Tuesday, June 30, 2009

What I learned this morning....

The following info was gathered from a Christian Radio Broadcast this morning. I think it was from a sermon by Chip Ingram. Anway, the title of the series is "Is Your God To Small?"

Some points that I felt compelled to write down and thus share with you all...

Seeking God is not a spectator sport!


Steps to seeking God, based on Proverbs Ch. 2.
1. Intake of God's word.
2. Attitude
-be teachable
3. Passionate Prayer
4. Prioritize God


*** You can not fully seek and find God through the intellect of others. True relationship and knowledge of who God is is birthed in the heart.


How do I know if I have an accurate view of who God is?
1. I have energy for God and Godly pursuits
2. Great and reverent thoughts of God
3. Show great boldness for God

Sunday, June 28, 2009

I just love this dress!



Is it not the cutest? Here is the link...

http://www.lourdey.com/prodtype.asp?CAT_ID=124&strPageHistory=category

Dreaming...

I dreamed about my 2 little girls last night. It was so real. My husband and I went to bring them home. I can not explain the feelings of this dream. I didn't want to wake up! But they carried me all day on an emotional high of joy, peace, and excitement! I realize my girls may not be as well off as they were in this dream, but I still feel like it was a gift from God to dream of them in such a tangible way.

My eyes are aching to see them! My lips are aching to kiss them good night! My fingers aching to feel their hair! My arms are aching so much to hold them and gently rock them! .....

Some day soon, they will be safe in my arms surrounded by the love of their Heavenly Father. Till then Father, cradle them gently in your arms, and let them feel all your love for them!

Good night my Yana Jewell. Good night my Shawnee Valentinova. Mommy does love you, across the miles, across the obstacles facing this adoption, across oceans, and across time. You are truly loved!

Little Charlie...

Psalm 68:6 "You set the lonely in families." ... Heavenly Father, Charlie needs you now! He needs his family to come for him. Please do not let his hope to be held and loved by a mommy fade away! He is reaching out... please let someone answer! In your name we ask that Charlies family come for him! Amen.

Here is what a family that visited Charlie this week, as they are adopting their little girl from Eastern Europe, had to say! " Little Charlie (age 4) is in our kids group and he loves to be picked up and snuggled and he cries and cries when we put him down :(. "

This breaks my heart. He is reaching out, full of child like hope and faith, for a mommy to love him. Who will answer this small heart if you don't? Look at his picture, let Gods heart speak to yours....


This darling little boy needs a family right away. He has light brown hair and brown eyes. He is HEALTHY, with only strabismus as a complication to his DS. His grandmother visited the first year of his life, but not since then.

Here is what his caregivers have to say: " The boy is calm and very kind. He dresses himself and eats himself. Speaks some words. Understand when he is addressed by adults, performs tasks on elementary level. Very interested in toys, can concentrate his attention on books, likes musical instruments very much, and especially enjoys �playing� the piano. "

Here is what a family that visited him recently had to say: " Charlie was a little shy at first staying near his caregiver but then with prompting began to sing a song and dance with his caregiver. He was able to perform several songs and poems while doing the hand motions with her from memory. After a while he too would come and give us hugs around our legs. He has more intelligible verbalization but still some speech impaired. He is ambulatory and does not have any visible impairments, appearing healthy. (Without labored breathing or pallor)"

Charlie will be 5 this August. Most children in this country are moved to institutions at age 4 or 5. The mortality rate is high, the quality of care is not great to say the least.

Please visit this link for more info on Charlie: http://www.reecesrainbow.org/atriskboys.htm

**** wanted to add, when we first started narrowing down what kinds of special needs we could handle and what age of child would be best for our family, I really hadn't considered a child over age 3. Now we are adopting two girls, that by the time we get them home will be 4 and almost 7. God has reaffirmed this decision for me time and again, and I am so excited! The photos of waiting babies still draw me, but I know they are not mine. These 2 girls are. So dont' be afraid to listen to Gods heart speaking to yours, even if it is leading you in a slightly or dramatcially different direction than you first thought!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

I couldn't help it!

I have been so overwhelmed still with all the paper work and organization that I just had to do something to make this adoption more real in my mind. SO.... I ordered this for Shawnee today:




[ http://www.initial-impressions.net/infant/taggiebabyblanket.shtm ]

I got her the starry night fabric with her name "Shawnee Valentinova" embroidered on it. If I like it I am ordering one like it for Yana!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

A blog award

...for those of you looking for the surprise that is on my blog for you, scroll down to "I have been blessed!" :) Apparently I got post happy today, and now it is down a few posts... :)

Jesus Loves the Little Children...

Because so many of you have a heart for children of any race or heritage, I thought I would share the best version of this song!

Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world.
Every color, every race,
All are covered by His grace!
Jesus loves the little children of the world!

Praise God

Praise God! There is a mighty movement happening! You can feel it, that is why it is coming more to the forefront than ever before. God has had enough! These children DO matter!

**[I am not Baptist, but thought I'd take the liberty of sharing anyway!] :)


The SBC just passed this resolution this morning...I thought that you would find it interesting:



Southern Baptist messengers this morning passed resolutions on President
Obama , adoption and orphan care, and biblical
sexuality and public policy. The adoption resolution passed nearly
unanimously,



The resolution on adoption care and orphan care says, in part:



-- "Upward of 150 million orphans now languish without families in
orphanages, group homes, and placement systems in North America and around
the world ...



-- "Our Father loves all of these children, and a great multitude of them
will never otherwise hear the gospel of Jesus Christ ...



-- "we call on each Southern Baptist family to pray for guidance as to
whether God is calling them to adopt or foster a child or children ...



-- "we encourage our pastors and church leaders to preach and teach on God's
concern for orphans ...



-- "we commend churches and ministries that are equipping families to
provide financial and other resources to those called to adopt, through
grants, matching funds, or loans ...



-- "we encourage Southern Baptist churches to join with other evangelical
Christians in setting aside a special Sunday each year to focus upon our
adoption in Christ and our common burden for the orphans of the world ...



-- "we pray for an outpouring of God's Spirit on Southern Baptist
congregations so that our churches will proclaim and picture, in word and in
deed, that 'Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the
world.'"

A Got Blessed...

by a sweet friend who presented me with a "lovely blog award"! Joyful Mom has a great way of sharing her thoughts and feelings. And I am so glad I have found her blog! http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com




Thank you very much my sweet friend!

There are two rules to accepting the award...

1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs.Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

So, sweet friends, here goes...the blessing is all mine to give away--so here are some blogs that I think are just absolutely lovely...

A Fitness Minute... This blog always has something interesting to say. Helpful ideas, tips, inspiration, thought provoking questions... I enjoy visiting and Pat always replies kindly to my comments! http://www.afitnessminuteblog.com/

African Adventure... This family is following Gods call and adopting 2 orphans from Ethiopia. They are an inspiring family and I love reading about their journey. http://9mire.blogspot.com

Blessed With More Than Deserved...Alysha has been a wonderful source of support and inspiration. Not only her courage and faith being lived about by adopting 2 boys from 2 different countries simultaneously, but also by being active in supporting those who are in the process of adoption themselves. Thank you! http://ridinthewavewithulord.blogspot.com

Rachel...What can I say? Rachel has a true heart for God! She inspires me, gives me hope, and touches my heart with her love for children around the world! http://heartforthephilippines.blogspot.com

Stairsteps 2 ... This family just adopted the CUTEST little girl! And they worked so hard to complete the adoption and stayed faithful! I loved following their story to bring Emerson home! Thanks for sharing!
http://stairsteps2.blogspot.com

Joe's Life... Joe was adopted at age 15! He is an amazing young man with a strong heart for God, and he comes with an amazing family too! :) http://joe-joeslife.blogspot.com

The Loux family... I have loved following their story of adopting 3 special needs boy as once! Their heart for orphans comes through in every posts. I am so happy they are willing to share a part of their lives with us, and thankful for the work they are doing to support adoptions!
http://louxfamilyblog.com

The Andrews Crew... Because she was my Yanas prayer warrior! :). Thank you so much for the time you spent in prayer for her! And because I love looking at pictures of her girls! http://andrewscrew.blogspot.com

One Interesting Journey... because when I hear about Mattea I think of my Yana. And because I think Lou is a very inspiring woman, and her wonderful heart shows so clearly! http://puderbaughfamily.blogspot.com

Adoption Adventure... Her posts of Lena will bring you to tears. What a wonderful family for a wonderfully sweet girl! http://lovinglenablogspot.blogspot.com/

Bringing Kellsey Home... I love the design of this blog. And I love following along on their journey to bring Kellsey home! :) She's a cutie! http://aspecialkadoption.blogspot.com/

The Wonderful World Of Down syndrome... What a faithful heart for God this woman has! Not yet adopting, but so supportive of those who are! May God greatly bless you and your family! http://thewonderfulworldofdownsyndrome.blogspot.com/


Who Says 8 Is Enough?... adorable family! Great posts! This a fun blog with lots of pictures of cute kids! :) http://bouffard11.blogspot.com/

Our Little Sunbeams... a great blog full of love for two little girls that, God willing, will be adopted soon by their new mom and dad! http://ourlittlesunbeams.blogspot.com/?zx=6d3809425127c78f

Till God Brings Them Home! ... I love following this adoption journey. Noah is such little doll, and Jeramiah just makes me smile he is so cute! they are bringing him home soon! http://tillgodbringsthemhome.blogspot.com/


Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Almost there...

Hooray! We completed our 10 hour education requirement for our adoptive country! I am mailing off all the completed physicals and forms tomorrow to our SW! So our HS will hopefully be done sometime next week!

It is only a small step in the scheme of things, but a huge step for us. And a step in the right direction!

Praise God!

Monday, June 22, 2009

statistics

The following is not to say there is nothing we can do about attachment disorders. It is to point out that to be aware of the ever increasing problem of a generation with attachment disorders is critical. And that there are ways to reach kids with attachment issues.

Attachment disorder is transmitted intergenerationally. Children lacking secure attachments with caregivers commonly grow up to be parents who are incapable of establishing this crucial foundation with their own children. Instead of following the instinct to protect, nurture and love their children, they abuse, neglect and abandon. The situation is out of control. Consider the following:

* The number of children seriously injured by maltreatment quadrupled from 1986 (140,000) to 1993 (600,000).
* Three million cases of maltreatment were investigated by Child Protective Services in 1995. Over one million were confirmed as serious abuse and/or neglect with risk for continued maltreatment. Surveys indicated the actual number of cases are 10 to 16 times higher.
* Child Protective Services are unable to handle the vast increases; only 28% of seriously maltreated children were evaluated in 1993 compared to 45% in 1986.
* One in 10 children and adolescents in the U.S. today has emotional problems so severe that they cannot function normally.
* 21% of children in the U.S. ages 9 to 17 have diagnosable mental or addictive disorders.
* The current generation of children is more likely to be depressed and anxious than its parents' generation; the number of children and teens taking medication for depression (Prozac) and ADHD (Ritalin) more than doubled between 1987 and 1996.
* Since the 1980's, the number of murders committed by youths has soared 168% and suicides increased 140%; suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people.
* 2000 children in the U.S. die each year from abuse and neglect.
* One in four adolescents is at risk of not achieving a productive and fulfilling adulthood; 50% report smoking marijuana, 30% use other illicit drugs, and one-third engage in binge drinking; 20% consider suicide; 40% witness serious violence; and 11% drop out of high school.
* 15% of 18 to 24 year olds are "disconnected;" almost 4 million young adults are not in school or working, a disturbing trend (Quartz & Sejnowski 2002; Institute for American Values 2003; Kids Count 2004).

Sunday, June 21, 2009

my verse for the day:

I am aweful at paperwork! I hate paperwork! It makes me sweat thinking about it! It makes me want to lock all the doors and hide my head under a pillow! So because of all this I have decided to pursue an international adoption of 2 girls. Yeah, that makes perfect sense! ;)

So here is my verse to get through this adoption.


"...Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the LORD of hosts."
Zech. 4:6

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Super Chick "Cross the Line" ....

SPREAD THE WORD!

From www.DaveThomasFoundationforAdoption.org

Join us for Wendy's Father's Day Frosty Weekend.
All proceeds support the work of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption to find
loving, adoptive families for the 129,000 children waiting in U.S. foster care.

Send Dad an E-card

Visit www.frostycard.com to create and send a customized Father's Day e-card.
Wendy's will donate $.25 to the Foundation for every card sent.

Buy a Pin-up
Show the world you support the work of the Foundation by purchasing a Frosty
pin-up for $1.00 at participating Wendy's restaurants.

Enjoy a Frosty
Purchase any Frosty product on Father's Day weekend (June 20-21) and Wendy's
will donate $.50 to the Foundation.

Spread the Word

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

No doubt about it...

You know what I realized just today? I have absolutely no doubts left in my mind that these girls are meant to be a part of our family! How glorious is that? For a while I was praying like crazy that God would grant me total peace about this adoption, and then today I realized I had not been praying for peace in this adoption, and you know why? God has already answered!

Now I pray God will grant us the very common prayer in international adoption.... MONEY to see it through and bring the girls home ASAP! And HEALTH for my girls.....

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

An Orphans Prayer:

[From "Small Blessings", an All God's Children International Publication]


I am waiting.... somewhere far...far...away on the other side of the world.
I may not know who you are or what you look like,
But some how deep in my heart I know you are out there.
That one day you will come and find me.
It's a long journey, and it takes a lot of time...
I wish it could be easier.
But I know that the ones who come for me will not count the cost.
They will only see the joy of finding me.
For now I abide in the fields of the fatherless.
Day by day wondering why I was born here and not somewhere else?
Asking...why my life couldn't have been different?
It is so lonely...
Even though I am surrounded by hundreds of other children,
I know that something is missing... I know in my heart I need a place to call home.
My arms long to be saved by a mother's love...
Gazing out the orphanage window, I offer a prayer of hope,
"Oh God please help them come quickly."
Even as I lay in the darkness each night somehow I feel assured,
That no matter how lost I appear I am not alone.
Holy hands guard my steps; sacred fingers wipe my tears, touching my lonely heart.
The one who made me,
The God that knew me before I was born,
Hears me every time I call.
He whispers His promises in my ear.
I listen with hope to His voice.
But what I worry about most is that no one wants to look for me.
The fields are vast and there are so many scattered all over the earth.
I wonder how one little child, so lost, can be found?
Yet He calms my heart and assures me that HE will find you.
That HE will make sure that you hear His voice clearly.
He has promised me that HE will make a way through the fields,
That HE will personally cut a path, and lead you right to my orphanage door.

My prayer is..
When HE speaks...Please don't forget to listen...
When HE calls don't be too afraid to go
For I am waiting...somewhere, far...far...away
On the other side of the world
To come home.


I beg of anyone who reads this, PLEASE don't let their prayer be in vain!!!! Don't ignore the call of your Heavenly Father!

Calling all Christians to take action and bring her home!

Daisy
Grab This Button


This precious one has finally been transferred out of the baby house and into an institution! This is NO PLACE for a baby girl of 4!!! The family is scrambling for funding! Please consider donating even a small amount by clicking on the button above. Let's bring her home people!!!

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Think about it... and let it inspire you to make a difference!

"You've never looked into the eyes of someone that doesn't matter to God." -Bill Hybels




*** found this quote on another blog and thought it to good not to share!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

The Easy Road

You know, thinking of the journey to the adoption of the girls today it occurred to me how easy it would be to just walk away. Say forget it, go on with my life. No extra paper work, no headaches of what to do when, no questions of money, or an undefinable future, no need to be nice and let the glory of God shine through in every answer or response no matter how nasty the comment, etc. etc....

And then it occurred to me... this adoption journey to the girls is much like my journey to God and His adoption of me as His very own daughter. At any given moment how much easier would it be for God to just say forget it? To just go on with His life? No extra work, no headaches of what I will do when, no questions of how I will blow my money on the wrong things, no undefinable future for me, no need to be nice and let His glory shine upon my face time and time again as I mess up over and over, no need to keep His face before me no matter how nasty of comment I may make, etc. etc....

If I am worth all that, if I am worth fighting for, even after having what has been a pretty posh life... how can I turn my back on the "fight" for my girls! They are just babies that have never had even 1/10th of what I have been blessed to grow up with!

It warms my heart to think of all the ways God has fought for me. Some I have been aware of, others I am sure I will never know of.... And He loves Yana and Shawnee just like that too! He is "fighting for the girls", all I have to so is follow!

So while I see the "easy" road, I will not take it. I won't take it because I love these little angels I have never met except in my heart. I won't take it because Jesus wouldn't take it. I won't take it because I have been blessed with a desire to have a heart like His! I won't take it because He has called me to this, and if He calls me to it, He will see me through it!

I am sitting here with aching arms and an aching heart tonight. I am wanting my girls home and in my arms. I never understood how a mothers arms could ache for the child God has placed in her heart, I still don't understand it. But I know it really happens, that others that have had a child an ocean away understand it. And while it hurts, and makes me sad, I am so glad for it... My Heavenly Father is allowing me to see that I am their mother! And they need to come home.

So to make a long story short: "If God is with me, who can be against me?" :)

And the winner is......

Hello All! I first want to thank everyone who participated in the donations for the Walmart gift card!

We FINALLY had a chance to get all the names written down and put into a hat today. My 9 year old, Quincy, drew out the name of the winner. That lucky individual is:

SHANNON HEINTZ!
\

She was my daughters favorite highschool teacher this year, so as a great teacher of one of my kids she holds a special place in my heart! CONGRATULATIONS SHANNON!