Monday, August 31, 2009
God is so faithful...
I love to see God at work, to know that His fingerprints are all over everything. Emory and I started our adoption consulting company last August, and really got it off the ground in February of this year. When Emory and I started this company I also had 2 other full-time jobs, being a mother to my kids and also as a vet tech. I really felt God was leading me to quit my job back in February, I felt Him saying "Courtney, trust me, quit your vet job, and I will provide for you, I will take care of everything and grow your business." I was not obedient, I had such little faith. God worked on me until May, when I finally obeyed and quit my full-time job. It was the best decision I have ever made, I wish that I had been obedient to begin with. God has blessed us tremendously, and in so many ways. HE IS SO FAITHFUL!!! He has grown my business, just like He promised to do! I am so grateful, and in such AWE of HIM!!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
God is good!
THis is going to be a very short post, but I just needed to get it out. I have had a very long week, and I am stressed beyond belief for a number of reasons! A few of those reasons are: Carlos' has been sick since Monday, screaming bloody murder day in a day out for 4 days; Jeep is having engine issues and we had to fix those for $330; I have to get my passport renewed and pics taken; we had 5 doctors appointments this week alone; plus all of my regular activities. Anyway, enough whining. I really felt Satan attcking this morning, I had to be at Emory hospital with Aidan at 11 am, on the way to take Michel to school my car starts acting really funny, not wanting to stop, pulling forward while i am braking, etc. Not good, this is my expedition by the way. So , I decide to not take Michel to school, but to take the car to the transmission place in Woodstock to get it looked at before I head to Atlanta. THe whole time my car is acting up, Carlos is screaming at the top of his lungs, and Michel and Aidan are throwing things all over my car. I seriously could've pulled my hair out. I started crying, just out of exhaustion and frustration. I haven't slept at all this week, as Carlos is keeping me up , and Aidan has had 2 seizures. I am EXHAUSTED! So, I get to the car place, long story short, they tell me I can drive it to Emory, but need to get it fixed as soon as possible. So, I make it there. The kids are acting like wild indians in the DR.'s office, I am OVERWHELMED, did I mention that? Then we leave with yet another diagnosis, YUCK! And a new medication, Aidan is already on 3 twice daily! So, I leave even more disapppointed than when I arrived.
Heading home, my car shuts off while driving, TWICE!! SO, naturally I freak out. I call the transmission place to inform them that I am on my way. They inform me that I am looking at about $750 or more for all the repairs! Seriously? So, I call Emory to tell him. (Let me add this side note: Em and I are doing an Intimate Encounters class at church, and we are working on those things that made you fall in love in the first place, and remembering to let the other help you.) OKay, so knowing that, I must tell you that I am Type A! I like to be in control and need comfort from noone, especially Emory. Well, not true. God is teaching me that comforting me is something Emory wants and likes to do. So for the first time since we dated I allowed Emory to comfort and encourage me. I realized how much I need that, and how much better I felt knowing we were on the same page and that he cares about all the things I am dealing with at home. God totally worked big time in our marriage through the car repairs! WOW! The day continued to look up from there. Satan's grip on my day was lost. I did not let him win! Our repairs were under $150! Can you believe that, $600 less than they thought, coincidence, I think not! I just wanted to share how Satan tried to steal my joy and peace today, and I almost let him, in fact for a couple of hours, he DID! But my GOD is bigger than Satan and bigger than those small obstacles I faced today. I am so grateful for a God that cares about the small things, and about my joy and peace.
This verse was shared with me through a comment on my blog:
"...now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine...to Him be the glory..." Eph 3:20-21
So, true! He can do so much more than we can imagine. He is such a big God, and I often try to put Him in a very small box. God is doing a work in my life and in my heart right now, and I have more joy than I have ever had!
Heading home, my car shuts off while driving, TWICE!! SO, naturally I freak out. I call the transmission place to inform them that I am on my way. They inform me that I am looking at about $750 or more for all the repairs! Seriously? So, I call Emory to tell him. (Let me add this side note: Em and I are doing an Intimate Encounters class at church, and we are working on those things that made you fall in love in the first place, and remembering to let the other help you.) OKay, so knowing that, I must tell you that I am Type A! I like to be in control and need comfort from noone, especially Emory. Well, not true. God is teaching me that comforting me is something Emory wants and likes to do. So for the first time since we dated I allowed Emory to comfort and encourage me. I realized how much I need that, and how much better I felt knowing we were on the same page and that he cares about all the things I am dealing with at home. God totally worked big time in our marriage through the car repairs! WOW! The day continued to look up from there. Satan's grip on my day was lost. I did not let him win! Our repairs were under $150! Can you believe that, $600 less than they thought, coincidence, I think not! I just wanted to share how Satan tried to steal my joy and peace today, and I almost let him, in fact for a couple of hours, he DID! But my GOD is bigger than Satan and bigger than those small obstacles I faced today. I am so grateful for a God that cares about the small things, and about my joy and peace.
This verse was shared with me through a comment on my blog:
"...now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine...to Him be the glory..." Eph 3:20-21
So, true! He can do so much more than we can imagine. He is such a big God, and I often try to put Him in a very small box. God is doing a work in my life and in my heart right now, and I have more joy than I have ever had!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Update Blog...
I have also updated the Faithful Adoption Consultants Blog! PLease check it out! I have several new posts, and ONE HUGE PRAYER REQUEST!!! Thanks!!!
Go to: www.faithfuladoptionconsultants.blogspot.com
Go to: www.faithfuladoptionconsultants.blogspot.com
God is in the business of miracles...
I had a not so great day today. I woke up to find that Michel was not feeling well, and had a temp of 102. SO, I get everyone off the school and then take him to the Doctor. Oh, by the way, I had a passport appointment that had to be rescheduled from 11, until 1:30. No big deal, I could still fit it in. Sooo, I get to the doctor. They do a strep test, it's negative, but they are treating him for it anyway, because he has all the symptoms. While I am waiting on the DR. to come back in, my phone rings. It is the school. C-baby is running a temp of 103. YIKES!! Really. For those of you who know me, you know it's usually bad when C-baby is sick. He usually gets admitted to the hospital for pneumonia. SO, there went my 1:30 appointment. So, I'll try that again tomorrow. Okay, Okay on to the miracle.
I have a new prospective client with Faithful Adoption Consultants. A very sweet couple so far. They have wanted to adopt for many years, and have been unsuccessful. So they came to us, with little hope that we can help them through this process. Easy to understand why. Anyway, they have had many rejections for a number of SILLY reasons. I don't want to be too descriptive, b/c their info is confidential. However, I want to share how AWESOME GOD is. HOW HE IS IN THE BUSINESS OF MIRACLES. He cares about the smallest details! Anyway, her hubby had some health concerns 8-9 years ago. YEARS, PEOPLE! YEARS!! Not yesterday! So, agencies have been reluctant to work with, or have flat out told them NO! I was shocked. Unfortunately, that is not the only stumbling block that they face. They also face the fact of living abroad. They are US citizens that are currently living in another country for work reasons. They are only their temporarily. SO, now we have to get around this little problem.
Well, I called the prospective client (PC) at 10 am this morning. I discussed with her their situation, preferences, and history. They have through so much, and she still has a great, positive attitude. Hopeful, without being overly excited! SO, I told her that I wanted to talk to some agencies, look over different state laws, and talk to some home study agencies about living abroad. I literally called 25 people from 10-2. It was very discouraging. The agencies were great, but everyone I talked to about a home study said NO, it can't be done. IT can't be done, that is impossible. Well, nothing is impossible for my GOD!!!
I prayed. I prayed for this couple, for their journey, for their past hurt, for their future, for their future child, and for the birth mom that would so generously give them their child. I prayed, I prayed fervently. I begged God to work a miracle, to show me a way to work this out for them. To provide an agency that could do a home study abroad, to help us know which states we can work with. I prayed, and prayed. I know MY GOD IS BIGGER THAN THIS, I know if HE chooses to, HE CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN!
I finished up my prayer, just being thankful for so much, thankful that our business is growing by leaps and bounds, and that GOD is blessing us each and every day! We are in awe of HIM. He is reminding me everyday of HIS GLORY, HIS STRENGTH and HIS MAGNIFICENCE. I ended my prayer, AMEN. LITERALLY, 1 SECOND LATER....my phone rang. It was an agency that will/can do this. They can provide this couple with the home study that they need to adopt here in the US. I was thrilled, overwhelmed. Words cannot express how I felt at that moment. To see your prayers answered instantaneously is AWESOME, INCREDIBLE, and a reminder of HIS POWER!!
SO, I called the PC to let her know the GREAT news. I don't know what this couple will decide to do, maybe they won't decide to work with us. THAT IS OKAY! GOd's demonstration was what HE wanted me to have, to see, if I gain their business, what a bonus! But, I have already had the BEST OUTCOME EVER!!!!!
I have a new prospective client with Faithful Adoption Consultants. A very sweet couple so far. They have wanted to adopt for many years, and have been unsuccessful. So they came to us, with little hope that we can help them through this process. Easy to understand why. Anyway, they have had many rejections for a number of SILLY reasons. I don't want to be too descriptive, b/c their info is confidential. However, I want to share how AWESOME GOD is. HOW HE IS IN THE BUSINESS OF MIRACLES. He cares about the smallest details! Anyway, her hubby had some health concerns 8-9 years ago. YEARS, PEOPLE! YEARS!! Not yesterday! So, agencies have been reluctant to work with, or have flat out told them NO! I was shocked. Unfortunately, that is not the only stumbling block that they face. They also face the fact of living abroad. They are US citizens that are currently living in another country for work reasons. They are only their temporarily. SO, now we have to get around this little problem.
Well, I called the prospective client (PC) at 10 am this morning. I discussed with her their situation, preferences, and history. They have through so much, and she still has a great, positive attitude. Hopeful, without being overly excited! SO, I told her that I wanted to talk to some agencies, look over different state laws, and talk to some home study agencies about living abroad. I literally called 25 people from 10-2. It was very discouraging. The agencies were great, but everyone I talked to about a home study said NO, it can't be done. IT can't be done, that is impossible. Well, nothing is impossible for my GOD!!!
I prayed. I prayed for this couple, for their journey, for their past hurt, for their future, for their future child, and for the birth mom that would so generously give them their child. I prayed, I prayed fervently. I begged God to work a miracle, to show me a way to work this out for them. To provide an agency that could do a home study abroad, to help us know which states we can work with. I prayed, and prayed. I know MY GOD IS BIGGER THAN THIS, I know if HE chooses to, HE CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN!
I finished up my prayer, just being thankful for so much, thankful that our business is growing by leaps and bounds, and that GOD is blessing us each and every day! We are in awe of HIM. He is reminding me everyday of HIS GLORY, HIS STRENGTH and HIS MAGNIFICENCE. I ended my prayer, AMEN. LITERALLY, 1 SECOND LATER....my phone rang. It was an agency that will/can do this. They can provide this couple with the home study that they need to adopt here in the US. I was thrilled, overwhelmed. Words cannot express how I felt at that moment. To see your prayers answered instantaneously is AWESOME, INCREDIBLE, and a reminder of HIS POWER!!
SO, I called the PC to let her know the GREAT news. I don't know what this couple will decide to do, maybe they won't decide to work with us. THAT IS OKAY! GOd's demonstration was what HE wanted me to have, to see, if I gain their business, what a bonus! But, I have already had the BEST OUTCOME EVER!!!!!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Faithful Adoption Consultants...Available Situations
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption, please visit our website: www.faithfuladoptionconsultants.com
I just recently posted more available situations. There are situations daily that still need to be matched with adoptive parents. If you are already in the process of adopting, and tired of waiting, please give us a call, we may be able to help speed up the process.
I just recently posted more available situations. There are situations daily that still need to be matched with adoptive parents. If you are already in the process of adopting, and tired of waiting, please give us a call, we may be able to help speed up the process.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Okay...Update....
I am officially going to North Africa in mid-september. Now, I have to work like crazy to get my passport renewed, and get all my shots and such! Pray that I get everything done in a timely manner! T-30 Days! I will keep you posted!!
Missions...
Prayer Request:
I am currently praying about a mission trip, in which I would be leaving in 4 weeks. Emory and I have been talking a lot about missions the past year or so. I love mission trips, especially those in which I get to work with children. Em and I firmly believe that we are missionaries in our home to foster children, a large part of the reason we chose to embark on this adventure. If foster care wasn't something God absolutely laid on our hearts, we ABSOLUTELY couldn't do it. The heartbreak would be too much. But, this is a God thing.
Anyway, back to the original subject. Mission trips...I have been really praying about mission trips, at first I wasn't sure if I thought God was calling us as a family, or just me to short term trips. The more Emory and I have discussed and prayed, we have come to the conclusion that this is not a family thing. Emory does not feel led to international missions, he feels led to be a missionary here, with our kids, in the workplace, WITH STUDENTS!
So, through much prayer we decided that if God is really pricking my heart about missions that HE would work out those details. Emory and I came to this conclusion on Sunday night, 8/16/09. On Tuesday, I went to visit my mother-in-law, and she and my father-in-law do a lot with the missions at our church, she told me about a mission trip to N. Africa in 4 weeks, they were still looking for 4 people to go to provide childcare.
I immediately felt like this was a trip that God intended for me to go on... WE knew if I decided to take mission trips that one of the hardest parts would be arranging childcare for our 4 children. But, that has already been worked out. I am not sure yet, if I will be able to go, but we are just praying that God will continue to work out all the details if I am suppose to go. I will keep you updated on the situation, please pray for that God's plan will be very clear!!
I am currently praying about a mission trip, in which I would be leaving in 4 weeks. Emory and I have been talking a lot about missions the past year or so. I love mission trips, especially those in which I get to work with children. Em and I firmly believe that we are missionaries in our home to foster children, a large part of the reason we chose to embark on this adventure. If foster care wasn't something God absolutely laid on our hearts, we ABSOLUTELY couldn't do it. The heartbreak would be too much. But, this is a God thing.
Anyway, back to the original subject. Mission trips...I have been really praying about mission trips, at first I wasn't sure if I thought God was calling us as a family, or just me to short term trips. The more Emory and I have discussed and prayed, we have come to the conclusion that this is not a family thing. Emory does not feel led to international missions, he feels led to be a missionary here, with our kids, in the workplace, WITH STUDENTS!
So, through much prayer we decided that if God is really pricking my heart about missions that HE would work out those details. Emory and I came to this conclusion on Sunday night, 8/16/09. On Tuesday, I went to visit my mother-in-law, and she and my father-in-law do a lot with the missions at our church, she told me about a mission trip to N. Africa in 4 weeks, they were still looking for 4 people to go to provide childcare.
I immediately felt like this was a trip that God intended for me to go on... WE knew if I decided to take mission trips that one of the hardest parts would be arranging childcare for our 4 children. But, that has already been worked out. I am not sure yet, if I will be able to go, but we are just praying that God will continue to work out all the details if I am suppose to go. I will keep you updated on the situation, please pray for that God's plan will be very clear!!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Adoption...
Just wanted to remind everyone that we have an Adoption Consulting company. We are advertising a little on Facebook, but are mostly relying on word of mouth! If you or someone you know is interested in adoption, or may have already started the process and aren't sure what to do next, PLEASE....visit our website!!
VIsit us on Facebook, and Become a Fan...
VIsit us on Facebook, and Become a Fan...
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Our Bedtime Routine...
Now that school is back in, we had to re-establish our nightly routine. We have never been in the habit of letting our kids stay up late, but they stayed up until 7:45 or so during the summer. Their school bedtime is 7 sharp! I know, we are so mean...it's still daylight. However, they are well rested for the next day! Our kids are really good sleepers, and like their mommy, need lots, I mean LOTS of sleep! I do not function well with too little sleep.
Anyway, so Mina gets home at 2:50. We immediately go and pick up the boys from school. We arrive back at home around 3:10. We then put all of our school things away, eat a snack and do homework. Then they play outside, ride bikes, play on the playset, you get the drift. Then it is dinner time. We eat around 5:45 depending on which night of the week it is, and what are extra-curricular activites are for that day.
Then we take baths, eat dessert and head to bed. We read them a bible story, practice our memory verses, and then read them a story out of this nature book that they all love! Then we say prayers, and we are off to dreamland by 7 sharp! Our afternoon/evenings are packed!
Wednesdays we have Awanas, Thursday-Gymnastics, Friday-Soccer Practice and Saturdays-Soccer Games. WE apparently love to be crazy busy! At least we have nothing to do on Mondays and Tuesdays!
So this is a quick pic of the kids with Emory right before bed tonight, our favorite time with the kids, is bedtime. It feels like the most quality time that we have with them, and we treasure this time!!!
PS...C-baby went to bed early, I think we may be visiting the Dr. for an ear infection! Poor baby! Otherwise he would be in the picture too!
Anyway, so Mina gets home at 2:50. We immediately go and pick up the boys from school. We arrive back at home around 3:10. We then put all of our school things away, eat a snack and do homework. Then they play outside, ride bikes, play on the playset, you get the drift. Then it is dinner time. We eat around 5:45 depending on which night of the week it is, and what are extra-curricular activites are for that day.
Then we take baths, eat dessert and head to bed. We read them a bible story, practice our memory verses, and then read them a story out of this nature book that they all love! Then we say prayers, and we are off to dreamland by 7 sharp! Our afternoon/evenings are packed!
Wednesdays we have Awanas, Thursday-Gymnastics, Friday-Soccer Practice and Saturdays-Soccer Games. WE apparently love to be crazy busy! At least we have nothing to do on Mondays and Tuesdays!
So this is a quick pic of the kids with Emory right before bed tonight, our favorite time with the kids, is bedtime. It feels like the most quality time that we have with them, and we treasure this time!!!
PS...C-baby went to bed early, I think we may be visiting the Dr. for an ear infection! Poor baby! Otherwise he would be in the picture too!
Dessert....
Emory is addicted to the parfaits at McDonald's. Not because it is that tasty, but because it is cheap and close by! Little did he know that I can make a MEAN PARFAIT!
Boy, these were yummy!! And pretty too!!
Boy, these were yummy!! And pretty too!!
Monday, August 17, 2009
The First Day of School...
Well, we did it. We officially made it through the first day of 1st grade for Mina, and pre-k for the boys! Everyone had a great day, no tears at all! That shocks me, I thought Aidan would scream! It all started at about 6:15 this morning. Whew, that came early! I was sooo tired. Anyway, got all 4 up and bathed this morning, dressed, fed, teeth brushed, bags packed and in the car by 7:30. We dropped Mina off first, and walked her all the way to her class, where she just walked off and waved. Then was completely horrified that I followed her in and kissed her good-bye. Who knew that started so yound, she is already embarrassed to be seen with me! :(
Then it was off to the Pre-K! Dropped all 3 boys off, Michel and Aidan in Pre-K and C-baby in MMO!! They all did great, didn't give me a 2nd look. I was sad, I expected tears. Glad there weren't any though, it would've made it so much harder.
Mina rode the bus home, and arrived here at 2:55. We immediately jumped in the car and drive to pick the boys up by 3 pm. Needless to say, we cut it very close!!
It's been a long day! But, we are all ready to do it again tomorrow. They all had a great day, love their teachers and can't wait for tomorrow! So, here are a couple of shots of the kiddos 1st day!
Then it was off to the Pre-K! Dropped all 3 boys off, Michel and Aidan in Pre-K and C-baby in MMO!! They all did great, didn't give me a 2nd look. I was sad, I expected tears. Glad there weren't any though, it would've made it so much harder.
Mina rode the bus home, and arrived here at 2:55. We immediately jumped in the car and drive to pick the boys up by 3 pm. Needless to say, we cut it very close!!
It's been a long day! But, we are all ready to do it again tomorrow. They all had a great day, love their teachers and can't wait for tomorrow! So, here are a couple of shots of the kiddos 1st day!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Update....
Well, we finally have an update. The boys birth-mother had the baby Tuesday morning, obviously she was not in labor on Friday! The case has been referred to the county in which she resides. So, now we are waiting on them to make a decision. They have 3 choices...she can try and parent, they can remove the baby to a home within that county, or bring the baby to us, and transfer to the county that are boys are in. We are just patiently waiting to find out one way or the other. At this point, we would just like to hear what the final decision is.
I have been praying that God would give me compassion, mercy and grace as I deal with the situation of birth-moms. Birth-moms in the cases that I have dealt with, have not made that heroic decision to place their children for adoption, but rather their rights are being taken away. I have such admiration for the birth-mothers that choose to give their children a better life, make the choice to do what is best for their babies, but this birth-mother hasn't done this. She has chosen to parent, and have her children removed from her. She has made mistakes that will forever impact her children, I struggle with her selfishness, I struggle with her incompassion. This struggle has consumed me from the moment I met my boys, and even Mina, when we were dealing with her birth-mom.
I have prayed, and asked others to pray that God would give me compassion. God has. He answered that prayer. I am seeing things through different eyes right now, and in the past couple of weeks. I am seeing this situation through the eyes of a girl who may forever lose her children, through a girl who is devestated at the possibilty of losing this new baby. My heart is heavy for her. On Tuesday night, I talked with an advocate for my boys, she also works with the birth-mom (BM). She informed that the BM had no idea that the new baby might be taken, she has bought a cradle, a crib, a car seat, etc, etc. THis baby is her new begininng. She wants a chance to prove that she can do it, to prove that she has changed. That notion brought me to tears, it still does. I cannot imagine, having just had Aidan, and someone walking in to tell me they were taking him away. All of the preparation she has done, all for nothing. On the otehr hand, she has made bad choices, and these are the consequences of her actions. How many chances should she get?
My heart aches for her to know Jesus Christ. I want to share the gospel with her, I want her to make a choice, that will forever impact her life as well as those around her. The Ultimate Decision. God has brought me to a very different place these past few weeks. I'll be honest, until 3 weeks ago, I didn't even pray for her. I was jealous of her, she carried these babies, and MIchel adores her, no matter what she has done, he adores her. I couldn't see past that. How silly, how selfish? I am a Christian , and I am called to a higher standard, and I am ashamed that I acted that way. I am ashamed that it took me this long to know that the Ultimate goal, the reason we engaged in foster care was for the sake of eternity.
Please pray for her, pray for her new baby! Pray that God will reveal Himself to her in a mighty way. Pray that she will come to know Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.
Sorry for sappy post, but this has weighing me down lately! I love my boys, and I absolutely want to know that if they go home to her that they are being raised by a Christian woman, a God-fearing woman, a woman that loves Jesus more than anything else. Please pray fervently for her salvation! I know I am!
I have been praying that God would give me compassion, mercy and grace as I deal with the situation of birth-moms. Birth-moms in the cases that I have dealt with, have not made that heroic decision to place their children for adoption, but rather their rights are being taken away. I have such admiration for the birth-mothers that choose to give their children a better life, make the choice to do what is best for their babies, but this birth-mother hasn't done this. She has chosen to parent, and have her children removed from her. She has made mistakes that will forever impact her children, I struggle with her selfishness, I struggle with her incompassion. This struggle has consumed me from the moment I met my boys, and even Mina, when we were dealing with her birth-mom.
I have prayed, and asked others to pray that God would give me compassion. God has. He answered that prayer. I am seeing things through different eyes right now, and in the past couple of weeks. I am seeing this situation through the eyes of a girl who may forever lose her children, through a girl who is devestated at the possibilty of losing this new baby. My heart is heavy for her. On Tuesday night, I talked with an advocate for my boys, she also works with the birth-mom (BM). She informed that the BM had no idea that the new baby might be taken, she has bought a cradle, a crib, a car seat, etc, etc. THis baby is her new begininng. She wants a chance to prove that she can do it, to prove that she has changed. That notion brought me to tears, it still does. I cannot imagine, having just had Aidan, and someone walking in to tell me they were taking him away. All of the preparation she has done, all for nothing. On the otehr hand, she has made bad choices, and these are the consequences of her actions. How many chances should she get?
My heart aches for her to know Jesus Christ. I want to share the gospel with her, I want her to make a choice, that will forever impact her life as well as those around her. The Ultimate Decision. God has brought me to a very different place these past few weeks. I'll be honest, until 3 weeks ago, I didn't even pray for her. I was jealous of her, she carried these babies, and MIchel adores her, no matter what she has done, he adores her. I couldn't see past that. How silly, how selfish? I am a Christian , and I am called to a higher standard, and I am ashamed that I acted that way. I am ashamed that it took me this long to know that the Ultimate goal, the reason we engaged in foster care was for the sake of eternity.
Please pray for her, pray for her new baby! Pray that God will reveal Himself to her in a mighty way. Pray that she will come to know Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.
Sorry for sappy post, but this has weighing me down lately! I love my boys, and I absolutely want to know that if they go home to her that they are being raised by a Christian woman, a God-fearing woman, a woman that loves Jesus more than anything else. Please pray fervently for her salvation! I know I am!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
God's 26 Guards
This was an email my aunt sent to me...The Power of Prayer is amazing...
Have you ever felt the urge to pray for someone and then just put it on a list and said, 'I'll pray for them later' ?
Or has anyone ever called you and said, 'I need you to pray for me, I have this need?'
Read the following story that was sent to me and may it change the way that you may think about prayer and also the way you pray. You will be blessed by this....
A missionary on furlough told this true story while visiting his home church in Michigan
'While serving at a small field hospital in Africa , every two weeks I traveled by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This was a journey of two days and required camping overnight at the halfway point.
On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city where I planned to collect money from a bank, purchase medicine, and supplies, and then begin my two-day journey back to the field hospital.
Upon arrival in the city, I observed two men fighting, one of whom had been seriously injured. I treated him for his injuries and at the same time talked to him about the Lord. I then traveled two days, camping overnight, and arrived home without incident.....
Two weeks later I repeated my journey. Upon arriving in the city, I was approached by the young man I had treated. He told me that he had known I carried money and medicines. He said, 'Some friends and I followed you in to the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight. We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs. But just as we were about to move into your camp, we saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards.
At this, I laughed and said that I was certainly all alone in that jungle campsite.. The young man pressed the point, however, and said, 'No, sir, I was not the only person to see the guards, my friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone.'
At this point in the sermon, one of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet
and interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the exact day this happened. The missionary told the congregation the date, and the man who interrupted told him this story:
'On the night of your incident in Africa, it was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf. I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you. In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong, I called men in this church to meet with me here in the sanctuary to pray for you.
Would all of those men who met with me on that day stand up?' The men who had met together to pray that day stood up. The missionary wasn't concerned with whom they were, he was too busy counting how many men he saw.
There were 26.
This story is an incredible example of how the Spirit of the Lord moves in behalf of those who love Him.. If you ever feel such prodding to pray, go along with it, you don't know what it can mean to that person.
Nothing is ever hurt by prayer except the gates of hell. I encourage you to forward this to as many people as you know. If we all take it to heart, we can turn this world toward God once again. As the above true story clearly illustrates:
'With God all things are possible'.
More importantly, how God hears and answers the prayers of the faithful.
After you read this, please pass it on and give God thanks for the beautiful gift of your faith, for the powerful gift of prayer, and for the many miracles He works in your own daily life... And then pass it on. Who says God does not move on the earth today?
I asked the Lord to bless you
as I prayed for you today.
To guide you and protect you
as you go along your way.
His love is always with you,
His promises are true,
when we give Him all our cares
He will see us through.
So when the road you're traveling on
seems difficult at best,
Just remember I'm here praying,
and God will do the rest.
Have you ever felt the urge to pray for someone and then just put it on a list and said, 'I'll pray for them later' ?
Or has anyone ever called you and said, 'I need you to pray for me, I have this need?'
Read the following story that was sent to me and may it change the way that you may think about prayer and also the way you pray. You will be blessed by this....
A missionary on furlough told this true story while visiting his home church in Michigan
'While serving at a small field hospital in Africa , every two weeks I traveled by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This was a journey of two days and required camping overnight at the halfway point.
On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city where I planned to collect money from a bank, purchase medicine, and supplies, and then begin my two-day journey back to the field hospital.
Upon arrival in the city, I observed two men fighting, one of whom had been seriously injured. I treated him for his injuries and at the same time talked to him about the Lord. I then traveled two days, camping overnight, and arrived home without incident.....
Two weeks later I repeated my journey. Upon arriving in the city, I was approached by the young man I had treated. He told me that he had known I carried money and medicines. He said, 'Some friends and I followed you in to the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight. We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs. But just as we were about to move into your camp, we saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards.
At this, I laughed and said that I was certainly all alone in that jungle campsite.. The young man pressed the point, however, and said, 'No, sir, I was not the only person to see the guards, my friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone.'
At this point in the sermon, one of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet
and interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the exact day this happened. The missionary told the congregation the date, and the man who interrupted told him this story:
'On the night of your incident in Africa, it was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf. I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you. In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong, I called men in this church to meet with me here in the sanctuary to pray for you.
Would all of those men who met with me on that day stand up?' The men who had met together to pray that day stood up. The missionary wasn't concerned with whom they were, he was too busy counting how many men he saw.
There were 26.
This story is an incredible example of how the Spirit of the Lord moves in behalf of those who love Him.. If you ever feel such prodding to pray, go along with it, you don't know what it can mean to that person.
Nothing is ever hurt by prayer except the gates of hell. I encourage you to forward this to as many people as you know. If we all take it to heart, we can turn this world toward God once again. As the above true story clearly illustrates:
'With God all things are possible'.
More importantly, how God hears and answers the prayers of the faithful.
After you read this, please pass it on and give God thanks for the beautiful gift of your faith, for the powerful gift of prayer, and for the many miracles He works in your own daily life... And then pass it on. Who says God does not move on the earth today?
I asked the Lord to bless you
as I prayed for you today.
To guide you and protect you
as you go along your way.
His love is always with you,
His promises are true,
when we give Him all our cares
He will see us through.
So when the road you're traveling on
seems difficult at best,
Just remember I'm here praying,
and God will do the rest.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Happy Un-Birthday to you...
Our family has the fun tradition of having Un-Birthday parties a couple of times a year. The kids love it. We totally surprise them with it, we have balloons, cake, pizza, etc. We play music and have an all out party. It is sooo much fun! Well, tonight is the last un-birthday party of the summer! Our best friends, Stace, Dede, Ava and Landry Kate are coming over to celebrate with us! Here are a couple of pics of the fun before it all begins, I'll post actual party pics this evening!
Enjoy!! I know we are gonna have a blast!!!
Enjoy!! I know we are gonna have a blast!!!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Parents again?????
So, we were headed to visitation this morning when we were called and told that the boys birth mom could not make it due to the fact that she was in labor. Some excuse...Just kidding. So, if she has the baby today, we could be parents again by Monday. Of course, it all depends on the DFCS system. They could change their minds at any moment, I swear they change their minds all the stinking time. UGH!! So, our social worker made the referral to the county where the baby is being born, at that time the new county has all the power. They can take the baby and leave it in that county, leave the baby with her, or transfer the baby here to be with it's other siblings. Lot of decisions. However, this totally leaves me hanging. Do I need to go out and buy diapers, bottles, formula, etc. Should I start preparing for the possibility? I don't know! Any suggestions?
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
"Lotts" of pictures!!!
Just thought I would share some of our recent pictures with you. There are some of C-baby and then the others are random, Michel's b-day at Centennial Park, etc! Very cute kiddos, if I do say so myself! We are so blessed!!
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