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Monday, September 26, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Signs
I pray for signs alot these days. I find myself longing for God to make himself known.
I pray for signs for my friends and loved ones. I ask for things like open doors, and beautiful sunrises, and gifts of friendship.
I want them to know the God I know, and to feel his peace and comfort during difficult times.
I long for them to feel the hope and encouragement of their creator, to understand that they truly are not alone.
I pray for signs for my friends and loved ones. I ask for things like open doors, and beautiful sunrises, and gifts of friendship.
I want them to know the God I know, and to feel his peace and comfort during difficult times.
I long for them to feel the hope and encouragement of their creator, to understand that they truly are not alone.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Adoption Paperwork...First Pass complete and mailed
At first glance the paperwork involved was pretty overwhelming.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
A New Story Begins - Domestic Infant Adoption
We attended an Orientation at Bethany tonight for their Domestic Infant Adoption Program. It was from 1pm to 9pm with a couple breaks. I'm exhausted, on total input overload. I needed a moment to stop and write what I'm feeling.
I want to giggle with excitement, and cry at the same time...
We paid for the next step to complete our extended application.
There are some parts of this process that only God can make happen. I have faith that this is his plan for our lives. For the first time, I get to live out that faith.
Taking a step forward!!
I want to giggle with excitement, and cry at the same time...
We paid for the next step to complete our extended application.
There are some parts of this process that only God can make happen. I have faith that this is his plan for our lives. For the first time, I get to live out that faith.
Taking a step forward!!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Menu Plan Monday 09/12/11
Tuesday - Out to Eat - Bible Study
Wednesday - Out to Eat - Adoption Seminar
Thursday - Shake N Bake Pork Chops, Mac N Cheese, Peas, Cornbread
Friday - Date Night - BBQ Steaks, Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Saturday - Out to Eat - Aquarium of the Pacific
Sunday - BBQ Ranch Chicken, Three Cheese Pasta Bake, Steamed Veggies, Garlic Bread, Baked Apples for Dessert
Dessert for the week - Mom's Easy Cherry Cheese Cake - Post to follow
Sunday, September 11, 2011
These are the Days of our Lives - Summer Plans - Updated
Well the last day of Summer September 23 is right around the corner. I had some plans for my summer, I love Summer its Warm, its Wild, its Wonderful! Here in California it looks like we might have a very summery fall!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
It's a Love Thing - Genesis 22:2
Genesis 22:2 - Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”
It's a Love Thing - Genesis 20:13
Genesis 20:13 - And when God had me wander from my father’s household, I said to her, ‘This is how you can show your love to me: Everywhere we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”
Its a Love Thing - Genesis 4:25
Genesis 4:25 - Adam made love to his wife again, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, “God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.”
Its a Love Thing - Genesis 4:17
Genesis 4:17- Cain made love to his wife, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Enoch. Cain was then building a city, and he named it after his son Enoch.
Wow..So far Love in Genesis is all about this procreation stuff!!!
I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Book of Bible that speaks of God’s amazing work of creation, focuses on the continued creation of the human species.
Let’s take a look at what was happening in Genesis 4.
1. Cain and Able were Born
2. The first Farmer and Sheppard yielded their first crops and flocks on the Planet.
3. Jealousy reared its Ugly Head
4. Murder, Blood, Sin – A Son is killed.
5. Cain is cursed to wander the Earth, and is left with “a Mark”
Yet in all of this, God gives Cain a wife, a Son, and a City. The responsibility of Husband, and Father, and now City Founder.
When I look back on the sin in my life, I am grateful for the opportunities that God has continued to place in my path. For the responsibility that comes with Loving those he has placed next to me on this earth.
I am Thankful for the Mark that God has placed on my heart. The Mark of The Lord Jesus, of God’s Only Son, The Sacrifice of his life, The Ultimate Gift of Love.
Questions from the Heart:
1. How will I show the Mark on my Life?
My Actions – Reading from the Bible regularly, Actively Pursuing my Lord, Speaking Lovingly to my family and friends
2. How will I own the responsibility of Loving those around me?
Actively Look for ways to care for those around me. Weekly phone calls to Family and Friends, Birthday Cards, Patience and Kindness when others react differently than I expect.
3. How will I react when Jealousy rears its head in my heart?
Pray, Pray, Pray
Wow..So far Love in Genesis is all about this procreation stuff!!!
I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Book of Bible that speaks of God’s amazing work of creation, focuses on the continued creation of the human species.
Let’s take a look at what was happening in Genesis 4.
1. Cain and Able were Born
2. The first Farmer and Sheppard yielded their first crops and flocks on the Planet.
3. Jealousy reared its Ugly Head
4. Murder, Blood, Sin – A Son is killed.
5. Cain is cursed to wander the Earth, and is left with “a Mark”
Yet in all of this, God gives Cain a wife, a Son, and a City. The responsibility of Husband, and Father, and now City Founder.
When I look back on the sin in my life, I am grateful for the opportunities that God has continued to place in my path. For the responsibility that comes with Loving those he has placed next to me on this earth.
I am Thankful for the Mark that God has placed on my heart. The Mark of The Lord Jesus, of God’s Only Son, The Sacrifice of his life, The Ultimate Gift of Love.
Questions from the Heart:
1. How will I show the Mark on my Life?
My Actions – Reading from the Bible regularly, Actively Pursuing my Lord, Speaking Lovingly to my family and friends
2. How will I own the responsibility of Loving those around me?
Actively Look for ways to care for those around me. Weekly phone calls to Family and Friends, Birthday Cards, Patience and Kindness when others react differently than I expect.
3. How will I react when Jealousy rears its head in my heart?
Pray, Pray, Pray
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
It’s a Love Thing – Genesis 4:1
Genesis 4:1 – Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.”
Well that’s the way start this whole thing off!
Let’s take a moment and look back to Genesis 3
1. These are the first two humans ever created.
2. Forbidden Fruit had been eaten.
3. The curse of Severe Pains of Childbirth was handed down by the almighty God.
4. Adam and Eve were tossed out of the Garden and a flaming sword stood in their path of going back.
5. The Fall of Man Kind was complete.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t hear Mr. Barry White playing in the back ground when I think about the circumstances. I really would like to ask Eve “Sweet Girl…Severe Birth Pains…are you sure that’s the direction you want to go”.
Yet, in the fallout of the first of human failures God blessed Adam and Eve with three precious gifts!
1. The ability to love each other.
2. The physical intimacy to support that Love.
3. A Son
I am amazed that those gifts are still blessings we have today after so many years living outside The Garden. Unfortunately, our Human Family has not always treated these Blessings with the respect and awe they deserve. We hear stories every day of Abusive Relationships, Broken Marriages, STD’s, Teenage Pregnancies, and Child Abuse.
I’m left with questions in my heart.
1. How can I love my husband better?
One of my current struggles is the tone of voice I use with him. In times of aggravation I can come off sounding disrespectful and uncaring. I am sure these are the times when he feels least loved. I need to work on that.
2. How can I keep that flame alive?
We need to get going to bed earlier, on purpose…with purpose. We spend our evenings zoned out watching TV and what not and when that clock hits 10:30 we head to bed, exhausted and certainly not in the mood, if you know what I mean! Wink Wink.
3. How will I someday teach my children the Blessing of loving another person and the respect that relationship deserves?
The only real answer I can come up with is Actions speak louder than words. By loving and respecting my husband, I will teach my own children the importance and value of a loving Christian Marriage. I will be an example, I will be an example, I will be an example.
What about you? Got any answers to these Questions?
Well that’s the way start this whole thing off!
Let’s take a moment and look back to Genesis 3
1. These are the first two humans ever created.
2. Forbidden Fruit had been eaten.
3. The curse of Severe Pains of Childbirth was handed down by the almighty God.
4. Adam and Eve were tossed out of the Garden and a flaming sword stood in their path of going back.
5. The Fall of Man Kind was complete.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t hear Mr. Barry White playing in the back ground when I think about the circumstances. I really would like to ask Eve “Sweet Girl…Severe Birth Pains…are you sure that’s the direction you want to go”.
Yet, in the fallout of the first of human failures God blessed Adam and Eve with three precious gifts!
1. The ability to love each other.
2. The physical intimacy to support that Love.
3. A Son
I am amazed that those gifts are still blessings we have today after so many years living outside The Garden. Unfortunately, our Human Family has not always treated these Blessings with the respect and awe they deserve. We hear stories every day of Abusive Relationships, Broken Marriages, STD’s, Teenage Pregnancies, and Child Abuse.
I’m left with questions in my heart.
1. How can I love my husband better?
One of my current struggles is the tone of voice I use with him. In times of aggravation I can come off sounding disrespectful and uncaring. I am sure these are the times when he feels least loved. I need to work on that.
2. How can I keep that flame alive?
We need to get going to bed earlier, on purpose…with purpose. We spend our evenings zoned out watching TV and what not and when that clock hits 10:30 we head to bed, exhausted and certainly not in the mood, if you know what I mean! Wink Wink.
3. How will I someday teach my children the Blessing of loving another person and the respect that relationship deserves?
The only real answer I can come up with is Actions speak louder than words. By loving and respecting my husband, I will teach my own children the importance and value of a loving Christian Marriage. I will be an example, I will be an example, I will be an example.
What about you? Got any answers to these Questions?
It’s a Love Thing – Genesis
There are 21 Accounts of the word Love in Genesis – Sound Like a Great Place to Start!
Genesis 4:1
Genesis 4:17
Genesis 4:25
Genesis 20:13
Genesis 22:2
Genesis 24:67
Genesis 25:28
Genesis 29:17
Genesis 29:18
Genesis 29:20
Genesis 29:21
Genesis 29:23
Genesis 29:30
Genesis 29:31
Genesis 29:32
Genesis 29:33
Genesis 34:3
Genesis 37:3
Genesis 37:4
Genesis 38:2
Genesis 44:20
Genesis 4:1
Genesis 4:17
Genesis 4:25
Genesis 20:13
Genesis 22:2
Genesis 24:67
Genesis 25:28
Genesis 29:17
Genesis 29:18
Genesis 29:20
Genesis 29:21
Genesis 29:23
Genesis 29:30
Genesis 29:31
Genesis 29:32
Genesis 29:33
Genesis 34:3
Genesis 37:3
Genesis 37:4
Genesis 38:2
Genesis 44:20
Its a Love Thing
It’s a call to action, it’s an emotion we crave, and it’s a gift to both the giver and received.
It’s a Love thing.
The Bible, Our Salvation, His Son’s Death…It’s a love thing.
I am on a mission. Wanna join me?
Every Thursday I am going to focus my thoughts on learning about Love from God’s Word.
Starting in Genesis and Ending in Revelation, I want to discover every use of the word Love.
I will post the verse, some of my own thoughts and questions. Feel free to comment back, or link to the post with your own feelings and perspective!
It’s a Love thing.
The Bible, Our Salvation, His Son’s Death…It’s a love thing.
I am on a mission. Wanna join me?
Every Thursday I am going to focus my thoughts on learning about Love from God’s Word.
Starting in Genesis and Ending in Revelation, I want to discover every use of the word Love.
I will post the verse, some of my own thoughts and questions. Feel free to comment back, or link to the post with your own feelings and perspective!
The “Nevertheless” Life
Im Moving over some of my writing from my another blog since I am going to revamp Blue Birds Nest.
Luke 5:5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
I love this picture. I love this story. It’s new to me, fresh this day!
It’s funny how some stories you hear time and again, and then something sparks, peaks an interest, touches your heart. You get it.
I have lots of self-centered reasons to love this story and verse.
First it happens on the sea. I love the Ocean, and Lakes, and well pretty much anything having to do with Water.
Second it has to do with fish. My love of water has often led me to a wonderful longing to interact with the creatures of the Sea.
Thirdly it speaks of a wonderfully human man full of failures and disbelief, beloved by his lord, and cherished by his Maker, yet continuously tested as he follows a living, breathing, miracle working Jesus.
You can say I totally relate to the story.
You could probably go as far as saying I may have some genealogical connect to Sweet Peter.
His words, the tone I imagine him using, and the anxiety of his heart all speak to mine.
Yet, he has a moment of clarity, the heart of a believer, and a willing soul seeking faith…NEVERTHELESS
Nevertheless is defined as despite a situation.
Nevertheless is a beautiful representation of a living faith.
I came across this Website as I was searching for some information on Photography and Scrapbooking.
I came across this post , and it captured my thoughts.
I wanted a Soul Word. It’s Almost June of 2011 and I had an intense need to connect to a Word! I wanted the direction and loyalty to use the second half of this year living the value found in a soul word.
And then I heard this verse…and Nevertheless Captured me!
Over the first part of the year, this word was in my heart, and I didn’t even know it.
My husband lost his job, Nevertheless Lord, we trust you to provide.
My Department had a complete re-organization; Nevertheless Lord, I trust your plan.
Our plan to adopt a little boy from Ukraine was ripped out of our dreams when he was adopted by another couple, Nevertheless Lord, we will keep our hearts open for other opportunities to grow our family.
My plans to lose weight have been put on the back burner due to sickness, self sabotage, and emotional and hormonal warfare, Nevertheless Lord , I know if I put my faith in you , you will help me to be healthy and care for my Physical Self.
As the year proceeds, I know that I will always have choices on how I respond to what is put in my path; Nevertheless, I will follow my Lord, because like Peter I am beloved by my Creator.
With much excitement! I have a Soul Word for the rest of this year! NEVERTHELESS
Luke 5:5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
I love this picture. I love this story. It’s new to me, fresh this day!
It’s funny how some stories you hear time and again, and then something sparks, peaks an interest, touches your heart. You get it.
I have lots of self-centered reasons to love this story and verse.
First it happens on the sea. I love the Ocean, and Lakes, and well pretty much anything having to do with Water.
Second it has to do with fish. My love of water has often led me to a wonderful longing to interact with the creatures of the Sea.
Thirdly it speaks of a wonderfully human man full of failures and disbelief, beloved by his lord, and cherished by his Maker, yet continuously tested as he follows a living, breathing, miracle working Jesus.
You can say I totally relate to the story.
You could probably go as far as saying I may have some genealogical connect to Sweet Peter.
His words, the tone I imagine him using, and the anxiety of his heart all speak to mine.
Yet, he has a moment of clarity, the heart of a believer, and a willing soul seeking faith…NEVERTHELESS
Nevertheless is defined as despite a situation.
Nevertheless is a beautiful representation of a living faith.
I came across this Website as I was searching for some information on Photography and Scrapbooking.
I came across this post , and it captured my thoughts.
I wanted a Soul Word. It’s Almost June of 2011 and I had an intense need to connect to a Word! I wanted the direction and loyalty to use the second half of this year living the value found in a soul word.
And then I heard this verse…and Nevertheless Captured me!
Over the first part of the year, this word was in my heart, and I didn’t even know it.
My husband lost his job, Nevertheless Lord, we trust you to provide.
My Department had a complete re-organization; Nevertheless Lord, I trust your plan.
Our plan to adopt a little boy from Ukraine was ripped out of our dreams when he was adopted by another couple, Nevertheless Lord, we will keep our hearts open for other opportunities to grow our family.
My plans to lose weight have been put on the back burner due to sickness, self sabotage, and emotional and hormonal warfare, Nevertheless Lord , I know if I put my faith in you , you will help me to be healthy and care for my Physical Self.
As the year proceeds, I know that I will always have choices on how I respond to what is put in my path; Nevertheless, I will follow my Lord, because like Peter I am beloved by my Creator.
With much excitement! I have a Soul Word for the rest of this year! NEVERTHELESS
It’s a Love Thing – Genesis
There are 21 Accounts of the word Love in Genesis – Sound Like a Great Place to Start!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Sunday In Ceres - Labor Day 2011
Sunday Morning Spent Praising Jesus and Decisions to follow his word. James requesting to be Baptized. Lunch with my Family, Boys being Boys!!
Grandma's Roses - Northern California Labor Day Trip 2011
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Garden Of Gold© Lois E. Felder |
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| I walk through the garden, On this warm summer’s day, To smell the flowers, That grandma raised. |
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| In the middle, Of this garden of gold, Stood this one, Single red stem rose, The rose means so many things, From the ones you receive on your wedding day, To the one you get on Valentine’s Day, But this single rose standing here today, Represents the love grandma gave. |
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| From the love she gave, When she planted it that day, To the love she gave us, Each and every day, So when you pass this garden of gold, Remember the love that this rose holds. |
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| Source: Garden Of Gold, Garden Poem http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/garden-of-gold#ixzz1XEg3o4tN Family Friend Poems |
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| Grandma and my Mom, stopping for smiles around the roses! |
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| My Mom and her Sweet Niece Janie Marie! |
Traveling to Northern California - Labor Day 2011
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| My Mom and I have Brighton Charm Bracelets. We now have matching plane charms. |
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| Flying on Southwest!!! At this point my mom was questioning if cameras were part of the "electronics" that were not allowed during take off...hmmmm...we didnt crash..I guess not. |
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| Me and my Mom. She makes a great traveling partner. |
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| Heading to the bagage claim! |
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| Welcome to Sacramento! |
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| Rental Car Sillyness! |
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| Our Rental Car!! Be prepared for bug guts!! |
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