Happy Birthday Sweet Boy...

"All your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be your children's peace."

Isaiah 54:13

I'm Believing God...

Siesta Video Message from LPV on Vimeo.

Emptied...

"I gotta let Jesus be Jesus and gotta let everyone else off the hook"

Haven't lived it.
But today...
Today I will.
Today I change.
Today I let Jesus be Jesus.
Today I am emptied of myself.
Craving nothin but living water.

I am a work in progress.
I could go back.
Not today.
Today I am changed.
Today I shed off the old.
Because it is for freedom that Christ set me free.
And I will stand firm.
I will stand on the promise that He is able to do immeasurably more with me than I could ever ask or imagine.

Today I will.

Can I Live...

No words necessary...

Leave Politics to the Side for Just a Moment...

I know that politics are never a pretty topic on blogs. We wanna see cute pictures of our kids, hear funny stories and share our fears and victories. Although this post deals with a politician it also captures a victory in our life so I hope that as my friends you can see past the man and look to the victory. It is my belief that whether you agree his policy he is a man that loves God, loves America and loves adoption.

We were 72 hours from travelling to bring Maxwell home. Gaute had released his case, the day God had ordained from the beginning had finally come and what we had known from the day his name was first whispered into our hearts was finally here…he was officially our son. BUT our US forms were still not completed. Maxwell’s case was very unique and for this reason we were allowed by both governments to utilize a “permission of petition” for lack of better words off of Makan’s US documents until Max’s made it through to the Guatemalan Consulate. (I understand the lingo is driving non-adoptive folks crazy but you adoptive parents know what I’m talking about). The time was here…we had to travel. His case was such that we couldn’t just wait. We had to go and we had to have those original documents and had to have them filed and signed. With the counsel of our adoption agency we contacted our local congressman (ha!!) with no returned call. We contacted Homeland Security and as covered up as they were we could understand how they would not have time to get back with us.

We were lost.

With one last hope on a late Friday afternoon, we contacted Mr. McConnell’s office. By Monday morning we had papers in hand and we off to bring Max home on our scheduled flight!!
Let me say clearly that GOD IS ALWAYS ON TIME! His will is perfect and He had the plan for Max from the day He created him in his birthmother's womb…even before. God brought Max home. But I have to say a public thank you to Mr. McConnell, his lovely wife and a wonderful staffer named Joey who worked in assisting to bring my precious son home. I pray that God bless them for their efforts of assisting in bringing our family together. I pray that He leads their families, that He is the God of their hearts and that He guides their decision making.

John had an opportunity to meet Mr. McConnell this week for the first time and personally thanking him for assisting in bringing Maxwell home. I had hoped to get Max to the event and try to get a picture of the two of them together but I had a meeting and wasn't able to attend the event myself. That was probably a good thing after seeing how dirty he was after picking him up from daycare and the fact that I'm preeeeety sure we forgot to brush his hair that morning before taking him to school....still think it would have been a precious picture though!
And if I don't say so myself...that man at the podium is "smokin" HOT! Happy Birthday Woub...I Love You so much and thank God for bringing you into my life!!!!

Needing Prayer Warriors...

Please pray. I can't share. Just asking all of my sweet sisters in Christ to lift our family in prayer.

Friends & Camping...but mostly Friends...

I love how purposeful our God is about friendships. The word friend is mentioned about 90 times in the bible and it is not quite about what true friendship really means.

A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17

A friend is faithful even we they disagree. Proverbs 27:6

A friend feels our pain. Job 6:14

A friend lifts our heart and brings us encouragement and hope. Proverbs 27:9

A friend is always there. Proverbs 18:24

It is so difficult to walk on this side of Heaven. This world is such a cruel place and is only getting worse. Just tonight I read over a dozen news stories of child abductions, murders and rapes. Read countless blog posts of sick and dying children and families that are grieving a loss. And that is just one night.

I look at the hurts within my community...my family...my friends...myself...and cry out for the Father to take us home. And then I say, "thank you Lord for my loved ones."

For those that walk beside me in the daylight and the dark...


For those that I can depend on to love me through anything...


For those that we would have nothing else in common if it were not for the love we share for Him...


For those that make me laugh when I feel like giving up...


For those that are funny enough to post a picture of my husbands head on John Travolta's body...


For those that know I'm "shocked"...


For those that Oh, there goes a rabbit...


For those that brag on me and explain it...


For those that get it, those that get me...

because it's about building relationships. It's about being the friends that God intends us to be. It's about loving well, tearing down appearances and just being real.

And that's when it happens...that is when I can walk this world another day. Watching my children play ring around the roses in a pool the size of a bathtub with 7 other children. Sitting around a campfire, engaging in an activity that I would otherwise hate (camping of course) but laughing my tail off and so happy that I wouldn't take a million dollars to be anywhere else in the world because I have great friends surrounding me. Sitting around a table of four other Christian couples, playing cards and listening to the giggles of our children in the next room, knowing that they are safe and surrounded by followers of Christ.

That is the life!

Thank you Father for the many people you have placed along the way in my life. For their love and support but also for their council in times of need. Thank you for the gift of friendship and the responsibility that comes with it. Thank you for the little things that make it worth getting up in the morning. For good clean fun and for the ability to laugh until your side hurts. Even so, come quickly Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

Smile Train, Camping, Haiti....Oh My!!

Madison will be on the blog later this week to talk about her Smile Train Fundraiser. All I can say is that she raised a lot of money for a worthy cause. It amazes me...the love she has for this organization. So stay tuned for Maddie on BTV this week!

Haiti. One month ago...four weeks to the day, I was worshipping in this place. Just crossing the border into a country that I had never been before, as hungry for the Word as I was just this morning and if I'm being completely honest, scared of what was to come and missing home more than I ever had before. Praying for the Lord to show up and show off His glory...and man did He ever! This wasn't the first time I had sat in corporate worship led in a language different than my own and I'm always amazed at how seamless the ability to worship and praise Him truly is no matter the country, setting, language or place for those who believe.

As I stood there, in sensory overload at the sights, sounds, and smells of this new place...worship songs that I had never heard before and words that as hard as I tried, I couldn't make out or translate...I could still feel the presence of my God.

I said in my first post that God was the same in Haiti as He was here at home, but He was also the same in my heart in Haiti as He is at this very moment. He was my Protector and my Rock...my Peace and my Mighty Savior. As I stood there in worship my mind when to Revelations as John looked as saw the great multitude. So great that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. Wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.

And the tears came...

Thinking of that glorious day that we shall cry out, all the multitude from every language, "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne. Worthy is the Lamb!!!" Oh, come quickly Lord!

More of Haiti to come. Still processing the trip. John said just the other day that he still hadn't heard all about the trip. One story at a time, but if you will please pray for discernment in the upcoming months as I may have another opportunity to travel to Haiti. This would be a much shorter trip (I don't think I could do 10 days away from my kiddies again so soon) and there is a possibility that John could make this trip with me. Just pray.

And lastly...a post I never thought I would be publishing. We are the new owners of...wait for it...a camper. Yes. The lady who thinks that camping is paying to pretend your homeless, is now the new owner of a camper. What can I say? In a weak moment of love for my husband and children, lots of pressure from friends and an unrealistic fear of dying in Haiti, never knowing if John got the camper he had always dreamed of...I broke. We bought it the day before I left for Haiti and will be taking it camping for the first time this weekend with three or four other families from our church.

It's like a sweet blanc wrote to me in an email just the other day, "It's the little things."

Yes it is...

It's that Time Again...Yard Sale for Smile Train!

Life has been moving so fast lately. I haven't had a chance to process my Haiti trip, let alone blog about it. Posts and pictures coming soon.

But until then...

Our annual community yard sale is today and tomorrow. Once again Madison is taking donations for The Smile Train. She sold coffee this morning and has made $112.75! Over the past year she has raised enough money for three surgeries($750) and medications($150). Her goal is to make $250 by the end of tomorrow to pay for her fourth surgery.

She will be having a bake sale tomorrow so if you know us personally stop by and donate!

Home...

I am glad to report that I am home and back with my family that I love and missed so much. Haiti was amazing and God showed up in a mighty way there! Unfortunately I was unable to blog as I had hoped but I intended to share stories and pictures in the days ahead. For now I will just say that our God is awesome. He is ever-present, the Alpha and Omega, the God of Protection and God of Love. He is mine and yours and He is the same in Haiti as He is right here at home. Praise Him!!

Blogging from Haiti...

I can hardly sit still as I type what will probably be my last post before leaving for Haiti on Friday. I am going to take the next three days to prepare my heart and love on my family before leaving. I just got off the phone with our team leader and he is confident that we will have internet access. It is my hope that I will be able to blog every day while in Ouanaminthe.

A few specific prayer requests...

Please pray for our team as we prepare to leave. Many of us are feeling satan's attack.

Please pray specifically for one team member that is in the hospital at this time. We pray for quick healing so that he is still able to travel with us and do God's work.

Please pray we have safe travels and ease of customs. This has been an issue in the past so please cover us in prayers as we prepare to cross multiple borders with medical supplies.

Please pray for the families of those going on this trip. Just with our church members going on this trip we are leaving a total of 19 children and that is only 6 of our team members...our total team is around 30 people so that's a lot more children and family members that are staying behind as we go to spread the Word of God.

Please pray for my sweet husband. His mother has recently been diagnosed with cancer. I have yet to mention it on this blog but we are fervently praying for complete healing and restoration of her body.

Pray that John is able to care for our children as his mind is with his mother during this time.

Pray for my parents as they will be assisting quite a bit with our kids. Pray for their health and well being as well as extra patience and understanding as they give so much to help our family run as smooth as it does.

I can't put into words how excited I am to be going to Haiti but tonight...at this moment (1:09am) I am consumed with five (sleeping) people that I love so much and am going to miss terribly while I'm gone. If you know us personally, please consider giving John a call while I'm gone or if you pass my children at church or at school, give them a little hug from their mommy. Christ is my reason for going on this trip, they are the reason I am going with boldness.

See you in Haiti!!! Thanks for going with me through your thoughts and prayers! Love to all of you!

Walking Alone...

"What a man desires is unfailing love;

better to be poor than a liar.

Proverbs 19:22

I love the Word of God.

when all else fails me...

when nothing else in this world makes sense...

when loved ones hurt me...

when I'm surrounded by people, yet still feel so alone...

I love the Word of God.

Tonight I read from Proverbs 19 and found myself stuck on verse 22. "What a man desires is unfailing love." Jehovah Rophe, my healing LORD knew how desperate I was for this Word tonight.

This small verse speaks so much to how we as Christians should live.

It comes as no surprise to me that what we as humans desire is unfailing love. We can look back to the original sin and see that as wives our desire will be for our husbands. We can see throughout scripture the desire and want of more, more, more.

In this verse the Greek word for desire means longing. Not only do we desire but we long for unfailing love. And the verse goes on to read, "better to be poor than a liar." How cool is our God that He doesn't just tell us what He already knows about us, His creation, and the desires of our heart, but also gives us a hint as to how we should live...how we should strive to live...how we should pray.

I desire unfailing love. I long for it from my husband, I seek it out from my family and desire it from my friends. I am walking this earth in the search of a perfect love...and it's exhausting.

I will never find the perfect love that I am searching for on this earth. The only perfect love that was and is and is to come came through the love of my God, my Jehovah Elohim, my savior Jesus Christ! No other compares, no other comes close.

So tonight, as I feel so all alone...I gotta let Jesus be Jesus and let everyone else off the hook.

I have to speak that "it is better to be poor than a liar", and allow that Word to resonate on my heart and in my prayers.

I need to apply this scripture to my life through prayer in knowing that it is better to have a heart that desires to show unfailing love and pray for ability than to have the ability yet not have the heart.

I need to pray that in Him I am complete and that my need for unfailing love can only come from Him, the very creator of love.

And right now I need to walk this walk alone, remembering that in Christ we are never truly alone.

I love each of you so very much. I am striving to love you like Jesus...but don't forget to let Jesus be Jesus.

Forty...

...And the rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights. Genesis 7:12

...Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments. Exodus 34:28

...At the end of forty days they returned from exploring the land. Numbers 13:25

...I lay prostrate before the LORD those forty days and forty nights because the LORD had said He would destroy you. Deuteronomy 9:25

...For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand.

...So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. I Kings 19:8

...For forty days Jesus was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. Luke 4:2

... After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.

How awesome is our God? Our unfathomable Father who is always faithful, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. Always present, never changing God! Consistent in His love and consistent in His Word. And we see this consistency in His Word over and over again. I love how WikiAnswers defines the spiritual significance of 40. "A 40-something time period, whether days, months, or years is ALWAYS a period of testing, trial, probation or chastisement (but not judgement) and ends with a period of restoration, revival or renewal."

In forty days our team leaves for Haiti.
I'm excited.
I'm anxious.
I'm hopeful.
I'm praying.
I'm under attack
I'm believing God.

I'm believing He will do great things in Haiti through our team. I'm believing he will bring restoration on this trip. Restoration to my heart, and to the hearts of others. Restoration of health to those we will serve and restoration to their spirit. I'm believing He will bring revival both here and in Haiti. A renewal of faith like never before!

In forty days our team leaves for Haiti...and I'm believing God.

Leaking...

Tonight I am broken.
Worn down mentally.
Physically exhausted.
Grieving the Holy Spirit.

I can hardly breathe.

During my quiet time a few days ago I read from Luke 22. Reading as Jesus sent Peter and John to prepare for the Passover meal. Much of the work Peter and John would do to prepare for this most important Passover meal would have been hard work. Work that, during those times, would have been duties for a women. The preparation for this meal was not an easy task. When reading about it, I wonder if the were complaining as they worked on the preparations. Did they try to push the duties off on another person. Preparing the bitter herbs and lamb, were they wondering what the other ten were doing? Did they even once, during their time preparing, wonder what the significance of this work would bring or did they simply look at it as work?

I am amazed again and again at our God. Our intentional God. Of the twelve disciples, Peter and John were the only two in scripture to be recorded as referring to Jesus as the Lamb.

As the author of my study points out, "Christ's ultimate goal in any work He assigns us is to reveal Himself, either through or to us."

Tonight I am broken.
Emptied of myself.
Asking the Holy Spirit to fill me once again.

Father, I come to you broken. In need of Your mercy and Your grace. I come worn out and exhausted, depending on You for my next breath. Clinging to the promise that all things are possible through You, Lord. Father I want to be filled with your Holy Spirit. I want to be Christ with flesh on. I want to experience you just as Peter and John. Preparing my heart for what you will reveal to me or through me this night...this week...here at home...in Haiti. Crying out to you Lord, my Abba Daddy, in need of Your loving arm and peace that surpasses all that my simple and broken mind could ever understand. In Jesus name, Amen.

Thank you for the cross, Lord

Thank you for the price You paid

Bearing all my sin and shame

In love You came

And gave amazing grace

Thank you for this love, Lord

Thank you for the nail pierced hands

Washed me in Your cleansing flow

Now all I know

Your forgiveness and embrace

Worthy is the Lamb

Seated on the throne

Crown You now with many crowns

You reign victorious

High and lifted up

Jesus Son of God

The Darling of Heaven crucified

Worthy is the Lamb

Worthy is the Lamb

To My Birthday Girls...

January 9, 2000

"It's been a tough week. I have gone into preterm labor again and we need to wait to deliver until 37 weeks. Even though I can't wait to see you guys, I know we can do this so please let's try our best. I love you both and know that you are there, so stop kicking so much please."

Well we didn't make it to 37 weeks but we came close...35 weeks and 1 day. I can still remember that Friday morning like it was yesterday. Dr. Bradley came in to round and said, "We'll deliver first thing Monday morning so enjoy this last weekend. You'll be here in the hospital but enjoy it anyway!" Obviously the two of you had a very different plan because about an hour later and after throwing up for what must have been the 1,000,001 time Dr. Bradley was back in the room and said, "Monday's not good for me. I'm on call this weekend and you won't want my leftovers." This was his way of telling me that it was time...you guys weren't going to wait another few hours, let alone an entire weekend! Within 4 hours there you both were. So tiny and full of life. I watched as much of the c-section as I could, not wanting to miss a second of the process, knowing that with the anesthesia they would use while closing me, I would forget so much and I wanted to try to purposefully remember every second while I still could.

Madison...

I look at you and see all the things I want to be. In your small, short life you have taught me more lessons than I will ever teach you. You see a side of your mommy that no one else seems to notice and the fact that you take the time to truly "notice" people the way that you do not only inspires me but makes me want to be a better mother, better wife, better friend. Thank you for making me a mommy. For breathing in breath and taking me from "just me" to a parent. You are a blessing to my life and I look forward to every second I have with you on this Earth!

Makensie...

I look at you and I am reminded what it is like to be alive. I can see so much of myself in you that at times that I have to laugh...out loud! You are so funny, so loving and so kind. You are so respectful of others and want so much for people around you to feel happy and loved. I can't wait to see where Christ takes you in your walk with Him and am so thankful that He allowed me to be your mommy.

Father,

Words can't form in my head or type from my hands to even come close to the emotions that I have in my heart tonight. Looking in on my sweet girls as they sleep tonight, knowing that tomorrow they will turn nine years old...my cup runneth over. I will never feel worthy to be their mother, never feel worthy to be your child but I thank you Father for giving me the gift of my children. For letting me walk on this side of Heaven with them Lord. Bless them as they continue to grow in their faith in this world that is so evil. Bless them as they come into adulthood and marry. Lead them to godly men I pray Father. And give them peace in their times of need and of struggle, reminding them that You are with them always. Thank you for them Lord, thank you for Jesus and in His name I pray. Amen.

I'm Going...

I'm going for my children.
I'm going to teach them that when God speaks, they should answer.
I'm going to show them how to follow Him boldly...without fear.
I'm going so Madison will see how her keen sense of compassion can be used to glorify God.
I'm going so Makensie will see how even the smallest drop of water matters in the ocean.
I'm going so Makan will learn that God is bigger than the boogie man.
I'm going so Max will be reminded that God loves all the little children.
I'm going because my husband selflessly agreed to stay.
I'm going to experience God in a way like never before.
I'm going because I want my relationship with Him to explode.
I'm going because I need to be reminded of the true definition of hardship.
I'm going to experience raw, authentic worship.
I'm going with the understanding that without Him I would be of no benefit there.
I'm going because I need to see genuine hope again.
I'm going because I am finding myself prejudice of my own people.
I'm going with the hope of bringing someone to Christ.
I'm going because He instructed me to do so.
And I'm going even though many will not understand why I'm going.

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

Matthew 28:18-20

Sin...

Sometimes sin is this obvious

Other times it is not as apparent

Until I'm drowning in a pit of sin that only God's mercy can pull me out of.

Anybody need a deadbolt?

Today My Baby Turned Four...

February 14th, 2005. That is the day we learned of Max. That is the day I began to pray for this tiny being that although I was not aware at the time, God already knew that he would be my son. Four days he was on this earth without my knowing him and I can't help but wonder...did I know? Did my heart skip a beat the very second he came into this world? For just a moment did I feel a wave of unexpected emotion come over me. It's funny...until tonight I have never wondered this and four years later it is too difficult to remember what I was doing that day. Equally I wonder if on that fourth day Max felt a sense of peace over his little body, knowing that he had a family that would one day bring him home. Was it for even a brief moment that God's mercy and love could have poured down on us simultaneously? I read a poem once that asked a similar question.

But as I try to remember, as I try to allow my mind to wonder back to those days, I thank God that His word teaches me that He will never and has never left me. I don't have to wonder where He was those four days. He was on His throne and both Max and I were in His hands.

So as I wonder...as so often I do...I rest in the Word of God.

I don't think I have ever met a child that loves birthdays more than Max. He was so excited for today to come.

He was eager to get gifts but loved having a party even more.

And cake...what party is complete without a cake? He was so excited to have a volcano on his dinosaur cake!

Now he is sleeping. Snuggled up to his new "snort" (aka...smurf). And as he sleeps...as so often I do...I wonder.

What will he be when he grows up?

How will he feel as he matures into adolescence and adulthood as an adopted child?

Will I have the words?

Will he ever stray from God?

Did she think of him today?

Will he ever know how heaven moved in his life...that he ever breathed breath...will he ever comprehend the struggle that took place that day? Will I?

And once again, I take rest in the Word of God.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

Happy Birthday sweet boy. I love somebody that starts with a "M".

FFF...

My Makan has felt so bad lately. Please keep him in your prayers. He is having surgery next week. I have so much to share on the blog. Hopefully next week I will have time to catch up.

FFF...New

My Truths of the Day...

The truth is...

Today I struggled praying for our new president.

Today I was unforgiving.

Today I was not patient with my children.

Today I broke my diet.

Today I was jealous of a friend.

But the greatest truth of today...

I have a God who is in the forgiveness business! I have a God that no matter the amount of mistakes I make, no matter the chances I blow, the messes He has to pull me out of, He loves me. He forgives me. He never leaves me or foresakes me. Second chance, third chance...He never caps the mistakes I can make. He will take my life and make straight my path if only I give it over to Him.

Today I was talking to one of my closest friends about how easy it could be to sell God short. It seems the more I learn, the more I know I will never be able to fully comprehend the full measure of God's goodness and glory. At least not on this side of Heaven. But I know that He's the Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords, the timeless Redeemer, my call from sin and my faithful forever. He's my Lord and Savior and the lover coming for His bride. He's my all in all and I don't want to miss one second of Him!

Father,

I come to your throne thanking you for your mercy and grace. Lord, You are the reigning fire from heaven and You are worthy of our praise. I long for the day that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess. Father, forgive me of my sins and thank you for never give up on me. For always leading me back into your loving arms. Thank you for your son and it is in His name I pray, Amen.

So talk back to me...what's your truth for today?

A New Favorite...

"A Bible that is falling apart reveals a life that isn't."

Yes...I travelled today.

ps...go to K-Love's website and join the time of prayer tomorrow. Love to all.

FFF...Eyes...

I need your help!

I have shared on this blog in the past that I work in ATOD (Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drug) Prevention. I am currently working on an alcohol project that I really need your help with. Would you please leave a comment stating your age and if you ever drank alcohol in high school even on one occasion (I know this is a personal issue but I could really use the help).

Now...depending on if you answer yes or no...
If YES...please also answer "did your parents know you used" and "how much did your parents opinion (yes or no) matter to you)

If NO...please also answer "what ONE word best describes why you chose not to use" in regards to your parents.

I will use myself as an example...

I am 34 (OUCH) years old and I tried alcohol in high school. I only tried it a couple of times and my parents did not know (until my bratty brother told them!!!) . The couple of times I tried it I was SCARED to death they would find out and kill me! Their opinion mattered most to me.

another example is one of my girl friends...

I am 36 years old. Never tried alcohol in high school. One word...fear.

Thanks so much guys for all the help you can give! Lurkers leave comments please!

Please Pray for COCINA...

Please consider clicking on the video link below and praying for the people of Ouanaminthe and those who help run the school and clinic there.

http://www.haiticocina.org/med_clin_4min.html

Rachel's Dictionary...

(It's been a long time since I did one of these posts)

Term: Blessed

Today's Definition: The gift of Christian friends.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to get together with some wonderful Christian girlfriends from church to go out of town for a "Girl's Trip!" We had a blast...ate like pigs, shopped like wild women and never stopped gabbing...it was perfect!!!

My husband is my earthly rock and I love him beyond words. My children are my loves, no one warms my heart as much as them. But good Christian friends...they are the family you find along the way. Thanks Sabrina for hosting us. Stacy, I am so proud of you for making it all night (this was the first time she had left her baby girl) and Dannette...I'm still wondering why men snore when they lay on their backs. 4:30am was worth it!

Praying each of you experience the friendship and love that I have been blessed to have in these ladies and so many more friends like them.


ps...bloggies are also a blessing!

ChRiStMaS 2008 Recap

First the CHRISTmas Play...

We love our church family so much!

Makensie and Madison...singer/dancer girls

Daddy the shepherd. Makan and Max were camels but were undressed before I could snap a picture of them.

Next, off to John's parents to celebrate CHRISTmas...

Nothing else could have fit into the van!




Does every child love staying in a hotel as much as ours do? The pool had just been filled with water the morning we arrived. Bbrrrr!

John's grandfather with Makensie

John and his dad frying the bird

John's mother, grandmother, and aunt

CHRISTmas Eve at my parents

CHRISTmas Eve night at home...

Finally...my own robe!

Talking to "Santa" before bedtime

CHRISTmas morning...

CHRISTmas with my brother this weekend...

I love these boys!

and this one too!

Chuck the "practically-family" neighbor

My (graying) brother and Makan

my dad and John

Maddy on her new scooter

The game is on!

Papa & Makensie win!

Finally, goodbye to the tree and our favorite ornaments...

Both of the boys made these reindeer ornaments this year

The girls both made these mouse ornaments when they were the boys age.

John and I bought this ornament this year while at Lifeway's Festival of Marriages in Ridgecrest North Carolina. I love it!

Hoping everyone enjoyed their CHRISTmas as much as we did!

Isaiah 55:8

Thanking Him tonight that His ways are not my ways. What a strange way to save the world. What a strange way to save me.

Merry Christmas

Balance...

Me...living in a warm home, well fed, ready to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child.

and

Them...barely living.

Where's the balance?

Family Night...

When I was a little girl I would always talk my parents into opening one (or two) Christmas present early. I was so eager to open presents and would ask nicely (aka...beg) to get to open one as soon as they began appearing under the tree. So we started this tradition for our kids when they were born and we enjoy it so much! Tonight was the night...finally they got to open a gift. We ate pizza and pb&j (very nutritional) and we talked about the gift of Jesus and wondered what Mary and Joseph would have been doing about this time 2008 years ago. We had a blast!

Finally! Gift time!

Little boys first. Max & Makan were so excited...

These girls crack me up! They are so afraid they will get the exact same gifts that when opening presents they turn their backs to one another so they won't see their gift if the other one opens their box faster...

Peace!! Armwarmer style...

Check out my new "sleepy-shoes"

Lastly, we helped finish up a homemade gift for John's parents. It is too cute but we won't be able to share a picture until after Christmas. Here is a peek at John working on it this weekend though...

Hope everyone was able to enjoy some family time this evening! For more family fun check out whittakerwoman's blog!

ps...I was going to add a lot more pictures but blogger is having fits tonight for some reason!

Thankful...

Lately in my quiet times I have been consumed with how difficult it is to be "in the world" during this time on the Kingdom calender. And there are times as I have said before that I am left longing for home.

Knowing where my mind has been, I have tried to see purposefully the blessings all around me. As I walked into my church last Sunday night and saw the adults scurrying around getting things ready for the Christmas play and saw the many children getting ready I felt so over joyed. Wondering how exciting it would be to worship Him face to face in Glory! As I attended our Associational Sing this week I again thought of how blessed I was to be in the house of the Lord, worship with hundreds of other Christians...praising His name!

And then there was this weekend when we get together with good friends that reminds me again how truly blessed we are. In this world we will and are having troubles but praise God that He loves us...that He sent His son to us on Christmas to go to the cross for my/your sin. Praise Him that He loves me enough to show me the daily blessings that I so often pass over without noticing. And thanks to Him for great friends and family to walk with on this temporary dwelling we currently reside on.

Here a some pictures from our weekend. Good friends, good food, good candy, no winning for the winners but fun nonetheless, and a great game of 352 card pick up!