My New Gig

The pieces of the puzzle are all coming together, and I'm continuing to see God's work in our lives, in such amazing ways. I believe that throughout our whole lives, He gives us clues into our giftings and areas to pursue...

He has structured my life in such a way that has prepared me for work in ministry. I'm proud to say, I'm now working full-time as the Director of Marketing and Communications at a local facility that offers retreats, conferences, weddings, and camps... all of which are part of an over-all ministry. So, what is a ministry exactly? I found this definition that I believe describes what we do: "Ministry" is from the Greek word diakoneo, meaning "to serve" or douleuo, meaning "to serve as a slave." In the New Testament, ministry is seen as service to God and to other people in His name. Jesus provided the pattern for Christian ministry—He came, not to receive service, but to give it (see Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; John 13:1-17). The Christian should minister by meeting people's needs with love and humility on Christ's behalf (see Matthew 20:26; Mark 10:43; John 2:5,9; Acts 6:3; Romans 1:1; Galatians 1:10; Colossians 4:12). Christians are to minister to others out of their devotion to Christ and their love for others, whether the other people are believers or unbelievers. Ministry to others should be impartial and unconditional, always seeking to help others as Jesus would.

The people God has placed in my life, the timing, the training... looking at all of it now, WOW... God is amazing. There is always a plan and a purpose for everything... Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” This past weekend, I took our kids out to walk around this truly majestic place that God has called me to, for work.

They had a blast, running around, getting fresh air... taking in nature.

God has truly blessed ALL of us, with an amazing... playground. So we must remember to take time and... PLAY!

Healing Her Pain

She isn't afraid now to speak of her pain.

Because... she is healing.

She is stable.

She has an understanding now of a love much deeper than what even Kevin and I can provide. She now understands mercy.

A song by the Rhett Walker Band says it all... And in one moment everything changed, who I was got washed away... when Mercy found me. My savior's arms were open wide, and I felt love for the very first time, when Mercy found me... my mind found peace, my soul found hope, my heart found... a home.

Karis Yulia has been home for one year and three months.

Late summer fun!

Here we are keeping busy in mid-September! We have a football player, a volleyball player, and a little "supporter" who enjoys playing Barbies, at practices! We have Reds games, house chores, and leaf projects all going on. That's what we're up to, and although busy... Kevin and I are enjoying every moment... especially on Saturday mornings as we're leisurely drinking our coffee, thinking about the week that just blew by!

Our Treasures

Matthew 6:20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Welcome Home Simon Snyder!

The kids and I had a great afternoon yesterday riding to the airport with friends from our church, who are also in our adoption group. We welcomed home the latest addition to the Snyder Family, Simon, and celebrated his arrival and the fact that God moved many mountains for him to come home to his forever family. As we departed, I had a great discussion with Chasity, my friend who drove us to the airport. We talked about what God has for us next. Our families both adopted an orphaned child, as He called us to do, so what now? We both concurred that we didn't see any more children in our futures. Not that we would ever put God in a box, if he called us to adopt again. We talked about how our roles now are to support others who adopt, and there are various ways of doing that: prayer, financially, service (helping run errands/babysit, etc.). That's what's next for our family in the adoption ministry, and I want to become more intentional about it. For now though... we celebrate Simon! (Double click on the photos to enlarge.) Psalm 82:3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.

First Fair with FLAIR!

As Karis' parents, we are responsible for her physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being... that's what we signed on for when we adopted her, in April 2011. Since that time, we have seen unbelievable growth in each of the three areas. Most recently was her participation in our county fair. Two big wins... first, for her 4-H rabbit project and second, winning a Guys and Gals Sheep Lead competition. In her very first year of participating, she won both competitions. We are so proud of her and hope that these contests help to build both self confidence and forever family fun! Feel free to double click on the photos to enlarge them. Hooray for Karis!!!

And to top it off... even brother and sister won their classes, as well! Three wins for three great kids!

Happy Birthday, America!

Another milestone! Karis celebrated her second Fourth of July! This is worth noting, because last summer, everything was so new to her, it was difficult for her to just "live" and "enjoy". In fact, there were times that she acted as if she had to move so fast, eat so fast, shop so fast... all because in her mind, there was the possibility she would be sent back to Russia. After a year's worth of routine, stability, and love, the very normal teenager slept in on the 4th, then, helped make holiday treats which included red, white, and blue fruit kabobs and an American flag cake. Then, it was time to head to our friends' pool party which has become an annual tradition. For each of these activities just mentioned, Karis knew what to expect, so the day was enjoyable for her. We have made big strides in a year's time. This summer has been wonderful compared to last, not that last summer was bad, it was just a time of adjustment for all of us, not to mention, I was still slightly traumatized from being held in Russia 21 days. I whole-heartedly believe God is rewarding us this summer, by allowing us to just enjoy our time... and each other! Happy Birthday, America... THE GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!!!