A Call to Action

Can I ask a favor?

Would you pray for us?

I came across this quote from John Piper today, and it hits home ~

Until you know that life is war, you cannot know what prayer is for.

-John Piper

We've experienced a lot of battles in the war of this life.  We don't usually ask why; we just fix our eyes on Jesus all the more.

We knew that this adoption journey would require faith like never before.  We knew it would be necessary to trust the Father for the funds to get our little guy home.  We want him home quickly, obviously to smother him with love, but also to address his medical needs.  And praise the Lord, the process is moving along quickly.

We have worked tirelessly to raise funds, and we'll continue to do so.  To date we've had 8 fundraisers since starting the process in July, and we are so thankful for all who have participated in them, from entering drawings, to purchasing t-shirts and baked goods!

And in our flesh, we fall short.  Every.single.time.  We understand that one of the main reasons folks don't adopt is the cost.  After all, who has $40,000 laying around?!?  We certainly don't.  And yet, the Lord has provided the funds for all of our children to come home.  He has used some pretty creative means to provide, through His people.  And as we get one step closer to our son, I tremble at the notion that we still need to raise another $34,000.  It seems impossible from our perspective.  But we are so feeble and so limited, unlike our mighty Father, for whom nothing is impossible!

And so it occurred to me, why not rally the troops to pray?  Would you commit to pray?  For our family.  And for others who are responding in obedience to the Word of God, even though it is not easy.  We are not promised comfort or ease, but there is a promise we can count on: He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Our family has grown over the last ten years...

...and as long as we have breath, we will serve the Lord at all cost.

Prayer doesn't change things; it changes us.  We want our desires to align with the Fathers; we want to testify to His goodness, no matter the circumstances; and we want to praise His character and sovereignty.

We treasure your prayers, and we'd also like to pray for you, if you would leave a comment with your request.

"Prayer is not so much an act as it is an attitude -- an attitude of dependency, dependency upon God."

- Arthur Pink

May I Pray For You?

I have so many reasons to praise the Lord!

And as I praise Him, I wonder how I may pray for you.
It is my privilege to lift your requests before the Father, so as you are comfortable, please share with me, either in the comments or by email.
In Jesus' name, amen!

Coming Soon to a Blog Near You...

...a Khloie update!
I promise.
I really do.
See, this not so funny thing happened last weekend.  Kuyler took over 200 pictures on my crazy-awesome camera, but when I tried to download them, the SD card was bad.  I am getting them bit by bit...

But for now, an admission.
Yes, really.
I admit I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed.  The first week home I'm sure I ran on pure adrenaline.  And then the second week I finally got some sleep and we sorta found a new 'normal'.  And now that we begin the third week home, I'm ...well, wishing I had the adrenaline back.

Anyone who knows me knows how much of a home body I am.  I mean, I love venturing out to my big kids' sporting events, although I've missed the majority of softball and baseball games due to a combination of weather and the Krowd I run with.  But I digress.

Mostly, the reality has set in because of the number of appointments we have each week.  Leave early, get back late, take 3 little girls everywhere.  And then the laundry.  I mean, these people just keep changing clothes :)  And the meals, and dishes and the homework and yada yada.  I'm not upset, I'm not complaining, and I'm not asking for pity.  I'm simply admitting that I'm so much less than I want to be.

I haven't even started back to work yet.  At this point I can't imagine adding another thing to my day.  The beauty of my work is that I get to act like a professional a couple times a week, and then I get to be casual, completing my work at home the rest of the week.  But working from home is not what it used to be :)  I can squeeze in a few minutes here and there between feeding the troops, laundry, potty breaks, laundry, therapy, laundry, changing diapers, laundry, planning meals, laundry, homework and laundry.

So, I guess what I'm trying to say in all this mess is we would appreciate your prayers!  I know many of you pray for our family regularly, and that is such a blessing!  We have some specific decisions to make (no, it's not about adoption).  As a couple, we want to have our priorities straight and keep our focus on what really matters.  It is so easy for me to become distracted.  So if you would pray for us, I would be so grateful!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Heb 12:1-2

One Step Closer...

We received our appointment notice for biometric prints yesterday!

We are going to appear early, just in case they will allow us to get them done ahead of schedule. And if they refuse, then worst case scenario, hubs and I get a lunch date!

CIS approval is all we lack for our dossier to be complete - yippee!!!!

Can I ask for your prayers?

We need to stop and rest in the Lord for His provision. This is the scariest part of the paper journey for us, the funds.

It feels like we've been trying to step out ahead of Him and do things our own way.

We need clarity as to His direction.
Thank you for praying for our Treasure and our family!

He went out, not knowing where He was going.

Heb 11:8

"Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led. But it does mean loving and knowing the One who is leading. it is literally a life of faith, not of understanding and reason - a life of knowing Him who calls us to go.
~Oswald Chambers~

What New Thing?

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

Isa 43:18-19

I love this passage!
It is so relevant.
I've been pondering a post on the effects of trauma, specifically repeated trauma in adopted/fostered children.
The effects can be devastating, lifelong, can bring hopelessness, brokenness and despair.
But then as I read God's Word, I gain perspective.
I am reminded that I should not look back and dwell on the past, especially when I know that God has unimaginably good things ahead.
As I enter a season of prayer, I am wondering if I can also pray for you.
Prayer changes people, and people change things!
It would be my privilege to lift your requests to the Lord.
If you would allow me to do so, please leave a comment or email me, and know that I will be faithful to intercede for you.

A Dream in My Heart

I have a confession.

I have a dream.

It's so big that it's impossible.

Impossible for me, that is.

I'm not ready to share it.

Maybe I'm afraid.

Maybe I can't get past how ludicrous it is.

Maybe I don't have enough faith.

I just finished reading the Bible through again, and I'm in awe. I'll never be able to wrap my feeble mind around the fact that the same God who created the universe, parted the Red Sea, healed the sick, brought the dead to life and came to Earth to

die for my sin, is the same God who loves me and whose Spirit lives in me and communicates with my spirit. Never.will.I.understand.

I also finished The Circle Maker. So many things resonated in my heart, such as: "So while God is for us, most of us have no idea what we want God to do for us. And that's why our prayers aren't just boring to us; they are uninspiring to God. If faith is being sure of what we hope for, then being unsure of what we hope for is the antithesis of faith, isn't it?"

I'm drawing prayer circles around my dreams and around God's promises, just as the Israelites circled Jericho.

Right now I'm reading not a fan. Wow! From the beginning of the book, the question is presented: Am I a follower of Jesus...or a fan?

"Here is the most basic definition of fan in the dictionary:

'An enthusiastic admirer'

It's the guy who goes to the football game with no shirt and a painted chest. He sits in the stands and cheers for his team. He's got a signed jersey hanging on his wall at home and multiple bumper stickers on the back of his car. But he's never in the game. He never breaks a sweat or takes a hard hit in the open field. He knows all about the players and can rattle off their latest stats, but he doesn't know the players. He yells and cheers, but nothing is really required of him. There is no sacrifice he has to make...He is an enthusiastic admirer."

Wow!

We live in a world where fandom is accepted. Does that make it okay to sit comfortably on the sidelines, unwilling to risk anything? I don't think so. Please don't misunderstand me and think I'm saying we can earn our way to heaven. Not.at.all! But the narrow way requires obedience. Obedience to the Holy Word of God. And that most likely looks completely different from my plans. And that's okay.

So I have a dream in my heart.

It's impossible for me, in case I didn't mention that.

Will you pray for me?

Please pray that above all else, I would seek Him.

And that in the midst of praying through this I don't lose sight of Whose plans are best.

Thank you.

97.5%!!!!!!

I just finished the mid-term I was most anxious about...and got a 97.5%. I'll take it!!!
This morning I asked the Lord to help me recall things I didn't even know I knew :)
Thank You, JESUS!!!
Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement!
And now I have two more tests to prepare for...and a term paper to write...

Rally the Troops!

I was thinking of blogging about random things today...and then I read my friend Jean's blog.

Funny how things can turn our plans upside down. Oh, but to remember that nothing takes the Lord by surprise!

Not.even.cancer.

This is Abby. She and her brother came home in December. Abby's mommy and daddy knew she had a potentially serious medical diagnosis before she came home. She has had lots of visits to the doctor in the short time she's been home.

Yesterday it was confirmed that Abby has a form of leukemia. You can read Jean's post here.

Friends, will you please pray for Abby and her family! And let's praise the Father for Who He is! He has brought this precious Treasure home where she will receive the medical care and love that she needs. He is mighty to save!
Lord, I thank You that nothing catches You off guard and nothing is too big for You!

Teens in da house

10th Annual Hanging of the Greens. What a privilege to hang out with these amazing kids!

Especially this Krew :)

Thank you for allowing me to pray for you. It's not too late if you'd like to send me your requests. You may leave a comment or email me.

Your Prayer Requests

Okay, ya'll, it's time to add to or update your prayer requests!

It's been amazing to watch God work as only He can in your lives.

Some were praying to move forward in the adoption journey, and you are now ready to travel!

Whether you need prayer about adoption, health issues, a job, family, relationships...whatever you'd like to share with me, it would be my privilege to pray for you!

Please either leave a comment or email me.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thes 5:16-18

Prayer Requests?

…being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. Romans 4:21

It’s been almost 2 months since I received many of your prayer requests, and I know God has already moved mountains. I think it’s time for updated requests, so please leave a comment or email me.

If you email me with your request and you have a blog, I’d love it if you would give me the address!

Stirring

Thank you, dear friends, for praying for Kuyler's routine surgery, for the crop and for our family. Your prayers mean so much to me!
Surgery went great; he is resting.
The crop is in the Lord's hands. We're trusting He has restored it!
And finally, I just have to warn you the Lord has really been stirring my heart.
I'm in prayer over how to put it into words.
I just want to be totally truthful.
Until then, I'll let Him continue stirring this burden I have.

Anything?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

I love opening my journal every morning and lifting your requests to the Lord! It's such a privilege to be able to intercede for one another.

Some of you have even sent me updates already!

Don't worry if you haven't; I'm still praying for your original requests.

But bear in mind, my prayers don't change God's plans! My prayers change my heart, my perspective, my relationships.

If you do wish to update me or be added to my prayer time, feel free to email me.

I've been meditating on Phil 4:6, kinda out of necessity these days.

"Do not be anxious about anything." Really? Anything?

What about the BIG stuff?

What about the small stuff?

How many things happen in a day that can cause us anxiety? Anytime we're in the presence of other people is a good example. I think about my reaction to the things people say and do.

And instead of opening my big mouth I have the opportunity to give it to the Lord. I can talk to Him about it. And if I choose to do that instead of respond in haste, He always calms me. Every.single.time.

Then there are so many 'unknowns.' Especially when we seek and follow Him. But seriously, is He going to mislead us? No way!

Then there's the way in which we are to present our requests to Him ~ with thanksgiving! I l.o.v.e. that! I love being able to thank Him before I have any evidence of a positive outcome. But I know He is faithful and trustworthy, always!

So, that's how I'm lifting your petitions to the Father.

And can I ask you to pray for us?

After 3 weeks of an amazing harvest, suddenly the crop is showing signs of major damage. So much so that Clayton went to the field three times yesterday, walking through the corn, opening ears, searching for the 'perfect' produce.

We don't know if it's due to the extreme heat or not, but we do know we can't sell corn like this.

Our plan is to remove the damaged corn and start picking again August 20th, for approximately one week.

There are LOTS of problems with that. Since we stopped picking last week, we're talking about three weeks of no corn. Some customers are tired of waiting, some are losing interest and some are simply busy getting ready for school. Which is another thing ~ we won't have any help.

And I suppose I could go on about the problems, but I don't want to.

Because we serve a God who is sovereign! This is no surprise to Him. How are we going to respond to the prospect of a huge loss? I'm going to give Him thanks! This is His crop, after all! And if we look further into Philippians, we see 4:19 ~

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

AMEN!

Hope for Today *update*

*update below*

I must confess that the pace of life right now is much faster than I prefer. I’d rather stroll through the day, taking time to enjoy every moment. But today’s reality is a marathon of rushing here and there, rarely finishing a conversation, spending much too little time with my children and often wondering if I’ve missed an important appointment or deadline. This kind of chaos leaves me empty. I lack perspective, energy, desire …and sometimes even hope.

Can you believe that? I have the assurance of eternal life, yet lack the hope for today. Something’s gotta give!

As stewards of an abundant crop and parents to ten beautiful children, our summer days are anything but lazy. Most days we are exhausted. Have you ever been there ~ so tired or confused you can’t remember how to put one foot in front of the other, let alone make a decision beyond what’s for supper?

The Lord has poured out His blessings on our family ~ I know this! But the truth is, some blessings come with a price. I say this not so you’ll feel sorry for me, but to encourage you! Maybe you’re there. You’re seeking the Lord; you’re responding in obedience…and in the midst of it all there is despair. Even though we know we have an opportunity to grow in the hard places, we sometimes lack that perspective in the moment-by-moment encounters that seem to wrestle us to the ground.

This week I’m asking the Lord not necessarily to help me see in the dark, but to lead me through the dark with hope. I have such limited vision of His grand plans that I can easily get lost in the momentary troubles. Yet I know in my heart His plans are good and He is faithful to bring them to fruition. He has given me the opportunity to seize abundant life here and now, this side of heaven. That is my hope.

By faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. Galatians 5:5

Even when I see nothing in the darkness, am I willing to walk through it with Him? When my cup seems filled with sorrow, am I willing to drink it? I want the answer to be “YES”! I’m clinging to His hand and claiming His promises, waiting expectantly for a glimmer of light that I KNOW will come. He is already stirring my heart! I am intentionally seeking Him, poring over His promises. I can stand victoriously, even in the darkness!

One of the ways He refreshes me is through prayer…for others. I love intercessory prayer. In January I started a new prayer journal and prayed through your requests daily until my trip to China. By that time many of your prayers had been answered!

So…it’s time to update my prayer journal. I would be honored to stand in the gap for you. If you’d like me to pray for you, please either leave a comment or email me.

*Thank you for allowing me to pray for you! I've gotten your comments and emails and intend to respond to each one. Ya'll have blessed me so much by allowing me to pray for you!*

How can I pray for you?

Consumed (and IRS update)

This year's Falls Creek theme is Consumed, from Psa 103 ~

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.

More than anything, I want to be consumed with Him and His sufficiency. But oh, how I struggle with being consumed by so many other things. My heart knows they are trivial in the scheme of things, but they have to be dealt with daily. The point is...priority.

I know for certain I'm supposed to go to camp this week, as crazy as it will be. Even the certainty doesn't mean it's easy. Last night I thought I'd reached my breaking point with trying to prepare more **tax docs, a meal, laundry, packing and baking cookies for camp. All I wanted to do was sit down and play with my babies. I hate moments like that. Eventually I realized it was my perspective that needed to change. I was overwhelmed and consumed with my tasks as if they were going to last forever.

**IRS update ~ we have been assigned a taxpayer advocate. Yesterday she reviewed our file, and according to the IRS, all that's lacking is a 'decree' for three of the kiddos. We sent the decrees initially, but we have re-sent them to our advocate, and she thinks the matter will be resolved...within three months. That will be some 210 days since filing. But we do have hope because the IRS confirmed our substantiating documents and seems to agree with our refund amount. Maybe by Christmas we will have a van...

But I digress. If you think of the crazy people shown above, will you please pray for us. I know the Lord has something big for us next week!

Pr*yer Request

Our luggage did not arrive today and has been lost in never never land. Please pray that it will appear soon. All my baby supplies, gifts and of course, clothes are missing!

iFaith?

I’m typing through tears as I reflect on God’s goodness. I can’t even fathom it. I certainly don’t deserve it.

Many times in our walk with Christ we speak of His goodness, His love, His mercy and grace, His provision, but do we really stop and meditate on it? It’s incomprehensible really.

We’ve seen His character shine time and again since we came to know the Lord at an older age (40 for my husband and 36 for me), and certainly our adoption journeys are no exception.

We’ve received His invitation to walk the narrow path several times. I call it ‘that awful place where you know what you ought to do, but you don’t know how you can do it …or if you even want to.’ Yes, it’s the awful place. There is a stirring, an unsettling. And so much seeking ~ “Is this really You, Lord? Or is this just me?”

And then there is the peace that comes with complete surrender. Surrender isn’t having all the answers or seeing it laid out in black and white. Surrender is stepping out, without necessarily knowing ‘how,’ ‘why,’ ‘when’ or even what the finish line looks like. And the peace of taking that step is indescribable.

That’s hard to explain in today’s instant world. We have so much at our fingertips, literally, with our iPod, iPad, and iPhone. But the result of faith isn’t revealed instantly. On one hand we can pull up tons of data from a postcard size gadget, and on the other we don’t know what tomorrow looks like when we accept the Lord’s invitation to journey with Him.

As we close in on our current journey to bring our two Treasures home, I am in complete awe of how He has lavished His love on our family. Through family. Through friends. Through strangers. In our times of doubt and fear, we have not escaped His sight. He has worked miracles ‘behind the scenes,’ that once revealed to us have left us falling to our knees. And He’s not finished yet!

Please be encouraged today that we serve a God who really is sovereign! Even though He created the Universe, He loves each of us and cares about the smallest details of our lives. No matter how rocky the path looks, He has promised to never leave nor forsake us!

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:2-3

He has not lost sight of this Treasure...

...or this Treasure.

One of the reminders of this are the funds that are still coming in and those that have been sent to Lifeline on our behalf as we wait for TA (Travel Approval)~

$3,000 grant from Katelyn's Fund

$5,000 grant from Show Hope

$3,000 grant from anonymous organization

$550 from Wild Olive Tees

$4,539 from Lifesong for Orphans (Both Hands Project still open)

$2,870 of the $5,000 Matching Grant

Completely and utterly speechless we are!

Where We Are

Since so many have been praying for, giving to and helping with our non-stop fundraising efforts to bring our two Treasures home, I thought I should give an update as to where we are.

We knew from the moment God prompted us to move again that the funds would come from His miraculous provision...cuz to be perfectly blunt, after five adoptions in seven years, we got nothin'.

But if we had what we needed, how would He receive all the glory?!?

In August we started with this ~

mere pocket change... not even enough for the application. We pleaded with the Lord to give us creative fundraising ideas ...and the energy to complete every task before us.

He provided!

We've had two camera giveaways (huge success, thanks to you!!!); we've been awarded three generous grants so far, and we have two Both Hands projects, one of which has already been completed. We've participated in the Wild Olive Tee fundraiser, Scentsy, had two friends making hairbows, sold squeaky shoes, mums, poinsettias, sold more tees at a women's luncheon, held a h.u.g.e. garage sale...and so much more.

And look what the Lord has done!!! He's provided $27,000 in the ransom to bring our girls home. But...

...based on the cost of our last duo adoption, we still need approximately $25,000. Really? Seriously! And based on our current time frame, we have 2.5 months to come up with it. While this is impossible for us, it is absolutely, completely possible for God! Because HE is our Provision!

Will you please pray for our family? Pray that we would seek His guidance in fundraising; pray for stamina; pray for priority.

Since we have another Both Hands project on April 9, our adoption account with Lifesong will be open until April 30th. If you wish to make a tax deductible contribution, you may do so using the Lifesong Donate button on the side bar.

We will be holding a couple more fundraisers, as necessary and as the Lord leads, for travel expenses.

One thing we've learned through this incredible process is that not only is God faithful, always, but He honors our giving. Even though we've been fundraising from the beginning, we've been prompted to give to several other adoptive families. And every.single.time we've done that, He has returned the blessing! Seriously! That was not our motivation in giving, and His provision has always come in unexpected forms ~ to Him be the glory for all He has done and continues to do!

Another thing we know ~

As much as we already love these two Treasures....

HE LOVES THEM MORE!!!

Answered!!!

"O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his command, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants..."

Nehemiah 1:5-6

THE PACKAGE IS DELIVERED, just as He planned!

Now that we're all praying, please pray for the hearts He will touch tomorrow, that it may cause action to change the status of children from 'orphan' to 'son' or 'daughter.'

Lord, we praise You for Your favor!

Prayer Warriors Needed!

Something amazing is going to happen tomorrow! The enemy has heard about it and is fighting it, but I claim he will not be victorious! Here's where we need your help~

You've heard the saying 'three sheets to the wind.' Well, we are currently '30 shirts to the wind.' Actually, it's 40, but that doesn't fit the saying (I'm trying to laugh about it so go with it).

On the day of Kinley's surgery, February 15th, we received an incredible email. My friend Laine connected us with her friend Kristie. Kristie lives in Georgia and is a member of a ministry which hosts an annual women's luncheon. Kristie has been burdened for the orphan and for fundraising families, and the Lord led the group to our family! Awesome, I know! The Lord works in the background, touching hearts and moving people we don't even know.

There are over 300 women expected to attend tomorrow. Kristie and I have spent lots of time on the phone sharing our testimony and coordinating the 'focus.' She will speak on behalf of our family and show our "Make a Difference" video. She wanted to help with our Wild Olive tee fundraiser and asked if we could purchase tees to sell at the luncheon. After much prayer and coordinating with the amazing WOT team, we decided to purchase 40 tees.

20 of these~

and 20 of these~
The tees have been ordered and shipped, due for delivery yesterday. BUT somehow they have been 'misrouted' by the USPS, and we still haven't been able to locate them!

I have refused to worry about this. As God would have it, my devo verse this morning was Luke 12:25-26 ~

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?"

Will you pray expectantly with us that this 'lost' package will show up in Kristie's mail today? God is sovereign! He already knows the hearts He will touch tomorrow! And He will repay the funds we've expended for the shirts, and then some! Because this is HIS journey!