Prayer Request Sunday

Glad you came by today!  Hope all is well with you.  Would you like me to pray for you this week?  Leave me a comment or send me a private note (see the sidebar for my email) and we will join together to bring your situation before God.

And please, if you get prayers answered- will you come back and share your praise report with us? 

(I happen to know several others join us in praying for the requests that you leave in the comment section here.)  We'd all love to rejoice greatly with you over answered prayer!! (plus it builds our faith!)

From my heart:

Thought I'd share something that happened yesterday;  I ran out to pick up a few things at our local Sally's Beauty Supply Store.  At the register, I told the two cashiers that I noticed they didn't carry snap-beads for hair.  I explained that we had an Ethiopian daughter (through adoption) and I had been searching high and low to find some locally.  This opened up doors all over the place, they began to offer not only suggestions as to where I might find some, but they began to open their hearts. 

They asked me all about adoption: bonding, language, ages, cost, foster care experience, what I thought about the foster care system, did I have any adopted boys...which I gladly answered.  They began sharing their hearts, towards adoption, personal experience, pain, encouragement...

Then the conversation turned to church and to God.  I love it when that happens.  I see it as an open door given by the Holy Spirit.  I began to minister.  I invited them to church.  I gave them my phone number, I invited them to my Thursday morning Bible study.  One of the two said she'd love to come.  Her name is Pat, she is currently unchurched, but hoping to find a new place to worship.  She spoke of her faith before her much younger employee, who seemed to grow quiet with the talk of God. Though she didn't say yes to church or Bible study, seeds were planted in her heart for a later time of harvest!

I kept my eyes out for my new friend Pat to come this morning to church, but as we have 3 services and I was only at one, I didn't see her.  Maybe she will come on Thursday or she will call my church and find out when the new Bible study begins there.  I gave her the church website, so she could access and catch a glimpse of what goes on behind those front doors. 

I have to tell you it moved me, not just because I am an evangelist at heart, but because she got teary eyed and said, "I am coming around to give you a hug, because I don't believe in coincidences."

As I ran errands over the next few hours (hey~I hadn't left the house, but for Bible study for 2 weeks, due to sick kids here)...I found myself laughing and thanking God for letting me minister His love.

How cool is our God...

...all over a question about, cheap little snap-beads to

clip onto the ends of little Princess Mercy's growing African hair.

Grapes are kind of like olives, right?

Are you laughing too?

Hard to believe last year she had just come home from Ethiopia. That we had waited so long for her to arrive. How we asked you to pray for us and to join us in our wait.

So glad God called us to adoption, for if He hadn't, we would have missed this little bundle of laughs. Can't wait to see what the next adoption will deposit into our hearts.

Harvest of a Man in China!

Seeds planted for Harvest

We recently learned that a sweet friend's dad had terminal cancer. I have been praying for him for over a year now, as he claimed he was an ath*ist. My girlfriend, Sophia, is Chinese and asked me to believe with her for her father's salvation. It was pretty hard ground she warned me.

Our conversation happened before we knew her beloved father had an aggressive cancer...actually he was just an older man in those days. A man that experienced much sorrow over the past few years; he had experienced much tragedy within his family. He lost his only son, then he lost his wife, his only other child became a Christian and he was angry.

Not angry enough however to turn away from his only child, he came this past summer, all the way from China to help her after the birth of her fourth child. He ran the house all day, as Chinese tradition is that the mother stays in bed for a full month after giving birth. He stayed for 6 months, in their Christian home. Weekly my friend's Chinese church, met in their living room for a prayer meeting.

He was a very tiny man, and very old, it appeared. I'd come to the house and see him out in the yard pushing a toddler on a toy. Holding another, watching them with an eagle eye always. Still no news of a change of heart. His health began to change for the worse. His daughter, my friend, worried-as he could not get health care here without a green card.

My friend hoped for him to stay longer, she had petitioned the government asking for more time...well, then he got sick, very sick. She finally put him on a plane, in hopes he'd get some care back in China.

We found out it was lung cancer, that it had traveled to several other organs and was now in his brain. She asked us (my Bible study group) to pray, she was going to leave her family, her husband, her country and go to her father to care for him. Pleading with us to please ask God to save her father before his time was up here on earth.

I rejoice greatly, that we received news that her dad asked Jesus to forgive his sins, he chose to repent of those sins and to give his remaining days over to God. He knows that there is a God now and that there is a Savior who died to make a way for eternal life for him. He calls himself a follower of Jesus, though his whole life He rejected Him.

Last year I asked God to give me a ministry in China. I boldly asked God to let me see this ministry. He let me pray for Sophia's dad. And to God be the Glory, He brought him into our family through our prayers! I am praying that he touches other lives before God calls him home...introducing them to His Savior!

Hey don't laugh, my God is that big and my faith is that radical.

Here on earth, I was never able to converse with Sophia's dad, as there was a language barrier...but when we meet in heaven, we will have some lovely talks together. And boy am I happy -totally JOY-Filled about that.

A Little Smooching!

Sweet Baby...I just can't resist her

Kicked Up Breakfast Cereal on the Cheap

At our local grocery, oft times we can buy store brand cornflakes, at buy one get two free. This is just too cheap to pass up, but honestly after awhile it can become monotonous, as a breakfast choice. Of course if there is bananas or fresh fruit, suddenly cornflakes are again embraced by my large brood. Many times however, we are out of fresh fruit for cereal...so in a moment of madness and perhaps winter hum-drums, I decided to give our old cornflakes standby a makeover.

The kids were in bed and I set to work on this simple cereal makeover...

• I poured the entire box of plain cornflakes into a large mixing bowl.
• I tossed in a handful of walnuts to up the protein content.
• In another bowl I added a large handful of raisins, craisins, 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and a couple tablespoons of honey, tossing to coat thoroughly.
• Now it is time to add the chocolate coated mix to the cereal, gently mix to combine.
• I put it all into a large sealable container and set it back into the pantry...awaiting the waking children.

Let me tell you, it was soon discovered and received with much praise and thanksgiving, the next morning.

And my kids, who don't normally eat sweetened cereals, were thrilled to discover that their milk turned to chocolate flavored milk. Oh glorious morning! Maybe your family could use some spruced up flakes too?

Some Winter Fun

We grabbed some sleds

and visited Grammie and Grampie

Sledding while we can...the grass is beginning to show again

Little Miss Helper running the wets through the dryer



The crocheting queen making a bear ..she is a crazy mad crafter!



Watching the big kids sled





Off the hill and into the warm house to build

The owner of this cute pregnant belly just might kill me now...

I am pretty sure she threaten me???

Sweet Grampie



Grampie's current projects



Time for peek-a-boo




Grammie's legos always are so fun!




My sweet best friend/ sister in love, who just might kill me for that *other picture*.
I plead insanity...her belly button is just too cute when she is pregnant.
We waited so long for this pregnancy....so...forgive me Rachael

...but...

You'll get over it ;-)
(She knows I love her. And just am overly excitable!)




The two youngest boys stay out to claim the last glory of the hill




My wonderful Mum -Queen of the castle!

The silly boy who is nearly frozen after 3 hours of sledding

Princess Mercy is snacking in Grammie's boots


The finished bear...isn't he cute?

Prayer Request Sunday

Good day friends! Hope you are well and enjoying your weekend.

Need prayer?

Who doesn't?

Please leave your prayer requests today and I will joyfully cover you in prayer this week.

And now, dear God, be alert and attentive to prayer, all prayer, offered in this place.

(2 Chronicles 6:40, The Message)

An Ethiopian Artist at Work

Today was a day I chose to create an art project for my elementary homeschooling children. They sat in the kitchen and busily painted some recycled cardboard; creating a fabulous springtime creation to adorn our refrigerator.

(you'll have to come back to see their creation...)

But, the Baby looked sad; as if she had been somehow forgotten in the proceedings. I smiled, stripped off her white shirt and plunked her down with all the supplies a first time artist would want: paint of varying colors, tiny cut sponges, a few brushes and some paper...

joy~ oh JOY!

She had a ball, Princess Mercy (21 months)

proudly showed her Papa her *art,*

when he arrived home from a long day at the office!

Art is such a fun part of homeschooling/life-no rules; just a time to play and let the creative juices flow! And a wonderful way to let off stress...think I need to pull out a canvas and get busy with some paint!

Perhaps I am CRaZy...or maybe not?

Okay, so the picture of my dog, Silly Bunter, isn't that exciting...

but as there were no pictures snapped this morning of all my adventures;

Bunter is my faithful stand in.

Yeah my Bible study began!! Yeah God made me call my girlfriend, Sarah to re- invite/persuade/light the fire under her to come. For every excuse sweet Sarah had, I had the rebuttal, praise God. And guess what, it worked!!! Yeah God again!! She came and she liked it!!

And I sold 7 tickets (to the Bible Study Babes, as our leader calls us) to our adoption fundraiser for February 27th !! Yeah God.

And one person gave a donation...yeah God!!

Others said, be sure to bring the tickets next week, as then they'd have the funds.

Hurray God!!

As I neared my home, I past a curbside of furniture-free for the taking! I drove by. Well, for a moment, then the thought occurred to me that maybe there was something *wooden* that could be refurbished and then used for the raffle for our fundraiser. I turned around and guess what.

I found a country hutch made of pine and a cute little occasional/end table, both in need of a paint job little love. Now I may be crazy, but as a mother who is madly in love with a little girl on the other side of the world, well sometimes I find myself thinking outside of the box with ways that might bring in funds. I think this is one of them or maybe it was the Holy Spirit?

Inside the hutch was a note, a very old yellowed handwritten note it says:

Chris,

Your Dad was aware that this was the "Big One" but I'm not sure what

he had in mind so gift will follow after I get further instructions.

Barbara

of course it might as well say this:

Kimmie,

Your Father (God) was aware that this was a "Big One"

but I'm not sure what He had in mind,

so gift will follow after I get further instructions.

~A Heavenly Messenger

I will take before and after pictures of the little *donations* towards our fundraiser....unless of course my Knight makes me put them back where they came from...

And regardless, it was a bit exhilarating~ a change of pace for my spirit; as I have been fighting discouragement; which seems to be trying to come at me from all angles these days.

....to be continued.

My New Bible Study!

I am so excited...

Why??

Well, because my new Bible study is starting on Thursday. I dug out a new study notebook (it was in a reduce pile at Targ*t for 37 cents!),because I don't like to write in our actually book. I like to ramble with my answers I guess. My notebook gives me extra space to look up things in Greek or Hebrew-deeper in the Word to discover new truth...LOVE THAT!

God's Word is so full of wisdom,

how I love to spend time searching and pondering it in my heart.

my cute new notebook

My girlfriend/Bible study leader Sherry,

actually wrote this study we will be doing...good stuff!

Here is our first page questions for this week.

Opening up God's Word...
can't wait to see what He shows me in chapter one of Acts.
Honestly Acts is one of my favorite books of the Bible. Why? Because within its pages you find Stephen, who is my favorite besides Jesus Himself. Every time I read the few verses that are tucked away on Stephen I find tears rolling down my face. Tears of joy, tears of wonder, tears of hope, tears of faith, tears of desire, tears of pure holy passion...

If you're looking for something to read in the Word...you are welcome to jump in to Acts with us.

Acts is a picture of what God's people are supposed to look like...it is a visual of His Church. And if you don't know much about the Holy Spirit, it is a wonderful place to meet Him in all of His fullness. Can't wait to see what God is going to do between now and May when we finish.

I am also hoping my girlfriend Sarah is going to come. Sarah if you are reading this...please come, you will LOVE IT.

Little Reminders-Ethiopia

After we adopted our Princess Mercy last January from Ethiopia, I found this little lion planter for 25 cents. The Lion of Judah is the symbol of Jesus, it is also is the chosen representation of the country of Ethiopia.

The cute little lion was a reminder of God's faithfulness to our family.

This fall as I was cleaning up my garden, I dug up a little plant that wanders around my garden. The plant is known as the Archangel Michael...it is in the Pulmonaria family. Now it adorns my window and is a silent little reminder that God himself is watching my daughter who waits for us in Ethiopia. I see the little spotted leaves that are growing happily in the soil and remember that God's protection is covering her until we are able to adopt her-whether it be Him or one of His angels sent in His name.

The little lion may be cute, but my Jesus is powerful. My God who loves me and my Ethiopian daughter is no cartoon~y fake character...He is very real. He is able to turn hearts, He alone is able to save, He alone sits beside the Father in heaven interceding for those who love Him. The cute little lion is just a reminder of the One who is backing us in this call of adoption.

And though as of late we are weary, though our arms are too tired to hold up alone to our God, Jesus is praying for us and stirring hearts to come along side of us in this adventure. He is the God of restoration, of renewal, of Hope, of promise, He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, He is the Elect of God and the Power of the Trinity!

Mo`a 'Anbessa Ze'imnegede Yihuda ...

which in Ethiopia means:

The Lion of the tribe of Judah has conquered!

What a wonderful reminder that God is indeed able, in every aspect of this adoption call. He is able in every tiny detail of my life and of course in yours too.

Would you consider financially joining us in raising the money needed to bring our daughter home? We have about 12 weeks left to raise the rest of $23,000.

Simple Homemaking

Dirty Dishes

Housekeeping tip of the day:

Burnt pan rescue tips.

• fill pot with 3 inches of water or to cover all burnt or baked on areas. Add a 1/4 of a cup of dishwasher liquid. Stir to dissolve. Let sit overnight (put pan in oven if you have animals that might take a sip ;-) Pan should wipe clean.
• For really bad burnt pans, try the above treatment, but first bring the mixture to a boil. Then allow pan to sit overnight~ with soapy mixture slowly eating away at the burnt mess.
• fill pot with water. Add 1/4 cup - 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1 tsp. of dish soap. Bring pot to a boil. Stir. Burnt bits should loosen and float up into the water. Rinse and repeat if necessary.

Always rewash pots when all burnt areas are clean.

And guess how I know...blushing!

Prayer Request Sunday

Would you like prayer? Leave me the details and together we can go before God with your heart's concerns. I am glad you stopped by today!

The Raw Truth

Today I opened up my heart and soul- I didn't plan it, it just spilled out.

I was at my ladies Bible Study. We were just starting. Each week we go around the table and the ladies share the week's highs and lows with each other. It was my turn to share what has been going on, since we last met 3 weeks before. I sit in the last seat, so I have a lot of time to think what I could share. Honestly, I am never sure what to share. Today was no different.

This morning I prayed, as I listened to all my friends share their hearts. I was asking the Holy Spirit to help me know what to say, when my turn came. I rehearsed what I could say, to keep it *smooth* and let my beloved teacher transition into our new study for the following week.

I don't like to get emotional. Funny, because I am a tender hearted soul. Those two statements just don't mix, do they?

Well, I think I got about 10 words out, before I found myself sobbing. I had a hard time pulling myself back together and finding *the words.* Honestly I would have been fine to just put my head down on the table and continue to let those tears out.

Something came out like my highs and lows were mixed together in adoption. The low being we have nothing left financially to give. We are empty on all accounts and beginning to feel bone-weary from the ride. My Knight and I have hit a wall, we are empty and unless God shows up to refresh us, we are in trouble. We are beyond drained, honestly we are totally spent. We don't have anything left to even lift our arms up to God.

period.

Let's move to the high.

The high is a dear friend of ours has stepped up to help us lift our arms. He is my best friend's (who is also my sister-in-law, Rachael) dad, Bob. Bob has offered to do an adoption fundraising dinner on Feb. 27th, to help us gather funds. We are so blessed. We are humbled by the gesture and by the love they are pouring out for our family. Honestly, as my sister-in-love shared about her family jumping in to help with the dinner (food), I found myself stuffing down sobs. He printed out 300 tickets and is believing we can sell them. He also is planning a raffle and a silent auction to help us raise cash.

We are standing in this place because we have obediently followed God. We didn't create this- financial need...unfortunately adoption is expensive. God asked us to go back to Ethiopia, led us to our near 11 year old daughter and is asking us to walk out the details. He has not left us, but the road has tired us out. We seriously have given EVERYTHING.

I don't like crying. (does anyone though?) I don't like being *needy. I really don't like being the center of attention~ ever. really.

But, if it helps get my beautiful daughter home, so be it Lord.

Did I tell you that I told the Lord that, "I would beg out on the street if I had to for the money." Do you know what He said. He said,

"My children don't have to beg, they just have to ask me and believe."

Forgive me Lord, I am so tired. The road has been long. I am believing you ...it is so far beyond us.

Lord come.

Ethiopian Adoption-1 Year Ago Today!

Behind the well worn gates, waits our daughter

The gate opens and our eyes behold....

And look who they bring us! Sweet tiny 9 month old Mihret.

A Papa's heart expands immensely, a year ago today.

Thank YOU God for the perfect gift...from your heart to ours.