Passion

WHAT? MORE ICE CREAM PLEASE

I can't wait to see Changlais and Schneider (Our boy's in Haiti) sitting around this table with Ice Cream dripping off of their chins too.



When Nehemiah received word in exile that the walls of Jerusalem were broken, here's how he reacted. Nehemiah 1:4 NIV "When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of Heaven." Wow, what would make you do that? Read his prayer Nehemiah 1:5-11. Nehemiah was passionate about Jerusalem and later on you will read that God answered him and rewarded him for his seeking after Him. I think of Haiti and the poverty and the conditions that our children live in. We have fasted and prayed and wept like Nehemiah. God sent Nehemiah to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall and restore His people. We know God has called us to not only rescue these precious children, but spread awareness as well. Approach the throne of Grace with your passion (whatever it is, ours is Haiti) and watch Him work. To learn more about Haiti adoptions, visit some of the blogs from other passionate parents(on my blog list) as well as the awesome agency(Wasatch International Adoptions at www.wiaa.org) we are working with. I hope you are starting to see the picture that Nehemiah is a must read.

Again, who needs snow, just cold hard ground. (don't get me wrong, snow would be nice).

If you'll recall, I wrote about despair a few posts ago. Today I received this weekly devotion I get from Pastor James McDonald from Harvest Bible Chapel in Chicago, and thought it would be a good idea to let ya'll read it. Enjoy: www.walkintheword.com/weeklywalk.aspx

Who needs snow to make good use of a hill? Dump truck coming through! Go Lilah!

Read John 9:1-35. You say, wow that's too much. I say, No it's not. It is worth it. The kicker is when the man born blind says in the second part of vs. 25, "one thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." The pharisees were trying to trip him up and find holes in his story, but he put it as simple as possible. Do you have a hard time sharing your faith and telling people about Jesus? Just tell what He did for you. At the very least, He saved your life. Our story is "I was dead, but now I am alive, in Christ Jesus". Tell it to the next person you come in contact with.

Don't Despair

Ella, you just gotta do it!



Greetings from Lansing, MI. I know, a southerner going North during winter is crazy. I will be back in 70 degree weather tomorrow.
Discouraged about the news. Stimulus or not, agree with our President or not, don't despair. That reminds me of a line from my favorite movie (If you know me you may get tired of hearing me use the phrase "My Favorite Movie"). Actually this is categorized as a trilogy. The Lord of the Rings. In "The Two Towers", Legolas tells Aragorn while they are being attacked by the Uruk-hai "Please forgive me for my despair". At that point he started to trust Aragorn and believe that he would deliver them. Please Lord, forgive me for my despair. Psalm 19:7-14 NASB "7 The Law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. 10 They are more desirable than gold, yes than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults. 13 Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; Let them not rule over me; then I will be blameless, And I shall be acquitted of great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer". These are comforting words in troubled times. God bless you.

God's Grace is sufficient

The Boys. (not pictured: Changlais & Schneider) Can't you see the resemblance? What a handsome boy (I am talking about Noah).

Speaking of boys. You can read Melissa's blog for details but the short is, that Vanessa and D'Jounela are going to remain with their birth mother, and after seeking the Lords wisdom and guidance, we are moving forward with 2 brothers from the same orphanage. It has been a tough week, but we have been sustained by Gods love and grace. Without it we would be crushed with sorrow. It doesn't mean we don't mourn, but it means we mourn with the knowledge that God's grace is sufficient for us. 2 Cor 12:9 NIV "But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness". Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." Also He sees the future like we see the past, as if it had already happened. So his sovereign plan is in motion and we desire to be in his will. Another great verse is Romans 8:28 NASB. You should know this one by heart if you have read my blog before because I quote it often. To God be the Glory and honor for ever and ever.

The Girls (not pictured Vanessa, D'Jounela)

Let's say for example that you knew for sure who was going to win the Superbowl before the game. You would bet everything you have. Colossians 2:15 NLT "In this way, God disarmed the evil rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by His victory over them on the cross of Christ". Jesus has already defeated Satan, so since we know who wins, wouldn't it be foolish to follow the loser (Satan) and not the winner (Christ)? You might say "I don't follow Satan, I don't follow anybody". If you are not with God, then you are his enemy. Satan is God's enemy, you do the math. I used this verse before but it applies here as well. 1 John 5:11,12 "And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life, he who does not have the Son of God does not have life". Those who do not have the Son, will suffer the same fate as Satan, eternal damnation. Whose side are you on?