Sometimes

Sometimes I have to remind myself that this life is not about me and what I think God wants.

Sometimes I have to remind myself that even though it may seem like I am defeated, God has all ready won the battle.

Sometimes I have to remind myself that this is only our temporary home and one day I will really get to be in my Father's arms.

Sometimes I have to remind myself that God never said it would be easy........ And would I really want it to be anyways?

Sometimes I forget that there is ALWAYS a bigger picture and I am just a small part of His plan.

Sometimes being broken before our King is a beautiful thing...... it's always a beautiful thing.



                              "Because your steadfast love is better than life. 
                                                My lips will praise you. 
                                 So I will bless you as long as I live;
                                   in your name I will lift up my hands." 
                                                         Psalm 63:3-4 

Not just a Chruch.......

But Family.......

Jesus~ " Here are my mothers and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother." Mark 3:34

A Pastor who is willing to preach the Truth, even when it is not popular

"From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." Ephesians 4:16

Men willing to be men

Sing His praises

Child like faith!

Dying to self

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19

                                                                  ALL FOR THE KING!!

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." Romans 1:16

Look what I got to do.

I have been waiting to write this post when I could think clearly and not be crying joyful tears. I am afraid that I may never stop crying every time I think about this so I might as well get it out there.

I am not exactly sure where to start, there has been so much that has  gone on to get this precious girl and the others home, so I thought I would share what I got to do.

I got to be a part of watching God bring this precious child into the arms of her forever family.

We have been praying for her for over a year! ( I got her that doll :)..)

This has been the most amazing journey that I got to be apart of. In this year alone (and it's only April) God has allowed me to pray for and welcome THREE precious children home to their forever families.
How can you not see His faithfulness in all this? How can I not get on my knees praising the Lord?  I stand in awe, grateful and humbled by His goodness!



Abby and Zahra were friends in Ethiopia and now they will be friends here in America. I mean you could not even plan something like this! Thank you Jesus for these precious babes.

These are stories that only God can write. These are journeys that have been long, very hard, exhausting. But to see God work in this way has been incredible. I know that none of these kids are mine, but it sure feels like it. I am honored to be able to stand in the gap with these families and others praying and fighting on their behalf.  I am honored that I get to love on these children and to show them (along with their families) the love that Jesus has for them.

These families stood in obedience to the call that God had on their families. They never gave up when it got hard and trust me, there were very difficult times.

 

Welcome home Abby Walser

Welcome home Karis Waulk

Welcome home Zahra Shubin

If you have not been a part of someones adoption. I highly recommend getting behind a family, praying, encouraging, supporting. You may not be adopting yourself, but you will get to experience Jesus in a way you would never have imagined. 

I know that it will be our turn soon and I know that God is faithful, because He has shown me over and over again that He means what He says and He will bring our son home where he belongs.... when it is time.

In the meantime I am going to continue praying and loving on all the kiddos we have now. That's including mine and our church families.

After all we are ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!!

We love you all so much!!!



May God have all the Glory,

What did you say?

Yesterday was an interesting day. I had taken my two oldest to get their home school evaluations done  ( they did great!) and then I always take them to McDonalds for a treat afterwards.

While we were there the kids were asking me what it was like when Elijah was born. If it was raining, cold, etc. (His birthday is Friday.) They were asking me if he kicked a lot and how they thought it was so cool that whatever I ate is what he ate. And then it happened.....

Brianna- " Mom, (very serious tone) how does God put the baby in your tummy? " She then  paused as in a deep thought and said " I will need to know, but I am little so you can tell me later."
Then they both went on talking about something else. 

WHEW!

But it will come back up soon. So I was wondering. What have you all said to your kids?

Remember my oldest are only 6 and soon to be 8.  I am honestly surprised that this has not come up sooner.  We all ready know how we would like to do the "sex talk" when they are a little older. But what did you say in the in between stages?

My son did say that he was sad that God didn't allow boys to carry babies, He thought it would be soooooo cool.  Hahaha I am sure he will change his mind when he is older. :) 

Would love to hear your funny and maybe not so funny stories.

 

Goodtimes.....Goodtimes...

Earlier this week God had blessed us with a mini getaway. We spent three whole days (I love saying that) at the Nickelodeon Hotel in Orlando. We have never been before and got an amazing rate, also we only had to pay for half! YAY!

It was just what our family needed. Everything there is free and we got to go down freezing cold water slides and see lots of funny shows. The Hotel was perfect for our size family and even when we grow it would still be perfect.

Our kids have never been down water slides before and they were having the time of their lives. Hubby and I did too! It was fun racing them down it.

Super fun!

They even had slides for the little ones

It was the first time our two oldest had some freedom. Don't worry they didn't go far, but they were able to run around and do all the slides and golf and swim in the big pool without having to wait for their younger siblings. I loved the way the hotel had everything set up. Again it was perfect for our family.

They had tons of games that anyone could be a part of. I was trying unsuccessfully to get one of my kids to do them, but they refused.

We also saw some really funny shows.(all free) I mean hilarious! I have not laughed that hard in a long time.

It did rain one whole day, but that did not stop us. We went swimming in the rain and even had time to take some family photos.

Yes, I know, we are FABULOUS!!!

Thankful for such a great time and we will be going back when the Lord allows. It was perfect and everyone there was super nice!!



P.S. We found out when we got back that we are now number

on the waitlist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Beyond excited about that. We are getting so close <3

Want to help us knock down our fee? Click on the Ordinary Hero picture to the right and buy a shirt! Whoever sells $100 the fastest today gets a $100 towards their adoption. That's TWO HUNDRED BUCKS!!! So if you are feeling led, please click on that link and order TODAY!! Don't forget to put our name! If you can't today, but would like to another time we would really appreciate it. We get 40% of the sales!


Blessed beyond measure!