Thanks Megan for this picture!!! I wonder who Shakira was talking to on the phone :o)
Friday, September 12, 2008
A rare photo op...
Thanks Megan for this picture!!! I wonder who Shakira was talking to on the phone :o)
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Remembering Sept. 11th 2001 & 2002...
I will never forget Sept. 11th 2001. The events of that day will always be etched into my mind. Today I take time to reflect on that day & on the families & friends who lost their loved ones that day.
I will also never forget Sept. 11th 2002 although for very different reasons. On that day I had no idea at the time what that day would mean to me but now, 6 years & a beautiful girl later...one I have yet to spend her birthday with...is forever etched in my heart & mind. Happy Birthday Shakira!!! Mommy & Daddy love you very, very much!!! We pray that you have a joy filled & blessed birthday!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Happy Birthday Handsome Man!!!
Praying that you're having a great day at work. I thank God for you & another year of your life! I love you very much!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Busy bee...
I went to MO this weekend by myself for two reasons. The first one was to see a very good friend of mine that lives in Florida but was in MO for her sister's wedding. She wasn't coming to our home town because the wedding was in Springfield & she was flying in & out of St.Louis & wanted to meet with me on Sunday in St. Louis before she flew back home. I didn't want to drive 3 hours & then meet with her for a couple of hours & then drive 3 hours back home so I decided that I would surprise my mom with something that I have been wanting to do for awhile but have not gotten the chance to do it. My mom's house needs some TLC but when we're there visiting she doesn't want us to do anything to it because she wants to spend our time visiting. She works nights so I decided to leave home Friday night & arrive at her house shortly after she left for work. I arrived about 15 minutes after she had left & I got busy working. I took all her things off the walls of the living room & hallway...she had a lot of stuff...it took me two hours to take every thing down & pull out the nails. After that I had to clean the walls & do some patch work. Then I primed the paneling walls. By the time I did this it was about 4 am. I started painting a section of the wall with the "Cancun Sand" (think cream color) that I had bought but realized that I needed to prime the walls again. By this time it was 5am & all though I wasn't mentally tired my body was saying "Enough already." So I stopped painting & cleaned up my mess. By the time I was done with that & ready to go to bed it was 6:30am. I was really disappointed because I wanted to have everything done before she came home from work. So I left her a note & went to bed. I woke up at 11am & she heard me so she got up. I was afraid she might be upset with me but she was very happy about what I was doing. We had lunch & then I got back to it. By 9pm Sat. night I realized that I was not going to be able to get all that I wanted done before I had to leave Sunday morning. My original plan was to prime & paint the living room & the hallway, paint the ceilings of both, & paint the trim work of both, & then stylishly decorate :o) My wise & very gracious mother knew that I couldn't get it all done & told me not to worry about it & that I could finish it another time. We decided to focus on finishing painting the living room & one side of the hall way. I will finish the hallway, doing the ceiling, & trim work the next time I visit. I finished painting at 3:00am Sunday & went to bed at 3:30am. I woke up at 9am & quickly started working to put furniture back in place, clean, & then to decorate when I realized that there was no way I was going to be able to do all of that, plus pack a lot of stuff...she was letting me take most of the stuff on the walls & on the furniture to sell at a yard sale...and take a shower before leaving at 10:45am. So I went to plan B which was to take a shower & get ready & then instead of heading home from St. Louis I would drive back to my home town which would be another 1 & 15 minutes driving time...finish what I needed to do & then drive home. I pulled out of my mom's driveway at 9:30 with an estimated arrival time of 12:45. I got home at 1am which is not bad considering I had to drive through a lot of fog & ended up missing a turn off & driving 10 miles the wrong way before I figured it out :o( & then had to turn around. I got to bed at 1:30am & "slept in" until 7am. Rushed around to get Phoebe ready for school & then watched Emily & Audrey all day. So I'm thinking I'll go for a quiet "relaxing" weekend this coming weekend :o) I have two video clips of my mom's living room...a before & after clip however for some reason I can't get them to publish on the same post so I will include the before on this one & then post the "after" on a new post.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Happy Birthday Girls!!!
Happy 5th Birthday Phoebe!!! Happy 4th Birthday Samara!!! Praying that you both have a very joy filled & blessed day! Mommy & Daddy love you both very much & can't wait for the time that we will celebrate both of your birthdays together!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
No Training Wheels!!!
We took off Phoebe's training wheels today. I think she's doing pretty good so far!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
What are they feeding him???
Either my eyes are playing tricks on me or Caleb really does look like he's gained 10 pounds since I saw him in June. I don't know what he's been eating lately but it looks like he's been eating a steady diet of meat & potatoes :o) Thank you Lord for my healthy boy!!!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Mass Chaos without pictures :o(
Sorry it's been a week since I've had a new post. It's not that I don't have anything to say...just a lot going on. Last night we had Phoebe's birthday party to celebrate her 5th birthday this coming Thursday. Last year we had 2 of her friends over along with me & Randy. It was nice & quiet. This year I was not thinking :o) We had 16 kids including Phoebe, & adults for a total of 28 people. It was "mass chaos." I didn't even get a chance to do the games I had planned because we ran out of time. It takes a awhile to feed that large of crowd...not to mention that when Randy went to start up the grill for the hotdogs he found the tank empty :o( Thankgoodness we have amazing neighbors across the street & he was able to use their grill. When it came time for Phoebe to open presents I turned on my camera...and nothing...it was dead. Are you kidding me??? Our neighbors came through again & got their camera but I have not been able to down load them yet. As soon as I get them I will post them. The kids had a great time...the adults were exhausted :o) Next year we're going back to the nice & quiet birthday party :o)
Sunday, August 24, 2008
My Shaki...
This is a picture of Shakira leading singing during church service yesterday. I got all teary eyed & choked up when I first saw it. She has grown so much over the past year & a half...I'm not talking physically although she certainly has done that too but what is most noticeable is progress in self control, not being so impulsive, increased attention span, & increased fine & gross motor skills as well as language & social skills. It makes this mama very happy!!!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Croupy night in the hospital...
I'm very tired so I'm going to make a long story short which is Phoebe began having problems breathing yesterday around noon. By 6pm she had had 3 breathing treatments & was getting worse. We arrived at the after hours clinic around 6:30pm & she was admitted to the hospital for croup around 7:30pm. We're home now & she's doing much better except that we're both tired because we didn't get much sleep last night. Please pray that she continues to recover quickly. Thanks!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Too sweet...
Apparently I am too sweet...unfortunately I'm not talking about my personality or dispostition. I'm talking about my glucose level. I went to the mail box today to find a copy of my lab results that were from my yearly physical. My results are always good but today was the exception. All of my results except for one were good. In the commnent section was "early diabetes, please follow a 1500 calorie ADA diet." Are you kidding me? Really? At age 40 I have to start doing this? Usually that doesn't happen until late 50's or in the 60's. But I should not be surprised. Diabetes runs in my family & my childhood doctor warned me that I could get it earlier & even had me test my urine for glucose when I was a child. But I am suprised. Actually I'm in denial. I don't like it...not one bit. I don't have a problem with the caloric restriction because I try to stay under 1500-1600 calories a day anyway...it's how those calories are to be restricted is what I don't like...especially when it comes to sweets...especially when it comes to chocolate.
So I'm trying to shake myself out of the denial mode & move into the motivation mode to follow this diet. Please pray for me...and Randy and Phoebe (they are going to need it :o) because I get cranky without sweets on a regular basis.
So I'm trying to shake myself out of the denial mode & move into the motivation mode to follow this diet. Please pray for me...and Randy and Phoebe (they are going to need it :o) because I get cranky without sweets on a regular basis.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Got stuff???
So as most of you who are in the adoption process know...it takes money to adopt :o) Then take that amount & multiple that times three minus a little for non duplication of some services, etc. & that still equals more money than we had at the beginning :o) but God has been faithful to provide what we needed when we needed it. As the time draws near for them to come home we are putting whatever we can toward the actual bringing them home such as 4 last minute airplane tickets(which are not cheap), hotel costs, etc. In so doing it has left us little "other" money. There are some things that would be nice to have or have done before they come home although they are not a necessity hence we haven't bought them or had them done.
I know that a lot of us have things laying around our house that we don't use anymore or don't need so I'm going to throw out "my list" in hopes that God will bless us with your "don't need or use anymore things." I'm also listing some services that someone may be able to bless us with as well. Thanks so much!
*** 4 bar stools 29 inches tall...color doesn't matter because there's not much I can't paint or recover
*** chocolate brown slip covers for a loveseat & sofa
*** 2-4 cherry wood or other dark color wood color or black display shelves
*** 2 wine type color lamp shades...one for a table lamp & one for a floor lamp
*** 4-8 patterned or textured accent pillows...half wine type color & half deep purple
*** regular size futon frame
*** round wood table big enough for at least 2 people to play games on but not big enough to "swallow up" the sitting area in front of the living room window
*** 2 Parson type chairs
*** one half to one gallon of exterior white paint
*** wood decking cleaner &/or sealer
*** boys room activity rug in bright or primary colors
*** girls room activity rug that would complement pink walls with purple, yellow, red, & lime green accents
*** simple plumbing services
*** simple electrical services
*** converting a gas dryer hook up to an electric one
*** removing a gas furnace
I know that a lot of us have things laying around our house that we don't use anymore or don't need so I'm going to throw out "my list" in hopes that God will bless us with your "don't need or use anymore things." I'm also listing some services that someone may be able to bless us with as well. Thanks so much!
*** 4 bar stools 29 inches tall...color doesn't matter because there's not much I can't paint or recover
*** chocolate brown slip covers for a loveseat & sofa
*** 2-4 cherry wood or other dark color wood color or black display shelves
*** 2 wine type color lamp shades...one for a table lamp & one for a floor lamp
*** 4-8 patterned or textured accent pillows...half wine type color & half deep purple
*** regular size futon frame
*** round wood table big enough for at least 2 people to play games on but not big enough to "swallow up" the sitting area in front of the living room window
*** 2 Parson type chairs
*** one half to one gallon of exterior white paint
*** wood decking cleaner &/or sealer
*** boys room activity rug in bright or primary colors
*** girls room activity rug that would complement pink walls with purple, yellow, red, & lime green accents
*** simple plumbing services
*** simple electrical services
*** converting a gas dryer hook up to an electric one
*** removing a gas furnace
Monday, August 18, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Happy Birthday!
Today is a busy birthday day. We wish a big Happy & Blessed day to my cousin Chad, Randy's niece Hannah, & our two good friends Kathy & Rush! We love you!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Hard lessons...
Well my "baby" started kindergarten this week. I still can't believe it! It's not like it "snuck" up on me. I've had all summer to prepare for this week...but came up miserably short in the "emotions" section. I did great in the organized section...having all of her supplies when she needed them, getting her on a routine before the first week of school, getting her to the bus stop in plenty of time to catch the bus, reading every single piece of paper that has been sent home...which has been alot (I don't remember my mom getting any papers when I started kindergarten...now they have student handbooks, agenda books, etc.)...signing up for PAT,etc.
Monday was her orientation day. Randy & I went with her to meet her teacher & to see her classroom. She really liked it & waved at me & said, "You can go now." I had to remind her that it was only orientation day & that we both had to leave but that she would come back tomorrow by herself. Tuesday morning I walked her to the bus stop. As she got on the bus I was overcome with worry & said a quick prayer. As the bus drove away & I walked toward my house I had a couple of tears stream down my cheek. I didn't have much time to dwell on the bittersweetness of it all because as soon as I got home I had to start working. I am watching Mama Sarah & Papa Tim's two littlest ones when they are both working. Sarah was there with Audrey & Emily waiting for me so I switched gears quickly. I had a great time with them. They are so cute! It was 10:45am before I knew it. It was time to head out & pick Phoebe up from school (we have half day kindergarten).
Phoebe was all smiles when she climed into the van. She said she had a great day but she didn't give me many details because she was to busy talking to Audrey & Emily. Later that night at dinner she told Randy & I all about her day. The only thing she was disappointed about was that she didn't wear tennis shoes that day & couldn't play on the climbing wall :o(
Yesterday was a different story. I walked her to the bus stop again. It wasn't any easier yesterday or today. Although Phoebe & I have been "butting heads" all summer & we really needed a break from each other...I am somewhat saddened now that I have it. For almost 5 years it has been just the two of us most of the time when Randy is at work. She goes to school & learns new things & plays with friends. I come home to an empty house on the days I'm not babysitting. I know that won't be for much longer...my house will soon be a very loud & busy place but in the mean time I must learn how to appreciate the silence & aloneness.
So I picked Phoebe up from school yesterday & she happily got into the van & said "Good bye" to several classmates. As we started to drive off I asked her about her day & then asked her about a classmate who she had in her preschool class one year & has been friends with for two years. Her whole countenance changed & she got really quiet. I asked her if something had happened between the two of them but she kept telling me "No." Then I told her that I knew something was wrong & I really wanted to know what it was & she said, "Somebody bleeded today." I tried to get her to tell me about that but couldn't make any sense out of it. She couldn't tell me who it was or what had happened & she said she didn't see it. After about 15 minutes of quietness & not being herself, she was back to herself.
Later yesterday afternoon I took her to McDonalds to play. There were a lot of kids there & no one she knew except for two that left as soon as we were coming in. I had brought in a "pile" of papers from school to read while she was playing. I watched her play for awhile but realized it was better for me to read & not to watch because I always find myself wanting to get up & "help" her to communicate & play well with others. So this time I fought the urge & did not interfere. After she was done & we were leaving she told me that she did have fun but that one person called her a "big farty butt." My heart sank & I felt sick to my stomach. She looked so sad as she said it. I asked her how she responded & she said, "I walked away but also said, "I don't like you." I told her that she was right in walking away but that next time she should not say anything or say, "That's not a nice thing to say."
I know this is just the beginning of many learning experiences for her...and me. There will be good days & bad days. We will have happy times & times of sadness & joy. Please pray for me as I struggle with all of the insecurities & difficulties I faced as a child & how to best guide Phoebe & all of my children as they grow.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Happy Anniversary Honey!!!
I thank God for the 19 years of marriage that he has blessed us with so far. Thank you for being my soul mate & solid ground. Thank you for letting me be "me" & loving me for it. Thank you for being a wonderful husband & an amazing father to our children. I love you!
Monday, August 11, 2008
"Glorious" update :o)
Glory's mama called me tonight & left a voice message saying that Glory's visa appt. went well today & they will have her visa tomorrow. Praise God!!! Thanks to everyone for their prayers! HBWD time!!! :o)
Sunday, August 10, 2008
"Glorious" Appointment...
Please pray for Glory & her visa appointment which is scheduled for tomorrow. Please pray that it goes smoothly & they will have her visa in hand by the end of the day. Thanks!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
In this world...not of it
Christians hear & say that often but is it really easy to be in this world & not of it? For me, it varies. Sometimes it seems effortless & other times it feels like I'm failing miserably at it. The following devotion by Dr. David Jeremiah speaks to this. I hope it blesses you.
Uncomfortable with the Culture
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2
Recommended Reading
1 Peter 1:13-16
It's happened more than once—missionaries leave the United States and, in time, become more comfortable in a foreign land than in their native country. They give various reasons: "It's quieter," "less materialism," "less peer pressure on our children," "the people are more receptive to the Gospel." When they return to America to visit, they talk about "returning home" in a new way—they've exchanged their old home for a new one.
That's what it means to be a citizen of the kingdom of God. Paul says our "citizenship is in heaven," not in this world (Philippians 3:20). It's why, over time, Christians begin to feel more and more out of place with the cultures of this world; why they speak of God's eternal kingdom as "going home." When we exchange our earthly home for our kingdom home is up to God. In the interim, our job is to so walk in the Spirit that we aren't "conformed to this world"; that we aren't squeezed into the world's mold, as Bible translator J. B. Phillips put it. When you leave home today, let it remind you of where your true home is—in Christ Jesus, now and for eternity.
"If you stand on the Word you do not stand with the world." Vance Havner
Uncomfortable with the Culture
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2
Recommended Reading
1 Peter 1:13-16
It's happened more than once—missionaries leave the United States and, in time, become more comfortable in a foreign land than in their native country. They give various reasons: "It's quieter," "less materialism," "less peer pressure on our children," "the people are more receptive to the Gospel." When they return to America to visit, they talk about "returning home" in a new way—they've exchanged their old home for a new one.
That's what it means to be a citizen of the kingdom of God. Paul says our "citizenship is in heaven," not in this world (Philippians 3:20). It's why, over time, Christians begin to feel more and more out of place with the cultures of this world; why they speak of God's eternal kingdom as "going home." When we exchange our earthly home for our kingdom home is up to God. In the interim, our job is to so walk in the Spirit that we aren't "conformed to this world"; that we aren't squeezed into the world's mold, as Bible translator J. B. Phillips put it. When you leave home today, let it remind you of where your true home is—in Christ Jesus, now and for eternity.
"If you stand on the Word you do not stand with the world." Vance Havner
Larry King Live...
Okay, I will admit that I'm not a big CNN fan but I do occassionally watch Larry King Live. Tonight Steven Curtis Chapman will be on his show at 8pm CT. I am going to be prepared...with a box of kleenaxes at my side.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Romantical fingerprints...
Don't know if there is such a thing but that's what we're calling our very short get away. This afternoon we will leave Phoebe with good friends of ours & head to Louisville. Our refingerprinting appt. is for 8am ET tomorrow which is 7am here & we did not want to get up at 3am to get there in time so we decided to leave today & spend the night by ourselves to celebrate our wedding anniversary one week early since we won't have the oppportunity to get away next Tuesday. We haven't had a night by ourselves without children for a year & a half so we are really looking forward to this even though we have to end our trip with an intimidating trip to the DHS office to get fingerprinted :o) Please pray that my pretty significant paper cut on one of my fingers won't be cause for them to reschedule our appointment.
Monday, August 4, 2008
On my heart...
Noah continues to be on my heart & in my thoughts a lot right now which I am thanking God because I think that it's a "sign" of good things to come. Please continue to pray with me that he will come home soon. I have been praying for his birth family as well. The following is a prayer from the book "The Power of a Praying Parent" by Stormie Omartian that I am praying on the behalf of Noah & his birth family.
Dear Lord,
Your Word says, "I sought the Lord, & He heard me, & delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4). I seek You this day, believing that You hear me, & I pray that You will deliver (Noah & his birth family) from any fear that threatens to overtake (them). You said You have "not given us a spirit of fear, but of power & of love & of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). Flood (them) with Your love & wash away all fear & doubt. Give (them)a sense of Your loving presence that fars outweighs any fear that would threaten to overtake (them). Help (them)to rely on Your power in such a manner that it establishes strong confidence & faith in You. Give (them) a mind so sound that (they) can recognize any false evidence the devil presents to (them) & identify it as having no basis in reality.
Wherever there is real danger or good reason to fear, give (them) wisdom, protect (them), & draw (them) close to You. Help (them) not to deny (their) fears, but take them to You in prayer & seek deliverance from them. I pray that as (they) draw close to You, Your love will penetrate (their) lives & crowd out all fear. Plant Your Word in (their) hearts. Let faith take root in (their) mind & soul as (they) grow in Your Word.
Thank you, Lord, for Your promise to deliver us from all our fears. In Jesus' name I pray for freedom from fear on behalf of (Noah & his birth family) this day.
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
"He shall cover you with His feathers, & under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield & buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terrors by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday." Psalm 91:4-6
"The Lord is my light & my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1
Please pray that God will continue to fill Michelle & Jeremy with His peace & strength. "Thus says the Lord: Restrain your voice from weeping & your eyes from tears, for your work shall be rewarded, says the Lord; & your children shall return from the enemy's land. And there is hope for your future, says the Lord; your children shall come back." Jeremiah 31:16-17
Dear Lord,
Your Word says, "I sought the Lord, & He heard me, & delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4). I seek You this day, believing that You hear me, & I pray that You will deliver (Noah & his birth family) from any fear that threatens to overtake (them). You said You have "not given us a spirit of fear, but of power & of love & of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). Flood (them) with Your love & wash away all fear & doubt. Give (them)a sense of Your loving presence that fars outweighs any fear that would threaten to overtake (them). Help (them)to rely on Your power in such a manner that it establishes strong confidence & faith in You. Give (them) a mind so sound that (they) can recognize any false evidence the devil presents to (them) & identify it as having no basis in reality.
Wherever there is real danger or good reason to fear, give (them) wisdom, protect (them), & draw (them) close to You. Help (them) not to deny (their) fears, but take them to You in prayer & seek deliverance from them. I pray that as (they) draw close to You, Your love will penetrate (their) lives & crowd out all fear. Plant Your Word in (their) hearts. Let faith take root in (their) mind & soul as (they) grow in Your Word.
Thank you, Lord, for Your promise to deliver us from all our fears. In Jesus' name I pray for freedom from fear on behalf of (Noah & his birth family) this day.
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
"He shall cover you with His feathers, & under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield & buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terrors by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday." Psalm 91:4-6
"The Lord is my light & my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1
Please pray that God will continue to fill Michelle & Jeremy with His peace & strength. "Thus says the Lord: Restrain your voice from weeping & your eyes from tears, for your work shall be rewarded, says the Lord; & your children shall return from the enemy's land. And there is hope for your future, says the Lord; your children shall come back." Jeremiah 31:16-17
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Diarrhea of the mouth & other topics...
Today I had the honor of driving you-you & Judah to the Louisville airport. I was glad to have this opportunity because although I had seen them twice during their stay here prior to today, I had not really had any one on one time with them. So as soon as we took off I started talking...and I didn't stop with the exception of letting you-you answer my questions & stopping for a snack, until we got to the airport. Then I continued to talk until we said our good byes at the security check point. I'm sure when I left she was shaking her head & saying to herself, "Wow...I didn't know she could talk so much!" Yes, I can! I don't always talk that much. I'm a good listener too but today I guess I felt compelled to talk non stop.
So I brought my camera so I could take some more pictures of you-you & Judah before they left...but I totally forgot about it & didn't take any :o( but I do have a couple that I took last Friday morning at prayer group.
Thank you so much you-you & Judah for coming to visit us!!! We were all blessed by your visit & look forward to seeing you again soon!!!
Spiritual Warfare...
I been in the "thick" of some major spiritual warfare lately. During times like these it is sometimes hard to remember that we're not fighting against people but against spiritual powers. Randy sent me this devotion this morning from Dr. David Jeremiah, & I must say it was perfect timing. We need to identify our "real" enemies & put on the full armour of God found in Ephesians 6:10-18.
The Real Enemy
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12
Recommended Reading
2 Corinthians 10:3-6
For many years, medical researchers thought that stomach ulcers were caused by stress and spicy foods. Then, in 1979, two Australian researchers rediscovered the helicobacter pylori bacterium and proved that it was the cause of stomach ulcers. In 1994, the National Institutes of Health agreed and recommended treating ulcers with antibiotics instead of milk.
In medicine, the enemy has to be identified before the proper defense can be used. And the same is true in the spiritual life. Many Christians, while believing in the devil generally, have not identified him as being the enemy of their personal life. The apostle Paul wrote that the Christian's struggle in life is against spiritual powers under the control of Satan. To fail to identify one's true enemy is to fail to defeat him. It takes spiritual defenses to defeat a spiritual enemy.
When you find yourself in a soul-sick state, make sure you identify the cause. If it is spiritual in nature, only God's spiritual remedies will cure you.
Jesus invited us not to a picnic but to a pilgrimage; not to a frolic but to a fight. Billy Graham
The Real Enemy
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12
Recommended Reading
2 Corinthians 10:3-6
For many years, medical researchers thought that stomach ulcers were caused by stress and spicy foods. Then, in 1979, two Australian researchers rediscovered the helicobacter pylori bacterium and proved that it was the cause of stomach ulcers. In 1994, the National Institutes of Health agreed and recommended treating ulcers with antibiotics instead of milk.
In medicine, the enemy has to be identified before the proper defense can be used. And the same is true in the spiritual life. Many Christians, while believing in the devil generally, have not identified him as being the enemy of their personal life. The apostle Paul wrote that the Christian's struggle in life is against spiritual powers under the control of Satan. To fail to identify one's true enemy is to fail to defeat him. It takes spiritual defenses to defeat a spiritual enemy.
When you find yourself in a soul-sick state, make sure you identify the cause. If it is spiritual in nature, only God's spiritual remedies will cure you.
Jesus invited us not to a picnic but to a pilgrimage; not to a frolic but to a fight. Billy Graham
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Stephania part 2...
I forgot to mention this in my earlier post about Stephania but if you have any pictures &/or encourgaing things to say about this precious girl, please E mail them to me so I can pass them along to the wonderful family that I know who has been praying about her. Thanks so much!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Please pray for this precious girl...
and her adoptive parents. I know a wonderful family that has been praying about adopting Stephania but seem to be caught up in the what if's. Please pray for a clear answer from God to them one way or the other & that they be filled with peace regardless of the decision. Thanks!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Pleasant Surprise!
I had no idea that my friend Lara (aka: Mama Nata & Fritzon) who lives about 4 hours away was going to be at Michelle's Sunday so I was very pleasantly surprised when we pulled up the drive way & I saw her standing there. It was so good to see you again Lara! I can't wait to see you soon with Nata & Fritzon! :o)
Monday, July 21, 2008
Austim Forum for the Tri State...
Well, I wanted to put the flyer for this forum on my blog but for some reason I can't seem to get that accomplished :o) So, here's the information:
A WNIN/PBS COMMUNITY FORUM
"UNDERSTANDING AUTISM....HELP & HOPE"
What does a diagnosis of autism mean for a family? What are the sigsn of autism?
What resources are available locally to provide assistance?
Hear from individuals knowledgeable & experienced in autism, & 3 Tri State families who offer revealing insights they have gained through their own experiences.
THIS FORUM IS FUNDED IN PART BY EVANSVILLE ARC
Independent lives for people with disabilities.
LIVE FORUM AIRS THURSDAY JULY 24TH AT 7PM
Information at evansvillearc.org or wnin.org
A WNIN/PBS COMMUNITY FORUM
"UNDERSTANDING AUTISM....HELP & HOPE"
What does a diagnosis of autism mean for a family? What are the sigsn of autism?
What resources are available locally to provide assistance?
Hear from individuals knowledgeable & experienced in autism, & 3 Tri State families who offer revealing insights they have gained through their own experiences.
THIS FORUM IS FUNDED IN PART BY EVANSVILLE ARC
Independent lives for people with disabilities.
LIVE FORUM AIRS THURSDAY JULY 24TH AT 7PM
Information at evansvillearc.org or wnin.org
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Blog Promotion...
Just thought I would interuppt your day to promote my friend Kelly's blog. If you haven't had a chance to check it out...please do so! She's a wonderful person & a very amazing friend! I can't wait to see her be the wonderful mama that I know she is! Click on Kelly under my blog favorites or go to www.openvessel4jc.blogspot.com
Thanks!!! :o)
Thanks!!! :o)
Excited about Sunday!!!
Sundays have always been my favorite day of the week even if it wasn't always for the same reasons. Now I like Sundays because I start the day by worshiping the Lord with other people who like to worship the Lord & it sets a good tone for the whole week even if I am convicted by something said in the sermon...you know that if we only heard good things about ourselves we wouldn't grow much. I also like Sundays because Randy & I decided a long time ago to try to keep them very simple & leisurely. For the most part you won't find us doing a long list of "things to do" on Sundays. We generally come home from church & just "hang out."
We are really excited about tomorrow because tomorrow afternoon we get to go to a friend's house who brought their two girls home from Haiti a week and a half ago. That's exciting enough but we also get to see another couple who just brought their two children home from Haiti this past Tuesday. And if that's not exciting enough...we get to see Angela aka: you-you & her daughter Judah!!! We are really pumped to see all of them...and of course all of the other lovely faces that will be there! :o) See you all tomorrow!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Psalm 145
"I will praise you, my God & King, & bless your name forever & ever.
I will bless you every day, & I will praise you forever.
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! His greatness is beyond discovery!
Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor & your wonderful miracles.
Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness.
Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy of your righteousness.
The Lord is kind & merciful, slow to get angry, full of unfailing love.
The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.
All of your works will thank you, Lord, & your faithful followers will bless you.
They will talk together about the glory of your kingdom; they will celebrate examples of your power.
They will tell about your mighty deeds & about the majesty & glory of your reign.
For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule generation after generation.
The Lord is faithful in all he says; he is gracious in all he does.
The Lord helps the fallen & lifts up those bent beneath their loads.All eyes look to you for help; you give them their food as they need it.
When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger & thirst of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.
The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help & rescues them.
The Lord protects all those who love him, but he destroys the wicked.
I will praise the Lord, & everyone on earth will bless his holy name forever & forever.
Psalm 145 NLT
My Life Application Study Bible only footnotes one verse of this psalm which is verse 14. Sometimes our burdens seem more than we can bear, & we wonder how we can go on. David stands at this bleak instersection of life's road & meditates on the Lord, the great burden bearer. God is able to lift us up because (1) his greatness is beyond discovery(145:3), (2) he does mighty acts for each generation(145:4) (3) he is full of glorious splendor & majesty(145:5), (4) he does awe-inspiring deeds(145:5-6) (5) he is righteous(145:7), (6) he is kind, merciful, patient, loving, & compassionate(145:8-9), (7) he rules over an everlasting Kingdom(145:13), (8) he is our source of all our daily needs(145:15-16), (9) he is righteous & kind in all his dealings(145:17), (10) he remains close to those who call him(145:18), (11) he hears our cries & rescues us (145:19-20). If you are bending under a burden & feel that you are about to fall, turn to God for help. He is ready to lift you up & bear your burden.
I am curious as why they just footnoted verse 14. I think this psalm is very "meaty" & warrants more footnotes...but of course, that's just my own personal opinion.
Right now I feel like verses 1 & 2 are really speaking to me. I know I should praise God & bless his name. I do that but go onto verse 2. "I will bless you every day." That is a different story. I'm sure I don't bless God every day...I should...but I don't...and this is where I am convicted. It continues with "and I will praise you forever." Of course I will praise Him forever when I'm with Him in heaven but what about now? Do I praise Him all the time now? Of course I would have to say, "No." Then I have to ask myself," Why not if He is worthy to be praised all the time?"...something to think about.
I will bless you every day, & I will praise you forever.
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! His greatness is beyond discovery!
Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor & your wonderful miracles.
Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness.
Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy of your righteousness.
The Lord is kind & merciful, slow to get angry, full of unfailing love.
The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.
All of your works will thank you, Lord, & your faithful followers will bless you.
They will talk together about the glory of your kingdom; they will celebrate examples of your power.
They will tell about your mighty deeds & about the majesty & glory of your reign.
For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule generation after generation.
The Lord is faithful in all he says; he is gracious in all he does.
The Lord helps the fallen & lifts up those bent beneath their loads.All eyes look to you for help; you give them their food as they need it.
When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger & thirst of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.
The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help & rescues them.
The Lord protects all those who love him, but he destroys the wicked.
I will praise the Lord, & everyone on earth will bless his holy name forever & forever.
Psalm 145 NLT
My Life Application Study Bible only footnotes one verse of this psalm which is verse 14. Sometimes our burdens seem more than we can bear, & we wonder how we can go on. David stands at this bleak instersection of life's road & meditates on the Lord, the great burden bearer. God is able to lift us up because (1) his greatness is beyond discovery(145:3), (2) he does mighty acts for each generation(145:4) (3) he is full of glorious splendor & majesty(145:5), (4) he does awe-inspiring deeds(145:5-6) (5) he is righteous(145:7), (6) he is kind, merciful, patient, loving, & compassionate(145:8-9), (7) he rules over an everlasting Kingdom(145:13), (8) he is our source of all our daily needs(145:15-16), (9) he is righteous & kind in all his dealings(145:17), (10) he remains close to those who call him(145:18), (11) he hears our cries & rescues us (145:19-20). If you are bending under a burden & feel that you are about to fall, turn to God for help. He is ready to lift you up & bear your burden.
I am curious as why they just footnoted verse 14. I think this psalm is very "meaty" & warrants more footnotes...but of course, that's just my own personal opinion.
Right now I feel like verses 1 & 2 are really speaking to me. I know I should praise God & bless his name. I do that but go onto verse 2. "I will bless you every day." That is a different story. I'm sure I don't bless God every day...I should...but I don't...and this is where I am convicted. It continues with "and I will praise you forever." Of course I will praise Him forever when I'm with Him in heaven but what about now? Do I praise Him all the time now? Of course I would have to say, "No." Then I have to ask myself," Why not if He is worthy to be praised all the time?"...something to think about.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Enough to make a proud Mama cry!
Below is an update that I recieved from the orphanage today:
Shakira has been her usual energetic and bouncy self! I think she is enjoying summertime and having her friends around to play outside with in the mornings. Sandy says that her toe is completely healed now. Praise God! Shakira always wants to be part of the action and try what the other kids are doing. Recently, she played baseball with me and got a hit! Today, she tried out puzzles with some of the kids. She has a special relationship with her night nanny, Makile, and it’s so cool to see how excited she gets when Makile arrives!
Samara is her usual cuddly and smiley self! While the medical team was here, she made a new friend Colleen's son, Tim. He took a special interest in Samara and played with her a lot during the week. She loved the extra attention! I really appreciate how Samara goes with the flow and seems to be happy with whatever we are doing at the moment. What a sweet girl!
Caleb is doing well in the nursery. He’s still working on the whole walking thing since he took his first steps during your visit. The other day I was in the nursery, and Caleb was having fun playing with Peterson. I love Caleb’s smile. He’s such a good and content boy.
Shakira has been her usual energetic and bouncy self! I think she is enjoying summertime and having her friends around to play outside with in the mornings. Sandy says that her toe is completely healed now. Praise God! Shakira always wants to be part of the action and try what the other kids are doing. Recently, she played baseball with me and got a hit! Today, she tried out puzzles with some of the kids. She has a special relationship with her night nanny, Makile, and it’s so cool to see how excited she gets when Makile arrives!
Samara is her usual cuddly and smiley self! While the medical team was here, she made a new friend Colleen's son, Tim. He took a special interest in Samara and played with her a lot during the week. She loved the extra attention! I really appreciate how Samara goes with the flow and seems to be happy with whatever we are doing at the moment. What a sweet girl!
Caleb is doing well in the nursery. He’s still working on the whole walking thing since he took his first steps during your visit. The other day I was in the nursery, and Caleb was having fun playing with Peterson. I love Caleb’s smile. He’s such a good and content boy.
Together at last...
I can't stop looking at this picture. It's been a long time coming for this family but they are finally together...Praise God!!!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
A year full of wonderful memories...
A year ago today, Randy & I went to Haiti to meet Shakira, Samara, & Caleb. It's been an up and down emotional roller coaster ride ever since but it has been a year of making wonderful memories with our children & I thank God for that!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Constructive Criticism
"Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they reprove me, it is soothing medicine. Don't let me refuse it. But I am in constant prayer against the wicked & their deeds." Psalm 141:5 NLT
This is the footnote from the Life Application Study Bible:
David says that being rebuked by a godly person is a kindness. Nobody really likes criticism, but everybody can benefit from it when it is given wisely & taken humbly. David suggested how to accept criticism: (1) Don't refuse it. (2) consider it a kindness, & (3) keep quiet (don't fight back). Putting these suggestions into practice will help you control how you react to criticism, making it productive rather than destructive, no matter how it was originally intended.
I must admit that I don't like getting criticism either but sometimes it's necessary to help me get back on the right track or help me from falling off the right track. I don't like giving it either because most people don't "accept" it well even if it's meant to be constructive & helpful. I pray that we all will study this verse & let God speak to us about it.
This is the footnote from the Life Application Study Bible:
David says that being rebuked by a godly person is a kindness. Nobody really likes criticism, but everybody can benefit from it when it is given wisely & taken humbly. David suggested how to accept criticism: (1) Don't refuse it. (2) consider it a kindness, & (3) keep quiet (don't fight back). Putting these suggestions into practice will help you control how you react to criticism, making it productive rather than destructive, no matter how it was originally intended.
I must admit that I don't like getting criticism either but sometimes it's necessary to help me get back on the right track or help me from falling off the right track. I don't like giving it either because most people don't "accept" it well even if it's meant to be constructive & helpful. I pray that we all will study this verse & let God speak to us about it.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
The Grand Enterance...
This is for all of you who could not be at the airport tonight to see Michelle come home with Mia & Hope. Videos & pictures don't do it justice...it was an amazing experience & I am so thankful that I could be a very small part of it.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Opening a can of worms...
First, I want to start this post with my personal disclaimer..."that I really dislike writing posts like these." I know this is a "hot" topic & there will be strong feelings about it from all angles. I have felt God prompting me to write about this for the past couple of weeks. I had planned on writing it...just not today. Then I got a call from a friend who asked me about this topic. I think that was God's way of prompting me to write it today :o)
Not too long ago a friend asked me what I would do if the Orphanage that I am adopting from said it was okay by their standards to give money to people to get our files worked on more quickly & thus bring our children home sooner. First I want to make it perfectly clear that the Orphanage where my children are does not do that. This was purely a hypothetical question by a person seeking an answer & reason for my answer. This was/is my answer: No, I would not! Of course, that was the easy part. The hard part was explaining my answer...not for me so much but to answer in a way that would speak to this person's heart about the things of God.
Am I perfect? Absolutely not! Am I tempted? By many things all the time! So why can I adamantly say, "No, I would not give a bribe to get my children home sooner." Because God says it's wrong. But what if it's acceptable practice in the society? Just because it's "acceptable" doesn't make it right. It doesn't make it legal either. Most society's have rules against bribes even if it's "socially accptable." So in this case, not only would I be disobeying God, I would be disobeying the government as well. But other people do it! Once again I go back to...that doesn't make it right. Remember you mother saying to you as a child..."If Susie jumped off a cliff, would you?" I wouldn't back then & I don't plan to now.
Also, if I claim to be a child of God, which I do...shouldn't I be trusting in God to finish what he has called me to do? That alone should be enough to make me not want to do it but what if it wasn't? Well, what about the consquences that come from our sins & disobeying God? What if someone gave a bribe to get their children home sooner & for their disobedience their children died or they themselves died? I don't want to take that kind of chance.
But God has called me to adopt these children & they are my responsibilty to care for them & love them so I should do whatever it takes to get them home sooner. First of all God doesn't call us to disobey his Word. Secondly, serving & loving God is my first priority...above all else...above my children. Lastly, I have been caring for & loving my children for over a year & a half but have only been with them physically in person 3 weeks of that time.
Now lets forget about us for a moment & think about what kind of impact we make on society if we gave into the temptation to give a bribe. We are hindering a society from ever getting out of the bribery/corruption cycle. We are also placing the people who accept the bribes at risk for loosing their jobs & their ability to provide for their families. We are also diminishing our witness for Jesus to the world.
The following is a defintion of bribery & bribes from the Wikipedia. You can go to www.Wikipedia.org to read more.
Bribery, a form of pecuniary corruption, is an act usually implying money or gift given that alters the behaviour of the recipient in ways not consistent with the duties of that person or in breach of law. Bribery constitutes a crime and is defined by Black's Law Dictionary as the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of any item of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in discharge of a public or legal duty. The bribe is the gift bestowed to influence the recipient's conduct. It may be any money, good, right in action, property, preferment, privilege, emolument, object of value, advantage, or merely a promise or undertaking to induce or influence the action, vote, or influence of a person in an official or public capacity.
This is what God's word says about bribes:
"Extortion turns wise people into fools, & bribes corrupt the heart." Ecc. 7:7
"You rulers govern for the bribes you can get; you priests teach God's laws only for a price; you prophets won't prophesy unless you are paid. Yet all of you claim you are depending on the Lord. "No harm can come to us," you say, "for the Lord is here among us." Micah 3:11
and about business:
"The Lord demands fairness in every business deal; he sets the standard." Prov. 16:11
The following is from a chart in my NLT Life Application Study Bible
How can a person keep away from the evil system?
1. People must always be more important than products.
2. Keep away from pride in your own programs, plans, & successes.
3. Remember that God's will & Word must never be compromised.
4. People must always be considered above the making of money.
5. Do what is right, no matter what the cost.
6. Be involved in businesses that provide worthwile products or services-not just
things that feed the world's desires.
and about children:
"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.
Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows in a warrior's hands.
How happy is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates." Psalm 127:3-5
"I show this unfailing love to many thousands by forgiving every kind of sin & rebellion. Even so I do not leave sin unpunished, but I punish the children for the sins of thier parents to the third & fourth generations." Exodus 34:7
"Then David confessed to Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord." Nathan replied, "Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, & you won't die for this sin. But you have given the enemies of the Lord great opportunity to despise & blaspheme him, so your child will die." 2 Samuel 12:13-14
and about Christianity:
"Don't imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! No, I came to bring a sword. I have come to set a man against his father, & a daugther against her mother, & a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household. If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daugther more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross & follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it." Matthew 10:34-39
See the entire book of Job
"Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there. All governments have been placed in power by God. So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, & punishment will follow. For the authorities do not frighten people who are doing right, but they frighten those who do wrong. So do what they say, & you will get along well. The authorities are sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for you will be punished. The authorities are established by God for that very purpose, to punish those who do wrong. So you must obey the government for two reasons: to keep from being punished & to keep a clear conscience." Romans 13:1-5"
The footnotes on Romans 13:1 says this: Are there times when we should not obey the government? We should never allow government to force us to disobey God. Jesus & his apostles never disobeyed the government for personal reasons; when they disobeyed, it was in order to follow God's moral standards. Their disobedience was not cheap: They were threatened, beaten, thrown into jail, tortured, & executed for their convictions. Like them, if we are compelled to disobey, we must be ready to accept the consequences.
and about choices:
"My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! They may say, "Come & join us. Let's hide & kill someone! Let's ambush the innocent! Let's swallow them alive as the grave swallows its victims. Though they are in the prime of their life, they will go down into the pit of death. And the loot we'll get! We'll fill our houses with all kinds of things! Come on, throw in your lot with us; we'll split our loot with you!" Don't go along with them, my child! Stay far away from their paths. They rush to commit crimes. They hurry to commit murder. When a bird sees a trap being set, it stays away. But not these people! They set an ambush for themselves; they booby-trap their own lives! Such is the fate of all who are greedy for gain. It ends up robbing them of life." Proverbs 1:10-19
"As Jesus was going down the road, he saw Matthew sitting at his tax-collection booth. "Come, be my disciple," Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up & followed him. Matthew 9:9
and about compromise:
"Test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables & water," Daniel said. "At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king's rich food. Then you can decide whether or not to let us continue eating our diet." So the attendant agreed to Daniel's suggestion & tested them for ten days." Daniel 1:12-14
"But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him publicly, speaking strongly against what he was doing, for it was very wrong." Galatians 2:11
and about conformity:
"Do not pass along false reports. Do not cooperate with evil people by telling lies on the witness stand. Do not join a crowd that intends to do evil. When you are on the witness stand, do not be swayed in your testimony by the opinion of the majority. And do not slant your testimony in favor of a person just because that person is poor." Exodus 23:1-3
"So do not act like the people in Egypt, where you used to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must not imitate their way of life. You must obey all my regulations & be careful to keep my laws, for I, the Lord, am your God. If you obey my laws & regulations, you will find life through them. I am the Lord." Leviticus 18:3-5
"And you will know that I am the LORD, for you have not followed my decrees or kept my laws but have conformed to the standards of the nations around you." Ezekiel 11:12
"I beseech you therefore, brethen, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, & acceptable, & perfect will of God." Romans 12:1-2
and about consequences:
"And to Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife & ate the fruit I told you not to eat, I have placed a curse on the ground. All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it. It will grow thorns & thistles for you, though you will eat of its grains. All your life you will sweat to produce food, until your dying day. Then you will return to the ground from which you came. For you were made from dust, & to the dust you will return." Genesis 3:17-19
and about corruption:
"Now the earth had become corrupt in God's sight, & it was filled with violence. God observed all this corruption in world, & he saw violence & depravity every where." Genesis 6:11-12
"Only fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." They are corrupt, & their actions are evil; no one does good!" Psalm 14:1
"Mordecai, the Jew became the prime minister, with authority next to that of King Xerxes himself. He was very great among the Jews, who held him in high esteem, because he worked for the good of his people, & was a friend at the royal court for all of them." Esther 10:3
"Pure & lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans & widows in their troubles & refuse to let the world corrupt us." James 1:27
and about the cost of following Jesus:
"Then one of the teachers of religious law said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you no matter where you go!" But Jesus said, "Foxes have dens to live in, & birds have nests, but I, the Son of Man, have no home of my own, not even a place to lay my head." Matthew 8:19-20
and about trusting God:
"Soon I will die," Joseph told his brothers, "but God will surely come for you, to lead you out of this land of Egypt. He will bring you back to the land he vowed to give to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob." Genesis 50:24
"Take this child home & nurse him for me," the princess told her. "I will pay you for your help." So the baby's mother took her baby home & nursed him." Exodus 2:9
"Then they turned against Moses & complained, "Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren't there enough graves for us in Egypt? Why did you make us leave? didn't we tell you to leave us alone while we were still in Egypt? Our Egyptian slavery was far better than dying out here in the wilderness! But Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand where you are & watch the Lord rescue you. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again." Exodus 14:11-13
"Because the men who explored the land were there for forty days, you must wander in the wilderness for forty years-a year for each day, suffering the consquences of your sins..." Numbers 14:34
Okay...I'm way past brain fade now so I will bring this post to an end. I hope that it speaks to your heart in a positive way.
Not too long ago a friend asked me what I would do if the Orphanage that I am adopting from said it was okay by their standards to give money to people to get our files worked on more quickly & thus bring our children home sooner. First I want to make it perfectly clear that the Orphanage where my children are does not do that. This was purely a hypothetical question by a person seeking an answer & reason for my answer. This was/is my answer: No, I would not! Of course, that was the easy part. The hard part was explaining my answer...not for me so much but to answer in a way that would speak to this person's heart about the things of God.
Am I perfect? Absolutely not! Am I tempted? By many things all the time! So why can I adamantly say, "No, I would not give a bribe to get my children home sooner." Because God says it's wrong. But what if it's acceptable practice in the society? Just because it's "acceptable" doesn't make it right. It doesn't make it legal either. Most society's have rules against bribes even if it's "socially accptable." So in this case, not only would I be disobeying God, I would be disobeying the government as well. But other people do it! Once again I go back to...that doesn't make it right. Remember you mother saying to you as a child..."If Susie jumped off a cliff, would you?" I wouldn't back then & I don't plan to now.
Also, if I claim to be a child of God, which I do...shouldn't I be trusting in God to finish what he has called me to do? That alone should be enough to make me not want to do it but what if it wasn't? Well, what about the consquences that come from our sins & disobeying God? What if someone gave a bribe to get their children home sooner & for their disobedience their children died or they themselves died? I don't want to take that kind of chance.
But God has called me to adopt these children & they are my responsibilty to care for them & love them so I should do whatever it takes to get them home sooner. First of all God doesn't call us to disobey his Word. Secondly, serving & loving God is my first priority...above all else...above my children. Lastly, I have been caring for & loving my children for over a year & a half but have only been with them physically in person 3 weeks of that time.
Now lets forget about us for a moment & think about what kind of impact we make on society if we gave into the temptation to give a bribe. We are hindering a society from ever getting out of the bribery/corruption cycle. We are also placing the people who accept the bribes at risk for loosing their jobs & their ability to provide for their families. We are also diminishing our witness for Jesus to the world.
The following is a defintion of bribery & bribes from the Wikipedia. You can go to www.Wikipedia.org to read more.
Bribery, a form of pecuniary corruption, is an act usually implying money or gift given that alters the behaviour of the recipient in ways not consistent with the duties of that person or in breach of law. Bribery constitutes a crime and is defined by Black's Law Dictionary as the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of any item of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in discharge of a public or legal duty. The bribe is the gift bestowed to influence the recipient's conduct. It may be any money, good, right in action, property, preferment, privilege, emolument, object of value, advantage, or merely a promise or undertaking to induce or influence the action, vote, or influence of a person in an official or public capacity.
This is what God's word says about bribes:
"Extortion turns wise people into fools, & bribes corrupt the heart." Ecc. 7:7
"You rulers govern for the bribes you can get; you priests teach God's laws only for a price; you prophets won't prophesy unless you are paid. Yet all of you claim you are depending on the Lord. "No harm can come to us," you say, "for the Lord is here among us." Micah 3:11
and about business:
"The Lord demands fairness in every business deal; he sets the standard." Prov. 16:11
The following is from a chart in my NLT Life Application Study Bible
How can a person keep away from the evil system?
1. People must always be more important than products.
2. Keep away from pride in your own programs, plans, & successes.
3. Remember that God's will & Word must never be compromised.
4. People must always be considered above the making of money.
5. Do what is right, no matter what the cost.
6. Be involved in businesses that provide worthwile products or services-not just
things that feed the world's desires.
and about children:
"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.
Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows in a warrior's hands.
How happy is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates." Psalm 127:3-5
"I show this unfailing love to many thousands by forgiving every kind of sin & rebellion. Even so I do not leave sin unpunished, but I punish the children for the sins of thier parents to the third & fourth generations." Exodus 34:7
"Then David confessed to Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord." Nathan replied, "Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, & you won't die for this sin. But you have given the enemies of the Lord great opportunity to despise & blaspheme him, so your child will die." 2 Samuel 12:13-14
and about Christianity:
"Don't imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! No, I came to bring a sword. I have come to set a man against his father, & a daugther against her mother, & a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household. If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daugther more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross & follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it." Matthew 10:34-39
See the entire book of Job
"Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there. All governments have been placed in power by God. So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, & punishment will follow. For the authorities do not frighten people who are doing right, but they frighten those who do wrong. So do what they say, & you will get along well. The authorities are sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for you will be punished. The authorities are established by God for that very purpose, to punish those who do wrong. So you must obey the government for two reasons: to keep from being punished & to keep a clear conscience." Romans 13:1-5"
The footnotes on Romans 13:1 says this: Are there times when we should not obey the government? We should never allow government to force us to disobey God. Jesus & his apostles never disobeyed the government for personal reasons; when they disobeyed, it was in order to follow God's moral standards. Their disobedience was not cheap: They were threatened, beaten, thrown into jail, tortured, & executed for their convictions. Like them, if we are compelled to disobey, we must be ready to accept the consequences.
and about choices:
"My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! They may say, "Come & join us. Let's hide & kill someone! Let's ambush the innocent! Let's swallow them alive as the grave swallows its victims. Though they are in the prime of their life, they will go down into the pit of death. And the loot we'll get! We'll fill our houses with all kinds of things! Come on, throw in your lot with us; we'll split our loot with you!" Don't go along with them, my child! Stay far away from their paths. They rush to commit crimes. They hurry to commit murder. When a bird sees a trap being set, it stays away. But not these people! They set an ambush for themselves; they booby-trap their own lives! Such is the fate of all who are greedy for gain. It ends up robbing them of life." Proverbs 1:10-19
"As Jesus was going down the road, he saw Matthew sitting at his tax-collection booth. "Come, be my disciple," Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up & followed him. Matthew 9:9
and about compromise:
"Test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables & water," Daniel said. "At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king's rich food. Then you can decide whether or not to let us continue eating our diet." So the attendant agreed to Daniel's suggestion & tested them for ten days." Daniel 1:12-14
"But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him publicly, speaking strongly against what he was doing, for it was very wrong." Galatians 2:11
and about conformity:
"Do not pass along false reports. Do not cooperate with evil people by telling lies on the witness stand. Do not join a crowd that intends to do evil. When you are on the witness stand, do not be swayed in your testimony by the opinion of the majority. And do not slant your testimony in favor of a person just because that person is poor." Exodus 23:1-3
"So do not act like the people in Egypt, where you used to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must not imitate their way of life. You must obey all my regulations & be careful to keep my laws, for I, the Lord, am your God. If you obey my laws & regulations, you will find life through them. I am the Lord." Leviticus 18:3-5
"And you will know that I am the LORD, for you have not followed my decrees or kept my laws but have conformed to the standards of the nations around you." Ezekiel 11:12
"I beseech you therefore, brethen, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, & acceptable, & perfect will of God." Romans 12:1-2
and about consequences:
"And to Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife & ate the fruit I told you not to eat, I have placed a curse on the ground. All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it. It will grow thorns & thistles for you, though you will eat of its grains. All your life you will sweat to produce food, until your dying day. Then you will return to the ground from which you came. For you were made from dust, & to the dust you will return." Genesis 3:17-19
and about corruption:
"Now the earth had become corrupt in God's sight, & it was filled with violence. God observed all this corruption in world, & he saw violence & depravity every where." Genesis 6:11-12
"Only fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." They are corrupt, & their actions are evil; no one does good!" Psalm 14:1
"Mordecai, the Jew became the prime minister, with authority next to that of King Xerxes himself. He was very great among the Jews, who held him in high esteem, because he worked for the good of his people, & was a friend at the royal court for all of them." Esther 10:3
"Pure & lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans & widows in their troubles & refuse to let the world corrupt us." James 1:27
and about the cost of following Jesus:
"Then one of the teachers of religious law said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you no matter where you go!" But Jesus said, "Foxes have dens to live in, & birds have nests, but I, the Son of Man, have no home of my own, not even a place to lay my head." Matthew 8:19-20
and about trusting God:
"Soon I will die," Joseph told his brothers, "but God will surely come for you, to lead you out of this land of Egypt. He will bring you back to the land he vowed to give to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob." Genesis 50:24
"Take this child home & nurse him for me," the princess told her. "I will pay you for your help." So the baby's mother took her baby home & nursed him." Exodus 2:9
"Then they turned against Moses & complained, "Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren't there enough graves for us in Egypt? Why did you make us leave? didn't we tell you to leave us alone while we were still in Egypt? Our Egyptian slavery was far better than dying out here in the wilderness! But Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand where you are & watch the Lord rescue you. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again." Exodus 14:11-13
"Because the men who explored the land were there for forty days, you must wander in the wilderness for forty years-a year for each day, suffering the consquences of your sins..." Numbers 14:34
Okay...I'm way past brain fade now so I will bring this post to an end. I hope that it speaks to your heart in a positive way.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Almost a month...
has gone by since I went to Haiti on June 9th. I usually post a lot of pictures & tell stories after I get back but this time I didn't. Part of me wants to keep them to myself because a "silly" part of my brain & heart think that if I share these precious memories with others that I will have "less" for myself & since I don't plan to go back again until it's time to bring our children home...I want to keep as much as possible. I know this probably doesn't make sense to anyone but me but I assure you that "I" know what I'm talking about :o)
So tonight I am letting go of this irrational fear or thought. After several delays, I arrived to the "O" at about 8pm. I had a feeling before I walked through the doors that my children would be asleep because they usually "crash" at 7pm. As I walked through the doors I was met by all the downstairs children except Shakira because she was asleep as I had suspected. I gave them hugs & kisses & said Hello to the nannies. I then walked over to Shakira's bed which is a bottom bunk stuck in the corner of the room. I leaned down & kissed her cheek & said, "Shakira...it's mama...I love you." She in turn said, "Ugh" & turned over on her other side & kept sleeping :o)
I then headed up to the nursery. Samara was asleep as well. Caleb was getting his nightime "wipe down" & his diaper changed so I went over to Samara's bed. I knelt down on the floor next to her bed & gave her a kiss & said, "Samara...it's mama...I love you." She didn't blink an eye...and kept on snoring...and boy can that girl snore! :o) I was then mobbed by the little ones that weren't in bed yet. They are all so cute! By this time Caleb was changed & looking at me intently. I don't know what he was thinking but his eyes & face looked liked he was saying, "Ugh...hey mom...what about me? You know...you're cute, adorable son who has been waiting what seems like forever to see you again...could you please come over here now?"
So I walked over to him & he reached out for me & gave me a long, curious look. At first I wasn't sure if he really recognized me but after a couple of minutes he was "attached" & he didn't want me to leave his sight. I couldn't believe how much he had grown since I saw him in December. Of course I've seen pictures of him since then but it's not the same. Now he was walking & saying "Mama & Aye!" At first he didn't smile much & I labeled him a serious thinker like his daddy but after the first day he smiled & laughed a lot for me.
I loved on him for awhile & then it was time for me to go to bed. I was exhausted & morning comes a lot earlier in Haiti than it does here even though I get up at the same time...go figure...it must be the rooster effect! :o)
Samara & Shakira were up & waiting for me the next morning. Either the nannies or the other kids must have told them that I had come in the night before. As soon as they saw me their faces were covered with a big smile...but I think my smile was bigger :o) Of course they both wanted me to pick them up at the same time which is not easy to do. Normally Samara is the one who gets held first because she lunges at you & Shakira usually just runs around you but not this time. This time Shakira lunged first...much to Samara's disappointment! After some hugs & kisses it was time to look at Shakira's foot. So I assisted Sandy with the dressing change & held Shakira's hands at the same time. I was impressed with how clean the wounds were & keeping it clean was what we focused on the whole time I was there.
To be continued...
So tonight I am letting go of this irrational fear or thought. After several delays, I arrived to the "O" at about 8pm. I had a feeling before I walked through the doors that my children would be asleep because they usually "crash" at 7pm. As I walked through the doors I was met by all the downstairs children except Shakira because she was asleep as I had suspected. I gave them hugs & kisses & said Hello to the nannies. I then walked over to Shakira's bed which is a bottom bunk stuck in the corner of the room. I leaned down & kissed her cheek & said, "Shakira...it's mama...I love you." She in turn said, "Ugh" & turned over on her other side & kept sleeping :o)
I then headed up to the nursery. Samara was asleep as well. Caleb was getting his nightime "wipe down" & his diaper changed so I went over to Samara's bed. I knelt down on the floor next to her bed & gave her a kiss & said, "Samara...it's mama...I love you." She didn't blink an eye...and kept on snoring...and boy can that girl snore! :o) I was then mobbed by the little ones that weren't in bed yet. They are all so cute! By this time Caleb was changed & looking at me intently. I don't know what he was thinking but his eyes & face looked liked he was saying, "Ugh...hey mom...what about me? You know...you're cute, adorable son who has been waiting what seems like forever to see you again...could you please come over here now?"
So I walked over to him & he reached out for me & gave me a long, curious look. At first I wasn't sure if he really recognized me but after a couple of minutes he was "attached" & he didn't want me to leave his sight. I couldn't believe how much he had grown since I saw him in December. Of course I've seen pictures of him since then but it's not the same. Now he was walking & saying "Mama & Aye!" At first he didn't smile much & I labeled him a serious thinker like his daddy but after the first day he smiled & laughed a lot for me.
I loved on him for awhile & then it was time for me to go to bed. I was exhausted & morning comes a lot earlier in Haiti than it does here even though I get up at the same time...go figure...it must be the rooster effect! :o)
Samara & Shakira were up & waiting for me the next morning. Either the nannies or the other kids must have told them that I had come in the night before. As soon as they saw me their faces were covered with a big smile...but I think my smile was bigger :o) Of course they both wanted me to pick them up at the same time which is not easy to do. Normally Samara is the one who gets held first because she lunges at you & Shakira usually just runs around you but not this time. This time Shakira lunged first...much to Samara's disappointment! After some hugs & kisses it was time to look at Shakira's foot. So I assisted Sandy with the dressing change & held Shakira's hands at the same time. I was impressed with how clean the wounds were & keeping it clean was what we focused on the whole time I was there.
To be continued...
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Glasses...
I know these aren't the best pictures to show case Phoebe's new glasses that she got yesterday but she wasn't cooperating with me...which seems to be the trend this week...and it's still early in the week!...please pray for us! :o)
Words...
A few days ago I led a devotion on "words & talking." It went really well & I had thought that we had talked about "talking" from every angle but after reading today's devotion by Dr. David Jeremiah realized we had not. I think what he says is important so I am sharing it with you. Praying that you have a blessed day!
Cubic Zirconium
A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
Proverbs 29:5
Recommended Reading
Mark 12:13-17
A young woman came to work one morning wearing a huge diamond on her finger, prompting shouts of "Liz, are you engaged?" "No," said Liz, laughing. "It's a joke—nothing but cubic zirconium. I found it the other day on the tray at the dime store."
Cubic zirconium is a mineral that is hard, optically flawless, and cheap. It resembles a diamond so closely that sometimes only a trained eye can tell the difference. But it isn't a diamond—and that's the point.
A similar comparison exists between true compliments and flattering words. They may look alike, but one is sincere and precious; the other is insincere and cheap. A genuine compliment is valuable and useful; it builds us up and strengthens our hearts. But as Warren Wiersbe says, "Friends who flatter us and avoid telling us the truth are only doing us harm."
Let's compliment someone today, making sure our words are truthful, sincere, humble, and diamond-like in quality.
Flattery is telling the other person precisely what he thinks about himself.
Dale Carnegie
Cubic Zirconium
A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
Proverbs 29:5
Recommended Reading
Mark 12:13-17
A young woman came to work one morning wearing a huge diamond on her finger, prompting shouts of "Liz, are you engaged?" "No," said Liz, laughing. "It's a joke—nothing but cubic zirconium. I found it the other day on the tray at the dime store."
Cubic zirconium is a mineral that is hard, optically flawless, and cheap. It resembles a diamond so closely that sometimes only a trained eye can tell the difference. But it isn't a diamond—and that's the point.
A similar comparison exists between true compliments and flattering words. They may look alike, but one is sincere and precious; the other is insincere and cheap. A genuine compliment is valuable and useful; it builds us up and strengthens our hearts. But as Warren Wiersbe says, "Friends who flatter us and avoid telling us the truth are only doing us harm."
Let's compliment someone today, making sure our words are truthful, sincere, humble, and diamond-like in quality.
Flattery is telling the other person precisely what he thinks about himself.
Dale Carnegie
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