asks his
son for complete trust and obedience in order to avoid impending danger.
It is no different with God. He sees what we cannot; and when our life
is headed for peril, He cries out to us with the intense love of a
father trying to save his child's life.
So when you hear God's voice commanding you to obey, remember it is the
loving, caring voice of your heavenly Father who only wants the very
best for you. Believe Him and obey!
If we want the Word of God to have authority in our life, there is only
one way--obey it. If we want the Holy Spirit to have authority in our
life, there is only one way--obey Him. Tom Marshall
And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands.
2 John 1:6
Recommended Reading 1 Samuel 15:22
Bible teacher Donald Grey Barnhouse told the story of a young son of a
missionary couple in Zaire who was playing in the yard when suddenly he
heard his father's voice ring out, "Philip, obey me instantly! Drop to
your stomach!" The boy did so immediately. "Now crawl to me as fast as
you can!" The boy obeyed. "Now stand up and run to me!" Philip ran into
his father's arms. When the young boy looked back at the tree he had
been playing near, he saw a large deadly snake hanging from one of the
branches. His instant obedience had saved his life!
You can almost feel the intensity of this father's love as he asks his
son for complete trust and obedience in order to avoid impending danger.
It is no different with God. He sees what we cannot; and when our life
is headed for peril, He cries out to us with the intense love of a
father trying to save his child's life.
So when you hear God's voice commanding you to obey, remember it is the
loving, caring voice of your heavenly Father who only wants the very
best for you. Believe Him and obey!
If we want the Word of God to have authority in our life, there is only
one way--obey it. If we want the Holy Spirit to have authority in our
life, there is only one way--obey Him. Tom Marshall
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
No, I'm not dead...
I've been slow on the posting the past few days due to Super Bowl party preparations, sick child, sick me, storms, & internet being down for a day due to storms. Now would be a good time to compose a very profound post since it's nice & quiet but it's also 1:31am & I'm very tired so it's going to have to wait :o)
Friday, February 1, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
God lives under the bed...
I envy Kevin. My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night. He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, 'Are you there, God?' he said. 'Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed...'
I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.
He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.
I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child. He does not seem dissatisfied.
He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work. He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores. And Saturdays-oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to hav e a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. 'That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!' Kevin shouts as he claps his hands. His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.
And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips. He doesn't know what it means to be discontent. His life is simple. He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.
His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it. He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax. He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.
He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue. Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God. Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an ‘'educated'’ person to grasp.
God seems like his closest companion. In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions. It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap ... I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they are all my own disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.
Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God. And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed. Kevin won't be surprised at all!
Author Unknown (to me anyway)
I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.
He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.
I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child. He does not seem dissatisfied.
He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work. He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores. And Saturdays-oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to hav e a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. 'That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!' Kevin shouts as he claps his hands. His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.
And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips. He doesn't know what it means to be discontent. His life is simple. He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.
His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it. He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax. He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.
He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue. Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God. Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an ‘'educated'’ person to grasp.
God seems like his closest companion. In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions. It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap ... I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they are all my own disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.
Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God. And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed. Kevin won't be surprised at all!
Author Unknown (to me anyway)
Monday, January 28, 2008
Snow...
We haven't had much snow this winter so far...three or four times with an inch to 3 inches each time but that hasn't stopped Phoebe from enjoying it! I can't wait to see how the girls are going to respond to their first snow experience!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Phone call pictures...
These are the pictures that were taken at the orphanage today during our phone call with the children.
One year ago today...
we sent off our application to Three Angels to start the adoption process. Our original plan..."ours" being the key word here...was to adopt only Samara. But as God worked on our hearts, three weeks later we started the process with Shakira as well. God completed "His" plan in June with the addition of Caleb. It's amazing to look back over the past year & all that has happened. I can't wait to see what this year brings!!!
On a side note, we had a Skype telephone call to the orphanage today to talk to the girls. Caleb was there as well but of course he didn't talk...although he did goo & ga some. We went to a friends house that has a web cam so the children could see us. We couldn't see them but will be able to soon after a web cam is sent down to the orphanage with the February mission trip. There was suppose to be a translator there to translate for the children & for us but she was not there so we had to "wing it." Sandy, the current orphanage house manager, said that Samara was sitting in front of the computer screen the whole time with her face up really close to it just looking at us. She talked a little bit at the beginning but then got quiet. They had to go get Shakira & she said "Hello Mama & Papa" & had some "help" from a friend to say "I love you" & then she jumped away. They brought Caleb last & although we couldn't have a real conversation with him, Sandy said he was looking at our faces & was listening to what we were saying. So that was great. Teared me up of course but it was good tears!
On a side note, we had a Skype telephone call to the orphanage today to talk to the girls. Caleb was there as well but of course he didn't talk...although he did goo & ga some. We went to a friends house that has a web cam so the children could see us. We couldn't see them but will be able to soon after a web cam is sent down to the orphanage with the February mission trip. There was suppose to be a translator there to translate for the children & for us but she was not there so we had to "wing it." Sandy, the current orphanage house manager, said that Samara was sitting in front of the computer screen the whole time with her face up really close to it just looking at us. She talked a little bit at the beginning but then got quiet. They had to go get Shakira & she said "Hello Mama & Papa" & had some "help" from a friend to say "I love you" & then she jumped away. They brought Caleb last & although we couldn't have a real conversation with him, Sandy said he was looking at our faces & was listening to what we were saying. So that was great. Teared me up of course but it was good tears!
Friday, January 25, 2008
January trip...
Here are the pictures of my children that Colleen & Shanley took on their January trip. Caleb looks like he has gained 5 pounds since I saw him in December :o)
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
PJ Day!
I apologize for the blurriness of this picture but after 4 attempts to get a "PJ" picture this is what I got. Today was PJ day at Phoebe's preschool which meant they got to wear their PJ's & slippers to school as well as bring a stuffed something or the other that they sleep with along with them. They made hot chocolate but since Miss Picky doesn't like chocolate except for Oreos & brownies (hugh? yeah, I don't get it either!) the teacher made her a cup of hot tea from the tea bag I sent along. They made sugar cookies which is her favorite cookie...plain...no icing. Unlike me who would prefer to just eat a tub of icing as opposed to the cookie or cake :o)
Monday, January 21, 2008
Down in the dumps???
I don't know about you but I tend to get "blue" in the winter. The cold temps & lack of sun really mess with me. I use to despise winter but now I embrace it. I can't say that I "enjoy" it but I do enjoy what winter can teach me. The winter "season" is a necessity in our lives whether you live in a place where you actually have winter weather or not. It's a time that may seem barren & cold but it's a time for relaxing, rejuenating, & reflecting. I use to skip this season & would rush into spring without a clear direction or sense of purpose. Now I embrace my winter hibernation season because even though my skin maybe ghastly white & I have to wear a lot of clothes to keep warm, I am growing & rebuilding on the inside.
Many people prone to depression get really depressed in the winter due to the cold & lack of sunlight. I was reading Psalm 42 today & realized it mention depression.
Psalm 42
As the deer pants for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.
I thirst for God, the living God. When can I come & stand before him?
Day & night, I have only tears for food, while my enemies continually taunt me, saying, "Where is this God of yours?"
My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy & giving thanks-it was the sound of a great celebration!
Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again-my Savior & my God!
Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember your kindness-from Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar.
I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves & surging tides sweep over me.
Through each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, & through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.
"O God my rock," I cry, "Why have you forsaken me? Why must I wander in darkness, oppressed by my enemies?"
Their taunts pierce me like a fatal wound. They scoff, "Where is this God of yours?"
Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again-my Savior & my God!
NLT Life Application Study Bible
The following is the footnotes from Bible for verses 5 & 6. Depression is one of the most common emotional ailments. One antidote for depression is to meditate on the record of God's goodness to his people. This will take your mind off the present situation as you focus your thoughts on God's ability to help you rather than on your inability to help yourself. When you feel depressed, take advantage of this psalm's antidepressant: read the Bible's accounts of God's goodness, & meditate on them.
Many people prone to depression get really depressed in the winter due to the cold & lack of sunlight. I was reading Psalm 42 today & realized it mention depression.
Psalm 42
As the deer pants for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.
I thirst for God, the living God. When can I come & stand before him?
Day & night, I have only tears for food, while my enemies continually taunt me, saying, "Where is this God of yours?"
My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy & giving thanks-it was the sound of a great celebration!
Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again-my Savior & my God!
Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember your kindness-from Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar.
I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves & surging tides sweep over me.
Through each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, & through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.
"O God my rock," I cry, "Why have you forsaken me? Why must I wander in darkness, oppressed by my enemies?"
Their taunts pierce me like a fatal wound. They scoff, "Where is this God of yours?"
Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again-my Savior & my God!
NLT Life Application Study Bible
The following is the footnotes from Bible for verses 5 & 6. Depression is one of the most common emotional ailments. One antidote for depression is to meditate on the record of God's goodness to his people. This will take your mind off the present situation as you focus your thoughts on God's ability to help you rather than on your inability to help yourself. When you feel depressed, take advantage of this psalm's antidepressant: read the Bible's accounts of God's goodness, & meditate on them.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
8 months old...
My "little man" is 8 months old today! I can't believe it! I can't wait until he & the girls are home!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Bizzarre trip to Wal-Mart...
I know that depending where you live in the county that bizzarre trips at Wal-Mart are quite common. I found that out from personal experience when we lived in NC. Our Wal-Mart's around here are pretty "normal." There is one around here that is busier than most & people sometimes get a little wild in the parking lot & the long check out lines but other than that it is pretty mild. Today, however, was an exception. Phoebe & I went there before I took her to preschool. We were there for a few minutes when my cell phone rang. I looked at the name & my heart sped up a bit because it was from a close friend of mine...one who had been waiting results from her MRI. I answered it & instead of hearing what I wanted to hear which was, "I'm fine...it was just a "blip" on the image." I heard, "They found a tumor on the frontal lobe of my brain." As my heart tried desperately not to sink & my brain searched for something spiritual & positive to say...she broke in & said, "The really good news is that they say it's really, really small...so small that they are just going to "watch" it for 4 months before they decide what to do."
Please join me in prayer for her total healing.
So after I got off the phone with her I was still a bit stunned & felt like I was aimlessly walking around in the store (which I probably was) until I was approached by an attractive looking man who looked to be about 45ish. Phoebe was sitting in the front of the cart. He said, "Mamm, I don't mean no disrespect." I said, "Ok." Figuring he was going to say some comment about Phoebe because that's usually who gets all the comments. He went on to say, "I just wanted to tell you that you're a very attractive woman." I graciously said, "Thank you." He then went on to ask me if I was married. I said, "Yes," & he said, "Some men have all the luck...and some men have none." With this I chuckled & said, "Thank you." We then parted & went our separate ways. I have no idea why that encounter took place. Maybe it was God's way of getting me to lighten up & take my focus off of my friend for a minute. Now that I look back at it, it was quite humorous. I was wearing a "sexy" Indianna hooded sweatshirt with jeans that are so worn there is a hole in one knee. Not to mention I had my darling 4 year old with me & I had just finished a pretty "endearing" rendition of Jack Warner's 80's hit "All I Need" (it was playing overhead in the store.)
I finished my shopping & went to one of the very long check out lines & stood patiently in line although Phoebe was already late for preschool. The lady cashier must have been new because I don't remember seeing her before & she talked about almost everything she scanned & put everything into bags...including milk, a large box thing, & a large bag of cat food. And what made this trip even more unusual is that Phoebe was very well behaved :o)
Please join me in prayer for her total healing.
So after I got off the phone with her I was still a bit stunned & felt like I was aimlessly walking around in the store (which I probably was) until I was approached by an attractive looking man who looked to be about 45ish. Phoebe was sitting in the front of the cart. He said, "Mamm, I don't mean no disrespect." I said, "Ok." Figuring he was going to say some comment about Phoebe because that's usually who gets all the comments. He went on to say, "I just wanted to tell you that you're a very attractive woman." I graciously said, "Thank you." He then went on to ask me if I was married. I said, "Yes," & he said, "Some men have all the luck...and some men have none." With this I chuckled & said, "Thank you." We then parted & went our separate ways. I have no idea why that encounter took place. Maybe it was God's way of getting me to lighten up & take my focus off of my friend for a minute. Now that I look back at it, it was quite humorous. I was wearing a "sexy" Indianna hooded sweatshirt with jeans that are so worn there is a hole in one knee. Not to mention I had my darling 4 year old with me & I had just finished a pretty "endearing" rendition of Jack Warner's 80's hit "All I Need" (it was playing overhead in the store.)
I finished my shopping & went to one of the very long check out lines & stood patiently in line although Phoebe was already late for preschool. The lady cashier must have been new because I don't remember seeing her before & she talked about almost everything she scanned & put everything into bags...including milk, a large box thing, & a large bag of cat food. And what made this trip even more unusual is that Phoebe was very well behaved :o)
Smoke Signal!
The following devotion is from Dr. David Jeremiah & really speaks to my heart right now.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
Recommended Reading
Isaiah 5:5-11
There is a story told of a shipwreck survivor who washed up on a
deserted island. After he had been there a few days, he built himself a
hut and prayed to God for rescue. Each day he anxiously looked out over
the horizon as he waited for God's deliverance in the form of a passing
ship. One day, after returning from a hunt for food, he discovered that
his hut was consumed in flames. He was devastated and believed it to be
the worst thing that could have happened to him on the island;
everything he had was gone. The next day however, a ship arrived and the
captain said, "We saw your smoke signal."
Sometimes, when it seems our whole world is crumbling, it is difficult
to believe that God is at work on our behalf. But just when we think all
is lost, God unfolds His plan and teaches us that He had it under
control the whole time.
Friends, God's ways are not our ways, His thoughts are unlike our
thoughts; His plans are so much bigger than we could ever imagine or
dream. Let Him work in His unique way and watch as His beautiful plan is
revealed in your life.
"Keep praying, but be thankful that God's answers are wiser than your
prayers!" William Culbertson
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
Recommended Reading
Isaiah 5:5-11
There is a story told of a shipwreck survivor who washed up on a
deserted island. After he had been there a few days, he built himself a
hut and prayed to God for rescue. Each day he anxiously looked out over
the horizon as he waited for God's deliverance in the form of a passing
ship. One day, after returning from a hunt for food, he discovered that
his hut was consumed in flames. He was devastated and believed it to be
the worst thing that could have happened to him on the island;
everything he had was gone. The next day however, a ship arrived and the
captain said, "We saw your smoke signal."
Sometimes, when it seems our whole world is crumbling, it is difficult
to believe that God is at work on our behalf. But just when we think all
is lost, God unfolds His plan and teaches us that He had it under
control the whole time.
Friends, God's ways are not our ways, His thoughts are unlike our
thoughts; His plans are so much bigger than we could ever imagine or
dream. Let Him work in His unique way and watch as His beautiful plan is
revealed in your life.
"Keep praying, but be thankful that God's answers are wiser than your
prayers!" William Culbertson
Thursday, January 17, 2008
What we don't know...
This has been on my heart for quite some time but I have not felt directed by God to post about it until now. The longer I walk around on this earth, the more I see how our perception of others can affect our relationships with them & others. Sometimes we have an initial "gut" reaction to someone & sometimes it's right on target...sometimes it is not. I think many of us are too quick to judge someone on one thing without taking many other factors into consideration. Sadly we just don't do this with people that we may encounter on a more frequent basis, but that we also do this with complete strangers...some of which we will never see again. Why do we do this? How can we make ourselves stop doing this? In case you are unsure of what I'm talking about...let me give you some examples.
***You see a friend & her family eating at a restaurant although you personally know that they didn't have enough money to pay the electric bill this month. So you assume that they don't have enough money to pay their bills because they are spending their money on other things such as going out to eat. What you don't know is that your friend's mother sent her some money in the mail the day before not only to pay the electric bill but some extra so she could take the family out to eat...something they haven't done in three months.
***You see a mother or a father at a local store being really "harsh" with their child(ren). It's making you very uncomfortable & you just assume that this parent has some major issues & you are really concerned for the child's welfare. What you don't know is that this parent is one of the most loving & caring person's in the world & that this particular child is very strong willed & is constantly pushing the limits with their parents & after a long day of pushing them, slapped the parent in the face when you weren't watching.
***A waiter at the restaurant you visited is really rude & not focused at all on his job. What you don't know is that he just lost his wife & two year old son in a car accident three weeks prior.
***A friend of your's is to be in the upcoming wedding of her cousin. She loves her cousin dearly & has no "real" interest in her fiancee & expresses this to you, but also tells you that she feels like God is telling her that they won't get married & that somehow she will marry this person instead. You are totally baffled by this but you know that you're friend is a Christian & there is something causing her to feel this way. So you pray for her & the situation all though none of it makes sense to you until a day before the wedding, when her cousin is killed in a car accident. Two years later your friend does marry her deceased cousin's fiancee.
So what should we do in these situations? We need to stop our initial reaction of jumping to conclusions & pray. We do not know the whole story nor do we fully know what God is doing in people's lives. We need to pray for the people involved. To do anything more or less before praying can prove to be very harmful.
***You see a friend & her family eating at a restaurant although you personally know that they didn't have enough money to pay the electric bill this month. So you assume that they don't have enough money to pay their bills because they are spending their money on other things such as going out to eat. What you don't know is that your friend's mother sent her some money in the mail the day before not only to pay the electric bill but some extra so she could take the family out to eat...something they haven't done in three months.
***You see a mother or a father at a local store being really "harsh" with their child(ren). It's making you very uncomfortable & you just assume that this parent has some major issues & you are really concerned for the child's welfare. What you don't know is that this parent is one of the most loving & caring person's in the world & that this particular child is very strong willed & is constantly pushing the limits with their parents & after a long day of pushing them, slapped the parent in the face when you weren't watching.
***A waiter at the restaurant you visited is really rude & not focused at all on his job. What you don't know is that he just lost his wife & two year old son in a car accident three weeks prior.
***A friend of your's is to be in the upcoming wedding of her cousin. She loves her cousin dearly & has no "real" interest in her fiancee & expresses this to you, but also tells you that she feels like God is telling her that they won't get married & that somehow she will marry this person instead. You are totally baffled by this but you know that you're friend is a Christian & there is something causing her to feel this way. So you pray for her & the situation all though none of it makes sense to you until a day before the wedding, when her cousin is killed in a car accident. Two years later your friend does marry her deceased cousin's fiancee.
So what should we do in these situations? We need to stop our initial reaction of jumping to conclusions & pray. We do not know the whole story nor do we fully know what God is doing in people's lives. We need to pray for the people involved. To do anything more or less before praying can prove to be very harmful.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Not much to say...
I haven't posted since Friday not because I have been too busy or because I have so much to say that I don't know where to begin. No, it's quite the opposite. I just really don't have anything to say right now...surprising but true! :o) I have a lot of thoughts in my head & heart but nothing that is ready to come out to be written. I am mostly living day by day trying to keep it all together...living today & preparing for tomorrow. I look forward to the day when we find out that we're out of IBESR & in Parquet. Until then I am busy preparing the house. So far in the past week I have painted our kitchen, dining room, & hallway. I need to add a couple of finishing touches on them as well as paint the upstairs utility room the same color as those rooms. Then I will probably move onto painting the living room just because it's really "bothering" me. Then after that I will move onto the upstairs bathroom & then to Caleb's room. I have been ignoring his room a lot these days because it hurts to go in there & not have him there. Of course I miss the girls terribly too but I have one very "dramatic & high maintainence" girl here to keep me busy enough, plus she gives me lots & lots of hugs which I really appreciate :o) Also, my body has been doing some "strange" things for the past couple of weeks. Not sure what's going on with it but that has contributed to my "interesting state of mind" lately. Randy really needs to go play some golf but it is way to cold. It snowed yesterday but then melted soon after. So I will be back to more blogging when I have something productive to blog about it. Until then, please know that you are in my thoughts & prayers.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Different Shades of The Same Color...
I know some of you have already read the story that Shanley Knox did on our family & posted on the Three Angels Website under the section of "Photos & Stories of Adoptive Families" but she has now added photos to go along with it & I must say...she did an awesome job! :o) I encourage you to read the story if you haven't already done so...not to boast in ourselves but to boast in our awesome & mighty God who deserves all the glory & praise!!!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
The Difference...
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read it straight through, and you'll get the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America Contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. They are not second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are NOT the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America Contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. They are not second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are NOT the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Please pray...7 more days!
I am urgently asking anyone who reads this post to please pray for my friends Tina & Ted who are in the process of adopting the cutest little boy named Spendy. When we were in Haiti in Dec. they had their DHS appointment but Spendy's birthmother decided at the last minute not to go & has until Jan. 14th to go & sign the papers or nothing else with the adoption can move forward. That means there are only 7 days left. Please pray that she will do what she needs to do. Please also pray that she will come to know the Lord. She was very closed to hearing about Jesus in December. Thanks so much for your prayers!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Friday, January 4, 2008
"A Piece of My Heart"
After several unsuccessful attempts at you tube I went back to the "trusty" picture trail. These are various pictures from my December Haiti trip. I left a piece of my heart in Haiti in July that has three beautiful names written on it...Shakira, Samara, & Caleb. Long after they are home with me, there will still be a piece of my heart left in Haiti...a country that God is still developing a love for in me even though it is so foriegn to almost everything I know & have here. I will always treasure the amazing memories that have been created through this most amazing journey that I am on.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
You tube help part 2...
Okay, I knew this would not be easy for me...just because I know how these things go with me but I went in with a positive attitude & an eagerness to do it...but it didn't help :o( I have spent more time than I would like to admit trying to make my first you tube video. I have no idea what the problem is. Every time I try to upload it says it's uploading to "be patient it may take several minutes." Well several minutes has gone into hours with no upload completion to show for it. If you have any suggestions...please feel free to share :o) Thanky!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
The Voice of the Spirit...
Randy forwarded this devotion by Dr. David Jeremiah to me today & I think it's especially revelant as most of us prepare to "race" through another year. There are times when we need to be quick but there are also times when we need to be slow. There are times to be loud & times to be quiet. Let this year be a year of listening to God's voice.
The Voice of the Spirit
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name,
He will teach you all things . . .
John 14:26
Recommended Reading
1 Corinthians 2:9-12
It has become increasingly difficult in this day and age for us to hear
our own thoughts and feelings. In order to keep up with life, it seems
we must travel at the speed of society, never stopping to take a deep
breath and listen to the Holy Spirit's leading. As frustrating as this
may be, it is not a new challenge.
When Jesus walked the earth, He was constantly surrounded by a multitude
of people; but He knew that the most important relationship He could
invest in was with His Father, for it was His voice that would lead and
guide Him. Therefore, He spent a large amount of time in prayer and
conversation with God.
A lady was once asked how she knew the voice of the Spirit. She
answered, "How do you know your husband's step and your child's cry from
the step and cry of all others?" For her, the voice of the Spirit was as
familiar as the unique sounds of her husband and child.
In order for us to be sensitive to the Spirit's leading, we must spend
time getting to know His voice because the more intimately we know Him,
the easier it will be to hear His voice above all others.
Father, quiet my heart and mind so I may hear the leading of Your
Spirit in my life.
The Voice of the Spirit
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name,
He will teach you all things . . .
John 14:26
Recommended Reading
1 Corinthians 2:9-12
It has become increasingly difficult in this day and age for us to hear
our own thoughts and feelings. In order to keep up with life, it seems
we must travel at the speed of society, never stopping to take a deep
breath and listen to the Holy Spirit's leading. As frustrating as this
may be, it is not a new challenge.
When Jesus walked the earth, He was constantly surrounded by a multitude
of people; but He knew that the most important relationship He could
invest in was with His Father, for it was His voice that would lead and
guide Him. Therefore, He spent a large amount of time in prayer and
conversation with God.
A lady was once asked how she knew the voice of the Spirit. She
answered, "How do you know your husband's step and your child's cry from
the step and cry of all others?" For her, the voice of the Spirit was as
familiar as the unique sounds of her husband and child.
In order for us to be sensitive to the Spirit's leading, we must spend
time getting to know His voice because the more intimately we know Him,
the easier it will be to hear His voice above all others.
Father, quiet my heart and mind so I may hear the leading of Your
Spirit in my life.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Well, it's a great start so far. We slept until 9:30am, had breakfast, & then watched Mizzou win the Cotton Bowl...yeah Mizzou!!! We then took down the rest of the Christmas decorations, cleaned, played, & watched more football. I stayed in my PJ's until about 2:30pm & didn't take a shower until 6:30pm. I then kicked back & watched the first show of the new Biggest Loser season. I should be in bed by now but am taking advantage of the quiet to finish some things I needed to do. The only thing that would have made this day better is if we would have had the other half of our family home with us. I am eagerly looking forward to them coming home this year & to all the things that God has planned for us. I pray that your year will be full of God's peace & blessings.
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