The Good and The Bad

We had a good time celebrating the Birth of Jesus! Here is the cake Isaac wanted to have at my mom's house this Christmas.

Good news is a few people found out they passed court and others received their court dates. Bad news is some families did not pass the first time, or the courts ran out of time to hear their case. I was so sad thinking about the kids waiting months for their families. We want to hear more Good News! Proverbs 25:25 "Good News from far away is like cold water to the thirsty."
I saw this verse in the Focus on the Family magazine this month and I need to keep meditating on it: "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" Jeremiah 32:27

Off to buy chocolate so we can set up my new chocolate fountain for New Years Eve!!

Because of Our Need

I read this devotional this morning by Max Lucado-
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3:17

Can you imagine prospective parents saying, "We'd like to adopt Johnny, but first we want to know a few things. Does he have a house to live in? Does he have money for tuition? Does he have a ride to school every morning and clothes to wear every day? Can he prepare his own meals and mend his own clothes?

No agency would stand for such talk. Its representative would lift her hand and say, "Wait a minute. You don't understand. You don't adopt Johnny because of what he has; you adopt him because of what he needs. He needs a home."
The same is true with God. He doesn't adopt us because of what we have. He doesn't give us his name because of our wit or wallet or good attitude... Adoption is something we receive, not something we earn.
From the Great House of God

I love this devotional because I think the Spirit of Adoption is so important. We are adopted into God's family, what an honor. The King of the universe loves us and wants us to be apart of his life everyday.
I am thankful we can adopt a child and have them be apart of our family forever too!!

Over 3 Months

We have been waiting now about 3 1/2 months. It is exciting to see several referrals given out last week!
We pray for court dates, travel and overall health of the children.
Here is a picture of Matt and I in front of a mountain in Mexico, I believe it is Chipenque. The weather was warm and wonderful. We had a great host to take us everywhere as well. I would go back anytime, next time I would make sure we got some hiking in!
We also traveled with another couple, they were a lot of fun. I laughed so much! Thanks Todd and Brooke. Here is a picture of Brooke and I overlooking the city. If you only knew what we went through to get this ONE picture!!!

To Mexico!

It has been a long time since I posted anything! Busy with the holidays I guess!
Here is a picture of my future sister-in-law at my parents house. The snow is so awesome there right now.
On another note...Matt and I are flying to Mexico for the weekend. His company has a plant down there and we are going to help celebrate with them at their Christmas party. Not like they need any help, right? I have had a hard time packing because I can't imagine going from boots to tank tops. Although Matt said his friends there say it is cold, COLD at 75 degrees. I may have to look like an American tourist, I don't care.
We are thankful some new referrals came out yesterday. We hope the program continues to move quickly. Matt and I are sponsoring a child and encourage you to do it too. You can go to Bethany.org if you want or Helps International Ministries. I believe I have a link off my blog.
Enjoy the sun or snow wherever you live:)

Samuel's Birthday Today

Today is Samuel's first birthday. I wanted to share a few photos of him. We will send the day with Matt's family and run over to see a couple of my sisters for an hour this afternoon. I am glad Matt and I have our faith in God and knowledge of life with Him for eternity. We miss you Samuel!

Great Verse

I just love this bible verse so I had to share it!
Isaiah 30:15 "In quietness and confidence is your strength."

Also, a good quote,

"If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten." -Anthony Robbins

Here is a sweet picture of Isaac after building his first snowman of the year!

This and That

Today we got information about our sweet sponsor child in Ethiopia. He is a cutie pie!!! I keep crying and staring at his picture. What will I do when we actually get our referral?
This months Cooking Light magazine has some articles and recipes about Ethiopian Food in case anyone wants to check it out!