National "Delurking Day"!

I read on another blog that today is National "Delurking Day". What this means is that if you read blogs and you never comment, today would be a great day to leave a comment!


For those in the blog world it’s nice to know who is reading. Even more so it has been a source of encouragement to us personally as we travel along our adoption journey to know there is people out there that care and are following along. I know many of you read and don't comment. Tell me who you are, where are you from, how did you find this blog, and anything you want me to know. I would LOVE to hear from you!

1-11-11 Our 1 Year Anniversary ...SAY WHAT?

No not THAT anniversary....Nathan and I will be married 7 years come this April. Oh BLESSED month of April. It holds many meaningful things for us. But I will get back to that in a minute.

TODAY...is our 1 year anniversary our adoption journey's first step. I hesitate to say the word "began" because if you know me and you know our story, you know it REALLY all began years ago when God gave one teenage girl a dream that would SHAKE her to her CORE and change her life!

One year ago today Nathan took me out to dinner. It was a much needed date night and he took me to the spot we use to always hit before we had kiddos. I had been talking about adoption a lot that past year but the couple months leading up to that night I had felt led to pray for Nathan. I wanted him to be on the same page as me, not because I was initiating it but because his heart was prepared and touched by the Lord. So I stepped back ...and prayed. Little did I know that God had already been speaking to Nathan's heart. Only a few months later Nathan would take my hand and say " I think it's time to start looking into the adoption process".

We prayed about our direction as we had felt a strong pull twords China. Confirmation after confirmation encouraged us that , YES, this was a God placed desire. We will follow His voice faithfully. He knows where our little one is. The problem was the WAIT...or as I like to call it the wait to wait. We would have to wait tell we were 29 1/2 to even be allowed to start the paperwork side of things. I am happy to say a year later and we are just around the corner!! In April Nathan turns 29 1/2 and we will start our home study! I can't believe I can finally say THIS YEAR we will start our home study. THIS YEAR we will have our dossier logged in to China. THIS YEAR we very well may KNOW who our Selah is and from THAT POINT on it can be a matter of months before she is home! OH. WOW.

I know I am looking at this glass half full right now....remind me of this when I am in the thick of the REAL PAINFUL waiting....K?

But.... after waiting one LOOONG, emotional, trying, opposition filled yet BLESSED year, I will CELEBRATE our 1 year anniversary of our adoption journey first step!

My alabaster jar

On New Year's Eve I was spending some time reading and reflecting. Seeking God on the year to come and laying it all at His feet. I was reading Mark 14:3-6 the Story of Mary and her alabaster jar and all of a sudden I "GOT IT" and was in tears! I don't know how to explain it but I was feeling the LOVE of her worshipful act. I was "getting" why it was so important to Jesus that the story of what she had done be shared.





Please take a moment to read it here and then I will continue with my thoughts :)

While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.

“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”




Mary "GOT IT"! When no one else did! She had the LORD, her God, her KING sitting before her and she took the opportunity RIGHT THEN to worship Him with everything thing that she had. Her alabaster box, worth a years wages (or what would be to us some $20,000 dollars). Maybe it was essentially her life's savings/ dowry her only security for her future. Where did she spend it??? She SPENT IT on the LORD! What she did was so WORSHIPFUL that others around her not only did not "get it" but the criticized her for it!

Oh but Jesus...and His great love not only defended her but said what she had done was BEAUTIFUL and wherever the gospel is preached, what she had done will also be told in memory of her.

Reading this,I just sat there and let this story sink IN. The tears started pouring down my face. Just thinking about the sacrifice she made. She was pouring out the deepths of her soul, her life, in an act of deep love and worship of our Lord and of course all the others could come up with a better "plan"! A better use of her money. Did they not realize WHO was with them??? Mary DID! Sure, Mary could have kept her alabaster jar and still been a Christ follower and loved the Lord dearly and one day on the other side of eternity thrown her crown at the Lord's feet in worship. BUT...she did not wait! She had her King before her and she worshiped Him with what she had. Her King was worth it NOW!

Just imagine...that fragrant perfume broken open and poured completely out over our Lord. That room must have been OVERPOWERED with it's aroma. As it seeped into his hair and skin. No doubt everyone that passed by him those last remaining days would breath in and not take notice. As Jesus was being handed over, as he was being beat and whipped. The same hair she loving drenched would be adorned with a crown of massive thorns. All the while....breathing in....that aroma...that BEAUTIFUL aroma! Oh our loved and treasured KING!

I just can't help but look at this verse differently now.

Ephesians 5:1-2
Follow God's Example, therefore as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Her offering not only prepared our Lord's body for burial but I have no doubt it left a lasting impression on the senses to those surrounding Jesus...especially at the foot of the cross. Now nearly 2000 years later we are still learning from her example of true love and worship.

So what is my alabaster jar? It is my LIFE!

Like Mary we have the same oppertunity NOW!
There are many things that can be an act of worship to God. Finally letting go of those things in our lives we hold onto and say "Not this one Lord, I got it." We hold on with clutched fists, so afraid if we let go control it will be " a waste". Oh and believe me, there just might be a few critics in your life that will say it is just that. But we have a choice...who are we going to listen to. Those that don't "get it" or the ONE invites us along for the blessing.

I look at our life and I see all the challenges we face. All the critical comments we have faced and will continue to face when it comes to adopting. Trying to save/fundraise knowing that God WILL provide... This is a complete faith walk for us. I know many people dont "get it". But this is our life, this is OUR alabaster jar. We JOYFULLY will pour it out for our Lord and worship Him NOW.

Our family in gingerbread!

Christmas morning!!! Now that the kids are old enough to fully enjoy the gift opening experience and all that it entails, it was really exciting to watch and enjoy it all through their eyes! Madelynn had just turned one last year and the difference is like night and day. Where last year she was just starting to get it, this year she took delight in EVERYTHING. Such a little lady :)





Noah...I must say how PROUD I am of this little man. He is at that age where everyday he would list all the things he would like for Christmas (and he sure made them known). Christmas is such an amazing, blessed, season. We really wanted to take this opportunity to teach our children about giving and how JOYFUL it can be, but not just with our words. We wanted them to LIVE it with us. This year we sponsored two children who are orphans in China through Operation Giggle.Noah played a huge part as he helped pick out the toys for the kids. Here is what blessed my socks off...for one boy he picked out the very thing he himself was wanting for Christmas. Knowing that he was not going to get to keep it. It did this Mama heart good to see him EXCITED to give to these precious kiddos. It amazes me how God moves on these little hearts!

Oh and yes...that oh so special Christmas gift that Noah gave, did make an appearance for him under the tree ;)

As much fun as Christmas morning was, among the smiles and giggles, there was a little piece of my heart that ached...and wondered. I wonder where my Selah is today? Is she warm? Is she hungry? Is someone giving her the love and care she deserves? Oh I wish she could be here now. Will this be the last Christmas that we wont KNOW her face? Next Christmas will we as least have a picture maybe even be close to bringing her home?!? "Lord, be with my girl today. May she know your love. Help us to get to her."

The next day though that ache was met with soothing balm of hope and joy. God is so amazing that He is willing to met us just where we are at and minister to us in the exact way that we are needing. While we were all out running errands I passed by the Christmas clearance section and it was there of all places that my heart found some peace.

You see Christmas time brings about family traditions. One of ours is every year we get a picture ornament and we add it to the tree so we can watch our family grow. Our family is also represented another way on our tree......in GINERBREAD MEN!!




This is Mommy and Daddy








Noah

and Madelynn

The kids LOVE these and I must admit...I do too :) When we had found them a year or two ago these were the only ones they had. I thought " How perfect, our family in gingerbread!" So imagine my surprise when I glanced down and found this little cutie all by herself...

I will or will not admit if I got teary eyed ;) Noah asked what I had and I said " It's a gingerbread girl for Selah, just like you and Madelynn." He said
"OOOOOOOOOH, can I hold it!!" When we got home he went straight for the tree :)

In some small way it felt like a sign of hope and encouragement (which we could use all that we can get). Encouraging us along our way. Not too long now...oh what will 2011 hold ?

The WONDER of it all !

"But this king was a new kind of King. Though he was the Prince of Heaven, he had become poor. Though He was the Mighty God, He had become a helpless baby. This King hadn't came to be the boss, He had come to be a servant." The Jesus storybook Bible


My heart cannot contain it! The WONDER of it all! Oh how He loves us!

I can't seem to get the message from a couple Sunday's ago out of my head, heart and soul. It has left my cup overflowing, so in wonder and awe of his great love for us. A reminder of God's heart, how HE sees things and chooses to do things. All I can say is Hallelujah, What a Savior!

Luke2:8-12

And there were shepherd's living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”


How many times have I read this and missed it. When digging deeper you would find out that shepherd's in this time we a very lowly people. They were looked down upon by all and were considered "unclean" people. Therefore not being allowed to participate in temple ceremonies, which meant, no atonement for their sins. It is believed by many that these particular shepherd's were temple shepherds . Temple sheep were unblemished sheep and were to kept separate, from the other sheep. Therefore the shepherds did not bring them in and go home for the night. The temple shepherds watched over the sheep day and night.

Imagine that. The atonement of your sins stands just feet away from you (gnawing on some grass) and yet it is the same as if it were a MILLION miles away. You tended these sheep whom others would find their atonement. But it would never be for you. Imagine how despairing.

YET GOD.....in His great love chooses of ALL people on earth these shepherds to be the FIRST to know the good news, that His son was born! 

Look at it again....

"An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

But here's the kicker!!


Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."

Oh wow.....to you....TO YOU! I can imagine only their thoughts..." A Savior has been born for me? For ME!

I am sure that is when God said "Cue the choir!" Because that is exactly what must have been taking place in their hearts!

Luke 2:13-20


Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."

They left those stupid sheep in the field! They had a Savior born for them. They responded to the message by receiving it, going and seeing, and telling others. No one would ever be the same. They returned glorifying and praising God!

Praying this Christmas you too will know and experience the JOY found in the Lord.
Hallelujah, What a Savior!!!

Merry Christmas!

The Lord is near!

Today was a BIG day for me. I made the call I had been dreading for a while. I have been praying, being anxious( tisk tisk) and praying some more over this call. To be honest it had me shaking in my boots so many times that I did not make it. I have just waited and held my breath...until today!

Who was this call to and why was I letting it have this affect on me? It was to our agency, which normally does not leave me a ball of nerves. However the questions I would ask today, the request I would make , depending on her response *could* have a major impact on the direction of our adoption.

Up until this point I have laid request after request at the Lord's feet ( a pretty good place don't ya say?) but what perplexed me was at what point do I need to put these requests to action? Many times I have asked God "Show me! Speak to me!" Many times He has answered. So much so that that I am in disbelief over it! Go figure that one out.

One thing God has made very clear HE IS WITH US! This journey thus far has been amazing, it's ups and downs and I am writting it ALL down, each "finger print of God" moment and one day I will be able to look back and see how this road lead us to our Selah.

Today, will be a day that is written down. I have not only laid it at God's feet but I put my feet to action and asked those very important questions that could very well change our lives. The response.....POSITIVE! I can BREATH knowing this is in GOD'S HANDS! Holding dearly onto these very precious verses:

Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:5-7


Please continue to keep us in your prayers. As we continue on this journey I can take confidence in knowing that GOD knows WHO our Selah is and WHEN it will all come together. I can put my confidence in HIM as His peace guides us as we lay all things at his feet through prayer. So thankful that His will, will be done!

Signs of Love

Meet my dear friends Daniel and Jessie Fox :)



I must say, my family has been TRULY blessed by this amazing couple. We are privileged to have spent this time growing in community with them. They have been such a beautiful example of pure love for God and His people. They are willing giving up their careers, selling and giving away what they own to follow God's call on their lives. They serve others selflessly, no motive other than love and for God's glory. That is why I want to take the time to advocate for my dear friends and the journey they are about to embark on.


In February Jessie will be leaving for Honduras (Daniel will join her in March) for at least two years to work with an organization Signs of Love. Jessie will be working in the local school for special needs students and also providing literacy training for the Deaf leaders. Dainel reinventing their current micro enterprise. Together they will be filming for a native sign language program on a local television station, facilitating camps and retreats, mentoring young deaf, and implementing community development programs.

In case you are still scratching your head and thinking WHY??? Why would a young couple with their lives ahead of them give up great careers (which they love)leave family and friends and the comfort of all things that is home to go to another country to love on people they don't know. These numbers will explain their passion:


250,000,000 deaf or hard of hearing people in the world.

115,000 deaf in Honduras

200 deaf believers in Honduras


(As a whole the 4th largest unreached people group in the world!)

But we are more than just numbers...

...if you have a relationship with Christ Isaiah 43:1 says "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine!"

Christ died so He could claim every person as His and call them by name.

"How then will they call on Him who have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear [or see] with out a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!" (Romans 10:14-15)

In this case I would say how beautiful are their HANDS as well :)






Would you please consider being a partner in all things BEAUTIFUL! My friends will need people to support them with prayer, one-time donations or monthly financial commitments. Please pray about how God might have you be a part of His mission among the deaf in Honduras!

Please check out their blog at

http://signsoflovefox.wordpress.com/

Thank you and God bless :)