This past week God asked me to something that was difficult for me and it resulted in some changes for us as a family. I am not going to go into details, but basically, I was in a position of either looking the other way on a behavior or holding some accountable. I chose to obey the Lord's prompting. When the dust had finally settled several days later, I was really struggling with where things landed. I knew that I had done what was right according to the scriptures even though this was not a popular opinion, but the result still caused me to grieve.
Friday night, the Lord gave me a scripture: Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. 2 Tim 2:25-26
Saturday I still continued to wrestle and grieve over how things had ended.
Sunday at church the Lord was very sweet to me. During worship the gal leading was reading scripture about Moses preparing to go to Egypt to set God's people free. The Lord told Moses to tell the Israelites that I AM was sending him. This really echoed in my heart - these people needed no other explanation than that. How can you argue with The Truth?! It is what it is and comes from I AM.
One of our church elders taught since our pastor was at a marriage conference and again, the Lord ministered to my heart. This man was began teaching out of 1 Peter, the jumped to Genesis and then to 2 Peter. His main point though was that we should be 1 out of 8 - the one that stands for God's Word - rather than 1 of 8 and fitting in with the crowd. This is the first time I have really chosen to be 1 out of 8 and, oh boy, was it hard! It is easier to go to another country to share the Gospel than it is to stand up for the Truth to someone you know. Thank you Jesus for the courage to stand up for You!
Last night at Bible study, I was reminded of the scriptures that I had read Friday night and that I am to continue to pray for this person in the hopes that things are reconciled. While I would like things to be reconciled between us, I hope that they are reconciled with Christ. Truly, this is a hard reminder. I am ready to be done and to move on, but I know that I need to be gracious and merciful and wait... I need to wait until God says I can be done and I dont think He has yet.
1 Peter 3:13-17
Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Update!
I sent a request for an update last week, Sunday, requesting more information as well as new measurements/pictures. Yesterday I woke up to four new pictures as well as new measurements! These new measurements say that Naomi has grown just over 3 inches and gained almost 6 lbs! I really hope these measurements are accurate and Naomi is really growing. My pictures show that she is getting stronger and continuing to develop - I got two of her STANDING!!! I was so surprised - I hoped that she would be able to sit up and crawl when we get her. She may be walking! I also got my first smiling picture and her smile is so sweet! I cannot wait to hear her giggle. These pictures and updates are amazing to receive, but they make my heart ache even harder. I want to experience these milestones in person - not through a photograph! I want to be the one teaching her to walk! I pray these next six months go by quickly..
Things in our life have changed slightly so I will now be able to fully get Naomi's room all prepared. I am sad that things have changed, but so excited to be able to use the room just for Naomi! I am now even more motivated to get her crib finished and put together, and to get everything else all decorated and set up. Now I can fully nest. :)
Things in our life have changed slightly so I will now be able to fully get Naomi's room all prepared. I am sad that things have changed, but so excited to be able to use the room just for Naomi! I am now even more motivated to get her crib finished and put together, and to get everything else all decorated and set up. Now I can fully nest. :)
Sunday, April 14, 2013
mama bear
These past few weeks have been hard for me as I see other families move forward in their adoption process.. I have been struggling to remember that they are ahead of me, started sooner and thus will get to the different milestones sooner. I am learning, very slowly, that it does me no good to compare what is happening to me against other people. God does things differently each time. After all, it is HIS plan and timing.
So, to pass the time I have been reading blogs, sorting through Naomi's things and looking at sewing patterns. I read a blog to eman the other day that was talking about how to respond to people when they have questions about your children and the circumstances that surround their adoption. I have had opportunity to talk about this article with another adopting mom, be the person to ask the stupid question and have people ask me the questions. The author of the blog was making the point of answering questions in such a way as to bring a positive, loving light on adoption. To use it as an opportunity to educate and advocate, to speak to these people who most likely are not trying to be rude (they just don't know better) with a tone of love since they are probably asking in front of your children.
As I said before, I have already been asked questions about Naomi. People in my community, especially at church, have been around enough adopting families to know that there are usually special needs attached to the kids. I have had several people ask what Naomi's need is. The first time I answered, of course she has SN! She is an orphan! This didn't suffice and the woman persisted. I did end up telling her what was going on with Naomi. I haven't decided what I plan to say to people, but it will be obvious that Naomi will look different. She has a big head and it will be several years until her body catches up. I hope that people wont be cruel in their comments, but I am expecting something. I want to say that I will be able to take them with grace and will try to follow in this woman's footsteps, but I cannot guarantee that. I pray that the Lord will give me the strength, wisdom and grace to advocate for my little girl and the rest of the orphans in the world.
I have one measurement of Naomi's head and have compared it to the boys. She has a big head. According to the information given, her head is the size of a 7 or 8 year old. Her body is the size of a one year old. I am amazed that her neck is strong enough to hold her head up! As I was going through the info I have, I realized that I am eligible for an update through our agency. So, I have emailed and asked. They told me they would ask. I am asking for updated measurements among other things. I am really interested in how her head will compare. I am hoping that the number will either be the same or less - not more. If they are more, then that would make me think her shunt is not working properly, which of course would be not so good.. I have not actually talked to a neurologist, instead taking the info I have been given on faith. I am also asking for any of Naomi's medical files, ct scans, etc. These would be very helpful in knowing what is going on inside her head.
I am really hoping for a few more pictures, too... I will add her new numbers to our measuring stick. May as well start keeping track of her too, like I do with the boys. I cant wait to stand her up there for real!
Sit tight my love. We will be there before the year is up, most likely sooner than that! I cannot wait to snuggle your little neck, kiss your sweet lips and cheeks. I love you, Naomi, my sweet delight! I will always protect and advocate for you! You are my daughter and I will fight for you just as fiercely as I do for your brothers!
So, to pass the time I have been reading blogs, sorting through Naomi's things and looking at sewing patterns. I read a blog to eman the other day that was talking about how to respond to people when they have questions about your children and the circumstances that surround their adoption. I have had opportunity to talk about this article with another adopting mom, be the person to ask the stupid question and have people ask me the questions. The author of the blog was making the point of answering questions in such a way as to bring a positive, loving light on adoption. To use it as an opportunity to educate and advocate, to speak to these people who most likely are not trying to be rude (they just don't know better) with a tone of love since they are probably asking in front of your children.
As I said before, I have already been asked questions about Naomi. People in my community, especially at church, have been around enough adopting families to know that there are usually special needs attached to the kids. I have had several people ask what Naomi's need is. The first time I answered, of course she has SN! She is an orphan! This didn't suffice and the woman persisted. I did end up telling her what was going on with Naomi. I haven't decided what I plan to say to people, but it will be obvious that Naomi will look different. She has a big head and it will be several years until her body catches up. I hope that people wont be cruel in their comments, but I am expecting something. I want to say that I will be able to take them with grace and will try to follow in this woman's footsteps, but I cannot guarantee that. I pray that the Lord will give me the strength, wisdom and grace to advocate for my little girl and the rest of the orphans in the world.
I have one measurement of Naomi's head and have compared it to the boys. She has a big head. According to the information given, her head is the size of a 7 or 8 year old. Her body is the size of a one year old. I am amazed that her neck is strong enough to hold her head up! As I was going through the info I have, I realized that I am eligible for an update through our agency. So, I have emailed and asked. They told me they would ask. I am asking for updated measurements among other things. I am really interested in how her head will compare. I am hoping that the number will either be the same or less - not more. If they are more, then that would make me think her shunt is not working properly, which of course would be not so good.. I have not actually talked to a neurologist, instead taking the info I have been given on faith. I am also asking for any of Naomi's medical files, ct scans, etc. These would be very helpful in knowing what is going on inside her head.
I am really hoping for a few more pictures, too... I will add her new numbers to our measuring stick. May as well start keeping track of her too, like I do with the boys. I cant wait to stand her up there for real!
Sit tight my love. We will be there before the year is up, most likely sooner than that! I cannot wait to snuggle your little neck, kiss your sweet lips and cheeks. I love you, Naomi, my sweet delight! I will always protect and advocate for you! You are my daughter and I will fight for you just as fiercely as I do for your brothers!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
LID!!
One more hurdle has been jumped - now we wait for LOA. Thank you, Jesus!
On another note, last week was spring break. We had lots of play dates, but only one park day. Here is a picture of the boys and their buddies climbing a tree. I love this picture - it is the perfect picture of "the boys." John is in the middle, looking over his shoulder. Jacob is on the right, in the blue shirt. Love these boys - all of them!
We will be taking a second spring break though in a few weeks when we go to the grandparents. My mom is hosting a yard sale for us! I will be working all week with her getting ready, while my dad tries to keep the boys busy. He has plans to take them fishing. :)
Saturday, April 6, 2013
DTC!!!!
sister sue... we are moving forward!
We got confirmation that our dossier is enroute to china. I dont have an exact date for when it was sent out, but I did some looking through emails and I *think* it could have gone out as long ago as march 15. (I am hoping to get a date for when it actually did go out) if it did go out then, we could be logged in soon! This would be amazing, of course. :)
I have been organizing your things, my little delight. You have an amazing collection of clothes already. I have a sweet pair of squeaky shoes for you. They are dalmation print and oh, so, cute! I cant wait to have you home!
Please, Jesus, keep my girl safe. Snuggle her in while she waits for us. Strengthen her body and protect her heart and mind. Give us strength as we wait. Please provide the means to make this all possible! Thank you, Lord, for this little girl. Thank you for how you have already provided and what you are going to do. Continue to prepare our hearts as well as those that will surround Naomi. Fill us all with a love that can only come from You. Thank you Jesus - all glory goes to You!
We got confirmation that our dossier is enroute to china. I dont have an exact date for when it was sent out, but I did some looking through emails and I *think* it could have gone out as long ago as march 15. (I am hoping to get a date for when it actually did go out) if it did go out then, we could be logged in soon! This would be amazing, of course. :)
I have been organizing your things, my little delight. You have an amazing collection of clothes already. I have a sweet pair of squeaky shoes for you. They are dalmation print and oh, so, cute! I cant wait to have you home!
Please, Jesus, keep my girl safe. Snuggle her in while she waits for us. Strengthen her body and protect her heart and mind. Give us strength as we wait. Please provide the means to make this all possible! Thank you, Lord, for this little girl. Thank you for how you have already provided and what you are going to do. Continue to prepare our hearts as well as those that will surround Naomi. Fill us all with a love that can only come from You. Thank you Jesus - all glory goes to You!
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