Today is one of those days when I am so aware of how much God is in this adoption process. I am amazed at how things continue to fall into place. I am amazed at the friends He has put into our lives to help us during this time. It has been so cool to see people using their giftings to bless us. One of my friends has been working on items for our raffle. Today in doing that she also secured a bounce house for the night of the fundraiser. Another friend makes amazing jewelry and is donating a piece for the raffle. Here is her website. Check out her work! Several other people are doing baskets for us. Thanks so much dear friends!! We love all of you dearly and can't wait to introduce our boy to his extended family! Thanks also to our church family who have adopted us. Our pastor and his family have been a great support to us and we will be eternally grateful.
Tuesday we got all of the information that was needed to put our dossier together. For those of you who don't know what that is, it just means a crap-load of paper!! Not only does it have to be filled out by everyone and their brother, it all has to be notarized, certified and authenticated. That means just a bunch of running around. I was going to have to pay someone $75 to meet me at our doctors office to have his paperwork signed and notarized. After doing some research, I found out that there was a notary in the building and now we have to pay nothing! As a matter of fact, the paperwork is there and ready for me to pick up tomorrow. Woohoo! All this means is that we are just one day closer to being able to cuddle with our boy(s). Please continue to pray for God to show us exactly how many children we are to bring home this time. I say this time because I know in my heart that this is just a first trip for us. Also, please continue to pray for our fundraiser. We are really believing God for a great night of fun, worship, and great music.
We are putting our roof on next weekend so if you have any time and would like to help please let us know!!
Lastly I do want to bring praise and honor to my heavenly Father! I am continually blown away that He choose me. I was such a mess 15 years ago and in some ways I still am but now I am just messed up for Him! It is my privilege to be His daughter and I look forward to the day that I will bow at His thrown. I am overwhelmed and undone by my FAITHFUL GOD!!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
1st Homestudy Visit Done
We had our first home study visit last night! It was amazing. Our social worker was fantastic and it soon felt like we were just chatting with an old friend! I am amazed at the peace that I have as we are walking this journey. Yesterday we got a call from our agency to ask how quick we could be ready to accept a referral because there was a possibility of children that fit our request. Most of you who have known me for any length of time know that life with me can be a roller-coaster. Because of my passion, I can soar to great heights one minute and the next be in the depths of despair. I knew when we began this process that this was something God wanted me to mature in. The scripture that He gave me was Isaiah 26:3, You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you. Before this process began, I would have been going crazy yesterday but there was this steadfastness in my spirit that shocked even me. I did talk to the social worker and it looks like everything will be into USCIS by the middle of October. It should take only a couple of weeks from that time to get our I 171H. Once we have that, we will be able to accept a referral. That means that by the end of October we will be ready. It also means though, that the money will be needed asap. In my quiet time yesterday I was reading a book called Crazy Love by Francis Chan. He said, "But God doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn't come through." By speaking to our church on Sunday and even just taking the steps to walk in faith concerning the finances of this adoption, we are putting ourselves in a place that HE has to come through! I know for a fact that every other time in my life, He has done just that. Because of that knowledge, it is easier this time. Thanks again to each of you who continue to encourage and support us.
We do have a venue for our Orphan Sunday event on Sunday November 8th. We are so excited to see what God does that evening. One of my favorite worship leaders is coming in from Columbus to lead. Can't wait to hear her amazing voice and be lead into the presence of God. Ryan Wilkins has also agreed to come and play. We love him and his family. He will also be bringing information concerning Blood Water Mission that he supports. You can check out more info here We will be having quite a few raffles (one night stay at Indian Bear Lodge cabin, corn hole game, Outback gift cards, gift baskets, etc.) It you are unable to attend but would like to purchase raffle tickets just let me know. Thanks again for all of you support.
We do have a venue for our Orphan Sunday event on Sunday November 8th. We are so excited to see what God does that evening. One of my favorite worship leaders is coming in from Columbus to lead. Can't wait to hear her amazing voice and be lead into the presence of God. Ryan Wilkins has also agreed to come and play. We love him and his family. He will also be bringing information concerning Blood Water Mission that he supports. You can check out more info here We will be having quite a few raffles (one night stay at Indian Bear Lodge cabin, corn hole game, Outback gift cards, gift baskets, etc.) It you are unable to attend but would like to purchase raffle tickets just let me know. Thanks again for all of you support.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Update and Prayer Request
I wanted to give you all an update as to how things are moving along and also how you can pray for us. First, we will be sharing this Sunday at our church about how we came to this place of realizing God wanted to stretch us in a new way. We would love to have you join us if at all possible. Church starts at 10:45.
This week has been probably one of the more difficult weeks since starting this journey. There have been several very dark days for me. I am not surprised by this because the truth is that we have an enemy who seeks to kill, steal, and destroy what God has put in our hearts. I have had several friends who have been faithful to speak truth to me during these times. This has been helpful. Yesterday in talking to Doug, he really challenged me that what needed to happen was for me to surrender everything to the Lord. After crying out to the Lord and placing all my thoughts, plans, concerns, and challenges on the altar, I really experienced His peace!
One of the things that I realized this week is that we are not just jumping from the frying pan into the fire during the adoption process. This will continue for the rest of our lives because we are now becoming a trans- racial family. Unfortunately racism is alive and well. The saddest part is that it is alive and well in the church!! How this must grieve the heart of the Lord. Please pray for us as we walk out this part of our story. Please continue to pray for the body of Christ to see that there is NO room for racism in God's family.
Now for the good news. God is continuing to provide for us as we continue to step out in faith. Our church is setting up an adoption fund. We were totally blown away when Scott our pastor approached us about how the church could help us out. This is a way that people can support our adoption and it will be considered a charitable contribution for them. I will add our church's address at the end of the post. Please make the checks payable to new Life Community Church and in the memo, write adoption fund.
We are also having a fundraiser on November 8 at 6 pm. This is also National Orphan Sunday. The main thrust of this event will be to bring awareness to the plight of orphans globally. We are really praying that God would put a burning desire in more people hearts to adopt. The gift of adoption that I received because of Jesus Christ death on the cross is the greatest gift I have ever received. To be able to show that in a practical way to a child is an awesome privilege that each one of us can have whether that be through adopting or helping to other families to be able to bring children into their homes. We will be having a time of worship, prayer, testimonies and a couple of bands will be ending the night. We also have some really cool raffles. One of them is an overnight stay in one of the cabins at our favorite place to stay. The place is Indian Bear Lodge. If any of you have any contacts for other raffles, please let us know.
Here is how you can pray.
1. Pray for our sweet boy's birth mom! Pray that she would have nourishment during this pregnancy. Pray that God would comfort her during this time.
2. Pray for our sweet boy or boys. We really do need to hear clearly from the Lord if is to be one or two.
3. Continue to pray for all of the orphans. Pray that God would raise up people to take part in the amazing journey of adoption.
4. Pray for continual financial provision for us!
5. Pray for protection from the schemes of the enemy during this time.
6. Pray for our fundraiser. Pray that God is glorified through all that we do.
Our church address is:
New Life Church
5404 Center Road (SR303)
Valley City, Ohio 44280
This week has been probably one of the more difficult weeks since starting this journey. There have been several very dark days for me. I am not surprised by this because the truth is that we have an enemy who seeks to kill, steal, and destroy what God has put in our hearts. I have had several friends who have been faithful to speak truth to me during these times. This has been helpful. Yesterday in talking to Doug, he really challenged me that what needed to happen was for me to surrender everything to the Lord. After crying out to the Lord and placing all my thoughts, plans, concerns, and challenges on the altar, I really experienced His peace!
One of the things that I realized this week is that we are not just jumping from the frying pan into the fire during the adoption process. This will continue for the rest of our lives because we are now becoming a trans- racial family. Unfortunately racism is alive and well. The saddest part is that it is alive and well in the church!! How this must grieve the heart of the Lord. Please pray for us as we walk out this part of our story. Please continue to pray for the body of Christ to see that there is NO room for racism in God's family.
Now for the good news. God is continuing to provide for us as we continue to step out in faith. Our church is setting up an adoption fund. We were totally blown away when Scott our pastor approached us about how the church could help us out. This is a way that people can support our adoption and it will be considered a charitable contribution for them. I will add our church's address at the end of the post. Please make the checks payable to new Life Community Church and in the memo, write adoption fund.
We are also having a fundraiser on November 8 at 6 pm. This is also National Orphan Sunday. The main thrust of this event will be to bring awareness to the plight of orphans globally. We are really praying that God would put a burning desire in more people hearts to adopt. The gift of adoption that I received because of Jesus Christ death on the cross is the greatest gift I have ever received. To be able to show that in a practical way to a child is an awesome privilege that each one of us can have whether that be through adopting or helping to other families to be able to bring children into their homes. We will be having a time of worship, prayer, testimonies and a couple of bands will be ending the night. We also have some really cool raffles. One of them is an overnight stay in one of the cabins at our favorite place to stay. The place is Indian Bear Lodge. If any of you have any contacts for other raffles, please let us know.
Here is how you can pray.
1. Pray for our sweet boy's birth mom! Pray that she would have nourishment during this pregnancy. Pray that God would comfort her during this time.
2. Pray for our sweet boy or boys. We really do need to hear clearly from the Lord if is to be one or two.
3. Continue to pray for all of the orphans. Pray that God would raise up people to take part in the amazing journey of adoption.
4. Pray for continual financial provision for us!
5. Pray for protection from the schemes of the enemy during this time.
6. Pray for our fundraiser. Pray that God is glorified through all that we do.
Our church address is:
New Life Church
5404 Center Road (SR303)
Valley City, Ohio 44280
Thursday, September 17, 2009
From a journal entry
Came across a journal entry of mine from January 2008 that I thought I would share. God was just beginning to stir things in my heart at that point, having just left the church we called home to destinations unknown. Here is just a taste:
...What is it, as I look to the days/weeks/months ahead, that I dream about, yearn for, have an insatiable appetite for? When I ponder "church", what is it that the Spirit in me desires? What is it that God desires for the lives of His children, His body, His bride? What would that look like.....?
....To be part of a community, a fellowship, a movement of people whose common ground is hearts set ablaze by Jesus Christ. To walk with people who have received new hearts and minds by rebirth through the Holy Spirit that lives/dwells/resides within them. To live in the authentic reality of the power of God to transform a person, a family, a community, a whole region! To be a people who are not simply hearers of the word of life, but doers of it. To hear and see the proclamation and demonstration of the gospel message that releases God's power into the lives of the saved and unsaved. To be a people known to be disciples of Jesus, followers of "the way" being equipped for works of service, maturing, so that in unity we may all grow in the fullness of Jesus Christ....
And so the quest continues. My hope and comfort come from the fact that God is infinitely more committed to what His church will look like than I will ever be. God, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
...What is it, as I look to the days/weeks/months ahead, that I dream about, yearn for, have an insatiable appetite for? When I ponder "church", what is it that the Spirit in me desires? What is it that God desires for the lives of His children, His body, His bride? What would that look like.....?
....To be part of a community, a fellowship, a movement of people whose common ground is hearts set ablaze by Jesus Christ. To walk with people who have received new hearts and minds by rebirth through the Holy Spirit that lives/dwells/resides within them. To live in the authentic reality of the power of God to transform a person, a family, a community, a whole region! To be a people who are not simply hearers of the word of life, but doers of it. To hear and see the proclamation and demonstration of the gospel message that releases God's power into the lives of the saved and unsaved. To be a people known to be disciples of Jesus, followers of "the way" being equipped for works of service, maturing, so that in unity we may all grow in the fullness of Jesus Christ....
And so the quest continues. My hope and comfort come from the fact that God is infinitely more committed to what His church will look like than I will ever be. God, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Allow me to interject
As you can plainly see, Monica has done all of the posting so far, and doing a great job I might add. But every now and again, I will be jotting down a few thoughts, adding my 2 cents, ranting, whatever you would like to call it. Though the main content of this blog has been to chronicle our journey through the season of life we are in, particularly bringing home the next child (or children) God has for us, I will probably depart from this specific strain of thought to explore some bigger issues. Several months ago this blog (Because of the Gospel) was set up for me to have an outlet to express all that God was doing in my heart. In a nutshell, I spent about a year plumbing the depths of the gospel. The result was a deep conviction and growing appreciation and gratitude for the good news that IS Jesus Christ. During this time I actually drafted several posts but never got around to finishing the thought. So, no posts, until now. The decision to use this blog for our adoption journey seemed, dare I say, almost prophetic. Of course Because of the Gospel. The answer to the question "why adopt?" is found in and through the answer "Because of the Gospel".
So, here is a bit of the sampling of one of the posts I had thought about back in May of this year. Just a peek into the madness that is my thought process as I seek to know and follow Jesus Christ with all that I am. Consider these questions and leave your thoughts if you are so inclined:
Can we stop for just a minute? Good, now take a step back (figuratively speaking of course). Ok, maybe 2 steps back. Now take a long, slow look at the landscape of your life. What do you see? What do you see as you look at the day to day within yourself, your home, your neighborhood, your workplace, your church, your "life"? What is unmistakably present, even dominant? Is there anything strangely absent? What is clamoring for attention? What is "not-so-silently" draining your resources? What informs your sense of purpose? Is there a definable trajectory, a discernible direction that all the "stuff" of life is moving you toward? What (or perhaps who) seems to be the motivating force? Seriously, take a few moments and think about this.
So, here is a bit of the sampling of one of the posts I had thought about back in May of this year. Just a peek into the madness that is my thought process as I seek to know and follow Jesus Christ with all that I am. Consider these questions and leave your thoughts if you are so inclined:
Can we stop for just a minute? Good, now take a step back (figuratively speaking of course). Ok, maybe 2 steps back. Now take a long, slow look at the landscape of your life. What do you see? What do you see as you look at the day to day within yourself, your home, your neighborhood, your workplace, your church, your "life"? What is unmistakably present, even dominant? Is there anything strangely absent? What is clamoring for attention? What is "not-so-silently" draining your resources? What informs your sense of purpose? Is there a definable trajectory, a discernible direction that all the "stuff" of life is moving you toward? What (or perhaps who) seems to be the motivating force? Seriously, take a few moments and think about this.
Well? What's that look like?
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Faith Like Potatoes
This weekend was our 23rd wedding anniversary. Because of the adoption expenses, we decided to do a very low cost anniversary. To say that it was perfect would be an understatement. I became so overwhelmed by God's mercy and grace to us as a couple. Who would have thought fifteen years ago when we were on the road to divorce that God would move as He has? I cried most of the day in the complete awareness of God's amazing grace poured out on us. I kept telling Doug that this was my gift, just a total awareness of God's unmerited favor!!
So this is how our day started. It ended by watching a movie called "Faith Like Potatoes". I would highly recommend it. Here is what Christianity Today had to say about it: Here's the thing about potatoes. You plant them, and cover them with dirt, then pray like mad for rain. With most crops, you can see what you're going to eat—the fruit of your labors, so to speak. But potatoes incubate in the ground, silent and mostly unseen, while you hope for harvest. Only a farmer-turned-evangelist would know how apt a metaphor potatoes are for a life of faith in Christ Jesus, making Faith Like Potatoes the perfect title for a biopic based on the true story of Angus Buchan.
Angus tells his wife that he is to be foolish for Christ and every seemingly crazy choice he makes yields a miracle pointing back to the glory of God. Ever since we started this journey, I have told God that we need another BIG story. You see our marriage is a big story that points only to God's glory. Our adoption of Faith is a big story that only points to God's glory. God has not allowed us to take any credit for any of it and I would not have it any other way. I want His glory to shine through all of this in hopes of leading others to Him. I want Him to be the only way that this can happen. I want people to scratch their heads as they hear our story and come away with the only answer. GOD!!
You see though that this is where the problem comes in. I try to take things into my own hands and make it happen. I try to figure out how God is going to bring us the money. Kind of funny isn't it when all the money is his anyways. I always think that I have it figured out. This week we heard about a possible job in which Doug could make about $1500. I had that money spent in my mind before even knowing all of the details. I felt the Lord whisper to me, "What if this isn't how I am going to provide?". I struggled with that. It seems like the perfect answer to me. One of the things about Angus in the beginning of the movie is that in he didn't believe in anything but the toil of his own hands. As I have reflected on the movie, I have become completely aware of my tendency to do the same thing. Doug called me yesterday with Proverbs 3:5 In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. I listened but in my heart thought it was just a spiritual band-aid being slapped on my heart. I mean everyone even most unbelievers have heard this verse. This morning though in the quiet, the Lord began to expose that this verse was not just a band aid but the very word of God. So once again I have repented and filled my mind and my heart with the truth. I still want the BIG story and believe that it is going to happen but now I am leaving the details up to the One who wrote this story of our lives before time began!! Well, at least at this very moment I am. Check back later and who knows:) By the way, we planted our "potatoes" this weekend. We mailed a check to our home study agency that was rather substantial and then another large check to USCIS to begin the paperwork to bring our boy home. Please continue to pray for us. We have to now have $2150 to send to our placing agency. This I what I know. We have been called to be fools for Christ, so HE will provide.
I will end with this verse:
You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 25:3
So this is how our day started. It ended by watching a movie called "Faith Like Potatoes". I would highly recommend it. Here is what Christianity Today had to say about it: Here's the thing about potatoes. You plant them, and cover them with dirt, then pray like mad for rain. With most crops, you can see what you're going to eat—the fruit of your labors, so to speak. But potatoes incubate in the ground, silent and mostly unseen, while you hope for harvest. Only a farmer-turned-evangelist would know how apt a metaphor potatoes are for a life of faith in Christ Jesus, making Faith Like Potatoes the perfect title for a biopic based on the true story of Angus Buchan.
Angus tells his wife that he is to be foolish for Christ and every seemingly crazy choice he makes yields a miracle pointing back to the glory of God. Ever since we started this journey, I have told God that we need another BIG story. You see our marriage is a big story that points only to God's glory. Our adoption of Faith is a big story that only points to God's glory. God has not allowed us to take any credit for any of it and I would not have it any other way. I want His glory to shine through all of this in hopes of leading others to Him. I want Him to be the only way that this can happen. I want people to scratch their heads as they hear our story and come away with the only answer. GOD!!
You see though that this is where the problem comes in. I try to take things into my own hands and make it happen. I try to figure out how God is going to bring us the money. Kind of funny isn't it when all the money is his anyways. I always think that I have it figured out. This week we heard about a possible job in which Doug could make about $1500. I had that money spent in my mind before even knowing all of the details. I felt the Lord whisper to me, "What if this isn't how I am going to provide?". I struggled with that. It seems like the perfect answer to me. One of the things about Angus in the beginning of the movie is that in he didn't believe in anything but the toil of his own hands. As I have reflected on the movie, I have become completely aware of my tendency to do the same thing. Doug called me yesterday with Proverbs 3:5 In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. I listened but in my heart thought it was just a spiritual band-aid being slapped on my heart. I mean everyone even most unbelievers have heard this verse. This morning though in the quiet, the Lord began to expose that this verse was not just a band aid but the very word of God. So once again I have repented and filled my mind and my heart with the truth. I still want the BIG story and believe that it is going to happen but now I am leaving the details up to the One who wrote this story of our lives before time began!! Well, at least at this very moment I am. Check back later and who knows:) By the way, we planted our "potatoes" this weekend. We mailed a check to our home study agency that was rather substantial and then another large check to USCIS to begin the paperwork to bring our boy home. Please continue to pray for us. We have to now have $2150 to send to our placing agency. This I what I know. We have been called to be fools for Christ, so HE will provide.
I will end with this verse:
You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 25:3
Monday, September 7, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Prayer Needed
I will go before you and make the
rough places smooth:
I will shatter the doors of bronze,
and cut through their iron bars.
And I will give you the treasures of darkness,
and hidden wealth of secret places,
in order that you may know that it is I,
the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.
Isaiah 45:2-3
rough places smooth:
I will shatter the doors of bronze,
and cut through their iron bars.
And I will give you the treasures of darkness,
and hidden wealth of secret places,
in order that you may know that it is I,
the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.
Isaiah 45:2-3
This is the scripture that the Lord gave me as we began this journey. This morning I am really struggling to continue to leave the financial part in the Lord's hands. I believe him for the child because I have Faith to look at each day and see how God knew that she would be my daughter before time began. Even as I type this God gently reminds me about his financial provision concerning Faith. I am reminded about how crazy it is that I get an adoption subsidy for a perfectly healthy Caucasian little girl. I am reminded about how we went through our entire savings to follow God's call on our lives to move to Ohio from Virginia Beach. Again I ask who does that?? That is almost as crazy as this new adventure. In going through our savings, I saw no way possible to pay to adopt but God had a bigger plan. So now He pays me to have the desire of my heart. Who am I that I should not trust him!! I weep as I write this because He has and will always be faithful. These orphans that I cry for every night are all of his children long before they are any of ours. How His heart breaks for them!! This awareness reminds me that HE will do everything to bring our son home to us. So please pray continue to pray for perseverance as we walk this road. Also, we need clear direction concerning our home study agency. A few things came up concerning them so we are praying to make sure that we choose the right agency.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
And so it begins
Today is the day that hopefully the check and application to our home study agency gets put in the mail. I was mailing it out yesterday but wanted to make sure that I had included everything that I needed to before mailing it. We are also hoping to get the application for our agency in the mail soon. We have to include a check for $2150 so we are waiting until all of the money comes in from Doug's mowing accounts that I just billed for.
Those who know me know that I am not good about waiting. This time is not any different except for the fact that I have been able to rehearse the times that I have tried to make things happen and the consequences of that. I do not want an Ishmael. I also remember when we were becoming foster parents. We were licensed in August and I was pushing for us to get a placement immediately. Had I gotten my way, we would have missed out on one of our greatest blessings. You see Faith was not born until September. I am so thankful that I am not the one in charge! God knows what is best for me and our family. The great thing about all of this is it keeps me totally dependent on Him. His word continues to propel us forward on this journey of faith.
Please continue to pray for us. Our greatest need for prayer right now is that our home study agency would be prompt and begin moving us along. In order to apply for any of the grants, we need to have our home study finished. So this is an important piece of the process. Pray that through this process we continue to be sensitive to the Lord's leading and refining. Pray for financial provision. Please pray for the people of Ethiopia especially the orphans. Lastly pray for our future son's birth mom. I found out that the day that we began to pray for Faith's birthmom was the day that Faith was conceived.
For those of you that are local, we will be speaking at our church, New Life Community in Valley City, on the 20th of September. We will be sharing with our church family about the journey that we are on. We would love to have you join us.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it! Amen
Those who know me know that I am not good about waiting. This time is not any different except for the fact that I have been able to rehearse the times that I have tried to make things happen and the consequences of that. I do not want an Ishmael. I also remember when we were becoming foster parents. We were licensed in August and I was pushing for us to get a placement immediately. Had I gotten my way, we would have missed out on one of our greatest blessings. You see Faith was not born until September. I am so thankful that I am not the one in charge! God knows what is best for me and our family. The great thing about all of this is it keeps me totally dependent on Him. His word continues to propel us forward on this journey of faith.
Please continue to pray for us. Our greatest need for prayer right now is that our home study agency would be prompt and begin moving us along. In order to apply for any of the grants, we need to have our home study finished. So this is an important piece of the process. Pray that through this process we continue to be sensitive to the Lord's leading and refining. Pray for financial provision. Please pray for the people of Ethiopia especially the orphans. Lastly pray for our future son's birth mom. I found out that the day that we began to pray for Faith's birthmom was the day that Faith was conceived.
For those of you that are local, we will be speaking at our church, New Life Community in Valley City, on the 20th of September. We will be sharing with our church family about the journey that we are on. We would love to have you join us.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it! Amen
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