There is so much more we need to know...so he scheduled an MRI and spine x-ray ...and he ordered new AFOs that will give her more flexibility.
What does all this mean? We'll know soon!
And to the princes behind the counter at Burger King who asked if I was Kasidi's grandma...really, girlie? You are the first person to ask - so either I'm lookin' older these days or you're lost in never-never land :)
...you have a gentle spirit, the ability to make everyone laugh and a boat load of talent!
And Dad and I are so blessed to be your parents!
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!
But then she caves...and gives it ALL!
Because she loves her brother so much and hates to say goodbye.
Oh, for the love of a brother!
I love it when all my peeps are in the nest, even if it only lasts a few days.
Happy Valentine's Day 2012! 
Our friends Jay and Michelle are less than three months from bringing Baby Jacii home from China, and they could sure use our help. Hop on over to their blog and check out their cool tees...and catch a glimpse of cuteness!
What if love looks different than we expect or imagine?
What if love is hard?
What if many don't understand when love looks different?
When we plan to become parents, we have a flood of emotions, including excitement! Particularly as adoptive parents, because let’s face it, no one accidentally becomes an adoptive parent.
As parents, we have great expectations, hopes, dreams and love for our children.
But what if:
~The best way to love them isn’t the easiest way?
~The scars of their past have left an impenetrable barrier to the heart?
~Our love isn’t enough to heal them?
~We know there is One who can, but they can’t fathom it?
~Our tangible kindness causes a response of fear because it is foreign to them?
~They don’t know how to give love back?
What if we love them so much we will do things radical, sacrificial and misunderstood to help them heal?
What does a different kind of love look like?
Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon. John 13:26
Jesus knew that Judas would betray him, but it didn’t change His love for Judas!
At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” Job 1:20-21
Job had lost everything, and he still acknowledged God’s sovereignty and loved Him!
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
God’s love for us is so great that He came down from glory in the form of a man (yet, completely God) and died for the sin of all mankind.
But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Matthew 5:39-41
Jesus commands us to do the unthinkable ~ love those who wrong us.
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. Luke 5:13
Lepers were untouchable, yet Jesus touched the man because He loved him!
He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Acts 9:4-6
This man who persecuted Christians was loved by God, chosen by God and ultimately devoted his life to sharing that love!
Just a few examples of when love looks different.
I’m a long way from loving like Jesus does, but I am “being renewed day by day.” 2 Cor 4:16
We are relying on the strength of the Holy Spirit as we love all our children, but especially one, in a way that looks different. Truth is, it’s hard. It’s lonely. It’s radical. I would say it’s a sacrifice, but can I really use that term after all that Christ has done for me?
Despite all of that, it is good! We have hope! Not because we always make the right decisions, but because God never makes mistakes. We are standing firm on His promises and watching expectantly as He brings healing and victory to our child!
God alone brings beauty from ashes – from the ashes of our mistakes, our sin, our pain, and our sorrow.
And that is a very different kind of love!
...with a bunch of these! *it made for interesting conversation with the exam officer*
Rather, like THIS:
Can you see the 'words'?
We have so very much to praise Him for! Even if no good thing happened today, He would still be worthy of our Praise because He is God! And yet, He does not withhold His good gifts from His children.
We are wading in the waters of trouble right now, but I CHOOSE TO PRAISE HIM! I cannot change troubling circumstances; I cannot change people...but I know One who can. I also know that all things are for HIS PURPOSE and HIS GLORY, even when they seem like razors to our flesh. I cannot see the big picture (and thank You Jesus, that I can't!). And I know that tomorrow has enough trouble of its own, so I can't worry about it. What I CAN do is immerse myself in Truth, stand firm on Promises and lift my hands in praise...no.matter.what!
Lord, I lift Your name on High!
Would you love to have an iPad2?Would you love to help another family bring their Treasure home?
...I couldn't do this without you!*I'm embarrassed to post pictures because my camera is getting worse and worse. Mama needs a new camera *grin*
Wake up, Kennah!
I've come to realize that every spare minute that I'm not preparing a meal, doing laundry, going to work, changing diapers, watching a ball game or checking kids' homework needs to be spent reading, completing assignments, taking quizzes, assembling power points and writing papers.
So far, so good!
I actually love school, and although I never knew what it was called until now, I've finally found what I want to do the rest of my working life! How I wish I only had 45 hours to complete, instead of 70...
Actually, I love greetings like this ALL the time!
Our tiny girl has lots of visible issues with her teeth due to her cleft lip and palate, but her pediatric dentist also identified other not-so-visible issues, recommending admission to the hospital for surgery under general anesthesia.
...even when my body feels like this - lol!
May the LORD bless you abundantly!!!!!I began to doubt, blame and criticize myself. I even invited friends to my pity party. Thank you, Lori, April and Diane, for giving me perspective. Thanks for reminding me who I am in the Lord. Thanks for not telling me what I want to hear, but what I need to hear.
As I'm reading through the Bible in 90 days, I often mutter, "You silly Israelites! Can't you see what the Lord has done for you? Don't you remember what He did for you just yesterday?"
So I guess I'm a 'silly Israelite'. How quickly I forget all He has done for me. In times of struggle how easily I let the enemy have his way.
In the midst of chaos, how much I want control, only to realize it is not mine to have.
So this is me....
And this is mine... *some clothing may have been removed to reveal the baskets underneath*
And that's not likely to change anytime soon! So I can either complain about it or embrace it, change the things I can change and make the best of what I can't change.I was ready to quit school and just accept the status quo. After all, at least I have a job, right? Over 22 years ago the Lord built my court reporting business, and I've been self-employed all this time. But I've been searching for something different ... more stable... more meaningful. My passion is not court reporting; it is adoption and families. And since we are a farming family and have so many young'uns, I will likely be working for a very long time, so why not work for my passion?!?
To my fellow reporters and clients, please don't write me off yet because I will continue to work until I am employed as a social worker...and that won't happen till I have a license...and that won't happen till I have a bachelor's degree...and that won't happen till I pull up my big girl panties and do this thing!
Jesus never promised that following Him would be easy. In fact, He promised quite the opposite. In this fallen world it's so hard to accept and apply that truth. My faith challenges me daily as I'm in the classroom. Yes, even in a small university in the Bible belt, there is a temptation to check my faith at the door. I'm determined not to allow that. I will have to set aside my personal feelings as a social worker to meet the needs of others....but I will never have to compromise the faith which defines me or the God who created me... for His purposes *how easy it is to forget why I'm here*.
So, if you're feeling battered by the brokenness of this world, beaten down by the enemy, please remember the Source of all good things! He is the Victor!!!!!The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2
Kooper turns 16 today, but 
