our Coffee fundraiser

Toomer's Coffee has graciously helped us with a fundraiser. They made a special blend just for us. $10/bag. Very delicious coffee. We bought 100 and sold them in a week!!! People we didn't even know were calling and emailing for some. So we got 50 more and have about 20 left.

Thanks to our friends that have bought our coffee, and who have given extra money as well to help!

Micah and Elijah's latest

Micah will be 4 in March-I can't believe it. His latest....

-just wrote his name for the first time while making christmas cards for his Sunday School teachers

-knows 2 bible verses Genesis 1:1 and Romans 3:23

-just started doing his buttons and zippers all by himself

-went on an airplane for the first time. we were blessed to visit my Grandma and Mom in Miami, FL at Thanksgiving

-went fishing for the first time in FL

Elijah will be 2 in April - can't believe that either! His latest...

-he's talking more and more. says "usssuuu" means "whatsssss up?"

-he loves cars, trucks, trains, balls

-eating his favorite thing to do! he squeals and starts dancing when he sees food, or even hears plates and silveware or a food wrapper

-he's constantly wet from drool

-he's doing well with puzzles and blocks

-his balance and walking has gotten so much better.

-he loves to copy and follow big brother

-he grabs my hand when it's time to pray before a meal. so sweet :)

 excited for christmas!

a sweet brotherly moment

the Lord is providing!

We have so many sweet, generous friends that are giving to us. We're SO thankful and SO grateful.

waiting on the Lord

The Lord continues to grow my patience. I think if we only had $___, then we'd be further along and I'd be that much closer to getting our child. But I remind myself that thinking that way is not helpful, or profitable. I'm waiting on the Lord's timing. I have to remind myself that God is Sovereign and that I can't see the big picture like He does. At times, I think, "we're in a recession, no one will be able to give" but then God intervenes and tells me that He is bigger than a recession and to keep my eyes on the cross. I get on my knees and talk to God about it, and then I receive an email or phone call that says "we're sending you something for your adoption" ... I think God just really wants to grow my prayer life. God says in James 5:16 "prayer of a righteous man powerful and effective" When I am reluctant to ask, I think about how Micah will ask us for something and how we help him. It says in Matthew 7:11"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

The Lord continues to grow my level of long-suffering. There is a little orphan that is completely worth it all. There is so much involved with the adoption process, we are working so hard at fundraising, and I don't even know his or her name. At times, I lose heart and forget why we're doing this. And other times, usually when I hear the boys giggle or see a sweet smile, I'm reminded of why we're doing this adoption thing. I think about Jesus on the cross and all the pain He went through to rescue my soul, and I persevere through the doubt. It wasn't east for Him. He never quit. He gave His life for me, to rescue my soul.

-Anticipating

Orphan Sunday

Yesterday was nationwide orphan sunday. I love the fact that there are many others out there that are in pursuit of orphans as well (or have already adopted) and that orphans are recognized in the church. We got the share in 1 of Lakeview's sunday schools about our story and what God is doing in our family.

Still trusting for about $2000 just to begin the homestudy! God is good and we know that whenever He calls and commands, He always provides. Our faith muscles continue to grow!

It's beginning to look a little like Christmas!

We started putting up the tree yesterday. The boys are having fun with it. Micah is a good helper. He "hooks" the ornament for me and hangs the low ornaments for me. Elijah was a little scared of it.

I'm praying that the boys would see through all the glitter and bows and see Jesus. That's what it's all about. Not the presents (although they are fun). As Jesus works through me, they get a glimpse of what a relationship with Jesus is all about. "Life is but a breath." Our lives are so short here on this earth. I am determined to live my life with no regrets for Jesus.

In the DR Congo, the average ANNUAL salary is ~$250. That's less than $1 per day. I cannot even imagine what life would be like. I have kept that number in mind as I do my christmas shopping.

-Anticipating

Lies from the enemy

We have an enemy here on this earth that wants to do everything in his power to deter us from believing God's promises and doing God's work. But I'm so thankful that Jesus has defeated our enemy and we are victorious in Jesus!!! Fear is not from God. He has not given us the spirit of fear. As Micah says, "Jesus is gonna win the fight when He throws satan in the lake of fire!"

Adoption is such a battle for lost souls of children. Satan has such a stronghold in these dark places around the globe where MILLIONS of kids are orphaned.

Some lies that the enemy is trying to make me believe about adopting...
-This isn't really what God wants you to do.
-God didn't really say to take care of the Fatherless
-God will not provide for you.
-There are better ways to use your time and money.
-It doesn't matter that there are 143 million orphans in the world.
-There's no way you can do this. It's too much of a burden.
-Just take the easy road. Don't be radical for Jesus.

I will say no to his lies. The enemy is wrong. The Victor is living in me!

-Anticipating