Checking My Passion

"Christ did not die to make good works merely possible or to produce a half-hearted pursuit. He died to produce in us a passion for good deeds. Christian purity is not the mere avoidance of evil, but the pursuit of good."
— John Piper (The Passion of Jesus Christ: Fifty Reasons Why He Came to Die)

“The pursuit of good”... what am I pursuing? 

 

I am going to be asking this of myself.  There are many voices that tell me, as a wife, mother, and woman “good things” to do.  But I am going to “check” myself with prayer and Scripture.  

 

I pray that my little blog encourages others to pursue what God has created them to do.  We should not “copy” each other, or try to be like anyone else.  We will bring glory to HIS Name as we live the life HE created us to live.  Non the less, I do want us "to consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24).

So today, I ask you and myself to think about what we are pursuing. 

This Turned Out Good

I have shared how much I love the new IKEA that just opened in Denver.  We bought these wood boxes to help organize my school and I let the children paint them for me.  They liked putting the little foam stickies on that I picked up at Hobby Lobby too.  The children loved the project and we had several extra boxes left over. So they painted one for themselves and are using them in their closets to keep their personal things organized.  
That’s what I call a Good Thing...inexpensive boxes; fun project for the children; organization! 

How Does The Wise Man Live...

...and make decisions?

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.

It will be  healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” Prov. 3:5-8


I have contemplate this verse often as I have been putting together this year’s school ideas.  It has been one of the hardest years for me to “get it together”.  This verse has been helpful to me as I seek the LORD and confess any pride in thinking that I can do anything without His leading and His wisdom.  I’m getting excited about the journey that the children and I will walk this year. Yet I do wonder still how it is going to come together.  Trust the LORD, acknowledge the LORD, and fear the LORD.  
Today I recommit again to walking this past with My God, because I know that His love and faithfulness is sure.  

Sunday Snapshot-Remembering When

Birthdays are such a celebration...and a remembrance...

of a year of growth, accomplishments, learning and seeing the LORD leading, guiding and teaching us.

For a mother, birthdays are an especially precious time in the moments of our lives as we contemplate the amazing privilege that God has given to us to minister to our little darlin’s.  

Alia turned 7 and it is amazing to me the journey she has walked from scared little toddler to the happy, shining little package of music and love that she is.  I am so thankful to the LORD that He chose me to mother her.

And this little darling turned 18 last month. EIGHTEEN years old - wow.  She has grown into one of the most beautiful women I have ever known. Her name means purity, and nothing sums up this little beauty more than that!  Again, I thank the LORD for giving me this child, for the honor to be her mother, and for the journey that we will yet walk together.

You can join the Sunday Snapshot fun by going HERE.

I’m Just Not Ready

I am NOT ready for summer time to end.  I hope it sticks around for a while.  Different, and good things, have kept us so busy this summer and I have missed summer outdoor lounging with my children.  Kalyn took these cute pictures one day while I had to be in town.
I’m asking God for a little extra “summer”, knowing that here in the Rockies September normally brings cooler weather.  
On the other hand, September brings me one stop closer to Noelani and Clive...Yes, “Clive” is Asher.  We had the opportunity to ask the children through a message if they wanted new names.  Noelani said yes, but Asher asked to keep the American name that the orphanage had give to him.  So, if he chooses, we will give him the name Clive Charles.  Clive is a great name and I like it, so it’s all good with me.  What a journey!!!
Happy Summer to you sweet family and friends!

We Had An EXPERIENCE Today

As most of you know, we are needing beds for the children.  Our biggest bed for the boys broke, and with adding two more children, well, we ended up needing at least 5 new beds.
And I can say tonight that we are the proud owners of 5 bunk beds.  One we already had.
This little beauty was a gift from a new family friend.  Isn’t it nice!!!!

We were still needing another bunk bed for this room and two for the girls room.  Here is where the EXPERIENCE comes in.  We had a little extra $ as a gift from our precious family, and all the used beds that we could find were costing as much new beds from IKEA.  Do ya’ll know about this store?????  One just opened up in Denver two weeks ago.  So Steve and I ventured north today to see if we could get 3 bunk beds that we could afford.  Now, if you have not been to IKEA, well, it really is something totally different than just a large warehouse kind of store.  One lady next to me said it was like “Epcot” on steroids for the shopping experience.  I have to agree with her.  Now, I don’t like crazy crowds, however, today was worth it.  And the prices are RIDICULOUS.  Like WONDERFULLY RIDICULOUS.  The end result of this crazy adventure is that we did get our three bunk beds.  One of them we still need to stain, but we put the girls beds up tonight. We still need four mattresses, but we are one step closer.  Here are the pictures of two girls beds in their new home...

First I did a little wall touch up, will Steve and the children put the beds together.

I love the feel of this room now.  There are only two things missing (not including the mattresses) that I still need to do.

I would like to find some kind of fabric to cover this closet. 

I put this wall decal in the boys room.  And I knew that I needed another one when Kiana told me that she wants a “tatoo” for her room. Ha-ha.  I bought the wall decal at Fruitful Vine Creations.

“Thank you LORD for providing what we need!!!"

Deference

Do you know what it means?  I had forgotten what a punch this little word has and needed to remind myself of it.  Here is the Noah Webster 1828 (HIGHLY recommended book) definition:
“A yielding in opinion; submission of judgment to the opinion or judgment of another.  Hence, regard; respect.  We often decline acting in opposition to those for whose wisdom we have a great deference.  


Here is a definition of deference that I liked from Live Life With Your Kids!. I played with it a little in my PhotoShop and came up with this pretty picture to remind myself daily.

Well, back to working on next years school/discipleship goals.

Pieces Of A Puzzle

I am receiving pieces of a puzzle this year as I pray and ask the LORD to lead me in choosing what we need for this next school year.  I like puzzles - when I can see the whole picture!!  Usually when I am prayerfully planning our school year, I feel that I have an “idea” of what we are suppose to do and then I just search for what I need for the children.  However, this year has been very different.  I really do not have a “picture” yet.  May be I am feeling overwhelmed with the idea of adding 4 more children to our school schedule (I know...LOL -”DUH”).  May be it is the thought of our children from China coming home and I’m not sure yet “what that looks like” in the everyday, living it out life.  One thing I do know is that the LORD has always faithfully led us and provided what we needed for each child. Educating our children at home is a precious gift and an undeniable responsibility.  And I really do love that we are blessed to home school.  
One thing that I keep thinking of is that our world seems to be changing quickly.  Many things seems unsettled and uncertain.  I feel a “pressure” to diligently prepare the children for their futures with the only foundation that will sustain them - the TRUTH of the Bible and the knowledge of the LORD.  In light of this, I “think” that I will be forming our school around the Heart Of Wisdom ideas.  
“The foundation of the Heart of Wisdom philosophy is to give up man’s standards and lean on God for what He would have us teach our children.  Matthew 6:33 is our focus, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

“Teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom” Psalm 90:12

You know, the nice thing about writing in my blog is that often my thoughts come together and I can see things clearer.  I think I just found the picture for my “puzzle”.  I’ll let you know how it comes out.  

Here is a link if you would like to read an overview about Heart Of Wisdom.

In the mean time...

I am so sorry and laughed with ya’ll regarding my “18” passenger van.  It is really ONLY a 15 passenger van...ooops.  

This Is Why

Many have asked how in the world we travel so far with so many children and why we would do it.  For sure, it IS a lot of work and it is hard.  It does cost for us and for the precious family that we spend time with.  Two days of traveling in an 15 passenger van has, well, for a better word, ISSUES.  

And it is worth EVERYTHING to spend time with our family and friends.  

Some of the reasons why we do it are...

...to watch our children learn to play, ski, swim, laugh, work together and love their family and each other; 

...to see the pure joy of playing with those you love and who love you and to see a child who once was alone learn that he belongs for ever and always to his family-through the good and the difficult;

...to watch the faith that my mother had in her Healing God to give her one of her greatest desires - to ski again; to see rainbows, and crazy tubing sibling;

...to experience acceptance; jump scary heights with those who applaud your courage; to see newlyweds enjoying the gift of marriage. 

There are so many reasons, and as my mom, dad, Steve and I have discussed the “whys”, the greatest reason that we come up with is that we are investing in one of the greatest gifts that the LORD has given us...each other. 

How Many....

...handsome boys can you put in a SMALL baby pool? Well, last count, we had my brother - Kim, my oldest son - Jace, and Corbin, Garett, and possibly Aiden was hiding in the back - not sure though.  We had a wonderful time in Texas.  Two days of travel is always worth the time to be with our family and friends.  The children and I  returned home safely this afternoon.  And though, I would love to write more, I must got sign a TON of paperwork for our LOA so that I can get my babies home!!!!  So, goodnight, and thank you all for sharing our journey with us! 

It's Here

I haven't been able to blog any here at the lake, but I found a way to share our awesome news!!!!

We have received our LOA!!!!!

PRAISING THE LORD.

We are one step closer to our children!!!

Dear Steve-day 1

 Hi...we are already missing you.  We saw dozens of trains today.  The children lost count!

 Caresse’s picnic lunch worked wonderfully.  We ate at a hot little road side place in Texas, but it felt special to have our little picnic together.  We loved it...except a few of us really needed a bathroom, and even the bushes weren’t to big.  

 Boy, is it hot and dry here...there was a very little storm that we drove through, and it was mostly dust!

 Kiana enjoyed a little nap.  Kalyn was awesome...she read over 7 hours to me today to help me stay awake for the long drive.  I got so tired that I kept chewing gum to stay awake...I am thinking I had 8 pieces of gum today...more than I have in a whole year...but hey, it got us to Texas.

It’s hard to tell here, but this is a large dust devil...I counted over 12 HUGE ones in just an hours period.  
The children have done well, but are glad to be here.  It is feeling like a “vacation” now, thought it can’t be a true vacation without you.  I am so tired tonight, but we enjoyed a game a dominoes, after an awesome supper and wonderful dessert.  The baby is needing me to lay down with him, so good night and we will talk to you soon.  We love you and miss you.

Unicef is NOT All it's cracked up to be!

I just saw this at ASIA’s blog and thought it was worth sharing....


http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/red-thread-adoptive-family-forum/2011/aug/3/united-states-unicef-war-international-adoptions/


Please take a look at this article if you haven't seen it already. It explains why Unicef is not all that it claims to be. Unicef is a major lobby against international adoption. They put culture ahead of emotional, mental and physical health of children.  If you're following ASIA's blog, you know that orphans are much better off in families and that if left in their own countries, would not get the healthcare and love that they so need.

To Wait

"To wait on God is to live a life of desire toward Him,

delight in Him, dependence on Him, and devotedness to Him."

-Matthew Henry 

I’m a little sad...I was hoping to receive our LOA from China by now.  

The children and I leave to spend a week and a half in Texas with my family.  A week at the lake sounds just perfect...unless it’s 110 degrees, then even a lake get pretty hot.  Still, I am feeling the need for a vacation.  We will miss Steve being with us!!!  He had his eye surgery Wednesday and all went great.  

I’ll be praying that we get that LOA soon!  However, my desire is “toward Him”, and for His will and His timing.

"Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take

courage; wait for the LORD!" -Psalm 27:14

Let’s Play A Game

We’ll call it “What does this picture say to you”.

Rules - Be creative.

          - Be nice.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Have fun and I’ll share the most creative and my favorites later.

If There’s One Thing I love..

...it’s things that are good for my family, natural, and inexpensive.


You do not want to miss this give away.  This e-book explains how to make your own skin care products.

Here are the recipes included in this 20 page ebook:

• Foot Protector Bar
• Full Body Conditioner (a light, whipped lotion, meant for thirsty summer skin)
• Sunscreen
• Bug Repellant Bar
• Tan Enhancer (offering some sun protection while allowing you to carefully build a tan)

This ebook is put out by Renee Harris of MadeOn Skin Care products.  I have tried the bar lotion and lip balm and loved them.  I like the idea of making my own products for my family;  I know what is in them, it doesn’t cost as much as the cheapest products at the stores, and it’s good for my family.  So to enter this give away, visit Keeper Of The Home to find out more.