A snapshot into what her future held...

A snapshot into what her future held...
Zhukovka, Russia

Sunday, January 27, 2013

My Girls

2 Timothy 3:14-15
 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
 
These are my girls...
 
 
Fifth and sixth grade girls, who I meet with weekly... at Sunday School.
 
 
They are so honest at this age. They are learning how the world works... and where they fit in it.

 
I am excited to see where they end up. I am blessed to be... a small part of their week.

1 Peter 4:10-11
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Big sisters ROCK!

Evan knew for his Ohio History report and poster that he wanted to focus on the Shawnee Indians. What he didn't know was how he was going to design his poster. After viewing several photos on the computer, he came across one he especially liked.
But how to draw it... he sketched... and sketched... then decided, he probably wasn't going to be able to draw it. And then, big sister got home from basketball. Pretty soon, Karis was down on the floor sketching the photo that Evan so excitedly chose. And she did well! After she drew, Evan colored, and mom embellished... until 1 a.m. mom embellished! The end result...
Pretty cool! Also cool... how big sister jumped in and saved the day! I love watching Evan and Karis' relationship. It is unique in itself. Karis truly cares about her little brother and often "covers" for him. He defends her. Our adoption touched each one of our family members differently, and one thing is for sure... it has certainly been positive.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Catch up post

Our lives are full... and we love it! Our "Kari" as her little sis calls her, has been busy with basketball...
She enjoys playing and being with her friends at practices but has decided that volleyball is actually her sport, and she enjoys it more. So, we will pursue volleyball, only, next year which sounds pretty good to this busy mama of three! As for that little sis, Miss Karrigan...
We love her more than even she... loves her snowman. She is such a delight at 6-years-old! And last but not least... our little hunter man...
When he's not practicing with his bow, his air soft gun, or hiding like a "spy" in our tree house, he too is on the basketball court... and boy, did he sure get good this year, due to all that HEIGHT! Life is moving right along, and Kevin and I couldn't be happier! Wow- are we blessed. Sure there are nights we are so tired from working our "other jobs" that don't include parenting, and it's hard to press through hours of Karis' math homework and Karrigan's reading. We certainly aren't perfect, but compared to how much of the rest of the world lives... we just don't have too much to complain about. That's all for now. Nothing deep tonight. Just hanging out with Karis, at the kitchen table, as she finishes up her science homework.

Psalm 128:3
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

My heart is in "awe"

I'm just so amazed at this woman, Adeye Salem and her family.  (Take just a pause to look at her beautiful blog.)

http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/

They get it.  They are being reckless for Jesus.  I'm reminded of Jeremy Camp's song... Reckless.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsfzqIGYQDI

This family, the Salems, are giving away their lives, just as Jesus did.  They are rescuing children from far away lands, one life at time, in the strength God gives them daily.  The children are thriving. 

Let's consider our sweet Jesus.  He didn't sleep in the same bed every night, He didn't know where his food would come from, but He knew His Father, who sent Him, would take care of Him.  And the Father did that through... people.

I can be one of those people.  I want to be reckless for Jesus.  I want to teach my children what that looks like, by my actions. 

Yes, my human thoughts whisper daily, that I want to lead a comfortable life... I don't want to have to worry all the time about finances... I'd love to take family vacations, I'd love to save more.  I'm working through finding the balance of all of that "human stuff" and also pursuing the...   "heart stuff" which is what God truly desires. 

God can take care of all of our "human stuff" like money... truly.  God doesn't need our money.  God could have all of the money He ever wanted. 

What God doesn't control, and what He desires most, is our hearts.  He is a good God who leaves it up to us.  We can either choose Him... life.  Or we can choose nothing-ness... death.  The choice is ours, from an amazing parent... our Father God.

Yes, He is moving in our lives right now, and we are praying about something He has placed on our hearts.  Daily, I ask for His will... His guidance... and most importantly, to not allow this life to be a wasted one... I want to give it ALL to Him. 

Friday, January 11, 2013

A time for... speaking publicly

Ecclesiastes 3:1
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
 
 
 
I often forget this scripture, as we are creatures of routine, and yet, only two things last forever- people's souls and the Word of God. 
 
We change, we evolve... our lives evolve... our jobs change, our circumstances change... it's all called growth.  God shakes things up to grow us. 

I love it, and now that I understand it, I am looking for that new "growth" in 2013.
 
God is definitely opening my heart back up to adoption.  It isn't clear yet how- are we to maintain helping others adopt/ are we ourselves supposed to adopt again... etc.
 
He has strategically placed us to be advocates, experts, and speakers on the adoption topic. 

In the course of a week, I was approached by two newspapers to share our adoption story, in light of the ban on Russian adoptions by Vladimir Putin.
 
Our story was featured in the Cincinnati Enquirer, and unfortunately, there isn't a link to view it without a subscription, so I will try to scan it in soon and post it for all of you faithful readers.  I can also email it to you, if interested.
 
I am daily inspired by others who are loving "the least of these".

I'm inspired by Adeye Salem and her family.  http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/

I, also, enjoy this family... http://www.krebskids.blogspot.com/ 

It is the "innocent" who will become Kings and Queens one day, when they are with the Father. 

A song calld Kings and Queens by Audio Adrenaline reminded me of that this morning, as I was driving home from dropping the kiddos off at school.  http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=WDGYYGNX   A beautiful song and video, take a moment to view.
 
Today, as you go on with your daily lives, pause for a moment and think about how He has gifted you, and then, pause to hear the work He has assigned for you.
 
Have a blessed day!
 
 
 

 
 


Bryansk Home

Bryansk Home
My two favorite colors together seem to be common in Bryansk homes.