tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61471602757671634162024-03-13T00:02:29.041-07:00Engraved"Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands. . ." (Isaiah 49:15-16)Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-40507646029610527932017-05-11T18:13:00.000-07:002017-05-11T18:14:13.410-07:00Finding a ministry. . .Do you sometimes want to do more, but don't know where to start?<br />
Maybe it's just me.<br />
<br />
Do you sometimes learn more, then fell overwhelmed by the possibilities, then don't start?<br />
Maybe it's just me.<br />
<br />
I long to serve more. Then, I get overwhelmed and do nothing<br />
Because that is helpful. [insert sarcasm]<br />
<br />
To help myself, and maybe those like me, I thought I would add to this blog, if you can call it that, information about different ministries. Ministries I come across--that I wish I had known about.<br />
<br />
Then, maybe someday, I will find exactly where to jump in. OR just jump in. . .<br />
<br />
Maybe into this ministry. Check this video out: <a href="https://youtu.be/b1TbmRQNp7M">Kairos Ministry</a><br />
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I'm moved by people whose lives go from dark to light. Because, really, that's all of us. We lived in darkness, without life then. . .Jesus.<br />
<br />
Maybe you are being called to prison ministry. Maybe I am.<br />
<br />
Regardless, will you pray? Can you pray for a group of women who will engage in ministry within prison walls to another group of women the weekend of May 18-21. Would you pray? Did you know some of the women within those walls have never known of someone praying for them? I can't imagine that. Maybe you can. Maybe you have been there. Maybe you will be the one praying for them.<br />
<br />
Real lives. Real need. Real change. With a Real Jesus. You are His Hands. His feet. The one to bring them before the throne room of the Most High. Join me?<br />
<br />Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-79330907171397125902016-11-17T16:28:00.003-08:002016-11-17T16:28:37.834-08:00Compassion. Can you give it?"Everyone needs compassion. A love that's never failing. Let mercy fall on me."<br />
And my favorite line, "Everyone needs forgiveness. The kindness of a Savior."<br />
(Song: Mighty to Save. Artist: Hillsong)<br />
<br />
There are so many things on my heart, so many I could say right now.<br />
I do feel an urgency. An urgency for true followers of Christ to rise. To show compassion.<br />
<b><u>Before we lose the lost world to the louder voices. </u></b><br />
<br />
What would Jesus want from us?<br />
If they need the kindness of a Savior, and we are an extension of Christ--then, we should BE the kindness.<br />
<u><b>Have you been kind? Have I been kind?</b></u><br />
<br />
Everyone needs compassion.<br />
Your neighbor needs compassion.<br />
Your boss needs compassion.<br />
Your spouse needs compassion.<br />
Your political right friend needs compassion. As does your political left.<br />
Hillary Clinton needs compassion.<br />
Donald Trump needs compassion.<br />
Those who hate you need compassion.<br />
People of color need compassion.<br />
Racists need compassion. (and, no, I don't support racism at all. but only love wins.)<br />
Police officers need compassion.<br />
The McDonald's worker needs compassion.<br />
<u><b>NONE need more compassion than the other.</b></u><br />
If we are giving compassion out freely, there would be no condemnation between us.<br />
<br />
You get the idea. "Fill in the blank" needs compassion. Where do you stand?<br />
<u><b>Do those you have put in the blank feel compassion?</b></u><br />
<br />
Have our actions this past month made people want what we have (the Spirit) or made them run as far away as possible? <b><u>Heaven help us if it's the latter</u></b>.<br />
<br />
I am writing to myself.<br />
I am writing to you if you claim to follow Christ.<br />
<u><b>Could we agree to show more compassion?</b></u><br />
<br />
Could we get off our phones at check out, the drive thru, and in our homes and genuinely look at the person across from us and show compassion? Smile and show we care. Ask how someone is doing. Pray for the broken-hearted whether we know them or not?<br />
<br />
Could we go out of our way to reassure those who are fearful right now?<br />
Go out of the way to show compassion?<br />
Whether or not you understand their fear isn't the issue.<br />
Their fear is real and, honestly, once we take the time to understand those different from us we will realize they have a reason to fear.<br />
<br />
Could we take time to hear the other side?<br />
I can be compassionate. I can demonstrate mercy and still know what I believe to be true.<br />
<br />
I wonder if any of us really want to live in Heaven?<br />
Because at that time, we will have to live together in harmony. Yes, the Prince of Peace will be in front of us. But, He's left us POWER for now. The Holy Spirit. Jesus was on earth and yet LEFT so that the Spirit could come. Christian, grab that power. We are not left without hope. We are not left without a love that should be exploding around us.<br />
Hold onto your truth. Teach when you should teach.<br />
But wake up--without love you are a noisy gong.<br />
Love. Show Mercy. Show Compassion. Take a Sabbath rest to remind yourself of what you were rescued from, then show the same forgiveness given you and give it to others.<br />
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<h3>
<b>Let's do this together. Compassion. Can you give it?</b></h3>
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<br />Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-77830575565157188692016-11-09T16:47:00.002-08:002016-11-09T18:25:41.163-08:00Thoughts on the Presidency & His Word<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Today, we elected a new president, Donald Trump. I did not vote for him nor his main opponent Hillary Clinton. But honestly, that is beside the point. It really isn't about them or, frankly, me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What it is about is what I say I believe. . .and how I live it out during the good, the bad, and the ugly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I believe that my Father above is good. . .therefore, I will, with His help, try to also be good to others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I believe that my Father exhibits loving kindness. . .therefore, I will try to exhibit loving kindness to all I encounter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I believe my Father fights for the widows & the orphan. . .therefore, I will commit to do the same.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I believe my Father desires ALL to come to Him and repent and follow Him. . . therefore, I will tell any who desires to know Him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Because He loved all of us and gave His Son up for us, I will (only with His love) try to love those around me. . .not just the easy to love ones, but my enemies. Those who disagree with me. Those who look different than me. Those who think different from me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Because He is just, I will try to fight for justice. . .for all who need it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Because He was about His kingdom, I will be about His kingdom. . .not the kingdom of America. (Please know that I am grateful for all my rights and freedoms and am thankful for my country. However, my citizenship here does NOT override my true citizenship with Christ and His kingdom)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So, President Elect Trump and Vice President Pence. . .I will pray for you. Your job will not be easy. I will pray that you are humble before the Lord and before the people He has put under you. I will pray that my country, including myself, will give you a chance to start anew and that we will be humbled as well. We all should remember, the Lord Himself sets up kingdoms and tears them down.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But, rest assured, I will not support evil towards others. I will pray for you but I will only stand with you when your decisions are for good and not evil. I will watch how others are treated. I won't stand by and let humanity be torn down for the sake of democracy. But, I will pray. I will give you a chance. I am able to do so because HE lives, and HE holds my tomorrow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Isaiah 8:12-13 ESV "Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the LORD of hosts, Him you shall honor as holy. Let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Psalm 146:3-5: "Do not trust in nobles, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">in man, who cannot save. When his breath leaves him, he returns to the ground; on that day his plans die. Happy is the one whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Daniel 2:20-22 ESV "</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; H</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">e reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Psalm 147:1-6 ESV "Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. The LORD lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-2736766339951232782015-04-24T15:58:00.000-07:002015-04-24T15:58:21.450-07:00God Keeps Using Real Life. . .. . .to make His point.<br />
<br />
Adoption teaches a lot of hard truths. Typically, in the midst of the journey, He brings the lesson. Sometimes, it hurts. One thing He taught me as I went through it was that He was in charge. No matter how hard I wanted to try to exert control. . .it was not in my power to do so.<br />
<br />
Guess what? I'm still learning that lesson. Recently, a business that I co-own was thrown a curve ball. The place we host our event was possibly no longer going to be available. It's a great venue. The place, the people love Christ. It shows. People constantly comment about how amazing the facility is but more importantly how kind everyone is. We love it there.<br />
<br />
So, we have been praying fervently about where our home will be. God knows that the desire of our hearts is to be there. But, the bigger desire is to desire His will. . .then there is never disappointment.<br />
<br />
As we prayed this week, this is the Bible study lesson that was in my face with the small group of ladies I have been meeting with. . .Breathe by Priscilla Shirer. Well, if you want anything to "get into your business", do this study. MAN! OUCH! The study in on the Sabbath, Shabbat--God requiring us to "pause" or to "bring things to an end" so that we can remember "who we were (slaves to sin and stuff)" and that we are NO longer slaves. This time that we can set apart to change our slave mentality and to remember to walk in freedom. To remind ourselves that there should no longer be chains.<br />
<br />
Exodus 16:16-27 says, "This is what the LORD has commanded: 'Everyone is to gather as much as they need. Take an omer for each person you have in your tent.' The Israelites did as they were told; some gathered much, some little. And when they measured it by the omer, the one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little. Everyone had gathered just as much as they needed. Then Moses said to them, "No one is to keep any of it until morning." However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them. Each morning everyone gathered as much as they needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away. On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much--two omers for each person--and the leaders of the community came and reported this to Moses. He said to them, "This is what the LORD commanded: 'Tomorrow is to be a day of sabbath rest, a holy sabbath to the LORD. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.' So they saved it until morning, as Moses commanded, and it did not stink or get maggots in it. "Eat it today," Moses said, "because today is a sabbath to the LORD. You will not find any of it on the ground today. Six days you are to gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will not be any." <u><b>Nevertheless, some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather it</b></u>, but they found none."<br />
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God's directive was clear. Gather for today. Not for tomorrow. I will provide what you need when you need. Then, when I ask you to pause, I will give you a DOUBLE PORTION. But, the people still went out to gather--even though it had already been provided. Really, Lord? Do we ever get this lesson down? Do we ever stop gathering more than we need when You have promised to care for us.<br />
<br />
Well, today we learned that our sale will continue for the fall while they continue to evaluate the future beyond that. Hmmm. . .the fall is my "manna". It's what I need now. He will provide it. I think He is really trying to prove His point. I'm hard headed, so it takes real lessons. He is in charge. Not man. He will make the decision, not man. And, He will provide when I need it and not before. He's also teaching me amidst other struggles. I'm in prayer about other major decisions in my life. Wondering if He is pushing me towards a "pause"/"an end" in order to show me His double blessing. I don't know where He is calling me or what He is calling me to, but I continue to need prayer. Amazed by His gift given today. Right when I needed it. Of course it was.Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-56501724319873488372013-10-31T19:18:00.001-07:002013-10-31T19:18:07.534-07:00Hard TruthsWriting this is taking time.<br />
Thoughts have swirled around in my mind for days, almost a week.<br />
I'm not even sure I'm ready now.<br />
So, this might get finished later.<br />
<br />
I didn't know if this should be in the adoption blog<br />
or this one.<br />
Because it is through adoption that God is speaking,<br />
I placed it hear.<br />
<br />
The hard truth is that this journey brings<br />
to the surface a lot of feelings:<br />
Fear. Distrust. Anger. Jealousy. Depression. Rebellion.<br />
& Unspeakable Joy.<br />
<br />
God in all His omnipotence knew that humans needed more than just<br />
Words.<br />
We needed Words in Pictures.<br />
So, He created marriage.<br />
To show His love for His bride.<br />
His untainted, faithful love.<br />
A love that gave up His life.<br />
Then, we screwed up the word picture.<br />
<br />
He created families.<br />
To show how strong love can be IMMEDIATELY<br />
between a parent and a child.<br />
We do OK at times, and at other times, well. . .we screw it up.<br />
<br />
Then He redeemed the word picture<br />
And used Adoption.<br />
Taking what was not intended (orphans) and using it<br />
As another way to demonstrate who He is.<br />
A Father who comes RUNNING to us, who longs for us, who will stop at NOTHING to get us "home", in His arms.<br />
<br />
Then, "we" enter the picture. And, sometimes we screw it up with our wait in the process.<br />
So, this is the real deal. I want you to know the truth.<br />
<br />
Some days, I'm angry at everyone. Some days at God. I ask questions like if you set the lonely in families why is it necessary to drag this thing out??? (and, I know the TRUTH people. Just want you to know what happens on this journey).<br />
<br />
Some days, I'm on cloud 9.<br />
Some days, I'm jealous. This is just sinful. PLAIN & Simple. Jealous that our file hasn't moved, jealous that I didn't hear anything, jealous that I'm crying when others are rejoicing.<br />
Some days, I'm ecstatic for my friends in this journey. Leaping for joy! And, other days crying and praying with them.<br />
Some days, I think, "What did we do God to deserve the delay? What are we still needing to learn? Teach us. We are ready. Why aren't we being blessed?" <br />
<br />
You know we ask this. Let's be real. We ask this during MANY life circumstances. We ASSUME it about others going through things. We ALLUDE to it when we say that we are so blessed to have___________ (fill in your blank: obedient children, loving parents, a nice car, a big house).<br />
Don't get me wrong, every good and perfect gift does come from God. But because one person keeps their job and one person loses their job doesn't necessarily mean one is blessed by God and one isn't.<br />
<br />
So, God is dealing with me on a few things. First, in Acts 12, there is an intersting, yet hard truth. It is why that while I pray earnestly to God in this process that I'm not always confident in how it will turn out. At the beginning of the chapter, James the brother of John was put to death by the sword. Then, IN THE SAME CHAPTER, Peter is arrested with the possibility of death, but Peter is rescued and escaped. Both loved dearly by Jesus. Both doing the stuff. Both assisting in the explosion of Christianity. Both with a radical faith. One dies. One lives. Hard truths. But, a truth that opened my eyes last weekend at Living Proof Live. I'll let the Spirit speak to you about the message.<br />
<br />
What matters is how I've stood on the Rock not how many times I've been knocked down. What matters is that His will is accomplished. Not mine. I'm simply to stand on the solid rock. As the three in the fiery furnace (I don't feel like spelling tonight) said--and I paraphrase--We know God can deliver us but even if He doesn't we will NOT deny Him.<br />
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Maybe, I'll share the next "lesson" I'm learning on this journey on another day. Once I can bare to admit it. Just know, last night we received great news that the clerk is going to release J's book next week, which means we can get a birth certificate. Pray that there are no errors on it. We will keep you posted. Just know that I had mixed feelings with the "good" news. Not b/c of the news. But b/c of me. Stay tuned for the rest of the story.<br />
<br />
If I can write it.Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-89502528549966134552013-10-31T18:26:00.000-07:002013-10-31T18:26:46.936-07:00Today's Gifts76. A clerk in Ha*ti ready to release the book<br />
77. Genuinely kind people<br />
78. Daughters<br />
79. Daughters, who after asking where a certain scripture is, remembers that its in Psalm 122<br />
80. Married people demonstrating it as intended in His word<br />
81. Fireplaces<br />
82. Dogs named Candy. . .<br />
83. Memories of childhood<br />
84. Underground house on a stormy night<br />
85. A house filled with windows on a sunny day<br />
86. Adoption world<br />
87. Teachers who get it<br />
88. Ethical people<br />
89. Being able to read<br />
90. My mom<br />
91. My dad<br />
92. My sister<br />
93. Grandparents: one of His most thoughtful gifts<br />
94. Redemption<br />
95. Salvation<br />
96. Grace as we need it<br />
97. Mercy<br />
98. Christian people really striving to live out Christ's commands<br />
99. Newly saved people wanting to figure it out<br />
100. Ha*tian boys with tear-stained cheeks and adults who are loving on him<br />
<br />Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-55024435651365833742013-09-14T18:53:00.001-07:002013-09-14T18:53:21.387-07:00Still counting my gifts. . .I'm a long way away.64. True friends. And, the revealing of who they are.<br />
65. M's kisses.<br />
66. L's genuineness (is that a word?)<br />
67. My eyesight<br />
68. My love, My best friend. His 43 years.<br />
69. For the truth of the Word.<br />
70. My bed.<br />
71. My home.<br />
72. A cozy couch.<br />
73. A sunshine day with cool breezes.<br />
74. My warm, cozy sweatpants.<br />
75. Joy that comes in the morning.<br />
<br />
Grateful for my Father above, the giver of EVERY good & perfect gift. He loves me more than I love my own children, and that is something I can "kind of" grasp. Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-49239027323374573202013-08-24T17:50:00.001-07:002013-08-24T17:50:20.450-07:00To & FroSo, it's been awhile since I've added to this devotional blog. . .I'm ashamed to admit how long. It seems this journey of adoption, a new business, the old job, busy girls, and an unexpected trip to Ha*ti has left me unable to engage in the luxury of my blog. But, I'm back for the moment. . .<br />
<br />
I have been using the book <u>Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire</u> by Jim Cymbala as a devotional guide. While all studies that God leads me to with His word and encouragement of those gifted in teaching kick me in the tail, this one has left me awe-inspired and dropping more to my knees than I ever have in my life. My God is like nothing we know on earth and is a superhero beyond any hero. . .and He wants me to cry out to Him. I stand amazed and humbled. <br />
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Tonight, the verse I landed on was "For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His." Hmmm. . .the eyes of the Lord are roaming the earth, searching. . .what is He finding? Is He finding a strong Christian nation (no, not America, His nation) passionately seeking Him or one that's passively following Him? Does He see me? Am I seeking Him with<strong><u> all</u></strong> of my heart? Am I willing to call myself a Christian first, and everything else second? No matter what that means? I'm here to stand and shout today that I want to experience MORE of the power of the Holy Spirit. I want Him to look and see the passion and "strongly support" me, to be my rock. I want to be found in Him doing His work in His time in His place. <br />
<br />
In waiting for this little man in Ha*ti, I have learned much. More about patience than I wanted to learn. But I've most learned that I live in a country that thinks it's blessed because of it's financial means. And, yes, clean running water, food in abundance, great medical care, and a fabulous education system is a blessing. But, we are lukewarm. . .and we have lost the understanding of richness. It is in Him that we are rich. When our hearts are His, we find true peace, true richness, true contentment, true joy, true love. Satan has lured us with the "things" to distract us from the Provider of the "things". Lord, forgive me! Help me see each day what you are doing and join You in Your work, not my own. Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-65280360611211501842012-12-29T17:40:00.000-08:002012-12-29T17:40:06.001-08:00What I learnedIn reviewing for Sunday School, I was reminded of an amazing lesson from Beth Moore through the James Bible study. This study has been "IN MY BUSINESS" and has been one of the most life-changing studies for my personal walk. This lesson was on Forgiveness, and who doesn't need to revisit that lesson daily? I know that I do!<br />
<br />
In Matthew 27:50 (NASB): "Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and "yielded up" His Spirit". According to the study, the Greek word "aphiemi" means "to send forth" and is the same word used in the Lord's Prayer. In her teaching, Beth Moore explained that "forgiving" is "yielding up". Committing the betrayal to God. Not "giving up" but "giving it over". And, she reminded us that we yield out of wisdom from "above" not because of fear of someone or something on earth. We aren't to be bullied. <br />
<br />
AMEN! Forgiveness is hard and yielding can be too, but I know in real life that when my car "yields" the right of way that I'm a WHOLE lot safer than when I "barge through". Same way with God: Yielding the right of way to Him is soooo much better and definitely safer!Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-16330638343137403312012-12-29T17:32:00.004-08:002012-12-29T17:32:59.366-08:001,000 gifts. . .I'm only on 56!56. Gorgeous white snow that hasn't been trampled by man<br />
57. Children who love to giggle and are a little crazy at times<br />
58. God's instruction to care for the widow and orphan. I have been blessed the most by this new connection with our son's orphanage. Can't wait to meet the staff who have cared for my son.<br />
59. Christmas with family. It is my favorite time of year<br />
60. Electricity and heat! I am always cold and love when I can turn up the furnace or run really warm water<br />
61. Healthy children<br />
62. A husband who provides. . .a husband who doesn't mind shoveling snow (several days this week)<br />
63. College friends who remain close. They are a great joy to me!<br />
Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-9011746764565993442012-11-11T18:24:00.002-08:002012-11-11T18:26:54.787-08:001,000 Gifts. . .still going!51. Warm days in November<br />
52. Old pictures to remind you of great times<br />
53. Blankets, a bed, and a pillow. . .never forget to be grateful for this if you are blessed enough to have it<br />
54. People who work tirelessly for orphan care and foundations like "The Apparent Project" who make it easy to care for the orphan and the widow!<br />
55. A church that isn't so structured or too large to allow room for the Holy Spirit to move. Time is not pressing for us, so if God is speaking then we can speak. Love that freedom!<br />
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Praying that you are recognizing gifts today. The Word says in James 1:17 (NASB) "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."<br />
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(in speaking about gifts) If they are good, they are GOD! (quoting Beth Moore from James Bible study, which ROCKS by the way! If you never thought James wasn't focused on faith. . .try again!!)Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-77580083257792423982012-10-24T18:53:00.000-07:002012-10-24T18:53:49.471-07:00Keep on CountingApparently, I am lousy at counting my blessings! When I went to see what number I was on, it was 40. Pretty prophetic considering yesterday I had a milestone birthday. That being said, I have a lot of "gifts" to count, but not the tangible, unwrap kind. Not the kind I put on my feet or hang on my shoulder. (I love shoes and purses!) The REAL gifts! God's gifts!<br />
40. Time with family. They gave me a great celebration on Saturday. A time full of laughter, inspiration, and just good ole togetherness! I treasure each moment. And though the bday gifts they gave me aren't the important parts of life, this year's gifts are going to be hard to top! Thank you for reminding me of my sweet boy to come through your gift-giving!<br />
41-49: For 8 "Fabulous Females" who celebrated with me tonight. More importantly, thank you for loving me and being dear friends! I miss working with you terribly! For this gal who grew up with a close family, in proximity and love, it is hard to be separated. . .even at 40! So, if I have to be away from my family, I know that I have these wonderful women who shaped much of who I am professionally! Thank you! Your celebration meant a lot to me!<br />
50. A man that God gave to me 19 years ago! Yes, it seems an obvious gift, but I think I received the best gift available! He was designed for me, and I am forever grateful to Jehovah Jireh for this provision. God continues to show how much He cares for me! I love you Jesus!!Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-89105010064082740362012-08-07T13:08:00.001-07:002012-08-07T13:08:32.427-07:001 Kings 18:21"Elijah went before the people and said, 'How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.' But the people said nothing."<br />
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My interpretation: If you really believe that God is God. . .then go where He leads. But if your God is __________ (fill in the blank: money, TV, video games, your family, your job, status, your friends, your boyfriend/girlfriend), then follow it. What God knows is that who we follow already shows which one we believe. The problem is that we aren't always honest with ourselves.<br />
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I love that the Word is into my business!! God always puts me in check because He loves me and wants the best life for me. Following Him ensures that! <br />
<br />Be blessed!Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-63098835696324788632012-08-01T18:40:00.002-07:002012-08-01T18:40:53.821-07:00Humbled<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This picture is amazing to me and humbles me greatly. Does my sin bring me to my knees begging for the mercy of a holy God? Yes, I know I'm forgiven. Yes, I know that there is no condemnation now that I'm in Christ. BUT, there should have been a point when the weight of my sin had me crawling to the person of Christ. It should bring me there daily. I should never be so comfortable in my sin that I don't DAILY beg Him for His forgiveness, then PRAISE Him for the shame and guilt that He takes from me. I'm afraid as a society we have lost this. We don't want to be in a church that might make us think about sin, that doesn't make us feel all giddy and emotional inside, that might call a spade a spade. We have this "feel good" mentality. However, I urge you to hear me on this: When you experience freedom in Christ, when that weight of sin is lifted, and it is no more-THERE IS NO GREATER FEELING! We are so used to carrying around the burden of sin (b/c no one wants to offend us) that we don't know what it's like to be FREE. Yes, I will continue to sin because of this imperfect body but I don't want to CARRY it around. I want to LAY it down. Please, if there is something in my life that is hindering me, tell me. I want to be FREE! <br />
In Luke 7, there is a familiar story of a woman, known as a sinner, who enters a Pharisee's home where Jesus was dining. WAIT! So, right there, this woman is SOOOO desperate to see Jesus that she, a KNOWN sinner, entered the home of a Pharisee. GUTS! She was serious about seeing Jesus. Am I that serious? When I know I have sin separating me from my Savior, will I set aside all pride to rush to Him? Then, she pours perfume on his feet. She DUMPS out her expensive perfume on Jesus. So, I have thought about that part when I've previously read that chapter. It was worth a lot, and she gives it up freely. That is definitely a lesson, in and of itself. But this summer in a Bible study, we were reading <u>Beautiful Outlaw</u> by John Eldredge. He made another point that I hadn't thought of. IF she was a known sinner, my guess is probably a prostitute (although I'm no Bible scholar). But, if she was, then perfume was probably a pretty important commodity for her business. She was essentially saying, "Jesus, I am giving my sin up for You. I am pouring it out on You. Take it from me." Mr. Eldredge pointed that out in his book, and I was like "WOW". Isn't it just like God to have a "sin offering" poured out on Jesus prior to going to the Cross. I LOVE it! He is so amazing!! Jesus, please never let me grow callous to my own sin, but convict me to pour it out to you. You already put it on you, but I want to give it to you too! I love you! There is no other God that would do that for me!!<br />
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37. For people who have demonstrated their love to us through this adoption process. It seems like it should be an easy road but it can sometimes feel lonely or like you are on the path but on the path with strangers, who have felt the same calling.<br />
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38. For the shelter I have, which is not necessarily the shelter I want, but it does the job!<br />
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39. For godly men and women, who walk the walk, who encourage us when we are in the midst of places and people that aren't focused on God's call, and who give us the courage to continue walking the walk as well.<br />
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This was true about a dear co-worker and friend that I lost this week. His name was Doug. You know when you meet those rare people who change the face of Christianity, who exemplify how you wish Christians were so that perceptions would change, who are who they are in and out of the church building? That was Doug. Not only was he a pastor, but he was a behavior coach who worked with children, children that sometimes struggled to keep it together, and he did so with the greatest patience I have ever witnessed. You see, I'm not patient, and I deeply admire people who are. He could soothe you with his voice in the midst of any crisis. Don't get me wrong, he wasn't perfect and He's not Jesus, but his voice was always how I "hear" Jesus's voice during the storm when the disciples were panicked. A voice saying, "No worries! The King of the Universe has this one covered! Trust Him!" However, he had reasons to be worried. Even when life was cruel and his family was hurting, his faith did not waiver. He was a testimony to an entire community! In addition, he spoke the truth. He didn't back down on his beliefs just because it might be uncomfortable, but he was strong in his beliefs. However, he expressed his beliefs with deep love and respect for those around him. At the end of the school year, I had announced that I would be leaving this school that I have loved for 13 years in order to be on the same schedule as my children. I hate change!! To say the least, it was hard to keep the tears back in those last few days, but he greeted me with a smile when I entered the building on one particularly hard day and was sorry I was going but with this amazing, encouraging attitude indicated that great things awaited me. There was just joy for what was happening in my life. Thank you, Doug, for being real, for speaking Christ through who you were, for showing us all how to love kids with unconditional love while growing them into stronger people, and for being a "hero" at our school and in the community. I know you wouldn't have wanted to be called a hero (most real ones don't), but you were! And, now you are face to face with your Hero and mine! Can't wait to be there with you! What a joyous day that will be!Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-44031120043359800172012-07-18T10:54:00.001-07:002012-08-03T19:25:30.083-07:00Adopting From Haiti: Children of the Promise: It's Not (Just) an Orphanage. . .So, as I was googling "Haiti" today trying to find some fundraiser ideas, I stumbled upon this blog. And, guess what? Not only is the writer of the blog adopting from Haiti. . .his children are coming from Children of the Promise, where our child is! How Awesome! I've been wanting to find a connection!! And, it should be no surprise that they are using the same adoption agency as we are!! This is so cool!<br />
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Please read his blog post for a much better description of Children of the Promise at the link below!<br />
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<a href="http://adoptingfromhaiti.blogspot.com/2012/03/children-of-promise-its-not-just.html?spref=bl">Adopting From Haiti: Children of the Promise: It's Not (Just) an Orphan...</a>: A favorite movie in the Sleasman household right now is Night of the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian . One of our favorite scenes is whe...Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-29435726305485027992012-07-17T18:34:00.001-07:002012-07-17T18:34:16.922-07:00Our God is Greater!Have you experienced the greatness of God lately? Thanks to a little church camp in a small town, I have! Through the testimony of God's children, I have seen a child of God walk away from an accident that doctors said was medically impossible to do (he even ran track less than 9 months after the accident), a former drug addict rescued from addiction and saved from suicide before his Senior year of high school, and a boy cry out to God because he knew that he couldn't "stop" his sin but that he needed Jesus! <br />
Yes, our God is greater, He is healer, He is all powerful. . .what is there to worry about?<br />
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Rom 8:31:</div>
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"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?"</div>
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No one!! We are His chosen people. Be strong and courageous! If the one true God is for us, who can possibly be against us!</div>
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Be blessed!</div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-65406770865132753172012-06-22T20:29:00.001-07:002012-06-22T20:29:21.296-07:00A Lesson Learned. . .The Hard Way<div align="center">
I hate to learn lessons this way, but this hard head of mine doesn't know many other ways!</div>
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We are in the process of adopting from Ha*ti! It's been an amazing journey so far and will be in the end as well.</div>
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The thing is when we "officially" dove in after 10 years of "listening" I felt that this would be more than just adopting a child from Ha*ti. I thought it would become more than just adopting, somehow, by advocating for adoption, helping others through the process, speaking at churches about caring for the orphans! Some sort of ministry as a result of it!</div>
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As soon as I spoke this allowed, the spiritual attacks came!</div>
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Nothing to stop the adoption, but just a lot of frustration along the way. . .making me want to throw the towel in.</div>
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This week was one of those! You see, we are in a rush because of some changes in Ha*ti. (To see the back story, please refer to <a href="http://www.thetarvinfamily.blogspot.com/">www.thetarvinfamily.blogspot.com</a>) </div>
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Everytime we went to do something, we learned about something we did not realize. Because we did not know about its importance, it caused a lot of stress and grief. Re-copying, extra document gathering. . .</div>
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Herein lies the lesson,</div>
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the day after I was ready to throw in the towel, I am listening to Moody radio.</div>
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Nancy Lee DeMoss is speaking, and she's talking about how she ended up staying at home to raise her kids rather than pursue her career that she wanted. </div>
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She never knew at that time that she would later have a platform to speak for women when she chose to stay home, but if she had not, she would not have had the experience for the "plan" God had later. A plan to speak on behalf of motherhood. And, she needed her experiences for that!</div>
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She added that Moses had to herd sheep for awhile before he could fulfill God's plan to "herd" the Israelites out of Egypt.</div>
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Now, that might not sound profound to you, but to me it was huge!</div>
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I don't know what his "big" plan is for us, but I do know that the more we learn and understand about the process of adoption, the better our ministry can become in the future.</div>
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We might have to go through some extra "bumps" in the road in order to better counsel someone later. </div>
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I know God's plans are bigger than my dream of our little Ha*tian boy. And, believe me, that is a big enough plan. . .and that plan is good enough for me.</div>
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But, I think He has in mind a number of orphans He wants to see cared for. . .that maybe we can't take in but we could help someone who wants to!</div>
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Can't wait to see what is to come!</div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-20862705886849921502012-04-22T15:04:00.002-07:002012-04-22T15:07:26.005-07:00Please Help. . .<div align="left" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I have grown to love "bloggy world". I have met a lot of inspiring people who remind me once again that there are people out there trying to live for Christ and to be His hands and feet!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">One such sight is <a href="http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/">A Place Called Simplicity</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">A recent post saddened us as we have just started our adoption journey.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">A tax credit, which helps many adoptive parents overcome the financial stumbling block, is in danger of being unavailable in 2013. Adoption can be up to $30,000. The tax credit was a big help to many! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">PLEASE PRAY for our congress men and women to reconsider this. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Read the following and consider signing the petition! It's quick, easy, doesn't cost anything, and helps out in the cause of the fatherless (Isaiah 1:17)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In 2013 the tax credit will be a maximum of $6,000 for parents adopting children with special needs. There will be <u><strong>no adoption tax credit</strong></u> available for all other adoptive parents beginning in tax year 2013.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Could you ask your readers to sign the petition at</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> at</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/make-adoption-costs-fully-refundable-in-the-2012-2013-tax-years" id="yui_3_2_0_1_1334677590846190" style="color: #234786; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1334677593_2" style="color: #366388; cursor: pointer;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.change.org/petitions/make-adoption-costs-fully-refundable-in-the-2012-2013-tax-years</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Additionally, there is a bill in Congress trying to get passed and if it goes through there will be a PERMANENT tax credit put in place.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">There are some key politicians who need to receive letters/emails supporting the adoption tax credit. The following politicians are sponsors of this Adoption Bill, if you reside in one of these states it is extremely important that you send some type of communication to them: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Richard Burr [R-NC]</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Robert Casey [D-PA]</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Thad Cochran [R-MS]</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Kirsten Gillibrand [D-NY]</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Kay Hutchison [R-TX]</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Tim Johnson [D-SD]</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Amy Klobuchar [D-MN]</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Pat Roberts [R-KS]</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">John Thune [R-SD]</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In addition to these Finance Committee members: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sen. Max Baucus [D-MT]</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sen. Orrin Hatch [R-UT]</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sen. Jeff Bingaman [D-NM]</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sen. Richard Burr [R-NC]</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sen. Maria Cantwell [D-WA]</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sen. Benjamin Cardin [D-MD]</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sen. Thomas Carper [D-DE]</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sen. Thomas Coburn [R-OK]</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sen. Kent Conrad [D-ND]</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sen. John Cornyn [R-TX]</span></div>
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<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1334677593_3" style="cursor: pointer;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Please consider signing this petition for the cause of the orphan. Signing the petition takes about a minute, at the most. </span></span></div>
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<span class="yshortcuts" style="cursor: pointer;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1334677593_3" style="cursor: pointer;"> </span></div>
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<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1334677593_3" style="cursor: pointer;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">If you live in one of the states listed above, would you please call your representative and show your support? Every call does make a difference. </span></span></div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-88002591584915620982012-04-20T05:48:00.001-07:002012-04-20T07:26:06.544-07:00Pray Haiti Jewelry is Here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here it is!! Our jewelry for our Haiti Adoption!</div>
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Just go<br />
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here:</div>
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<a href="http://jubileesjewels.com/adoption-fundraising/isaiah127-haiti" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://jubileesjewels.com/adoption-fundraising/isaiah127-haiti</a> </div>
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(To order the double necklace)</div>
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<a href="http://jubileesjewels.com/adoption-fundraising/haiti-necklace" id="yui_3_2_0_28_1334924193536735" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://jubileesjewels.com/adoption-fundraising/haiti-necklace</a> </div>
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(To order the single necklace with the bead)</div>
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Our fundraising necklaces are called:</div>
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Pray Haiti Fundraiser</div>
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&amp;</div>
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Isaiah 1:17 Haiti Fundraiser</div>
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I hope you love them as much as we do!! Please help us get the word out to anyone you think might love jewelry!!</div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-13624812959688619052012-04-19T15:56:00.001-07:002012-04-19T15:56:50.803-07:00A new beginningWe have started something new in our household . . .the long anticipated adoption! Our journey begins in the states and will end in Haiti! Your prayers are much appreciated!<br />
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But as we wait, my journey in acknowledgement of His gifts, no matter how small, continues.<br />
Today, I most thankful for. . .<br />
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34. The gift of my daughter, M's, face when she realizes that I'm watching her dance. A grin gets bigger, and her face says, "Look at me! Look at me! My mommy is watching!". Not sure how long this will last, but I will cherish it while it's here!<br />
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35. Christian people in the business of adoption. It makes the process so much sweeter. <br />
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36. Maybe I'm cheating, but I'm so grateful for sunshine days, clear blue skies, and spring in the air.<br />
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I've been listening to a fictional book and have been focused on the Old Testament tabernacle in study this year, and it's made me think about day to day more deeply. When God gave plans for the tabernacle, He said that it was a shadow of the heavenly tabernacle. So, now I've started dwelling on all the things He's put on this earth to remind us of Him or to teach us about the "process" of life. Spring, of course, signaling new beginnings. . .dead things come to life. Ugliness dissipates into Beauty! I think He's trying to give us hints by saying, "Look, you don't see it all. I do! I'm trying to give you glimmers through your foggy glasses!" He's a romantic and is constanting wooing us with his sunrises, gentle breezes, cool living creatures that bring color to our world! He chases us down and speaks in the stillness. What a foothold Satan has on us when there is never any stillness. . .when we don't leave our texts/calls unanswered, when we won't turn the TV off, when we don't leave the computer screen. . .all so we can Hear Him! It's a loud, noisy world. . .let's pray for some quiet today! Let Him woo us with His voice of love to us! For there is nothing on this earth that He doesn't do better. . .His music will be better, His colors more vibrant, His light lighter than anything we have seen, His food tastier than the finest meal, and His love more extravagent and romantic than any earthly relationship!! Can't wait for THE day!Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-18912358660681640232012-04-10T17:16:00.002-07:002012-04-10T17:17:43.689-07:00A Season to RememberRemembering the gift is SO easy during the Passover season. Although I've been away a few weeks, I have tried to remain grateful each day.<br />
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31. Thankful for the gift of God's consistency! I love His Word! I love that all things He planned were to point to His Son. . .that He even used small details to show his thoroughness. Just one of those examples is matzo bread used during the Passover meal. . .it's pierced and striped as Isaiah said that our Savior would be and was fulfilled in the New Testament. Simple bread pointing to Jesus, the bread sent from Heaven! Born in Bethlehem, or the House of Bread! Love it! God is so Good!<br />
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32. Gift of Christian adults in the lives of my children! There will be times (or many times) when they will not hear what we say, but they do hear the words of adults that they respect! Thank you Lord for that!<br />
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33. Sunny days with large, fluffy white clouds! Can't beat it!Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-73790671444047606402012-03-22T10:32:00.002-07:002012-03-22T10:32:55.767-07:00A Quote<div align="center">
I'm not sure I should post a quote when I'm not sure where it's from; however, I found it on a piece of paper in our floorboard. It's not my handwriting, but I thought it was a thought-provoking quote.</div>
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If you know who said it or wrote it, let me know.</div>
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It wasn't me, so I take NO credit!</div>
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However, it makes me think. I'm still mulling it over in my mind.</div>
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Thought it might do the same for you.</div>
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"We rarely change until the pain we feel from the problem exceeds the pain we fear from change"</div>
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Be blessed!</div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6147160275767163416.post-14477018017479343372012-03-18T17:55:00.002-07:002012-03-18T17:55:30.357-07:00Surrounded<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">28. Hope. . .no matter what!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">29. Kids being healed from cancer!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">30. Adults who invest in the lives of my daughters. I do believe it takes "a village" to raise a child. Not because Hilary Clinton said, but because the entire Word of God is about our dependence on Him and His provisions to us, which include the people around us.</span></div>
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The Word of God says in</div>
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<em><span style="color: purple;"><strong>Exodus 17:11-12</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: purple;"><strong>"As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up--one on one side, one on the other--so that his hands remained steady till sunset."</strong></span></em></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">We are not here in isolation! We were meant for one another! The Israelites were dependent on Joshua (who was dependent on God) to choose the right men for battle. The men in battle were dependent on the leadership of Joshua. Joshua's success in battle depended on Moses's arms being raised. And, Moses needed Aaron and Hur to help him raise his hands! It's a great lesson that was first taught to me by a wise man. I will never forget that sermon and was grateful to be able to study on it again through our Beth Moore study. Be thankful this week that you are not to be alone! If you feel like you are, look around. . .God has provided someone to help you hold up your arms! Be blessed!</span></span><br />
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<i>1,000 is a long way off!<br />But, I will continue to count my gifts!</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">23. The beginning signs of spring</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">24. Good friends in the workplace. . .those who can be trusted!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">25. Easy going friendships. . .those friends that are always there. . .a 2-way relationship</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">26. Playgrounds!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">27. Food that reminds you of childhood</span></div>
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<b>Father above, Praise You for loving me! For being all powerful, yet all personal!</b></div>
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<b>You are the One True God! There is none like You!</b></div>
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<b>You are relational! You sacrificed for mankind!</b></div>
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<b>All other gods just demand from mankind!<br />NOT You!</b></div>
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<b>Thank You Jesus for be self-less despite my selfishness!</b></div>
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<b>For being Faithful despite my faithlessness!</b></div>
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<b>For marking on my forehead, "Holy to the Lord"!</b></div>
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<b>The only holiness I possess is by you adorning me with Yours!</b></div>
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<b>Love you!</b></div>Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09014047871121705825noreply@blogger.com0