As I reflect on this last year, only one word comes to mind. Blessed. I have so much to be thankful for, so many people in my life who love me and whom I love. I have a roof over my head, a secure job in which I love, a vehicle to take me wherever I need to go, more than enough food to eat and clothes to wear, my health, and a whole bunch of "stuff" that I enjoy but could easily live without. These are just a few of the things that most of the time I take for granted. If that isn't enough to be called "blessed" I have no idea what is! So in fact, I would have to say I am more than blessed! Im not sure if there is a word for this, but if there is, that is what I am!
This also has been a year full of new insights, personal growth in my relationship with Jesus, surges of confidence and boldness that came out of nowhere, refining and molding, and more refining and molding, and even more refining and molding! Oh, how I can honestly say I LOVE to be refined! To know that my Father loves me enough to break me of the things that were ugly and mold me into something beautiful like Himself, simply fills me with such a joy that is indescribable. God says Himself that we will be faced with many trials, that in this world we will have trouble, but guess what?? Jesus has overcome the world, and for this I will be forever grateful! Believe me, it was not easy going through a refining period but I always knew that Jesus was right there by my side and would never leave me. Not only was Jesus by my side, He surrounded me with people who loved me and supported me and prayed for me, even though they KNEW me. I've said this before, but now I know exactly why God did what He did when He did it. He changed me just in time to begin preparing me for what He has for me next, and I certainly would not be where I am today if He had left me the way that I was. God turned depression into happiness ... He healed an addiction with an increased craving for Him! He did it for me and He will do it for you. Why? Because He can!
In the adoption world I can also say I am blessed! This week I found out that my "Dossier" can be sent at any time now! I thought I had to wait on a document from the USCIS that is going to take awhile, but I was wrong! The Dossier is a group of documents that represents me to the country of Ethiopia as a potential adoptive parent. I will be sending these documents to Leigh Ann, my coordinator, to proof before I send them the real deal so pray for Leigh Ann as she goes over all of my paperwork - pray that God continues to oversee all decisions made concerning this adoption - pray for that sweet baby girl and her impatient momma!
Praise God for the blessings He gives us daily - Praise God for every moment of healing of comforting of bringing peace of forgiveness of refining of molding - Praise God for His everlasting love - Praise God for Jesus!
Praying for a year full of blessings and God's favor for all!
"Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him" Jeremiah 17:7
Love-
amy
Friday, December 30, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
All because of a baby born in a manger
Melkham Gena! (Merry Christmas in amharic!)
Oh how I love this time of year! A time that we get to celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world .... the Savior of the world! I can not even begin to wrap my mind around the magnificence of this name. What a job this fellow has, not only the Savior of the world but a Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace to boot! This fellow we get to celebrate this time of year, His name is Jesus!
So as we continue to celebrate this Christmas season I pray that our hearts and our minds would be in the place where it all began. A place where animals were kept and fed. This place would be considered among the poorest of the poor. A place similar to that of an orphan, perhaps. This would be the place that the Savior of the world was born. Our Lord, Jesus Christ was rejected ... there was no room for them in the inn. Jesus was born in a stable among the animals with His crib being a cattle trough. The place that the Savior of the world first laid His head was where the animals eat and drink. Jesus then went on to make Himself nothing, to take on the very nature of a servant. He emptied Himself of the luxuries He could of had and took on the lowest of places. Jesus came to serve. He gave His life so we could live and His gift of salvation is free! There aren't too many things in this life that are free so if you have yet to receive this gift, I pray that you would open your hearts and let Him in! Believe me, you will not regret it! This is the greatest gift I have yet to receive! And now I have the opportunity to share the love I have been given to an orphan .. a baby girl somewhere halfway across the world ... all because of a baby born in a manger!
Jesus is the only reason we can celebrate this season and I pray that His life, His love, His joy, peace and blessings would overflow into the lives of all of you! So let's make a point to give the Savior of the world one heck of a birthday party this Sunday! What an awesome day to get to celebrate His birth ... on the day that we, the church, come together anyway to learn, to grow, to fellowship and most importantly, give all glory and praise to Him!
As for my adoption process ..... Praise God!! My home study was completed this week and approved by my agency! I was able to pick up the copies from Jan on Thursday at noon and then send it off to the USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services), along with the next form due, that afternoon! God continues to provide! I am asking for prayers that I would get clearance from the USCIS. They will be reviewing my home study and then make a decision on whether or not I am suitable and eligible to adopt. Pray that God would oversee all decisions made and that I would soon be one step closer to bringing my baby girl home!
Praise God for His love that has no bounds - Praise God for His word through which we gain insight and understanding of that love - Praise God for Jesus ... the Savior of the world!
"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
Love-
amy
Oh how I love this time of year! A time that we get to celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world .... the Savior of the world! I can not even begin to wrap my mind around the magnificence of this name. What a job this fellow has, not only the Savior of the world but a Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace to boot! This fellow we get to celebrate this time of year, His name is Jesus!
So as we continue to celebrate this Christmas season I pray that our hearts and our minds would be in the place where it all began. A place where animals were kept and fed. This place would be considered among the poorest of the poor. A place similar to that of an orphan, perhaps. This would be the place that the Savior of the world was born. Our Lord, Jesus Christ was rejected ... there was no room for them in the inn. Jesus was born in a stable among the animals with His crib being a cattle trough. The place that the Savior of the world first laid His head was where the animals eat and drink. Jesus then went on to make Himself nothing, to take on the very nature of a servant. He emptied Himself of the luxuries He could of had and took on the lowest of places. Jesus came to serve. He gave His life so we could live and His gift of salvation is free! There aren't too many things in this life that are free so if you have yet to receive this gift, I pray that you would open your hearts and let Him in! Believe me, you will not regret it! This is the greatest gift I have yet to receive! And now I have the opportunity to share the love I have been given to an orphan .. a baby girl somewhere halfway across the world ... all because of a baby born in a manger!
Jesus is the only reason we can celebrate this season and I pray that His life, His love, His joy, peace and blessings would overflow into the lives of all of you! So let's make a point to give the Savior of the world one heck of a birthday party this Sunday! What an awesome day to get to celebrate His birth ... on the day that we, the church, come together anyway to learn, to grow, to fellowship and most importantly, give all glory and praise to Him!
As for my adoption process ..... Praise God!! My home study was completed this week and approved by my agency! I was able to pick up the copies from Jan on Thursday at noon and then send it off to the USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services), along with the next form due, that afternoon! God continues to provide! I am asking for prayers that I would get clearance from the USCIS. They will be reviewing my home study and then make a decision on whether or not I am suitable and eligible to adopt. Pray that God would oversee all decisions made and that I would soon be one step closer to bringing my baby girl home!
Praise God for His love that has no bounds - Praise God for His word through which we gain insight and understanding of that love - Praise God for Jesus ... the Savior of the world!
"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
Love-
amy
Friday, December 16, 2011
I need a silent night
I came across this song today by Amy Grant , "I Need a Silent Night". The chorus of the song hit home.
"I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night"
I heard the song played while I was at home, after I had been scurrying around town today in attempt to get everything I needed to finish up with all of my Christmas projects. The lyrics to the song stopped me dead in my tracks and I quickly began thinking about how very desperate I am for a true and genuine "silent night". What exactly would a "silent night" tonight look like? Well, to me it would look something like this ... I would be sitting at home on my couch, snuggled up with a blanket, sipping on a cup of coffee, just me and Jesus. There would be no rushing around trying to get the Christmas cards written out and in the mail before 5 - no wrapping gifts - no baking cookies and candy - no facebook - no texting - no Harley barking because he wants to go outside - no phone calls - no music - no searching for adoption timelines - no comparing my journey to everyone elses - no worrying about how long it is taking already - no worrying about when I'm even going to get a referral - no wondering what my baby girl is doing at this very moment in time - no nothing ..... just me and Jesus. There would be silence. Pure silence. No prayer requests, period. No asking for healing - no asking for wisdom - no asking for patience or forgiveness or peace or trust. Pure silence. The only thing heard would be each breath that I take. Pure silence. I would be listening. Listening for a sweet sounding voice. Listening for Jesus. Oh how my heart longs for a "silent night".
For something so very simple, we make it nearly impossible to do. Why is it so hard to accomplish? I have no idea. I will be the first to admit I have not seen one of these nights in a VERY long time. There is always something to do and somewhere to go or I'm just plain tired, and Jesus is the one who gets put on the back burner for another time. Pretty sad, isn't it? So if you're anything like me, let's do our best and try to "end each crazy day with a silent night".
Rather than my usual prayer requests and praises I ask that you would sit back and just listen. Simply listen for Jesus.....
"...in quietness and trust is your strength." Isaiah 30:15
Love-
amy
"I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night"
I heard the song played while I was at home, after I had been scurrying around town today in attempt to get everything I needed to finish up with all of my Christmas projects. The lyrics to the song stopped me dead in my tracks and I quickly began thinking about how very desperate I am for a true and genuine "silent night". What exactly would a "silent night" tonight look like? Well, to me it would look something like this ... I would be sitting at home on my couch, snuggled up with a blanket, sipping on a cup of coffee, just me and Jesus. There would be no rushing around trying to get the Christmas cards written out and in the mail before 5 - no wrapping gifts - no baking cookies and candy - no facebook - no texting - no Harley barking because he wants to go outside - no phone calls - no music - no searching for adoption timelines - no comparing my journey to everyone elses - no worrying about how long it is taking already - no worrying about when I'm even going to get a referral - no wondering what my baby girl is doing at this very moment in time - no nothing ..... just me and Jesus. There would be silence. Pure silence. No prayer requests, period. No asking for healing - no asking for wisdom - no asking for patience or forgiveness or peace or trust. Pure silence. The only thing heard would be each breath that I take. Pure silence. I would be listening. Listening for a sweet sounding voice. Listening for Jesus. Oh how my heart longs for a "silent night".
For something so very simple, we make it nearly impossible to do. Why is it so hard to accomplish? I have no idea. I will be the first to admit I have not seen one of these nights in a VERY long time. There is always something to do and somewhere to go or I'm just plain tired, and Jesus is the one who gets put on the back burner for another time. Pretty sad, isn't it? So if you're anything like me, let's do our best and try to "end each crazy day with a silent night".
Rather than my usual prayer requests and praises I ask that you would sit back and just listen. Simply listen for Jesus.....
"...in quietness and trust is your strength." Isaiah 30:15
Love-
amy
Saturday, December 10, 2011
5 AM wake-up call
bbbbbbaaaaaarrrrrrrfffffffff. Yes indeedy! This is the sound that "woke" me up this morning at 5 AM! Oh how I do love Harley! Thank you, Jesus for waking me to the sound of my poor lil pup puking, as if I had remained asleep the result most likely would have been rolling over in it! Lol! Good way to get the comforter washed, too so there is in fact "good" that came out of this mess today!
As I continued to lie in bed this morning (without the comforter of course!) God brought lots of stuff to mind. He reminded me of all the times that He used a "wake-up call" to get my attention about some "thing" or some "one". What stuck out in my mind most was how drawn I was to the ways of the world, in many different aspects really. The idea that it's broke so I'll just get a new one kind of attitude. Or better yet, it's not broke but I'll just go ahead and get a new one anyway! Often times I did say how blessed I was to be able to just go and get whatever I wanted and not really have to worry about it, but I obviously took that a little too much for granted. God gave me that "wake-up call" about a year ago (one of the ways He was preparing me). God awoke me from the way I thought about material things. Now I LOVE to shop! Anybody who knows me, even if it's just a little bit, knows how very true this statement is! God has been teaching me though, the difference between the things that I "need" versus the things that I "want". Boy does it make a HUGE difference in the way I look at things. I haven't even been to the mall in I don't even know how long and I love it! That does not matter to me anymore. What DOES matter now is the thought of my precious baby girl who is out there halfway across the world, and I'm certainly not going to spend money on a bunch of "stuff", even if it is what's hot in fashion! In the process of this wake-up call, God has given me new, creative ideas on how to make the most of the money He has provided me with including the importance of giving. The key part of that statement is the fact that it is His and not mine! Once that really comes to life, it's much easier to say "no" to those really cute pair of shoes and to say "yes" to that unemployed mother who's husband has left her to raise 3 kids on her own. It's all a matter of perspective, really. Once you see things in the way that God does, you will do everything you can to help the poor, the needy, the orphans and widows in their distress. And that is exactly what we have been called to do!
So once again, God used a "wake-up call" from Harley to enlighten me today! Instead of getting irritated and stressed out about a mere small thing in life really, I chose to look at the bright side. I chose to reflect and remember how undeniably good my God is to me and oh how He loves me! He loves every single one of us, even enough to change us!
Unfortunately, patience and trust have not got the "wake-up call" yet, at least loud enough for me to hear it! Yes, I continue to trudge on in the adoption process with worry and impatience. I am still awaiting the finished home study report so continue to keep Jan, Jim and Leigh Ann in prayer as they complete/review it. Pray for all families who are waiting to bring their babies home and for those who might just be having "thoughts" about starting the adoption process. Pray for my sweet baby girl, that she would be loved on and taken care of even if she is halfway around the world! Praise God that He can do just that! Praise God that He can use whatever He chooses to bring attention to an area in our life that needs to be addressed or even remind us of the things He has already done! Praise God for Jesus, the reason we get to celebrate this time of year! Praise God!
"Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light." Ephesians 5:14
Love-
amy
As I continued to lie in bed this morning (without the comforter of course!) God brought lots of stuff to mind. He reminded me of all the times that He used a "wake-up call" to get my attention about some "thing" or some "one". What stuck out in my mind most was how drawn I was to the ways of the world, in many different aspects really. The idea that it's broke so I'll just get a new one kind of attitude. Or better yet, it's not broke but I'll just go ahead and get a new one anyway! Often times I did say how blessed I was to be able to just go and get whatever I wanted and not really have to worry about it, but I obviously took that a little too much for granted. God gave me that "wake-up call" about a year ago (one of the ways He was preparing me). God awoke me from the way I thought about material things. Now I LOVE to shop! Anybody who knows me, even if it's just a little bit, knows how very true this statement is! God has been teaching me though, the difference between the things that I "need" versus the things that I "want". Boy does it make a HUGE difference in the way I look at things. I haven't even been to the mall in I don't even know how long and I love it! That does not matter to me anymore. What DOES matter now is the thought of my precious baby girl who is out there halfway across the world, and I'm certainly not going to spend money on a bunch of "stuff", even if it is what's hot in fashion! In the process of this wake-up call, God has given me new, creative ideas on how to make the most of the money He has provided me with including the importance of giving. The key part of that statement is the fact that it is His and not mine! Once that really comes to life, it's much easier to say "no" to those really cute pair of shoes and to say "yes" to that unemployed mother who's husband has left her to raise 3 kids on her own. It's all a matter of perspective, really. Once you see things in the way that God does, you will do everything you can to help the poor, the needy, the orphans and widows in their distress. And that is exactly what we have been called to do!
So once again, God used a "wake-up call" from Harley to enlighten me today! Instead of getting irritated and stressed out about a mere small thing in life really, I chose to look at the bright side. I chose to reflect and remember how undeniably good my God is to me and oh how He loves me! He loves every single one of us, even enough to change us!
Unfortunately, patience and trust have not got the "wake-up call" yet, at least loud enough for me to hear it! Yes, I continue to trudge on in the adoption process with worry and impatience. I am still awaiting the finished home study report so continue to keep Jan, Jim and Leigh Ann in prayer as they complete/review it. Pray for all families who are waiting to bring their babies home and for those who might just be having "thoughts" about starting the adoption process. Pray for my sweet baby girl, that she would be loved on and taken care of even if she is halfway around the world! Praise God that He can do just that! Praise God that He can use whatever He chooses to bring attention to an area in our life that needs to be addressed or even remind us of the things He has already done! Praise God for Jesus, the reason we get to celebrate this time of year! Praise God!
"Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light." Ephesians 5:14
Love-
amy
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Praise God From Whom all Blessings Flow
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow ...
Praise Him, all creatures here below ...
Praise Him , above ye heavenly hosts ...
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost ...
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. All blessings. Blessing: a special favor, mercy, benefit. God IS the giver of life - life is a special favor given to us because of His great mercy and is nothing less than a benefit. We have been given a life FULL of blessings that come only from God our Father. Praise Him!
Praise Him, all creatures here below. All creatures. Everything created, inanimate or animate. Not only are we called to praise Him, but even the stars in the sky and the whales in the sea are to praise Him (and what beautiful music they can make!)
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts. Heavenly Hosts. The angels, archangels and cheribum are to praise God, too.
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!
This week I did quite a bit of worrying. I worried about documents that I needed to get completed and notarized, time frame of forms needing to be sent off, getting cleared by the state in order to even be able to adopt in the first place, and so on and so forth. God has given me affirmation after affirmation concerning this adoption, so you would think I would be able to just rest easy buuuuut that is not the case. I continue to worry. On the other hand, it never fails! Every time I start to worry, God provides an outpouring of His love through His word, a song or through another person. By the end of the week I got my document notarized correctly (5th times a charm .... geesh!!), I received a phone call from the director of one of the therapy groups I had applied for and meet with him this Thursday to go over some info and hopefully be will be starting PRN work very soon, and to top it all off I was informed about another fundraiser that will be taking place next week that was completely unexpected! Talk about blessings! God continues to bless me despite the fact that I continue to worry. Our God is full of love and grace and mercy and forgiveness. For this reason I can do nothing BUT praise Him!
I continue to wait on the completed home study report so continue to pray for Jan, Jim and Leigh Ann as they review it! And as always, pray for my sweet baby girl!
Father, I pray for everyone who is reading this blog, for the friendships you have given to me, for all of the ways each one of them have blessed me ... Father, bless them, provide for them and love on them ... Father, forgive me for all of the times I worry instead of trusting in You ... thank you Father for Jesus and it's in His name that I pray -
"The Lord always keeps His promises; He is gracious in all He does." Psalm 145:13"
"Praise God, From Whom all Blessings Flow" David Crowder
http://youtu.be/GOFheF00fi0
Love-
amy
Praise Him, all creatures here below ...
Praise Him , above ye heavenly hosts ...
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost ...
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. All blessings. Blessing: a special favor, mercy, benefit. God IS the giver of life - life is a special favor given to us because of His great mercy and is nothing less than a benefit. We have been given a life FULL of blessings that come only from God our Father. Praise Him!
Praise Him, all creatures here below. All creatures. Everything created, inanimate or animate. Not only are we called to praise Him, but even the stars in the sky and the whales in the sea are to praise Him (and what beautiful music they can make!)
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts. Heavenly Hosts. The angels, archangels and cheribum are to praise God, too.
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!
This week I did quite a bit of worrying. I worried about documents that I needed to get completed and notarized, time frame of forms needing to be sent off, getting cleared by the state in order to even be able to adopt in the first place, and so on and so forth. God has given me affirmation after affirmation concerning this adoption, so you would think I would be able to just rest easy buuuuut that is not the case. I continue to worry. On the other hand, it never fails! Every time I start to worry, God provides an outpouring of His love through His word, a song or through another person. By the end of the week I got my document notarized correctly (5th times a charm .... geesh!!), I received a phone call from the director of one of the therapy groups I had applied for and meet with him this Thursday to go over some info and hopefully be will be starting PRN work very soon, and to top it all off I was informed about another fundraiser that will be taking place next week that was completely unexpected! Talk about blessings! God continues to bless me despite the fact that I continue to worry. Our God is full of love and grace and mercy and forgiveness. For this reason I can do nothing BUT praise Him!
I continue to wait on the completed home study report so continue to pray for Jan, Jim and Leigh Ann as they review it! And as always, pray for my sweet baby girl!
Father, I pray for everyone who is reading this blog, for the friendships you have given to me, for all of the ways each one of them have blessed me ... Father, bless them, provide for them and love on them ... Father, forgive me for all of the times I worry instead of trusting in You ... thank you Father for Jesus and it's in His name that I pray -
"The Lord always keeps His promises; He is gracious in all He does." Psalm 145:13"
"Praise God, From Whom all Blessings Flow" David Crowder
http://youtu.be/GOFheF00fi0
Love-
amy
Saturday, November 26, 2011
I had a dream ...
The exact location, I am unsure of ... the time of day, I have no idea ... the activity that was taking place, I do not recall ... BUT the one thing I do remember ... the thing I am sure of ... the absolute only thing I do recall .... is that she called me "momma". Yes! I had a dream! There she was! And she called me by name! Momma! I have not come to the point in the adoption process where a referral has been sent, but God gave me hope that night. God gave me a hope that provided yet another affirmation that He does in fact have a precious baby girl out there somewhere who He is watching over and caring for. A baby girl who will one day be my own.
My emotions have been on overload these days. The information I have been researching makes it all the more real and the tears continue to flow as I think about the day when I will get the opportunity to put all of this to practice .... for real! I have been reading books on how to build bonds of affection and trust with your adopted child - how to deal with learning and behavioral disorders - strategies to use on how to discipline your child with love.
The emotions I have been feeling are kind of hard to put into words as I don't even have a picture to go with the "thought" of my soon to be baby girl. All I can say is that I long for the day I get to hold her in my arms. God has broke my heart for her and to think that it could be more than a year before I actually get to see her for the first time, simply tears me apart. I long for the day that she will look me in the eye and call me "momma". I am going to be her momma!
Once again, I have to remember the hope that God has given me. I know that He is providing her every need. I know that she is in His hands and there are no better hands to be in! I know that His plan for me to be able to love on her as my own, will come in His perfect timing under His perfect plan. Unfortunately, the hard part is getting what I "know" in my head to travel down to my heart and trust Him completely. Now you would think that would not be such a hard task as it is only approximately 18 inches from your brain to your heart, but for me it seems to be! God continues to work on me and refine me into the woman He wants me to be and although it pretty much stinks at times, I would not want it any other way! None of this would be happening if God had just left me the way that I was ... He broke me and is in the process of molding me in order to prepare me to be the "momma" He would have me to be! Thank you, Jesus!
Praise God! Praise God for life in Him! Praise God for Jesus and the cross! Praise God for the hope that we can have in Him! And with that hope, praise God for life eternal!
I am asking for continued prayers for Jan as she completes my home study report - pray for Jim, the program director at IAG and Leigh Ann, my coordinator from IAG as they read over Jan's home study report and make any appropriate changes before it gets sent off to be cleared by the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) - pray for that sweet baby girl of mine!
I continue to thank God for each and every one of you! For your continued support through prayer, encouraging words, fundraising projects, financially, etc. My God provides and I will forever praise His holy name!
"Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe.” Hebrews 12:28
Love-
amy
My emotions have been on overload these days. The information I have been researching makes it all the more real and the tears continue to flow as I think about the day when I will get the opportunity to put all of this to practice .... for real! I have been reading books on how to build bonds of affection and trust with your adopted child - how to deal with learning and behavioral disorders - strategies to use on how to discipline your child with love.
The emotions I have been feeling are kind of hard to put into words as I don't even have a picture to go with the "thought" of my soon to be baby girl. All I can say is that I long for the day I get to hold her in my arms. God has broke my heart for her and to think that it could be more than a year before I actually get to see her for the first time, simply tears me apart. I long for the day that she will look me in the eye and call me "momma". I am going to be her momma!
Once again, I have to remember the hope that God has given me. I know that He is providing her every need. I know that she is in His hands and there are no better hands to be in! I know that His plan for me to be able to love on her as my own, will come in His perfect timing under His perfect plan. Unfortunately, the hard part is getting what I "know" in my head to travel down to my heart and trust Him completely. Now you would think that would not be such a hard task as it is only approximately 18 inches from your brain to your heart, but for me it seems to be! God continues to work on me and refine me into the woman He wants me to be and although it pretty much stinks at times, I would not want it any other way! None of this would be happening if God had just left me the way that I was ... He broke me and is in the process of molding me in order to prepare me to be the "momma" He would have me to be! Thank you, Jesus!
Praise God! Praise God for life in Him! Praise God for Jesus and the cross! Praise God for the hope that we can have in Him! And with that hope, praise God for life eternal!
I am asking for continued prayers for Jan as she completes my home study report - pray for Jim, the program director at IAG and Leigh Ann, my coordinator from IAG as they read over Jan's home study report and make any appropriate changes before it gets sent off to be cleared by the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) - pray for that sweet baby girl of mine!
I continue to thank God for each and every one of you! For your continued support through prayer, encouraging words, fundraising projects, financially, etc. My God provides and I will forever praise His holy name!
"Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe.” Hebrews 12:28
Love-
amy
Saturday, November 19, 2011
In Everything, Give Thanks!
Thankfulness: to express gratitude or appreciation.
Gratitude: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
Appreciation: recognition of the quality, value, significance, or magnitude of people and things.
These three simple words get used quite frequently during this time of the year as we are coming upon the day of Thanksgiving. A day that for many people will include lots of food, family and possibly football?! A day that for some might mean getting to bed early so you are ready to go when that alarm goes off at 2 AM to get ready and go stand outside in the freezing cold, most likely, just to be first in line to get that awesome deal you've been waiting for since the Black Friday ads came out.(and for those of you who can do this without getting irritable ... I commend you for your patience!) What a great idea it was to set aside one special day of the year to stop, reflect and to give thanks to our Almighty Creator! That IS what's most important to you on that day, right? Well Im here to tell you that if you're like me, that is not always the case, but you're in luck! You see we actually have 364 other days of the year that we SHOULD already be giving thanks to God! One day a year is simply not enough to give thanks to God for ALL that He has done for us, ALL that He provides for us, for His love, for His grace, for His mercy, for His forgiveness, for His faithfulness, for His suffering and enduring of the cross for our sake.
So I challenge you not only to give God praise daily, but thank Him for what He has done in your life, be grateful for who you are in Him, appreciate the fact that there is NO other God like Him! And in a week from now when you see all of the beautiful Christmas decorations coming up and music playing in the background .... you can still give thanks to God!
My God continues to provide in so many different aspects in this adoption process and I am so very thankful for Him. My God continues to lead and guide me and I am grateful. My God continues to walk beside me, comfort me and love on me every minute of every single day and I appreciate Him for that! There is not a soul who can even come close to the quality, the value, the significance or the magnitude that my God and Savior displays.
I have another homestudy visit with Jan on Tuesday, so I'm asking for prayers that it goes well and that I am prepared to answer all of the questions she has for me. Pray for Jan as she writes up the completed homestudy report. Continue to pray for my sweet baby girl. To God be the glory!
"give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Love -
amy
Gratitude: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
Appreciation: recognition of the quality, value, significance, or magnitude of people and things.
These three simple words get used quite frequently during this time of the year as we are coming upon the day of Thanksgiving. A day that for many people will include lots of food, family and possibly football?! A day that for some might mean getting to bed early so you are ready to go when that alarm goes off at 2 AM to get ready and go stand outside in the freezing cold, most likely, just to be first in line to get that awesome deal you've been waiting for since the Black Friday ads came out.(and for those of you who can do this without getting irritable ... I commend you for your patience!) What a great idea it was to set aside one special day of the year to stop, reflect and to give thanks to our Almighty Creator! That IS what's most important to you on that day, right? Well Im here to tell you that if you're like me, that is not always the case, but you're in luck! You see we actually have 364 other days of the year that we SHOULD already be giving thanks to God! One day a year is simply not enough to give thanks to God for ALL that He has done for us, ALL that He provides for us, for His love, for His grace, for His mercy, for His forgiveness, for His faithfulness, for His suffering and enduring of the cross for our sake.
So I challenge you not only to give God praise daily, but thank Him for what He has done in your life, be grateful for who you are in Him, appreciate the fact that there is NO other God like Him! And in a week from now when you see all of the beautiful Christmas decorations coming up and music playing in the background .... you can still give thanks to God!
My God continues to provide in so many different aspects in this adoption process and I am so very thankful for Him. My God continues to lead and guide me and I am grateful. My God continues to walk beside me, comfort me and love on me every minute of every single day and I appreciate Him for that! There is not a soul who can even come close to the quality, the value, the significance or the magnitude that my God and Savior displays.
I have another homestudy visit with Jan on Tuesday, so I'm asking for prayers that it goes well and that I am prepared to answer all of the questions she has for me. Pray for Jan as she writes up the completed homestudy report. Continue to pray for my sweet baby girl. To God be the glory!
"give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Love -
amy
Saturday, November 12, 2011
What is your net worth?
"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Thank you, Jesus for the beauty of the day ... the sunshine ... the color of the leaves .... the warmer temperature .... what a great fall day!
Praise God! I received my contract from my agency on Monday, read through 25 pages of information, initialed each page, wrote out a check, and sent it back to them on Wednesday! Thanks be to God for providing a people of prayer, a loving group of family and friends who have been using their gifts and talents to fundraise, and those who have been blessed financially who have given as well. All glory goes to God as He is the one who made this happen, not me! He told me from the beginning that as I obeyed, He would provide and this is exactly what He has done!
There were two devotions this week that God used to speak to my heart pretty significantly. The first one being about how if you want to feel rich, count all of the things you have that money can't buy. The second one being about when you reach a point of impossibility it's actually an opportunity ..... to trust God. I had to come up with a "self net worth" last week for part of my homestudy and obviously on paper it did not look like much so I had to come up with a financial "plan". Now to me, the number on paper seemed like quite a bit! Lol! But, not enough for them to say this can work, so I made a plan with what I have and turned it in. I have yet to hear any more about it so I will wait and see. God has been transforming me quite a bit this last year, more drastically in the last 6 months. One of the things He has shown me is that I can live with ALOT less and still move and breathe like always! It's now becoming very clear just why He had been doing this. Despite the fact that "I" had to make a plan, I am still certain that His plan, His purpose will prevail!
The second devotion helped to make all of this real. On paper it does look impossible BUT by trusting God, He is providing! So my self net worth may not consist of much but because of the many ways I have been blessed, I truly am a millionaire! Thank you, Jesus!
Praise God that He knows what we need even when we do not - praise God for refining us and molding us into the people He would have us to be - praise God that we have nothing to fear as He is our comforter and protector! Pray that I would continue to follow and obey God alone - pray for that sweet baby girl!
"The blessing of the Lord make a person rich ... " Proverbs 10:22
Love,
amy
Praise God! I received my contract from my agency on Monday, read through 25 pages of information, initialed each page, wrote out a check, and sent it back to them on Wednesday! Thanks be to God for providing a people of prayer, a loving group of family and friends who have been using their gifts and talents to fundraise, and those who have been blessed financially who have given as well. All glory goes to God as He is the one who made this happen, not me! He told me from the beginning that as I obeyed, He would provide and this is exactly what He has done!
There were two devotions this week that God used to speak to my heart pretty significantly. The first one being about how if you want to feel rich, count all of the things you have that money can't buy. The second one being about when you reach a point of impossibility it's actually an opportunity ..... to trust God. I had to come up with a "self net worth" last week for part of my homestudy and obviously on paper it did not look like much so I had to come up with a financial "plan". Now to me, the number on paper seemed like quite a bit! Lol! But, not enough for them to say this can work, so I made a plan with what I have and turned it in. I have yet to hear any more about it so I will wait and see. God has been transforming me quite a bit this last year, more drastically in the last 6 months. One of the things He has shown me is that I can live with ALOT less and still move and breathe like always! It's now becoming very clear just why He had been doing this. Despite the fact that "I" had to make a plan, I am still certain that His plan, His purpose will prevail!
The second devotion helped to make all of this real. On paper it does look impossible BUT by trusting God, He is providing! So my self net worth may not consist of much but because of the many ways I have been blessed, I truly am a millionaire! Thank you, Jesus!
Praise God that He knows what we need even when we do not - praise God for refining us and molding us into the people He would have us to be - praise God that we have nothing to fear as He is our comforter and protector! Pray that I would continue to follow and obey God alone - pray for that sweet baby girl!
"The blessing of the Lord make a person rich ... " Proverbs 10:22
Love,
amy
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Yahweh Yahweh
Have you praised God today? Have you thanked Him for absolutely anything? Tonight, I am at a loss for words as I sit back and think on the week. I have pleaded with God to help me out in countless ways but I can't really remember a specific time when I sat down and did nothing but praise Him.
My Lord has given me a heart that loves, and is breaking for some little girl who is thousands and thousands of miles away from me, and all I can think about is "why does this have to take so long?" "Why would God give me this love that is so strong for a child I have yet to even be referred, and then continue on with the "road bumps" along the way?" I have not once thanked Him for the heart that He gave me or for this awesome opportunity to be able to be a mom! Yes, a mom! I have not once thanked Him for all of the times this week that I was given the opportunity to share Jesus with someone just because of this adoption process.
Just so you are up to date on what's happening, I had my first homestudy visit and continue on with that process, and I still have yet to receive the contract from the agency.
This week, I would ask that you make time daily to give our God the praise He deserves .... not that we are by any means, able to give Him "that" kind of praise, but we can give Him are best and He will love every minute of it! Praise Him for what He is and was and is to come! Praise Him for the life that He has so graciously given to you! Shout out His name, telling Him all of the reasons you love Him!
"Lift up holy hands in prayer, and praise the Lord." Psalm 134:2
Phil Wickham "At Your Name"
http://youtu.be/4TYM92BcQVI
Love -
amy
My Lord has given me a heart that loves, and is breaking for some little girl who is thousands and thousands of miles away from me, and all I can think about is "why does this have to take so long?" "Why would God give me this love that is so strong for a child I have yet to even be referred, and then continue on with the "road bumps" along the way?" I have not once thanked Him for the heart that He gave me or for this awesome opportunity to be able to be a mom! Yes, a mom! I have not once thanked Him for all of the times this week that I was given the opportunity to share Jesus with someone just because of this adoption process.
Just so you are up to date on what's happening, I had my first homestudy visit and continue on with that process, and I still have yet to receive the contract from the agency.
This week, I would ask that you make time daily to give our God the praise He deserves .... not that we are by any means, able to give Him "that" kind of praise, but we can give Him are best and He will love every minute of it! Praise Him for what He is and was and is to come! Praise Him for the life that He has so graciously given to you! Shout out His name, telling Him all of the reasons you love Him!
"Lift up holy hands in prayer, and praise the Lord." Psalm 134:2
Phil Wickham "At Your Name"
http://youtu.be/4TYM92BcQVI
Love -
amy
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Satan get behind me?
This week has definitely had its ups but for the most part I was feeling more of the downs. I knew this would come as I have been reminded, in more ways than one, that obedience will lead to some opposition on occasion. I guess I just wasn't ready yet. Like I ever really would have been ready, actually?!
BUT praise God for Saturday and the craft show at Central Lee! Praise God for placing people in my life that are really good at making things, things that sell, too! God has continued to bless me with people who are wanting to help with fundraisers, who are gifted in areas that I SO am not. Thank you, Jesus!
So the week started off with learning I would have to take an extra step in my paperwork as I have not always acted like the "woman of God" I am trying to live like now. My "old self" was brought to my attention, caused a slight bump in the road, but nothing that will end in a road block.
Next "downer" I felt was that I have attempted to get some PRN work at 3 different companies in order to have some extra cash. I should have heard back by now from 2 of the 3 places that said they would call and I am still waiting. "God grant me patience .... but PLEASE hurry!"
Then I decided that it was time to go to the bank to see about getting that loan that I "might" need. I quickly learned that you don't automatically get what you ask for! Who knew?!
Lastly, I received an email from the director of the agency with a whole lot of information in it that I don't really understand, but in a nutshell, was saying that the process is taking longer. He of course stated that this is nothing to worry about and that this too, shall pass. Whatever "this" is!
So as the week was coming to an end, I was praying that I would not let Satan get in my way as he had been all week. I was praying for strength to fight him and not let him get in the way of what God is doing. And then this morning it was brought to my attention in an entirely different way .... from my "earthly father". My dad was telling me that everything does not only revolve around "us" and that just because someone or something doesn't fit with what we are thinking or what we are doing, does not automatically mean it is Satan working against us. Instead, what if it is God pushing us in another direction or trying to tell us something. Hmmmm......Satan get behind me or is it in fact God telling me that He is in control of this and I am NOT!
Well I am certain that yes, it was God reminding me that this is His plan and He will provide. He has taken my "old self" which was broken and made me brand new. I have been and continue to be transformed by God! Through His power alone, this will all take place! Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, Dad! Thanks to all of you! God is using each and every one of you in you're own unique way to help me in this adoption process!
Praise God for His power - praise God for His wisdom - praise God for His continued providence - praise God that there is no other like Him! Pray for my homestudy to go well tomorrow with Jan - pray that I would have ears to hear God and know the difference between His leading and Satan's lies - pray that I would trust this is His plan and not mine - pray for my little baby girl - Praise God!
"Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 1:30
Love-
amy
BUT praise God for Saturday and the craft show at Central Lee! Praise God for placing people in my life that are really good at making things, things that sell, too! God has continued to bless me with people who are wanting to help with fundraisers, who are gifted in areas that I SO am not. Thank you, Jesus!
So the week started off with learning I would have to take an extra step in my paperwork as I have not always acted like the "woman of God" I am trying to live like now. My "old self" was brought to my attention, caused a slight bump in the road, but nothing that will end in a road block.
Next "downer" I felt was that I have attempted to get some PRN work at 3 different companies in order to have some extra cash. I should have heard back by now from 2 of the 3 places that said they would call and I am still waiting. "God grant me patience .... but PLEASE hurry!"
Then I decided that it was time to go to the bank to see about getting that loan that I "might" need. I quickly learned that you don't automatically get what you ask for! Who knew?!
Lastly, I received an email from the director of the agency with a whole lot of information in it that I don't really understand, but in a nutshell, was saying that the process is taking longer. He of course stated that this is nothing to worry about and that this too, shall pass. Whatever "this" is!
So as the week was coming to an end, I was praying that I would not let Satan get in my way as he had been all week. I was praying for strength to fight him and not let him get in the way of what God is doing. And then this morning it was brought to my attention in an entirely different way .... from my "earthly father". My dad was telling me that everything does not only revolve around "us" and that just because someone or something doesn't fit with what we are thinking or what we are doing, does not automatically mean it is Satan working against us. Instead, what if it is God pushing us in another direction or trying to tell us something. Hmmmm......Satan get behind me or is it in fact God telling me that He is in control of this and I am NOT!
Well I am certain that yes, it was God reminding me that this is His plan and He will provide. He has taken my "old self" which was broken and made me brand new. I have been and continue to be transformed by God! Through His power alone, this will all take place! Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, Dad! Thanks to all of you! God is using each and every one of you in you're own unique way to help me in this adoption process!
Praise God for His power - praise God for His wisdom - praise God for His continued providence - praise God that there is no other like Him! Pray for my homestudy to go well tomorrow with Jan - pray that I would have ears to hear God and know the difference between His leading and Satan's lies - pray that I would trust this is His plan and not mine - pray for my little baby girl - Praise God!
"Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 1:30
Love-
amy
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Dinner around the table
Not a whole lot going on this week. More reading - more paperwork. Im starting to feel like these are becoming my "norm" for the day! It's good for me though as Im learning new things and getting a clear picture of why the process is, just the way it is!
I did get my paper work done for the homestudy, I think, so I was able to schedule my first appointment with Jan. She will be coming to my house on October 31st for the first visit. Not really sure what this entails but am anxious to get to sit down and talk with her in person for more than just a quick few minutes! I have been blessed with Jan and Leigh Ann who are very easy to talk to, don't get me wrong, but so far communication has only been on the phone or via email, so to be able to sit down with someone and REALLY get to discuss some of this stuff is going to be good and calm a few nerves as well ;) Once again, I know God continues to transform me as I would NEVER had said I could not wait to sit down and "talk" with someone .... a stranger at that!
I have yet to receive my contract from IAG, the agency, but know that it will come in God's timing!
And of course, God continues to speak! This time, it happened while sitting around the table enjoying some delicious vegetable soup with my family. The busyness and distance apart from one another so often seems to "trump" what is important and I'll be the first to admit, this is the way I have lived for way too long. God showed me just how much fun I've been missing out on, the stories told, the laughter, the love that was shared, all through a bowl of vegetable soup. Dinner around the table is important .... not just important but a "must". Thank you, Jesus for my family .... each and every one of you!
God also continues to speak to me about faith and obedience. He has reminded me that "our faith" gives Him a way to show "His faithfulness". He has told me that I need to take one day at a time so that is just what I've been trying to do!
Praise God that He remains forever faithful, even when we are not - Praise God for His forever love, despite our unloveliness - Praise God for Jesus and the cross that He bore so we could live!
God continues to reveal His providence to me and I continue to thank Him for every one of you! Continue to pray for that sweet baby girl and those He has entrusted with her care - pray that I would be able to truly take one day at a time and trust in His plan - pray that Jesus would be revealed and God would be glorified through this awesome process of adoption!
"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Matthew 6:34
love,
amy
I did get my paper work done for the homestudy, I think, so I was able to schedule my first appointment with Jan. She will be coming to my house on October 31st for the first visit. Not really sure what this entails but am anxious to get to sit down and talk with her in person for more than just a quick few minutes! I have been blessed with Jan and Leigh Ann who are very easy to talk to, don't get me wrong, but so far communication has only been on the phone or via email, so to be able to sit down with someone and REALLY get to discuss some of this stuff is going to be good and calm a few nerves as well ;) Once again, I know God continues to transform me as I would NEVER had said I could not wait to sit down and "talk" with someone .... a stranger at that!
I have yet to receive my contract from IAG, the agency, but know that it will come in God's timing!
And of course, God continues to speak! This time, it happened while sitting around the table enjoying some delicious vegetable soup with my family. The busyness and distance apart from one another so often seems to "trump" what is important and I'll be the first to admit, this is the way I have lived for way too long. God showed me just how much fun I've been missing out on, the stories told, the laughter, the love that was shared, all through a bowl of vegetable soup. Dinner around the table is important .... not just important but a "must". Thank you, Jesus for my family .... each and every one of you!
God also continues to speak to me about faith and obedience. He has reminded me that "our faith" gives Him a way to show "His faithfulness". He has told me that I need to take one day at a time so that is just what I've been trying to do!
Praise God that He remains forever faithful, even when we are not - Praise God for His forever love, despite our unloveliness - Praise God for Jesus and the cross that He bore so we could live!
God continues to reveal His providence to me and I continue to thank Him for every one of you! Continue to pray for that sweet baby girl and those He has entrusted with her care - pray that I would be able to truly take one day at a time and trust in His plan - pray that Jesus would be revealed and God would be glorified through this awesome process of adoption!
"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Matthew 6:34
love,
amy
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Harley poop, Paperwork and the Slammer!
Praise God for today! Praise Him for the sunshine on this beautiful Saturday morning! Praise Him for every breath that you take today! Praise God! The week was full of a variety of different things but I praise God for ALL of them! Yes, each and EVERY one of them!
It started out with a sick puppy =( Poor Harley had some troubles in the bowel category. Loose stool plus a puppy in the house do NOT go well together .... BUT at 2:00 in the morning while giving Harley a bath, just after he shook and poop splattered ALL over the bathtub, God spoke to me! Lol! He was preparing me for those middle of the night wake up calls that sometimes may just get a bit "dirty"! The crazy thing is, I didnt even get a bit irritated which is ususally not the case. I do believe God also used the 4 times in the night, last night, that Harley woke me up as he had to go outside was preparing me as well =) God continues to transform me, even if it is by using Harley!
On Wednesday, I received the Ethiopia Program Manual in the mail! Yeah God! Alot of information is definitely an understatement. Gobs and gobs and gobs of info is more like it! I have yet to even put a "dent" in the binder but am looking forward to the beginning of a new learning experience.
On Friday I was able to get the info to the social worker from Young House so the home study process can begin. I will be working with a gal named Jan from there who also has been extremely helpful and encouraging already. God definitely has provided people that are easy to talk to, as that as well is not a strong point of mine!
Jan had informed me that I need to get my fingerprints completed right away as they take 6-8 weeks to be processed ... or whatever they have to do with them. So I called the Courthouse to ask the specifics on where to go and if I needed an appointment, and I soon learned that the Courthouse was indeed NOT the place you get fingerprints done. Yep, off to jail I went! Lol! It was an interesting experience but one WELL worth it if it means the chance to bring home a precious little angel that God has in mind for me to love on!
God continues to bless me daily with His word and the people He has placed in my life. He has continued to remind me that I need to walk in faith and that He will be right beside me every step of the way - that I have the Holy Spirit in me, guiding me - that when I do obey Him there will be opposition along the way and to not get frustrated - that His plan is the perfect plan! Today I was blessed to get to meet with a gal from Burlington who just recently had the awesome feeling of bringing her little girl home from Ethiopia. How awesome to have a resource throughout the entire process, as well as another sister in Christ! God continues to provide.
Today I am thanking God for all of you - thanking Him for all of the prayers that have been lifted up, for the many hours spent and work that has been done on the fundraising events that have started and are soon to be coming, for the continued support and encouragement, for the fact that He placed each one of you in my life for a specific purpose!
Pray for that precious baby girl that God has picked out for me - pray for the people that are watching over her right now - pray for Jan, my social worker, as she guides me through the process - pray for the paperwork that I have started, to go through without difficulty. Praise God!
"You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail." Proverbs 19:21
love ~
amy
It started out with a sick puppy =( Poor Harley had some troubles in the bowel category. Loose stool plus a puppy in the house do NOT go well together .... BUT at 2:00 in the morning while giving Harley a bath, just after he shook and poop splattered ALL over the bathtub, God spoke to me! Lol! He was preparing me for those middle of the night wake up calls that sometimes may just get a bit "dirty"! The crazy thing is, I didnt even get a bit irritated which is ususally not the case. I do believe God also used the 4 times in the night, last night, that Harley woke me up as he had to go outside was preparing me as well =) God continues to transform me, even if it is by using Harley!
On Wednesday, I received the Ethiopia Program Manual in the mail! Yeah God! Alot of information is definitely an understatement. Gobs and gobs and gobs of info is more like it! I have yet to even put a "dent" in the binder but am looking forward to the beginning of a new learning experience.
On Friday I was able to get the info to the social worker from Young House so the home study process can begin. I will be working with a gal named Jan from there who also has been extremely helpful and encouraging already. God definitely has provided people that are easy to talk to, as that as well is not a strong point of mine!
Jan had informed me that I need to get my fingerprints completed right away as they take 6-8 weeks to be processed ... or whatever they have to do with them. So I called the Courthouse to ask the specifics on where to go and if I needed an appointment, and I soon learned that the Courthouse was indeed NOT the place you get fingerprints done. Yep, off to jail I went! Lol! It was an interesting experience but one WELL worth it if it means the chance to bring home a precious little angel that God has in mind for me to love on!
God continues to bless me daily with His word and the people He has placed in my life. He has continued to remind me that I need to walk in faith and that He will be right beside me every step of the way - that I have the Holy Spirit in me, guiding me - that when I do obey Him there will be opposition along the way and to not get frustrated - that His plan is the perfect plan! Today I was blessed to get to meet with a gal from Burlington who just recently had the awesome feeling of bringing her little girl home from Ethiopia. How awesome to have a resource throughout the entire process, as well as another sister in Christ! God continues to provide.
Today I am thanking God for all of you - thanking Him for all of the prayers that have been lifted up, for the many hours spent and work that has been done on the fundraising events that have started and are soon to be coming, for the continued support and encouragement, for the fact that He placed each one of you in my life for a specific purpose!
Pray for that precious baby girl that God has picked out for me - pray for the people that are watching over her right now - pray for Jan, my social worker, as she guides me through the process - pray for the paperwork that I have started, to go through without difficulty. Praise God!
"You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail." Proverbs 19:21
love ~
amy
Friday, October 7, 2011
And so the wait begins
Today I received an email from IAG (International Adoption Guides), the agency that I sent my application to. They said they received it and will start processing it immediately. I will be getting an Ethiopia Program Manual in the mail in the next few days that will answer many of my questions, pose further questions, give me a clear idea of the policies and expectations and what I need to be working on each step of the way. My coordinator that Ive been speaking with is Leigh Ann. She has been awesome already and very supportive and encouraging!
So now comes the waiting in which I am SO not good at .... AT ALL! I am convinced though that God will use this to help me grow in so many ways. I cant hardly wait to see what He has planned! Im ready to get out of my comfort zone and be the woman of God He has created me to be!
Have I mentioned lately how amazingly awesome my family and friends are?! There have been so many people who have supported me in this already through encouraging words, prayers, phone calls, text messages, emails, fundraising ideas and I have even received a monetary gift! God has shown His providence already! This is only the beginning of the many tears of joy that are to come!
So as the wait begins, praise God for His hands in this already, praise Him for His Word that is easily available to guide us in all that we do, praise Him for being available to talk to 24/7 - pray for Leigh Ann as she guides me through this process - pray that I would be patient!
I am praying for all of you as well, that you would be blessed and be able to see Jesus through this amazing process of adoption!
"O our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name!" 1 Chronicles 29:13
<3
amy
So now comes the waiting in which I am SO not good at .... AT ALL! I am convinced though that God will use this to help me grow in so many ways. I cant hardly wait to see what He has planned! Im ready to get out of my comfort zone and be the woman of God He has created me to be!
Have I mentioned lately how amazingly awesome my family and friends are?! There have been so many people who have supported me in this already through encouraging words, prayers, phone calls, text messages, emails, fundraising ideas and I have even received a monetary gift! God has shown His providence already! This is only the beginning of the many tears of joy that are to come!
So as the wait begins, praise God for His hands in this already, praise Him for His Word that is easily available to guide us in all that we do, praise Him for being available to talk to 24/7 - pray for Leigh Ann as she guides me through this process - pray that I would be patient!
I am praying for all of you as well, that you would be blessed and be able to see Jesus through this amazing process of adoption!
"O our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name!" 1 Chronicles 29:13
<3
amy
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
I could choose not to move, but I refuse ...
It was Sunday, September 18 that God spoke to my heart BIG time and could possibly change my life forever. It was a typical Sunday morning which included getting ready for church, doing my daily devotions and then heading to my parents house with Harley, my puppy, while jamming out in the car to some K-Love radio! I walked into church that day not knowing my heart would be changed. It was Missions Sunday and Marti Boal and Marcia Baldridge shared their story ... their experience of a missions trip to Ethiopia. As I sat there and listened my heart hurt for those people, those families, those little babies. My heart hurt just like most of the people's did who were sitting there that day. As the day went on I could not get James 1:27 out of my head. I kept thinking about those little orphans who had absolutely NOTHING and here I was, who as Marti said it of herself as well, "have been spoiled rotten" all of my life. Adoption was the only thing that kept coming to mind. How could I NOT go through with it .... Im single-35 yrs old-have no intention of bearing my own children .... I can do this!
I started looking into it more, mentioned it to my sister first and a few of my close friends. There were definitely some mixed responses, LOL, but I had it in my head from the get-go that I was doing this.
From that very day on, God has done nothing but speak to me through His word, through other people, through music, etc. He has reminded me that He can use what little we have, when surrendered to Him, to do GREAT things - He has told me that He is not looking for people with great abilities but for those who are dedicated to following and obeying Him - He informed me of the power that is made known when He gives us specific instructions and then we follow by IMMEDIATE obedience - He reminded me that faith makes things possible, not easy - He led me to Proverbs 29:25 which talks about how fearing people is a dangerous trap but trust in the Lord means safety - He warned me of not letting the noise of the world keep me from hearing His voice - He reminded me that I need to rely on Him and not myself.
And so, with all of this said, I have decided that this in fact is what God has called me to do and I cannot just sit here and do nothing. This is obviously going to take His providence, wisdom and guidance as I do not have the means or knowledge to go through with it, BUT I am certain that He will provide, during His perfect timing as He sees fit and I trust Him with this completely! I am willing to go where He has led me!
I will be blogging my way through this new and exciting journey so I am asking for your prayers along the way! I have sent in my application to the agency I will be going through and it could take up to 30 days to hear back on if they have accepted me or not so I will keep you updated as I receive information.
God has blessed me with such a great family and so many awesome friends who have already helped me get to this point! Praise God who can make mountains move - who breathed life into dry bones - who walked on water! All glory and honor and praise to God, my Father, my Rock, my Savior!
Thank you in advance, for your prayers! Thank you, Jesus!
"I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations" Psalm 119:30
Love ~
amy
I started looking into it more, mentioned it to my sister first and a few of my close friends. There were definitely some mixed responses, LOL, but I had it in my head from the get-go that I was doing this.
From that very day on, God has done nothing but speak to me through His word, through other people, through music, etc. He has reminded me that He can use what little we have, when surrendered to Him, to do GREAT things - He has told me that He is not looking for people with great abilities but for those who are dedicated to following and obeying Him - He informed me of the power that is made known when He gives us specific instructions and then we follow by IMMEDIATE obedience - He reminded me that faith makes things possible, not easy - He led me to Proverbs 29:25 which talks about how fearing people is a dangerous trap but trust in the Lord means safety - He warned me of not letting the noise of the world keep me from hearing His voice - He reminded me that I need to rely on Him and not myself.
And so, with all of this said, I have decided that this in fact is what God has called me to do and I cannot just sit here and do nothing. This is obviously going to take His providence, wisdom and guidance as I do not have the means or knowledge to go through with it, BUT I am certain that He will provide, during His perfect timing as He sees fit and I trust Him with this completely! I am willing to go where He has led me!
I will be blogging my way through this new and exciting journey so I am asking for your prayers along the way! I have sent in my application to the agency I will be going through and it could take up to 30 days to hear back on if they have accepted me or not so I will keep you updated as I receive information.
God has blessed me with such a great family and so many awesome friends who have already helped me get to this point! Praise God who can make mountains move - who breathed life into dry bones - who walked on water! All glory and honor and praise to God, my Father, my Rock, my Savior!
Thank you in advance, for your prayers! Thank you, Jesus!
"I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations" Psalm 119:30
Love ~
amy
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