The Wonderful World of Boys

And I always thought "Risk" was a calm little board game. . . LOL!

Make sure to scroll down and turn pause the music player first so you can hear "the wonderful world of boys!"

Go

Be sure to scroll down and turn off my music player at the bottom of this page before pressing "play."

Sweet Blessings for Six Weeks

Six weeks - that is how long we had our two sweet foster babies (the mini M & M's).  We were notified yesterday that they were being placed with extended family and we had to drop them off this morning. . . ughh . . . I knew it would be hard, but I guess I didn't think it would hurt this much.  We LOVED them, really loved them and we had just made it past the hard weeks of adjusting and everyone was feeling settled and content.  Not to mention that the 21 month old had just started running to the door every night when Jeff got home saying "Hi Daddy!" The 10 month old was saying mama and almost walking. . . so precious

I must say that in our first glimpse into the foster care system, my thoughts that the system is totally messed up were completely confirmed (more on that later).   

I know that the Lord is good and has a good purpose for our lives and for the lives of these two babies.  We know that He is in control and that the prayers we've offered on their behalf will not return void.  We KNOW we were called to do this and that we were doing this out of obedience to Christ (believe me, there is not another reason a person would do this to themselves! LOL!).  

Will our hearts heal?  Yes, and we are not without hope. . . but, for today, we will grieve the loss of two babies who were becoming "ours."

He is Risen!

He is Risen Indeed!

Vaccination Information

Thanks to Tamara for always posting great resources. . . and no matter what you currently believe about vaccinations, it doesn't hurt to get more information. . . that's how you can make an INFORMed decision for your family!  This is the first of a 4 part series. *be sure to scroll to the bottom and turn off my music player first!

Prayers for Tired Mamas

Are you tired from loving a child with RAD who doesn't return your love?  

Are you tired from mothering many little children who have many basic care needs?  

Are you tired and weary from fighting on behalf of the orphans and the poor but seeing little change?  

Are you tired from realizing (once again) that you blew it with your children?  

Are you tired from worrying about finances or employment, or housing for your family?  

Are you tired of being in the hospital with a sick child who is in constant pain?  

Are you tired from the wait for your child to come home from his orphanage and into your family. . . but there's nothing more you can do?

My dear friends, I know one or more of you in each of these places this week and I am praying for you!

Honestly, this week I am tired and I could use your prayers too.

Be encouraged friends, for the hard places you are in are places of refining and of growth.  Oh how wonderful it would be if we could grow and mature without affliction, but it is FIRE that refines us.  Isn't it amazing, too, how much God is glorified when his Redemption comes in fullness within the most hopeless situations?

And, isn't that our chief purpose and aim?  To glorify God and enjoy him forever!  Be encouraged my tired friends, for

your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.  Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.  All this is evidence that God's judgement is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.  God is just:  He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well.  This will happen when the Lord Jesus is reavealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. . . With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.  We pray this so tat the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.   (2 Thess. 1:3-12) 

But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers (sisters!) loved by the Lord, because from the beginning, God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth . He called you to this though our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. . . May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. (2 Thess. 2:13-16)

I thank the Lord for you, my sisters in Christ!  He is doing a good work in you and through you.  May he encourage your hearts today!

Thankful

Our little "surprise" last week threw our lives into chaos for the better part of the weekend!  I thought going from one to 4 children was an adjustment, but I'd have to say that going from 4 to 6 has been even tougher.  Of course, had I had more than 3 hours notice that I'd be having two babies under age 2, it might not have been quite as rough!  LOL!

The initial adjustment for everyone (sweet babies included) was a little crazy, but we are settling in and getting into some sort of routine, getting the house back to livable status, learning the "M&M's" routines, and beginning to get some sleep.  I think I have single-handedly kept the local coffee shop in business this week!

As I was contemplating what to post this morning in regards to this past week, I couldn't help but realize that, despite the crazy chaos and lack of sleep, really. . . I am just thankful!

I am thankful for. . . 

• the Lord's sustaining grace and peace in the midst of trials
• a wonderful husband who loves me and knows me so well
• the "froo-froo" coffee that my wonderful hubby brings me each morning because he knows I am tired right now
• my children who have sacrificed time with their mama so that I can meet the very pressing needs of these 2 little "M&M's"
• the character and love of Christ I see manifested in my children's lives
• a home that is large enough to meet the needs of the many people the Lord has put here
• a car in working order, a friend who is a mechanic offering to fix our other car, a friend loaning us their large van to fit everyone in this week
• the Lord sending me two great college students to visit us this week (they have been an INVALUABLE help!)
• GREAT friends who brought meals, baby gates, strollers, clothes, and everything else we needed spur of the moment
• a soft bed to sleep in at night (next to my wonderful husband!), even if it only is for 3 hours!  LOL!
• strength from the Lord to keep going when I'm exhausted
• "Little Einsteins" (I didn't even know this show existed since we hardly ever watch TV, but I was VERY thankful for this show the past few mornings!  LOL!)

Seriously, the list could go on forever!  So often in the "dailiness of life, I miss all of the blessings that are around me ALL of the time.  This week has brought some forgotten perspective.  My prayer is that I am able to love on these "M&M's" until they can be reunited with their birth mother and that this time will remind me to be more thoughtful and thankful of all that God has given!