HOW GREAT THOU ART!
Go here and read what happened today!
Yesterday the army of the Living God was mobilized to pray!
And our God answered.
The Everlasting Father.
The Great I Am.
There is none like our God.
Faithful and True is His name!
May 31, 2012
then sings my soul
Go here and read what happened today!
Yesterday the army of the Living God was mobilized to pray!
And our God answered.
The Everlasting Father.
The Great I Am.
There is none like our God.
Faithful and True is His name!
for one day only....vote!
Good morning, friends.
As many of you know from this post, a ministry that I love and support, Project Hopeful, is in line to win $50,000.00! That's an enormous amount of money which will go toward spreading the TRUTH about HIV in many places around the world. Project Hopeful is run by a team of volunteers--every single dollar they receive is used to expand the kingdom of God on the earth!
Could you please do me a HUGE favor today?
Just for one day (today!) Project Hopeful is asking everyone to please go and vote RIGHT HERE. They are already in the lead, but with just four weeks of voting left they are hoping that we can help them gain an even more sizable lead.
Today they are hoping to add 2000 votes!
Would you please share this with your friends today? It's such an easy way to DO something about the orphan crisis without even leaving your home. It takes all of 10 seconds to vote (you need to have a Facebook account in order to vote).
People ask me all the time, "What can we do to help?" Well, here's a way! Help a ministry who is being the hands and feet of Jesus to many orphans to make even more of a difference in places where you and I cannot go. $50,000.00 will literally change lives!
Just click on THIS LINK to vote!
Thanks! You guys are awesome!
May 30, 2012
urgent prayer request!
Oh, my friends! The truth about adoption is that sometimes things just do not go according to our plans--the way we so hoped and prayed they would.
Today I come to you asking for your prayers for one precious family who many of you know from my blog.
Last December I sent out an urgent plea for a family for a very sweet boy in Ukraine. His name was "Jonathan". The army of God rallied big time (in fact, I believe it is still the most read blog post ever here on my blog). His story touched so many hearts. Thousands and thousands of people prayed for a family to step forward for this boy who was running out of time fast and needed a committed family before his sixteenth birthday. We were told that Jonathan wanted nothing more than a family and that he understood his time to find one was short.
God answered our prayers and the Mickschl family were quick to hear the voice of the Lord saying, "Go!" As fast as possible, they compiled all the necessary paperwork and a facilitator went to Jonathan's orphanage to find out if he did indeed still want to be adopted. He said that he did--and that he was excited to finally have a family of his own.
Today my friends finally got to meet the boy who has become the son in their hearts.
But things have not gone as well as we have all been praying they would. Today Andrey (his real name) said no, he did not want to be adopted! He is obviously so afraid. I cannot even begin to imagine what it must be like to be sixteen and know nothing but the life inside those orphanage walls. The thought of leaving it behind and going overseas with two people who don't even speak the same language must be terrifying.
Hansina and Mark spent time praying for Andrey and then left the room where they had gathered. Andrey was left to sign the necessary paperwork stating that he did NOT want to be adopted.
But he could not sign them! He only sat staring at the paperwork--knowing full well that this is his last opportunity to have a family. He was unable to make a decision. Andrey has asked the family to please give him a few days to think about it. He has until this Friday to make a decision about whether or not he wants to be adopted.
So hard!
Adopting older children can be hard, friends. These children only know their world inside of the orphanage walls. My friends only want what is best for Andrey! They long for him to know without a shadow of a doubt what he wants--that there will be no confusion in all the voices and opinions he is hearing. If he decides to stay, they will trust that God has a plan and a purpose for his life right there in his own country. And if he decides to come home with them, they are praying that he will know with absolute certainty that it is what he would love.
Would you PLEASE pray with us in the next two days? Would you please join Hansina and Mark in believing that ONLY God's perfect will will be done in this young man's life? That's all anyone wants in this situation. The family has gone into this adoption with their eyes wide open--knowing and understanding with all their hearts that there are so many unknowns when it comes to adopting older children. They want the best for Andrey--no matter which way this goes.
Please pray for each of their hearts which are no doubt very tender right now. And also, let's pray that the peace of God which passes all understanding will fill them to overflowing in the days to come.
Have YOUR way in the young man's life, Lord Jesus!
Today I come to you asking for your prayers for one precious family who many of you know from my blog.
Last December I sent out an urgent plea for a family for a very sweet boy in Ukraine. His name was "Jonathan". The army of God rallied big time (in fact, I believe it is still the most read blog post ever here on my blog). His story touched so many hearts. Thousands and thousands of people prayed for a family to step forward for this boy who was running out of time fast and needed a committed family before his sixteenth birthday. We were told that Jonathan wanted nothing more than a family and that he understood his time to find one was short.
God answered our prayers and the Mickschl family were quick to hear the voice of the Lord saying, "Go!" As fast as possible, they compiled all the necessary paperwork and a facilitator went to Jonathan's orphanage to find out if he did indeed still want to be adopted. He said that he did--and that he was excited to finally have a family of his own.
Today my friends finally got to meet the boy who has become the son in their hearts.
But things have not gone as well as we have all been praying they would. Today Andrey (his real name) said no, he did not want to be adopted! He is obviously so afraid. I cannot even begin to imagine what it must be like to be sixteen and know nothing but the life inside those orphanage walls. The thought of leaving it behind and going overseas with two people who don't even speak the same language must be terrifying.
Hansina and Mark spent time praying for Andrey and then left the room where they had gathered. Andrey was left to sign the necessary paperwork stating that he did NOT want to be adopted.
But he could not sign them! He only sat staring at the paperwork--knowing full well that this is his last opportunity to have a family. He was unable to make a decision. Andrey has asked the family to please give him a few days to think about it. He has until this Friday to make a decision about whether or not he wants to be adopted.
So hard!
Adopting older children can be hard, friends. These children only know their world inside of the orphanage walls. My friends only want what is best for Andrey! They long for him to know without a shadow of a doubt what he wants--that there will be no confusion in all the voices and opinions he is hearing. If he decides to stay, they will trust that God has a plan and a purpose for his life right there in his own country. And if he decides to come home with them, they are praying that he will know with absolute certainty that it is what he would love.
Would you PLEASE pray with us in the next two days? Would you please join Hansina and Mark in believing that ONLY God's perfect will will be done in this young man's life? That's all anyone wants in this situation. The family has gone into this adoption with their eyes wide open--knowing and understanding with all their hearts that there are so many unknowns when it comes to adopting older children. They want the best for Andrey--no matter which way this goes.
Please pray for each of their hearts which are no doubt very tender right now. And also, let's pray that the peace of God which passes all understanding will fill them to overflowing in the days to come.
Have YOUR way in the young man's life, Lord Jesus!
May 29, 2012
a step back
It's been good to have a few days away from blogging and all things adoption-related. I needed it. My heart has been so heavy as I have prayerfully had to make a few difficult decisions. Forgive me for all the unanswered e-mails--I really have needed to take a step back and seek God's face on the things which have been so burdensome.
I'll be back to share my heart with you all very soon.
May the Everlasting God be your EVERYTHING this day! He is worthy of our praise!
I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises
I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are helpless take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
let us exalt his name together.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
Fear the Lord, you his godly people,
for those who fear him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. Psalm 34
I'll be back to share my heart with you all very soon.
May the Everlasting God be your EVERYTHING this day! He is worthy of our praise!
I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises
I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are helpless take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
let us exalt his name together.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
He freed me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
he saved me from all my troubles.
For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
He freed me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
he saved me from all my troubles.
For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
Fear the Lord, you his godly people,
for those who fear him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. Psalm 34
May 23, 2012
Hailee is....
Growing.
Learning every day.
Blossoming.
Curious.
Lovable.
Content.
Restored.
Brave.
Intentional.
LOUD!
Happy. Very happy.
Tough.
Determined.
Into everything!
Adorable.
Treasured!
28 Pounds.
35 Inches.
SEVEN YEARS OLD!
I just love the expression on Hailee's face in this photo. Priceless.
Our littlest lovie recently celebrated her birthday.
How very far she has come in two years! She's our little miracle girl.
Try as they may, no one can ever convince me that these precious children are better off in an orphanage!
Adoption is redemption!
Learning every day.
Blossoming.
Curious.
Lovable.
Content.
Restored.
Brave.
Intentional.
LOUD!
Happy. Very happy.
Tough.
Determined.
Into everything!
Adorable.
Treasured!
28 Pounds.
35 Inches.
SEVEN YEARS OLD!
I just love the expression on Hailee's face in this photo. Priceless.
Our littlest lovie recently celebrated her birthday.
How very far she has come in two years! She's our little miracle girl.
Try as they may, no one can ever convince me that these precious children are better off in an orphanage!
Adoption is redemption!
May 22, 2012
her unfolding story
Today we got our biometrics (fingerprints) done. It cannot possibly come one day too soon!
Yesterday a sweet reader sent me a video she found on YouTube. Our beautiful Hasya is in it. I was so thankful that she took the time to send it to me. Anyone who has adopted internationally understands so well that any pictures or videos of our children waiting in faraway lands are like gold--a treasure.
Oh my goodness! My heart broke in two when I saw this. This video was made three years ago. She was 11 years old at the time.
I cry out to the Lord for Hasya every day. It is beyond my human understanding how she can still be alive. How has she managed to hold on for this long? How has she found the strength to endure for the last 14 years in this condition?
How does any child survive such heinous conditions?
Only by the grace of God! He is busy writing HIS story for her life.
But right now, I must confess, I just ache to bring her home. I long to get her medical attention, wrap my arms around her emaciated little body, and whisper into her ears that she is so very loved. I long to feed her and have her know what it feels like to have a full belly and every need taken care of.
I long.
I thought I would share this with you all because I know that so many of you are praying for Hasya--trusting that she somehow she will find the strength to hold on. Please continue to pray and trust with us. Pray that the Father would continue to breathe LIFE into her frail body. She's a tough little fighter--that's for sure.
Cue the video to about 4:15 (or watch the whole thing--your heart will be challenged!). It's a very short clip of Hasya.
Oh, God in heaven! How desperately we need You here!
And all those other precious ones who lie in cribs? The older children who are without hope?
What about the ones left behind?
I don't even know what to say. There just are no words.
Rise up, Church! They NEED us!
Yesterday a sweet reader sent me a video she found on YouTube. Our beautiful Hasya is in it. I was so thankful that she took the time to send it to me. Anyone who has adopted internationally understands so well that any pictures or videos of our children waiting in faraway lands are like gold--a treasure.
Oh my goodness! My heart broke in two when I saw this. This video was made three years ago. She was 11 years old at the time.
I cry out to the Lord for Hasya every day. It is beyond my human understanding how she can still be alive. How has she managed to hold on for this long? How has she found the strength to endure for the last 14 years in this condition?
How does any child survive such heinous conditions?
Only by the grace of God! He is busy writing HIS story for her life.
But right now, I must confess, I just ache to bring her home. I long to get her medical attention, wrap my arms around her emaciated little body, and whisper into her ears that she is so very loved. I long to feed her and have her know what it feels like to have a full belly and every need taken care of.
I long.
I thought I would share this with you all because I know that so many of you are praying for Hasya--trusting that she somehow she will find the strength to hold on. Please continue to pray and trust with us. Pray that the Father would continue to breathe LIFE into her frail body. She's a tough little fighter--that's for sure.
Cue the video to about 4:15 (or watch the whole thing--your heart will be challenged!). It's a very short clip of Hasya.
Oh, God in heaven! How desperately we need You here!
And all those other precious ones who lie in cribs? The older children who are without hope?
What about the ones left behind?
I don't even know what to say. There just are no words.
Rise up, Church! They NEED us!
May 21, 2012
winners
Last weekend I spent hours and hours working on the winners for the giveaway to bring Hasya home. It was very emotional reading through all the comments. I was so deeply touched by the love so many of you poured out for our newest blessing. I tell people this all the time--yes, we are the ones stepping out in faith to bring her home, but it takes God's army to rescue a child! The body of Christ truly is a beautiful thing. Anthony and I don't even know how to thank you all enough for the huge amount of support, encouragement and love you have showered upon us as we journey this road once again. We are forever grateful.
With the help of random.org, here are the winners of the various items. If your name is listed below, you don't need to do anything. We will get in touch with you soon.
With a heart overflowing with thankfulness!
Camera with Accessories
N. Howe
iPad3
K. Anderson
$500 Posh Tots Gift Card
H. De Herrera
iPod Touch
D. Cotton
Glass Rose
J. Harvey
Stirling Silver Set
K. Johnson
Natural Keishi Petal Pearls with Sapphires necklace
S. Upp
"Family Friendly" Wildtree Basket
D. Hearington
"Picnic and Grilling" Wildtree Basket
M. Matthias
$25 to Gap/ Old Navy/Banana Republic
Silver Bracelet
A. Smith
Tutu Bow Holder
Bow Set
H. Rose
Beaded Bracelet and Earrings
G. McAdams
$50 Website/Facebook Design
F. Harp
$50 Website/Facebook Design
D. Marks
Sterling Silver Set
S. Olthoff
Talbots Necklace
Vintage Scarf
N. Whitney
Large Beach Towel
N. Brunner
Tutu
2 x Mattie Grace Necklaces
M. Bonnett
Beaded socks
Tutu
C. Smith
$50 Wholefoods
K. Evans
$50 Macy's
I. Gardner
$100 Target
K. Lee
$50 Visa Card
D. Brooks
$200 Visa Card
L. Wingler
iPod Classic
A. Petitt
Gourmet cakes/cupcakes
$25 Olive Garden
G. Smith
Kindle Fire
M. Northcutt
Nook e-Reader
J. Musser
Kindle
M. Lewis
Kindle Touch
S. Reed
Kindle Touch
J. Applin
Ice Cream Maker
M. Sanchez
$25 Walmart
M. Turner
$25 Walmart
C. Davis
$50 Amazon
R. Meyer
4 Handmade Bracelets
$25 Victorian Rose Soap
W. McDonagh
Rocking Baby Sling
G. Kelios
$25 Gift Card to Grafted Together
$25 Gift Card to Thirty One Gifts
G. Stewart
Knitted items from Handiwork for Lilly
E. Richard
Knitted items from Handiwork for Lilly
S. Poole
Chinese ornaments
K. Walkley
Tote bag
Stirling Silver Pendant
S. Chewning
$15 Lila Rose Gift Card
Engraved Pen
J. Turnage
Macrame Plant Hanger
Flannel Receiving Blanket
K. Pasakarnis
Handmade Birthday Cards
"God's Heart for You" Devotional
L. Evans
Stirling Silver Necklace and bracelet
$15 Walmart Gift Card
J. Walker
TresRosieBoutique Neclaces
Handmade Girls Dress
A. Baird
Custom Bead Socks
Celtic Cross Silver Necklace
L. Wall
Adoptshoppe $50
Pillowcase Dress
R. Slough
Handmade Door Hanger
B. Whitehurst
Quilt
Mary Kay Package
J. Strasser
Sock Monkey Dress
Stirling Silver Necklace and Earrings
S. Woolcock
$30 iTunes
$50 Taffie Wishes
S. Hofer
$25 Applebees
$25 TGI Fridays
S. Blubaugh
$50 Walmart Gift Card
S. Martineau
Ceramic Flat Iron
C. Schye
Coach Groovy Purse
H. Zeller
Coach Mahogany Wristlet
B. Baird
Print by John Paul Strain
A. Phillis
$50 Thirty One Gifts
$50 Lilla Rose
T. Dziagwa
$75 My Jie Jie & Me Custom Hand Stamped Jewelry
L. Fuller
With the help of random.org, here are the winners of the various items. If your name is listed below, you don't need to do anything. We will get in touch with you soon.
With a heart overflowing with thankfulness!
~~~~~~~~~~
Camera with Accessories
N. Howe
iPad3
K. Anderson
$500 Posh Tots Gift Card
H. De Herrera
iPod Touch
D. Cotton
Glass Rose
J. Harvey
Stirling Silver Set
K. Johnson
Natural Keishi Petal Pearls with Sapphires necklace
S. Upp
"Family Friendly" Wildtree Basket
D. Hearington
"Picnic and Grilling" Wildtree Basket
M. Matthias
$25 to Gap/ Old Navy/Banana Republic
Silver Bracelet
A. Smith
Tutu Bow Holder
Bow Set
H. Rose
Beaded Bracelet and Earrings
G. McAdams
$50 Website/Facebook Design
F. Harp
$50 Website/Facebook Design
D. Marks
Sterling Silver Set
S. Olthoff
Talbots Necklace
Vintage Scarf
N. Whitney
Large Beach Towel
N. Brunner
Tutu
2 x Mattie Grace Necklaces
M. Bonnett
Beaded socks
Tutu
C. Smith
$50 Wholefoods
K. Evans
$50 Macy's
I. Gardner
$100 Target
K. Lee
$50 Visa Card
D. Brooks
$200 Visa Card
L. Wingler
iPod Classic
A. Petitt
Gourmet cakes/cupcakes
$25 Olive Garden
G. Smith
Kindle Fire
M. Northcutt
Nook e-Reader
J. Musser
Kindle
M. Lewis
Kindle Touch
S. Reed
Kindle Touch
J. Applin
Ice Cream Maker
M. Sanchez
$25 Walmart
M. Turner
$25 Walmart
C. Davis
$50 Amazon
R. Meyer
4 Handmade Bracelets
$25 Victorian Rose Soap
W. McDonagh
Rocking Baby Sling
G. Kelios
$25 Gift Card to Grafted Together
$25 Gift Card to Thirty One Gifts
G. Stewart
Knitted items from Handiwork for Lilly
E. Richard
Knitted items from Handiwork for Lilly
S. Poole
Chinese ornaments
K. Walkley
Tote bag
Stirling Silver Pendant
S. Chewning
$15 Lila Rose Gift Card
Engraved Pen
J. Turnage
Macrame Plant Hanger
Flannel Receiving Blanket
K. Pasakarnis
Handmade Birthday Cards
"God's Heart for You" Devotional
L. Evans
Stirling Silver Necklace and bracelet
$15 Walmart Gift Card
J. Walker
TresRosieBoutique Neclaces
Handmade Girls Dress
A. Baird
Custom Bead Socks
Celtic Cross Silver Necklace
L. Wall
Adoptshoppe $50
Pillowcase Dress
R. Slough
Handmade Door Hanger
B. Whitehurst
Quilt
Mary Kay Package
J. Strasser
Sock Monkey Dress
Stirling Silver Necklace and Earrings
S. Woolcock
$30 iTunes
$50 Taffie Wishes
S. Hofer
$25 Applebees
$25 TGI Fridays
S. Blubaugh
$50 Walmart Gift Card
S. Martineau
Ceramic Flat Iron
C. Schye
Coach Groovy Purse
H. Zeller
Coach Mahogany Wristlet
B. Baird
Print by John Paul Strain
A. Phillis
$50 Thirty One Gifts
$50 Lilla Rose
T. Dziagwa
$75 My Jie Jie & Me Custom Hand Stamped Jewelry
L. Fuller
May 18, 2012
praise and prayer
So many of you have written to ask me.
Has he?
Did he?
YES! God heard the cries of our hearts and He answered.
I am so, so excited to share with all of you that sweet Kristopher has a family! Hallelujah!
THANK YOU for sharing his story. Thank you for praying and for believing with me that this little lovie would not be left behind. He is NOT forsaken!
God has raised up such a wonderful family for Kristopher. What a beautiful little blessing he is going to be for them! I cannot wait to see him home!
I will keep you all posted on how things unfold.
Also, would you please pray for three precious little angels who so desperately need a healing touch from the Father? My heart is so heavy for the many little ones who are struggling with horrible sicknesses and are in the hospital tonight. These three children all have special needs and are having a very hard time right now--as are their amazing parents.
This is darling Mattie. He has had such a rough start in life and spent months and months in ICU. This week Mattie got horribly sick again and is back in the hospital. Please pray! It has been a very long and tiring road for his mommy and daddy. Sweet boy is a fighter, that's for sure. Please pray that he overcomes this setback quickly and will be back to his happy little self soon so that his family can be reunited.
You can follow his mom's blog right here for updates.
Lillian, whom I shared about last Friday, is still struggling, friends. So many of you prayed for her when she was airlifted to the hospital. It's been a hard week for precious Lillian. Yesterday she was discharged from hospital, but things have not been good. Today she ended up back in the emergency room. Lillian has also had a very rough start in her little life and we're believing that she will be completely healed, in the name of Jesus.
Updates on Lillian will be posted here on her mommy's blog.
Tonight we are also crying out for sweet Maia. This beautiful little girl started having seizures this week. She was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency brain surgery. Her parents were told that the surgery went well. But today Maia started seizing again and they have not been able to control them. Things are so uncertain right now and Maia too needs a healing touch from the ONE who is able.
Please pray, friends. You can follow along here where Maia's mom is updating on how we can pray specifically.
Thank you for praying for each one of these precious blessings. Each one created in the image of a God who adores them. Each sweet angel with a destiny and a purpose!
Standing and believing for their HEALING!
Has he?
Did he?
YES! God heard the cries of our hearts and He answered.
I am so, so excited to share with all of you that sweet Kristopher has a family! Hallelujah!
THANK YOU for sharing his story. Thank you for praying and for believing with me that this little lovie would not be left behind. He is NOT forsaken!
God has raised up such a wonderful family for Kristopher. What a beautiful little blessing he is going to be for them! I cannot wait to see him home!
I will keep you all posted on how things unfold.
~~~~~~~~~~
Also, would you please pray for three precious little angels who so desperately need a healing touch from the Father? My heart is so heavy for the many little ones who are struggling with horrible sicknesses and are in the hospital tonight. These three children all have special needs and are having a very hard time right now--as are their amazing parents.
This is darling Mattie. He has had such a rough start in life and spent months and months in ICU. This week Mattie got horribly sick again and is back in the hospital. Please pray! It has been a very long and tiring road for his mommy and daddy. Sweet boy is a fighter, that's for sure. Please pray that he overcomes this setback quickly and will be back to his happy little self soon so that his family can be reunited.
You can follow his mom's blog right here for updates.
Lillian, whom I shared about last Friday, is still struggling, friends. So many of you prayed for her when she was airlifted to the hospital. It's been a hard week for precious Lillian. Yesterday she was discharged from hospital, but things have not been good. Today she ended up back in the emergency room. Lillian has also had a very rough start in her little life and we're believing that she will be completely healed, in the name of Jesus.
Updates on Lillian will be posted here on her mommy's blog.
Tonight we are also crying out for sweet Maia. This beautiful little girl started having seizures this week. She was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency brain surgery. Her parents were told that the surgery went well. But today Maia started seizing again and they have not been able to control them. Things are so uncertain right now and Maia too needs a healing touch from the ONE who is able.
Please pray, friends. You can follow along here where Maia's mom is updating on how we can pray specifically.
Thank you for praying for each one of these precious blessings. Each one created in the image of a God who adores them. Each sweet angel with a destiny and a purpose!
Standing and believing for their HEALING!
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