there's nothing like it

There is nothing like

a good morning hug from one of my boys.

There is nothing like

seeing my boys learn what it means to be a man of God,
or watching them learn to praise their Creator,
or hearing them give words of encouragement to their sisters,
or seeing them (of their own initiative) opening a door for a lady who is walking behind them.

There is absolutely nothing like

hearing, "I love you. You're the best mom in the whole world," from one of my sons.

There is just nothing like

being a mom to these precious boys.

Lord, I'd love to have another son!

But, if not, please give me lots and lots and lots of grandsons.

'cuz hanging out with amazing boys...

well,

there's just nothing like it!

pulling down strongholds

"Our tools are strong in pulling down strongholds."
(Eric Ludy)

For a number of months now, I have had a firm sense that God wants to break through strongholds in Ind*a, and in particular, in the state where R. lives. He wants to set children free! He wants to bring them under the protection of loving families.

Over the past couple of weeks, however, I have allowed distraction to set in. I have not been interceding in faith. I have not been believing God for all that He would desire in this situation.

Our precious Jesus told us how to pray:

Your Kingdom come,

Your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Our God wants to bring heaven down to earth.

Did you know that there are no orphans in heaven?!

Did you know that all children (all people) are free in heaven?!

The weapons of our warfare are strong, my friends.

They pull down strongholds.

They set the captives free.

Would you join me in praying down this stronghold in Ind*a?

Would you join me in joining with God to set these children free?

He is able.

He is willing.

May I never forget that!

blessed

I truly am blessed.

Thank you, David, for 16 beautiful years.

Being married to you has exceeded all of my dreams.

You are a gift to me every single day.

And thank you for a lovely evening.

It was such a fun and special surprise.

I love spending time with you.

Happy Anniversary, sweetheart.

I love you with all of my heart!

Good news!

That paperwork mountain has been thrown into the sea! Hooray! Read all about it here, where you'll also be able to see a beautiful picture of Lucy's new brothers and their precious mama.

Our God is so good!!

Lucy update...please pray!

Sweet Lucy, your family is working so hard to get you home. With international adoption, being as it is, however, they have run into a problem. They are in Ukraine, but they haven't had a chance to meet you yet. They've encountered a paperwok glitch.

But don't worry, Lucy-girl, you have a generous Father in heaven and He can move mountains! And we are all praying that this mountain would be thrown into the sea!

Friends, would you also pray for Lucy? Would you pray peace over her family and for a new appointment date so that they can get Lucy's file and take her home?! Thanks so much for your love for this precious little girl.

the greatest honor...

Corrie (Ten Boom) credits her father's example in inspiring her to help the Jews of Holland. She tells of an incident in which she asked a pastor who was visiting their home to help shield a mother and newborn infant. The pastor replied, "No definitely not. We could lose our lives for that Jewish child."

Corrie went on to say, "Unseen by either of us, Father had appeared in the doorway. 'Give the child to me, Corrie,' he said. Father held the baby close, his white beard brushing its cheek, looking into the little face with eyes as blue and innocent as the baby's. 'You say we could lose our lives for this child. I would consider that the greatest honor that could come to my family.'"

bestie snow day

It doesn't get much better than a foot of snow and a day to play with your best friend.

 

Addie and Grace have been friends for almost as long as Grace has been a part of our family. They have such fun with one another and they get along wonderfully. It's a joy to see them together.

We love you so much, sweet Addie. Thanks for being such a wonderful friend for Grace!