Walking by Faith

Today was a rough day. Brian and I have had some really tough decisions to make lately. We have prayed, called for wise counsel, cried, prayed some more and have just been holding on to hope. The housing market is not what it once was so it feels so hopeless. The kids and I were going to be joining Brian the 20th of this month but after more prayer and thought Brian decided we should wait a little longer and hope we get an offer. This was not what I wanted to hear. Even after I prayed last night "Lord, I trust Brian and whatever you show him is the right thing to do I will follow", man I was mad. Then sad. I spent the better part of the day praising and worshipping God through gritted teeth and tears. However, in faith I also went to the store and bought bubble wrap and packing tape to resume packing. Jared and I emptied the china cabinet onto the table so I could begin boxing it. In the middle of the mess I got a text. SHOWING TODAY 230-330. I couldn't believe it. HOPE. I finished up that part of the packing, then ran around to finish straightening the house. Later on today I had a meeting at work and on the way home another text...OFFER FOR (our address) BEING FAXED TODAY. Are you kidding me?? An offer? I sat there and cried and thanked God for HOPE! There are still a lot of hoops to jump through but I am holding on to the One Who is holding on to me. Thank you Jesus you never let us go. If you think about us...please pray. Thanks.

Got Miracles??

I know You do. I need one. Thanks for agreeing with me...

13 years and on our way to Forever...

Today is my anniversary. Brian and I met 13 years 3 months ago at a seminar when we were working for the same company. It was instant, things were rough for quite a while (it's what happens when you marry someone you don't know) but soon we figured out not only did we love each other but we liked each other. Here are some of my reasons; he is my rock, he helps me stay balanced, he loves God, he loves his kids, he loves his mom, he loves my family, he works hard, he has passion, he's edgy, he knows how to relax, he's a dork, he makes me laugh more than anyone has or will, he's selfless beyond words, he's humble, he's a peace maker and a peace keeper, he's young at heart (and in years, lol), he's not afraid to take chances, he says he's sorry, he admits his weaknesses, he loves me for me.

I love you and miss you babe, Happy Anniversary!!!

Happy Birthday Jackson, we love you!!

11 years ago today Jackson Scott came into our lives weighing 9lbs 4oz and even had an extra thumb. He is the sweetest little boy who is growing up too fast. He loves to read, play video games and watch way too much t.v. He also has the most creative imagination. You should see what he can do with Lego's and the stories he writes show talent beyond his years. He blesses me everyday and I'm so proud to be his mom!!

Needs

And my God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus...

I know I have blogged before using this verse but it's one of my favs and always bares repeating. He shall supply...whatever I have need of. Ok, here's what I feel I NEED right now. For my house to sell so my family and I can be together in North Carolina. However, as we all know timing is everything and God is never early or never late. What does it mean though, according to His riches by Christ Jesus? I am assuming because Jesus has all the riches my needs are nothing for Him to take care. I do know God will take care of this. Unfortunately I, like most humans just wish there was an eta. Ha, if only.

Let's take a moment today and thank Him for supplying all we have need of.

I wanna be in control...

I don't know many people who don't. There is nothing right now I can control in my life and this past week has been harrowing. Worse yet is me and my feelings letting it get to that point. I think this is only one of a very few times where I have no choice but to give it all up. Usually, there are at least some things I can have a handle on. Currently, there are NONE!!! As this week is coming to an end I have realized I wasted an entire week upset, afraid, and out of control. What else have I realized? To be in control is to be on my own, apart from Him Who created me. I don't want that. I am giving it up! I am sure I will reach a point when it will be day by day but for now it's hour to hour. Who else struggles with this? Admit it and join my club. ;-)

Time's UP!!!

We're at it again.
On the move.
To North Carolina.
A new job.
A new life.
God is good.

...stay tuned

35 Years Young

Well, it happened again. I am another year older. Last night a few friends from Starbucks and beyond got together to help me celebrate. Needless to say, it was a blast. For pics go here. FYI...only 3 days to go and all will be revealed. I am so ready for it to be over. "See" ya Friday.

What's Important to YOU?

I have heard it said, more times than I'd like in recent weeks that WE MAKE TIME FOR WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO US.
Here is my list as of late, in order

1. Praying
2. My husband and kids
3. Work
4. Sleep which includes naps in the sun ;-)
5. Church and friends

I am sad to say Church and friends has not been at the top of my list lately. In fact I recently sent a card to a good friend of mine out of state because I felt it was the only way I could make time to let her know I was thinking about her. I love her and when she called to thank me for the card we spent an hour on the phone. It was so amazing to re-connect. Before we hung up she even said next time just call. I know she is right, I just feel like no one has time for that anymore so instead of bothering people I just don't. It's kind of crazy for me to be this way because I try hard to live by the words TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WOULD WANT TO BE TREATED. In fact it's one of our family motto's. I just get so tired of reaching out to others and no one reaching back. Does anyone else feel like this? What kinds of things are important to you?

How Are You?? (Just over 15 days to go by the way)

How many times a day do you ask someone how they are? Personally, there are days when its too many to count. For example at Starbucks where I work, if I am running the front or drive thru this is often the first thing I ask. Why do we ask this? It's an age old argument. Well, it's the polite thing to do right? OK, so maybe it is but do I really want to know? If a customer was to sit there and start telling me how they were late for work, had a fight with their spouse, yelled at their kids, needed the caffeine so they wouldn't have road rage on the way to work do I really care? The truth is right then and there, NO I don't care. Not because I am heartless but because the line has to move and I don't have time. There is never enough time is there? Isn't that how we feel. I think once a connection has been made then we might open up and tell people exactly how it is. I have a few friends in my life who when we talk will truly want to know how I am. In fact I had one of these talks just this morning with a friend from far a way. It is always refreshing because I can tell her anything and she never judges me, just prays and gives her advice. We all need people like that in our life.

So, here is some vulnerability...lately I have had some anxiety. Here and there, nothing too bad. Last night, I had so much anxiety I felt as if the bed was going to collapse under the weight. Truthfully, there is much to be anxious about. But, what was so draining for me was lying there and even through all my praying and begging to God there was no reprieve. WHY? Was I not praying the right way? Was I not saying the right scripture? Am I chemically imbalanced? HA!!
I don't think it is any of those things, I just think it's something I need to work through. If you are having anxiety, here are some scriptures we all know. Let's band together and pray for each other. Let's lift each other up when the weight of the world is trying to crush us. Lets take time to listen when we ask someone how they are.
Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things. God will bring you to judgment.

So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.
Psalm 94:19 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.

1 Peter 5:6-8Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

30 Days... it's not what you think

Life is so good, good friends to share it with makes it even better. I'll be back...

"Seeing" You All Later...

Since I have little to nothing to report these days I am going on "leave". There is so much happening right now but nothing I am able to discuss so therefore I will be back in a couple of months to let you in on all the secrets of our lives. I hope you will still check in and if you don't have no fear I will email you letting you know when something new has posted. You are welcome to email me but otherwise, I'll "see" you all soon.

God News!!!

I know I have been a little behind with this blog but that is simply due to the holidays. Should be back on track now.
We are on track to begin our home study. However, with the holidays, my dad's visit and Darin's (Brian's brother) wedding this weekend everything has kind of taken a back seat. So, as soon as we get that started we will post all the fun details.

On to the God news. Yesterday and today Brian was at his annual district sales meeting. He won 3 awards. The first was for a promotion called I LIVE FOR THIS $ and he won $XXX.XX. Weird numbers I know but I don't want to post the amounts. The second was for another promotion called THE BUCK STOPS HERE and he won $XXX.XX. Triple digits aren't too bad right? Well it gets even better than that! His main award was ROOKIE OF THE YEAR and with that comes a 4 day all expenses paid trip skiing in Utah. I cannot tell you how proud I am. He has worked really hard and it obviously was worth it. Now, I haven't been skiing since I was 10 so I'll be opting for the spa package instead. HA!! There are several reasons this is the most amazing blessing ever. First off Brian and I would never take a trip like this right now b/c our adoption is at the forefront of all financial decisions we make. Second, it will be freezing there and I love the cold so it will be such a nice change. Last and certainly not least Brian and I have been working so much we are like ships in the night so this will be an amazing way to connect and be alone.

One more thing. Please continue to pray for Nathan and Tricia. If you haven't been to their blog, the readers digest is Tricia has cystic fibrosis, she was in critical condition so they had to deliver their baby at 24 weeks. Things are still critical for her. Their baby girl weighed in at 1lb 6oz so they need LOTS of prayer. Please continue to pray and pass the word along. This family is precious. Thanks!!

Critical, please pray.

They need your prayers in the most desperate of ways. Please take a moment and pray for them. Also, please spread the word to all who pray. Thank you.

Please Pray...

PLEASE PRAY

THANK YOU.

End of the Year post

My dad made it in safely from Tulsa despite all the bad weather so suffice it to say we have hit the ground running. Since Brian and I hadn't even started shopping and my dad does it when he gets here, it's all we've been doing. Not much to report on the Adoption front. The adoption agreement was sent in a while ago so now the fun part. Paper chasing (as it's known) and we will begin our home study in the new year. Not to mention all the fund raising that will take place. If you ever think of us, please do not forget to forward us to anyone you come in contact with also on this type of journey. Or anyone willing to donate to a good cause. wink wink! In all seriousness we are looking forward to sharing lots of exciting news in '08. Thanks for being with us so far, it's been a blast. Here's a little end of year funniness...

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Not Alone

Today our family had the privilege of finally meeting our agency liaison Cathi. Cathi is our contact person here in Florida. We have been speaking with her for over a year now and she has walked us through every step so far. She has answered every question and listened to every fear. She is amazing. Cathi and her husband have adopted 4 girls from China so she has plenty of hands on experience. Sadly, Cathi will be leaving at the end of the year to pursue other things and even though this is the beginning for us, we will really miss her. Every year they host a picnic for all the families who have adopted or are in the process of adopting with Children's Hope International (Florida). It's a great time to meet others who have been there done that and those who are waiting like us. Its awesome to be able to ask questions and its also really inspiring to be around these precious little ones who have finally found forever families. One couple we spent quite a while with are Paul and Karen. They are 19 months in and waiting patiently just like all of us. They are aware the time could be as long as 3 years before they receive their referral. That said, they are so positive and were such a joy to get to know. They are making a difference in their church and their community as they wait to bring their daughter home. I was inspired. It was a great time and it really helps to know there are others in this process and we can all be an encouragement to each other.

National Adoption Month

As some of you may know November is National Adoption Month. November 17th was actually National Adoption Day, I thought that was pretty cool since it was the day we had our first fund raiser. Anyway, I realize adoption is not for everyone however there are ways to be part of the solution without bringing a child into your home physically. Something we can all do is sponsor a child to give them a chance at a better life right where they are. About a year ago while Brian and I were waiting to begin our adoption my grandfather sent me a photo and information regarding a little boy in China. Zijian is his name and he was abandoned when his parents discovered he had cerebral palsy. As we looked into it more we realized this was an amazing way to be part of the solution. To make a difference in his life as we waited for Grace. If this is something you might be interested in doing you can click here. Of course there are lots of different places to do something like this but my hope is just to create more awareness and remind people we can make a difference.

Major Success

Since I have almost no time left before we leave town, just wanted to take a moment to tell you what an amazing day it was for us on Saturday. We had HUGE success with our garage sale and made just over 300 dollars for our adoption. We wanted to once again thank all of you who sent our email to others, prayed for us, donated items, the sign makers (we had the greatest sign), the amazing people who not only donated their driveway but also made us breakfast and lastly the special person who stayed up really late helping me get it all priced and sorted through. You guys all know who you are and you are totally amazing and we are honored you are partnering with us. We cannot do this without you. We pray Thanksgiving Blessings for you all and look forward to updating you more after the holidays. Don't forget to check the website when you have time!! Love you!!!

Oh and by the way, since this was just the first of many garage sales to raise money please remember us when you are getting rid of anything, we will be happy to come and get it. Remember, one man's trash is another man's treasure. :-)

Milestone 2

Our garage sale is tomorrow and we are so excited. We had so many people donate stuff, we are overwhelmed by the blessing. As of yesterday we were 50 dollars short to submit our adoption agreement until another 100 dollars unexpectedly came in, so going into the garage sale we have 50 dollars towards the home study fee. This fee will be anywhere from 1,000 to 1,600 dollars. I will be making the call for our first appointment on Monday. Obviously there will be somewhat of a delay for certain things now the holidays are upon us but that will not stop our efforts to get our information out to people who are interested. We hope you all have an amazing weekend and pray for our garage sale to go well. I will post some pics next week.