So Thankful!

"Has God trusted you with a silence - a silence that is big with meaning?  God's silences are His answers.  Just think of those days of absolute silence in the home at Bethany (when Jesus did not come at Mary and Martha's request, and Lazarus died)...His silence is the sign that He is bringing you into an even more wonderful understanding of Himself."  Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

I have been in a spot of seeming silence from God lately.  I was beginning to feel discouraged, but then God sent me this amazing reminder today (via Oswald Chambers).  I'm learning that more than anything my desire is to know God intimately and there are times when silence is necessary.  It causes me to cling more closely to Him so that I'm ready to hear the moment the silence stops.

So thankful for His reminder today!

Trying too hard...

Most of us either try too hard or we quit trying. 
In both cases, we miss God.
Linda Dillow, Calm my Anxious Heart

I'm reading the book The Relief of Imperfection, again!  I tend to fall into that "try too hard" category and need to be reminded again and again that without Christ, I can do nothing of eternal value.  With Him, I can do whatever He calls me to do.  I love that!  It's all dependent on Him and the great news - the woohoo news - is that He never fails! 
Now does that mean that life and circumstances always turn out like I think they should - of course not.  It does mean that His purposes are carried out and I'll take His purposes over my purposes any moment of the day - any day of the week!

I love the way The Message puts Matthew 11:28-30  "Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly." 

I'm praying this week that God will continue to teach me the unforced rhythms of grace.  It's not trying too hard - it's not giving up.  It's finding God in each step and letting His mercy and love and peace and passion flow freely.

Sweet Averi

Ok, so I'm going to take the next few moments to shamelessly brag about our sweet Averi (if you can't do that on your blog, then where can you?!) 
Last night I went to Averi's parent-teacher conference.  I met with 3 of her teachers and heard wonderful things like, "good student, hard worker, very polite...", but it was the story that her teacher, Ms Jenkins, told me that really made this momma's heart melt.  Ms. Jenkins has been suffering with a sinus infection and not feeling very well.  The other day, she decided to try making it through the school day, but ended up having to leave early because she just felt awful.  Right before she was getting ready to leave the class in the hands of her sub - Averi came up to her, put her hand on her arm and said, "Ms Jenkins, I'm so sorry that you don't feel well".  Ms Jenkins had tears in her eyes as she was telling me this story.  She told me that the compassion and sincerity in Averi's voice and words that day had touched her heart in a special way! 

I love that Averi is a hard-working, polite student, but I LOVE that she has a heart that truly cares for others!  We're so proud of you Averi - you're an incredible young lady and you reflect the love of our Heavenly Father so beautifully!

Sweet Blessing

This is the message we got from our niece, Kendra, on Facebook - So, I was telling one of my customers about your (adoption) shirts tonight and he goes "get me $100 worth"... and just handed me the money!! I was shocked so I asked what sizes and he said it didn't matter... one big enough for him and the others he would hand out to his friends! It was just inspiring and I wanted to tell you guys about it :)

On that note... Paige and I are putting together a rather large order for us, our co-workers AND our customers too!!!!

When I read that it gave me goose bumps and brought instant tears!  It's so incredible how God orchestrates His plans - In this case, He's choosing to use a complete stranger to play a part in bringing our little one home.  What a sweet blessing!  I don't know who this man is or who some of the others are that have ordered shirts and chosen to support our journey, but to all of you - sweet strangers, friends and family - thank you so much!  You have no idea how much your support means.  We have said from the beginning that this is God's story and we want it to bring Him incredible glory.  It's moments like these when my heart sings Psalms 100  Shout for joy to the LORD...Know that the LORD is God, it is He who made us and we are His...Give thanks to Him and praise His name.  For the LORD is good and His love endures forever, His faithfulness continues through all generations.

Busy Week

It's been a busy week around here.  Soccer and football seasons have officially started (added to school and work and sleepovers and friends and a husband who is traveling alot) and trying to keep up with who needs to be where, when - is wearing this momma out!  Last night was Averi's 1st official football game to cheer at - she was fabulous - and the middle school football team looks like they may even do some winning this year - woohoo!  It also was Anni's 1st Champions League soccer game - they won 4-0.  They played under the lights - that is until the lights suddenly went out, leaving it pitch black with a bunch of screaming girls running around on the soccer field - really kind of funny!  All in all, it was a great night!  We made all the connections that we were supposed to and then came home and fell into bed! 
Here are a few pictures - Enjoy!    









Our Adoption T-Shirts are Ready!

A HUGE thank you to Chris Goeller for the amazing design!  We promised they'd be cool!  We're so excited to give our family and friends a chance to support our adoption journey and get a fabulous t-shirt in return!  So all you need to do is email us at adoptionshirts@gmail.com and let us know the shirt color - blue or gray - and size(s) you want.  They're available in Youth XS-XL ($15.00 donation) and Adult S-XXL ($20.00 donation).  Thank you so much for supporting our family's journey to bring our little one home!
Check it out!

Anni's Baptism

What an incredible gift to see your kids make a decision to obey their Heavenly Father!  We're so proud of you Anni and your desire to shine God's light and love so brightly. 

There were many kids and youth that made the decision to be baptized today.  Another confirmation in my heart that our kids and youth are not the "church of tomorrow" - they are living for Christ today in their churches, in their schools and in their homes! 

What an amazing God we serve!