Well we are waiting again. The holding pattern is becoming the pattern of our lives. We pray for miracles during this time. First and foremost, we ask that you pray for quick approval from the Filipino government...they are noted to be very, very slow (I typed that slowly for emphasis).
Since our God is bigger than the boogie man, Godzilla, or the monsters on TV (thanks Veggie Tales) then He is also big enough to watch out for you and me (sorry, I could not resist). My prayer is that we will be able to go to the Philippines before Christmas...that's right Christmas 2011. That would be a miracle of God just to get everything completed and approved. But how cool would it be to have our new daughter home to spend my favorite time of year with us. We could have no greater gift.
"We have what you need at the Stuff Mart. All you need is lots more stuff." Sing it with me :)
In all honesty we don't need a lot more stuff, but we do need to finish raising money. Our final and largest check is due when we get the ok from the Philippines. That could be today or two months from now. We just don't know. Since we don't, we have to have the money in the bank ready to go. If you have been led to give and have been waiting until the adoption was closer, this is your time. Send checks to: Mission 1:27, PO Box 99086, Louisville, KY 40269. Donations are tax deductible. We need to raise about $6,000.
As I close out today's blog, I feel led to type/sing one more thing. It expresses how we feel about our God, His provision, and our friends.
"I thank God for this day,
For the sun in the sky,
For my mom and my dad,
For my piece of apple pie!
For our home on the ground,
For His love that's all around,
That's why I say thanks every day!
Because a thankful heart is a happy heart!
I'm glad for what I have,
Thats an easy way to start!
For the love that He shares,
'Cause He listens to my prayers,
That's why I say thanks every day!"
Thanks to all those who have helped or will help bring our child home!
Darren
Our Family
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
The Journey Continues
Last week Jenna and I received a file on a little special needs girl. She turned 6 yesterday. She is beautiful but has some possible health issues that we had to navigate through. We spoke with three doctors. Each gave us their opinion. I am happy to say with each question to the Philippines came a response that put her health into a better light. So with two days to spare before the deadline we have decided to move ahead with her adoption. Our paperwork still needs to be approved as does the specific child. We are believing for God's will to be done in this phase of the process. If it is not His will then we pray the government blocks it in some way. If it is His will we could be welcoming a beautiful 6 year old to our home in a few short months.
Oh how much to do. We need to raise an additional $2,100 for the adoption plus $4,000+ for travel expenses. We have to rearrange Natlalie's room to make way for bunk beds, buy clothes, medicines, luggage, etc...etc...etc.
At the beginning of the process it all looked rather daunting. Now we can begin to see light at the end of the tunnel. We are being careful not to get too attached to her (if that is possible) just in case it does not work out. But at the same time. Some of the things have to be done just in case we get the call to go to the Philippines.
We have not done a lot of formal fundraising, but God has provided for every expense. I am sure he will continue to do so. If you are reading this and would like to help us bring our child home, please make a comment here and I will tell you how you can help.
Thanks to all who have continued to pray for us during this journey. We need it now more than ever.
The Journey Continues!
Darren
Oh how much to do. We need to raise an additional $2,100 for the adoption plus $4,000+ for travel expenses. We have to rearrange Natlalie's room to make way for bunk beds, buy clothes, medicines, luggage, etc...etc...etc.
At the beginning of the process it all looked rather daunting. Now we can begin to see light at the end of the tunnel. We are being careful not to get too attached to her (if that is possible) just in case it does not work out. But at the same time. Some of the things have to be done just in case we get the call to go to the Philippines.
We have not done a lot of formal fundraising, but God has provided for every expense. I am sure he will continue to do so. If you are reading this and would like to help us bring our child home, please make a comment here and I will tell you how you can help.
Thanks to all who have continued to pray for us during this journey. We need it now more than ever.
The Journey Continues!
Darren
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Wisdom in Silence
This week mom and I are reviewing a file for a possible child. What a tough decision. Is this the child we have been waiting for? Are there issues that we can or cannot handle? What about feeling guilty if you have to say no? These are the emotions of the adoption journey. You have to be honest with yourself. You can't make a decision that will have eternal consequences based on guilt or excitement. You need to hear from God....but what if He is silent? What then? Is God's silence a yes or a no? What does it mean?
This morning as I continue to contemplate and pray, seek counsel from doctors and other adoptive families, God shows up. Not in a "yes this is what you should do" or "this is not the child I have for you", but in a word...Wisdom. As I think through this I find myself asking a question. "What is the purpose of wisdom?" If God is always saying yes or no to every question we ask, why do I need wisdom?
Perhaps our wisdom is to help us when God is silent. Maybe this is His way of helping us through when there is no clear answer. We sit down and think it through. We use the wisdom that God has given us. Our wisdom allows God to speak to us in a different way. Not the trumpet blast, "yes do this", but in our ability to navigate and make wise choices.
So this morning, though I do not have an absolute answer, I am confident in the wisdom that my God has given mom and I. In the end this wisdom will lead us to the right choice, to the right child.
God thank you for your wonderful wisdom. James 1:5 says, "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you." NLT
In this and so many situations God speaks in different and unusual ways. Perhaps there is wisdom in silence.
Love,
Daddy
This morning as I continue to contemplate and pray, seek counsel from doctors and other adoptive families, God shows up. Not in a "yes this is what you should do" or "this is not the child I have for you", but in a word...Wisdom. As I think through this I find myself asking a question. "What is the purpose of wisdom?" If God is always saying yes or no to every question we ask, why do I need wisdom?
Perhaps our wisdom is to help us when God is silent. Maybe this is His way of helping us through when there is no clear answer. We sit down and think it through. We use the wisdom that God has given us. Our wisdom allows God to speak to us in a different way. Not the trumpet blast, "yes do this", but in our ability to navigate and make wise choices.
So this morning, though I do not have an absolute answer, I am confident in the wisdom that my God has given mom and I. In the end this wisdom will lead us to the right choice, to the right child.
God thank you for your wonderful wisdom. James 1:5 says, "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you." NLT
In this and so many situations God speaks in different and unusual ways. Perhaps there is wisdom in silence.
Love,
Daddy
Friday, September 2, 2011
Water from My Rock
Son or daughter,
Today I am giving you a devotional thought.
Most Christan's know the story of how the children of Israel complained to God...again. They begged for water. God told Moses to speak to the rock. Instead he lost his temper and beat the rock with a stick. Now Moses was punished for disobedience. He was not punished for losing his temper. (Ex 17)
In life it is easy to lose it sometimes. It's okay. God can handle my anger. He can handle it when I lose my temper. He can handle my frustration. None of these things surprise Him or catch Him off guard. He knows the weakness of my sinful nature. He knows the trials that I go through from day to day. He knows because He has been there. The key is not sinning in our frustration. Remember what Paul says in Ephesians 4:26 "Don't sin by letting anger control you." It is not a matter of getting angry. The problem comes when anger moves us to get even.
Now if human nature is such that we easily fly of the handle, what do we do? The answer is found in Christ. Go to the Rock for water. He is our solid footing. He is our foundation. He is our spring of life. When we daily come to Him, He changes our human nature into His nature. He makes us more like Himself each day that we come sit at His feet. I don't want a drink form the Rock, I want to submerge myself in His grace and mercy. I want to see His face and feel His breath. I want to know that my Rock is always there and He is working to change me from the inside out.
When you go through trials, as you will in the transitions of adoption, I hope we can teach you early on that it is ok to get angry as long as you do not act on the anger. It's a process. It's a lesson for life, a lesson that takes time to learn.
We love you with all our hearts.
Love,
Daddy
Today I am giving you a devotional thought.
Most Christan's know the story of how the children of Israel complained to God...again. They begged for water. God told Moses to speak to the rock. Instead he lost his temper and beat the rock with a stick. Now Moses was punished for disobedience. He was not punished for losing his temper. (Ex 17)
In life it is easy to lose it sometimes. It's okay. God can handle my anger. He can handle it when I lose my temper. He can handle my frustration. None of these things surprise Him or catch Him off guard. He knows the weakness of my sinful nature. He knows the trials that I go through from day to day. He knows because He has been there. The key is not sinning in our frustration. Remember what Paul says in Ephesians 4:26 "Don't sin by letting anger control you." It is not a matter of getting angry. The problem comes when anger moves us to get even.
Now if human nature is such that we easily fly of the handle, what do we do? The answer is found in Christ. Go to the Rock for water. He is our solid footing. He is our foundation. He is our spring of life. When we daily come to Him, He changes our human nature into His nature. He makes us more like Himself each day that we come sit at His feet. I don't want a drink form the Rock, I want to submerge myself in His grace and mercy. I want to see His face and feel His breath. I want to know that my Rock is always there and He is working to change me from the inside out.
When you go through trials, as you will in the transitions of adoption, I hope we can teach you early on that it is ok to get angry as long as you do not act on the anger. It's a process. It's a lesson for life, a lesson that takes time to learn.
We love you with all our hearts.
Love,
Daddy
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Don't Lose Focus
Do you ever feel frustrated with life? Even as Christians our lives are not always as smooth as silk. We experience seasons of frustration, wondering, and dismay. The Biblical principal is related to the children of Israel wondering around in a barren desert. Knowing where you are going, knowing that God is in control, but not knowing how in the world you are going to get there.
This has been my life for the past three years. Yes ladies and gentlemen, count them with me, 1, 2, 3. Three long years of searching and waiting. I wish I could tell you today that this blog is all about the answers finally coming. That would be so up lifting, but it's not about that. I wish I could tell you that I have everything figured out, but that will never happen. I wish I could tell you that God sent an angel to me to reveal His perfect will and direction to me, but He has not.
No, rather this is a blog to encourage you! "Yeah right", you say. "How is this going to encourage me?" I don't want to wait 3 years. Last night I was reminding God (as if he needs me to tell Him anything) that I have been waiting for three very long...I'm talking loooonnnnngggg years and still have no answer. I reminded Him that during that time I have been obedient (insert halo here) to do what He has been clear on. I have started Mission 1:27, I have finished my Masters degree, and my wife and I have begun the process of adoption. On all these points I have felt, "maybe this is what I have been waiting for". In the end it may be. But still I am left with the feeling that there is oh so much more and so much bigger things I am supposed to do for God.
As I was reading the Psalms, as I do each night before bed, I felt the Lord impress upon me to read Esther 4. Now my being such a wise and noted Biblical scholar (insert sarcasm here) I knew That Esther 4 contained the popular words spoken by Mordecai, "But if not". Still I felt I should read it. So I did and this is what jumped out at me.
Esther 4:11 "All the king's officials and even the people in the provinces know that anyone who appears before the king in his inner court without being invited is doomed to die unless he holds out his gold scepter." NLT
Huh...ah...That's right ladies and gentlemen, read it again for the full effect of the what in the world does this have to do with me thought.
So I prayed, "God how in the world does this apply to me." Suddenly God answered. In the words of Gru, "light bu-lb". You see this is what we do in life, we lose focus. Esther went boldly into the throne room to make her request before the king. It could have spelled her death. Yet, she found favor with him and in the end he granted her request. Are you ready for it....wait for it...Yes! I get it. I can go boldly before the KING of the UNIVERSE without fear of death, but knowing that I always have favor with Him. I make my request known to Him.
It is so obvious, but we don't do it. We busily sulk and complain, we try to make things happen in ourselves or through other people (see Abraham for an illustration). All we need to do is not lose focus. So to day be encouraged. You may not get the answer you want when you want it, I still have not realized mine fully. Focus on the KING and maybe just maybe He will hold out His scepter and grant your request. After all He is the only one who truly has the power to change your circumstances.
This has been my life for the past three years. Yes ladies and gentlemen, count them with me, 1, 2, 3. Three long years of searching and waiting. I wish I could tell you today that this blog is all about the answers finally coming. That would be so up lifting, but it's not about that. I wish I could tell you that I have everything figured out, but that will never happen. I wish I could tell you that God sent an angel to me to reveal His perfect will and direction to me, but He has not.
No, rather this is a blog to encourage you! "Yeah right", you say. "How is this going to encourage me?" I don't want to wait 3 years. Last night I was reminding God (as if he needs me to tell Him anything) that I have been waiting for three very long...I'm talking loooonnnnngggg years and still have no answer. I reminded Him that during that time I have been obedient (insert halo here) to do what He has been clear on. I have started Mission 1:27, I have finished my Masters degree, and my wife and I have begun the process of adoption. On all these points I have felt, "maybe this is what I have been waiting for". In the end it may be. But still I am left with the feeling that there is oh so much more and so much bigger things I am supposed to do for God.
As I was reading the Psalms, as I do each night before bed, I felt the Lord impress upon me to read Esther 4. Now my being such a wise and noted Biblical scholar (insert sarcasm here) I knew That Esther 4 contained the popular words spoken by Mordecai, "But if not". Still I felt I should read it. So I did and this is what jumped out at me.
Esther 4:11 "All the king's officials and even the people in the provinces know that anyone who appears before the king in his inner court without being invited is doomed to die unless he holds out his gold scepter." NLT
Huh...ah...That's right ladies and gentlemen, read it again for the full effect of the what in the world does this have to do with me thought.
So I prayed, "God how in the world does this apply to me." Suddenly God answered. In the words of Gru, "light bu-lb". You see this is what we do in life, we lose focus. Esther went boldly into the throne room to make her request before the king. It could have spelled her death. Yet, she found favor with him and in the end he granted her request. Are you ready for it....wait for it...Yes! I get it. I can go boldly before the KING of the UNIVERSE without fear of death, but knowing that I always have favor with Him. I make my request known to Him.
It is so obvious, but we don't do it. We busily sulk and complain, we try to make things happen in ourselves or through other people (see Abraham for an illustration). All we need to do is not lose focus. So to day be encouraged. You may not get the answer you want when you want it, I still have not realized mine fully. Focus on the KING and maybe just maybe He will hold out His scepter and grant your request. After all He is the only one who truly has the power to change your circumstances.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Fundriaser
Jenna and I are going to sell t-shirts to help with the cost of our adoption.
T-shirts will be pre-ordered at a cost of $17 per shirt. I know this is a higher price than normal, it is more expensive to print shirts in small runs.
I can get them in Youth sizes –3XL (2XL and above are $20).
Email me back with sizes and quantity if you want... to order.
Shirts must be paid for in advance. Write checks to Mission 1:27. (PO Box 99086, Louisville, KY 40269) Add $2.00 per shirt for shipping.
Thanks for helping to bring our child home!
Darren
T-shirts will be pre-ordered at a cost of $17 per shirt. I know this is a higher price than normal, it is more expensive to print shirts in small runs.
I can get them in Youth sizes –3XL (2XL and above are $20).
Email me back with sizes and quantity if you want... to order.
Shirts must be paid for in advance. Write checks to Mission 1:27. (PO Box 99086, Louisville, KY 40269) Add $2.00 per shirt for shipping.
Thanks for helping to bring our child home!
Darren
Friday, July 22, 2011
Thank You God
It is so awesome when we see God's hand move to confirm the call He has placed on our lives. My wife and I had a moment like this last night. When I got home from the office a letter was waiting in the mail box. Upon opening it, we found that the Show Hope organization had awarded us a $4,000 grant for our adoption. We have somewhere around $10,000 left to raise. With one envelope that amount was cut down to $6,000. Our God is an awesome provider. I have no doubt that the other $6,000 will come in as we need it.
Just a quick note today to remind you, my readers, that God is faithful.
It is also to let you, our child know, God is continuing to our story a master piece.
Love,
Daddy
Just a quick note today to remind you, my readers, that God is faithful.
It is also to let you, our child know, God is continuing to our story a master piece.
Love,
Daddy
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