What I'm reading...

I've read a couple posts lately by others Knit Together and Domesticated Diva on what they are reading, and being the book addict I am, loved them!  So, I thought I would return the favor.  Those who know me know that I read a lot of books at one time, so here goes...

This is a great book, with a lot of description and what to do when.  I really like it, but it is deep and a little goes a long way.  I can only read a few pages at a time.

This book was suggested by our agency and is OK.  It is all adoption situations from the foster care system, and while it has good points, will be quite different from our experience, I'm sure.

Just starting this one.  It was recommended to me by a friend that is a white mother raising a black son.  Can't wait to get further into it.

This is the book we are reading our kids before bed this year.  Great stories, pictures, and great questions and application at the end of each story.

 Our small group is reading this now.  Love it!

 A good piece of fiction.  Sad and at times hard to read (just because of the truth).  Great for those who love Africa.

I couldn't leave this one off, even though I finished it months ago.  I think I may return for take 2.  I think it should be required reading for anyone adopting from Ethiopia.







There you have it!!  And I didn't even include them all.  :)

Abiding

How good is our God? The day after I'm so burdened by our wait, what does He choose for our pastor to lead and teach about but abiding. I think it's only appropriate to document it here. God is so faithful. If we are willing, He speaks to us out of His bounty right when we need it.

So, from John 15:1-17 our pastor led us this morning on what abiding is, what it looks like, and how to do it.

True joy only comes from abiding in Christ. Abiding means to stay somewhere and not go anywhere. It requires dependency. Christ is our life source and our identity changes.

How do you abide? Verse 7 says, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you...". That is abiding! It's so simple, but requires giving up control, which is so hard for me. Prayer and reading the word are how we abide in Christ. The results of abiding are God's glory, obedience, and joy.

The profile of a disciple then, 1. abides in the word (out of desire, not duty), 2. abides in prayer (prays the word), 3. is obedient to God's commands, 4. is joyful, 5. is loving, and 6. bears fruit.

God's timing is perfect. May this time of waiting strengthen us, change us, and help us learn how to abide in Christ more fully.

Waiting...

Tonight waiting is heavy on my heart. It's so hard. It doesn't get easier.

2 weeks ago Friday we entered the Waiting Child process. Yep, waiting... These children wait, we wait, and it hurts.

Our hearts have been changed. I guess waiting does that to you.

I feel like I'm in such limbo. Wanting to be excited about the possibility, but not wanting to want and not have. I told Mark earlier this week that I had decided I would be excited regardless. I am loving these children now, knowing that they may never be here in my home for me to put my arms around. Having gone through miscarriage, I think it's similar. I loved a baby I never held in my arms. So, tonight 2 little ones that may never be in my arms are heavy on my heart. God, put your arms around them, comfort them, let them know they are loved.

Please pray... in the next 3-4 weeks we will know if these 2 are ours. I know that are agency has these kids best interest in mind. But, oh how I hate the wait!

Why Not, Ethiopia?

This video was made by another adoptive family, and I thought it was too good to not share. It's all the statistics I still find shocking. It's our why...

Happy Birthday Jesus Party!

Drewie had a Happy Birthday Jesus party at preschool earlier this month. He was so proud of the little ornament that he made!

The funniest part was the kids gathered together to sing a song and Drew was obviously upset. His teacher asked him what was wrong. He pointed to another boy in his class and said, "I want one of those!" It was a tie!! :)

Later I asked him why he wanted a tie, thinking maybe because Daddy wears one everyday to work. His answer surprised me. He said because he wanted everyone to call him... Mr. Drewie Tie! What a silly boy. He keeps me laughing!

Feed the Orphan

Today the kids and I were shopping at a local boutique and I ran into the above. I squealed! The lady working there stared. :)

I knew about these candles because a sweet friend of mine from college's family owns the company. She and her husband have a heart for adoption and the orphan and adopted a son from Russia about 1 year ago. Wanting to do more they designed this candle. Buy this candle and feed an orphan for a week! It was so exciting to see them in little Waukee, Iowa! What a wonderful gift idea. Sorry I didn't see these before Christmas. The candle smells wonderful too. Included inside is a story about an orphan that you can use for a bookmark. A great way to keep the orphan on your mind... I don't need help with that right now. :)

They have a great video on their website that you must watch! Even better that my friend's dad and brother are on the video... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0p0Lwcxrh0

Dancing for the King

Callie dances at a wonderful dance studio in West Des Moines, and this is her hard at work at a Christmas program they put on in the mall earlier this month. Love their sweatshirts!