Remember Abraham!

For the second time this week, in different devotional books, I have come across the story of Abraham. He was man of faith, who followed God's leading despite knowing what the outcome would be. First, God asked him to leave everything he had known and travel to a new country. This new country was not revealed to him before he left. He was just to follow God's leading and he would find out later after he daily obeyed and traveled, where God was taking him. He was tested later, in regards to his son Isaac. God asked him to sacrifice Isaac, and though this was against anything Abraham wanted to do, he took the necessary steps of obedience and before he laid a hand on Isaac to kill him, God provided an alternate sacrifice. His test of obedience was really a test of his faith. Did he trust God completely? The past week has revealed much to me about my faith. I have been confused because Jason and I really have felt called to adoption. Yet, there have been continuous roadblocks. I got to the point last week, where I was ready to forget it all and see the signs as a closed door, before the door had completely shut. It just seemed easier and justified. But circumstances seem to be changing and there is still hope of Ethiopian children being adopted. I have been reminded to take one day at a time and just follow in obedience, with many unknowns, until God shows us differently. Today, in my devotions I read My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. These phrases really stood out to me. I hope it is encouraging for any of you who are walking through situations that seem foggy. "Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led. It is literally a life of faith, not of understanding and reason- a life of knowing Him who calls us to go. A life of faith is not one glorious mountain top experience after another, like soaring on eagles's wings, but is a life of day-in and day-out consistency; a life of walking without fainting. It is a faith that has been tried and proved and has withstood the test." I don't know about you, but I sure need to work on my day-in and out consistency and not constantly be looking for BIG ways to serve God. I need to get to know God better and the only way I can do that is by spending more time in the Word and praying. So, I will try to remember Abraham and his faithfulness.

Happy 6th Birthday, Providence!!!

Please sign petition for Ethiopia adoptions!

URGENT: We need your help! If you have not signed the petition below, PLEASE SIGN IT TODAY! Right now a movement has gone into action to reduce the number of adoptions of orphaned children in Ethiopia by 90%. This can be devastating to a country that currently has over 5 million orphans. Please take two minutes today and sign the petition below. The background info and the instructions to sign the petition are in the email. 250,000 are needed by saturday. YOUR signature will make a difference! http://www.gopetition.com/petition/43714.html

Ethiopia Update!

When we decided to adopt internationally, we knew the process would be difficult. Our adoption with Selah was emotionally taxing, as throughout much of the time after visiting her, we knew that, due to the unrest in Guatamala, we might not get to bring her home. Fortunately, for our family, we brought her home the very week the new President in Guatamala was inaugerated and major changes in adoption were taking place. Many families did not get to finish their adoption. WELL, once again, we have chosen a country that is becoming unstable. I was on several blogs yesteday and it seems that they may decrease adoptions by 90%, starting on March 10. I am waiting to get an update from our agency but if this is true, it is truly tragic. This is a country where there are 5 MILLION ORPHANS. This country has extreme poverty and more than likely, the majoritiy of these kids, if not adopted will die. So, this goes well beyond what Debbie is feeling. This has nothing to do with me, and everything to do these children. God is in control. I absolutely believe this. I am asking, those of you who are prayer warriers to lift up this situation and plead for the future of so many children.

TWO CUTIE PATUTIES!

A winter wonderland in Big Bear!

We had the privelege of going to Big Bear from Sunday to Tuesday with our closest friends, Matt and Val Hixson. The grandparents willingly watched the kids so that we might have a little rest and relaxation. It was great. Greg and Lucia graciously let us use their cabin. A winter storm had just come in and there was lots of snow. It was beautiful. Here is a list of what made our time wonderful:
-Warm fires
-Snow covered trees
-watching lots of movies
-reading
-eating yummy food
-sleeping in and staying up late
-GOING on a zip line (so much fun)
-enjoying our friendship
-window shopping
-lot of coffee