The best way to take the focus off of ourselves and our circumstances is to put the focus on the LORD. So, in order to divert the ensuing pity party... a list.
This list goes on infinately (because we are indeed talking about an infinite GOD), but with my narrow, human perspective, here are just a few of the awesome deeds GOD has done on my behalf:
-Salvation (John 3:16)
-Friendship with Jesus Christ (John 15:12)
-Hope (Romans 8:24-25)
-Peace (Philippians 4:6-7)
-my awesome spouse/partner/best friend
-my beautiful children Ashleigh Ciera, Austin Christopher, Amy-Hui Carmichael and Anna Chenghao
-some of the most fabulous family a gal could ever hope for
-the community of Grace (my church)
-some rockin' awesome fellow adoptive moms
-my powerful prayer partners
-the constant opportunities to build perseverence (James 1:2-4)
That's a start.
(I do believe that's a 10-4. Pity party diverted...)
Thursday, May 31, 2007
A few more as we wait...
My friend Kim (Ellye's momma) sent a few more pics of Anna from their visit on Mother's Day. God is faithfully sustaining us in the wait (although we are finding it much more difficult to be patient). Oh, but let's look at that sweet face before I start my random mumbling...
a sweet kiss
a sweet kiss
such a big girl
Our passports are here - with visa stamps in place. We are researching airfare (and OH MY is it not cheap...). The bags are nearly packed. The paperwork is ready. The house is a wreck. :) The deep freeze is stocked (17 meals!).
Amy senses it. She has been "abiding" in the threes this week. Fun.
She cried out in her sleep twice last night (and she hasn't done that in months).
On Tuesday night, I was sitting in the kitchen and the family was nearby (in the kitchen and family room). I had that sudden thought of "where is everyone? we're not all here." Guess what? There were five of us all within earshot; but we are not a family of five anymore. I was searching the room for Anna. It's the first time I missed her presence...
Then yesterday morning, as I was putting laundry away, I asked Chris if Anna was still sleeping. I obviously meant Amy, but it was a sincere slip.
We are ready. Just waiting.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Happy Nappy
Several friends harass me for referring to Amy's naptime as "happy nappy"... I should give credit where credit is due for that little term: Chris. It all originated with him. I love it and we will keep it. Amy is funny if you try to say "good night" to her at naptime. "Happy NAPPY" she says in response.
She is taking a happy nappy right now. And THAT is a good thing. Amy isn't so happy without her nappy. We weren't home yesterday and so she only got a little 15 minute nap in the car. Can I just say that we have been paying for that since last night at about 5 pm? Yuck. She had trouble falling asleep last night (WHO ever said that kids would sleep better at night without a nap? It just isn't true!) and was a JOY this morning as we were heading to church. I was more than happy to pass her off to Wee Worship and Sunday School this morning (where - of course - she was good! Why is it that they are pills for us, but angels for everyone else?).
She learned about Noah this morning (of course the tamed down version of God's judgement on mankind). I think she got it, though. At least the part about God loving Noah and taking care of him and how He takes care of us, too.
Now she is a kangaroo.
I haven't mentioned that, have I? How she loves to oink or neigh around the house - pretending to be an animal? Yup. *sigh* I won't let her do it in public (mostly because I am embarrassed by it). When we get ready to leave the house I say "Amy - baby elephants can't ride in the van, so you need to be my Big Girl now." Yesterday was by far our funniest encounter with one of her animals! We were at Famous Dave's (a BBQ place) eating lunch. She started oinking like a pig! Chris quickly said that maybe Famous Dave's wasn't the safest place to be a "piggy". LOL!!!
A friend of ours that is a missionary to Poland was at church this morning. It was great to see her. She asked if Ashleigh was in 7th grade! Holy COW! I am not very pleased with how tall my oldest daughter is getting - or that she is looking more and more grown up all the time. I miss dressing her in Gymboree with hair bows... Now it's Old Navy bermuda shorts with the little empire style top and ballerina flats. I can handle the ballerina flats, but the stylin' clothes just emphasize the fact that she isn't a little girl anymore.
Austin cracks me up! Friday we were at the church for Bible study and he was playing with his buddies. Somehow he got his thumb stuck and slammed in the door. He SCREAMED bloody murder forever. I calmed him down and got him a bag of ice. I told him to sit and hold it on his thumb for awhile. He had barely caught his breath when he whined back "but I want to play!" His thumb was purple and all he could think of was that he was missing out on 10 minutes of playing!
Well, I think that's about it. I know this was rather random, but that's about all I am capable of these days :) We are still in our "holding pattern" as far as Anna is concerned - but we trust that she will be home soon. The "when" is yet to be determined, but we don't need all those details just yet.
I do still own a camera. I just haven't been putting it in the bag the last few weeks. We are hoping to have a very full day tomorrow - so check back later in the week for some updated pics of three of the most fabulous "peeps" I know...
She is taking a happy nappy right now. And THAT is a good thing. Amy isn't so happy without her nappy. We weren't home yesterday and so she only got a little 15 minute nap in the car. Can I just say that we have been paying for that since last night at about 5 pm? Yuck. She had trouble falling asleep last night (WHO ever said that kids would sleep better at night without a nap? It just isn't true!) and was a JOY this morning as we were heading to church. I was more than happy to pass her off to Wee Worship and Sunday School this morning (where - of course - she was good! Why is it that they are pills for us, but angels for everyone else?).
She learned about Noah this morning (of course the tamed down version of God's judgement on mankind). I think she got it, though. At least the part about God loving Noah and taking care of him and how He takes care of us, too.
Now she is a kangaroo.
I haven't mentioned that, have I? How she loves to oink or neigh around the house - pretending to be an animal? Yup. *sigh* I won't let her do it in public (mostly because I am embarrassed by it). When we get ready to leave the house I say "Amy - baby elephants can't ride in the van, so you need to be my Big Girl now." Yesterday was by far our funniest encounter with one of her animals! We were at Famous Dave's (a BBQ place) eating lunch. She started oinking like a pig! Chris quickly said that maybe Famous Dave's wasn't the safest place to be a "piggy". LOL!!!
A friend of ours that is a missionary to Poland was at church this morning. It was great to see her. She asked if Ashleigh was in 7th grade! Holy COW! I am not very pleased with how tall my oldest daughter is getting - or that she is looking more and more grown up all the time. I miss dressing her in Gymboree with hair bows... Now it's Old Navy bermuda shorts with the little empire style top and ballerina flats. I can handle the ballerina flats, but the stylin' clothes just emphasize the fact that she isn't a little girl anymore.
Austin cracks me up! Friday we were at the church for Bible study and he was playing with his buddies. Somehow he got his thumb stuck and slammed in the door. He SCREAMED bloody murder forever. I calmed him down and got him a bag of ice. I told him to sit and hold it on his thumb for awhile. He had barely caught his breath when he whined back "but I want to play!" His thumb was purple and all he could think of was that he was missing out on 10 minutes of playing!
Well, I think that's about it. I know this was rather random, but that's about all I am capable of these days :) We are still in our "holding pattern" as far as Anna is concerned - but we trust that she will be home soon. The "when" is yet to be determined, but we don't need all those details just yet.
I do still own a camera. I just haven't been putting it in the bag the last few weeks. We are hoping to have a very full day tomorrow - so check back later in the week for some updated pics of three of the most fabulous "peeps" I know...
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Anna Update
We were sooo blessed to have an update on Anna waiting in our "inbox" this morning! Here's what the update said:
Height: 31.5 inches
Weight: 23 pounds
Foot: 5 inches
Teeth: 6
Huh? Wait - I thought... YES - you are right - there ARE more than 6 teeth in her mouth LOL!!!
This picture shows at least 12 teeth that can be seen!
I can't do anything but laugh...
But the update (if the rest is accurate) puts her about a half inch shorter than Amy was at Gotcha and a pound BIGGER than Amy! It's a good thing I have been carrying around a 27 pound little girl for the last 14 months - or that 23 pound girl might scare me (and my back in that baby carrier for two weeks...).
Two words: she's healthy!
Height: 31.5 inches
Weight: 23 pounds
Foot: 5 inches
Teeth: 6
Huh? Wait - I thought... YES - you are right - there ARE more than 6 teeth in her mouth LOL!!!
This picture shows at least 12 teeth that can be seen!
I can't do anything but laugh...
But the update (if the rest is accurate) puts her about a half inch shorter than Amy was at Gotcha and a pound BIGGER than Amy! It's a good thing I have been carrying around a 27 pound little girl for the last 14 months - or that 23 pound girl might scare me (and my back in that baby carrier for two weeks...).
Two words: she's healthy!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Seventy-seven
Just wanted to share that we received our LOA on Friday last week! It was on day 77 - which happens to be the day we received TA for Amy back on March 27, 2006!
It was really very cool and so God's timing...
I was tucking Amy into bed on Thursday night and was just enjoying how precious she is. Chris had taken the big kids to an 8th grade promotion and it was just a Momma and Amy night. As I was tucking her in, she looked over at the wide-open pace next to her in the huge queen bed and said "Baby Anna sleep here." In that moment, God whispered to my heart "Amy's ready."
We have prayed that God would not bring Anna home until AMY was ready.
Friday I wrestled all day with how I had been praying for God to "hurry up and bring our LOA". I felt quite convicted after our Bible study that I had been praying wrong. I was driving home from Bible study, just confessing my attitude and asking for God to provide strength and patience for the wait ahead. As I was praying, my cell phone rang! It was Kathy at our adoption agency!!!
So, from here, we anticipate our official Travel Approval to arrive sometime in the next two to three weeks.
Getting OH so closer to being a family of six...
It was really very cool and so God's timing...
I was tucking Amy into bed on Thursday night and was just enjoying how precious she is. Chris had taken the big kids to an 8th grade promotion and it was just a Momma and Amy night. As I was tucking her in, she looked over at the wide-open pace next to her in the huge queen bed and said "Baby Anna sleep here." In that moment, God whispered to my heart "Amy's ready."
We have prayed that God would not bring Anna home until AMY was ready.
Friday I wrestled all day with how I had been praying for God to "hurry up and bring our LOA". I felt quite convicted after our Bible study that I had been praying wrong. I was driving home from Bible study, just confessing my attitude and asking for God to provide strength and patience for the wait ahead. As I was praying, my cell phone rang! It was Kathy at our adoption agency!!!
So, from here, we anticipate our official Travel Approval to arrive sometime in the next two to three weeks.
Getting OH so closer to being a family of six...
Friday, May 18, 2007
Waiting...
I am totally copying this from a daily devotional site that I read every day - Proverbs 31 Ministries...
It speaks VOLUMES!!!
Friday, May 18, 2007
The Waiting
By Zoë Elmore
It speaks VOLUMES!!!
Friday, May 18, 2007
The Waiting
By Zoë Elmore
“Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh King of Egypt. And Joseph went out from Pharaoh's presence and traveled throughout Egypt.”Genesis 41:46 (NIV)
Our oldest son graduated from college and now lives and works in another state. As parents we are grateful and proud for our son; not to mention relieved by the financial ease of having one less child on our “payroll.” While the benefits of his job are above and beyond what any new college grad could hope for, our son believes God is calling him to a place of service and ministry. When he asked for our opinion we tried hard to balance the love we have for him with the common sense of a parent that says you must be crazy to think about leaving this job. Of course we’d love to see our son serve the Lord in a ministry, but without clear direction and opportunity we have cautioned our son about the dangers of running ahead of God’s perfect timing.
God has gifted our son with the ability to connect with and influence people with his passion for life. While passion is a good thing, left unchecked it will burn out quickly. I’m reminded of David and Joseph from the Old Testament. Just like our son, they too had a passion to love and serve God. We learn from Scripture that God called these men into a place of service for His eternal kingdom; but only after a time of waiting while they experienced God’s refining fire of trial and temptation were they ready to assume the duties and responsibilities these positions would require.
Joseph was 17 years old when his brothers sold him into slavery, and it wasn’t until he was 30 years old that he was promoted into Pharaoh’s service. At 16, David was told of his future as king, yet it took another sixteen years before that became a reality. Both men endured rejection, loneness, and deprivation along the pathway that led to their position of service. It’s interesting to note that there is no record of either man whining or complaining during his years of waiting. I can find no evidence that either man shook his fist in God’s face and demanded his reward. Instead I find men of integrity who learned patience and obedience while totally relying on God to work every circumstance for their good and His glory on their way to assuming the next position God had for them.
If you’re seeking God’s direction in your life, take a page from the life of Joseph and David. Commit your heart and your life to patiently waiting on God. Be obedient to what He has called you to do right now, and do it with excellence. Learn to be content while waiting on God to change your present circumstances. Ask God to show you the lessons He wants to teach you in order to be ready to assume the next position He is preparing you for. Do not run ahead of the Lord. Hurry is the death of trust.
Dear Lord, I long to know Your will for my life. Help me to be content right where You have placed me and teach me the lessons I must learn before receiving the next position You are preparing for me, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Reflections: Are you doing your job with excellence everyday as you wait on the Lord to show you His plans for your life?Check your attitude. Are you waiting on God with patience and obedience?
Power Verses:Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (NIV)
Psalm 40:1-5, “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.” (NIV)
And THESE children are the task I have been given today...
And THESE children are the task I have been given today...
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
looking back in time...
My Anna was only a month and a half old and we were actually waiting for our log-in-date for AMY at the time I wrote this in my private journal while waiting for the daughter we would call Amy...
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Is waiting really a bad thing???
To stay in place of expectation. To look forward expectantly. To be ready and available.These are all definitions for the word wait.
Simeon and Anna. Two people unlikely to steal away any recognition during the Christmas season.
Simeon and Anna waited. They waited for the fulfillment to a promise. The Messiah, the Redeemer, the King, the Savior of the Jewish people.
Anna was a widow. Luke tells us that she "never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying." That is what I call being ready and available. There wasn't a chance she would miss the child.
Simeon was "waiting for the consolation of Israel." He was also ready and available. The Spirit moved him and he went to the temple courts where he beheld the Christ.
What gives two old people the kind of Hope that causes them to wait? They expected that if a promise had been made then the promise would be fulfilled.
Luke doesn't say how long these two waited. What is clear is that they did wait. They anticipated. They looked forward.
This gives me hope. I am not waiting for the Messiah; He has come and lives in me. I am not waiting for the deliverance of my people. I am waiting for a daughter. Surely, if these two could wait for the most exciting thing to happen EVER, I can wait for a short while on the Lord. I can look forward expectantly for God to fulfill this promise to me.
A gentle reminder via a nudge from the Spirit to re-explore the very person for whom our little Anna is named. * I am blessed again by the faith of Anna.
*
Background on the name for those wondering...
First and foremost, our Anna is named for the Anna of the New Testament. But, my middle name is Annette, my maternal grandmother's middle name is Anna and my paternal great, great grandmother's name was Anna. We couldn't decide on a middle name (that started with a C of course). When we recieved Anna's referral and saw that her unique Chinese name was "Chenghao" - well, we knew what her middle name was supposed to be. :)
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Is waiting really a bad thing???
To stay in place of expectation. To look forward expectantly. To be ready and available.These are all definitions for the word wait.
Simeon and Anna. Two people unlikely to steal away any recognition during the Christmas season.
Simeon and Anna waited. They waited for the fulfillment to a promise. The Messiah, the Redeemer, the King, the Savior of the Jewish people.
Anna was a widow. Luke tells us that she "never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying." That is what I call being ready and available. There wasn't a chance she would miss the child.
Simeon was "waiting for the consolation of Israel." He was also ready and available. The Spirit moved him and he went to the temple courts where he beheld the Christ.
What gives two old people the kind of Hope that causes them to wait? They expected that if a promise had been made then the promise would be fulfilled.
Luke doesn't say how long these two waited. What is clear is that they did wait. They anticipated. They looked forward.
This gives me hope. I am not waiting for the Messiah; He has come and lives in me. I am not waiting for the deliverance of my people. I am waiting for a daughter. Surely, if these two could wait for the most exciting thing to happen EVER, I can wait for a short while on the Lord. I can look forward expectantly for God to fulfill this promise to me.
A gentle reminder via a nudge from the Spirit to re-explore the very person for whom our little Anna is named. * I am blessed again by the faith of Anna.
*
Background on the name for those wondering...
First and foremost, our Anna is named for the Anna of the New Testament. But, my middle name is Annette, my maternal grandmother's middle name is Anna and my paternal great, great grandmother's name was Anna. We couldn't decide on a middle name (that started with a C of course). When we recieved Anna's referral and saw that her unique Chinese name was "Chenghao" - well, we knew what her middle name was supposed to be. :)
Monday, May 14, 2007
Hey - did you happen to see...
...one of the most beautiful girls in the world???
Well, yesterday (Mother's Day) evening, we got a very precious gift! The family in China now (that I previously asked for prayer for their little Ellye) visited Anna's orphanage yesterday and got some very priceless pictures of Miss Anna! These are the first updated pics we have received since her referral on December 7!
She is pretty little, but maybe not as little as Amy was when we got her. I am going to Carters today to exchange a LOT of 12 months clothes for 18 and 24 month stuff.
We are blessed to have these pics to sustain us during the wait for our letter and travel approval! Enjoy!
Soooooo serious
Well, yesterday (Mother's Day) evening, we got a very precious gift! The family in China now (that I previously asked for prayer for their little Ellye) visited Anna's orphanage yesterday and got some very priceless pictures of Miss Anna! These are the first updated pics we have received since her referral on December 7!
She is pretty little, but maybe not as little as Amy was when we got her. I am going to Carters today to exchange a LOT of 12 months clothes for 18 and 24 month stuff.
We are blessed to have these pics to sustain us during the wait for our letter and travel approval! Enjoy!
Soooooo serious
Kim giving Anna the little bunny we sent (that Amy loved all over for her!)
Look at those cheeks!
more pics of Anna...
Listening intently to what Kim is telling her about he Mama and Baba
Kim praying over Anna
Anna is obviously very loved by the director of JiangCheng
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Friends - would you please pray?
Our friends Kim and Craig are in China right now. It is really the coolest thing - they have a daughter from Yangjiang SWI (Amy's first home) and are adopting from JiangCheng District SWI (Anna's current home). Their sweet girl - Ellye - is grieving right now; a lot. Could you stop right now and say a prayer for them?
I know how hard it is when the child you have longed for can't fully embrace you or abide in your love because their heart is aching so much.
A reminder of what prayer CAN do...
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
the recital and other random thoughts...
We weren't allowed to take photos during the recital, but I did get one of Ash before we went. This is her tap costume.
She did a fabulous job! We are very proud of all her hard work.
She did a fabulous job! We are very proud of all her hard work.
As many of you have heard, we have a stormy few days here in Kansas. I cannot get over how severe the storms have been. We are thankful that we have been spared any severe weather in our town, but the effect of the destruction to our "neighbors" in Greensburg has devastated our entire state.
I am proud to say that Samaritan's Purse rolled into Haviland (near Greensburg) last night and will be assessing the needs and how they may help. I had the awesome privilege of working with Samaritan's Purse in November of 2005 in New Orleans. This is a wonderful non-profit that works hand in hand with Billy Graham Evangelistic Association to meet the physical needs AND the spiritual needs of those struck by disaster.
If you are compelled to assist financially to the effort in Greensburg, would you consider giving to Samaritan's Purse?
Blessings to all of you and praise God for His everlasting love!
Friday, May 04, 2007
dress rehearsal and ducks???
How's THAT for a hook?
Ashleigh had her dress rehearsal tonight for her first recital! I am so excited! She did a fabulous job and I am very proud of how hard she has worked! She is a beautiful ballerina...
For their tap routine, her class is performing to the song "That's Where The Party's At" by the Newsboys! It is just a lot of fun!
Ashleigh had her dress rehearsal tonight for her first recital! I am so excited! She did a fabulous job and I am very proud of how hard she has worked! She is a beautiful ballerina...
For their tap routine, her class is performing to the song "That's Where The Party's At" by the Newsboys! It is just a lot of fun!
The ballet is to the music of Andrew Peterson - Behold the Lamb. It is absolutley beautiful... Ashleigh's class performs to the song "Passover Us". I just got "chill-bumps" as they performed tonight. I am sure that watching the entire ballet - uninterrupted - will be an awesome time for worship!
Amy was TOO cute when the first dancers came on stage! She was standing and peering over the back of the seat and the dancers started. She whipped her head around towards me and said - with a sparkle in her eyes - "wow....". Priceless...
And then we came home to THIS in the front yard!!!
(and now you see how many weeds are in my "flower" garden!)
We live a good mile from water, so I am not sure how they found our yard or what it was that had them soooooo interested, but it was a fun surprise!
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