IS TRUE LOVE COLORBLIND?

God is love - God is perfectly perfect - so how can God be colorblind?



The following was written by Tracie over at wearegraftedin.com. What an awesome rant from this mama's heart.



"On to the phrase that set me off on this little rant to begin with…though I have used it in times past, just as other well-meaning folks will likely continue to do: ”True love is colorblind.”


True love is NOT colorblind! The Bible teaches me that God is love. God? colorblind?? I don’t think so! God created us to be diverse, colorful, beautiful! He sees our colors and diversity and celebrates it! I’m thinking certainly a better phrase to spread would be, “True love celebrates color,” because that is the TRUTH!


Not for one second would I want to be colorblind! Who would, either literally speaking or metaphorically? Aren’t colors beautiful? Aren’t they what give life visual pizazz and spice? Imagine your wardrobe or your home devoid of color! I want to see those things in full color! I want to see and love people in full color!


So, let it be declared by me right here and right now: MY LOVE IS NOT COLORBLIND! I see color! I celebrate it! I LOVE IT!


As a matter of fact, I just want to openly say, “Thank you Jesus for allowing me to be part of a colorful family! Thank you for helping me to celebrate the rainbow of skin tones and hues that you so lovingly and beautifully created! Help those out there that are afraid of our differences and blinded by the lies of fear and hatred to see and love in full color!”"



Resting in the SON,

~s

WHY NOT?

I am honored to have Kim Young from Journey 2 Ethiopia to write an awesome blog about reasons for adoption.

Why Not?

In the book of James we are told that it is our responsibility to care for the widows and the orphans. It doesn’t say that some are to care for orphans it says that all are to care for them. We could all find a reason, excuse or exception if we allowed ourselves to. I thought we could delve into some of the reasons for not adopting an orphan.

The problem
The problem is that there are over 147 million orphans in the world. 147 million children who are lonely, hungry, thirsty, and have nothing, but the only thing they really want is a family to be part of. If only 6% of Christians adopted one child then there would no longer be any orphans. So if only 6% of Christians followed the command in James 1:27, then there would not be a need for the other 94% of Christians to adopt. Will you be one of the 6%?

The Reasons
It’s just not something my family is called to do...We are all called to care for the orphan, not some of us, not those of us with money, all of us. Now your family might have another calling to how to provide for the orphan (by supporting adopting families or perhaps foster care), but we are all called to care for them.

We don’t have the means to adopt...Do you have a family? Is there one or more of you who has the means to love another person? Well, then you have the means to adopt. In addition to foster care adoptions - which are free - there are grants, scholarships, no interest loans, tax credits, fundraising programs, and many other ways to come up with the funds for adoption fees. Do you think God would call you to it and then not provide the means? Is your family covered in luxuries? Perhaps you can cut them back to find money for an adoption.

I would rather have my children biologically...Well, I guess it is a good thing Christ extends his love and adoption into his family beyond the Jews and his biological family - or we would all be doomed and fatherless. Your child is your child, whether by bone and blood or by love and miracles. Every child born is a miracle whether God plants the baby in our womb or our heart. Beyond the physical - there are no differences. And go ahead and have biological children - but that shouldn’t stop you from making room for a child without a biological family to care for them.

It’s not the right time...Far be it from me to encourage you to move before God asks you to move. But is the timing a legitimate thing you are waiting on - or is it an excuse to not follow God’s command for us to all care for the orphan? If you are not sure of your answer to that question, you should figure it out, and pray for the right timing.

I have too much going on in my life right now...This goes along with the timing aspect. If you have too much going on in your life right now, you will probably always have too much going on in your life. Are those things that God has called you to, or things that you have busied yourself with to avoid God’s direction in your life? I invite you to rid yourself of the distraction of busyness. Focus on God and rescue His orphans.

My husband would not want to adopt a child...This is one of the most common cries of a woman whose heart is yearning for the orphan. Our husbands love us, and feel the weighty burden of providing for us - whether they are the primary earner or not. They are cautious with their passions and often need God to gonk on their head with a frying pan before they yield to God’s direction for the orphan. In most circumstances that I have seen - the husband comes around often as passionately if not more than the woman. If you want to adopt but your husband doesn’t - pray for him, talk to him, find out his concerns. I read a blog recently addressing this where the author encouraged those women to look within. Is your husband seeing you complain and gripe about your current circumstances and responsibilities? It reminds me of when I was younger and had to prove to my parents that I could handle what was on my plate before they would allow me to add to it. This wasn’t because they were punishing me, it was because they loved me and wanted to make sure I didn’t overwhelm myself. Perhaps in some cases, the husband is hesitant because you already complain about finances or how much work your current children are. If so, he loves you and is trying to protect you and your family. Focus instead on caring for your current responsibilities with joy and peace and praying for an opportunity and the resources to chase God.

My family will think I had lost my mind**Newsflash** - if your family is not Christian - they already do. And if they are Christian - then they probably will be some of your biggest encouragers. Lots of people will think you’re nuts for adopting, especially if you go international. This is not your concern. In fact it should be your goal.

So Why Not?
So - why not adopt? Why not find the country with the most orphans or need and adopt from there? Why not ask God where He would have you adopt from? If you can think of any other reasons not to then post them in the comments so we can talk them out. Feel free to leave us comments with any questions about how to get started.

CALLING ALL MEN - IT'S TIME FOR WAR

This post was written by Pastor Dwight, you can read the original and see the photos at http://onelifeonelegacy.blogspot.com/2010/10/calling-all-men-its-time-for-war.html. He's asking our husbands, all men, to step up to the plate and enter the battle with him.

You Go Dwight!! Rock On For The Orphan!!

Calling All Men - It's Time for War

I want to put a call out to men everywhere.

A call to respond! A call to step up! A call to action! A call to war! Where are we anyway? Where have we been? What have we been doing?

Why are we standing on the sidelines watching the game when we know that we are created to be fierce competitors?

Where have we been when it comes to the orphan? Take a look at most of the blogs, most of the non-profits, most of the strategies, most of those leading the battle on behalf of the orphan. You will discover woman after woman with a passion for these forgotten children.

This is a war for the health and soul of the orphan!

Yet where are the men? This the first war in the history of the world where the men are standing on the sidelines cheering… “you go girl… if that’s what you feel…. you go!”

We’ve become cheerleaders on the sidelines instead of warriors in the battle.

There are exceptions, of course, but for the vast majority of men – we have remained mostly behind the scenes.

But when my perspective changes, I change.

A woman, like Linny, has a mother’s heart that just will not quit. She will do whatever she can from a mother’s heart for these children. It’s just in her nature – the nurturer!

Now men, we aren’t by nature nurturers. We are protectors. We are warriors at heart. We protect those we love without hesitation. If it means laying down our lives we will do so without hesitation.

So here is the perspective change we need regarding the orphan. Men, the battle for the orphan is about providing protection from the enemy’s plans for their lives (starvation, abuse, no love, despair, hopelessness, and alone with no family) and introducing them to Jesus’ plan for their lives (food, clothed, protected, hope, nurtured, relationship with Christ, loved, and a forever family).

We need to be a “Father Warrior” for these children without moms, dads and families. We must become the voice, the protector, and the provider for these children.

Our battle cry must be: “Not On Our Watch!”

Will you pray with me?

Will you obey with me?

Will you be a warrior on the orphan’s behalf with me?

I am in this war for these children. Their lives are at stake, their souls hang in the balance. Men, let’s take off the gloves. The orphans around the world need our help, our protection, our sacrifice.

Ask God what that looks like for you. But in any event – get in the game – take off the cheerleading skirt – put down the pom poms.....and let’s go to battle for the orphans of the world.

You know God has put something of a fire in your heart for these kids. Let’s link up, let’s do battle, let’s go to war on their behalf!

We will win!

Semper Fi M

Will We Grieve For God's Children?

"God rescues the weak and the vulnerable THROUGH HIS BODY. Heroes are made because they are MOVED in their HEART. It's not the head knowledge, it's the life abandonment to the lives around us. Will we grieve for God's children who are hungry, unloved, and waiting for someone to rescue them?

Christianity is taking the behavior and nature of Jesus Christ and transplanting it into the heart of men and women on earth, so they behave not like this world, but like Heaven. They are different! "

by Meredith - cornishadoptionjourney.blogspot.com

Resting in the SON,
~s

CHECK THIS OUT!! FREE GIVE AWAY!!

There is a free give away going on right now. All you have to do is write a blog post and/or a facebook post about the minus1project.blogspot.com.



Team One Less Broken Heart is having a free give away to help spread the word for the Apisa family. Hop on over to onelessbrokenheart.blogspot.com and get entered into the give away.



Here's a great way to help spread the word, and all it will cost you is a few minutes of your time!



Resting in the SON,

~s

CHOSEN

Beautifully written by Rachel from Embracing Africa - theorens.blogspot.com

"We are extremely convicted by the truth that the Gospel is tied to adoption. It is. You can't argue it. You can't debate it. You can't put it into the box of "God's will" or "not God's will." You just can't.

But while so many Christians sit around and chat about the common phrases of "God's will," "His timing," and the like, millions of children sit... and wait, and wait. Especially the older children, those children who are less likely to ever be welcomed into a family. Those children who are less likely to ever be "chosen."

Adoption can't be sought merely for compassion's sake or for a massive tug on your heart strings, or because you think it will be all rainbows and unicorns, because it's not. It's more than that. My mind replays the words "chosen," and being "bought with a price" in relation to Jesus choosing me!

It certainly wasn't convenient for Him- He left a perfect heaven where he was perfectly adored to come after me, to choose me.

It certainly was costly- it cost Him everything! It cost Him His life.

It certainly is difficult- I am sinful. I am stubborn. I often refuse His love. I often think I know better than Him. I often neglect His perfect and sovereign wisdom in my life.

But still... he chose me and would choose me again in a heartbeat. I am His. I have been CHOSEN. "

Resting in the SON,
~s

RELUCTANT HUSBAND SYNDROME PART 2

This incredible post was written by Amy over at buildingtheblocks.blogspot.com. I hope it touches your heart the way it has mine.

Reluctant Husband Syndrome Part 2
In Reluctant Husband Syndrome Part 1 we ladies took a good honest look at ourselves and the part we play in our Husbands reluctance to adopt. I have prayed about Part 2 for a long time now, seeking God over how to word this. What I have found however, is that there is no easy way to say it.

So, I'm going to make this straight forward and simple- and hope that our guys are "man enough" to take it. Yet not only man enough to take it- but man enough to be willing to take a good long look at yourself- and the condition of your heart.

Over and over I have heard women say "My husband is just not sure he could love someone elses child or a child who does not share his blood".That actually cracks me up- because he loves you doesn't he? And I am certainly hoping YOU are not his blood relation. ;0) So I am pretty sure it has nothing to do with loving someone elses child who is not 'blood related' and all about simply LOVE...Of self.

Often times, without even recognizing it, we become protective over our lives. Protective over the things we place the most value on. Our time, our finances, our stuff, our desires, our wants, our needs.

We fear these things will somehow be taken from us- so we cling to them in desperation and become reluctant to let go and trust God to give us something even better.

And before we even realize it...

LOVE of this...

or this..

or this...

means more to us than this....

Now I want you to understand I am not saying there is anything wrong with watching football, hunting, golfing, money, relationships or going fishing- but when any of these things stand in the way of us following Jesus-there is a problem.

I also want you to know I am not saying everyone is called to adopt. But I do believe that often we cannot even get to a place where we will earnestly seek God's will on adoption for our lives because we cannot get past the fear that it is going to cost us something...Something that we are not willing to give up for Him.

But I want you to remember is that God doesn't only care about the orphans- He cares about you too. He cares about the condition of your heart. As the head of your family you have a big responsibility to live your life as an example and lead your family in faith. True faith will result in a changed life style.

Can I ask you something? When you take a good long look at your life - can you see evidence God is there?

One day you will stand before the God... whether you believe in Him or not- and He will ask you what you did with the things He blessed you with - your time, your talents, your finances- your life. The bible is very clear when it say: "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Luke 16:13

It's black and white.

Either or.

No in between.

You are either going to live your life like it's all about you- or all about God.

Which one have you chosen?

Resting in the SON,

~s

Happy Thanksgiving!!

May you have a very blessed Thanksgiving!

Resting in the SON,
~s

JUST ONE MORE DAY!

Just one more day left to get in on the give~away over at onelessbrokenheart.blogspot.com.

There is a bunch of great stuff being given away. Need a blog designed or made over? How about a tshirt design/silk screen and your first 12 tshirts for your adoption fundraising? Wouldn't it be awesome if one of your littles found a Nintendo DSi under the Christmas tree this year? Or a matching apron set for you and your child? Or a custom made family values canvas?

These are all the give away prizes over at onelessbrokenheart.com. $5 gets you in a drawing, $20 gets you 8 entries. But the best part of all - you'll be helping two families bring their little boys home from Ethiopia.

The drawing will be late Sunday night and winners will be posted Monday morning.

Come on body of Christ, lets be His hands and feet and help bring the least of these home to their forever families.

Resting in the SON,
~s

Thankful Thursday

What are you thankful for?

Very thought provoking question...As I mull this over I have come up with a very large list. Most items are taken for granted. Most items are no brainers. Most items seem like a right.

1. A closet full of clothes to chose from daily
2. A refrigerator full of food
3. More than one pair of shoes
4. A roof over my head
5. A home to live in that is snug and warm
6. Clean water to drink any time I am thirsty
7. A vehicle to drive
8. A job
9. Health insurance
10. Healthy kids
11. The ability to worship
12. Family
13. Friends
14. Money in my pocket
15. Most importantly, a heavenly Father that loves me so much HE made me HIS through the miracle of adoption

This list goes on and on and on. I am truly blessed. I am rich. I have so much. But there are so many that have nothing. No hope. Not enough food. No clean water. No change of clothes. No shoes to wear. No mama to love on them. No daddy to toss the high in the air. No family to cherish them.

It isn't fair. It stinks. It breaks my heart.

A while back I started praying, "Lord, break my heart for what breaks Yours." And HE did, big time. It is for the orphan, for the least of these, for these little peeps that are living in orphanages all over the world with no families to love them. And it is painful, extremely painful.

What can be done to ease the pain? It seems so unsurmountable. The need so great. 147 million that need someone to love them. To hold them close. To tell them it is going to be alright now, they are safe, they are loved, they are precious, they are cherished...

What's the answer? How do we make a difference? Right now I'm tring to make a difference by helping fundraising families when ever I can. $5, $10, $1, it all adds up. By itself it doesn't seem like much. But when God's children come together, pull their resources, IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE! Each and every dollar. And most importantly, by praying for all these families running the race, stepping out in faith, trusting God and keeping their eyes on Jesus as they work hard to bring their little peeps home.

With a heavy heart for those less fortunate than I am ...

Resting in the SON,

~s

Take It To The Throne Tuesday

Today I am Taking It To The Throne

Fasting and praying.

If you have anything you would like me to pray for, I will gladly do that.

This is what it is all about.

The body of Christ coming together, standing in agreement, praying for each other.

"Where two or more are gathered in my name, I am there also."

Let us gather together.

Resting in the SON,

~s

Just A Few More Days Left

There is only a few more days left to get in on the give~away over at onelessbrokenheart.blogspot.com

They have all sorts of neat stuff and $5 gets you an entry into one of the give aways. $20 gets you 8 entries! So head on over there and help two families bring their little ones home. They'll be drawing the winners Sunday night.

Resting in the SON,
~s

The Man In The Mirror

You've got to head on over to Adeye's blog at nogreaterjoymom.com and read Anthony's post. Incredible and very thought provoking.

They are also giving away two copies of Radical. All you have to do is leave a comment.

Go. Read. Be Blessed.

Resting in the SON,
~s

Mama~In~Love

I'm in New England spending a long weekend with my mama~in~love. Mama is not healthy and we don't know how long we'll have her so flying cross country to spend 3 nights with her is a blessing. This area of the country is beautiful, even though most of the leaves are off the trees now.

We enjoyed an early Thanksgiving dinner and come tomorrow I'll be flying home and won't see her again till sometime after the first of the year.

I got lucky in the mother in law category, she rocks!

I look forward to the day I get to introduce her to her newest grandson Eli.

Resting in the SON,
~s

30 Days of Give Aways!

And it won't cost you a cent. All you have to do is become a follower of Stefanie's blog over at nihaoyall.com. Each day for 30 days she will post a new item to be given away. Leave a comment and you'll be entered for a chance to win!

All items being given away serve a mighty big purpose. Each and every one of them help bring another child home to his forever family.

How stinkin' cool is that?

Resting in the SON,
~s

Every 5.2 Seconds...

Every 5.2 seconds a child dies without a family...

Alone, hidden away from the world...

This is just so WRONG

How can we stop this tragedy?

What is the answer?

We can pray, we can stand in the gap for these precious ones, we can plead with our sweet Jesus to bring their forever families.

We can help families that are adopting, we can come along side these families and help them financially, we can pray for their journeys. We can rejoice with them as our huge awesome God answers our prayers.

onelessbrokenheart.blogspot.com

theblairfamily-dawn.blogspot.com

marquez.familyjourney.blogspot.com

mostlymayhem.blogspot.com

journey2ethiopia.blogspot.com

goseeklove.com

minus1project.blogspot.com

This is just 5 of the families that are working hard to bring their little ones home, there are so many more.

Tuesday is my day of fasting and prayer, if you have a need or prayer request, leave me a comment and I will be honored to pray for you on Tuesday.

Resting in the SON,

~s

BLAIR FAMILY NEEDS OUR HELP!

Come on body of Christ, it is time to pull together to meet an urgent need. The Blair family needs to raise $4000 in 24 hours or their adoption file will be closed.

Please stop by their blog, read their story, help financially if it is possible, even just $1 will help. If you can't financially, you most certainly can pray.

theblairfamily-dawn.blogspot.com

I can't wait to see how God will answer. I just purchased one of their Christmas cds.

Resting in the SON,
~s

Adoption Give~Aways

So many families are holding give~aways to raise the necessary funds to get their little ones home. Here are a couple going on right now and I plan to add to this list as I find out about them.

marquezfamilyjourney.blogspot.com
onelessbrokenheart.blogspot.com
mostlymayhem.blogspot.com

Stop on by these families blogs and help bring precious little ones home to their forever families.

Resting in the SON,
~s

ORPHAN SUNDAY

Today is Orphan Sunday ~ Please take a moment to pray for all the orphans - an estimated 147 million worldwide. That's a lot of kids with no mama or daddy, no home, no family, no hugs before bedtime, no one to kiss their owies when they hurt themselves, no one to tell them Jesus loves them.

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine, your son or daughter that you love more than life itself, living in an orphanage somewhere, all alone with no mommy hugs and no mommy kisses. Cold in the winter, perhaps not enough food to eat on a daily basis, nothing to call their own. Not a change of clothes, not a baby doll to love on ...

Hard to imagine isn't it? Seems unreal to imagine your kid in that situation. Yet it is the reality of 147 million kids.

I've read that if only 2% of all believers would adopt an orphan, there wouldn't be an orphan crisis in the world. All may not be able to adopt, all my not be called, all may not want to bring a child into their home, but we all can pray. We can pray for these kids, we can pray for those families that are running the race, doing the paperchase, fundraising to be able to afford to bring a little one home to their forever family.

We as a body of Christ can help these families that are called, we can support their adoptions not only by praying, but by donating financially, purchasing items they are selling, leaving a comment on their blog with encouraging words.

Are you called? Has God placed the orphan on your heart but society is telling you you're too old? The world telling you it costs too much ~ heck it costs about the price of a new Chevy Silverado but when you purchase a new truck your friends give you a thumbs up. How do you put a price tag on a human life? How do you put a net worth on someone's life?

Adopting one child will not change the world, after all, what's just one kid out of 147 million right? But you know what? God knows that one kid, God knows every single hair on that kid's head. And HE loves that one little one. And HE tells us when you do for the least of these, you do for ME. It won't change the world, but the world will change for that one little human being who is all alone in this world.


Will you take a few minutes and spend time in prayer for these families and these precious little ones?

Resting in the SON,
~s

Love Is Not A Color

I just love love love this t-shirt that embracingtheleastofthese.blogspot.com is selling. And, they are only $10! And, they will help bring their little one home.

LOVE IS NOT A COLOR - what a powerful message, because love isn't a color. Red, yellow, black and white, they are ALL PRECIOUS IN HIS SIGHT.

$5 for a chance to win this - $20 donation gets you 8 chances to win!

Wouldn't this make someone happy finding it under the Christmas tree?

You can enter to win this over at onelessbrokenheart.blogspot.com. They are having their first give~away right now that will help two families bring their little guys home from Ethiopia.

I read of a family that is doing all their gift buying for Christmas from fundraising families working hard to bring their little ones home. Isn't that awesome?

I just LOVE watching the body of Christ come together and unite to bring these orphans home to their forever families.

You may be thinking, 'how could $5 make a difference in an adoption that could potentially cost $30,000?' IT DOES! Every single dollar bill, five dollar bill, ten dollar bill, it may not seem like a lot but it is. And every dime is appreciated by the family working so hard to raise the funds needed to get their little one home.

Don't let the enemy fool you by telling you it won't make a difference. The enemy comes to lie, cheat, steal and would love nothing better than for you to believe that your $5 or $10 won't make a difference.

IT.MAKES.A.HUGE.DIFFERENCE!

How about these cool tshirts the Reeves family is selling! You can learn more about their journey at reevesfamily-fun.blogspot.com.

Make a difference, in a child's life.

Resting in the SON,

~s

Other Families That Are Adopting

November Is Adoption Awareness Month

I'd like to share about some other families that are adopting. This is what it is all about, helping each other spread the word and bring their children home to their forever families. Take a few mintues and pop on over to these other blogs and say hello, leave some encouraging words, become a follower, lend support.



Christie and her hubby have five beautiful daughters that they have adopted from China. You can visit them at porknbeansinchina.blogspot.com. They have been chosen as the family of the month to work with Hip Mom Adoption Jewelry. Check out the jewelry at hipmomjewelry.com.



Bryan and Kim are adopting a little boy from Ethiopia. Their dossier has been in country for five months now! You can visit them at journey2ethiopia.blogspot.com.

Sallee and Monti and adopting Samson Jude from Ethiopia. They will be meeting him in person in December! You can help them out by stopping by their blog at itspoppydipblog.blogspot.com you can click on their button on the side bar. Six Seed magazine has chosen then as one of their families for the month of December. You can help them out by heading over to their blog and clicking on the link to Sixseed and leaving a comment under their interview. Each comment left gives them $2 towards their adoption expenses. All it costs you is a couple of minutes of your time.

Onelessbrokenheart.blogspot.com has their very first give~away going on right now thru November 21. This give~away will help bring two little guys home from Ethiopia. There is a Nintendo DSi, a blog creation, a parent/child apron set and a few other great things. $20 donated gets you 8 entries!


This is what it is all about, pulling together as the body of Christ and helping each other out to bring our kids home. You may not always be able to help financially, but you can pray for each of these families.

Let's all do what we can to make a difference.

Resting in the SON,
~s

One Less Broken Heart Give~Away

Hop on over to One Less Broken Heart and help two families bring their little boys home. They are having their first give~away and have lots of neat stuff.

http://onelessbrokenheart.blogspot.com

How about a Nintendo DSi

Or maybe a blog design

Or how about matching adult/child aprons

Or a really cool necklace

Or a custom made family values canvas

Or do you need someone to help you design and print your adoption fundraiser t-shirts?

Lots of cool stuff and all it takes is $5 for an entry into any one of these give~aways.

$20 gets you 8 entries and you can enter all them!!

Let's help two families bring their little guys home.

Resting in the SON,

~s

God Doesn't Call Us to Be Comfortable

“It is true that God may have called you to be exactly where you are. But, it is absolutely vital to grasp that he didn’t call you there so you could settle in and live your life in comfort and superficial peace…God doesn’t call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn’t come through” Francis Chan

Lord, I am trusting you completely and while I am waiting on you Lord

I will move ahead, bold and confident

Takeing every step in obedience

While I'm waitingI will serve You

While I'm waitingI will worship

While I'm waitingI will not faint

I'll be running the race

Even while I wait

Yes Lord, I will continue to run even as uncomfortable as it is right now, because he is worth it.

Resting in the SON,

~s

Prayer and Fasting

I try to set aside one day each week to pray and fast. This week, today is the day. If you have any prayer requests, please leave me a comment and I will be glad to spend time with the Lord and pray for you.

Resting in the SON,

~s

Do You Know How Far I Travelled To Get You?

I'm reposting it from The Loux Family Blog. This is one of the most powerful blog post I've ever read in my lifetime. It's not just about adoption, it's about redemption. And those go hand in hand. For those who don't know the story of The Loux Family, it's important that you know that Derek Loux, the author of this post, is now in Heaven. He was called home to be with Jesus last Christmas after an auto accident. He wrote this post about redemption a year before he went to live with Jesus. Derek's wife and their ten beautiful blessings continue to live out James 1:27. And now, here's one of the most life-changing blog post I've ever read, authored by Derek Loux:

Friday, December 12, 2008
Renee’ and I are sitting in the office of a telephone company in Novograd Valenski, Ukraine, using wireless internet. We are in the middle of adopting three special needs boys from an orphanage here. Two of the boys have Down Syndrome. Roman is high functioning, energetic and happy.

Dimitri has serious mental retardation, failure to thrive, and though he is five years old, he is the size of a 1 year old. He has sores on his face, a distinct smell of death on him, and yells out if we try to do anything with him other than hold him. Because he has less ability to respond and learn, he naturally gets less attention and care from the orphanage workers in this world of limited resources. The harsh reality of the “survival of the fittest” principle is a life and death struggle that this little boy is losing fast.

Our third boy Sasha, is a brilliant six year old who has Spina Bifida (the condition our son Josiah died from in 1996). He is like a learning sponge that can’t get enough! He is happy and alert and thirsty for knowledge and experience. So with two of our boys, we get an immediate return on any investment we make. With Dimitri, there’s not much immediate gratification. In fact, it’s unknown when and if there will be a return at all. This is the kind of situation that makes the carnal, fallen, human reasoning think, “Why try? What’s the point? What will this produce? What good will this do? Why not select a boy who has more potential? This looks like a lost cause.

Two days ago we drove for hours into the Ukrainian countryside to the village where Dimitri was born. We met with officials there and signed papers and answered their questions. We also went and saw Dimitri’s house. The day had been long, we were still recovering from jet lag, I was beginning to really miss my six daughters at home and all the familiar things our fragile human hearts entangle themselves with in feeble attempts to feel secure.

Sitting in the dark on our very long drive back to Novograd that night, the Holy Spirit began to whisper to my heart, and new understanding about redemption began to take shape.I was thinking, “Man, adopting this little boy has been so much work. This is exhausting, expensive, uncomfortable … and it doesn’t feel very rewarding right now.” What am I doing in some little Soviet car in the dark, in the middle of rural Ukraine in frozen December, as the driver dodges cats and potholes? What if Dimitri doesn’t improve at all? What if we get “nothing” out of this? …

Ahhh, there it was; that dark, fallen, unreedemed, selfish human love, rooted in the tree of the knowledge of “good and evil”. The love the Greeks called “erao” love. The love where we treat someone as precious and treasured for what we can get out of it. This is unlike “agapeo” love, the God kind of love that treats someone as treasured and precious for their good, not for my good. It’s when I love a person in order to meet their needs, having no expectation of them meeting any of my needs. At a whole new level, God is working His kind of love into my weak heart, and He’s using little Dimitri to do it.

On the drive home that night, the Lord whispered in my ear, “This is Redemption. Derek, do you know how far I travelled to get you and bring you back? I had to be separated from my Son, in order to get you, just like you are separated from your children in order to get these boys. Do you know how expensive it was for Me to purchase you? It cost me everything. Do you know how broken, sick, damaged, twisted, dirty, smelly, and hopeless you were? And at the end of it all, you had nothing to give me or add to me. I did it for you. I emptied myself and became nothing so that you could have it all. This is redemption.

My friends, adoption is redemption. It’s costly, exhausting, expensive, and outrageous. Buying back lives costs so much. When God set out to redeem us, it killed Him. And when He redeems us, we can’t even really appreciate or comprehend it, just like Dimitri will never comprehend or fully appreciate what is about to happen to him … but … he will live in the fruit of it. As his Daddy, I will never expect him to understand all of this or even to thank me. I just want to watch him live in the benefits of my love and experience the joys of being an heir in my family. This is how our heavenly “Papa” feels towards us.Today, settle your busy heart down and rest in the benefits of redemption. Enjoy the fruits of His goodness, and stop trying to “pay Him back”. You’ll never get close you goofy little kid.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, here's a follow-up post of The Loux's, which is a reminder of God's goodness and faithfulness. Here's the post that The Louxs authored about 9 months after Derek wrote the post about redemption, 9 months after these 3 boys joined their family. Here's the follow up post found on The Loux Family blog on September 30, 2009:Ethan’s progess has been nothing short of a miracle. Derek and I were looking at some past pictures of Ethan when we first took him out of the orphanage. We were shocked at the shape he was in! It’s amazing how your mind forgets some of the hard details of the past when such growth has been made. It’s good to see the growth and it’s also important to remember God’s faithfulness and all the Lord has brought Ethan through. Ethan is truly a miracle child! All our boys are!When Derek and I were in Ukraine going through the process of adopting our three precious sons, Derek went though a really difficult time connecting with Ethan, who at that time was named Dimitri. On December 12th, Derek and I were sitting in the office of a telephone company using the wireless internet to write some emails. Derek began to write a post for our adoption blog. As he was writing the post, he had tears in his eyes. I knew the Lord was speaking something powerful to his heart. We wanted to re-post Derek’s post again to remind you of God’s greatness and His power! When you read the post below you will be reading the names Roman, Dimitri and Sasha as the three boys we were in the process of adopting. We changed Roman’s name to Silas, Dimitri’s to Ethan and we kept Sasha’s name. When we left Ukraine with Ethan, he weighed 11 pounds at 5 years old. He now weighs 26 pounds and has grown 8 inches in 9 months. He laughs, he smiles, he talks, he’s learning how to walk and he is very smart. We were told he would “do nothing.” What a testament to the Lord’s awesome power!Those of you who follow our blog are aware that since this post below, we have not only adopted our three boys but have also brought in two new daughters, Leeann and our little Sana. God is good! What an amazing heavenly Father we have! His love endures forever and we have 10 beautiful blessings to prove it

Resting in the SON,
s

Forever Touched

I spent the weekend wiht my sis and brother~in~love. This weekend they provided respite care for two littles in the foster care system. They are 3 and 4 years old. They have been in care for 4 months, and have been in 3 different homes.

BREAKS.MY.HEART.

They are so precious, so cute, so sweet, so innocent. We had so much fun! We had lunch at Burg&r K*ng and and then played at the playground there for an hour. It was so good to hear them giggling, laughing, screaming with joy, running, jumping, climbing, sliding...just doing what littles are supposed to do. Having fun playing without a care in the world.

We also went to the neighborhood park later that afternoon and let them run their little legs off and play till their hearts content. It was heaven on earth to see the joy on their faces. We picked up a $5 baby doll at Wmart and that dolly got so much love, she went everywhere with us. She even ran around the playground and enjoyed the slides and everything else our little girl did. She was wrapped in a receiving blanket and was mothered and loved on.

IT.WAS.ABSOLUTELY.ADORABLE.

They were picked up this afternoon and the little guy cried for the first time all weekend, he didn't want to leave. They've gotten dealt a rotten hand in life, it is just so unfair! How my heart hurts for them. For all the little ones that have been forgotten, that are sitting in orphanages with no mommy or daddy to wrap their arms around them and tell them they are loved, they are precious, they are wanted...

I can't stopped my tears from falling...

Resting in the SON,
s

Jesus With Skin On

That is what I am witnessing this weekend. My sis is providing respite care for two little ones in the foster care system. They are absolutely precious, 3 and 4 years old. Sister and my brother~in~love are loving these precious little ones for the weekend and will send then on their way back to their foster home tomorrow evening, maybe never seeing them again.

They are so stinkin' cute and precious. How could anybody hurt them? ugh. Their story is so sad, how can anyone hurt these precious little ones like that?

We're off to go play at the playground.

Funny, we're being told we are "too old" to parent such young ones again, what is wrong with us? Both of our youngest are seniors in high school, we should be happy to be empty nesters...yet our hearts are full of love and just waiting for little ones to share that love with.

Resting in the SON,
~s

I'm Waiting on You, Lord

I'm waiting

I'm waiting on You, Lord

And I am hopeful

I'm waiting on You, Lord

Though it is painful

But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident

Takeing every step in obedience

While I'm waiting I will serve You

While I'm waiting I will worship

While I'm waiting I will not faint

I'll be running the race

Even while I wait I'm waiting

I'm waiting on You, Lord

And I am peaceful

I'm waiting on You, Lord

Though it's not easy

But faithfully, I will wait

Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting

I will serve You while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting

I will serve you while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

Yes Lord, I will continue to run the race, because he is worth it.

Resting in the Son,

~s

Mission Trip Giveaway- CHECK IT OUT!

Hop on over to www.mycrazyadoption.com and purchase one of their adoption fundraiser tshirts and be entered to win a mission trip to Ethiopia!

Prize: Mission Trip to Ethiopia, February 17-26, 2011
Prize value: $3100
Number of winners: 1-2
Number of Tee shirts to sell: 183 + 183
Ending date of the giveaway: 10/28/10
Where it can be won: My Crazy Adoption Blog
The prize is from: www.mycrazyadoption.com
To enter this giveaway, you can: purchase a tee shirt at My Crazy Adoption Store

Resting in the SON,
~s

HE IS FAITHFUL

Parenting is not for the faint of heart. Adoption is not for the faint of heart. It is work, day in and day out. The storms will come. It won't be fun. The storms will hurt.

As a parent, we need to strap on the armor of God daily, and pray for our kiddos. Many storms come our way, with our biological children, adopted children, during the pregnancy, be it as the child grows in your womb or grows in your heart thru the paper pregnancy. Satan wants our kids. He comes to lie, steal, cheat, and kill. he'd love nothing better than to get his clutches into our little ones. He's love nothing better than for the adoption process to stall, for things to go wrong, papers to be lost, etc. Anything to keep these little people from coming home to their forever families.

But take heart, GREATER IS HE WHO IS IN ME, THAN he who is in the world.

Acts 16:25-26 - But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed.

We must praise him through the storms. We must KNOW that Jesus has the victory. He is breaking those chains that the devil has tried to use to keep our children captive.

Be encouraged and CONTINUE to pray and praise Jesus through ALL of these circumstances. HE IS FAITHFUL!

HE IS FAITHFUL INDEED!

Resting in the SON,
~s

Toone Family Fundraiser

Stop on over at the Lee and Kylie's blog and check out these cool grocery bags they are selling to help bring their little one home from Africa. They hope to get their paperwork in by Christmas.

Kylie wrote the message on the bag to tell the story of adoption. http://toonefamilyjourney.blogspot.com/2010/10/adoption-grocery-bag-fundraiser-round.html

Resting in the SON,

~s

While We Were

While we were...
While we were eating……
they were hungry
While we were playing……
they were restrained
While we were tucking our kids into bed……
they were alone
While we turned up the heat……
they laid in the icy cold
While we wrapped our children in blanket sleepers……
they laid in their own excrement
While we sang songs and listened to music……
they listened to the screams and cries of those around them
While we rocked our babies……
they silently rocked themselves
While we hugged our kids……
they scratched at their own faces and pulled their own hair for stimulation
While we cried over scraped knees……
they moaned in their loneliness
While we brushed our daughters’ beautiful hair……
they had their heads shaven to stave off the lice
While we fought off the flu with love and nourishment……
they got the flu and went Home.
No longer suffering… but so many more still are.

In memory of those that have never felt the love of a family, but have passed away alone.
By: Meredith Cornish

Resting in the SON,
~s

Free Blogger Header Giveaway!

Hop on over to the Walser Adoption Aventures, they're giving away a free blogger hearder.

http://walseradoptionadventures.blogspot.com/2010/10/my-new-digs-blog-header-giveaway.html

Resting in the SON,
~s

Poppy Dip Sale

Poddy Dip is having a HUGE sale today. All proceeds will go towards travel expenses to bring little Samson Jude home to his forever family. I popped on over first thing this morning to grab a Poppy Dip for Little Miss .

Click on my Poppy Dip button to pop on over to see what's left.

God Rocks!



Can't wait for little Samson to come home, we'll be neighbors!



Resting in the Son,

~s

Loretta Rocked The House!

The Grand Ol Opry House that is. The Opry House was devasted back in May when the horrible floods hit Tennessee. Last week they were back in business and Little Miss and I had tickets for Thursday night.

It.Was.Awesome!

Larry Gatlin emceed the evening and John Conley made an appearance along with some other great country artists. The highlight of the evening was Lorretta Lynn and she rocked it!

Little Miss really enjoyed herself and she hooted and hollered right along with everyone else. the night was incredible and I am so blessed to have Little Miss in my life.

Resting in the SON,

~s

One less child without a home

One less birthday gone forgotten

One more soul rising from the bottom

One less

One less

One less broken heart in the world tonight

Matthew West

Resting in the SON
~s

Bring On The Prayer Requests

Tuesdays are my days to fast and pray. So, if you have something you'd like me to pray about, just leave me a comment.

Resting in Jesus,
~s

My FIrst Love

My first love was my daddy. He made everything right in my little world. I just love this picture of him and my grandbaby I took a couple of months ago. I never used to think my dad was a little man or old. Seeing him thru my adult 40 something eyes, I never realized how petite he was. Seeing him in a hospital gown really brought home that he is aging.

All the grandkids call him "Big Daddy" The very first grandchild started calling him that, and here we are 30 years later and everyone refers to him as Big Daddy.

Big Daddy is still in the hospital. He's insisting he is fine and wants to go home. The test results are saying otherwise. Apparently, there is either a small blockage or some damage to his heart. Tomorrow more tests will be run. He should be home sometime on Saturday.

Oh how I love this man. He's been there for me thru 45 years of ups and downs, happy and sad times, cross country moves, a horrible divorce, he held my hand and kept my spirits up while my husband served in Iraq. When I was playing softball in high school, he'd get home from work, and hurry to the ball field to catch the last couple innings of my games. I know he's only a phone call away.

He's my hero.

He's my daddy.

And I love him.

Resting in Jesus,
~s

My Daddy Is In The Hospital

My daddy was admitted to the cardiac care unit this morning. During his MRI appointment, he had a bad reaction to the iodine solution they pumped into him and his entire body swelled obstucting his airway. My stepmom said he looked like a monster and his face was swollen so much he could not open his eyes. He was still pretty swollen when I got there. His blood pressure is low. He is started to feel a little better. Not sure if they will be keeping him overnight for observation. I am hoping they do.

Prayers are appreciated, his name is Alex.

Resting in Jesus,
~s

Someting Is Wrong With This Picture...

The Bible
calls debt a curse
and children a blessing.

But in our culture,
we apply for a curse
and reject blessings.

Something is wrong with this picture.
- Doug Phillips

A Day Of Fasting And Prayer

Pastor Linny has organized a day of fasting and prayer today to intercede on each other's behalf and storm the gates of heaven with our prayers. Two weeks ago many of us came together for fasting and prayer and the Lord heard our prayers and saw our fasting and He moved the mountain for James and Cheremi to bring their children home.

Today at A Place Called Simplicity you can leave your prayer request in the comment section and people all over the world will be praying for you.

http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/2010/09/this-is-post.html

Resting in Jesus as I fast and pray,
~S

The Mountain Has Moved!

For Every mountain that you face, this is what I want you to do. Speak to your mountian

BE THOU REMOVED!!

That is what we are speaking to our mountain - finances for this adoption. Because we know there is no mountain big enough that our God cannot move.

I am rejoicing with bloggy friends James and Cheremi. I looked back in my prayer journal and the first entry I made about their struggle to bring Ezekiel and Kaysia home was March 15, 2o10. Their battle to bring their children home has raged for 15 months. IT IS FINISHED!! On September 14, 2010, the Judge granted their adoption of their precious kiddos, Ezekiel and Kaysia!!

It is so awesome to see my prayers answered - plain, ordinary little insignificant me. He answered my prayers! To think, I had a teeny, tiny, part in praying these two precious ones home to their forever family. It is so humbling for me. I stand in awe of my amazing Abba Father, that loves little me so much, that He takes the time to listen to the cries of my heart.

So many of us banded together for a day of fasting and praying for James and Cheremi. The Maker of Heaven and Earth, our awesome Almighty God, heard our prayers, saw our fasting for this situation, and HE MOVED THE MOUNTAIN!! You can read their story at the link below.

http://heartgrownfamily.blogspot.com/2010/09/one-mountain-moved.html

BE THOU REMOVED! BE THOU REMOVED! BE THOU REMOVED!

Say it with me people, cause it works. He hears our pleas and the cries of our hearts.

BE THOU REMOVED!

I continue to fast weekly and seek God as He guides us on our journey to our little guy. My sister's church - Element Church - is hosting our fundraising rummage sale that will take place Saturday, September 25. Element is my church home away from home. I spend a couple weekends a month visiting with my sister, and that is where I worship when I am visiting. They have embraced our journey and are standing in the gap praying us to our little guy. We are so thankful and appreciative to them. People we do not even know are calling and donating items for our sale. This church family is blessing us.



I am starting to get orders for the custom Family Values canvases that I make. I made one for my sister as a gift for her bridal shower and people that have seen it hanging in her home have started placing orders. I never thought my craft project would be a way to generate money for our adoption. I am blown away at how God is already starting to move our financial mountain.



I am meeting with a new massage client this evening, and it has the potential to be a weekly appointment. I've been praying for God to bless me with more massage clients.



The Chief listed the Harley on ebay. There have been alot of hits on the page and a handful of people watching the auction. A gentleman emailed him and let him know the 2011 model of the same bike is selling for $2k less than the 2010 MSRP. Hubby has adjusted the price and so far there are 4 bids on it. A bloggy friend suggested I lay hands on the Harley, and I have. I have a picture of it on my desk and each time I look at it, I pray for God to bring the right buyer to purchase it. God is so good, HE is causing our financial mountain to move!



We've had no donations on our cruise giveaway. I was starting to get a little anxious about that. My sister said, "Don't worry about it. It just may not be fundraiser that is going to grab people's interest. God has this all under control. Keep your eyes on Jesus, that is what is important." I just love her. We have a way of helping each other stay focused on what is really important.

Keeping my eyes on Jesus,
~s

The Prodigal Son - Her Biggest Miracle - Her Deepest Heartache

"My son, the father said, 'You are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead is alive again', he was lost and is found. Luke 15:31

I have a friend who has a prodigal son. I pray for her and her boy daily. He's almost an adult now, in a few short weeks he'll be 18, he is a senior in high school. He hasn't spoken to her in a year now, he hadn't spoken to his brother either. The brother was lucky, he ran into the prodigal a few weeks back, big brother caught him by surprise out in town, and had the opportunity to talk to him. The younger boy promised to keep in touch, they planned to get together for lunch the following week, the prodigal has once again gone into hiding not answering phone calls or texts. The prodigal told the older brother he does't speak to his mom because she is now best friends with x-wife number 2. Big brother laughed and told him he really needed to talk to mom because that was no where near the truth. It is sad, the brothers live only a half mile apart in a small little town. My friend lives only about 3 miles away in the same little town. You would think in a year's time, their paths would have crossed at some point, but it hasn't happened.

If you've ever watched a movie where a person has been brain washed, this is what the boy is like. He is so different, so changed, so cold, it is scarey.

It is a long strange story. The family was destroyed by infidelity when the prodigal was 8 years old. It wasn't the first time the husband had strayed, and my friend would have forgiven him, she did forgive him. But he asked her to not pray their marriage back to health like she did with his first affair when the prodigal was 2, he assured her both she and their two boys would be better off without him. The older boy was in high school at the time and he faired much better with the situation than the younger boy did. The older boy stepped into the man of the house role and looked after his mama. He hated to see her in so much pain. He was angry with the dad. But the older boy has a very forgiving heart. He forgave his dad and life took on a new norm for the new little family of three.

The younger boy did not handle the destruction of the family unit well. He had a hard time transitioning from mom's house to dad's house. The parents did what was best for the youngest. Holidays were split by year, that way the little guy did not have the stress of spending half of one day with dad then having to rush to mom's for the rest of the holiday. Dad really took advantage of the situation. He'd often break the custody agreement and keep the youngest on mom's scheduled days. When mom would get upset and plan to confront the dad, the youngest would beg and plead for her not to. Not because he didn't want to be with his mom, but because he did not want to live with the ramifications of what would happen if she did stand up for herself to dad and demand her court ordered time. It made the boy's life easier this way. The boy new dad too well. He knew the anger and abuse dad was capable of. All three of them did, especially the mom and older boy, they experienced it first hand many, many times. Nobody wanted to make dad angry. It was easier giving in and it made their lives easier in a wierd crazy way.

After awhile they all settled into their new normal. The little family of three now lived an entirely different lifestyle. They lived in a little tiny rental, they could not afford things they once could. Eating out was a luxury. Mom worked full time, plus cleaned a couple houses on the side, and took as many massage appointments in the evenings that came her way. All while attending each sporting event, school function, and carpooling the little one to play dates, tournaments, and every where in between. The older boy worked part time, was a full time high school student, and played sports.

But they were happy, and there was much love between the three. Thier very tight bond became even stronger and they took care of each other. They started to heal. It was beautiful to witness and be a part of.

Mom remarried 5 years later and a few months after that, the dad remarried. He married the girl he had the affair with while he was married to mom. Life went on. The new husband got a job transfer across the country, the new wife became pregnant, the youngest son was starting high school. At this point, the mom and dad had two good years of coparenting under their belt, their custody arrangement was now 50-50, the prodigal was doing well and handling the divorce much better. When the job transfer came the prodigal decided he did not want to move away from his school, friends, all that was familiar. Mom understood. It hurt her heart greatly, but once again, she focused on what would be best for the boy. The best for her precious boy was to keep him in his environment.

The mom made the moved and cried the 4 days it took to drive to their new home. She flew home one weekend a month to spend time with her biggest Blessing-the older boy and her biggest Miracle-the younger boy. The younger boy started sharing some unpleasant things with mom on her visits. He felt the dad was having an affair...and this bothered him. The older boy confirmed his suspicions. Wife #2 was pregnant. He shared with his mom that many, many times he had composed texts to send to his stepmom telling her of his suspicions, but he could not bring himself to press the send button. Mom started to see and understand how tortured her Blessing was, how confused and unhappy he was, how scared he was. Mom started receiving phone calls and emails from concerned friends and family memebers from back home who where keeping an eye on her biggest Miracle, friends who were loving on him and hugging him for her.

Wife #2 had her baby - the boys now had a baby sister. Two months after the baby was born, the dad threw the wife and baby out of the house and moved in his mistress-the nightmare began in earnest. This is the life the prodigal was witnessing. The destroying for another family unit due to infidelity. The dad trading one partner for another, the grass was always greener, life would be better, he'd finally be happy. My friend had only been gone 10 months at this point.

One day the prodigal shared his heart with mom "You won't be here to see me go to prom, you won't be here to wear my letterman jacket to my games like you did brother." It broke the mom's heart. She felt trapped between a rock and a hard place - help her husband start their new life in a far away state - help her son survive his high school years. Mom chose her son. She promised the boy, "I will be here for those things, I need to find a job first."

The live-in mistress/nightmare caused all kinds of havoc for the mom and older brother. The things this woman did and said is truly unbelieveable. Such craziness. Such drama. And mom's youngest was living in it 24/7.

Mom found a job and moved back during the boy's sophmore year. Mom had been away for 18 months at that point. The boy had been doing as he pleased, coming and going with the mistress letting him do what ever he wanted, giving him what ever he wanted for 9 months at this point. He shared with his brother that the mistress gave him anything he asked for, always gave him money, and let him do what ever he wanted. The dad had shared with the mom that he had given the boy to the mistress to deal with because he could not handle the custody battle/divorce he was going thru with wife #2. He promised the mom he'd get it together and step back into the role of parenting their son. This admission frightened the mom greatly. The boy had tasted freedom - and he LOVED it. He was a typical teenager. He had an older girlfriend - 3 years older and 3 years more mature than himself.

With mom back in the picture, it was cramping his style. Mom had rules. Mom had expectations of how the boy should conduct himself. She had taught him right from wrong. She had taught him how to pray. She had taught him about Jesus. She had taught him to respect himself and women. She had shared her hopes and dreams for him.

Mom went to her lawyer and had an updated custody/visitation order drawn up. Mom always had and still does have joint physical/legal custody of the boy. Dad refused to sign the document. The prodigal sat down with mom and told her what he wanted. At this point he was almost 17. Mom had the lawyer redo the order with what the boy wanted. After all, the boy was mom's only concern. The dad refused to sign it. By this time it was late summer. The last weekend of August mom and both her boys spent the weekend together. It was a great weekend. The boy started his junior year of high school.

Then the communication and visits stopped. He no longer answered mom and brother's phone calls or texts. After two weeks of silence mom stopped by practice one morning. She quietly stepped into the gym to watch, and to set her eyes on her biggest Miracle. The boy noticed, and after a few minutes he walked by her and asked "What are you doing here?" Mom replied, "I just wanted to see you." What he said next crushed the mom's heart, he said "If I wanted to talk to you, I would have picked up the phone." He then turned and walked back onto the court. As painful as it was, the mom stayed a while longer, then quietly slipped away.

Mom went to every single game that school year, attended school events, conferences, she loved her boy from afar. When ever he saw her, it was like she was a complete stranger to him, like he had never set eyes on his mama before in his life. Mom text the boy daily telling him she would always love him, she would love forever and for always, no matter what. Mom sent the boy a couple letters, she had his birthday present hand delivered to him at school to make sure he would receive it. She mailed him a check every payday so he'd have some spending money in his pocket. He never responded. He never endorsed not one check, the mistress-who now is the 3rd wife- endorsed every.single.check. mom sent, a year's worth of checks, one mailed every two weeks.

Her family and friends could not believe how the boy was treating not only his mom, but his older brother. The older brother has really struggled with this. Mom continues to remind her oldest that for 14 years and 9 months they raised that boy, they instilled values and morals in him, they taught him about the love of God our Farther, they took him to church - dad wasn't around to do it, he was too busy living his life, playing his sports. Mom reassured her oldest it was buried deep inside, it was there, and for the time being they needed to keep praying for him, to keep loving him, and to never give up on him.

God laid on the mom's heart, love, patience, mercy, forgiveness, grace...God reassured the mom He loved her biggest Miracle more than she did. That boy belonged to Him and Him alone. And during this dark season He was holding that boy close, and the mom too.

This reassured and soothed mom's heart. But it is still painful. She struggles daily with the separation. Her boy just started his senior year in high school. Mom has been living apart from her husband for 17 months now. She flies home once a month to spend a few days with her husband. He's been a big support an dis so thankful, but it has been hard. Mom is now looking forward to this last year of high school to come to an end, and moving back home with her husband. She's counting the days. Mom is actually dreading this school year. It is an important one for the boy, and it looks like mom will be excluded from activities again this year.

But mom has faith. Mom serves and awesome miracle moving God. Mom is trying so hard to keep her eyes on her Abba Father. Mom knows that she knows that she knows that God can and will bring reconciliation. Mom rejoices in the fact that her son is alive and her son is healthy. Just this past year mom has seen 3 of her friends bury their sons way to young. Mom is so thankful her boy is alive, her boy is healthy. There is still time for reconciliation.

Mom has also grown through this biggest challenge of her life. She thought the affairs and then the divorce was her biggest, most painful times of her life. It doesn't compare to the pain of this season she is walking through. Mom is being refined, and it is painful. Mom is walking thru the valley of the shadow of death and has been for one year now, but she chooses to keep her eyes on Jesus. He is her strength. He knows her pain. He has seen every.single.tear she has shed, and there has been many over the past year.

Mom shared with me that her eyes have even open to some truths. She was not fully living her life the way God intended. It was brougth to her attention there are some rules that must be followed:

1. God first



2. Husband second



3. Kids third...even if those kids don't belong to the husband. Even if mom has loved those kids longer than she has loved her new husband.

Mom has also shared that the mighty God she loves so much is telling her, 'It is time. It is time to live this life to the fullest. It is time to appreciate every single second I give you. It is time to fully hand ME MY BOY BACK. HE IS MINE AND I LOVE HIM MORE THAN YOU DO. It is time to let go and let ME deal with MY miracle.'

Bloggy friends will you pray for my friend? Will you pray for her biggest Miracle? Will you pray for reconciliation for the mom and her two boys?

Resting in Jesus,

~s

It's Crazy Love Time!!

Sweet Linny, from aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com is hosting another Crazy Love party. You can read all about it here http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/2010/09/why-does-it-have-to-be-so-hard-part-2.html.





Today is a day of fasting and prayer for the orphan. In particular, many are praying and fasting for James and Cheremi and their two children that have literally been stuck in Uganda for months and months and months. Way too long. They need to be home with their daddy and mommy. They need to be released from the prison they are in, they need to be released from the loneliness of not having a family.

They.Need.To.Come.Home.

My hubby and I have started our journey, To Ethiopia For Eli. We were recently blessed with and unexpected refund and on Friday, we should have the $1500 we need to start our homestudy! God is so very good. It seemed it would take us a few paydays to save up the money we needed to get started, we were thinking it would be the end of October, then out of the blue my hubby received a call telling him about the refund we are getting.

GOD IS SO GOOD. AND HIS TIMING IS ALWAYS BEST!!!

We have many, many more dollars to gather to pay for this adoption. When I crunch the numbers, it is mind boggling. Where is it going to come from? How are we going to raise that kind of money? We can't do it alone. But God can, thru the body of Christ. With all of us pulling together, helping each other with our fundraising goals, praying for each other, we can help get many of God's precious little peeps home to their forever families.



My husband recently won a 2010 Harley Davidson Night Rod. We have placed it up for sale on Cra*gslist. It has been for sale now for almost a month with only two nibbles. Will you join us in prayer that the Lord send us the right buyer for this motorcycle? Once it sells, it will truly be a blessing in getting our little guy [or two] home.



We have a Chip In button at the top of our page, if God is leading you, we would appreciate any donations towards our adoption costs.

In the next couple of days I'll be posting about our first give away. Please check back often, my sister and brother~in~love are heading up the fundraising portion of our adoption and they have many fantastic ideas. They truly are a blessing to me and our adoption. It is such a blessing to have their help planning, organizing, and making the fundraisers happen. Right now they are gathering donations for a huge rummage sale we'll be having the last weekend in September.



I'm really excited to see God work in our lives and our adoption journey.



Resting In Jesus,

~s