Great Day Addendum - Uncomfortable, by Marty Stubblefield
“For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.” – 1 Corinthians 1:25 NIV
For the past four Sunday afternoons, my two older girls have been attending a basketball fundamentals clinic to help hone their skills and prepare for the upcoming season.
This Sunday, the girls focused primarily on ball handling drills with their left hand (that is, their off hand… or weak hand) and had to dribble with their left hand in most every drill.
It was fun to watch how the drilled slowed down for some of the girls while they focused intently on not losing the ball… on not looking at the ball… and keeping up with the others. Of course, some of the girls were better at it than others… But few were as adept with their left as they were with their right.
I remember hanging out and shooting hoops with my friend Tommy Simpson one summer day some 30 years ago and him sharing with me something that he had learned at a basketball camp somewhere.
“What you can do with your right hand...” and Tommy would dribble up and dunk with his right hand
“… You need to be able to do with your left.” and he dribbled up with his left hand and dunked with his left hand.
And we spent the rest of that hot summer afternoon dribbling right and then dribbling left… shooting right handed lay ups and then shooting left… shooting left handed hook shots along with hooks with our right…
“What you can do with your right hand… you need to be able to do with your left.
The uncomfortable should become the comfortable.
I wonder what that might look like now…. in our faith walk… with our family life… at work?
What if we allowed ourselves to become uncomfortable… allowed the Lord to make us uncomfortable?
Maybe that’s a wealthy man working with inner city kids.
Maybe that’s stepping out of the boat and starting a new, much needed ministry.
Maybe that’s a professional taking a break from corporate America and taking a mission trip to South Africa or Brazil.
Maybe that’s an introvert stepping up and teaching a class of 6th & 7th grade girls.
Maybe it’s sharing your faith with a friend who desperately needs to hear it.
Maybe that friend is a parent… or a sibling… or a spouse.
I don’t know what it may be for each of us… But I do know that it is time for us and our Laissez Faire attitude and lifestyle to step out of the status quo… step away from the easy and the comfortable… start going left when it is easier to go right.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen”
– Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
Keep the Faith… Carpe Diem
© Great Day Addendum Copyright 2009
After I had forwarded this devotional out to several people a friend wrote back the following comment: "Maybe it looks like a married couple who were getting ready to embrace the empty nest, feeling God's call to adopt 2 young girls!" I couldn't resist responding to her, "Y'all are adopting, too?!?!?! We didn't know."
:-)
So, how is the Lord possibly making you uncomfortable? Will you respond favorably to His promptings?
Tim
Monday, October 26, 2009
Well, after the fact of finding out that the girls do have family, and learning a bit more about the whole situation, I cannot say I am in any less shock. While I may be shocked, though, God is not. I always thought God never has a "plan B", but He does. It is for the times when us humans do not do what His will is for our lives. If we would all just seek Him on all things He would not need "plan B". What is our "plan B". At this point we don't have one. If God tells you, though, will you please pass it on to me?!?! I am trying to, "...be still and know He is Lord," in all of this.
I have spent a lot of time in the last week in the stillness of the Lord; and He has showed me and spoken some good truths into my life. There was a time three years ago when our youngest graduated from high school and went off to college. Wow! That was hard, but he still lived at home so I got to see him often. He let me make his dinner and get his lunches ready for him. I still shopped for him for clothes and most school supplies, and of course the cleaning up after him and doing his laundry. This past May he grew up and moved out. I knew the day would someday come, but I tell you I was not ready for it. He has grown into a fine young man. One any mom would be proud to call son. Of course he is still young and makes some mistakes, but we all do. And I am so happy every Saturday or Sunday when he brings home his laundry and I still get the chance to do something for him. I know someday this too will pass. But, for now, I enjoy getting to do something for him. He was so cute this past weekend when he was home. He asked me to cut his hair, which I have done since he was a baby. He did say he would like it shorter than I have been cutting it. He even showed me the picture of the way he wanted. But you see, he had no idea I was intentionally cutting it longer and longer so he would need it cut more often so I had that few minutes of him by myself. It was a time Dad would be off doing something else; and him and I could just talk. I had his undivided attention as there was no way he would leave in the middle of a haircut. Well, he must have caught on! But since May, or I guess since graduation three and a half years ago, I have not felt like I have had any real purpose on this earth. Yes, I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a best friend, a deacon's wife, a church goer, and a First Place leader, but I never felt I had a real "God purpose". When I saw the girls picture for the first time, though, I felt God say, "You still do have a purpose in life. I am not done with you. I want you to be a mom to two girls who so deeply need a mom in their life." His plan was not for them to grow up in there in separate orphanages. So I had a joy in my heart which I had not had since the day I sat and watched my baby (young man) graduate. I have said since the beginning I am not sure if these are are girls or if we just got their picture to open our minds and hearts to orphans. I do not feel God is done with us. Last week Tim had been out of town for work, so when he came home Friday night we went to dinner and while talking he mentioned that he was not sure if God is telling him we are to get two other girls or not. I am confused by that as we have said to people we are to be the "father to the fatherless". How then can he say what he did? But at the beginning of this I also said I was going to be a submissive wife. I never knew how hard that can be. We have lots of things to overcome, "...but with God all things are possible." Every time I think we should not do something I get one of those NCIS Gibbs & DiNozzo moments where Gibbs hits DiNozzo in the back of the head. Not hard. Just enough to get his attention. God needs to get mine a lot as my mind is always off and going.
I was reading a commentary the other day and there were a few good points I would like to share with you:
1.) Why do some people experience the same trauma, loss and suffering as others, but never give up? In fact, they grow from their experiences and go on to accomplish amazing things - even help others who are suffering.
2.) We can believe that we always have a choice: to give in and live as a victim to the pain and suffering of life on this planet, or choose to live in His VICTORY and STRENGTH. (I confess that I am not often up to such a positive choice. Without Him reaching down to lift me up I could not even choose to seek Him. Thankfully He does reach down; and that knowledge of truth fills my heart with an overflow of joy.)
"Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34)", but we need to, "consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18)"; and we need to REJOICE in the Lord for He is good and merciful.
Our pastor spoke about Esther, this past Sunday night in church. I learned several things I never knew before, or if I had known I had forgotten:
1.) Esther was an orphan. She was taken in and raised by Mordecai.
2.) She was beautiful. She was placed in the care of Hegai who was in charge of all the women. She pleased him and found favor with him.
3.) Esther went before the king in the tenth month, the seventh year of his reign.
4.) The king loved Esther more than all the women, so he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
5.) As Mordecai commanded her, Esther had not made it know who her people were yet.
6.) Haman was upset that Mordecai would not bow down to him or pay homage to him.
7.) The king gave Haman the signet ring so he could do the king's business.
8.) Haman set out to have all the Jews killed.
9.) When Mordecai found out what happened he tore his clothes and put on sack cloth and ashes and went out and wailed loudly.
10.) When Esther heard of what had happened with Mordecai she sent him clothes in hopes he would put them on, but he would not accept them.
11.) Mordecai told Esther to stay quiet so she will not have harm come to her or her father's house.
12.) She had Mordecai assemble all the Jews to pray and fast for three days and nights; and Esther and her maidens did the same.
13.) On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court. The king saw her and extended the golden scepter; and she went into him.
14.) He saw she was bothered and asked what request he could do for her. She invited he & Haman to a banquet she had prepared for them.
15.) Haman was upset that Mordecai would not bow down to him so he sent for his friends. They came up with a plan to hang Mordecai.
16.) The king learned of Haman's plan to kill Mordecai and put a stop to it. Instead, he had Haman place one of the king's robes on Mordecai and put him upon a horse and parade him through the city's square.
17.) Esther told the king about her and her people being sold as slaves. The king wanted to know who would do this; and she proclaimed it to be Haman.
18.) The king had Haman hung on the gallows which had been prepared for Mordecai.
19.) The king then gave Mordecai the signet ring.
20.) Esther fell at the kings feet and wept and asked for the Jews lives to be spared. The king agreed to do what was right.
Esther made her plans carefully. She asked the Jews to fast and pray with her before she went to the king. It seemed fitting that the day on which the Jews were to be killed their enemies died.
Strengths and accomplishments:
- Her beauty and character won the heart of Persia's King
- She combined courage with careful planning
- She was open to advice and willing to act
- She saw her God given opportunity; and she seized it
- She was more concerned for others than for her own security
We should pray as if all depends on GOD and act as if all depends on us. Yet, we should avoid both extremes of doing nothing and feeling we must do everything.
Potters Hand, by Hillsong
Beautiful Lord, wonderful Saviour
I know for sure, all of my days are held in Your hands
Crafted into Your perfect plan
You gentle call me, into Your presence
Guiding me by, Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord
To live all of my life through Your eyes
I'm captured by, Your Holy calling
Set me apart
I know You're drawing me to Yourself
lead me Lord I pray
Take me, mold me
use me, Fill me
I give my life to the potters hands
Hold me, guide me
Lead me, Walk beside me
I give my life to the potters hand
I am asking you to all please be in prayer for the girls' grandmother... that her heart will become like clay which Jesus can mold and make new... that she has a peace that everything will be okay for her and great for the girls to come and live with us. We so want to be their forever family.
Lynn
I have spent a lot of time in the last week in the stillness of the Lord; and He has showed me and spoken some good truths into my life. There was a time three years ago when our youngest graduated from high school and went off to college. Wow! That was hard, but he still lived at home so I got to see him often. He let me make his dinner and get his lunches ready for him. I still shopped for him for clothes and most school supplies, and of course the cleaning up after him and doing his laundry. This past May he grew up and moved out. I knew the day would someday come, but I tell you I was not ready for it. He has grown into a fine young man. One any mom would be proud to call son. Of course he is still young and makes some mistakes, but we all do. And I am so happy every Saturday or Sunday when he brings home his laundry and I still get the chance to do something for him. I know someday this too will pass. But, for now, I enjoy getting to do something for him. He was so cute this past weekend when he was home. He asked me to cut his hair, which I have done since he was a baby. He did say he would like it shorter than I have been cutting it. He even showed me the picture of the way he wanted. But you see, he had no idea I was intentionally cutting it longer and longer so he would need it cut more often so I had that few minutes of him by myself. It was a time Dad would be off doing something else; and him and I could just talk. I had his undivided attention as there was no way he would leave in the middle of a haircut. Well, he must have caught on! But since May, or I guess since graduation three and a half years ago, I have not felt like I have had any real purpose on this earth. Yes, I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a best friend, a deacon's wife, a church goer, and a First Place leader, but I never felt I had a real "God purpose". When I saw the girls picture for the first time, though, I felt God say, "You still do have a purpose in life. I am not done with you. I want you to be a mom to two girls who so deeply need a mom in their life." His plan was not for them to grow up in there in separate orphanages. So I had a joy in my heart which I had not had since the day I sat and watched my baby (young man) graduate. I have said since the beginning I am not sure if these are are girls or if we just got their picture to open our minds and hearts to orphans. I do not feel God is done with us. Last week Tim had been out of town for work, so when he came home Friday night we went to dinner and while talking he mentioned that he was not sure if God is telling him we are to get two other girls or not. I am confused by that as we have said to people we are to be the "father to the fatherless". How then can he say what he did? But at the beginning of this I also said I was going to be a submissive wife. I never knew how hard that can be. We have lots of things to overcome, "...but with God all things are possible." Every time I think we should not do something I get one of those NCIS Gibbs & DiNozzo moments where Gibbs hits DiNozzo in the back of the head. Not hard. Just enough to get his attention. God needs to get mine a lot as my mind is always off and going.
I was reading a commentary the other day and there were a few good points I would like to share with you:
1.) Why do some people experience the same trauma, loss and suffering as others, but never give up? In fact, they grow from their experiences and go on to accomplish amazing things - even help others who are suffering.
2.) We can believe that we always have a choice: to give in and live as a victim to the pain and suffering of life on this planet, or choose to live in His VICTORY and STRENGTH. (I confess that I am not often up to such a positive choice. Without Him reaching down to lift me up I could not even choose to seek Him. Thankfully He does reach down; and that knowledge of truth fills my heart with an overflow of joy.)
"Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34)", but we need to, "consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18)"; and we need to REJOICE in the Lord for He is good and merciful.
Our pastor spoke about Esther, this past Sunday night in church. I learned several things I never knew before, or if I had known I had forgotten:
1.) Esther was an orphan. She was taken in and raised by Mordecai.
2.) She was beautiful. She was placed in the care of Hegai who was in charge of all the women. She pleased him and found favor with him.
3.) Esther went before the king in the tenth month, the seventh year of his reign.
4.) The king loved Esther more than all the women, so he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
5.) As Mordecai commanded her, Esther had not made it know who her people were yet.
6.) Haman was upset that Mordecai would not bow down to him or pay homage to him.
7.) The king gave Haman the signet ring so he could do the king's business.
8.) Haman set out to have all the Jews killed.
9.) When Mordecai found out what happened he tore his clothes and put on sack cloth and ashes and went out and wailed loudly.
10.) When Esther heard of what had happened with Mordecai she sent him clothes in hopes he would put them on, but he would not accept them.
11.) Mordecai told Esther to stay quiet so she will not have harm come to her or her father's house.
12.) She had Mordecai assemble all the Jews to pray and fast for three days and nights; and Esther and her maidens did the same.
13.) On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court. The king saw her and extended the golden scepter; and she went into him.
14.) He saw she was bothered and asked what request he could do for her. She invited he & Haman to a banquet she had prepared for them.
15.) Haman was upset that Mordecai would not bow down to him so he sent for his friends. They came up with a plan to hang Mordecai.
16.) The king learned of Haman's plan to kill Mordecai and put a stop to it. Instead, he had Haman place one of the king's robes on Mordecai and put him upon a horse and parade him through the city's square.
17.) Esther told the king about her and her people being sold as slaves. The king wanted to know who would do this; and she proclaimed it to be Haman.
18.) The king had Haman hung on the gallows which had been prepared for Mordecai.
19.) The king then gave Mordecai the signet ring.
20.) Esther fell at the kings feet and wept and asked for the Jews lives to be spared. The king agreed to do what was right.
Esther made her plans carefully. She asked the Jews to fast and pray with her before she went to the king. It seemed fitting that the day on which the Jews were to be killed their enemies died.
Strengths and accomplishments:
- Her beauty and character won the heart of Persia's King
- She combined courage with careful planning
- She was open to advice and willing to act
- She saw her God given opportunity; and she seized it
- She was more concerned for others than for her own security
We should pray as if all depends on GOD and act as if all depends on us. Yet, we should avoid both extremes of doing nothing and feeling we must do everything.
Potters Hand, by Hillsong
Beautiful Lord, wonderful Saviour
I know for sure, all of my days are held in Your hands
Crafted into Your perfect plan
You gentle call me, into Your presence
Guiding me by, Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord
To live all of my life through Your eyes
I'm captured by, Your Holy calling
Set me apart
I know You're drawing me to Yourself
lead me Lord I pray
Take me, mold me
use me, Fill me
I give my life to the potters hands
Hold me, guide me
Lead me, Walk beside me
I give my life to the potters hand
I am asking you to all please be in prayer for the girls' grandmother... that her heart will become like clay which Jesus can mold and make new... that she has a peace that everything will be okay for her and great for the girls to come and live with us. We so want to be their forever family.
Lynn
Monday, October 19, 2009
It has been a rough few days around here. Last Thursday Tim got a call from the friend of a friend over in Ukraine. We had spoke to him about making a trip to visit each of the girls for us for a small fee. Well, on Thursday he had traveled to Balta to see Alyona and had spent some time with her. He gave her the letters we had emailed him, as we were not sure she had received the ones we had previously mailed. He helped her write a short note back to us. He was also able to get some new photos for us. Wow, it was so good to see how she was, and to hear all about her! He called Tim that afternoon to let him know about the visit, and to let us know that he was able to find out when her birthday is. Yeah! It is two days before my mom's; and Kristina's birthday is two weeks after my dad's. He also dropped a bombshell on us. I guess we needed to know before we get to Ukraine, so we are prepared, but I will just tell you, I am not over it yet. We thought the girls had no family. Well, we were wrong. There is a grandma who lives in Russia and an uncle who lives in Ukraine. We believe her to be older in age, but are not sure of much at this point.
I walked around most of Friday with a numb feeling. After losing two babies, many years ago via miscarriage, it was like going through that all over again. I had promised myself I would not get so emotionally attached to these girls that I could not walk away if I had to. But at this point I am not sure how I would do that. My heart is split in two. I so badly want these girls to be ours, but how would I feel if I was the grandmother? Could I give them up without a fight? Would they think I don't care about them? Would they understand I only want what is best for them? What is the best for them? They have lost so much at this point. I don't want them to suffer any more.
We talked with our friend in Odessa for almost two hours on Saturday; and he offered us good advice. Also, he planned to go to Kiliya to see Kristina this week. I asked him about possibly sending a letter to the grandmother that I had written on Friday. He did not think that would be a good idea.
When I arrived home today I was surprised to find a letter in the mail addressed in Russian. I thought at first that it was from one of the girls, maybe Kristina. Of course I could not tell right away as I do not speak or read Russian!! (Note to self: I need to work on that... in my spare time. Between 1:00am and 4:00am is the only spare time I am aware of, but who needs sleep, right? It's overrated!) So, this evening I ran over to our friends, the Tygarts, and had Josh read it for me. (He is such a great kid. I can not say enough good stuff about him. = ) ) Well, come to find out the letter is not from the girls at all. It is from the grandmother! She has seen my letter to Alyona, and does not like the idea of me writing to her granddaughter, and in no uncertain terms am I to write to her again. She even went on to say that I must send the girl's pictures back to her. She sounded very unhappy in her letter. Part of me wants to fight this "to the death". Then part says, "They are not yours to fight for." But I heard this week from a wise preacher, if God is working, so is Satan. We have seen God working all over this thing, from the beginning up until now. So I guess it is up to God. When He is done He will show me to move on. I know we will have two girls come to live with us. Will it be these two girls? I do not know. Only God knows. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11 Gods Word).
The thing God keeps impressing on me tonight is the story in 1 Kings 3 regarding the two mothers who are fighting over a baby. They went before King Solomon and he says to bring a sword to divide the child in half in order to let each woman have half. At that point the real mother steps up and says, no, let the other woman have the child. Just let the child live. I, too, would have to be that woman.
Please be praying for us. We are still working to collect the rest of the funds necessary so that if we should need to leave right away, we can. I will stay over there as long as required and will be without an income for that time. God is faithful, though. He will provide.
Lynn
I walked around most of Friday with a numb feeling. After losing two babies, many years ago via miscarriage, it was like going through that all over again. I had promised myself I would not get so emotionally attached to these girls that I could not walk away if I had to. But at this point I am not sure how I would do that. My heart is split in two. I so badly want these girls to be ours, but how would I feel if I was the grandmother? Could I give them up without a fight? Would they think I don't care about them? Would they understand I only want what is best for them? What is the best for them? They have lost so much at this point. I don't want them to suffer any more.
We talked with our friend in Odessa for almost two hours on Saturday; and he offered us good advice. Also, he planned to go to Kiliya to see Kristina this week. I asked him about possibly sending a letter to the grandmother that I had written on Friday. He did not think that would be a good idea.
When I arrived home today I was surprised to find a letter in the mail addressed in Russian. I thought at first that it was from one of the girls, maybe Kristina. Of course I could not tell right away as I do not speak or read Russian!! (Note to self: I need to work on that... in my spare time. Between 1:00am and 4:00am is the only spare time I am aware of, but who needs sleep, right? It's overrated!) So, this evening I ran over to our friends, the Tygarts, and had Josh read it for me. (He is such a great kid. I can not say enough good stuff about him. = ) ) Well, come to find out the letter is not from the girls at all. It is from the grandmother! She has seen my letter to Alyona, and does not like the idea of me writing to her granddaughter, and in no uncertain terms am I to write to her again. She even went on to say that I must send the girl's pictures back to her. She sounded very unhappy in her letter. Part of me wants to fight this "to the death". Then part says, "They are not yours to fight for." But I heard this week from a wise preacher, if God is working, so is Satan. We have seen God working all over this thing, from the beginning up until now. So I guess it is up to God. When He is done He will show me to move on. I know we will have two girls come to live with us. Will it be these two girls? I do not know. Only God knows. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11 Gods Word).
The thing God keeps impressing on me tonight is the story in 1 Kings 3 regarding the two mothers who are fighting over a baby. They went before King Solomon and he says to bring a sword to divide the child in half in order to let each woman have half. At that point the real mother steps up and says, no, let the other woman have the child. Just let the child live. I, too, would have to be that woman.
Please be praying for us. We are still working to collect the rest of the funds necessary so that if we should need to leave right away, we can. I will stay over there as long as required and will be without an income for that time. God is faithful, though. He will provide.
Lynn
Friday, October 09, 2009
It has been another busy few weeks. I see why people say it should take six to eight months to adopt. And we are working to accomplish it in about four. We did not want to do a marathon. We went for a long sprint. Too bad this was not also a weight loss journey! I do believe I may have put on a few pounds, but I guess it is like having twins. LOL!
We had a mishap with our state clearance paperwork. When I first went and turned in the request I gave them the paperwork all signed. At least most of it, anyway. Tim's was done. Mine never got witnessed so it was sent back. I got that done, turned it back in, received them back. We thought we were done. We emailed it over to Ukraine to make sure it was what we needed, but we were informed it was not. The state had performed a "name only" check. We actually needed a fingerprint check. So, I went and picked up more finger print cards. We went to the Jackson Police Department to get our finger prints taken, again. I was not sure I would ever get all the ink off my skin! I went and turned them in, again. The nice lady there mailed them back to me. About a week later I still had not yet received them so I made a trip back out to her office. Of course she wasn't in, but she called me back to tell me she had mailed them just the day before; and we should receive them in a few days. OK, that is on a Thursday. She calls me on Monday morning and asks if I had gotten them over the weekend. No, they had not made it, but maybe they would there that day I say. She, oh so nicely, says, "I am not sure that is going to happen." "What do you mean" I ask. Well, somehow there had been a mishap in her office; and our paperwork was sent to Canada!! She had come in to work to a phone call from a lady in the Immigration Office wanting to know who we were and what she needed to do with our paperwork? She did send it back to us overnight, at no cost to us. I was glad for that as we had nothing to do with it, but in all of this they come to find out my fingerprints had not printed well enough. I had to fingerprint myself as the officer was sick and in a bad mood so he did not feel like touching me and possibly getting me sick. Once more with the ink, but praise the LORD, we are done.
As part of the home study process we had to take ten hours of classes on how to be a parent. I guess already raising two kids did not teach us anything. The classes were scheduled the same weekend we were going to be of town. Yes, my sweet husband took me to the beach for my birthday. After doing a little homework, though, we found out we could take the classes on line. So you know me, I was able to teach Catholic Charities something! They had not known classes were available that way. Online classes actually saved us some money, too; and we got to pick the classes that were more geared to the girls, than babies. We also decided to take an extra 2.5 hours because we saw another class we thought would be helpful.
On the way to the beach we received a call from Mrs. Betti. She had been to the office, dropped off her signed copy of the home study, and was hoping her boss would read it yet that week. Well, that did not happen. The boss did finally read it and approved several changes she needed us to make by the following Thursday. So Mrs. Betti called and left me a message, at home of all places, late on Thursday afternoon. She said I could go on Friday morning to pick up the home study so we would have the weekend to review it and make sure everything in it was correct. Then she said we would I would need to bring $500 for the rest of the home study and $200 for the liaison fees (Tim and I both went, What liaison fees?' but when we looked there it was in black and white. They just had not previously explained the fee to us). Well, I told someone at class, on Thursday night, that it seemed weird anytime I needed to write a check for an adoption expense God had just "dropped" the money into our lap. We really have not had to take anything from our own accounts up to now. Between extra cleaning jobs, to income tax money, to multiple gifts, He has always supplied, but this time it looked like we were just going to use some money from our adoption account. It didn't appear there would be a WOW moment, but it is God is GOD, right? On Friday I went to my first cleaning job. They ask how things are going with the girls; and I tell them. They are not really ready for me to clean right then, as I was a little early that morning, so I ran and cleaned another house real quick, then came back. When I got there. She had left a card. I thought maybe it was for my birthday so I had not thought much about it. I cleaned there house, then left. As I was heading into the bank to go withdraw the cash to pay for the home study I opened the card. Well, GOD did it to me again. It was nothing for me, but for the girls it was the $250 we were "short". I stood at the bank door thanking God!!! I know the people at the bank had to have thought I had lost my mind. I mean I was standing there just talking out loud in the lobby, thanking Him! I then turned around and left the bank. I no longer needed to withdraw any money, as I now had all I needed! I drove to Jackson thinking, "Hear I come, home study!" I get there, and no one is in the office. So, I head over to Tim's office to call. No answer. I call Mrs. Betti. She gives me the direct line, instead of the switchboard. I leave a message. Still no call back. I go back over to their office. Still no one. I call Mrs. Betti again. She has me come by her house and drop off the money, then call the emergency contact number to see if someone can possibly email us a copy. No one ever called me back. I am so glad it was not an actual emergency! We did not get the home study until the following Monday; and there were several mistakes. We got them fixed, then emailed a copy to Ukraine, where they discovered one other minor statement to change. After another week we now have a completed home study. YEAH! PRAISE the LORD! He is so good...
The home study has now supposedly been sent off to Citizenship & Immigration Services for the final stop in the U.S. side of the paper work. We have had some more money come in through donations; and we would like to thank everyone who is praying for us and donating to us. We could not do this on our own. It is the love and support of all of you that helps keep us going.
It is sad to see all the darkness in the world today. I was telling Tim the other day, the system would work faster and better if all of the people who worked in places of ministry, like Catholic Charities, would go and do mission work at least every other year, if not every year. Their hearts desire would be to work faster and harder to find these children a home... A family who would love them and support them. We are to show them mercy and grace. There have been times I have wanted to say, "If the girls are not here by Christmas, like God said they would be, it was the your (the administrators) fault. I have done all I can do. You dragged your feet. You are the reason the girls have to spend another Christmas in a place with no family and no love. How would you like it if we put you there and did that to you? I am pretty sure you would not"
My heart is so heavy for the 143 million orphans of the world. I can only help two of them, but I can pray for many. Please be in prayer for them, also. November 8, 2009 is Orphan Sunday. If only 7% of all Christians would adopt a child there would be no more children in orphanages. That seems mind boggling to me. When you think 7% that is really not that many. I am not saying adoption is for everyone, but I am saying to please be in prayer about it. If it is not right for you, then maybe you can help a family you know by assisting them as they help a child.
Until next time, please continue to pray for us...
Lynn
We had a mishap with our state clearance paperwork. When I first went and turned in the request I gave them the paperwork all signed. At least most of it, anyway. Tim's was done. Mine never got witnessed so it was sent back. I got that done, turned it back in, received them back. We thought we were done. We emailed it over to Ukraine to make sure it was what we needed, but we were informed it was not. The state had performed a "name only" check. We actually needed a fingerprint check. So, I went and picked up more finger print cards. We went to the Jackson Police Department to get our finger prints taken, again. I was not sure I would ever get all the ink off my skin! I went and turned them in, again. The nice lady there mailed them back to me. About a week later I still had not yet received them so I made a trip back out to her office. Of course she wasn't in, but she called me back to tell me she had mailed them just the day before; and we should receive them in a few days. OK, that is on a Thursday. She calls me on Monday morning and asks if I had gotten them over the weekend. No, they had not made it, but maybe they would there that day I say. She, oh so nicely, says, "I am not sure that is going to happen." "What do you mean" I ask. Well, somehow there had been a mishap in her office; and our paperwork was sent to Canada!! She had come in to work to a phone call from a lady in the Immigration Office wanting to know who we were and what she needed to do with our paperwork? She did send it back to us overnight, at no cost to us. I was glad for that as we had nothing to do with it, but in all of this they come to find out my fingerprints had not printed well enough. I had to fingerprint myself as the officer was sick and in a bad mood so he did not feel like touching me and possibly getting me sick. Once more with the ink, but praise the LORD, we are done.
As part of the home study process we had to take ten hours of classes on how to be a parent. I guess already raising two kids did not teach us anything. The classes were scheduled the same weekend we were going to be of town. Yes, my sweet husband took me to the beach for my birthday. After doing a little homework, though, we found out we could take the classes on line. So you know me, I was able to teach Catholic Charities something! They had not known classes were available that way. Online classes actually saved us some money, too; and we got to pick the classes that were more geared to the girls, than babies. We also decided to take an extra 2.5 hours because we saw another class we thought would be helpful.
On the way to the beach we received a call from Mrs. Betti. She had been to the office, dropped off her signed copy of the home study, and was hoping her boss would read it yet that week. Well, that did not happen. The boss did finally read it and approved several changes she needed us to make by the following Thursday. So Mrs. Betti called and left me a message, at home of all places, late on Thursday afternoon. She said I could go on Friday morning to pick up the home study so we would have the weekend to review it and make sure everything in it was correct. Then she said we would I would need to bring $500 for the rest of the home study and $200 for the liaison fees (Tim and I both went, What liaison fees?' but when we looked there it was in black and white. They just had not previously explained the fee to us). Well, I told someone at class, on Thursday night, that it seemed weird anytime I needed to write a check for an adoption expense God had just "dropped" the money into our lap. We really have not had to take anything from our own accounts up to now. Between extra cleaning jobs, to income tax money, to multiple gifts, He has always supplied, but this time it looked like we were just going to use some money from our adoption account. It didn't appear there would be a WOW moment, but it is God is GOD, right? On Friday I went to my first cleaning job. They ask how things are going with the girls; and I tell them. They are not really ready for me to clean right then, as I was a little early that morning, so I ran and cleaned another house real quick, then came back. When I got there. She had left a card. I thought maybe it was for my birthday so I had not thought much about it. I cleaned there house, then left. As I was heading into the bank to go withdraw the cash to pay for the home study I opened the card. Well, GOD did it to me again. It was nothing for me, but for the girls it was the $250 we were "short". I stood at the bank door thanking God!!! I know the people at the bank had to have thought I had lost my mind. I mean I was standing there just talking out loud in the lobby, thanking Him! I then turned around and left the bank. I no longer needed to withdraw any money, as I now had all I needed! I drove to Jackson thinking, "Hear I come, home study!" I get there, and no one is in the office. So, I head over to Tim's office to call. No answer. I call Mrs. Betti. She gives me the direct line, instead of the switchboard. I leave a message. Still no call back. I go back over to their office. Still no one. I call Mrs. Betti again. She has me come by her house and drop off the money, then call the emergency contact number to see if someone can possibly email us a copy. No one ever called me back. I am so glad it was not an actual emergency! We did not get the home study until the following Monday; and there were several mistakes. We got them fixed, then emailed a copy to Ukraine, where they discovered one other minor statement to change. After another week we now have a completed home study. YEAH! PRAISE the LORD! He is so good...
The home study has now supposedly been sent off to Citizenship & Immigration Services for the final stop in the U.S. side of the paper work. We have had some more money come in through donations; and we would like to thank everyone who is praying for us and donating to us. We could not do this on our own. It is the love and support of all of you that helps keep us going.
It is sad to see all the darkness in the world today. I was telling Tim the other day, the system would work faster and better if all of the people who worked in places of ministry, like Catholic Charities, would go and do mission work at least every other year, if not every year. Their hearts desire would be to work faster and harder to find these children a home... A family who would love them and support them. We are to show them mercy and grace. There have been times I have wanted to say, "If the girls are not here by Christmas, like God said they would be, it was the your (the administrators) fault. I have done all I can do. You dragged your feet. You are the reason the girls have to spend another Christmas in a place with no family and no love. How would you like it if we put you there and did that to you? I am pretty sure you would not"
My heart is so heavy for the 143 million orphans of the world. I can only help two of them, but I can pray for many. Please be in prayer for them, also. November 8, 2009 is Orphan Sunday. If only 7% of all Christians would adopt a child there would be no more children in orphanages. That seems mind boggling to me. When you think 7% that is really not that many. I am not saying adoption is for everyone, but I am saying to please be in prayer about it. If it is not right for you, then maybe you can help a family you know by assisting them as they help a child.
Until next time, please continue to pray for us...
Lynn
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