So, as many of you know, I've become a button/badge making fool over the past year with 100% of the proceeds going to our adoption! Well after having a slow spring and summer in the badge department, I have amped it up this fall with more options than ever before! I've done two craft shows this fall and still have some great inventory....so without further ado, I think it's time for a GIVEAWAY!!
So, as it states above you have 4 chances to win!! In order to claim every chance -
So here we are at the beginning of
another month. On Friday, November 1st, we got our monthly update
that we had moved one spot in the month of October. Honestly, it’s what we were
expecting…and even though it was somewhat deflating after hopes of lots of
movement, we accepted the update with thanksgiving and continued hope.
{Rewind four days}
Sunday night while
driving home from Charlotte, I felt anxiety in my spirit building. Anxiety that
I could not even fully articulate what it was about. I was praying through my
thoughts with the Lord and asking for His presence to be ever near. When Monday
arrived, I woke to an array of errands, and the anxiety and feeling of
depression loomed in the background – but I just pushed it back and attempted
to compartmentalize life in order to complete the tasks at hand.
Come Tuesday morning, I
could no longer ignore my thoughts and feelings – I felt depressed,
disheartened, and anxious. Every task became a chore and nothing fully
distracted me from the feelings and thoughts that plagued me. It was a physical
feeling of deep sadness. My thoughts mainly consisted of feeling as though our
journey of adoption was “less than”, “not good enough”, and that “we were
missing out” on the journey and experience of biological children. [LIES from
SATAN]. I think I was also dreading approaching the end of the month and
receiving another update of no movement. I knew in my head, these thoughts were
NOT of God, but I couldn’t shake them. I prayed to God and read His word, but
nothing comforted me or brought me peace.Late on Tuesday night I was driving to see a patient and like usual, I
had my worship music playing, but I couldn’t even bring myself to sing – my
spirit felt that burdened with anxiety and sadness. My thoughts strayed to the
accusation that maybe my emotions weren’t related to our adoption, but rather
lack of sleep and looking death and grief in the face so many times lately –
literally, in less than a three weeks time, I had attended seven deaths of
patients (a few of them being deaths characterized with difficult symptoms to
manage) and comforted grieving families. Now granted, I’m sure my physical and
mental exhaustion of my profession had some influence on my spiritual and
emotional state – but that was not the culprit of the problem – Satan was.
Wednesday came with no
relief. I trudged on through the daily tasks. I went to dinner with Jeremy, my
sister, and bro-in-law and shared my exhaustion amongst the waiting of
adoption. Everyone in good motive was brainstorming what would help me lift me
out of my funk – maybe a weekend away, maybe a Broadway show, or simply apiece of free Pie from O’Charley’s since it
was Wednesday (at least that was what Jeremy was hoping would do it). But I
knew nothing would fix "the problem". I was just waiting expectantly
to be lifted from the fog. I was lost at why this spirit of depression and
anxiety was lingering for so long. Why wasn’t God lifting me out of this pit? I
couldn’t shake it! And let me tell you, I am a person who is prideful –
prideful about my emotional strength, resilience, and stoic reserve. [And
honestly, I'm sharing all of this in hopes to first, give God the glory and
credit, secondly, to encourage others in the midst of spiritual warfare, and
thirdly, as an account for me to remember how faithful God was to me in the
storm.]
Come early Thursday
morning, I was called to patient who was close to death. It was around 4:30 am
when I left to be with the patient. Upon cranking my car and heading down the
road, Dr. Charles Stanley happened to be on the radio talking about the power
of Satan. I turned it up… He spoke about how Satan is our enemy and an absolute
LIAR, and how he “prowls around like a roaring lion looking
for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Dr. Stanley continued by encouraging that
we must be alert and sober minded. He expanded on how to resist him and to
stand firm in the faith (See 1 Peter 5: 8-9). He discussed how as believers the
Holy Spirit resides within us and is more powerful, and has actually already overcome
(1 John 4:4), Satan’s lies, deceit, and discouragement.Dr. Stanley furthermore discussed how there
is power in speaking out loud against Satan’s holds on our lives.
(It's
a 2-part series that aired October 30th and 31st - I heard Part 2 on the 31st)
Well…some
of you may already know where this going… a revival began within the four doors
of my car while driving down the interstate in the wee hours of the morning. I
began to rebuke and denounce Satan’s lies over my life. I started claiming
God’s truths and promises out-loud – proclaiming His victory at the cross and
my trust in His sovereignty over my life. Immediately, I began to feel Satan’s
spirit of oppression and anxiety lift - I finally felt free. God had sustained
me, he had never left me and as I look back over the week, God’s presence
was very evident (next blog post).
For this life here on earth, the
battle will continue - but what peace to know that ultimately the battle has
already been won! No matter what this life brings, we will rest in knowing who
goes before us.
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never
leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Technically, this is our second Orphan Sunday to celebrate since beginning the adoption process - but this year, for some reason it seems more relevant to us.
I don't know if it is because we have been in the adoption process for the last year or if we are just more keenly aware of the staggering number of children in need of families or if it is because we have been awakened to our own spiritual orphan-hood and adoption by God.
Nevertheless, orphans are on our heart today, as they are every day. We are praying for God's providence in the lives of His children, whether they are here in the states or abroad in other countries. We pray that His children feel His presence, love, and hope amidst each day. And, we are praying the God continues to guide our steps, as well as, equip us to defend the fatherless in such a way that He is ultimately glorified.
No one can do everything, but everyone can do something!
Lastly, in light of every child who is in need of a family...whether it be a forever family, a family to stand in the gap for only a specified time, or a child who needs to be loved from a distant through sponsorship and prayer...I can't help but think of each of them when I hear this song!
So, this weekend I was blessed with the opportunity to accompany a sweet friend of mine, Mrs. M, to Nashville to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Health Talents International. Health Talents is the organization I travel with and serve in Guatemala with every February! It was a great night and I learned a lot about the history of this great organization. God truly has blessed the efforts of Health Talents and it is a privilege to partner with them! It was also fun to have a mid-year reunion with many of the team members that I travel with in February!
Me, Mrs. M, and Laura
(Mrs. M is the spunkiest 87 year young lady you will ever meet - and yes! she goes to Guatemala with us every February!)
So blessed to see some dear friends - even though it was way TOO short!
Slumber party with these sweet gals!
Overall, it was a great trip to Nashville. We ended the weekend by worshiping the Lord together with some other February team members and then had lunch before heading back to the airport. God's family truly is amazing! Here's the thing - I've spent one week, each year, for the past six years of my life with these people... and I truly love them.
"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and send his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."
1 John 4: 10-11
Want more info about Health Talents International - CLICK HERE
(Sigh) As we end September...there have been no referrals this month and so we remain at #94...and yet again we give praise and thanks to God. Yes, we wish there was movement, and it is disappointing to not be able to report progress, but one of the greatest disciplines we have learned over the past few years is to give the Lord thanks in all circumstances - and so we praise Him.
Rejoice always,pray continually,give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Our yard sale to help raise funds for the adoption was a great success!! We want to give all the glory and thanks to God! He blessed us with so much! He blessed us with....
The energy and stamina for the two days, plus through all the months of preparation
A gorgeous weekend
Family and friends who gave their time and energy to help prepare for and then work even harder during the two sale days
Our church family who let us borrow tables
People who prayed for us
The gracious people who donated T.O.N.S. of stuff
And the great turnout of customers to purchase stuff
Yard sales are hard work - especially one of this size. But I love yard sales - I love getting rid of stuff, but most of all I love meeting people and learning their stories! We definitely had some characters! We met many kind people - some who came back with donations to put in the sale and others who simply gave more than their total!
The other awesome aspect of the yard sale is we got to share about our adoption journey, how God has been faithful, and even invite some to our church! I was also reminded about how so many people are touched by adoption - people shared their stories of adoption whether they were adoptive parents or knew someone close to them who has adopted.
And finally....drum roll please.......
God blessed us with $1506.72 through the yard sale fundraiser!!!
We had a fun-filled, busy Labor Day weekend. It started as early as Wednesday when we picked Laura and Sean up from the airport. On Thursday, we enjoyed the beach and the first Carolina game of the season while grilling out, compliments of Jeremy! :) Come Friday we headed up to Roan Mountain State Park, TN. This was our 26th reunion!! (I attended the very first one, when I was about 18 months old!!) Nothing better than front porch sitting, the beautiful mountains, food and fellowship with people you love!
Rush's - "Must Stop" for lunch on the way to the Mountains!
First-Timers!
Cloudland Trail
Front porch sitting!
Who would you say is having more fun?
They take the game s.e.r.i.o.u.s! :)
We came back to South Cakalaki on Monday. That night we went downtown with Laura and Sean to enjoy an awesome dinner at Hanks!
Me and my Man!
Me and Laura!
Tuesday, we hit the beach for some more sun!! And, come early Wednesday morning we all went back to the real world!! Thankful for family and friends! We had a great time and memories were made! ;)
So, as of yesterday, we remain at #94 on the wait list for our little one! There was no movement this month. :( I was hoping we would get to celebrate some big movement with some of our dearest friends, Laura and Sean, who we just got to spend the past 6 days with!! (I just took them to the airport this morning - so totally wish we still lived only 5 minutes apart). But instead, I think the Lord had them here to help us celebrate and praise Him, despite no movement.
This is the rainy season in Ethiopia and courts are closed until mid-October. Theoretically, if I understand correctly, court closure should not effect referrals, but realistically it is not abnormal that referrals slow down. Even though we definitely want movement, we ultimately TRUSTGod's timing. Seasons of waiting can be tough - but we are so thankful for the grace and patience that God continues to supply! In my own life, I know it's in the seasons of waiting that I draw closest to God and that He teaches me great truths and lessons.
We are very thankful for the busy weekend with friends and family that consisted of the beach, mountains, food, and tons of fellowship that filled our souls during the waiting!
Cloudland Trail, Roan Mountain State Park, Tennessee
Praying that God uses our life and story in ways that He receives the MOST glory!
I love this song - in this particular season - the chorus that my heart sings is:
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You Jesus, bring the"wait"*
I
love this definition of patience! It was sent to me by a friend (another
waiting adoptive mama) today.
I
was also blessed to hear from another dear friend/mentor on Thursday (all the
way from M-iss-iss-ipp-i), who affirmed that the wait can sometimes seem as
slow as "watching grass grow".
To
all our friends and family who seek to encourage us, ask about, and partner
with us along this journey - THANK YOU - we are enduring the wait well, because
1.) God is sustaining us and 2.) there are many of you who help spur us along!
And
especially for the women in my life who are "bearing down"
with me in this season of life - please go and read this blog post by a
friend/bible study teacher who I had the privilege of learning from and being
encouraged by when I lived out in Arkansas (and still am - learning and being
encouraged by her - even 800 miles away).
Many
thanks to my "Mid-Wives to Hope"! I am eternally
grateful for your encouragement and love along this journey of adoption, but
even more so, through the daily walk of life, while in pursuit of knowing our
Hope, Jesus Christ, more each day.
Well, today I must highlight the business endeavors of one my best friends! I mostly use this blog to chronicle our journey of adopting the child God has for us, but I simply have to give a shout out to my friend Jessica and her husband Ryan. Together they have quite a side business going! I absolutely love everything he builds or she finishes! So go and check them out! They actually have a super cool giveaway going on right now!
Well, we feel as though we have come to a mile marker....we are under 100!! Hallelujah!
So without further ado.... We are number:
We couldn't be more excited and thankful for such great movement! At the beginning of the month, I tried to prepare myself that July might not have as much movement as June. I even have an adoptive momma that I email with throughout each month {total God connection - we were connected by a mutual friend, we both are Harding alumni, we now live about 2 hours from each other, are both adopting through Lifeline and are only a few spots away from each other on the "waitlist" - God is definitely in the details}... so anyways, after June, she encouraged that we pray to move into the 90s! I remember thinking to myself... "the 90s!!?? I will pray for them to make it into the 90s, but I doubt we will". Oh what little faith I had!
This month 19 children were matched with their forever families! One thing that I love about our agency is their advocacy to find the forever families of older children, sibling groups, and special needs children who are waiting! We are blessed and thankful beyond measure for the professionals and families of Lifeline!
Below is one of my favorite YouTube videos -
YES HE IS... and we want to give Him ALL the glory and praise!!
As I sit to write this, I am still flabbergasted and humbled. I struggle to find the words to articulate how grateful I am by the gesture of one my dearest friends.
One of my best friends got married this weekend. Becky and I have been friends since high school. We have so many memories - memories that involve it ALL - the good, bad, ugly, and funny. However, the core thread that strings all the memories together is our love for God and one another as sisters in Christ. We have remained friends for thirteen years despite going to different colleges and 800 miles separating us for seven years. The fact that we again live only minutes apart, and can pretty much see each other whenever we want is such a blessing! It was such an honor, and privilege to stand by her side as she married the man she loves and adores!
Me and Becky at the Rehearsal Dinner
So...onto "The Wedding Favor that Impacts a Life"...
Well, unbeknownst to me, (and I am hardly e.v.e.r surprised), Becky and Larry lovingly and selflessly blessed Jeremy and I tremendously during the reception of their wedding! After the speeches of the best man, matron of honor, and groom's sister, Larry and Becky take the mic and announce their gratefulness to all who joined in witnessing their marriage and celebrating with them. Becky then continues to explain to the guests about the favor that she and Larry had decided on. (I'm standing on the outskirts of the crowd with my mom - and honestly have NO idea where she is heading with this, but listening intently to what she is saying).
She continues by saying "we could have given you a piece of chocolate or koozie, but that simply isn't us, we wanted to do something bigger, something more global". (I still have NO idea).
She continued, "We wanted to do something that would have a greater impact, something that would impact a life." (I then knew, I looked at my mom and said "oh. my. goodness - where's Jeremy"). I honestly was SO surprised. Becky continued, "There is someone in this room, who is adopting a baby" and as she said our names, I worked my way up to the front, while my mom went to go get Jeremy.
Becky took a few minutes to talk about our friendship and then exclaimed "You've been such a part of helping us start our family and we want to help grow yours. So, we would like to give you the money we would have spent on favors and dedicate it to the adoption of our Ethiopian baby - and in light of today (July 12th), we will be donating $712!!!!!" I simply could not stop hugging both of them. I was so humbled and in awe of both of their love and generosity towards us, on their special day.
Totally Surprised!
This truly was a wedding favor that impacts a life...more so, lives. Every cent will be put to the costs of bringing our son or daughter home. But even more so, the actual willingness of my sister and brother in Christ to partner alongside of us and give, humbles Jeremy and I to the core. This gift represents another tangible affirmation within our journey to adopt our first child and confirmation within our lives that God truly DOES provide in ways "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3:20).
Thank you Becky and Larry!! We are forever grateful!!
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