Wants vs. Needs

http://holtinternational.org/blog/2012/01/a-family-thats-all/         


Is a family a want or a need? 

I believe that a family is closer to the need end of the spectrum.  These children are so beautiful. 

Are you their Mommy or their Daddy?   For more information, please view the link at the top of the blog post.

If not, then will you please join me in praying for them?

Referral Anniversary (1 Year)

One year ago today, I received this picture in an email along with her information.  She is 11 months old in the picture.

One year ago today, I knew in my heart that she is my daughter.  She is an answered prayer.  Not a prayer of, "Oh, God, please give me a little girl or another child, but it was, Dear Lord, SHOW me where you want me." 

This was where HE led me. 

Blessed Conversation

My first and best friend will always be my sister.  I love her dearly.  I was blessed with a sister who is more loving and giving than about anybody I know.  She has a way of teasing without being hurtful.  She is caring beyond words can describe.  Whenever people see me and know her, they ALWAYS ask about her.  She's the fun, interesting, beautiful one.  I am the grouchy, sensitive one.

Between the 2 of us we have 7 kids, so having an uninterrupted conversation for 30 minutes is VERY unusual.  We had the BEST conversation the other day about church traditions and what God is doing in our lives and what we are seeking.

I revealed to her what God is calling to me to do.  It's sort of a secret at this point because as she thought I was crazy, others would think I am crazy as well.   I also am at a waiting point, so the complete logistics of God's plan are not in place.  This plan is God-breathed and takes much FAITH and TRUST in HIM on my part and the ones closest around me. 

My husband is not on board with this idea at this moment either.  Her reply was, "Well, someone has to keep you grounded."   I did not find this reply offensive, I found it to be a world view and expected. I know that she is trying to "protect me and my family."  BUT I will share what I learned from it with you. 

My words are in black, the Bible is in red.

But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. Genesis 6:8

This is the account of Noah and his family.
Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. Genesis 6:9

 Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. Genesis 6:11

Through Genesis 6:12-21 God gave HIS commands to Noah and told him what God was going to do. . . destroy the earth and everything in it by the way of a flood.  He would only spare Noah and his wife, 3 sons and their wives and the animals that were on the ark (except the ones on there that were to be eaten).

Noah did everything just as God commanded him.  Genesis 6:22

Do you think that if Noah listened to the people of this world that he would have survived the flood?  It took faith on Noah's part.  Do you think the people of the day thought it odd that he was building an ark?  The answer is YES.

Worldly wisdom will NEVER understand God's wisdom. 

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”  Galatians 6:7-8

In the Bible there are several accounts where God told man what He was going to do.   If we seek HIM, God still tells us today what will come to pass.  In all accounts it is best to follow God, not man.

There is the lesson in a nutshell.  I could go on and on.

May you be blessed!

Discouraged

When you work out, eat better, and HURT for 4 days and you weigh more than you did when you started = discouragement.  That's REAL PAIN.

PUSH!

 I guess there is always pain before reaching the goal.

Our spiritual walk can sometimes be like this also.   Feel the hurt and discouragement and then give it to God.

1 Peter 5:7-10 (NIV)

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
  Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Baby Needs to Take a Nap

Laughter is the best medicine!

Mission Opportunity

Mission opportunities are not always big and they aren't always grandeur.  Sometimes missions involve getting down right dirty.  Sometimes there are no rewards for  your work here on this earth, but the Father wants you to continue in  His work for His glory.

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.  2 Timothy 4:5 (NLT)

I am SO excited to share this ministry/mission opportunity with you.

Did you know that Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere?   I didn't until a few days ago.

I mentioned in my last post how my dear friend, Laura, had recently traveled to Haiti with the Global Orphan Project on a mission trip. 

On Sunday, I received an email from her that she and her husband, Aron, are starting a non-profit that is in partnership with the Global Orphan Project.  When I posted last, I did not know that they were going to be partnering with Global Orphan Project.  God WORKS.  God Moves.  God's Purpose.

Here is part of her email: "Please be in prayer with Oh4F [Open Hands for the Fatherless]. We're officially launching the website today (Sunday, January 15) to the public. I've been working on it for a while: www.oh4f.org. It is going to [be] hard to get it going, but I know this is something that God put on our hearts, really, when He's in control, it will fall into place. Remember a while ago, we talked about started a foundation for children that age out in China. After hitting my road blocks, it was like God was saying, "no, I want you over here!" so this is where it's at. In Haiti. Please feel free to pass the website on to your friends and family! We really want to get the word out! What oh4f is, it stands for Open Hands 4 the Fatherless, and we're partnering with Global Orphan to sponsor a village in Haiti, which means building an orphanage with a school, providing food, clothes, medical care for those kids who are orphaned and abandoned, living on the streets, all this is provided through a local Haitian church and pastor facilitating it, thus, they're able to spread the Word of God through it!!  The goal is to eventually, be working with them as they build local businesses to help them be self-sufficient as they grow. We're trying to raise funds and find people to go on "vision trips" to Haiti, just like what we did in December. That explains it in a nutshell. "

I am urging you to at least be in prayer for OH4F.  If you are moved by the spirit, please give to this organization.  Let the spark of God spread like a wild fire.  May the orphans and those involved with them be blessed abundantly.  In Jesus Name, AMEN.

wait

Did you know that almost 3 BILLION people live on less than $2 a day? (Info from World Bank Web Site)

If you happened to read my post yesterday, I guess I haven't sat still long enough to listen to what God has to say.
Yesterday, I visited my friend Jessica's house.  I saw a picture frame with the first part of Psalm 46:10 Bible verse, "Be still and know that I am God." 

So begins our conversation.

I guess I've been waiting on a word from God.  And the word came from God last night.  The word is "wait."   The word was spoken to my spirit and permeated my entire being.  It's like a whisper, but not really spoken, just felt.

You might ask yourself, "How does she hear from God?  I don't hear from God.  What makes her special?"  The answer is in God's word itself.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4

Last night my mind was thinking about flying with God on eagles wings.  I was thinking about how an eagle will swoop down quickly to the ground, but not crash.  I was also thinking about how they can fly high in the air and glide.  Weightless.  Peaceful. I picture how beautiful the landscape must be from above. 
This morning I did a search for "wait on the Lord Bible verse" and this is what came up:
 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.  Isaiah 40:31

 I was reading an old post here about how we as Christians seem to always be waiting for something.  The blogger's name is Katherine, and she shared a plaque on her blog that had this on it:  Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Psalm 37:4

I have a desire in my heart to help orphans and those that are in pain, but I am not sure how God wants me to proceed.

Matthew 7:7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
I didn't even know what my question was, but it is HOW?  God HOW do you want me to help the orphans?  OR God HOW are you going to help the orphans through me?

I have had this overwhelming sadness and pain in my chest.  I told my husband last night that I was depressed, but I couldn't figure out why.  I told Jessica 2 days ago that I was lonely, but I didn't know why.  It is all because of the desire that I didn't know was there.  But, now I do.
Your question might be why?

 Because Jesus said,
"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'  Matthew 25:45

The Bible also says, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

So today, I've decided to share some information with you about some different organizations that help some of the least of these.  Maybe you can help.

LOCALLY

Search your area for different local organizations that have a need.

There are children's homes that may have some needs.
Children need foster parents.  Some children need adopted out of foster care.
Children need safe houses (from the little that I know, these are short-term children placements until a more permanent situation or foster care opens up).

Because of this blog http://erikandkatekrull.blogspot.com/ about  Lucy and this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCDAi7M_flw

I saw the need of  St. Judes Children's Research Hospital

I hope and pray I never have to walk those halls as a parent, maybe as a volunteer though.

GLOBALLY

My first subject will be adoption.  This is not a subject I take lightly.  I believe it is a commitment for forever of time, love, patience, and God is in the center of it.  It isn't something you quit.  First of all, the the biggest need right now internationally is for boys and older children to be adopted. 

Here is a boy listed on our agency's web site.  He is waiting in China. (you might have to cut and paste the link because I am having troubles making it a link that you can click on).
http://www.holtinternational.org/cgi/photolisting/display12.cgi?ID=B11_128&Index_re=0

His story really tugs at my heart.

Here is the link for our agency to view other waiting children:  http://www.holtinternational.org/waitingchild/photolisting/

Holt International not only offers adoption services, but they also focus on keeping the underprivileged children with their birth parents or families.  There are options on their site to donate to sponsor children. 

I have a friend named Laura that recently went on a mission trip with this organization that helps orphans:
http://theglobalorphanproject.org/

There is also an organization that helps widows http://www.gfa.org/about/

There are many other human needs as well, such as clean water, food, touch, safety, and shelter.

Don't waste your time thinking about doing something, but actually do something.

I'll keep you posted on what God wants me to wait for.

For God's Kingdom,
Christina

Season of Staleness

I want to give a shout out to Jerusha and her Janet.  I am sure you aren't alone.  THANK you for your transparency.

As many adoptive parents will tell you. . .  adoption is hard.  Parenting is hard, but adoption adds many more aspects to parenting.

There are days where my daughter is so happy and content.  Then there are those days where it is almost like she is daring me to love her.  If I do XYZ will you love me?  How about now, how about now?  If I do XYZ will you leave me or send me somewhere else?   Do I really want to invest my love into you because you might break my heart like my last 3 caregivers did.

There are times when I don't like her attitude.  I don't like her repeating, "COFFEE." for the tenth time because it takes me more than a minute to make it.  AND I can't stand it when she makes this screaming sound that I can't even spell out for you because I don't know how.  This is not because she's adopted, these are feelings I have had toward the other children also.  Those things that drive parents crazy.  My point is that she can make me so crazy, YET, when she puts her little hand in mine or looks up, hugs me, and says, "Love You," it melts my heart.  She's seen me ugly and still loves on me.  Parenting sometimes isn't the touchy feely kind, but the agape kind.  I love you, no matter what.

The way God shows us HIS love.

She's a toddler, but she still needs to learn to trust us as a family.

I am so much like my daughter that I feel bad for her.  In God's eyes I must look like such a toddler.  SO STUBBORN.  As an adopted child into His family, I too have to learn to continue to TRUST HIM.

It seems to me that since about November I have been too busy focusing on human things and not on God things. I feel as if I am on autopilot and going through the motions of life, but not LIVING.

Of course sleep deprivation from lots of sickness might have something to do with that too.

We are adjusting to our added family member, but sometimes it feels as if I'm drowning.  Drowning in doubt, worry, stress, negative attitude and anger.  I am overstimulated.  Sometimes it is hard to find quiet.  And then when I do find quiet, the guilt follows.

I've been stale.  I haven't taken the time to do my Bible studies or read my Bible since the middle of November.  I don't want to be stale anymore.  I want to seek the Father and be rejuvenated and revived.  I'd like to also help to revive others.

I have been so stale that I have even stopped writing if you've noticed.  I find joy in writing.  I may not be as good at writing as others, but I have found that when I write, I can look back and see the miracles that God has performed.  On my darkest days internally have been the best days of writing because that has been when I have needed/sought God the most.

I want to make plans, but then this is what God speaks to me today:

"The LORD foils the plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations."  Psalm 33:10-11

I need to continue to listen for His plans.  I need to TRUST HIM. 

I want to take a moment to pray for all of the parents that are in the adoption process through South Korea at this time.  Waiting for a child to come home is one of the hardest things I've done in my life.  The wait has increased from a little over 4 months to close to 1 yearor 1 year + .  We waited a little over 7 months after seeing her face and one year from the time that we applied to the program.  Our wait will now be considered extremely short. 

ALMIGHTY FATHER,  I know that you have YOUR plans and YOUR purpose in mind.  May the adoptive parents find peace and comfort in YOUR hands.  Your purpose will prevail.   Please help them to see that if they seek YOU, they will find what they seek.  Help the parents to not lose hope.  Hope is all they have to cling to.  In JESUS, AMEN.

BLESSINGS!

My Child Choked

I want to praise God this morning.  My daughter was eating fruit snacks last night before bed.  Our daughter tends to stuff her mouth too full at times.  Having another child that is a picky eater, who takes the smallest bites I've ever seen, I surprise myself when I actually direct someone to take smaller bites. 

I was busy around the kitchen cleaning up a bit, watching the littles out of the corner of my eye eating their snack.  I heard her gurgling.  I looked into her eyes and I said, "Get it up."

I know, nice encouragement, but what do YOU say? 

She then gurgled again attempting to get air in her airway and her eyes were watering.  I thought, "O.k., time to do something."

She was strapped into a booster seat because if we don't strap her in she doesn't sit still.  I don't remember undoing the strap. 

All I remember is feeling so calm and grabbing her up, turning her upside down and smacking her on the back.  I was also thinking, "She's almost 2, is this the right way to do the Heimlich for her age?  Then I said to myself, who gives a crap about technique as long as she doesn't choke any more and she doesn't get hurt further."

I smacked her back again and, "CCCCGAK" one red dislodged fruit snack with drool and one blue fruit snack that was in her mouth ready to be eaten landed on the floor.

I then hugged her and tried to reassure her that I really wasn't trying to hurt her, but trying to avoid something worse from happening to her.  She had tears in her eyes and then proceeded to finish her snack with direct supervision. 

I wonder in life how many times God has to intervene with us in this way.   We have to suffer a little bit or something worse might happen.

All I can say is that it was all God.  I am a nurse by trade and I am NEVER that calm in an emergency situation.  I acted quickly without hesitation.  I wasn't even shaking after it was over.  It was all a miracle.  I praise HIM that she is safe and playing with a phone right now.

I encourage you to take CPR and first aid.  I don't know what I would have done without that knowledge (even if it wasn't perfect technique).

God Bless!