Monday, December 28, 2009

We're off...

to that beautiful country that has caputured my heart!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you that have donated for chickens!!!  We just recounted and we have close to 200 chickens!!!  woo hoo!!!  What a blessing for the children!!!

Thank you for your prayers as we travel!

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry CHRISTmas

to you!


From our house...

to yours!

May Christ's love surround you this CHRISTmas day and always!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Labor of Love



Be blessed by HIS beautiful and perfect love as you celebrate this CHRISTmas.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Ten Dollars

can make a BIG difference!
$10 will buy a chicken that will provide eggs...


to help improve the diets of precious orphans.

We have 55 chickens so far.

Our ultimate GOAL is 200...
we would be thrilled to raise enough
for 100 chickens!

 PLEASE help us reach our goal and
DONATE today!

THANK YOU to all that have already donated!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Friday, December 18, 2009

Preparation

I must confess... I have been struggling lately.  Struggling to prepare for Christmas AND our trip to Africa.  Struggling to have a joyful and thankful heart in the process.

I don't always like preparation.  It's tedious.  Time consuming. Tiring. Preparation does NOT equal "instant gratification".  Preparation equals hard work.

This morning as I read in "Jesus Calling" about being "plagued by a persistent problem", I realized... I have been focused on the preparations. The work.  I have allowed the enormous amount of preparation before me steal my joy.

I have been "plagued" by a lack of joy.

I am reminded that Jesus was focused on the end result.  You. Me.  He was prepared.  Faithfully, lovingly, with joy set before Him... prepared.

My sweet Savior reminded me that the preparations are necessary for the end result.  I need to be grateful for the preparations, so that "it loses its power to drag me down".

The preparations accomplish the end result. The end result is what it's all about.

So... as I continue to prepare,  I will endeavor to keep my focus on the end result and I will do so with a joyful and thankful heart! 

Thankful for my blessed Savior, Who came into this world prepared, from the beginning, to die for me.

Thankful for the bounty of blessings my Father has bestowed.  Thankful for the number of children I have to bless this Christmas.  Thankful for the opportunity to travel to a country that has captured my heart and to be able to love on the orphans there.  Thankful for the three Ugandan beauties that now call me 'Mummy' and wait with great anticipation to come home.

Thankful that through my heavenly Father's "preparations" in me the end result will produce "a transcendent Glory never to cease!"

Thank you, Lord, for faithfully, patiently, lovingly preparing me for Your purpose.

"For our light and momentary afflictions (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!]."  2 Cor. 4:17 (Amp)

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Chicken Project

In a few weeks we will be returning to Uganda with a team of Jesus followers to visit CLM Orphan Village. 

Our team will be building a chicken coop (or maybe it's a hen house?) in the orphan village and purchasing chickens (or hens!) in order to provide eggs for the children.

Our goal is to raise enough money to buy 200 chickens.  Each chicken costs about $10.

If you would like to bless these children with a "gift that keeps on giving!"... please click the donate button over on the right side of this page... it would be 'egg'specially appreciated!!

Thank you for joining us in making a difference in the lives of these beautiful children!!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Superior PLUS

Abigail played in her first piano festival today.

She received a rating of Superior Plus... which is the highest rating awarded!

She went on to perform in the Honors Recital and received a trophy too!

Congratulations Abigail!  We are so proud of you!

Friday, December 4, 2009

A Traffic Lesson

The travel necessary to accomplish the many journeys our family embarks on each day is mind numbing.  My normal "mode of operation" in dealing with large vehicles, that block my view and keep a pace that I am usually in too big of a hurry to appreciate, is...


to get around said visual block and avoid this pacesetter that hinders me from arriving at my destination in the least amount of time possible.

Recently, as I was following a large vehicle along, not able to see around it and actually enjoying the pace it had set, this thought enveloped me...

"This is what it looks like to follow Jesus".

(Stay with me here.)

"This is what it looks like to follow Jesus... and to trust Him completely".

"This is what it looks like..."

(Okay, get past the big dirty truck, and quit trying to read whatever is scribbled in the dirt and hear the message...;)

We need to follow Jesus... closely.

So closely that we cannot see around Him.

We need to keep our eyes on Him. Our attention on Him.

When He slows down, we slow down.
We don't need to see around Him.
We don't have to know what's coming next.
We just need to trust Him.

So faithfully that we don't even try to see around Him.

I realized that...
I shouldn't try and rush around Him to get to a destination in MY timing.  I should patiently and joyfully wait on Him.  I need to remember that He accomplishes things in the time that I sometimes view as wasted.

I need to follow His lead.  I must trust that He will set a pace that is perfect.  I must trust that He will take care of the timing... and that His purpose WILL be accomplished in the exact moment He had planned all along.

Thank you, Jesus, for reminding me that
Your ways are not my ways. 
You have a perfect plan and all I need to do is TRUST in You completely.
To FOLLOW You closely...
without trying to see around You.
To keep my attention on You and to remember that YOU are the way.

Just so you know... I will continue going around any large vehicle that impedes my journey with the same dedication I have always had in getting my children where they need to be on time.

But... I will forever remember this particular traffic lesson while I do so.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Heaven & Earth

I recently bought this CD by Phil Wickham and I have been totally blessed by EVERY song...

and I think you will be too!  Check it out...


http://www.philwickham.com/

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thankful

As we celebrate Thanksgiving and I think about all that I have to be thankful for, it's the big things that come to mind first...

Jesus, my Savior and Lord... obviously!

husband

children

family

friends

health

home

and then I realize how much more I have to be thankful for...

how much more I take for granted...

because I have always had ...

mom and dad

shelter

clean water

food

medical care

and the list goes on and on....

When I think of the millions of orphans in the world that do not have anything...

it breaks my heart.

And I am thankful for that too.

I am thankful that my eyes have been opened.

I am thankful that my heart has been touched.

I am thankful that my Father is faithful...

and that He will not "leave them as orphans".

I am so thankful.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Are We?

"Are we, like Christ, willing to respond with compassion and urgency to those who suffer? 

Are we willing?

Do we have the kind of faith, the moral courage, the depth of love, and the strength of will to rise up off of our padded pews to demonstrate the good news to the world?

One way or the other, this will be our defining moment."

"The Hole in Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns. 

Friday, November 20, 2009

The Lord IS Good

Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth.
Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful singing.



Know that the LORD Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Psalm 100:1-3

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Which Way Lord?

"As you look... you see a twisted, complicated path, with branches going off in all directions.  You wonder how you can possibly find your way through the maze."

The path we are on right now is...  Twisted.  Complicated.  a Maze.

When we hired a new lawyer this summer and seperated from the agency we were using, we knew it was the right thing to do.  We had no idea what we were doing or where it would ultimately lead us, but we knew it was God's will. 

We stepped out in faith.

"We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield." Psalm 33:20

We stepped out not knowing what we were supposed to do next.  We stepped out completely trusting the Lord for direction. 

It was a little uncomfortable.

"I remember the One who is with me always, holding me by my right hand.  I recall His promise to guide me with His counsel, and I begin to relax."

We have recently discovered that if we would not have followed the Lord's prompting for me to travel to Kampala and then hire a lawyer to complete our adoption... we would have lost our children.

"He is my refuge and strength, an ever-present and well-proved help in trouble."

We still have obstacles to overcome regarding our adoption.  There is still a twisted, complicated path ahead of us.  We need wisdom, discernment, direction...

We need the prayers of the saints interceding on our behalf.

"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16b

I am learning "to turn my attention more fully to Jesus and to enjoy His Presence." 

In the midst of all that is going on regarding our adoption...  He has set a vision on my heart.  A vision so big that it will ONLY be accomplished by His hand.  A vision I look forward to sharing with you.  Soon.

We are seeking His guidance.

He is preparing us.

It's not about me.  It's not about our adoption.  It's about Him.  It's about His purposes being fulfilled.  It's about His name being glorified.

I have to admit... I am excited to be out of my "comfort zone". Excited to see where the Lord is leading us.

He is teaching me to keep my focus on Him.

'Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "this is the way; walk in it."'  Isaiah 30:21

He is faithful.  In Him my heart rejoices and I trust in His holy name!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Seventeen

Our beautiful Katherine is 17. Seventeen! 10+7.


She loves Jesus with her whole heart.
And desires to serve Him wherever He calls her.


She is a sweet friend to her brothers and sisters.


She is using the gift God has given her in dance to bring Him glory.


She is FULL of joy!
And brings much laughter to our family!
The joy of the Lord is definitely her strength!


We are so proud of you precious girl!!
You are truly God's gift to our family!!

Happy 17th Birthday!  We love you!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Quote

"... one of the highest and best ways of expressing our love for God is by demonstrating His love tangibly to those around us.


We achieve this by showing compassion to
the most vulnerable of God's children
and fighting for justice."

~Richard Stearns

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Remembering our Soldiers



THANK YOU, to all soldiers, who have fought in the past and who continue to fight to secure and protect the freedom of this great nation.

God bless you and your loved ones.
God bless America.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Off and On

My beautiful girl got her braces OFF this past week!


We have the best orthodonist!


And... my handsome son got his braces ON!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Special Song

I was blessed by this sweet song posted by Jena... so I wanted to share it with you.



You Made Me Your Own
Adam Cunningham

Feeling like I don't belong
to anything or anyone
am I not good enough
for anyone to love

Every single day that passes
I'm well aware that my chances
go from good to bad
to find a mom, to find a dad

 Then, someone told me 'bout the Father
and someone told me 'bout the Son
I got down on my knees right there
and now I am one

And you made me your own

you gave me your home

and the love that I need

you made me your own

and now I am complete

you made me your own

I'm looking for someone to love
asking praying God above
why it's not fair
I just want someone to care for

When they call out in the night
sing a lullaby til it's alright
and kiss away your fear
I will be right here

Now you came in a different kind of way to me
but I will love you more than that you see
the Father brought me into His perfect family
now I can see

Chorus

Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world
You made me your own

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Something to Think About

"Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, suffering, and injustice when He could do something about it."

"Well, why don't you ask Him?"

"Because I'm afraid He would ask me the same question."

~Anonymous

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Halloween Fun

It's always fun to see the creativity come out in our group as they dress up for the candy collecting, sugar fest, referred to as Halloween.


Katherine and Jeremy... best buds. The fact that they are cousins makes him the perfect escort!


Elizabeth and her friend, Patience, were having a good time.


Nathaniel was the BEST old man.  He stayed in character all night.  One of our friends asked him, "Have you seen Beth?" and without hesitating he responded, "Yes, I have had a bath!"


Abigail was a "nerdy schoolgirl".  I think the skirt hiked up above her waist was about the only "nerdy" part.  She's just too cute.


Ava was Cinderella. And precious.

 
Annette and I... stylin' Mamas.  That's right.


Dressing up + friends and family + massive amounts of candy = FUN!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Daddy's Little Girl

This little beauty loves spending time with her Daddy. 

Even if that means hanging out in the garage.


She loves "helping" Daddy work.

He lovingly and patiently teaches her.  Happy that she enjoys spending time with him.



He encourages her as she trys her hand at a newly learned skill.  Never rushing her.

Always near, lending a hand, guiding.


He is not worried that the job may not be done "perfectly".

He is only concerned that her character is built... that she becomes more like Jesus in her serving.  In her living.

He wants her to know how much he, and He, loves her.


She is one happy little daughter.  Hanging out with her daddy.

And she is a better person for the time spent in his presence.



Her daddy's example is a loving witness in our home of our heavenly Father's love for us.

"The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love." Psalm 145:8

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

PW Cooks

If you haven't visited the "Pioneer Woman" blog, you are missing out... big time.

Her new cookbook arrived in my mailbox today and I spent the evening reading through it.  Good stuff.

It's just the kind of cookbook I love... LOTS of pictures and detailed step by step instructions.

I need instructions. In more areas than cooking, but that's off subject.

 
It features the down-home, yummy, country style cookin' that I grew up on. 

mmm... sweet memories. 

She also throws in some more refined delicacies along with some great photos and stories of cowboy life.  I just love cowboys. 

So... go on... check it out!  I don't want you to miss out on the goodness!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Wanting...

I have no news to share on our adoption.  Nothing.

I feel such frustration and sorrow that my children (and several of my friends children too) are going through each day... Lonely. Waiting.  Hoping.

I want to be able to encourage them that God has a plan for their lives and that they are His precious children.

I want to wrap my arms around them and hold them so they know they are safe and loved.

I want to listen to their dreams and help them accomplish whatever God has for them.

I want to comfort them when they are afraid and unsure.

I want to show them their closets with their clothes hanging neatly in rows waiting for them.

I want to hear their sweet laughter mingle with the laughter that fills our home.

I want to watch their beautiful faces light up as they experience new things and make new discoveries.

I want to tuck them in at night in their new beds, under their freshly washed blankets, and pray with them and kiss their foreheads and remind them how much God loves them.

I want them.

But... instead... I will trust in the Lord to take care of them.  I will trust His perfect timing in bringing them home.  I will trust His good and perfect plan.

Because He loves them more than I do.

"As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless.  He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.  For Who is God besides the LORD?  And who is the Rock except our God?  It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect."  Psalm 18:30-32

and... I will keep repeating this over and over to myself!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Friends

It's a beautiful thing...

when siblings are friends.

I am SO ready to have some more siblings home!

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Mighty Warriors

As my girls were dancing, at a festival this weekend, to the song "Mighty Warrior"...

I envisioned them being in battle.

The truth is... as Christians, Christ followers, Believers, we ARE in a battle... a spiritual battle... every day.

The question is...

Are we prepared for battle?

If we are not drawing near to Him...

If we do not know the Word...

If our prayers are not fervent and effective...

How will we stand?  How will we win?

What will keep us from falling away when the battle is difficult?

We ARE mighty warriors in the army of the Lord.


"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."  Ephesians 6:11

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

His Answer

All across the world people are crying out in desperation to God.  The widow, the orphan, the sick, the hungry and hopeless are crying out for help.  Millions of prayers lifted up to God pleading for help.

As believers in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we are His answer.  We must listen to His voice and be faithful to answering His call.

We are His answer.  We are the hands and feet of Jesus.

If we, as His followers, do not answer when He calls us to care for the least of these... who will?

Katie is the answer to the crys of hundreds of starving children in Uganda.

My friend, Mindy, is the answer to a little girls prayer for "a family".

Jen and Amanda are the answer to the rock quarry women's crys for "God to rescue them".

Many of my church body have answered the call to save a childs life by sponsorship through CLM.

Our family is the answer to Aunt Eveline's prayers, "God, please send help".

We are His answer.

The cry of our hearts must be "Lord, here I am. Send me!"

We must be willing for God to use us to be His answer.  We are His body.

I whole heartedly agree with Richard Stearns when he says, "I believe that we really can alter the world, but we can only do it one person at a time.  And when enough people choose to do this, even a crisis on a global scale can change."

We are His answer.

At this very moment someone is praying, pleading with God to send help, to rescue them from their distress.  Right now, He is calling His followers to act on His behalf.

Will you be His answer?

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Our son, Daniel

called me today...

because he wanted "to hear my voice".  How precious is that!

My heart is so filled with joy at the blessing this young man is to our family.

I am still amazed and so thankful that God had us meet him while we were visiting Uganda this past January.  Daniel is a faithful young man, who loves the Lord with all his heart.  He faithfully prays for our family and everytime we communicate he shares the Word with us.

The Lord has knitted our hearts with his.  He is our son.  We are his family.  We don't have an official document that says so, but in our hearts... it's true.  I would have never believed that I could feel love and concern, responsibility and pride, and all the emotions that go with being a parent for someone that I met less than a year ago.  That my friends... is God's heart!  That's His love.

Thank you, Lord, for bringing Daniel and his family into our lives!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

"I will not...

leave you as orphans, I will come to you."  John 14:18 

HE IS FAITHFUL!!!



My sweet friend and her family are faithfully answering the Lord's call to "care for the orphan" by bringing this precious child into their family.

I am beyond excited for them!!  And since she doesn't blog (but gave me permission to share her news!)... I just had to tell you about this exciting, amazing, wonderful news!!

You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone." James 2:24

Congratulations my friend!!  I am so blessed to be on this amazing journey with you!!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Beautiful...

This morning, driving home from dropping off my children,  I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the Lord.

The sky was the most radiant of colors.  Sunbeams coming through the slighty cloudy sky. Gorgeous.  It truly declared the glory of the Lord. 


I wondered... how many people noticed?  I wondered... how often do I miss His beauty that surrounds me?  Whether it be in creation, or in my children, or in a moment, or in good news from a friend. 

Beauty is not what the world would have us think it is... it is so much more.  How often do I miss real beauty for the fabricated version?

I think most days I get so busy rushing about, "taking care of business", that I forget to stop... and look...  and see the beauty of the Lord that surrounds me.

It brought tears to my eyes this morning... the thought of all His good gifts to me... all His blessings... all His love... for me.  And you.

Oh, how He loves us!

I hope to truly see His beauty in the everyday ordinary.  I hope you will see it too.  All we have to do... is look.  It's there... declaring His glory.

I am so blessed to have noticed His beauty and majesty and love early this morning.

I hope you will see His love for you today.  It surrounds you.  And me.

 "For great is Your love, higher than the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.  Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let Your glory be over all the earth." Psalm 108:4-5

Friday, September 25, 2009

Celebrating

...my Mom. 

A dedicated mother. A prayer warrior. A constant support. A thoughtful listener. An encourager. A cheer leader. A friend.  A loving Grand-ma. Full of kindness and compassion. Young at heart.  Beautiful inside and out. 


Mom, thank you for loving me so well!  Happy Birthday!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Something New

Every now and then I stumble across something that I REALLY want to share with you.

Something that I KNOW you will enjoy. Something that WILL bless you.

A few days ago, I happened to find "A Holy Experience" blog.  It just so "happened" to speak to my heart that very day.  The same way "Jesus Calling" does, just when I need it.  I love how God does that.

The pearls of wisdom and insight, inspiration and challenge from this blog have blessed my heart.  It is FULL of good teaching.

I pray it will bless your heart as well.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Sweet Sisters


I'm in a sentimental mood...

Friday, September 18, 2009

"Follow Me"

is the answer to the question, "Why are you adopting?".  It's not about me, it's about Jesus.  I know not everyone understands this whole adoption adventure.  I know not everyone agrees.  But, I don't have to answer to everyone.  I have to answer to the One who gave His life for me.  This is what He has called our family to do, and we will follow Him.

The journey so far:

When I first felt God calling our family to adopt from Uganda... I was full of questions.  I questioned whether He meant "adopt" or "sponsor".  I questioned whether or not I was equipped to adopt.  I questioned the country choice.  I questioned whether or not I would be able to love adopted children as my own.  I questioned my motives.  I questioned how adoption would work out for our family.

After spending much time in prayer, my questioning turned into a desperate plea for direction.  My heart cried out to my Jesus... 'please, don't let me fail You'.   And His gentle answer was "follow Me". 

He led us to meet Pastor Jackson and Eve Senyonga of Christian Life Church and Ministries.  He led us to sponsor children in Uganda through their ministry.  He led us to Uganda for the National Celebration for the most amazing worship experience.  He led us to visit CLM's orphan village to visit our sponsored children.  We have been forever changed by that experience.

After visiting our sponsored children, I started asking questions again.  I questioned whether or not we were just supposed to sponsor children.  I questioned whether or not He really said "adopt".  Again, I prayed.  His answer was again "follow Me".

He led us to a foster home to take pictures of some precious girls for a "bloggy" friend, who has become a dear friend.  He led one of His faithful to bring several children, that did not live in the home, to a party planned for our arrival.  And He spoke to our hearts that day when we saw them, "these are your children".

I had no questions.  I knew they were mine.  I knew I could love them.  I knew that He would equip me and our family in every way to care for them.  I knew I didn't have to figure it out, because He would take care of it.  All I had to do... was follow Him.

There is no part of this story that is about me.  It's ALL about Him.  He is faithful.  In my weakness, He is strong.  In my questions, He is the answer. 

He says, "follow Me" and so I will.

So today, I encourage you to take a step of faith and follow Him in whatever He is calling you to do. 

He will not fail you.  You do not have to figure out the details, He will.

His gentle call is "follow Me".

"He goes on ahead of them, and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice." John 10:4

Thursday, September 17, 2009

I figure...

since we have had so much rain around here lately, I should share my sunshine!

Isn't he a cutie!  AND he has a beautiful heart too! 

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

One of Those Days

Most days I go about the business of taking care of my family pretty routinely. Although I am always thinking about my children in Uganda, I still function pretty normally. I manage to stay focused and be productive. Having a large family, I have plenty to keep my mind occupied and my hands busy.

Then I have days... where it's hard to function. Days when it's difficult to think about anything else but them. Days when my heart aches so desperatley for them to be home I am in a constant state of tears.

I know God's timing is perfect. I understand I haven't been waiting nearly as long as some of my dear friends. I trust my Father in heaven completely. I know that He is at work to accomplish His good purposes.

but Today... is one of those days.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

How He Loves Us

EVERY time I watch this video... I am SO blessed!

Let the truth of the words in this song... OH! HOW HE LOVES US!... permeate your heart and soul.

Be BLESSED my friends!

Friday, September 11, 2009

In Remembrance

When the Towers Fell
by Stephanie Sargent
September 11, 2001
Somewhere out there, somewhere today
People scream, people pray
As horror filled faces look heavenward
At the tower that fell without a warning or word
As the ashes and smoke filled the street
All you could hear were moans of grief
The sirens come, the black sets around
Glass, steel, and people lie on the ground
How many dead, how many alive?
How many are still trapped inside?
Tears stream down soot covered faces
Firemen run as their heart races
The nation watches as they see
The freedom that was stripped from everybody
How many children go to bed without dads?
How many moms go to bed so sad?
Heroes were made trying to save
They did not know that this was the day
That they would go, that they would fade
God is watching, God is here
God is with us, have no fear
For He is wiping every tear
And if you could look, if you could see
God is crying for you and me.

May God's loving presence comfort those today who were touched by this tragedy.  My prayers are with you.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

The Rock Quarry Women

This is a beautiful video Convergence Uganda put together about the rock quarry women and children. 

Remember I told you that the quarry was being sold and the women and children were being forced to leave.  Remember they had NO place to go.  Until... God moved! 

Please watch this video and consider making a donation that will go towards building a modest home for one of these women and her children.  You will be SO blessed to partner with Jen and Amanda as they faithfully serve God and work to give these beautiful people a new beginning.
 

These women are now filled with hope for their future!  Hope that comes from the Lord!!

"Now that I have seen... I am resonsible."

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

The Question

most frequently asked lately is...

"What is going on with the adoption?"

First, I want to say thank you for asking!  It means so much to us that so many people are interested and excited about our adoption.  It is also such a blessing to receive so many prayers and encouraging words!

the update:
While I was in Uganda in July, I became aware of many changes on the horizon (that I would not have known about had I not been in country... God is SO good!) regarding the agency we are using. Gary and I were concerned that in the midst of these changes our case was going to be delayed.

After much prayer and consideration regarding what was in the best interest of our children, Gary encouraged me to meet with a new lawyer before I left the country. This lawyer was recommended by a family that has completed the process and done a LOT of foot work regarding adoption in Uganda.  After meeting with him (twice! the day of my departure!), I hired him to work on our case.  We feel certain that this was God's direction and that we will complete the process much more timely with his services.  It is encouraging to know that our case is being worked on vs. our dossier sitting in an office "until further notice".  We still don't know what the time frame looks like to bring them home, but we hope to hear about a court date very soon. 

Gary and I are planning on returning to Uganda again in December for the National Celebration.  We will get to spend time with Kenneth and Sharon, as well as visit the children we sponsor there.  Wouldn't it be amazing if the timing worked out to bring them home then! God willing!!! 

God's faithfulness has been so apparent in every detail regarding our adoption.  I am so thankful for His direction and provision!

...and I am thankful for your prayers too!

Friday, September 4, 2009

For great is Your love, higher than the heavens;
Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
and let Your glory be over all the earth.  Psalm 108:4-5

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Rest

The past few weeks have been extremely busy.  The kind of weeks where you're moving so fast from one task to the next that the most important things get neglected for the ones that are the most demanding.

Life is demanding. It always will be.

Consider this... Jesus was a busy man. He was constantly moving. He was always serving. He was being pulled by the demands of the world daily.

But, no matter how demanding life became... He was faithful to keep the most important thing first. Time with His Father.

"Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Mark 6:31

The amazing thing about spending time with Him and resting in His presence is...

He is faithful. To give us rest. To carry our burdens. To refresh our souls.



So today... I am going to lay my weary head on my Savior's knee and spend time with Him. And rest. 

I hope that you will lay aside every demand at some point today and find peace and be refreshed as you rest in Him. 

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Matthew 11:28 Amplified Bible