Time just does not slow down! First, I want to thank everyone that came out Saturday and supported us at the area speaking! We enjoyed each one of you that came by to speak to us! Thank you for all the emotional & financial support! I know this is not a buying time of the year, but many of you purchased & many of you are coming back for Christmas gifts. I cannot stress enough how much all the prayers, support, & encouragement means to us! Each one of you have been very special! Thank you & thank you for coming Saturday.
On Saturday, I had a few very nice people say to me that they hoped we were able to bring our children home. I didn't know what the first person meant by it. By the second time, I realized that people were meaning they hoped we would raise the funds. When I realized what they meant, I clarified that we would bring our children home! I didn't take any offense to these kind people at all, but took it as a very kind wish of encouragement! They were extremely kind and were being very nice, but we want you all to know that no matter what it takes, we will bring our children home. And we would love to oneday help others bring home their children - one more happy family, one less orphan! (0: Money should not be an object when you are getting this kind of payoff & we will always support & help others that are trying to rescue & make an orphan part of their family!
This is a mission from God & not necessarily an easy one, but we will follow His will no matter what it takes. We feel blessed, honored, and excited that we have been chosen to parent more kids! Someone said kinda kidding "Did God come talk with you & Phil one day?" Well, actually yes & no. He did not physically appear in our kitchen and talk to us, but we have been listening to His words and asking Him to lead us. I believe if we ask then stop and listen, God will nudge you in the right directions. I know I sometimes ask, but forget to take the time to listen. I ignored the calling to adopt internationally for a while because I didn't think it was something we were in a position to do. When Phil spoke with me one night and said he thought we were being called to adopt, chills ran up my spine! I said "I know; I've been dodging God" You cannot hide from Him though! lol We've never felt a calling like this before and unless you have felt something so strongly, you might not understand! We have a feeling this is just the beginning of many missions He has for us, but we are trying to take it one step at a time.
Update on adoption: The social worker came to our house on Friday and I think it went very well. She is very nice and never makes us feel nervous! She is a blessing! We hope to get the last 2 visits in this week so our home study will be complete. Once we complete the home-study, we can begin the process of having everything notarized, sealed, etc. Then, the paperwork is off to China to get translated! :0)
Also, we didn't mention it on the internet, but several people knew that we found another little boy on the site over the weekend. We sent in a message about him, but he had found his home. It's heartbreaking, but we knew this would happen along our journey. I'm thankful for many things with this: 1.) I'm very thankful he found his home! 2.) Our prayers were to God that if he wasn't our child then to have a roadblock for us {found a home, we weren't eligible to adopt him for some reason, etc.}
God again answered our prayers and I'm so thankful!!!
There are a few people that are really needing prayers at this time. Terry Smith's wife, Kim, unexpectedly had open heart surgery yesterday. Most of you from Corinth probably know them. Phil has always thought so much of Terry; he was Phil's youth minister when he was growing up. Phil told Terry yesterday we would ask for prayers for them through this difficult time.
Also, I've asked several times for prayers for Ethan Jostad
but he isn't getting any better. His family is having an extremely hard time and have asked for prayers from everyone. I cannot imagine my child being that sick; I pray my blessings for today will go to this family!
Lots of things going on & I thank each one of you for reading our posts and praying for us! You don't know how very much the support we get means to us! It helps us get through this grueling process so much better! I hope you all are having a great week & God bless each one of you!
Love to all,
Niki
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
"FILLER"
We all have a story. Everybody. We have "a story of us". Most folks won't have their story made into a movie (not even a Lifetime movie!- though Sara Gilbert could use the work) The Biography Channel probably won't even notice. The vast majority of us will play-out our story and it will be quietly put on society's shelf with the zillion of other biographies placed their to collect dust. And so will be the story of your life. Seems insignificant, doesn't it. You are not all that important in the grand scheme of things. Your actions are fairly pointless.
Sadly, this has been MY attitude for....well...... most of my life. What could I REALLY do? I'm not in a high position of authority. I'm not surrounded by "yes men" all day telling me how cool I am. I don't own a Fortune 500 company. I haven't written an Oscar winner. I can't even find my flip-flops! And I LOVE THOSE FILP-FLOPS!!!
It is so easy to get caught up in the "it is other people's job" to make an impact, that we (I know "I") forget that nothing that happens on God's earth is unnoticed. It is all important. That is the cool thing about life. You are shaping the outcome of things and you probably haven't even noticed. Now, that is a BIG THOUGHT. The challenge comes with the "what will I do with this?"
I love movies. Always have. Ever since seeing Star Wars at the Skylark Drive Inn in the 70's, I have been hooked. I love a good story. I can always get "lost" in the lure of film. They say that the sign of a solid screen-play is that every scene is critical to the conclusion of the film. Have you ever seen a "boring" movie? Sure, we all have. Chances are that the STORY was not boring. Believe me, to get a screen-play made into a feature-length film takes more hoop jumping than a poodle in the Shiner's Circus. The problem, more than likely, lied in the writer putting in scenes that were not critical to the outcome of the movie- or FILLER. Filler is bad! It's main purpose on this earth is to simply take up space- to eat away at the clock! This is the way the movie business works, but this is not the way life works. What we think of as "Filler" is really having a huge impact on the outcome of our life's movie.
Look back on the last 10 years of your life. What happened in your story that did not effect where you are now? Did some things that seemed trite (at the time) determine the course of your history? The chance encounter, losing your cell phone, missing that appointment. Did it all sorta work together to make you who you are now? Entire marriages have been built on a bad cell phone bill (I'll explain later!)
The cool thing about the Bible is that everything that is induced is absolutely critical to the overall outcome of it's message. Some parts seem insignificant, but a real story lies in each passage. A really cool guy opened me to this reality tonight and for that I am eternally thankful. So much of life has passed me by without my notice. Learning and understanding have been at my fingertips all along. I just have not reached for them. Unlike the movie biz, life has no "filler". Life is sorta like an early Eagles album. Each song has legs and could be the career hit of a lesser band. And sure, some days are our "Hotel California" and some other days are our "New Kid in Town"s but they all play a small part in our very being. We don't hit a home-run very often, but, ever move has it's place.
It has taken me until now to realize that the concept of middle ground doesn't exist. The people I meet on a daily basis are either led to do good or led to do nothing (which is BAD!!) by my direct influence. No man is a "neutral" influence. I have entertained this concept in the past, but I have come to the conclusion that my actions will influence someone. If I am not a GOOD influence, I am a BAD influence. The harsh reality is that there are people who never came to know Christ because of my unwillingness to share the Gospel (or Good News of Christ's sacrifice) with them. Some I'll never see again. Some have gone on to meet their maker. Point is, the opportunity is gone. And I bear a portion of the responsibly of where their soul lies tonight.
God is working with the world now, but he is working through US as his children. He doesn't send his "GODNESS" on those he sees fit. It that were the case whose fault would it be for those who never come to know him? He doesn't pick and choose the hearts he works on. He want's all men to be saved, but it is up to us to be his hands and feet while here on his earth. It would be easy to say "its is someone elses responsibility" or God will work on him; But if we are really honest, we know that is not true. If his word is not spread by us then.... It won't be spread. Simple. Critical. It is a big responsibility. And I lothe responsibility. But, it is what we are here to do if we claim to know him. I am not "preaching" to you, I am "preaching" to me. I am in no position to cast a stone. I need to work on ME (as far as I know, that is the only person I have a proof-positive impact on!) I am trying to get my life in a position in which I can make this world a better place.
I know it is often hard to get to the places we feel comfortable given our colorful pasts. We sometimes feel so inadequate. I know that my story is not filled with great chapters that I want the grand-kids to read, but I am concentrating on the words that are written today and learning to make the most of the ones already written. I've been reading the works of a guy that was a murderer in his youth, been in and out of prison most of his adult life, been beated half to death, and been the government's public enemy #1. His life has had a pretty bid impact on me. Matter of fact he wrote a big portion of the New Testament. His name was Paul, and if God could use him, what could he do with us?
Phil~
Sadly, this has been MY attitude for....well...... most of my life. What could I REALLY do? I'm not in a high position of authority. I'm not surrounded by "yes men" all day telling me how cool I am. I don't own a Fortune 500 company. I haven't written an Oscar winner. I can't even find my flip-flops! And I LOVE THOSE FILP-FLOPS!!!
It is so easy to get caught up in the "it is other people's job" to make an impact, that we (I know "I") forget that nothing that happens on God's earth is unnoticed. It is all important. That is the cool thing about life. You are shaping the outcome of things and you probably haven't even noticed. Now, that is a BIG THOUGHT. The challenge comes with the "what will I do with this?"
I love movies. Always have. Ever since seeing Star Wars at the Skylark Drive Inn in the 70's, I have been hooked. I love a good story. I can always get "lost" in the lure of film. They say that the sign of a solid screen-play is that every scene is critical to the conclusion of the film. Have you ever seen a "boring" movie? Sure, we all have. Chances are that the STORY was not boring. Believe me, to get a screen-play made into a feature-length film takes more hoop jumping than a poodle in the Shiner's Circus. The problem, more than likely, lied in the writer putting in scenes that were not critical to the outcome of the movie- or FILLER. Filler is bad! It's main purpose on this earth is to simply take up space- to eat away at the clock! This is the way the movie business works, but this is not the way life works. What we think of as "Filler" is really having a huge impact on the outcome of our life's movie.
Look back on the last 10 years of your life. What happened in your story that did not effect where you are now? Did some things that seemed trite (at the time) determine the course of your history? The chance encounter, losing your cell phone, missing that appointment. Did it all sorta work together to make you who you are now? Entire marriages have been built on a bad cell phone bill (I'll explain later!)
The cool thing about the Bible is that everything that is induced is absolutely critical to the overall outcome of it's message. Some parts seem insignificant, but a real story lies in each passage. A really cool guy opened me to this reality tonight and for that I am eternally thankful. So much of life has passed me by without my notice. Learning and understanding have been at my fingertips all along. I just have not reached for them. Unlike the movie biz, life has no "filler". Life is sorta like an early Eagles album. Each song has legs and could be the career hit of a lesser band. And sure, some days are our "Hotel California" and some other days are our "New Kid in Town"s but they all play a small part in our very being. We don't hit a home-run very often, but, ever move has it's place.
It has taken me until now to realize that the concept of middle ground doesn't exist. The people I meet on a daily basis are either led to do good or led to do nothing (which is BAD!!) by my direct influence. No man is a "neutral" influence. I have entertained this concept in the past, but I have come to the conclusion that my actions will influence someone. If I am not a GOOD influence, I am a BAD influence. The harsh reality is that there are people who never came to know Christ because of my unwillingness to share the Gospel (or Good News of Christ's sacrifice) with them. Some I'll never see again. Some have gone on to meet their maker. Point is, the opportunity is gone. And I bear a portion of the responsibly of where their soul lies tonight.
God is working with the world now, but he is working through US as his children. He doesn't send his "GODNESS" on those he sees fit. It that were the case whose fault would it be for those who never come to know him? He doesn't pick and choose the hearts he works on. He want's all men to be saved, but it is up to us to be his hands and feet while here on his earth. It would be easy to say "its is someone elses responsibility" or God will work on him; But if we are really honest, we know that is not true. If his word is not spread by us then.... It won't be spread. Simple. Critical. It is a big responsibility. And I lothe responsibility. But, it is what we are here to do if we claim to know him. I am not "preaching" to you, I am "preaching" to me. I am in no position to cast a stone. I need to work on ME (as far as I know, that is the only person I have a proof-positive impact on!) I am trying to get my life in a position in which I can make this world a better place.
I know it is often hard to get to the places we feel comfortable given our colorful pasts. We sometimes feel so inadequate. I know that my story is not filled with great chapters that I want the grand-kids to read, but I am concentrating on the words that are written today and learning to make the most of the ones already written. I've been reading the works of a guy that was a murderer in his youth, been in and out of prison most of his adult life, been beated half to death, and been the government's public enemy #1. His life has had a pretty bid impact on me. Matter of fact he wrote a big portion of the New Testament. His name was Paul, and if God could use him, what could he do with us?
Phil~
Friday, July 22, 2011
'Word of God Speak'
Hello all! It has been a crazy week - what's new? lol I'm very tired tonight, but I felt like I needed to quickly update everyone on all that is going on. We will have the social worker to come out tomorrow for our 2nd home visit. Please pray all goes well. We are set up for the political speaking at the arena for Saturday. We will have t-shirts, coffee (yes, we got some in), jewelry, and more. You can pick up your shirts or purchase shirts there. Also, I mentioned the coffee. We drank some this afternoon when it came in & it was so smooth and just delicious!!! I think you will LOVE it!
Anyone that knows us or has been keeping up with our story knows we miscarried in September. There is not a day that goes by that I don't rejoice and grieve at the same time. Some days weigh heavier on my heart, but there isn't a day that goes by that I don't wish we had our Landon! Recently, I have had a heavy heart. I'm fine, I just wish our family could unite. There is a song that means so much to me and always makes me think of our child we never held in our arms but have always love. One day our entire family will unite and that gives me strength! 'Homesick' by Mercy Me is a song that is very special to me! This group is so talented and we love their songs! Another song I've been listening to during this journey is 'Word of God Speak'. It's hard not having our baby that should be almost 4 months old. I don't always understand God's ways, but I don't have to; my role is to follow. I trust my God and will follow where ever He leads! We are an extremely blessed family! I am so thankful God gave me one of the best husbands and we can share our time here with 2 of the best children. I cannot wait until we expand our family and meet our new children! God isgood GREAT! He has blessed us in many ways & I trust Him! Where He leads I will follow!
"Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know."
Jeremiah 33:3
Love In Christ,
Niki
Anyone that knows us or has been keeping up with our story knows we miscarried in September. There is not a day that goes by that I don't rejoice and grieve at the same time. Some days weigh heavier on my heart, but there isn't a day that goes by that I don't wish we had our Landon! Recently, I have had a heavy heart. I'm fine, I just wish our family could unite. There is a song that means so much to me and always makes me think of our child we never held in our arms but have always love. One day our entire family will unite and that gives me strength! 'Homesick' by Mercy Me is a song that is very special to me! This group is so talented and we love their songs! Another song I've been listening to during this journey is 'Word of God Speak'. It's hard not having our baby that should be almost 4 months old. I don't always understand God's ways, but I don't have to; my role is to follow. I trust my God and will follow where ever He leads! We are an extremely blessed family! I am so thankful God gave me one of the best husbands and we can share our time here with 2 of the best children. I cannot wait until we expand our family and meet our new children! God is
"Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know."
Jeremiah 33:3
Love In Christ,
Niki
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
"He Reigns"
Love this song!
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:11
I LOVE the way this song brings out nations other than ours in the first verse! I think this is exactly what was meant in Philippians - EVERY tongue!
If you have not heard this song, you need to hear it! What a comfort to know "He Reigns"! It always encourages me & makes my day better!
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:11
I LOVE the way this song brings out nations other than ours in the first verse! I think this is exactly what was meant in Philippians - EVERY tongue!
If you have not heard this song, you need to hear it! What a comfort to know "He Reigns"! It always encourages me & makes my day better!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
PIF Rules
O.K. I took a gander at our following list for our blog and no else has signed to follow our blog so can I figure:
No one wants to PIF?
or
No one wants my PIF?
haha
I'm just going to guess that no one wanted to get ahead in the game.? lol
Rules are as follows
1.) You will not know what I'm giving you until you get it. Hey, a smile is giving someone something so don't expect a new house! lol You may or may not like it.
2.) I have 2 weeks to complete my PIF obligations and the person I PIF to has 2 weeks to complete their PIF obligations.
3.) You need to follow us on our blog on blogger (NOT just Facebook)
4.) The first 5 comments on our BLOG will get a PIF from me. (0:
I will contact you today or tomorrow for an address.
See that's not hard is it?
What is a PIF? Anything kind act done for another. It can be helping someone with their kids, mowing a yard, buying food for someone in line, and the list could continue. This PIF does NOT have to be anything that causes you to spend $. If you want to PIF that way, great; if not, great - you be the decision maker on your PIF.
PIF acts do not have to be shared unless you want to for some reason. This is done on the honor system.
O.k. go follow our blog and post a comment on our blog so I can feel better with some PIFs (0;
SMILE and say Hello to someone - you never know.......it might just make their day!
LAST Reminder - Only a few hours left for this special:
http://www.justlovecoffee.com/longroadtochina
Buy 3 bags of coffee and get 1 FULL size (13 oz) not for-sale yet espresso for FREE!
(OFFER ENDS TONIGHT for the free bag!)
No one wants to PIF?
or
No one wants my PIF?
haha
I'm just going to guess that no one wanted to get ahead in the game.? lol
Rules are as follows
1.) You will not know what I'm giving you until you get it. Hey, a smile is giving someone something so don't expect a new house! lol You may or may not like it.
2.) I have 2 weeks to complete my PIF obligations and the person I PIF to has 2 weeks to complete their PIF obligations.
3.) You need to follow us on our blog on blogger (NOT just Facebook)
4.) The first 5 comments on our BLOG will get a PIF from me. (0:
I will contact you today or tomorrow for an address.
See that's not hard is it?
What is a PIF? Anything kind act done for another. It can be helping someone with their kids, mowing a yard, buying food for someone in line, and the list could continue. This PIF does NOT have to be anything that causes you to spend $. If you want to PIF that way, great; if not, great - you be the decision maker on your PIF.
PIF acts do not have to be shared unless you want to for some reason. This is done on the honor system.
O.k. go follow our blog and post a comment on our blog so I can feel better with some PIFs (0;
SMILE and say Hello to someone - you never know.......it might just make their day!
LAST Reminder - Only a few hours left for this special:
http://www.justlovecoffee.com/longroadtochina
Buy 3 bags of coffee and get 1 FULL size (13 oz) not for-sale yet espresso for FREE!
(OFFER ENDS TONIGHT for the free bag!)
PIF TONIGHT
O.K. so today I feel terrible. No belly aching here as I'm pretty sure it's just allergies. However I thought, I want to feel better but I don't feel like getting up and doing something so what can I do to feel better?
Phil and I have been discussing how we can thank everyone for their prayers, support, encouragement, purchasing of items, & so many nice gestures we've had over our journey. We had already thought that a prize drawing or something would be great, but today I've decided something a little different. It's not a new idea, but new for our blog!
How great do you feel when you do something for someone else for no reason??? The smile and unexpected joy you give to someone? It makes me feel great to see someone happy when I do for them! It's easier for me to give than receive! I've decided that today I'd like to do a Pay It Forward....not one, but 5! There has been so many unexpectedly nice things people have done for us (I'm not adding them all so please don't think I don't appreciate something that isn't listed...we've appreciated every little {which wasn't little to us!} comment in person, writing, text, etc.) These are just a few of the very unexpected things people have done over the last couple weeks (in no order of importance):
-a bag without a name was left at our door steps with goodies in it
-a very sweet person brought us some very yummy food out of the blue
-2 people have handed us a donation check
-a very sweet person offered to get a handout to each U.S. Supreme Court Justice about our cause
I've only included 5 above and that is not even close to the nice things people have done to help us get our cause promoted - some have handed out our fliers in their church, schools, communities, and work. Some have helped to get our shirts sold and then placed big orders. Others have contacted celebs that they know to get t-shirts to them. Some have posted our links to our blog and coffee shop on tweets, their facebook, blogspot, shop fronts, and other places in the webworld. A few people knew they might get some public attention at an event and wore our shirt to help gain more support for us. O.k. I said I wasn't going to go on and on, but the support we have gotten has been phenomenal! We say thank you so much but that doesn't seem enough!
I know most all of us do things for others and never even think about it; however, today I want to start a PIF. Later, I will post all the details on how this will work. I will let you know that you will need to "follow our blog" by email to qualify. See in the right corner, it says "follow by email" - just put in your email, click submit, then confirm your request in your email. If you do that now, you will be a step closer when I post details tonight.
Everyone please re-post this, tweet this, email friends or whatever you can to get people's attention over the next few hours. Everyone likes to get something nice even if it's just a smile to make us feel better! Let's get as many people involved as we can! When others are nice to us, it just makes us feel good! If this goes over well, I'd love to do more things like this over our journey!
Oh and if you love coffee or need special/unique gifts, please don't forget about the special that ends TONIGHT on our coffee site
http://www.justlovecoffee.com/longroadtochina
Buy 3 bags of coffee and get 1 FULL size (13 oz) not for-sale yet espresso for FREE!
(OFFER ENDS TONIGHT for the free bag!)
"9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."
Galatians 6:9-10
Phil and I have been discussing how we can thank everyone for their prayers, support, encouragement, purchasing of items, & so many nice gestures we've had over our journey. We had already thought that a prize drawing or something would be great, but today I've decided something a little different. It's not a new idea, but new for our blog!
How great do you feel when you do something for someone else for no reason??? The smile and unexpected joy you give to someone? It makes me feel great to see someone happy when I do for them! It's easier for me to give than receive! I've decided that today I'd like to do a Pay It Forward....not one, but 5! There has been so many unexpectedly nice things people have done for us (I'm not adding them all so please don't think I don't appreciate something that isn't listed...we've appreciated every little {which wasn't little to us!} comment in person, writing, text, etc.) These are just a few of the very unexpected things people have done over the last couple weeks (in no order of importance):
-a bag without a name was left at our door steps with goodies in it
-a very sweet person brought us some very yummy food out of the blue
-2 people have handed us a donation check
-a very sweet person offered to get a handout to each U.S. Supreme Court Justice about our cause
I've only included 5 above and that is not even close to the nice things people have done to help us get our cause promoted - some have handed out our fliers in their church, schools, communities, and work. Some have helped to get our shirts sold and then placed big orders. Others have contacted celebs that they know to get t-shirts to them. Some have posted our links to our blog and coffee shop on tweets, their facebook, blogspot, shop fronts, and other places in the webworld. A few people knew they might get some public attention at an event and wore our shirt to help gain more support for us. O.k. I said I wasn't going to go on and on, but the support we have gotten has been phenomenal! We say thank you so much but that doesn't seem enough!
I know most all of us do things for others and never even think about it; however, today I want to start a PIF. Later, I will post all the details on how this will work. I will let you know that you will need to "follow our blog" by email to qualify. See in the right corner, it says "follow by email" - just put in your email, click submit, then confirm your request in your email. If you do that now, you will be a step closer when I post details tonight.
Everyone please re-post this, tweet this, email friends or whatever you can to get people's attention over the next few hours. Everyone likes to get something nice even if it's just a smile to make us feel better! Let's get as many people involved as we can! When others are nice to us, it just makes us feel good! If this goes over well, I'd love to do more things like this over our journey!
Oh and if you love coffee or need special/unique gifts, please don't forget about the special that ends TONIGHT on our coffee site
http://www.justlovecoffee.com/longroadtochina
Buy 3 bags of coffee and get 1 FULL size (13 oz) not for-sale yet espresso for FREE!
(OFFER ENDS TONIGHT for the free bag!)
"9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."
Galatians 6:9-10
Long Road to China - our adoption story: Long Road to China - our adoption story: http://ww...
Long Road to China - our adoption story: Long Road to China - our adoption story: http://ww...: "Long Road to China - our adoption story: http://www.justlovecoffee.com/longroadtochina : 'We've posted a link on our blog about our coffee s..."
Long Road to China - our adoption story: Long Road to China - our adoption story: Long Road...
Long Road to China - our adoption story: Long Road to China - our adoption story: Long Road...: "Long Road to China - our adoption story: Long Road to China - our adoption story: http://ww... : 'Long Road to China - our adoption story: h..."
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Long Road to China - our adoption story: Simplifying - to God be the Glory
Long Road to China - our adoption story: Simplifying - to God be the Glory: "I wrote 2 nights ago about giving the ax to DirectTV to save $. We are trying to simplify more to save $ and I got to thinking what do ..."
Long Road to China - our adoption story: Wait time
Long Road to China - our adoption story: Wait time: "I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Phil has been updating so I've taken the passengers seat the last few posts. We are a team like t..."
Long Road to China - our adoption story: I think we need to get Pinkie fixed
Long Road to China - our adoption story: I think we need to get Pinkie fixed: "So today Colt walks into the room followed by Macy Jade.( The following has not been dramatized for effect) Colt: I think we need to get Pin..."
Long Road to China - our adoption story: Ethan Jostad - Please pray for this child!
Long Road to China - our adoption story: Ethan Jostad - Please pray for this child!: "Please continue to keep this precious child, Ethan Jostad , his medical team, family, and friends your prayers! I know I've asked you ..."
Long Road to China - our adoption story: http://www.justlovecoffee.com/longroadtochina
Long Road to China - our adoption story: http://www.justlovecoffee.com/longroadtochina: "We've posted a link on our blog about our coffee shop but I've not introduced it to you. I just got a message about a special that is runnin..."
Long Road to China - our adoption story: Long Road to China - our adoption story: http://ww...
Long Road to China - our adoption story: Long Road to China - our adoption story: http://ww...: "Long Road to China - our adoption story: http://www.justlovecoffee.com/longroadtochina : 'We've posted a link on our blog about our coffee s..."
Long Road to China - our adoption story: http://www.justlovecoffee.com/longroadtochina
Long Road to China - our adoption story: http://www.justlovecoffee.com/longroadtochina: "We've posted a link on our blog about our coffee shop but I've not introduced it to you. I just got a message about a special that is runnin..."
http://www.justlovecoffee.com/longroadtochina
We've posted a link on our blog about our coffee shop but I've not introduced it to you. I just got a message about a special that is running on the site so I thought I would let you know about this shop. Now through Sunday (17th) if you order 3 bags of coffee, you get a FREE 13oz. bag of a not-for-sale-yet espresso. These coffees are so unique and where else can you find coffee from Africa, Asia, and Central & South America? Want to give a special gift to a person that has everything? Well, now you have it!
Let me tell you alittle bit about how completely awesome this company is for orphans, those of us adopting, and other needs in Africa! Rob Webb from Murfreesboro, TN started the business after being called to adopt from Ethiopia. While reading up on Ethiopia, he also learned that Ethiopia was the birthplace for coffee. Through his experiences, Just Love Coffee was born.
This company is helping orphanages in Africa and building a school. Their coffee is 100% Fair Trade coffee which means it is purchased directly from the farmers which helps their families get a fair price on the beans - - higher than standard coffee. Last month they begin to give 5% of every sale from Just Love Coffee to fund clean water projects. These are just a few of the wonderful ways they are using their funds. Another way is letting adopting parents set up a shop on their site. If you are interested in buying from such helpful & giving business, please visit our shop there http://www.justlovecoffee.com/longroadtochina
Purchase some for yourself, give a unique gift, share with friends, take to the shut-in, take to a shower/luncheon/etc.......the list could continue on. While you are enjoying it or giving to another, you can smile knowing that you are also helping others through your purchase! So.....what are you waiting for? Go now..........http://www.justlovecoffee.com/longroadtochina and purchase the 3 bags now through
Sunday so you can get 1 full bag for free! Don't forget to give our shop link to your friends, family, co-workers, & church families!You can post our link on your blog, website, facebook account, & tweet it --especially this one since I'm not a tweeter yet! (0:
Friday, July 15, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Ethan Jostad - Please pray for this child!
Please continue to keep this precious child, Ethan Jostad , his medical team, family, and friends your prayers! I know I've asked you all to pray for him a
few weeks ago, but his treatments are not working. I know I can always depend on prayers from you when someone is in need!
Ethan's cancer has spread into more bones in his
body over the last few weeks. The chemo did nothing.
The type of cancer he has is very aggressive and they
are hoping to try some experimental treatments.
They are in a fight for their child's life and time is not
in their favor. This just breaks my heart and I cannot
imagine what this family is going through. I just
know they definitely need prayers! If you wish to
follow him, you can get all his information and follow
him by face by Facebook or Caringbridge
Team Ethan Jostad
www.caringbridge.org/visit/eth
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may
few weeks ago, but his treatments are not working. I know I can always depend on prayers from you when someone is in need!
Ethan's cancer has spread into more bones in his
body over the last few weeks. The chemo did nothing.
The type of cancer he has is very aggressive and they
are hoping to try some experimental treatments.
They are in a fight for their child's life and time is not
in their favor. This just breaks my heart and I cannot
imagine what this family is going through. I just
know they definitely need prayers! If you wish to
follow him, you can get all his information and follow
him by face by Facebook or Caringbridge
Team Ethan Jostad
www.caringbridge.org/visit/eth
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may
have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take
courage; I have overcome the world.”John 16:33
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
I think we need to get Pinkie fixed
So today Colt walks into the room followed by Macy Jade.( The following has not been dramatized for effect) Colt: I think we need to get Pinkie (our 4 lb. poodle) fixed. Macy (indignantly): Colt, she DOESN'T even have electronics!
First of all, Colt doesn't really have a clue about Pinkie going into heat. He parrots what he hears from us. And yes, she does need to go under the knife. We have given him the "parent" version of what is going on. If you are a parent, you know exactly what I'm talking about. We lie to our kids. We do this for a million reasons. Sometimes we lie about what happened to Fido, or give the easy version of what happened to whomever has just died. So truth be told, we lie or omit or glaze over the harsh realities of life. This is understandable. We wan't to protect them from the world and in a sense, preserve their innocence. I think this way of thinking (the not telling the WHOLE truth bit) is not totally without merit. I've been teaching 14 years or so and the students that REALLY crack the code often times sorta just give up. These are usually the loner types- you know, dress in black, play Magic the Gathering, etc. When they figure out that when they get in trouble the crap is going to hit the fan, but its a different story when betty sue- my parents own this way cool business-popular gets caught in a pickle, they start seeing the world through jaded eyes. They seem to reach reality and adulthood a little bit before the rest of the pack. So, what is best? I've tossed this one around for years, but never really understood it until I had kids. The lies we tell are meant to do only good, but I've come to realize that there is some point at which we are doing the youth a disservice by perpetuating the "cocoon" effect. We sorta forget to tell them everything and (along with a constant dosing of self-confidence booster) before long we have a bunch of 18 year old's that think they can run the world. They don't have a real clue as to the "real" word REALLY operates. We have forgotten to tell them that their judgement is naturally going to stink because they are young and just haven't been around long enough know a lot and its not totally their fault. It's what some would call a Catch 22. See, this whole artificial world that we have created for them makes US feel better as parents, it creates a temporary safety net, but has its drawbacks. When the REAL stuff comes along, do they have the information they need to really make the wise decision? I grew up hearing that drugs were bad. Good lesson. I heard how they can ruin your life and etc, etc. That... is a really good half truth. What nobody tells you is that "they can cause great temporary pleasure, but this pleasure clouds your judgement and older folks with tons more maturity and judgement than you have lost everything because they eventually lost ANY judgement- so what i the world makes you think that you are the exception?- you can't even handle taking out the dog. Pleasure trumps judgement. Always has. So DON'T DO DRUGS. Life will be hard enough as it is." So, before long it is their friends that tell them what getting high is all about (the stuff that was left out of the Just Say No pamphlet) and they lack the knowledge and education to often handle the situation. Past generations didn't operate on the " I'm 18 and smart and can do anything I want" mentality. The pre-industrial folks told them (the young uns) that their judgement was crap and they pretty much understood that they lacked the skills to make it in the world without the guidance of a Yoda. This spawned the apprentice concept. They knew where they stood. Now, this approach is not flawless in the least. If we don't have a little self-confidence we will never REALLY roll the dice. As I have written about before, It is never to early to chart your destiny- to change the world; but, If you have such a warped- Mayberry concept of what goes on out there- what are you really doing? What are you really changing? So what should we be telling the youth of our nation? I don't have the answers, but I know for me I never really found my footing until I started to SEE the world in which God made for us. A 6 year old doesn't need to know every thing that goes on in Darfur, but if we want to change the world we need to know the world. A while back, I stepped out of the cocoon that I was living in and started to make myself SEE the world. I'm a creation of God, but so is everyone!! I can no longer pretend that what happens out there is none of my concern. We are all in this thing together- whites, blacks, asian, latinos, you name it. Arbitrary lines drawn in the sand are put there my man. I know it sounds like I'm on a rant, but this isn't a rant. This is just what's going on with me right now. I could sugar coat reality like I do for my kids, but you have grown beyond that.
First of all, Colt doesn't really have a clue about Pinkie going into heat. He parrots what he hears from us. And yes, she does need to go under the knife. We have given him the "parent" version of what is going on. If you are a parent, you know exactly what I'm talking about. We lie to our kids. We do this for a million reasons. Sometimes we lie about what happened to Fido, or give the easy version of what happened to whomever has just died. So truth be told, we lie or omit or glaze over the harsh realities of life. This is understandable. We wan't to protect them from the world and in a sense, preserve their innocence. I think this way of thinking (the not telling the WHOLE truth bit) is not totally without merit. I've been teaching 14 years or so and the students that REALLY crack the code often times sorta just give up. These are usually the loner types- you know, dress in black, play Magic the Gathering, etc. When they figure out that when they get in trouble the crap is going to hit the fan, but its a different story when betty sue- my parents own this way cool business-popular gets caught in a pickle, they start seeing the world through jaded eyes. They seem to reach reality and adulthood a little bit before the rest of the pack. So, what is best? I've tossed this one around for years, but never really understood it until I had kids. The lies we tell are meant to do only good, but I've come to realize that there is some point at which we are doing the youth a disservice by perpetuating the "cocoon" effect. We sorta forget to tell them everything and (along with a constant dosing of self-confidence booster) before long we have a bunch of 18 year old's that think they can run the world. They don't have a real clue as to the "real" word REALLY operates. We have forgotten to tell them that their judgement is naturally going to stink because they are young and just haven't been around long enough know a lot and its not totally their fault. It's what some would call a Catch 22. See, this whole artificial world that we have created for them makes US feel better as parents, it creates a temporary safety net, but has its drawbacks. When the REAL stuff comes along, do they have the information they need to really make the wise decision? I grew up hearing that drugs were bad. Good lesson. I heard how they can ruin your life and etc, etc. That... is a really good half truth. What nobody tells you is that "they can cause great temporary pleasure, but this pleasure clouds your judgement and older folks with tons more maturity and judgement than you have lost everything because they eventually lost ANY judgement- so what i the world makes you think that you are the exception?- you can't even handle taking out the dog. Pleasure trumps judgement. Always has. So DON'T DO DRUGS. Life will be hard enough as it is." So, before long it is their friends that tell them what getting high is all about (the stuff that was left out of the Just Say No pamphlet) and they lack the knowledge and education to often handle the situation. Past generations didn't operate on the " I'm 18 and smart and can do anything I want" mentality. The pre-industrial folks told them (the young uns) that their judgement was crap and they pretty much understood that they lacked the skills to make it in the world without the guidance of a Yoda. This spawned the apprentice concept. They knew where they stood. Now, this approach is not flawless in the least. If we don't have a little self-confidence we will never REALLY roll the dice. As I have written about before, It is never to early to chart your destiny- to change the world; but, If you have such a warped- Mayberry concept of what goes on out there- what are you really doing? What are you really changing? So what should we be telling the youth of our nation? I don't have the answers, but I know for me I never really found my footing until I started to SEE the world in which God made for us. A 6 year old doesn't need to know every thing that goes on in Darfur, but if we want to change the world we need to know the world. A while back, I stepped out of the cocoon that I was living in and started to make myself SEE the world. I'm a creation of God, but so is everyone!! I can no longer pretend that what happens out there is none of my concern. We are all in this thing together- whites, blacks, asian, latinos, you name it. Arbitrary lines drawn in the sand are put there my man. I know it sounds like I'm on a rant, but this isn't a rant. This is just what's going on with me right now. I could sugar coat reality like I do for my kids, but you have grown beyond that.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Long Road to China - our adoption story: Wait time
Long Road to China - our adoption story: Wait time: "I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Phil has been updating so I've taken the passengers seat the last few posts. We are a team like t..."
Wait time
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Phil has been updating so I've taken the passengers seat the last few posts. We are a team like that; when one is tired/worn-out/etc. the other one picks up the slack. Have I mentioned what a wonderful husband I have today? God has truly blessed me with the best family! I know we are not completed and He is still working to add more.
We do not know any new information about the adoption. We are constantly checking our e-mails to see if we have been matched. It's hard for me to just wait, but there is nothing else I can do right now. During this time, I've been very busy trying to fundraise. Some one asked me the other day why we have started so early since it may be 6-12 months before we leave for China. It's hard to raise a large lump sum of money all at once. We want to be prepared and not feel so pressured for the $25,000-$40,000 (this is per child) international adoption fees. We are saving and doing all we can to not have any delays due to fiances. All the fees are not paid at the end, but along the journey. A bulk part of the financial burden is at the end of the journey, but we still have fees along the way to pay. They do not let you continue to the next step until you pay the payments. I know most families have to take out another mortgage on their house, but we do not want to do this until we have to. No matter what we have to do, we will bring our child home! This is why we have started so early with the fundraisers.
Also, during this wait time, I've been trying to read and study; however it doesn't seem too often I have time. lol I have been reading on adoption, Chinese adoptions, and Chinese culture. I'm still learning so much new information! I am reading a book (actually I've started about 3! lol) by Xinran called Letters from an Unknown Chinese Mother: Stories of Loss and Love. This book will bring anyone to tears! I'm anxious to read more from this author. She is a Chinese native that writes many books about China. I think her information is going to be very productive for me and I'm hoping it will give me better understanding on some issues.
And of course, during our wait time, our family has been enjoying our time together! I cannot believe school starts back so soon; it is going to be so strange to me. Both Colt and Macy Jade will be in school this year and of course Phil will go back to teaching. This process has strengthened, changed, and grown us so much! I never new the starting process (even prior to having our other children with us) could change everyone so much!
Colt is such a sweetheart! Sunday at church, we sat down from a family with a young daughter. I thought Colt was going to go sit by her; he kept saying "Look Momma, she is so cute!" Then that afternoon, we were fortunate enough to run into grandparents that had a 4y/o granddaughter from China. They showed us her picture and Colt went on and on about how cute she was, how precious she was, and wondering if his sister would look like her. When we got in the car, he said that he just couldn't help thinking about his baby brother or sister everytime he saw a baby. He is just a sweetheart! Macy Jade was excited too, but Colt was just smothered with love everytime he sees a baby!
Both kiddos have dentist appointments tomorrow in the morning so we will be in Corinth again tomorrow. If you want a shirt or have not gotten your shirt, you can text us at 415-0190 to meet us in town & pick it up. We will be going by some businesses tomorrow that have ordered shirts and delivering them. If you work in Corinth and want us to stop by your work for a shirt, please just text us to let us know.
I hope you all have a wonderful day & if it's as hot in your location as ours (103 today) then please stay cool! Thank you all for continuing to follow our adventure! Say a little prayer for us and all our children tonight! Love you all! Niki
"But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." (NKJV)
Isaiah 40:31
We do not know any new information about the adoption. We are constantly checking our e-mails to see if we have been matched. It's hard for me to just wait, but there is nothing else I can do right now. During this time, I've been very busy trying to fundraise. Some one asked me the other day why we have started so early since it may be 6-12 months before we leave for China. It's hard to raise a large lump sum of money all at once. We want to be prepared and not feel so pressured for the $25,000-$40,000 (this is per child) international adoption fees. We are saving and doing all we can to not have any delays due to fiances. All the fees are not paid at the end, but along the journey. A bulk part of the financial burden is at the end of the journey, but we still have fees along the way to pay. They do not let you continue to the next step until you pay the payments. I know most families have to take out another mortgage on their house, but we do not want to do this until we have to. No matter what we have to do, we will bring our child home! This is why we have started so early with the fundraisers.
Also, during this wait time, I've been trying to read and study; however it doesn't seem too often I have time. lol I have been reading on adoption, Chinese adoptions, and Chinese culture. I'm still learning so much new information! I am reading a book (actually I've started about 3! lol) by Xinran called Letters from an Unknown Chinese Mother: Stories of Loss and Love. This book will bring anyone to tears! I'm anxious to read more from this author. She is a Chinese native that writes many books about China. I think her information is going to be very productive for me and I'm hoping it will give me better understanding on some issues.
And of course, during our wait time, our family has been enjoying our time together! I cannot believe school starts back so soon; it is going to be so strange to me. Both Colt and Macy Jade will be in school this year and of course Phil will go back to teaching. This process has strengthened, changed, and grown us so much! I never new the starting process (even prior to having our other children with us) could change everyone so much!
Colt is such a sweetheart! Sunday at church, we sat down from a family with a young daughter. I thought Colt was going to go sit by her; he kept saying "Look Momma, she is so cute!" Then that afternoon, we were fortunate enough to run into grandparents that had a 4y/o granddaughter from China. They showed us her picture and Colt went on and on about how cute she was, how precious she was, and wondering if his sister would look like her. When we got in the car, he said that he just couldn't help thinking about his baby brother or sister everytime he saw a baby. He is just a sweetheart! Macy Jade was excited too, but Colt was just smothered with love everytime he sees a baby!
Both kiddos have dentist appointments tomorrow in the morning so we will be in Corinth again tomorrow. If you want a shirt or have not gotten your shirt, you can text us at 415-0190 to meet us in town & pick it up. We will be going by some businesses tomorrow that have ordered shirts and delivering them. If you work in Corinth and want us to stop by your work for a shirt, please just text us to let us know.
I hope you all have a wonderful day & if it's as hot in your location as ours (103 today) then please stay cool! Thank you all for continuing to follow our adventure! Say a little prayer for us and all our children tonight! Love you all! Niki
"But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." (NKJV)
Isaiah 40:31
Finding our purpose
So, the other night Niki and I stopped by the Slug-fest. I was interesting just walking around and talking to people. You haven't lived till you have attended a small town carnival. The coolest thing (besides those big blow-up balls with kids in them- if you were there, you know what I'm talking about) was the look of wonder in the kids eyes. They aren't bored like teens and adults. Everyday they learn something new and life is play and play is learning. What in the world happens to us as we mature? I'm no Socrates (I learned to spell his name watching Bill and Teds Ex. Adventure!), but it seems to me like our bodies mature (as we grow into our teens) and we keep on doing basically the same things we were doing when we were a kid. We hang out with friends, play video games, watch TV, etc. The difference between 6 and 16 is that we have sorta maxed out the learning potential from just hanging out with friends. It's not that doing these things is bad, but at 10, give me a backyard, my brother Jeremy Smith, a Red Ryder and I was content for hours. It was an adventure! At 18 we sat around on Shiloh Road and talked about how much we hated this small town. A lot of the wonder was fading with the current situation. It is at this time that people can start working on "difficult" things, but our brains go on auto-pilot. We are totally mature enough to undertake the significant, but we wait for God to throw us a bone. We wait for things to sorta fall into our laps. I see this all the time. My students (this could hold the same for 99.9% of folks) don't realize the impact that working on difficult thing can have on their lives. It is the not knowing of the outcome that creates the tension we need to find ourselves. We like to play a safety, but the not knowing of the outcome creates the same wonder that we had as a kid. It feels good to be the best at something- to
play within our comfort zone. We like to dominate something, but this does not open any new windows to what God wants from us. Everyone knows when they are born, but who among us really finds why they were born? We all have a purpose. Have you ever thought that there is a unique thing that only "you" can accomplish to make this world a better place? Our lives are not an accident. We can all make a difference. But what are the "difficult" things that I'm talking about? It is all about pushing the limits. Reading a novel is easy, writing one is NOT!!!!! Try to learn a new language. Will you be able to do it? Who knows? Who cares!?!!. The important thing is that you tried and the journey will open things in you that your never knew were there by just going through the automated motions of life. Try stepping out on that ledge. It is called Faith. The great men of Faith stepped beyond their comfort zone. Moses was content with his legs under another man's table, eating another mans food, but God had something bigger in store for ole Moses. He had something custom made for him. He has something custom made for me and you, but you can bet that we will both resist. It is only natural. Do you want that same wonder and anti-boredom you had when you were 6, when life was one big Slug-fest? Ask and you will receive- as the good book says. When we started this journey, I was weak and unsure. How will this all end? I really have no ideal? But God has given me new legs and a purpose. If I follow him, I will succeed. That I know. The long road to China is filled with uncertainty, but I know my child is there. And I will find him.
Phil
play within our comfort zone. We like to dominate something, but this does not open any new windows to what God wants from us. Everyone knows when they are born, but who among us really finds why they were born? We all have a purpose. Have you ever thought that there is a unique thing that only "you" can accomplish to make this world a better place? Our lives are not an accident. We can all make a difference. But what are the "difficult" things that I'm talking about? It is all about pushing the limits. Reading a novel is easy, writing one is NOT!!!!! Try to learn a new language. Will you be able to do it? Who knows? Who cares!?!!. The important thing is that you tried and the journey will open things in you that your never knew were there by just going through the automated motions of life. Try stepping out on that ledge. It is called Faith. The great men of Faith stepped beyond their comfort zone. Moses was content with his legs under another man's table, eating another mans food, but God had something bigger in store for ole Moses. He had something custom made for him. He has something custom made for me and you, but you can bet that we will both resist. It is only natural. Do you want that same wonder and anti-boredom you had when you were 6, when life was one big Slug-fest? Ask and you will receive- as the good book says. When we started this journey, I was weak and unsure. How will this all end? I really have no ideal? But God has given me new legs and a purpose. If I follow him, I will succeed. That I know. The long road to China is filled with uncertainty, but I know my child is there. And I will find him.
Phil
Friday, July 8, 2011
Simplifying - to God be the Glory
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Tuesday, July 5, 2011
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