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Running to the Father's arms

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

After dinner this evening, the children started to clean up the kitchen and I slipped away to the computer to get a little work done. I was copying some things for tomorrow's schoolwork when I heard a loud crash. Immediately following the crash, the sound of little feet could be heard running across the hardwood floor. Lily burst into the room, sobbing. "I broke your kitchen-angel!"

Now, the kitchen angel was a gift to me from David's grandmother. It was a lovely little figurine, given and received with love. But, at that moment, the figurine meant nothing to me. My precious daughter, in her grief, had come running to the one person who could have been disappointed by the breaking of the angel. She also came running to the one person who could relieve her of her own guilt and sadness. I wrapped Lily in my arms. "It's just a thing, Lily. It doesn't matter."

"I'm so sorry, Mommy. I didn't mean to break it."

"I know that, Lily. It was an accident. I love you." I felt Lily relax in my arms, secure in my love for her.

As Lily looked up into my eys, I began to wonder, how often, when I make a mistake, do I do the opposite of what Lily did tonight? How often do I run from the only One who can relieve me of my guilt and sadness? How often do I run from the only One who is perfect in love?

My daughter reminded me of something tonight--the most secure place to run is straight into the Father's arms. No matter what we do wrong, He is always willing to hold us gently, look into our eyes, and tell us that He loves us. May I always run straight into His outstretched arms!

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Wordless Wednesday (Rosemary's new entertainment)




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I'd love to know you!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Hello all! I've noticed that there are a number of people who visit my blog regularly, but that I don't know. I don't mind at all if you don't leave comments, but it sure would be fun to know who all of you are! So, if you'd like to leave a comment this one time I'd enjoy knowing your names, where your from, and maybe a little bit about all of you. Thanks so much!

Rosh Hashanah and 39 years for my sweet honey!

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Awake, oh sleeper!!We've been having a great time celebrating the biblical feast days this year. Rosh Hashanah really should have been celebrated last week, but we altered the schedule a bit and celebrated last night (next year we'll try to get on the right schedule). I've really enjoyed reading about the history of the feasts and the spiritual significance behind them. Rosh Hashanah is the start of the spiritual new year. It is a time to put the past behind you and move into the future WIDE AWAKE and on fire for the things of God. In the picture above, the children are blowing their shofars, and in the one below everyone is dancing and worshiping.


Sarah, this picture is for you! Here's Meredith, relaxing a little after desert.

David and Tonja (hmmm...and is that Rosie on the chair next to them?!)
My picture of Edward and Mike was blurry. I'll catch them next time during the observance of Tashlich.


This morning we woke up and were looking forward to celebrating another special day. It's David's birthday and the kids were all excited to give him their special gifts. They made a "coupon book" and also wrote out notes of thankfulness and blessings and put them in balloons for him to pop and read.


I am so grateful for this wonderful man. He is an amazing husband and father. His heart is fixed on the Lord and leading his family into loving God and His people more. Happy Birthday, David! You are a bright light to our days. I love you!!!


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Spiritual books for children

Thursday, September 24, 2009

I am always on the lookout for good books for children--books that will spur them on in love for the Lord and for others. At the homeschool conference that I attended this past summer, I came across the Draw to Learn series of books. I bought two copies and we gave one to Yana and one to Lily as gifts for their adoption days. They love them, and the books have truly encouraged them in the study of God's word. Drawing, for both Yana and Lily, engages them emotionally and spiritually. I'd highly recommend these books for your children who enjoy drawing.

Here's Lily's book.





And this is Yana's book.











I'd also like to recommend the book, Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends. Adam read this book recently and it has really encouraged him in an attitude of love, kindness and service towards his brothers and sisters.
Happy reading (and drawing)!

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A whole lot 'a lovin' goin' on!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Last night I was looking through my pictures from the last 10 months, because (ahem...) I haven't actually ordered any prints since a couple of weeks after we got home from China. (By the way, I don't recommend waiting this long to order prints...it gets a little time-consuming!). But, it was fun too. I especially enjoyed seeing all of the hugs and kisses that have been given and received throughout the year. So, here a just a few of my favorite lovey pictures (in no particular order).


Mom and Adam...oh how I love this boy!


Dad and Adam..oh how I love these boys!

Yana and her Ukrainian friend, Slava.


Grace, Adam and baby Cora.

Sweet Daddy kisses.

Hugs and secrets.

A whole pile of lovin'.


Sister love.

GeGe and MeiMei love.

More sister love.

Grace and Jadon.

Locks of love kind of love.

I love my honey, love!

Grinning love.

Keeping MeiMei warm love.

A Jadon sandwich.

Rosie needs some love!

Sweet brother love.

Two buddies love.

Sideways love.

More sweet brother love.

Grace and Adam.


Adam and Lily.

Adam and Yana.

I hope that you enjoyed all kinds of loving at your house these past 10 months, as well!

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God's lil' Princess turns 9!!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Okay, this shirt is just perfect for my lil' Lil. It's got her name right on it (lil'), she loves all things princess-y, and she most definitely belongs to God!! Thanks Oma and Opa!

My precious Lily-girl turned nine today. The big question of her eighth year was, "God, am I supposed to be a prophet or a nun? I'd like to know as soon as possible please!" We have had many conversations around this question and I love it because it is just so Lily! She is bold and courageous and is learning to truly pursue God. She asks God for every little thing, and most of the time, He answers her right away! Lily doesn't back down, and I believe that our Lord has a soft spot for His children who go boldly before His throne! Even if it's just a little thing (like asking Him to play with a friend), I believe that He answers her because He wants to show her that He loves her and hears her prayers. He so enjoys His littlest ones!


Lily's Nona (godmother) helped Lily with her cake. Thanks Tonja! My kids are usually thrilled with sprinkles! I guess that we're setting a new precedence here!!

Lily got a new princess dress for her birthday. She received it on Friday and planned to wear it to church today (minus the crown and gloves). But, this morning, she told me that she had decided that she would be too distracted by her beautiful dress if she wore it to church. So sweet.



I love you my precious daughter! You are a gift beyond compare. I pray that your ninth year is one of joy and growing love for God and others. May God fill you to overflowing!! Happy Birthday, princess Lily!
(Don't forget to check out Adam's birthday post below. His birthday was on Friday!)
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