on a lighter note... BBQ MEATBALLS!

So that you don't think I am all serious all the time, I got inspired by supper last night to share an old family recipe for the best ever [truthfully!] BBQ'd meatballs! I don't know that my family invented this recipe, but it is the only one we have ever really enjoyed. They are so good, and smell so good, and they make great leftover meatball sandwiches! :)

Barbecued Meatballs

3 lbs. ground beef
1 [13 oz] can evaporated milk
2 c. oatmeal
2 eggs
1 c. chopped onion [I use 1/2]
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 tsp. chili powder

Sauce

1/2 c. chopped onion [optional]
2 c. ketchup
3/4 to 1 c. brown sugar
2 Tbsp liquid smoke
1/2 tsp. garlic powder

**Combine meatball ingredients. Shape into balls the size of walnuts.
Place in flat pan, only one layer to pan. [sides on pan needed] Dissolve sauce ingredients together. Pour over meatballs. Bake one hour @ 350*. Approximately 12 servings.

Hearts under construction....

I have felt attacked by many who do not seemed concerned with Gods heart for children and adoption. I try to not be angry and instead let Gods glory shine through me. I fail.

As of today, I am giving it all over to Him. I can not change human hearts, only the Creator can do that. I can not give them greater love and understanding, only the One that created them can do that. And you know what else? I am not a finished work either! This imperfect human heart of mine still needs help with this from God!

Below is the verse Hebrews 13: 3

Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies. - NLT

Millions of children worldwide go hungry each night.

In a Russian orphanage they do not get the medicines and health care they need.

In a Bulgarian orphanage they cry out for loving arms to hold them only to at last go silent, never to cry out again because they have finally been shown the truth that no one will come. So they begin to rock their own bodies in silence.

A mother in Liberia holds her dying child, and the Lord hears her and weeps, but His followers remain silent and unmoved.

A child in a Ukrainian orphanage has Down syndrome and can not walk. She is very small and undernourished. Upon age 7 she is moved to a mental institution wherein she dies within a few short months because of the common flu.

A child on the streets of San Francisco cries with hunger through the night, while all day long people pass him by hurrying to go eat at a restaurant that serves portion sizes way to big.

In the US a child is removed from her drug addicted mother at the age of 6. She spends the next 5 years going back and forth between foster homes and her birth mother. Upon turning 11 parental rights are finally terminated. She is now 11 years old, has experienced sexual and physical abuse, lived in squallor, lived in 3 loving foster homes, lived 3 in bad foster homes, met drug addicts, sexual predators, been high, had intercourse, been drunk, been hungry, been afraid, been left alone, been thrown back and forth in a system that too often seems to put the needs and rights of adults before the needs and rights of a child that can not defend herself.

I think of these children, and I cringe. What must God think of me? What love He must have to continue to love and forgive me even as He finally welcomes a sick and starving child into His loving arms? I can not help but think to myself,who had He called to be His hands and feet that did not answer? Please don't let it be me! So I pray:

Oh Father forgive me my excesses! Forgive me my temper tantrums over not getting what I want. Forgive me my worry over getting my fair share. Forgive me for not having a heart big enough to feel the pain of these little ones that are crying out! Lead me to do what I can, what you want. Lead me Father to humbleness and gratefulness beyond human comprehension. Lead me to have a heart like Yours!

(the following is adapted from a church newsletter) And still Father I pray that you:

Bless me with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships; so that I may live deep within my heart.

Bless me with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people; so that I may work for justice, freedom, and peace.

Bless me with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war; so that I may reach out my hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.

Bless me with enough foolishness to believe that I can make a difference in this world; so that I can do what others claim cannot be done!

I ask this in your Holy Name Jesus,

AMEN

** I share this so that if you feel called to, you will also pray it for yourselves and others. I pray it over all who read it. **

Are you being called today to make a difference for this hungry family! [now with video link!]

please go and take at look at "K's" story on this blog! http://tangobaby2.blogspot.com/2009/04/please-please-please-let.html You can donate to help her and her children, even a dollar or 2! I did!

NOW INCLUDED: a news video for those who worry about legitimacy
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/san_francisco&id=6787994

Remember Proverbs 24:12

"Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act"

"Be the change you want to see in the world!"

The Heart of God

At the bottom of this post is a paragraph from the www.showhope.org website. It is an orphan ministry started by Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife. Check it out and become part of the solution. If you are not part of the solution, then through fault of doing nothing you are a part of the problem.

This may make you angry, you may not agree with me, but 1 John 3:16-18 is just one place in the bible that commands us, as believers, to take ACTION! If you are not feeling called or at all able to adopt after exploring the option personally between you and God, ask yourself are you being called in a different, but very important way? Is God calling on you to donate to an orphan ministry, a specific family or child, or are you being called to minister in person to these millions of children in desperate need?

How can we expect these precious little ones to understand the love of their Heavenly Father, whom they can not see, if they are lacking the secure and basic love that comes from earthly arms they can see???? We are called to be His hands and feet. GET BUSY and take ACTION!

Taking words from a St. Jude letter I recieved "No child should die in the dawn of life" and might I add a bit by saying "No child should die in the dawn of life without ever knowing what it means to be truly valued and loved!!!"

I can not imagine how Gods heart breaks for these children!!! I can not imagine it, and I cry over it! How we all must grieve the heart of God when we do not feel the injustice and agony of the death of an unloved child!!!! "UNLOVED CHILD"... God gave us such precious blessings and so many of them are thrown away. Yes, we will answer to Him someday and for those who chose to do nothing.... you will finally understand what you let happen.

Remember... one person can not do everything, but one person CAN DO something! I urge you to "Be the change you want to see in this world!!!"

Please read on from www.showhope.org:

Adoption: to take by choice into a relationship as one’s own

Adoption is clearly God’s heart. It says in Ephesians 1:5, “…He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will.” There are roughly 100 million orphans around the world and if God can adopt us into His family and call us His own, it is our hope that you consider following His example by adopting.

Fun day at Deanna Rose!

Lucas and Ella, enjoying the swing together... well almost. ;)


Lucas made a new friend. He now wants a pet goat. He is his mothers son!



Aidan and Luke. Luke is obviously overcome with excitement as this is at the beginning of the zoo. :) He is so unable to not show what he is feeling! LOL

Deanna Rose is a great big petting zoo in Kansas City. It is a fantastic place to take your kids, and best of all it is FREE! Lucas, my youngest, had a great time. Above are some pictures from our day together with my sister and her 2 oldest kids. My other kids were all in school... benefit of being the youngest. :)

A letter to my girls.....

Hi girls!

This is mom. I wanted you to know I dreamed of you this afternoon! I got to hold you and play with you. It was very real. I feel it was a gift from God, to let me get to "see" you and "feel" you. I woke up way to soon.

I went shopping for your sister, Riley today. She needed shoes for her prom dress. We were able to find some that will look great with her dress, and they were priced very nicely. Only 10 dollars! Woo Hoo!

I also went into Old Navy and found your brother, Lucas, some shorts. While in there I browsed through the little girl section. I found the cutest little dresses! It was so hard not to buy them. But I didn't because I dont' know if you like dresses, or prefer pants. And I also dont' know what the season will be when I bring you home! I could picture you both, in little flowered dresses just twirling around for your daddys approval. You WILL twirl someday! If you can't do it alone, I will help you! All little princesses need to have a chance to twirl and show off how beautiful they are!

God created you, you are both princesses. Your Heavenly Father has decreed it! I can't remember right now where it says it in the Bible, but it does. Did you know that?

We had a sermon last night at church about remembering God in our jobs from 9 to 5, as well as at home or church. Do you know how lucky I am? MOM is my job, 24/7, and I wouldn't trade that for anything! I remember God, but I also see Him constantly. I see Him in the smile of my children, in the promise of things yet to come, in the blessings He daily loads upon all of us, in the pictures of you, in the breeze, in the birds overhead, in the moon and stars that shine so bright out here in the country.

I hope I get to share all that with you. Yana... I hope I get to be with you soon and see a big harvest moon, or shining stars. I hope I can be with you soon when you say "birdie" for the first time adn point to the sky! I can't wait till you say "mommy" when you are looking into my eyes! Shawnee... I hope I get to be with you when you hear the birds sing, feel the sun on your face, and the wind in your hair! I want to hold your hands as you explore the green grass of summer and the water in the pool on a hot day. I want you to pat my face as you say "mommy".

I don't know how one can love what one has not ever seen. But you know, I love God and have never "seen" him. And God loves you and has seen you, he created you! And because I love God and the Holy Spirit dwells within my heart... my heart loves what God loves. So you see, I do love you both even though we have yet to meet!

May your day be blessed as you wake up this morning! May you be held, loved, fed, cuddled, played with, and kept safe! It may take a while, but mommy will come for you! God has a plan, and He will do what He feels is right! I pray to be allowed the unparalleled blessing of being your Mom!

Love,

Mom

Columbine Dad Cries Out ...

Copied from http://ridinthewavewithulord.blogspot.com ------


"Guess our national leaders didn't expect this, hmm? On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado , was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful. They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness. The following is a portion of the transcript:

"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women.. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers. "The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used.. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart. "In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun.. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent. I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best.

Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage, You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms, And precious children die. You seek for answers everywhere, And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws, Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand, That God is what we need!

" Men and women are three-part beings. We al l consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts. "As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge..... Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone! My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!" Do what the media did not - - let the nation hear this man's speech.. Please feel free to copy this & send this out to everyone you can. Many thanks & God bless.

Because he has been on my heart:

Drew needs a family desperately! Drew has Down syndrome. Could you be the one? He is extremely delayed, he has no future w/o a mommy and or a daddy! May the Lord speak to you and through you...

• 2 trips, 5 days each

• Approx cost only $19k!

• NO UPPER AGE LIMIT

• Single mothers may apply

• Easy dossier, very few restrictions

• POSSIBLE ESCORT AVAILABLE

Contact Reeces Rainbow if you think you might be a family for Drew. He is still so much a baby, even though he just turned 5 years old!

www.reecesrainbow.org/atriskboys.htm

Lost

adapted from a poem written by Rev Martin Neimoller 1945

First He called for the martyrs, but I didn't speak up because I didn't feel called to die for the Lord.

Then He called for the missionaries, but I didn't speak up because I didn't feel called to make spreading the word of God my life's priority.

Then He called for those willing to rescue the poor, the orphaned, and the 'least of these', but I didn't speak up because I didn't feel secure enough with all I had to share it so unconditionally.

Then He called for the lost, and I couldn't speak at all because I had finally realized this was me.

*** guess I am feeling wordy today. I had a great prayer time with the sun and the SON shining on my face and heart this morning!

Active Faith

In my journey into the world of adoption, beginning in 2005, I have had many "well meaning" and "not so well meaning" people offer me advice or "guidance". Some claiming to understand great faith, while others were quite positive they knew Gods will for my life. Neither that understood "great faith" or God's will for my life entailed adopting. And most especially it did NOT entail adopting out of my race and absolutely NO special needs.

I have always tried to respond in a way that would glorify God the Father. He may be teaching them through me, or teaching me through them. Adoption is a magnificent way to glorify God.
But comments that declare me as selfish, uncaring, hurting my "real"[their words, not mine] children, destroying my marriage and my husband, ruining my childrens future and twisting the Word of God to suit my own purposes I find very offensive.

To begin with God's heart is for the orphan, the weak, the defenseless, the least of these, the lonely .... AND if God's heart is for this, shouldn't ours be also. Additionally we are called to an ACTIVE FAITH! 1 John 3: 17-19 speaks most strongly to my heart. "Suppose someone has enough to live and sees a brother or sister in need, but does not help. Then God's love is not living in that person. [Fellow believers], we should love people not only with words or talk, but by our ACTIONS and true caring."

Take note that these verses do not refer only to those who have an abundance of things, but those who have enough. Take note that we are called to act, not from any excess we feel we can spare, but out of all that we have that is not truly needed. We are called to be Gods hands and feet, to let his love dwell in us and be expressed through action!

James 2: 14-20 talks about faith as a word of action. In verses 17 through 19 it says: "In the same way, faith that is alone- that does nothing- is dead. Someone might say, "you have faith, but I have deeds." Show me your faith without doing anything and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe there is one God, Good! But the demons believe that too, and they tremble with fear." I take this to mean, do you believe in God or do you believe God? Are you living a life that requires faith? Or are you living a life that lets you believe God is good, but allows no room for God to be glorified?

I recently read this quote: Ships are safe inside their harbor. But, is that what ships are for ?
--- Thom Bishop, Wake up and dream Ephesians 2:10 says "We are His workmanSHIP. Created in Christ Jesus to do good works which He prepared in advance for us to do." Are you still in the harbor? Have you set sail in the name of the Lord????

We are adding to our family with the adoption of 2 little girls from Bulgaria. They are orphans, they are in need, they are lonely, they are "the least of these". We have enough. God has blessed us with more than enough and we are answering the call He has placed in our hearts to set sail and bring these girls into our family. We feel so honored to be called upon by God to welcome these two little girls into our lives. May we prove worthy of such a calling! We are answering the call with affirmative action, we have said "YES Lord, YES Lord, YES YES Lord. AMEN!"

We ask all friends, strangers,and loved ones to join us in prayer, to rejoice with us, to open your hearts and minds, to join the cause of the orphan and the poor! FIGHT FOR THEM! Do not let the world tell you it is of no use! Do not make the mistake of thinking it isn't your responsibility to make life better for whomever God places on your heart! God has called you to arms! The trumpet has sounded! Be bold, answer His call with a "YES LORD!".

When that day of judgement comes, I want to stand before Him able to say "I have nothing left God. I used everything you gave me!" [Think this is an Erma Bombeck quote?... maybe]

Let you faith loose. Let it be alive and active! Untie the ropes of this world and set sail! You will never see new lands if you always make sure you can see the shoreline!!!!

____________________________________



What does active faith have to do with adoption? What doesn't it?

Please consider 3 year old Martin....

Martin is just too cute for words! He has a nice grant, won't you please consider giving him the gift of family! He has Down syndrome, and is delayed overall, but has so much potential!!! Are you willing to be the one to rescue him from life in an orphanage with no mommy, no daddy, no birthday, no Christmas, no future???? Listen closely, God calls specific people to specific works. Is HE calling you?



*

2 trips, 5 days each
*

Approx cost only $19k!
*

NO UPPER AGE LIMIT
*

Single mothers may apply
*

Easy dossier, very few restrictions
*

POSSIBLE ESCORT AVAILABLE



I HAVE A 500 EURO AGENCY GRANT AVAILABLE

I have $150 in my grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!

http://www.reecesrainbow.org/atriskboys.htm

Child Trafficking

*** The following is taken directly from the Rainbowkids.com monthly newsletter:


Child Trafficking and Adoption: Not the Same Thing

There have been recent news reports concerning Rubiana Ali, the child-actress in the Oscar-winning movie, "Slumdog Millionaire", and her father's attempt to sell her to the highest bidder. It is important for adoptive families everywhere to speak-out against the use of the term "Adoption" in reference to this obvious case of child-trafficking. Too many major media outlets are reporting that Rubiana's father was trying to "offer her for adoption for a price". We must never allow the very wide line between child-trafficking and adoption to narrow. Offering a child FOR SALE, to make a profit and without regard for the child's well-being, is child trafficking. Thoughtfully and legally placing a child into a loving home for the purpose of bettering that child's life, is adoption. There is a growing wave of anti-adoption sentiment sweeping the world today. As parents and advocates, let us stand ready to correct this misconception whenever it may occur.

Thank you.

Give a child the gift of "Mom" this Mothers Day....

Reeces Rainbow celebrates Moms of all families, races, countries, and circumstances. Can you help make a childs dream of a "Mom of their own" come true?


Visit Reeces Rainbow today:

http://www.reecesrainbow.org/mothersday2009.htm

This Mother's Day, consider sponsoring one of our (83) waiting MOTHERS, who have all committed to rescue one or more of our angels with Down syndrome and are anxiously awaiting their turn to travel and bring these little ones home to their "forever families".

Between now and May 10th, your gifts are truly saving the life of a little one with Down syndrome or other special needs! Each of these families are in various stages of the "paper pregnancy" journey, and they all still need your help to save these children.

In the beginning there was a Homestudy...

So we had our first visit from our social worker on Friday. Everything went so well! Beverly has been doing this a long time, and I feel she will be very efficient in getting things going and done with! She sent me an email and it said: "Any child would be blessed to be adopted by your family!" It never fails to worry me how others see us, and yet I wouldn't trade any of my kids or my husband for any treasure of this world! We are loud, loving, loyal, and possibly just a little bit crazy. :)

Now we spend time on the paper trail of health forms, legal clearances, birth certificates, marriage license, sign here, notarize here, apostille there.... and so on and so on.

The road seems SSSSOOOO long, and the cost very daunting. I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father that He is in charge of all this and not me!!!!

Yana and Shawnee, we are praying for you daily and we WILL be there to bring you home. May God hold you in His arms till we can share you with Him!

fundraiser below...

Hi all. The Chip In will start updating in about 2 days. Sorry for the confusion! :) I am having to wait on verification from my bank which takes 2 days. After that, it should update each time someone donates. :)

You have to enter to win:

2 Samuel 10: 12 ... Yes Lord! I am listening!!!!

"Be strong. We must fight bravely... the Lord will do what He thinks is right."

I had prayed so hard, so faithfully, so fervently: "Lord I need an answer!! Is pursuing international adoption, let alone the adoption of 2 special needs girls right or wrong? What is your will for my life, what do you want me to do? If I get a "green light" from you in a very obvious message I will go! I haven't gotten a "NO", but Lord I am not hearing a "YES" from you either, yet I feel an urge to MOVE!"

Well, I never received my "YES" in a booming voice from God. But over and over in His word I got confirmation of His heart for the orphan, the needy, the suffering. James 1:27, 1 John 3:16-22, James 2:14-17... plus many more.

I have struggled one day with great doubt and the next day I would be so at peace with the decision to pursue the adoption of my girls that I know God had calmed my fears. Lately, more peace than doubt has been in my heart. Praise the Lord!!

So tonight I am reading John Pipers book.. "Don't Waste Your Life" [thank you Keno family blog for bringing the book to my attention :)!] Anyway, I am reading a chapter on risking all for the glory of Jesus and our love for Him. Basically it said that at times we will have no idea of the outcome and God did not specifically say to us "go this way or that way", so we make the choice we feel is in line with Gods Word/teachings and we give the outcome over to Him totally saying with all our heart "May the Lord do what He thinks is right."

Thank you Heavenly Father for giving me these words from Your Word. Thank you for my answer! ... AMEN!

Friends and loved ones, I do NOT have the faintest idea how this is going to work, or what the final outcome will be. I want to bring these girls home with all my heart. And yet I also can faithfully and peacefully, through the Holy Spirit dwelling in me, say that the Lord will do what He thinks is right. And that gives me such a sense of peace. I am willing to risk the unknowns so Gods glory can shine in the completion of these girls as part of my family, or in the heartbreak of having to let them go. I am fully committed to them, but as with all adoptions, esp. international there are MANY unknowns and many risks!

The Lord be praised!

Grab this Button!

If you click on the picture below, it will take you to our page to donate funds through Reece/s Rainbow to help bring our girls home. The donations are tax deductible and you will receive a receipt stating so. As with all children needing homes, and esp. in countries that have not set up programs that enable orphans to be very well taken care of, getting these girls home ASAP is of utmost importance for a variety of reasons. Reasons such as nutrition, health, development, medical care etc., but the most important of these... LOVE and family. As a good friend said recently... pray to God and ask WHAT he wants you to do for the "orphan". Not IF, but WHAT. That may be prayer, donations to help a child or children find their forever family, or maybe even the adoption of a child in need into your own family. God has already opened the door for you, for each of us. You hvae to walk through it to see what is on the other side!


Grab This Button

<a href="http://www.reecesrainbow.org/sponsormayden.htm"><img src="http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii346/graphicsbyamanda/MaydenGirlsButton01.jpg"/></a><br/><a href="http://trustedwithmuch.blogspot.com/2009/04/grab-this-button.html">Grab This Button</a>

Peace...

I am once again at peace with our adoption plans! I had a hard week last week. Lots of doubt came at me from all sides. But you know, the Lord [and my husband ;)] are the only supporters I need of this adoption. And I really felt the Lord showed me through His Word, and others stories that He is longing for us to take this journey!

Thank you Heavenly Father!! Though the way may be rocky, you will travel with us and make us strong! I love you!

If you say GO, I will GO.
If you say WAIT, I will WAIT.
If you say step out on the water and they say it can't be done,
I'll fix my eyes on You and I will come!

Lord your ways are higher than my ways.
And the plans that You have laid are good and true.
If you call me to the fire, You will not withdraw Your hands.
I'll gaze into the flames and look for You!!!

Your will be done Lord,
Amen