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
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