It will be six weeks ago tonight that Mike had a very restless night. Every time he would doze off he would see letters that appeared to be a word, but not one he recognized.....BANAU. Early Friday morning while having his devotions he decided to Google banau to see if it was a word, and if it was what it meant. Turns out it is a small village in the Parbat district of Nepal. Hmmmm, now why would he dream about a village in Nepal?
We decided that we would take a look and see if there was an adoption program over there. After googling that we saw that they had just opened their doors in October of 2008. Again interesting....hmmmm.
Psalm 16:7 (New Living Translation)
I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.
We have known that we would adopt again, but just assumed it would be China again and we were unsure about the time we would start. We have had the discussion as to whether or not we would mark on our application boy, girl or either. While we were looking over the requirements for Nepal it stated that if you have a son and daughter you would not be qualified to adopt. If you have boys you would only be able to adopt a girl. If you have girls....you guessed it....you would have to adopt a BOY!
So we were wondering if the Lord gave him this dream to lead us to into this country for a son? It's kind of a long but wonderful story. If you're interested in the whole story you can go to the beginning of this blog and read about how the Lord spoke to us. After six weeks of really seeking the Lord we KNOW he is calling us to Nepal for our son Jonah! Yes we already know his name! That's another story for another day!
We are very excited to see how the Lord is going to provide and bring us through another amazing journey of adoption...this time for a SON!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Day One of Fast
Tonya's devotions....
Morning...
Psalm 32
vs.8
The Lord says, I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
Psalm 34
1 I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
2 I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are helpless take heart.
3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
let us exalt his name together.
4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
He freed me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
15 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right;
his ears are open to their cries for help.
17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.
Afternoon....
I was reading in Ezekiel 22 it was talking about the sins of the people. How all the leaders within the city are evil. It did make me think of Nepal, well third world countries as a whole. I'm sure not every leader, but I would bet most are not looking after the best needs of their people, especially orphaned children, but looking out for number one. They are also a nations that does not worship the Lord.
vs. 7b
Orphans and widows are wronged and oppressed.
vs. 9
The city is filled with idol worshipers and people who take part in lewd activities.
Psalm 35
vs.9
Then I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be glad because he rescues me. I will praise him from the bottom of my heart. Lord who can compare with you? Who else rescues the weak and helpless from the strong? Who else protects the poor and needy?
Psalm 37...Something that stood out to me.... the beginning of some verses...
vs.1 Don't worry
vs.2 Trust in the Lord
vs.3 Take delight in the Lord
vs.5 Commit everything you do to the Lord.
vs.7 Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.
vs. 23 The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.vs. 25 I have never seen the godly forsaken, nor their children begging for bread.
Morning...
Psalm 32
vs.8
The Lord says, I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
Psalm 34
1 I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
2 I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are helpless take heart.
3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
let us exalt his name together.
4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
He freed me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
15 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right;
his ears are open to their cries for help.
17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.
Afternoon....
I was reading in Ezekiel 22 it was talking about the sins of the people. How all the leaders within the city are evil. It did make me think of Nepal, well third world countries as a whole. I'm sure not every leader, but I would bet most are not looking after the best needs of their people, especially orphaned children, but looking out for number one. They are also a nations that does not worship the Lord.
vs. 7b
Orphans and widows are wronged and oppressed.
vs. 9
The city is filled with idol worshipers and people who take part in lewd activities.
Psalm 35
vs.9
Then I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be glad because he rescues me. I will praise him from the bottom of my heart. Lord who can compare with you? Who else rescues the weak and helpless from the strong? Who else protects the poor and needy?
Psalm 37...Something that stood out to me.... the beginning of some verses...
vs.1 Don't worry
vs.2 Trust in the Lord
vs.3 Take delight in the Lord
vs.5 Commit everything you do to the Lord.
vs.7 Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.
vs. 23 The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.vs. 25 I have never seen the godly forsaken, nor their children begging for bread.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Tonya's Devotions
Proverbs 21
vs.1
The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord;
he guides it wherever he pleases.
vs. 13
Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor
will be ignored in their own time of need.
vs.12
And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to observe the LORD's commands.
Rephrase the verse...
And now Mike and Tonya, what does God require of you? He requires you to have a tender heart, to live according to his decision making, to love and worship him with all our heart and soul and to follow orders the Lord commands.
vs. 18
He gives justice to the orphans and widows.
vs.1
The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord;
he guides it wherever he pleases.
vs. 13
Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor
will be ignored in their own time of need.
vs.12
And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to observe the LORD's commands.
Rephrase the verse...
And now Mike and Tonya, what does God require of you? He requires you to have a tender heart, to live according to his decision making, to love and worship him with all our heart and soul and to follow orders the Lord commands.
vs. 18
He gives justice to the orphans and widows.
Friday, February 20, 2009
An Unexpected Call From AGCI
I received an email last night....found it this morning from AGCI. They said there was a development with the special needs department and to call if we were interested. Are we interested??? Yeah we're interested! Any news from Nepal interests us these days.
I called at 2:09 pm and Kiersten called me back at 4:30 pm. She told me they did in fact have a special needs program were we could request a minor sn. She told me we wouldn't fall into the 10 dossier quota. She said that when we have our home study that our social worker would include that we are open to special needs and then we would list very specifically what we could accept and the age range.
She told us to be prepared to be in it for the long haul. She said we most likely wouldn't get a referral in like 6 months, it may look more like 9-12 months. I told her that is in God's hands totally! He'll match us a just the right time with our son! I love typing that...our son!!! I would have never imagined us having a son. Now I'm so excited about it! Anyway she basically said we would need about 10-11,000.00 to get a dossier on it's way to Nepal. That seems huge do the the lack of money right now. But it's not to big for God right?.....Right!
I asked her if there was anything we could do now before we officially sign on with them. She said we could do the legal agreements between AGCI and CHCS...that could take a few weeks to a month. We would also be able to take our on line classes required by them. We would need to have that done before we do our home study anyway. So we could get started without really starting....with money that is. Then we would have somewhere in the vicinity of about 6 to 7 months that we would need to come up with that 10-11,0000.00 I mentioned a few minutes ago.
I also found out that only one parent has to travel although we would both want to go if it's possible.
So very interesting information! Mike and I are going to fast from Sunday 2/22 to 3/1 and are praying for a HUGE confirmation or a shut door....whatever the Lord wants. We just want to hear him clearly.
One last note, I'm doing a Beth Moore bible study on Esther and at the end of this weeks video she said this.....
Esther was called to obedience not to figure out how it was all going to go down. God was bringing the how! If we are willing.
Something to chew on.
I called at 2:09 pm and Kiersten called me back at 4:30 pm. She told me they did in fact have a special needs program were we could request a minor sn. She told me we wouldn't fall into the 10 dossier quota. She said that when we have our home study that our social worker would include that we are open to special needs and then we would list very specifically what we could accept and the age range.
She told us to be prepared to be in it for the long haul. She said we most likely wouldn't get a referral in like 6 months, it may look more like 9-12 months. I told her that is in God's hands totally! He'll match us a just the right time with our son! I love typing that...our son!!! I would have never imagined us having a son. Now I'm so excited about it! Anyway she basically said we would need about 10-11,000.00 to get a dossier on it's way to Nepal. That seems huge do the the lack of money right now. But it's not to big for God right?.....Right!
I asked her if there was anything we could do now before we officially sign on with them. She said we could do the legal agreements between AGCI and CHCS...that could take a few weeks to a month. We would also be able to take our on line classes required by them. We would need to have that done before we do our home study anyway. So we could get started without really starting....with money that is. Then we would have somewhere in the vicinity of about 6 to 7 months that we would need to come up with that 10-11,0000.00 I mentioned a few minutes ago.
I also found out that only one parent has to travel although we would both want to go if it's possible.
So very interesting information! Mike and I are going to fast from Sunday 2/22 to 3/1 and are praying for a HUGE confirmation or a shut door....whatever the Lord wants. We just want to hear him clearly.
One last note, I'm doing a Beth Moore bible study on Esther and at the end of this weeks video she said this.....
Esther was called to obedience not to figure out how it was all going to go down. God was bringing the how! If we are willing.
Something to chew on.
A Call to Fast
Mikes reading today....
Ezra 8:21 (King James Version)
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.
Tonya's reading today....
Ezekiel 16:4-5 (New Living Translation)
On the day you were born, no one cared about you. Your umbilical cord was not cut, and you were never washed, rubbed with salt, and wrapped in cloth. 5 No one had the slightest interest in you; no one pitied you or cared for you. On the day you were born, you were unwanted, dumped in a field and left to die.
Psalm 27:10 (New Living Translation)
Even if my father and mother abandon me,
the Lord will hold me close.
Psalm 27:14 (New Living Translation)
Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Ezra 8:21 (King James Version)
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.
Tonya's reading today....
Ezekiel 16:4-5 (New Living Translation)
On the day you were born, no one cared about you. Your umbilical cord was not cut, and you were never washed, rubbed with salt, and wrapped in cloth. 5 No one had the slightest interest in you; no one pitied you or cared for you. On the day you were born, you were unwanted, dumped in a field and left to die.
Psalm 27:10 (New Living Translation)
Even if my father and mother abandon me,
the Lord will hold me close.
Psalm 27:14 (New Living Translation)
Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Email from AGCI
Tonya,
Good Afternoon! I wanted to follow up with you today after speaking with my director in further detail about our Nepal special needs program and would love to talk with you more if you are interested in learning about some of the developments in our special needs Nepal program.
You can feel free to reach me via my direct line at 503-327-7400 or we could schedule a time to talk if you would like to email me some times that may work for you.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Peace & Mercy,
Kiersten Luginbill
All God’s Children International
Inquiry Coordinator
kluginbill@allgodschildren.org
1-800-214-6719
Direct Line: 503-327-7400
Fax: 503-282-2582
Good Afternoon! I wanted to follow up with you today after speaking with my director in further detail about our Nepal special needs program and would love to talk with you more if you are interested in learning about some of the developments in our special needs Nepal program.
You can feel free to reach me via my direct line at 503-327-7400 or we could schedule a time to talk if you would like to email me some times that may work for you.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Peace & Mercy,
Kiersten Luginbill
All God’s Children International
Inquiry Coordinator
kluginbill@allgodschildren.org
1-800-214-6719
Direct Line: 503-327-7400
Fax: 503-282-2582
February 19, 2009
Father,
I believe we've heard you clearly call us to Nepal. I pray you continue to confirm it until we bring our son home. Now I ask you to begin to provide the money needed. If this truly is of you and this is our only or seems our biggest obstacle (mountain) we pray it will be moved! I also pray believing that we'll get a call sometime this year telling us there is an opening for us with the program. Lord please bless us with a healthy little baby boy! Please continue to speak to Mike and I through your word. Give us ears to hear and eyes to see! Praying expecting a miracle!
Amen
Proverbs 19
vs. 21
You (we) can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail.
Psalm 23
vs. 3
He guides me along the right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Psalm 24
vs. 8
Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty. The Lord invincible in battle.
vs. 10b
He is the King of Glory!
Deuteronomy 8
vs. 2-3
talking about how the Lord brought us through the wilderness (trials). Did it to humble and test us to prove our character. To find out if we really obey his commandments. He did this to teach us that we need more than the "bread" (things of this world) real life comes by feeding on every word of the Lord.
He allows times of testing and....
vs. 16-17
He did this to humble you and test your for your own good. He did it so you would never think that it was your own strength and energy that mad you wealthy.
I believe we've heard you clearly call us to Nepal. I pray you continue to confirm it until we bring our son home. Now I ask you to begin to provide the money needed. If this truly is of you and this is our only or seems our biggest obstacle (mountain) we pray it will be moved! I also pray believing that we'll get a call sometime this year telling us there is an opening for us with the program. Lord please bless us with a healthy little baby boy! Please continue to speak to Mike and I through your word. Give us ears to hear and eyes to see! Praying expecting a miracle!
Amen
Proverbs 19
vs. 21
You (we) can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail.
Psalm 23
vs. 3
He guides me along the right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Psalm 24
vs. 8
Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty. The Lord invincible in battle.
vs. 10b
He is the King of Glory!
Deuteronomy 8
vs. 2-3
talking about how the Lord brought us through the wilderness (trials). Did it to humble and test us to prove our character. To find out if we really obey his commandments. He did this to teach us that we need more than the "bread" (things of this world) real life comes by feeding on every word of the Lord.
He allows times of testing and....
vs. 16-17
He did this to humble you and test your for your own good. He did it so you would never think that it was your own strength and energy that mad you wealthy.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
February 18, 2009
This chapter made me think of our son's story and how the Lord I believe will provide all we need to do this adoption and he will get all the glory! Even son will give God the glory when he's older.
Psalm 22
vs. 5
You heard their cries for help (makes me think of the orphan and our financial need) and saved them. They put their trust in you and were never disappointed.
The chapter goes on and talks about their weakness and his enemies surrounding him...looking to kill him.
vs. 21
Snatch me from the lions jaw.
vs. 22
Then I will declare the wonder of your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among all your people.
vs. 24
For he has not ignored the suffering of the needy. He has not turned and walked away. He has listened to their cries for help.
vs. 30
Future generations will also serve him. Our children will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those yet unborn.
When it says our children will hear about the wonders of the Lord it makes me think about how they will always hear about their adoption stories...how the Lord brought them into our family.
His righteous acts will be told to those yet unborn....is the Lord telling me our son has not been born yet?
Deuteronomy 7
vs. 6b
Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.
vs. 7
The Lord did not chose you and lavish his love on you because you were larger or greater than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations!
A reminder that he enjoys using the weak to show his greatness.
vs. 9
Understand therefore that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and constantly loves those who love him and obey his commands.
vs. 12
If you listen to these laws(10 commandments) and obey them faithfully the Lord your God will keep his covenant of unfailing love with you.
vs. 13
He will love you and bless you....He will give you many children.
I love this verse!!!
Psalm 22
vs. 5
You heard their cries for help (makes me think of the orphan and our financial need) and saved them. They put their trust in you and were never disappointed.
The chapter goes on and talks about their weakness and his enemies surrounding him...looking to kill him.
vs. 21
Snatch me from the lions jaw.
vs. 22
Then I will declare the wonder of your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among all your people.
vs. 24
For he has not ignored the suffering of the needy. He has not turned and walked away. He has listened to their cries for help.
vs. 30
Future generations will also serve him. Our children will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those yet unborn.
When it says our children will hear about the wonders of the Lord it makes me think about how they will always hear about their adoption stories...how the Lord brought them into our family.
His righteous acts will be told to those yet unborn....is the Lord telling me our son has not been born yet?
Deuteronomy 7
vs. 6b
Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.
vs. 7
The Lord did not chose you and lavish his love on you because you were larger or greater than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations!
A reminder that he enjoys using the weak to show his greatness.
vs. 9
Understand therefore that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and constantly loves those who love him and obey his commands.
vs. 12
If you listen to these laws(10 commandments) and obey them faithfully the Lord your God will keep his covenant of unfailing love with you.
vs. 13
He will love you and bless you....He will give you many children.
I love this verse!!!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
February 17, 2009
Deuteronomy 6
vs. 4
The Lord is our God the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength.
vs. 6-9
Make sure to continually teach them to your children. (speaking of the commandments)
vs. 22
Before our eyes the Lord did miraculous signs....
This is a reminder to me that the Lord can and still does miracles!
Psalm 20
vs.1
In times of trouble may the Lord respond to your (our) cry.
Makes me think of our cry for help financially for the adoption.
vs.4
May he grant your hearts desire and fulfill all your (His) plans (will).
Our hearts desire is to adopt a son if it's His will and plan.
vs.5
May we shout for joy when we (they) hear of our victory. May the Lord answer all your (our) prayers.
vs. 7 We will boast in the Lord our God.
vs. 9
Respond to our cry for help.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yesterday 2/16/09 AGCI called and told me they had heard from the case manager for Nepal's waiting child program. All special needs will be severe....epilepsy, heart conditions, clef lip and so on. I asked her about securing a place for 2010 but they already have 20 families in the Nepal program. 10 dossiers are in Nepal now and 10 families in line for 2010. She did tell us she could and would put our names on a list and if something opened up for more dossiers or a family changed their direction and a spot became available she would call us. She also told me the 300.00 application fee in only good for 90 days at which point we would be required to pay our first program fee....around 5,000.00.
I was disappointed when I go off the phone with Kirsten. Questions like is Nepal really where we're suppose to go? Is this a closed door? Should we be doing what we planned all along...adopt another daughter from China and then go to Nepal???
After some time passed I began to think maybe this is the Lords way of giving us time to save money. So that when the door does open for us we'll at least be able to move ahead, because we will have some money saved...with the help of the Lord. 30,000.00 is A LOT of money....but if He has called us and wants this to happen he'll provide! I will try by the Lords help to be patient and wait out this year to see what happens with Nepal. Maybe we'll get a call in the fall that we're all set to start the program. Maybe it will be 2010 that we have the great privilege and honor to become parents to a baby boy....maybe named Jonah....maybe from BANAU?
Father,
I choose to trust you and wait in anticipation to see how you are going to work this all out. If this in not your plan we pray for clear direction as to where to go. Right now we WAIT and PRAY and expect a financial miracle...if it's your will. Please Lord open this door to Nepal and provide the funds needed if it be your will.
Amen
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amy sent me an email on facebook. Amy and her husband adopted from China about the same time we adopted Noelle. And they used AWAA. We have emailed back and forth just commenting on our girls and traveling....things of that nature. I haven't posted anything about Nepal or what the Lord has been speaking to us about.
This is the email....
Subject: Ok, I have to ask...
Just because you have been on my heart lately....but are you guys still praying about adopting again?
A.
I talked with Amy and it was so encouraging to know that she has and would be praying for us! Thank you Lord.
vs. 4
The Lord is our God the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength.
vs. 6-9
Make sure to continually teach them to your children. (speaking of the commandments)
vs. 22
Before our eyes the Lord did miraculous signs....
This is a reminder to me that the Lord can and still does miracles!
Psalm 20
vs.1
In times of trouble may the Lord respond to your (our) cry.
Makes me think of our cry for help financially for the adoption.
vs.4
May he grant your hearts desire and fulfill all your (His) plans (will).
Our hearts desire is to adopt a son if it's His will and plan.
vs.5
May we shout for joy when we (they) hear of our victory. May the Lord answer all your (our) prayers.
vs. 7 We will boast in the Lord our God.
vs. 9
Respond to our cry for help.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yesterday 2/16/09 AGCI called and told me they had heard from the case manager for Nepal's waiting child program. All special needs will be severe....epilepsy, heart conditions, clef lip and so on. I asked her about securing a place for 2010 but they already have 20 families in the Nepal program. 10 dossiers are in Nepal now and 10 families in line for 2010. She did tell us she could and would put our names on a list and if something opened up for more dossiers or a family changed their direction and a spot became available she would call us. She also told me the 300.00 application fee in only good for 90 days at which point we would be required to pay our first program fee....around 5,000.00.
I was disappointed when I go off the phone with Kirsten. Questions like is Nepal really where we're suppose to go? Is this a closed door? Should we be doing what we planned all along...adopt another daughter from China and then go to Nepal???
After some time passed I began to think maybe this is the Lords way of giving us time to save money. So that when the door does open for us we'll at least be able to move ahead, because we will have some money saved...with the help of the Lord. 30,000.00 is A LOT of money....but if He has called us and wants this to happen he'll provide! I will try by the Lords help to be patient and wait out this year to see what happens with Nepal. Maybe we'll get a call in the fall that we're all set to start the program. Maybe it will be 2010 that we have the great privilege and honor to become parents to a baby boy....maybe named Jonah....maybe from BANAU?
Father,
I choose to trust you and wait in anticipation to see how you are going to work this all out. If this in not your plan we pray for clear direction as to where to go. Right now we WAIT and PRAY and expect a financial miracle...if it's your will. Please Lord open this door to Nepal and provide the funds needed if it be your will.
Amen
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amy sent me an email on facebook. Amy and her husband adopted from China about the same time we adopted Noelle. And they used AWAA. We have emailed back and forth just commenting on our girls and traveling....things of that nature. I haven't posted anything about Nepal or what the Lord has been speaking to us about.
This is the email....
Subject: Ok, I have to ask...
Just because you have been on my heart lately....but are you guys still praying about adopting again?
A.
I talked with Amy and it was so encouraging to know that she has and would be praying for us! Thank you Lord.
Monday, February 16, 2009
February 16, 2009
This verses stood out to me while having my daily devotions.
Psalm 17
vs.1b - Listen to my cry for help. Pay attention to my prayer.
vs. 6 - I am praying to you because I know you will answer O God.
Psalm 18
vs. 25 - you show yourself faithful.
Psalm 17
vs.1b - Listen to my cry for help. Pay attention to my prayer.
vs. 6 - I am praying to you because I know you will answer O God.
Psalm 18
vs. 25 - you show yourself faithful.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
February 11, 2009
Found Strother's blog!
A HUGE blessing to me! Through their blog I found All God's Children International! This is who they are using. I love that they are a Christian agency!!! That is very important to us....especially in the time that we are living when so many organizations donate money to different causes....we want to know the our funds are all being used for the Lord. I think that's part of being a good steward.
When we traveled to China another AWAA family flew over with us on the long flight. She had a book with her and told me I should take it and read it.....I did and loved it! It was titled The Strength of Mercy by Jan Beazely. She is the co-founder of AGCI....how cool is that. Perhaps the Lord was planting a seed back then???
While I was reading the Strother's blog I felt the Lord again was speaking to me and I began wondering if we just needed to take a step of faith and pay the 300.00 application fee. Thinking that would be a way of letting the Lord, family and friends know that we believe the Lord is leading and although we don't have all the answers and definitely not the money we are choosing to trust Him!
My friend Lisa N. called me while I was reading, praying, and thinking. She just wanted to know how we were doing (her and her husband are praying with us) and if we had officially applied. I told her we hadn't and shared with her how right now we are struggling the most we ever had with our finances...even paying our bills on time has been a struggle. So adopting right now seems so crazy when you look at it from a human perspective, but we can't deny the burden the Lord has put on our hearts and how he has been speaking to us daily about it...at least so it seems. She told me that while having her devotions she was reminded of how Moses was leading the children of Israel away from Egypt and they were stuck between the Red Sea and the army that sought to destroy them. First the Lord was leading them by using the pillar of fire. Then as they approached the sea they thought they would be killed....how could the Lord save them? It seemed like an impossible situation. It wasn't until Moses stepped in the water and raised his staff (did what the Lord told him) that the water parted and he made dry ground.
Exodus 12-15
It was the middle of the night when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. There was little time to pack, and no time to gather extra food for the journey. Thousands and thousands of people filed out, leading goats and sheep, and all they could with them.
The Egyptians called out to the Israelites, "Hurry! Hurry! You must leave quickly before we all die!"
As the Hebrews left, Egyptians gave them gold and silver. The Egyptians were weary from the plagues, and hoped that God would now have mercy on Egypt.
God led His people as they traveled. In the daytime, He gave a pillar of cloud to follow. At night, He gave a pillar of fire. Finally, Moses stopped at the banks of the Red Sea and waited for God.
Meanwhile, back in Egypt, Pharaoh changed his mind once again! He gathered his army, setting out with horses and chariots. He wanted to capture the Israelites.
When the Israelites saw the army in the distance, they cried. "Moses!" they cried. "Did you bring us out to the desert so we could be killed by Pharaoh?"
"Don't be afraid," said Moses. "Stand firm! Watch and see what God is able to do!"
Then Moses reached out his hand over the Red Sea. And with great power, God pushed aside the waters, and blew a mighty wind that divided the sea in half!
Mothers and fathers, boys and girls, young and old—all walked straight into the sea. But each step they took landed upon dry ground! And next to them stood tall walls of water—one on each side.
For the entire night they walked through the sea. Their eyes grew wide and their hearts trembled when they realized what God had done for them.
Pharaoh's army entered the parted sea, the same as the Israelites had done. But God made the chariots break down and the horses stumble. Meanwhile, the Israelites got safely to shore. Then as the morning sun rose, God told Moses to reach his hand over the sea again. Moses obeyed. And the walls of water immediately fell, thundering back into the sea!
As the Israelites watched Pharaoh's army being buried by the Red Sea, they knew their God was very powerful. They trusted Him. And they trusted Moses—the man God sent to deliver them.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The shortest path from Egypt to Canaan was a sandy desert route. The Israelites could have made the trip in two or three weeks by taking this path but God didn't lead the on the easiest, most convenient route. Instead he took them on a longer trip to protect his people. No doubt the Israelites who knew geography wondered about the wisdom of God's leadership. By human standards, this route made no sense.
God was laying an inescapable trap for the Egyptians. he was also preparing another exciting display of his power to rescue his people.
God does not always work in the way that seems easiest to us. Many times, the road he lead us on is not the shortest, or the most comfortable,or the most convenient.
God looks at the trip from an eternal viewpoint. He sees where we were yesterday, where we are today, and where we will be tomorrow. God is our only true guide.
A HUGE blessing to me! Through their blog I found All God's Children International! This is who they are using. I love that they are a Christian agency!!! That is very important to us....especially in the time that we are living when so many organizations donate money to different causes....we want to know the our funds are all being used for the Lord. I think that's part of being a good steward.
When we traveled to China another AWAA family flew over with us on the long flight. She had a book with her and told me I should take it and read it.....I did and loved it! It was titled The Strength of Mercy by Jan Beazely. She is the co-founder of AGCI....how cool is that. Perhaps the Lord was planting a seed back then???
While I was reading the Strother's blog I felt the Lord again was speaking to me and I began wondering if we just needed to take a step of faith and pay the 300.00 application fee. Thinking that would be a way of letting the Lord, family and friends know that we believe the Lord is leading and although we don't have all the answers and definitely not the money we are choosing to trust Him!
My friend Lisa N. called me while I was reading, praying, and thinking. She just wanted to know how we were doing (her and her husband are praying with us) and if we had officially applied. I told her we hadn't and shared with her how right now we are struggling the most we ever had with our finances...even paying our bills on time has been a struggle. So adopting right now seems so crazy when you look at it from a human perspective, but we can't deny the burden the Lord has put on our hearts and how he has been speaking to us daily about it...at least so it seems. She told me that while having her devotions she was reminded of how Moses was leading the children of Israel away from Egypt and they were stuck between the Red Sea and the army that sought to destroy them. First the Lord was leading them by using the pillar of fire. Then as they approached the sea they thought they would be killed....how could the Lord save them? It seemed like an impossible situation. It wasn't until Moses stepped in the water and raised his staff (did what the Lord told him) that the water parted and he made dry ground.
Exodus 12-15
It was the middle of the night when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. There was little time to pack, and no time to gather extra food for the journey. Thousands and thousands of people filed out, leading goats and sheep, and all they could with them.
The Egyptians called out to the Israelites, "Hurry! Hurry! You must leave quickly before we all die!"
As the Hebrews left, Egyptians gave them gold and silver. The Egyptians were weary from the plagues, and hoped that God would now have mercy on Egypt.
God led His people as they traveled. In the daytime, He gave a pillar of cloud to follow. At night, He gave a pillar of fire. Finally, Moses stopped at the banks of the Red Sea and waited for God.
Meanwhile, back in Egypt, Pharaoh changed his mind once again! He gathered his army, setting out with horses and chariots. He wanted to capture the Israelites.
When the Israelites saw the army in the distance, they cried. "Moses!" they cried. "Did you bring us out to the desert so we could be killed by Pharaoh?"
"Don't be afraid," said Moses. "Stand firm! Watch and see what God is able to do!"
Then Moses reached out his hand over the Red Sea. And with great power, God pushed aside the waters, and blew a mighty wind that divided the sea in half!
Mothers and fathers, boys and girls, young and old—all walked straight into the sea. But each step they took landed upon dry ground! And next to them stood tall walls of water—one on each side.
For the entire night they walked through the sea. Their eyes grew wide and their hearts trembled when they realized what God had done for them.
Pharaoh's army entered the parted sea, the same as the Israelites had done. But God made the chariots break down and the horses stumble. Meanwhile, the Israelites got safely to shore. Then as the morning sun rose, God told Moses to reach his hand over the sea again. Moses obeyed. And the walls of water immediately fell, thundering back into the sea!
As the Israelites watched Pharaoh's army being buried by the Red Sea, they knew their God was very powerful. They trusted Him. And they trusted Moses—the man God sent to deliver them.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The shortest path from Egypt to Canaan was a sandy desert route. The Israelites could have made the trip in two or three weeks by taking this path but God didn't lead the on the easiest, most convenient route. Instead he took them on a longer trip to protect his people. No doubt the Israelites who knew geography wondered about the wisdom of God's leadership. By human standards, this route made no sense.
God was laying an inescapable trap for the Egyptians. he was also preparing another exciting display of his power to rescue his people.
God does not always work in the way that seems easiest to us. Many times, the road he lead us on is not the shortest, or the most comfortable,or the most convenient.
God looks at the trip from an eternal viewpoint. He sees where we were yesterday, where we are today, and where we will be tomorrow. God is our only true guide.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
February 7, 2009
Psalm 26
My prayer....
Lord, it is nothing for you to help us with an adoption from Nepal. We seek your will and direction. Whether we have many resources or nothing. Please help us oh Lord, for we rest only on you. In your name we seek direction and guidance and go against all of the impossibilities that stand between us and bringing home an orphan child. Oh Lord you are our God let nothing distract or prevent us from doing your will and what you have commanded us concerning the fatherless. You are the one who puts the solitary in families. Lord please direct us and help us that we may publish with the voice of thanksgiving and tell of all your wondrous works....
calling the man that carries out my council from a far country. I have spoken it, I will also make it happen. It is because of my desires it will be. I WILL DO IT!!!!
Mike
My prayer....
Lord, it is nothing for you to help us with an adoption from Nepal. We seek your will and direction. Whether we have many resources or nothing. Please help us oh Lord, for we rest only on you. In your name we seek direction and guidance and go against all of the impossibilities that stand between us and bringing home an orphan child. Oh Lord you are our God let nothing distract or prevent us from doing your will and what you have commanded us concerning the fatherless. You are the one who puts the solitary in families. Lord please direct us and help us that we may publish with the voice of thanksgiving and tell of all your wondrous works....
calling the man that carries out my council from a far country. I have spoken it, I will also make it happen. It is because of my desires it will be. I WILL DO IT!!!!
Mike
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