Lilypie Waiting to Adopt tickers
12.26.2010
12.21.2010
Copy Cat
So once again my friend Sandra has found a fabulous addition to a Christmas party. I decided to copy cat her thoughts for you! I love it! Try it out!
Here is the link. It's from City Cradle Design
Here is the link. It's from City Cradle Design
12.20.2010
Here's the Deal......
So here's the deal....we almost adopted 4 kids...again. The same 4 as before. We had a to have our medicals updated. They added a few tests and and x-ray. When we sent in our medicals, it was necessary to have our dossier reviewed again. This time we were told if we wanted the 4 siblings we could have them. What? Shock.
So okay, we thought and prayed about it for weeks. I mean sincerely prayed. Sometimes I say I pray about things and then I really don't. This decision affects too many lives to count, mainly 4 or 6 if you count us, and I have learned my lesson about not praying about things in my/our life. I am perfect at messing up my own life, so I didn't want to mess up four other lives. Especially since thier lives have been such a mess already! I was even doing Pricilla Shirer's study "Discerning the Voice of God" during this time. Everything Brent and I were reading and talking about seemed to lead to make the decision to adopt the 4 kids.
This brings us to December 1. We drove down to our agency to talk with them and tell them we had decided to move forward. This meeting set all kinds of things in order. Write a letter of intent, get a psychology update, print off a few forms to fill out, find a organziation in which to send tax deductable donations, etc. Even that night we had a man call wanting to know where to send their donation - we hadn't told him that we had decided to go ahead in the process. A few other events were happening that we thought was confirmation from the Lord. Everything is going smoothly, except, my spirit is twisted. That's the only thing was so weird. It was not the feeling I expected after saying yes to them. I literally felt as though my spirit was being twisted around inside me. I couldn't figure it out.
Fast forward to December 15, we are meeting with our psychologist. The 15th just happened to be the last appointment she had open for the year.
It was a cold, snowy, rainy day. I love days like that! The meeting went so well. I actually thought she would say we were out of our minds! haha!
Our agency is right across from her office, so we stepped over to say hello. Pat saw us through the door and motioned for us to come in. It was the kind of motioning where you instantly know something is wrong. We walked to the office and Anne told us that our letter of intent had been rejected. At first, I wasn't sure what she meant. I just thought, okay, so we write another one? No. That was not the meaning. There were some changes in Peru. Without disclosing all the details, there seem to be some political moves when our letter of intent was submitted and it was rejected. We had been told this was a done deal. But now there was no deal at all! We weren't really sure what to think about the news. What do we do now? We didn't know, we still don't really know.
Confusion was the main feeling of the day. Had we "heard" wrong? What about all the things we thought were confirmations along the way? What does this mean? It is still confusing and sad that children's lives seem to be in the hands of political parties. However, I know the secret: children's lives, all lives, are really in the hands of the Creator. He holds this world. Nothing happens unless He says yes. Charles H. Spurgeon has great quote:"Wherever God in His providence guides you, let it be your joy to know that He is too wise to err - too good to be unkind." ---
You, we, must believe God. So what did we decide?
We decided to keep our home study update the same - adopt 1- 4 children (siblings) and change the ages to 0 - 11. Who knows what will happen next? We just keep going and waiting and sincerely praying.
We still have the organization set up in which to give tax deductable donations. If you would like to give, please leave me a comment and I'll send you the info.
I know this is long! Just wanted to let you know what was going on with the adoption.
So okay, we thought and prayed about it for weeks. I mean sincerely prayed. Sometimes I say I pray about things and then I really don't. This decision affects too many lives to count, mainly 4 or 6 if you count us, and I have learned my lesson about not praying about things in my/our life. I am perfect at messing up my own life, so I didn't want to mess up four other lives. Especially since thier lives have been such a mess already! I was even doing Pricilla Shirer's study "Discerning the Voice of God" during this time. Everything Brent and I were reading and talking about seemed to lead to make the decision to adopt the 4 kids.
This brings us to December 1. We drove down to our agency to talk with them and tell them we had decided to move forward. This meeting set all kinds of things in order. Write a letter of intent, get a psychology update, print off a few forms to fill out, find a organziation in which to send tax deductable donations, etc. Even that night we had a man call wanting to know where to send their donation - we hadn't told him that we had decided to go ahead in the process. A few other events were happening that we thought was confirmation from the Lord. Everything is going smoothly, except, my spirit is twisted. That's the only thing was so weird. It was not the feeling I expected after saying yes to them. I literally felt as though my spirit was being twisted around inside me. I couldn't figure it out.
Fast forward to December 15, we are meeting with our psychologist. The 15th just happened to be the last appointment she had open for the year.
It was a cold, snowy, rainy day. I love days like that! The meeting went so well. I actually thought she would say we were out of our minds! haha!
Our agency is right across from her office, so we stepped over to say hello. Pat saw us through the door and motioned for us to come in. It was the kind of motioning where you instantly know something is wrong. We walked to the office and Anne told us that our letter of intent had been rejected. At first, I wasn't sure what she meant. I just thought, okay, so we write another one? No. That was not the meaning. There were some changes in Peru. Without disclosing all the details, there seem to be some political moves when our letter of intent was submitted and it was rejected. We had been told this was a done deal. But now there was no deal at all! We weren't really sure what to think about the news. What do we do now? We didn't know, we still don't really know.
Confusion was the main feeling of the day. Had we "heard" wrong? What about all the things we thought were confirmations along the way? What does this mean? It is still confusing and sad that children's lives seem to be in the hands of political parties. However, I know the secret: children's lives, all lives, are really in the hands of the Creator. He holds this world. Nothing happens unless He says yes. Charles H. Spurgeon has great quote:"Wherever God in His providence guides you, let it be your joy to know that He is too wise to err - too good to be unkind." ---
You, we, must believe God. So what did we decide?
We decided to keep our home study update the same - adopt 1- 4 children (siblings) and change the ages to 0 - 11. Who knows what will happen next? We just keep going and waiting and sincerely praying.
We still have the organization set up in which to give tax deductable donations. If you would like to give, please leave me a comment and I'll send you the info.
I know this is long! Just wanted to let you know what was going on with the adoption.
12.07.2010
Link
For those of you who love to plan parties. The Birthday Girl blog is so great. I found this on my friend Sandra's blog. She is incredibly crafty. She has a great love for God and people. She loves to plan parties and make others feel special.
Here is her blog: Birthday Girl
Enjoy your party planning!
Here is her blog: Birthday Girl
Enjoy your party planning!
12.05.2010
12.02.2010
Christmas
I am unusually excited about Christmas this year. I have been for awhile. This is unsual because Christmas is not my favorite holiday. I would much rather celebrate the fourth of July. But this year, I can't wait to enjoy each Christmas party.
We received an email update this week from some friends who are adopting from Ethiopia. In their email they highlighted some Christmas traditions in Ethiopia. I thought that was a good idea, so I went in search of some traditions in Peru.
This is what I found (from the random websites that I came across):
First of all it is the summer season.
Peruvians have midnight mass or they wait up till midnight - Noche Buena - and then the celebration really begins. Feasting and dancing with neighbors, friend, and family can last till early morning. Lighting fireworks add to the festivities.
Some communities perform plays.
The Nativity may be set up for a month before Christmas, but Jesus is not placed in the manger until after midnight on Noche Buena. Symbolizing that He has been born.
Another Christmas tradition in Peru is the chocolatada. A chocolatada is usually organised by churches, businesses or shops. The people there give hot chocolate, some bread or biscocho (a sweet bread with dried fruits inside), some sweets or maybe a toy to poor children (some websites included elderly people too)
Hmm.....Jesus, fireworks, and chocolate :) I think I will fit in.
We received an email update this week from some friends who are adopting from Ethiopia. In their email they highlighted some Christmas traditions in Ethiopia. I thought that was a good idea, so I went in search of some traditions in Peru.
This is what I found (from the random websites that I came across):
First of all it is the summer season.
Peruvians have midnight mass or they wait up till midnight - Noche Buena - and then the celebration really begins. Feasting and dancing with neighbors, friend, and family can last till early morning. Lighting fireworks add to the festivities.
Some communities perform plays.
The Nativity may be set up for a month before Christmas, but Jesus is not placed in the manger until after midnight on Noche Buena. Symbolizing that He has been born.
Another Christmas tradition in Peru is the chocolatada. A chocolatada is usually organised by churches, businesses or shops. The people there give hot chocolate, some bread or biscocho (a sweet bread with dried fruits inside), some sweets or maybe a toy to poor children (some websites included elderly people too)
Hmm.....Jesus, fireworks, and chocolate :) I think I will fit in.
11.23.2010
By the way....
November is National Adoption Month.
His Voice for Sudan is currently raising funds for their 4th orphanage.
Please support this orphanage by purchasing this song from iTunes. All proceed will go towards the orphanage.
His Voice for Sudan is currently raising funds for their 4th orphanage.
Please support this orphanage by purchasing this song from iTunes. All proceed will go towards the orphanage.
Tuesday Highlights
It's Tuesday. I am off a half day today and I should be getting the house cleaned. Instead it took me an hour to compose 2 facebook messages. One to the youth girls about their Bible study and one to their mothers. Then I was tired of looking at the sidewalk on this blog, so I decided I need to make a few new posts. I guess the house can wait.
Since it's been a month, I'll spare the details and just tell you the highlights.
**Jewelry shows seemed have gone into cease and desist mode. But that is okay. We have been so incredibly busy that I don't think I could have made it to the shows!
**Work is fabulous, we have 2 new gals, but it has been overwhelming. We have a new system to learn. It's been interesting. Yesterday was the first normal day in weeks!
**Brent started a 6 week dodgeball league for the youth. They are having a great time!
**Our adoption has taken a surprising twist! It's so exciting! We have a new decision to make, but we don't know what to do! But it's okay that we don't yet. We are learning to wait and listen. Be patient, go slow.
Habakkuk 2:3 says:
For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come
and will not delay.
So here we are waiting. I keep remembering this verse, praying and trying hard to listen. I have a study by Pricilla Shirer that I am doing about discerning the voice of God. It's been a great help during this time to help me to remember to go slow and be patient.
Our agency recently put us in contact with two families that have adopted from Peru. We had great conversations with both families.
Maybe by Christmas, we can give all the details! But it may not even happen.
So be on the look out!
Since it's been a month, I'll spare the details and just tell you the highlights.
**Jewelry shows seemed have gone into cease and desist mode. But that is okay. We have been so incredibly busy that I don't think I could have made it to the shows!
**Work is fabulous, we have 2 new gals, but it has been overwhelming. We have a new system to learn. It's been interesting. Yesterday was the first normal day in weeks!
**Brent started a 6 week dodgeball league for the youth. They are having a great time!
**Our adoption has taken a surprising twist! It's so exciting! We have a new decision to make, but we don't know what to do! But it's okay that we don't yet. We are learning to wait and listen. Be patient, go slow.
Habakkuk 2:3 says:
For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come
and will not delay.
So here we are waiting. I keep remembering this verse, praying and trying hard to listen. I have a study by Pricilla Shirer that I am doing about discerning the voice of God. It's been a great help during this time to help me to remember to go slow and be patient.
Our agency recently put us in contact with two families that have adopted from Peru. We had great conversations with both families.
Maybe by Christmas, we can give all the details! But it may not even happen.
So be on the look out!
Stoning Grandma
Destin turned 3 this month. He is so darn cute. I just love that kid. Sometimes he sounds like he is talking with an English accent. He recently broke his arm. We were all thankful that he didn't get a pink cast! He loves pink. Silly boy.
My mom and I took him to Zaxbys one day and while we were sitting there, Destin puts his hand on my shoulder and gets right in my face and says with a grin:
"I stone grandma!" "
"What? Destin! That's not very nice."
"I stone grandma!"
My mom is laughing and says to ask him what he stoned her with.
The answer: a bouncy ball (which he calls a gumball) and an empty icing container from his kitchen.
Apparently my mom has been reading David and Goliath to him and stoning has been taken to a new level! Maybe we should wait to tell him about the stoning of Stephen!
My mom and I took him to Zaxbys one day and while we were sitting there, Destin puts his hand on my shoulder and gets right in my face and says with a grin:
"I stone grandma!" "
"What? Destin! That's not very nice."
"I stone grandma!"
My mom is laughing and says to ask him what he stoned her with.
The answer: a bouncy ball (which he calls a gumball) and an empty icing container from his kitchen.
Apparently my mom has been reading David and Goliath to him and stoning has been taken to a new level! Maybe we should wait to tell him about the stoning of Stephen!
10.20.2010
Sidewalk
Our house is kinda in the woods. Meaning there is not a concrete driveway. The rocks have been so crushed that now when we drive up there is a whirlwind of dust surrounding our car. When it rains the water puddles up and we have to wade to the car. Our driveway is such that a paving company left a flyer at our house! HAHA! You know it's bad when that happens! So anyway, Brent corrected one problem by building the sidewalk pictured below. It's very nice! I like it!
PS: if you noticed the camo in the back ground - it's Brent's water balloon gun he built! It's awesome!
PS: if you noticed the camo in the back ground - it's Brent's water balloon gun he built! It's awesome!
10.16.2010
6 years
Brent and I have been married for 6 years now!
The week before, Brent backed into my car. So while my car was being fixed we got to drive this car. It was pretty nice. Too bad it's not a keeper!
This is some of our family. We had the best time with them that day!
Fall Cleaning
Lately, cleaning has become depressing. The house just gets dirty again, and again, and again. However it is imperative to my sanity, which has become non-existant. So off to clean I go.
Happy thought: I can pull out all the fall decorations today.
10.07.2010
10 Good Things
Well here are a few good things from this week:
1. We received an email and back to the doctor we go. A few medical tests have been added, so we think we may have to get these complete soon. But our agency is checking in to it, so we should know by next week. But it's no big deal. Possible new blood tests and an x-ray. But what I love about this is that it means, SNA has our file and is reviewing it! Hooray!
2. I ordered five books on adoption from CBD the other day. They will be arriving soon.
3. I started working on some craft projects that have been sitting around for weeks!
4. Last week, Brent issued a challenge to our students, to carry the lunch trays of the peers when lunch was over. Some have participated, some have not. One girl in particular really had interesting experiences. The first few days, the kids poured milk on her, put ketchup on her, piled up the trays till they fell over, laughed at her, etc. She kept on for the next week. Yesterday and today the kids have begun to appriecate her kind gesture by thanking her and were not rude. Today the princpal asked her what she was doing and why. She explained she was trying to show kindness to others and be able to show them Jesus. So she got to share her faith with her principal and then her principal started helping her carry the trays to the kitchen! This chick is in 9th grade. We were proud of her!
5. Brent was able to speak to a football team, cheerleaders, and coaches this week.
He's getting to speak a lot this month.
6. Our 6 year wedding anniversary was Saturday! Posting some pics later.
7. One cute thing, my nephew is about to be 3. The other day my mom was saying the blessing at lunch. At the end of her prayer Destin says, "Thank You God for the pickles." How cute!
8. My jewelry shows are going well.
9. April and Tobi got to hear their baby's heartbeat today.
10. Eleven ladies were going to Planned Parenthood for an abortion. They changed their mind! Eleven little lives were saved! - I heard this on the radio from a group that was praying outside Planned Parenthood. We always give praise for LIFE!
What good things are happening in your life? What do you have to give praise for?
1. We received an email and back to the doctor we go. A few medical tests have been added, so we think we may have to get these complete soon. But our agency is checking in to it, so we should know by next week. But it's no big deal. Possible new blood tests and an x-ray. But what I love about this is that it means, SNA has our file and is reviewing it! Hooray!
2. I ordered five books on adoption from CBD the other day. They will be arriving soon.
3. I started working on some craft projects that have been sitting around for weeks!
4. Last week, Brent issued a challenge to our students, to carry the lunch trays of the peers when lunch was over. Some have participated, some have not. One girl in particular really had interesting experiences. The first few days, the kids poured milk on her, put ketchup on her, piled up the trays till they fell over, laughed at her, etc. She kept on for the next week. Yesterday and today the kids have begun to appriecate her kind gesture by thanking her and were not rude. Today the princpal asked her what she was doing and why. She explained she was trying to show kindness to others and be able to show them Jesus. So she got to share her faith with her principal and then her principal started helping her carry the trays to the kitchen! This chick is in 9th grade. We were proud of her!
5. Brent was able to speak to a football team, cheerleaders, and coaches this week.
He's getting to speak a lot this month.
6. Our 6 year wedding anniversary was Saturday! Posting some pics later.
7. One cute thing, my nephew is about to be 3. The other day my mom was saying the blessing at lunch. At the end of her prayer Destin says, "Thank You God for the pickles." How cute!
8. My jewelry shows are going well.
9. April and Tobi got to hear their baby's heartbeat today.
10. Eleven ladies were going to Planned Parenthood for an abortion. They changed their mind! Eleven little lives were saved! - I heard this on the radio from a group that was praying outside Planned Parenthood. We always give praise for LIFE!
What good things are happening in your life? What do you have to give praise for?
9.30.2010
A Little News
Okay, not really, but it was a more uplifting title than no news!
We actually did hear from our agency in a group update. The Peruivan consejo meets once or twice a month to place children. This time around no one from the United States was chosen! We will possibly wait a year. This okay with me. I do know that God has His timing, so it could be early than a year, but let's face it, Abraham waited 13 years to have Issac!! It could be longer. I am okay with God's timing. I do not feel impatient right now. I do think God has lots to work on me before a child comes to our home!
Sometimes the adoption can consume our entire world. Our thoughts, financial decisions, our conversations, this blog, etc. Other times I feel like any moment now, we will just say "Suprize, haha, just kidding, we are not really adopting!" What I mean by saying that is, sometimes it doesn't seem real that there is a little girl or boy somewhere in Peru that is coming to our home some day. It seems more like a dream. I think, this is for "real" adults, people who know what they are doing and have children, (even though adopting a baby is way different than having a birth child - so I've heard! ha!) or people know more and have prepared more, something!!
We have friends who have adopted or are in waiting, like us, but I do wish they were closer. There are several churches around our area who have adoption support groups, however we are so busy at our church, we have not taken the initiative to get connected to a support group. I think I would like for us to do that soon.
Plus, I thought the other day that while I'm glad we have chosen to adopt a boy or a girl and are approved for 2 children from the ages of infancy to four, I have no idea how to get ready. What size clothes should we buy, what type of toys, bottles or sippy cups, pink or blue, baby blanket or toddler bed, and the list goes on........ According to what we have seen, there is only about 30 days from the time of acceptance to travel to country! 30 days to get physically ready for 1 or 2 more lives in our house! WOW!! :) But God makes all things possible, so I don't think I'll worry about that, until the day comes!
We have been busy the past few months. I counted the other day and between now and January, we have 2 weekends where nothing is scheduled! I hope to post a little more often and a little less serious!
My fantastic sister-in-law, April, is pregnant! May 20 will add another niece or nephew to our family! They are super excited and it is so fitting that she is pregnant at this time. I am so glad for her!
Well this is far too long. Gotta run.....leave some love!
We actually did hear from our agency in a group update. The Peruivan consejo meets once or twice a month to place children. This time around no one from the United States was chosen! We will possibly wait a year. This okay with me. I do know that God has His timing, so it could be early than a year, but let's face it, Abraham waited 13 years to have Issac!! It could be longer. I am okay with God's timing. I do not feel impatient right now. I do think God has lots to work on me before a child comes to our home!
Sometimes the adoption can consume our entire world. Our thoughts, financial decisions, our conversations, this blog, etc. Other times I feel like any moment now, we will just say "Suprize, haha, just kidding, we are not really adopting!" What I mean by saying that is, sometimes it doesn't seem real that there is a little girl or boy somewhere in Peru that is coming to our home some day. It seems more like a dream. I think, this is for "real" adults, people who know what they are doing and have children, (even though adopting a baby is way different than having a birth child - so I've heard! ha!) or people know more and have prepared more, something!!
We have friends who have adopted or are in waiting, like us, but I do wish they were closer. There are several churches around our area who have adoption support groups, however we are so busy at our church, we have not taken the initiative to get connected to a support group. I think I would like for us to do that soon.
Plus, I thought the other day that while I'm glad we have chosen to adopt a boy or a girl and are approved for 2 children from the ages of infancy to four, I have no idea how to get ready. What size clothes should we buy, what type of toys, bottles or sippy cups, pink or blue, baby blanket or toddler bed, and the list goes on........ According to what we have seen, there is only about 30 days from the time of acceptance to travel to country! 30 days to get physically ready for 1 or 2 more lives in our house! WOW!! :) But God makes all things possible, so I don't think I'll worry about that, until the day comes!
We have been busy the past few months. I counted the other day and between now and January, we have 2 weekends where nothing is scheduled! I hope to post a little more often and a little less serious!
My fantastic sister-in-law, April, is pregnant! May 20 will add another niece or nephew to our family! They are super excited and it is so fitting that she is pregnant at this time. I am so glad for her!
Well this is far too long. Gotta run.....leave some love!
9.12.2010
In Her Shoes
These are my favorite shoes. They were under $10 at Shoe Dept,so that makes them even better.
Yesterday I met a lady at a jewelry show. I think I would like to walk in her shoes a bit. Here are her fun facts, in no particular order.
P is 70-ish. She and her husband, J, lived in Germany for 5 years. She used to be a shoe model and got to keep every pair she modeled. P and a friend were once kidnapped for about an hour in the Philippines. After much praying, they were able escape because the car broke down. She and her friend had a private tour of the President's home in another country and viewed many places the general public is not allowed to visit. She speaks on prayer. J is an evanglism teacher. The President of the seminary where J teaches used to be one of J's students. They have lived all over the world. They places they have not lived, they have visited. Once while in Sweden, they watched the sun set and then bounce right back up. They have been married for 53 years. They vacationed in Hawaii for 5 weeks and spent a few days on a remote Hawaiian island living in a tree house. J now has cancer and they will soon be returning to their home state.
Every ounce of P shines with her love of Jesus and life. She is bouncy and light-hearted. I loved getting to meet her. I do wish I had more time to visit with her. I imagine she has many more stories to tell and much more to live.
9.05.2010
Update
I love fall. I am glad it is coming up and I hope that the weather cools off so that it actually feels like fall!
Our dossier is now in Peru. It is being translated and legalized there. It should be ready and submitted this week. The wait continues. But it is okay. Please pray for the Lord to keep moving in Peru. For all families involved.
We actually almost adopted 4 kids. In fact we were making very, very tenetive plans to add on to our house! I know, we were shocked too!! But mostly excited. Our social worker was really hoping they would make an exception, but the answer was no, too young by two years. Then a five week old baby was left a hospital in a town nearby and some friends asked if we would consider adopting this baby, however it would completely halt everything going in Peru. I am truly thankful that the Lord is directing our steps and that His plan will succeed. I know that this baby in the hospital has another family waiting somewhere. I pray that someone will adopt those 4kids who need love and a home. The need for adoption is so great.
Premier Designs jewelry shows are going well.
We really need a week's vacation, but alas I do not think it is to be this year. However, we are going somewhere before traveling to Peru! haha.....we hope! :)
Happy Fall!
Our dossier is now in Peru. It is being translated and legalized there. It should be ready and submitted this week. The wait continues. But it is okay. Please pray for the Lord to keep moving in Peru. For all families involved.
We actually almost adopted 4 kids. In fact we were making very, very tenetive plans to add on to our house! I know, we were shocked too!! But mostly excited. Our social worker was really hoping they would make an exception, but the answer was no, too young by two years. Then a five week old baby was left a hospital in a town nearby and some friends asked if we would consider adopting this baby, however it would completely halt everything going in Peru. I am truly thankful that the Lord is directing our steps and that His plan will succeed. I know that this baby in the hospital has another family waiting somewhere. I pray that someone will adopt those 4kids who need love and a home. The need for adoption is so great.
Premier Designs jewelry shows are going well.
We really need a week's vacation, but alas I do not think it is to be this year. However, we are going somewhere before traveling to Peru! haha.....we hope! :)
Happy Fall!
8.15.2010
Mission
Last week Brent and 4 other guys from our church and another church in town returned from Peru. They left August 3rd. Brent and Jeremy returned home early to attend the funeral of Jeremy's grandfather. The others returned yesterday.
I hope that Brent will blog about his trip this week.
Our dossier is on it's way or should be at the consulate now. The next stop is Peru!
I am getting worried that we are going to wait longer than anticipated. By longer I mean 18 months - 2 years. I don't know why. To Brent, longer is February 2011. But that seems a short time away for me. I know God has things all in His timing. It's been my experience that when God decides it time for something to happen, it all comes about very quickly!! So if we could all pray 2 Chronicles 29:36 -
"And Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced because God had prepared for the people, for the thing came about suddenly."
The jewelry sells for our adoption are going very well! I hope it continues to go so well. I don't have any parties booked for September, but it's just the middle of August. Perhaps, you would book a party?
Rather randomly, I've been considering a masters degree in psychology. What do you think?
7.21.2010
Well I've been reading David Platt's new book, Radical.
You have got to read. He reminds me of Francis Chan and his book Crazy Love.
Did you know there are at least 4.5 billion people on the planet who do not know Jesus? Again that is 4.5 BILLION. We've got to work harder, Christians! Seriously is our pettiness really worth someone's eternity? There was music minister in the church I grew up in who used to say "it's all gonna burn." I love that quote and use it from time to time. Nothing will last, except a person's soul. Forever. Heaven or Hell.
The chapter in which I am currently reading deals with those who have never heard the name of Jesus and whether or not they will go heaven. Platt has great thoughts on this question.
He also talks about materialism and how we have Americanized Christianity. We sit in plush and polished, church buildings that cost millions of dollars and yet give only $5000 to a mission in Africa for clean water (which by the way is an illustration he uses - so I didn't just make that up).
God has blessed us so that we can use His blessings to bless others and for His glory.
He talks about the adoptions of his sons.
This is a summer must read. Enjoy!
www.radicalthebook.com
You have got to read. He reminds me of Francis Chan and his book Crazy Love.
Did you know there are at least 4.5 billion people on the planet who do not know Jesus? Again that is 4.5 BILLION. We've got to work harder, Christians! Seriously is our pettiness really worth someone's eternity? There was music minister in the church I grew up in who used to say "it's all gonna burn." I love that quote and use it from time to time. Nothing will last, except a person's soul. Forever. Heaven or Hell.
The chapter in which I am currently reading deals with those who have never heard the name of Jesus and whether or not they will go heaven. Platt has great thoughts on this question.
He also talks about materialism and how we have Americanized Christianity. We sit in plush and polished, church buildings that cost millions of dollars and yet give only $5000 to a mission in Africa for clean water (which by the way is an illustration he uses - so I didn't just make that up).
God has blessed us so that we can use His blessings to bless others and for His glory.
He talks about the adoptions of his sons.
This is a summer must read. Enjoy!
www.radicalthebook.com
7.14.2010
A FEW WEBSITES FOR YOU
HERE ARE SOME WEBSITES YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK OUT:
VIEW THIS WEBSITE FOR DEVEOTIONS FROM GENESIS: www.nicolelhvaughn.tatepublishing.net
VIEW THIS WEBSITE FOR HIS VOICE GLOBAL: www.hisvoiceforsudan.com
VIEW THIS WEBSITE FOR DEVEOTIONS FROM GENESIS: www.nicolelhvaughn.tatepublishing.net
VIEW THIS WEBSITE FOR HIS VOICE GLOBAL: www.hisvoiceforsudan.com
7.11.2010
SUMMER CAMP
Summer camp was this past week. What a great time. We really have some great kids. I have been reading this book on gratitude by Nancy Lee DeMoss. So I thought I would make of list of things I was thankful for at camp this week. So in no particular order here we go:
1. Air conditioner and big fans
2. Shower shoes
3. Sunny days
4. Messy games
5. My backpack
6. 2 salvations
7. Several other life decisions
8. Bug spray
9. Reliant K and extremely loud teenagers to keep me awake while driving home!!!
10.Zyrtec and Benedryl!
11.Fun camp staffers who interact with the kids
12.Batteries
11.A Breeze
13.Tennis shoes
14.Bottled water and gaterade
15.Not having to cook any meals
So that's the list so far. I'm sure I left off a few things. Brent, Bubba, and Melissa did a great job. The camp had all kinds of things to experience. Climbing wall, high ropes course, canoeing, dock jumping, pool, paintball, and tubing. The staffers were great. They taught the kids fun camp songs before each meal and even did entertainment during the meal. They were good at helping the kids with activities.
I realized again what a great leader Brent is. I can see God growing him. Bubba is a great planner and speaker as well. Melissa is too! She is so much fun!
Maybe we will go to this camp again next year. Enjoy these few pictures.
1. Air conditioner and big fans
2. Shower shoes
3. Sunny days
4. Messy games
5. My backpack
6. 2 salvations
7. Several other life decisions
8. Bug spray
9. Reliant K and extremely loud teenagers to keep me awake while driving home!!!
10.Zyrtec and Benedryl!
11.Fun camp staffers who interact with the kids
12.Batteries
11.A Breeze
13.Tennis shoes
14.Bottled water and gaterade
15.Not having to cook any meals
So that's the list so far. I'm sure I left off a few things. Brent, Bubba, and Melissa did a great job. The camp had all kinds of things to experience. Climbing wall, high ropes course, canoeing, dock jumping, pool, paintball, and tubing. The staffers were great. They taught the kids fun camp songs before each meal and even did entertainment during the meal. They were good at helping the kids with activities.
I realized again what a great leader Brent is. I can see God growing him. Bubba is a great planner and speaker as well. Melissa is too! She is so much fun!
Maybe we will go to this camp again next year. Enjoy these few pictures.
7.02.2010
Bye Bye Bye
Our dear friends are moving to South Carolina in about a week and a half.
So to celebrate, we went to PF Changs! We had a great time and the food was nice and we had free lettuce wraps! You can't beat that!
Michael has accepted a children's minister position at a wonderful church. It's such a great opportunity for them! We are really excited for them, but of course we will miss them and their kids like crazy. (They have the coolest kids ever!!!)
Sad, no more fun days in the office!
Lettuce wraps! You know you can taste it! Go get one!
What a dessert!
Brent is such a goofball!
So to celebrate, we went to PF Changs! We had a great time and the food was nice and we had free lettuce wraps! You can't beat that!
Michael has accepted a children's minister position at a wonderful church. It's such a great opportunity for them! We are really excited for them, but of course we will miss them and their kids like crazy. (They have the coolest kids ever!!!)
Sad, no more fun days in the office! 
Lettuce wraps! You know you can taste it! Go get one!
What a dessert!
Brent is such a goofball!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)