Long time no see
3 years ago
Thursday, April 30, 2009
I want to thank some very special people in my life for their prayers. Some knew why they were praying and some had no clue, they were only praying cause I asked them to. Our prayers have been answered!! God is so amazing. This last month we're had many buring loops of fire that we had to run thru and somedays I honestly wasn't sure if we were going to get thru them all. I had my trust in God and I was holding on to that with all I had. I've learnt allot about myself in the last 4 weeks, I'm a believer that God puts circumstances in our lives to deepin our roots. I found myself on my knees many days and I've built a better and much stronger relationship with my Savior. The hurdles weren't so pleasant but I'm thankful for every single one of them. Again if you were a prayer warrior for us this past month, Thanks and please contuine to pray. You are all truely amazing friends and I'm glad you're a part of my life. Now for you Lord.... I don't even know how to thank you. You have done so much in my life and you just keep pouring it on. Do I deserve all the love, grace, mercy and forgivness that you give me...No not at all but that's whats so great about you we don't earn your love it's a free gift. Once again you have proved to me that will you anything is possible. You are an amazing Father and I Love You.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Six Biblical Guidelines for Loving Each Other Amid Differences
I came across this as I was reading up on Desiring God by John Piper. I felt this was very worth posting. I can't speck for anyone else but for me these are things that I know I need to work on to live my life more like I want to, more Christ like. I like have alot of room for improvement and I'm no where close to where I'd like to be but at least I'm not where I used to be!!
1. Let’s avoid gossiping.
The New Testament warns against gossiping. The Greek word translated “gossip” means whisper or whisperer. In other words, the focus is not on the falsehood of the word but on the fact that it needs to be surreptitious. It is not open and candid and forthright. It has darkness about it. It does not operate in the light of love. It is not aiming at healing. It strokes the ego’s desire to be seen as right without playing by the rules of love.
For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find...that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. (2 Corinthians 12:20)
2. Let’s identify evidences of grace in each other and speak them to each other and about each other.
The church in Corinth was deeply flawed. But Paul found reason to thank God for them because of “the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 1:4). The most flawed pastor on this staff—and we are all flawed—is a work of grace. It honors Christ, and keeps criticism in perspective, to see it and say it often.
3. Let’s speak criticism directly to each other if we feel the need to speak to others about it.
The point is not that we will always agree on everything, especially the practical application of shared principles. Paul’s word in Romans 12:18 is, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” It may not be possible, but we should try.
4. Let’s look for, and assume, the best motive in the other’s viewpoint, especially when we disagree.
When Paul deals with disagreement in Romans 14, one of the things he appeals to is that those with opposite practical convictions have identical heart-motives. “The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God” (Romans 14:6). Christ-honoring passions, Paul says, can unite us in spite of differences of application.
5. Think often of the magnificent things we hold in common.
But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!” (Psalm 40:16)
To mention a few things we hold in common: the sovereignty of God, the supremacy of his glory in all things, the majesty and meekness of Christ, the all-sufficiency of his saving work, the precious and very great promises summed up in Romans 8:28 and 8:32, the value and sweetness of the Bible, the power and patience of the Holy Spirit in transforming us, the hope of glory, a profound biblical vision of manhood and womanhood, a common global mission to see the nations know Christ...
6. Let’s be more amazed that we are forgiven than that we are right. And in that way, let’s shape our relationships by the gospel.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.... And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. (Ephesians 4:32-5:2)
“The one who is forgiven little loves little” (Luke 7:47). In other words, think more of your own sins and how amazing it is that God saved you than you do about the other person’s flaws.
1. Let’s avoid gossiping.
The New Testament warns against gossiping. The Greek word translated “gossip” means whisper or whisperer. In other words, the focus is not on the falsehood of the word but on the fact that it needs to be surreptitious. It is not open and candid and forthright. It has darkness about it. It does not operate in the light of love. It is not aiming at healing. It strokes the ego’s desire to be seen as right without playing by the rules of love.
For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find...that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. (2 Corinthians 12:20)
2. Let’s identify evidences of grace in each other and speak them to each other and about each other.
The church in Corinth was deeply flawed. But Paul found reason to thank God for them because of “the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 1:4). The most flawed pastor on this staff—and we are all flawed—is a work of grace. It honors Christ, and keeps criticism in perspective, to see it and say it often.
3. Let’s speak criticism directly to each other if we feel the need to speak to others about it.
The point is not that we will always agree on everything, especially the practical application of shared principles. Paul’s word in Romans 12:18 is, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” It may not be possible, but we should try.
4. Let’s look for, and assume, the best motive in the other’s viewpoint, especially when we disagree.
When Paul deals with disagreement in Romans 14, one of the things he appeals to is that those with opposite practical convictions have identical heart-motives. “The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God” (Romans 14:6). Christ-honoring passions, Paul says, can unite us in spite of differences of application.
5. Think often of the magnificent things we hold in common.
But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!” (Psalm 40:16)
To mention a few things we hold in common: the sovereignty of God, the supremacy of his glory in all things, the majesty and meekness of Christ, the all-sufficiency of his saving work, the precious and very great promises summed up in Romans 8:28 and 8:32, the value and sweetness of the Bible, the power and patience of the Holy Spirit in transforming us, the hope of glory, a profound biblical vision of manhood and womanhood, a common global mission to see the nations know Christ...
6. Let’s be more amazed that we are forgiven than that we are right. And in that way, let’s shape our relationships by the gospel.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.... And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. (Ephesians 4:32-5:2)
“The one who is forgiven little loves little” (Luke 7:47). In other words, think more of your own sins and how amazing it is that God saved you than you do about the other person’s flaws.
I am really wondering if Spring is ever coming back! We had a few really nice days last week...capris and T shirts and now its long pants and sweatshirts. I even thought about turning the heat on to get the chill out of the house but then remembered we just re budgeted and took $200.00 out of our monthly bills so I put socks on and throw that idea away. For any of you that have been thru adoption you know we do ALLOT of waiting. We wait on the Lord, on paperwork, on people, on answers, you name it we wait on it and then there's those loops we have to also jump thru. I'm beginning to think that our loops are on fire but that's OK I have the Lord ahead of me and I'm never going to stop jumping no matter how tired or weary I get. Good thing I'm only 33 and not 43, I might be tired sooner :)
So as we're waiting our life goes on which is good. Being busy makes it so much easier. The boys are doing wonderful, just really ready for school to be out. Jamie is keeping busy at work and seems they will have plenty of work. Thank you Lord, we can't have any layoffs! My business is as good as ever, I haave been so blessed to be able to work from home. We won a trip fully paid to Cancun by Herbalife and are suppose to be leaving May 28 - 31 however we have decided to decline the trip and stay home to keep things on track. Sucks I know but that's life. Heck there's no stress with adoption anyway so no need for a vacation. HAHA
A few weeks ago Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W Smith were on tour and played in Sioux City. Most of you are probably aware that the Chapman's have adopted children and have an organization called Show Hope which gives out grants to adoptive families. During the show they were going to hand out sponsorship information and a friend of ours was asked to help who then asked us to help. It was amazing, the music was great, boys loved it and being there spreading news about the many needed forever families for the orphans was unbelievable. I personally was moved. I'm so eager to go where ever the Lord sends me and there's no doubt in my mind that God wanted our family there. He says go and I say where! After the concert we were all invited backstage to visit and take pictures with Steven Curtis Chapman. Wow how fun that was. He shook the boys hands so they were never going to wash them, they even mentioned trying to sell them on ebay. Oh man that is some thought!
Here are few pictures from the night. If the opportunity knocks for you to serve the Lord I suggest you put your shoes on and go, He'll pay you later!!
So as we're waiting our life goes on which is good. Being busy makes it so much easier. The boys are doing wonderful, just really ready for school to be out. Jamie is keeping busy at work and seems they will have plenty of work. Thank you Lord, we can't have any layoffs! My business is as good as ever, I haave been so blessed to be able to work from home. We won a trip fully paid to Cancun by Herbalife and are suppose to be leaving May 28 - 31 however we have decided to decline the trip and stay home to keep things on track. Sucks I know but that's life. Heck there's no stress with adoption anyway so no need for a vacation. HAHA
A few weeks ago Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W Smith were on tour and played in Sioux City. Most of you are probably aware that the Chapman's have adopted children and have an organization called Show Hope which gives out grants to adoptive families. During the show they were going to hand out sponsorship information and a friend of ours was asked to help who then asked us to help. It was amazing, the music was great, boys loved it and being there spreading news about the many needed forever families for the orphans was unbelievable. I personally was moved. I'm so eager to go where ever the Lord sends me and there's no doubt in my mind that God wanted our family there. He says go and I say where! After the concert we were all invited backstage to visit and take pictures with Steven Curtis Chapman. Wow how fun that was. He shook the boys hands so they were never going to wash them, they even mentioned trying to sell them on ebay. Oh man that is some thought!
Here are few pictures from the night. If the opportunity knocks for you to serve the Lord I suggest you put your shoes on and go, He'll pay you later!!
You are an amazing Lord and I Love You!
Us with Steven Curtis Chapman
Me and my amazing hubby. Thanks Lord for this wonderful man!
Our boys with the Bilby boys
Friday, April 24, 2009
SINCE I AM IN CHRIST
BY THE GRACE OF GOD:
Rom. 5:1 I have been Justified (completely forgiven and made righteous).
Rom. 6:1-6 I died with Christ and died to the power of sins rule over my life.
Rom. 8:1 I am free forever from condemnation.
1 Cor. 1:30 I have been placed into Chris by Gods doing.
1 Cor. 2:12 I have received the Spirit of God into my life that I might know the things freely given to me
by God.
1 Cor. 2:16 I have been given the mind of Christ.
1 Cor. 6:19,20 I have been bought with a price. I am not my own. I belong to God.
2 Cor. 1:21 I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God in Christ, and have been
Eph. 1:13,14 given the Holy Spirit as a pledge ( a deposit/down pay-ment) guaranteeing my inheritance to
come.
2 Cor. 5:14,15 I no longer live for myself since I have died, but i live for Him (Christ).
2 Cor. 5:21 I have been made righteous.
Gal.2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer i who live but Christ lives in me (the life I
am now living is Christ's life).
Eph. 1:3 I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing
Eph. 1:4 I have been chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and without blame
before him.
Eph. 1:5 I was predestined (determined by God) to be adopted as His son.
Eph. 1:7,8 I have been redeemed, forgiven, and am a recipient of His lavish grace.
Eph. 2:5 I have been made alive together with Christ.
Eph. 2:6 I have been raised up and seated with Christ in heaven.
Eph. 2:18 I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.
Eph. 3:12 I may approach God with boldness, freedom and confidence.
Col. 1:13 I have been delivered (rescued) from the domain of darkness (Satan’s rule) and transferred to
the kingdom of Christ.
Col. 1:14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins (the debt against me has been cancelled)
(see Col. 2:13,14).
Col. 1:27 I have Christ himself in me.
Col. 2:7 I have been firmly rooted in Christ and am now being built up in Him.
Col. 2:11 I have been Spiritually circumcised ( my old, unregenerate nature has been removed).
Col. 2:10 I have been made complete in Christ.
Col. 2:12,13 I have been buried, raised, and made alive with Christ.
Col. 3:1-4 I have been raised up with Christ. I died with Christ. My life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Christ is now my life.
2 Tm. 1:7 I have been given a spirit of power, love, and self discipline.
2 Tim. 1:9 I have been saved and called ( set apart) according to Gods doing.
& Titus 3:5
Heb 2:11 I am one with the Sanctifier (Christ) because i am sanctified, and he is not ashamed to call me
brother.
Heb 4:16 I have a right to come boldly before the throne of God ( the throne of grace) to find mercy and
grace to help in time of need.
2 Pt 1:4 I have been given exceedingly great and precious promises from God by which I am a partaker of the
divine nature (Gods nature).
WHO AM I?
MATTHEW:
5:13 I am the salt of the earth
5:14 I am the light of the world
JOHN:
1:12 I am a child of God
15:1,5 I am part of the true vine, a channel of Christ’s life
15:15 I am Christ’s friend
15:16 I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit
ROMANS:
6:18 I am a slave of righteousness
6:22 I am enslaved to God
8:14,15 I am a son/daughter of God; God is spiritually my Father
8:17 I am a joint heir with Christ, sharing His inheritance with Him!
8:28 I am assured that all things work together for good
8:31ff I am free from any condemning charges against me
I CORINTHIANS:
3:16 I am a temple – a dwelling place of God. His Spirit and His life dwell in me
6:17 I am united to the Lord and am one spirit with Him
12:27 I am a member of Christ’s body
2 CORINTHIANS:
5:17 I am a new creation
5:18 I am reconciled to God and am a minister of reconciliation
GALATIONS:
3;26,28 I am a son of God and one in Christ
4:6,7 I am an heir of God since I am a son of God.
EPHESIANS:
1:1 I am a saint
2:10 I am God’s workmanship – His handiwork – born anew in Christ to do His work
2:19 I am a fellow citizen with the rest of God’s family
3:1 I am a prisoner of Christ
4:24 I am righteous and holy
PHILIPPIANS:
3:20 I am a citizen of heaven, seated in heaven right now
COLOSSIANS:
3:3 I am hidden with Christ in God
3:4 I am an expression of the life of Christ because He is mylife
3:12 I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved
I THESSALONIANS:
5:5 I am a son of light and not of darkness
HEBREWS:
3:1 I am a holy partaker of a heavenly calling
3:14 I am a partaker of Christ; I share in His life
I PETER:
2:5 I am one of God’s living stones, being built up in Christ’s a spiritual house
2:9,10 I am a member of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession
I JOHN:
3:1,2 I am a child of God and I will resemble Christ when He returns
5:18 I am born of God; the evil one, the devil, cannot touch me
BY THE GRACE OF GOD:
Rom. 5:1 I have been Justified (completely forgiven and made righteous).
Rom. 6:1-6 I died with Christ and died to the power of sins rule over my life.
Rom. 8:1 I am free forever from condemnation.
1 Cor. 1:30 I have been placed into Chris by Gods doing.
1 Cor. 2:12 I have received the Spirit of God into my life that I might know the things freely given to me
by God.
1 Cor. 2:16 I have been given the mind of Christ.
1 Cor. 6:19,20 I have been bought with a price. I am not my own. I belong to God.
2 Cor. 1:21 I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God in Christ, and have been
Eph. 1:13,14 given the Holy Spirit as a pledge ( a deposit/down pay-ment) guaranteeing my inheritance to
come.
2 Cor. 5:14,15 I no longer live for myself since I have died, but i live for Him (Christ).
2 Cor. 5:21 I have been made righteous.
Gal.2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer i who live but Christ lives in me (the life I
am now living is Christ's life).
Eph. 1:3 I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing
Eph. 1:4 I have been chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and without blame
before him.
Eph. 1:5 I was predestined (determined by God) to be adopted as His son.
Eph. 1:7,8 I have been redeemed, forgiven, and am a recipient of His lavish grace.
Eph. 2:5 I have been made alive together with Christ.
Eph. 2:6 I have been raised up and seated with Christ in heaven.
Eph. 2:18 I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.
Eph. 3:12 I may approach God with boldness, freedom and confidence.
Col. 1:13 I have been delivered (rescued) from the domain of darkness (Satan’s rule) and transferred to
the kingdom of Christ.
Col. 1:14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins (the debt against me has been cancelled)
(see Col. 2:13,14).
Col. 1:27 I have Christ himself in me.
Col. 2:7 I have been firmly rooted in Christ and am now being built up in Him.
Col. 2:11 I have been Spiritually circumcised ( my old, unregenerate nature has been removed).
Col. 2:10 I have been made complete in Christ.
Col. 2:12,13 I have been buried, raised, and made alive with Christ.
Col. 3:1-4 I have been raised up with Christ. I died with Christ. My life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Christ is now my life.
2 Tm. 1:7 I have been given a spirit of power, love, and self discipline.
2 Tim. 1:9 I have been saved and called ( set apart) according to Gods doing.
& Titus 3:5
Heb 2:11 I am one with the Sanctifier (Christ) because i am sanctified, and he is not ashamed to call me
brother.
Heb 4:16 I have a right to come boldly before the throne of God ( the throne of grace) to find mercy and
grace to help in time of need.
2 Pt 1:4 I have been given exceedingly great and precious promises from God by which I am a partaker of the
divine nature (Gods nature).
WHO AM I?
MATTHEW:
5:13 I am the salt of the earth
5:14 I am the light of the world
JOHN:
1:12 I am a child of God
15:1,5 I am part of the true vine, a channel of Christ’s life
15:15 I am Christ’s friend
15:16 I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit
ROMANS:
6:18 I am a slave of righteousness
6:22 I am enslaved to God
8:14,15 I am a son/daughter of God; God is spiritually my Father
8:17 I am a joint heir with Christ, sharing His inheritance with Him!
8:28 I am assured that all things work together for good
8:31ff I am free from any condemning charges against me
I CORINTHIANS:
3:16 I am a temple – a dwelling place of God. His Spirit and His life dwell in me
6:17 I am united to the Lord and am one spirit with Him
12:27 I am a member of Christ’s body
2 CORINTHIANS:
5:17 I am a new creation
5:18 I am reconciled to God and am a minister of reconciliation
GALATIONS:
3;26,28 I am a son of God and one in Christ
4:6,7 I am an heir of God since I am a son of God.
EPHESIANS:
1:1 I am a saint
2:10 I am God’s workmanship – His handiwork – born anew in Christ to do His work
2:19 I am a fellow citizen with the rest of God’s family
3:1 I am a prisoner of Christ
4:24 I am righteous and holy
PHILIPPIANS:
3:20 I am a citizen of heaven, seated in heaven right now
COLOSSIANS:
3:3 I am hidden with Christ in God
3:4 I am an expression of the life of Christ because He is mylife
3:12 I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved
I THESSALONIANS:
5:5 I am a son of light and not of darkness
HEBREWS:
3:1 I am a holy partaker of a heavenly calling
3:14 I am a partaker of Christ; I share in His life
I PETER:
2:5 I am one of God’s living stones, being built up in Christ’s a spiritual house
2:9,10 I am a member of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession
I JOHN:
3:1,2 I am a child of God and I will resemble Christ when He returns
5:18 I am born of God; the evil one, the devil, cannot touch me
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Please Pray
I find that as the sun stays out longer and life gets busy I somtimes find myself "too busy" to spend time with God so I have commited to spending 30 mins everyday on my knees for prayer and praise. I know God is working. This past week there were some crazy windy days and as much as I like calm days I love the windy ones because for me it's a sign that God is moving and that He's near. I have tons of people I pray for some don't even know it but tonight I come with a special prayer request. This is an email from frineds of ours Rod & Kally. They need to know God is near so please take some time to lift this family up to the Lord.
Hi Jill,
I know that you have been trying to get ahold of us and we are sorry we haven't got back to you sooner. I guess where we're at is the baby's cerebellum which controls movement is essentially non-existent. There's so much fluid build up, that its putting a lot of pressure on the brain stem as well. The brain stem is responsible for the primitive basics; Organ function like heart beat & breathing. What the doctors are predicting is that once the baby is born, she will not be able to breath on her own without help (a ventilator). It is our decision to go ahead & carry this baby full-term as long as I am capable & put her on the ventilator to keep her organs alive until they can be harvested. The down side to this, is because there is so much fluid build up, it may shut down her organs & they may not be viable at the time of her birth to donate. We will know within the week if she is even capable of being a donor. They have to finish the tests to make sure she is not carrying any genetic abnormalities, but right now we are trying to find a reason, a purpose, for her brief life with us. Organ donation seems to be the only thing we can think of. It makes our decision easier to bear, knowing that she may save anothers life. We have asked a friend to help Rod design & build her casket & we will be burying her at the family cemetery on the ranch. My dad said that of course that was what its for, but he never imagined it would be a grandbaby who would be buried there first.
Thank you so much for caring. We really need prayers for strength as we have a very long & difficult journey ahead of us.
Your Sister in Christ,
Kally
Hi Jill,
I know that you have been trying to get ahold of us and we are sorry we haven't got back to you sooner. I guess where we're at is the baby's cerebellum which controls movement is essentially non-existent. There's so much fluid build up, that its putting a lot of pressure on the brain stem as well. The brain stem is responsible for the primitive basics; Organ function like heart beat & breathing. What the doctors are predicting is that once the baby is born, she will not be able to breath on her own without help (a ventilator). It is our decision to go ahead & carry this baby full-term as long as I am capable & put her on the ventilator to keep her organs alive until they can be harvested. The down side to this, is because there is so much fluid build up, it may shut down her organs & they may not be viable at the time of her birth to donate. We will know within the week if she is even capable of being a donor. They have to finish the tests to make sure she is not carrying any genetic abnormalities, but right now we are trying to find a reason, a purpose, for her brief life with us. Organ donation seems to be the only thing we can think of. It makes our decision easier to bear, knowing that she may save anothers life. We have asked a friend to help Rod design & build her casket & we will be burying her at the family cemetery on the ranch. My dad said that of course that was what its for, but he never imagined it would be a grandbaby who would be buried there first.
Thank you so much for caring. We really need prayers for strength as we have a very long & difficult journey ahead of us.
Your Sister in Christ,
Kally
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Our Favorite Neighbor Girls
We have the cutest little neighbors girls and they love our house, well not so much our house but our animals. The bird, the dogs and the fish, I guess for a small child it's like a petting zoo. Lately they have actually been coming into the house to give Pollie a peanut, look at the fish and chase Chloe and Coco around the kitchen. It's so fun having them here. For those of you that have been to our house you know our "girls" which is what we call our little inside dogs enjoy chewing on shoes so I told them when they come they have to take their shoes off but to set them on the dresser in the entry. This morning we were busy getting ready for school and the dogs are barking like crazy and all of a sudden I hear the little one say..."no one is home" and her bigger sister says "yes they are just come in" so both girls are now inside the house, dogs are wondering whats going on and they start coming up the steps to find the fish. The little one ends up in Tristan's room and the fish are in Austin's room, I'm in the bathroom with Tristan and we are just dying laughing, we hear the little one say "where are the fish" and her sister replies, "you're in the wrong room"! By this time Austin has made it upstairs and is visiting with them. Way too cute. I tell the girls it's time to go because the boys have to go to school. We all head down stairs and there on the dresser are their shoes, just like I told them to do. They really wanted to go down and see the bird but I told them I didn't have time. I'm pretty sure they get home around 4:30 so I'll have visitors again which I love by the way. I'm sharing a pic a took yesterday. If the girls see us outside with the dogs they immediately come over and this is the priceless picture I came home to yesterday afternoon. What a great way to start the morning! Thank You God for these priceless blessings.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Spring Clean Up
This year the boys helped rake the yard. What a huge help that was. Jamie told them if they raked everything into piles he would do he rest. Suprising enough it went pretty well. Tristan being the organized one decided how they should split the backyard. It was refreshing seeing them enjoying the outdoors as brothers. Thanks God for the 2 young men you gave me the privledge to raise. We love and honor you.
I wonder what Tristan is praying for...a miracle that the leaves and sticks would disappear.....
I wonder what Tristan is praying for...a miracle that the leaves and sticks would disappear.....
As blessed as you want to be
The Power of Staying Positive
Our thoughts are not simply ethereal pieces of information that enter our minds and then disappear. The words and ideas that we think can shape our lives and drive us toward success and happiness or failure and distress. How you think and feel can have a profound effect on your ability to recognize opportunity, how well you perform, and the outcome of the goals that you’ve set for yourself. When you maintain an optimistic outlook and make an effort to harbor only positive thoughts, you begin to create the circumstances conducive to you achieving what you desire. You feel in control and few of life’s challenges seem truly overwhelming because it is in your nature to expect a positive conclusion. An optimistic mind is also an honest one. Staying positive does not mean that you ignore difficulties or disregard limitations. Instead, it means spending time focusing only on the thoughts that are conducive to your well-being and progress.
Positive thinking dramatically increases your chances of success in any endeavor. When you’re sure that you are worthy and that achievement is within your grasp, you start to relax and look for solutions rather than dwelling on problems. You are more likely to imagine positive situations or outcomes and disregard the thoughts related to giving up, failure, or roadblocks. What the mind expects, it finds. If you anticipate joy, good health, happiness, and accomplishment, then you will experience each one. Thinking positively may sound like a simple shift in attention – and it is – but it is a mind-set that must be developed. Whenever a negative thought enters your mind, try immediately replacing it with a constructive or optimistic one. With persistence, you can condition your mind to judge fleeting, self-defeating thoughts as inconsequential and dismiss them.
It is within your power to become as happy, content, or successful as you make up your mind to be. Staying positive may not have an immediate effect on your situation, but it will likely have a profound and instantaneous effect on your mood and the quality of your experiences. In order for positive thinking to change your life, it must become your predominant mind-set. Once you are committed to embracing positive thinking, you’ll start believing that everything that you want is within your grasp.
Our thoughts are not simply ethereal pieces of information that enter our minds and then disappear. The words and ideas that we think can shape our lives and drive us toward success and happiness or failure and distress. How you think and feel can have a profound effect on your ability to recognize opportunity, how well you perform, and the outcome of the goals that you’ve set for yourself. When you maintain an optimistic outlook and make an effort to harbor only positive thoughts, you begin to create the circumstances conducive to you achieving what you desire. You feel in control and few of life’s challenges seem truly overwhelming because it is in your nature to expect a positive conclusion. An optimistic mind is also an honest one. Staying positive does not mean that you ignore difficulties or disregard limitations. Instead, it means spending time focusing only on the thoughts that are conducive to your well-being and progress.
Positive thinking dramatically increases your chances of success in any endeavor. When you’re sure that you are worthy and that achievement is within your grasp, you start to relax and look for solutions rather than dwelling on problems. You are more likely to imagine positive situations or outcomes and disregard the thoughts related to giving up, failure, or roadblocks. What the mind expects, it finds. If you anticipate joy, good health, happiness, and accomplishment, then you will experience each one. Thinking positively may sound like a simple shift in attention – and it is – but it is a mind-set that must be developed. Whenever a negative thought enters your mind, try immediately replacing it with a constructive or optimistic one. With persistence, you can condition your mind to judge fleeting, self-defeating thoughts as inconsequential and dismiss them.
It is within your power to become as happy, content, or successful as you make up your mind to be. Staying positive may not have an immediate effect on your situation, but it will likely have a profound and instantaneous effect on your mood and the quality of your experiences. In order for positive thinking to change your life, it must become your predominant mind-set. Once you are committed to embracing positive thinking, you’ll start believing that everything that you want is within your grasp.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Our Friends WAIT is over
I am truely amazed at how God works. I havent talked much about our circle of friends however God is stirring and I can't keep it quiet. Our friends Joe and Becky Bilby have been waiting almost 3 years for a daughter from China. Well frineds the wait for this amazing family is over. God has blessed them with a very special 3 yr old girl. Her name is Jada Faith Bibly and I can't wait to met her. 3 years is a long time but they put their faith in God and once again he completed a perfect plan.
I love this quote by Chuck Swindoll: “God never forgets anything He promises. That’s right…never. God’s agenda continues to unfold right on schedule, even when there is not a shred of evidence that He remembers. Even when the most extreme events transpire and “life just doesn’t seem fair,” God is there, carrying out His providential plan exactly as He pre-arranged it. He keeps His word.”
Sometimes God's timing seems delayed. Sometimes it seems God has forgotten.
But rest assured dear friends - He has not forgotten. The same God who knit you together, is with you today. Waiting. Watching. Letting His plan unfold one day at a time. While we want to know the entire picture, we want to know the ending, that is not for us to know.
If we knew the ending of our story, if we knew when our waiting season would conclude, or our suffering would be over, we wouldn't be forced to kneel before the throne and pour out our hearts to God. We wouldn't be forced to desire the Lord above all else.
He has made everything beautiful in it's time.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
Congratulations Joe, Becky, Micah, Caleb, Aaron, Chloe and Jada Bibly and Thank You GOD for another plan finished to prefection. We love you Lord!
I love this quote by Chuck Swindoll: “God never forgets anything He promises. That’s right…never. God’s agenda continues to unfold right on schedule, even when there is not a shred of evidence that He remembers. Even when the most extreme events transpire and “life just doesn’t seem fair,” God is there, carrying out His providential plan exactly as He pre-arranged it. He keeps His word.”
Sometimes God's timing seems delayed. Sometimes it seems God has forgotten.
But rest assured dear friends - He has not forgotten. The same God who knit you together, is with you today. Waiting. Watching. Letting His plan unfold one day at a time. While we want to know the entire picture, we want to know the ending, that is not for us to know.
If we knew the ending of our story, if we knew when our waiting season would conclude, or our suffering would be over, we wouldn't be forced to kneel before the throne and pour out our hearts to God. We wouldn't be forced to desire the Lord above all else.
He has made everything beautiful in it's time.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
Congratulations Joe, Becky, Micah, Caleb, Aaron, Chloe and Jada Bibly and Thank You GOD for another plan finished to prefection. We love you Lord!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Amazing Love
He Is Risen! (Stop player at bottom of Blog to enjoy this)
He Is Risen Indeed!
Because He lives, we can face the current economic crisis, 4 years of Obama/Biden, joblessness, illness, and even death. We need not be ashamed because He truly did came out of the tomb. That tomb is empty, and we can face tomorrow!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Easter Cookies
To be made the evening before Easter.
You need:
1c. whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1c. sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300.
Instructions:
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden
spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested He
was beaten by the Roman soldiers.
Read John 19:1-3
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to
drink.
Read John 19:28-30
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His
life to give us life.
Read John 10:10-11
Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush
the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by
Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.
Read Luke 23:27
So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1c. sugar. Explain that
the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He
wants us to know and belong to Him.
Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are
formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’ s eyes of
those whose
sins have been cleansed by Jesus.
Read Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons (you don’t want them too big or it
won’t work, so I’m told) onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that
each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid.
Read Matt. 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give
each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb
was sealed.
Read Matt. 27:65-66. GO TO BED!
Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.
Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie.
Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the
first Easter Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.
Read Matt. 28:1-9
Cookies can be left on a very very low temp..like 250 degrees. and be ready
in a couple of hours…when surface of cookie looks dry and cracked….they
are ready to eat!!!!!
These cookies are quite sweet but tasty!
You need:
1c. whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1c. sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300.
Instructions:
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden
spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested He
was beaten by the Roman soldiers.
Read John 19:1-3
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to
drink.
Read John 19:28-30
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His
life to give us life.
Read John 10:10-11
Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush
the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by
Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.
Read Luke 23:27
So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1c. sugar. Explain that
the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He
wants us to know and belong to Him.
Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are
formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’ s eyes of
those whose
sins have been cleansed by Jesus.
Read Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons (you don’t want them too big or it
won’t work, so I’m told) onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that
each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid.
Read Matt. 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give
each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb
was sealed.
Read Matt. 27:65-66. GO TO BED!
Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.
Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie.
Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the
first Easter Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.
Read Matt. 28:1-9
Cookies can be left on a very very low temp..like 250 degrees. and be ready
in a couple of hours…when surface of cookie looks dry and cracked….they
are ready to eat!!!!!
These cookies are quite sweet but tasty!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Nothing Much Happening
I just wanted to let everyone know that at this point we are just waiting. EAC is still reviewing the homestudy. I spoke with Wendy on Friday and they needed some supporting documents which were faxed to her yesterday. I am hoping that I hear from her either today or tomorrow as to what the next step is. The homestudy will not be giving back to Catholic Charities until everything is approved for final draft. I am still thinking that all paperwork including homestudy and dossier should be complete in the next 2 weeks.
Besides that family is good, business is good and God is good. His works and the way he uses people's lives amazes me every single day. God I love You!!
Besides that family is good, business is good and God is good. His works and the way he uses people's lives amazes me every single day. God I love You!!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Why Adoption?
So many times I have people who ask why we would want to adopt or what is our motivation to adopt. Often I have been told..."You can't save the whole world". I read this story and thought it pretty well sums things up better than I could ever do. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Many blessings!!!
The Star Thrower Story by Joel Barker
Inspired by the writing of Loren Eiseley
Once upon a time, there was a wise man, much like Eiseley himself, who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day he was walking along the shore. As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day. So he began to walk faster to catch up. As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn’t dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean. As he got closer, he called out, “Good morning! What are you doing?” The young man paused, looked up and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean.” “I guess I should have asked, “Why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” “The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don’t throw them in they’ll die." “But young man, don’t you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. You can’t possibly make a difference!” The young man listened politely. Then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves. “It made a difference for that one!” His response surprised the man. He was upset. He didn’t know how to reply. So instead, he turned away and walked back to the cottage to begin his writings. All day long as he wrote, the image of the young man haunted him. He tried to ignore it, but the vision persisted. Finally, late in the afternoon he realized that he the scientist, he the poet, had missed out on the essential nature of the young man’s actions. Because he realized that what the young man was doing was choosing not to be an observer in the universe and make a difference. He was embarrassed. That night he went to bed troubled. When the morning came he awoke knowing that he had to do something. So he got up, put on his clothes, went to the beach and found the young man. And with him he spent the rest of the morning throwing starfish into the ocean.
The Star Thrower Story by Joel Barker
Inspired by the writing of Loren Eiseley
Once upon a time, there was a wise man, much like Eiseley himself, who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day he was walking along the shore. As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day. So he began to walk faster to catch up. As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn’t dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean. As he got closer, he called out, “Good morning! What are you doing?” The young man paused, looked up and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean.” “I guess I should have asked, “Why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” “The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don’t throw them in they’ll die." “But young man, don’t you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. You can’t possibly make a difference!” The young man listened politely. Then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves. “It made a difference for that one!” His response surprised the man. He was upset. He didn’t know how to reply. So instead, he turned away and walked back to the cottage to begin his writings. All day long as he wrote, the image of the young man haunted him. He tried to ignore it, but the vision persisted. Finally, late in the afternoon he realized that he the scientist, he the poet, had missed out on the essential nature of the young man’s actions. Because he realized that what the young man was doing was choosing not to be an observer in the universe and make a difference. He was embarrassed. That night he went to bed troubled. When the morning came he awoke knowing that he had to do something. So he got up, put on his clothes, went to the beach and found the young man. And with him he spent the rest of the morning throwing starfish into the ocean.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Trust
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Saturday Thought
People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.
LOVE THEM ANYWAY!
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
DO GOOD ANYWAY!
If you are successful you win false friends and true enemies.
SUCCEED ANYWAY!
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
DO GOOD ANYWAY!
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY!
People favor underdogs but follow only the top dogs.
FIGHT FOR SOME UNDERDOGS ANYWAY!
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
BUILD ANYWAY!
People really need help but may attach you if you help them.
HELP PEOPLE ANYWAY!
Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth.
GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU’VE GOT ANYWAY!
-Robert Schuller, Touch Times Never Last but Tough People Do
LOVE THEM ANYWAY!
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
DO GOOD ANYWAY!
If you are successful you win false friends and true enemies.
SUCCEED ANYWAY!
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
DO GOOD ANYWAY!
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY!
People favor underdogs but follow only the top dogs.
FIGHT FOR SOME UNDERDOGS ANYWAY!
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
BUILD ANYWAY!
People really need help but may attach you if you help them.
HELP PEOPLE ANYWAY!
Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth.
GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU’VE GOT ANYWAY!
-Robert Schuller, Touch Times Never Last but Tough People Do
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
First Draft Ready
I've been a little behind here so bear with me as I get everything updated...maybe I should start another blog LOL. Between email, Facebook and 2 Blogs it's almost full time! I talked with our agency today about foreign fees. I think reality is beginning to hit cause that freaked me out some. It's OK time has passed and everything will work out...Please stick with me Lord! Leslie also called to let us know the draft of the Home Study is complete so I'm running to Sioux City tomorrow to pick it up that way Jamie and I can read it over, make necessary changes and than let our agency take a look at it before it's finalized for Russia. As a family we've decided that the boys will not be going to Russia with us, there are many reason but primarily the cost and they aren't allowed in the orphanage or the region in which we would be traveling so they would have to stay in Moscow which would mean we'd have to bring another adult with us to stay with them and we aren't willing to let them in Russia under someone elses care. They were a little disappointed at first but after we talked it over with them they understand.
Tristan had another ortho appt today and we still need to get 2 more teeth pulled, these should be the last 2, they need more room on the top in order to move his teeth back...he has a terrible over bite. He will get braces as soon as we get those teeth out, his next appt is April 22.
No worries we planted the money tree out back so all will be fine by mid summer :)
Tristan had another ortho appt today and we still need to get 2 more teeth pulled, these should be the last 2, they need more room on the top in order to move his teeth back...he has a terrible over bite. He will get braces as soon as we get those teeth out, his next appt is April 22.
No worries we planted the money tree out back so all will be fine by mid summer :)
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