Thursday, October 31, 2013

Day 137 Prayer Request

Please pray for me to see God in all the details.

Annette (Momma to many)

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

His whisper...

"Then He said, 'Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.'  And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind;and after the wind a earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice."
1 Kings 19:11-12
 
Are you listening? 
 
Can you hear His still small voice?
 
Sister, He is whispering love all over you! 
 
 
He loves you. (Isaiah 43:4)
 
He will provide for you. (Isaiah 43:2)
 
You belong; you are His. (Isaiah 43:1)
 
 
He is calling you today to sit still before Him. 
 
Drink deeply of the cup He willing placed before you.  It is all yours.  His precious love gift to you. 
 
 
He gives much love. 
 
Hearts within hearts.  
 

Day 136 Prayer Request

Please pray for open lines of communication.

Annette (Momma to many)

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Day 135 Prayer Request

Please pray for a hurting momma to know God loves her and has a special plan for her.

Mandi (Momma to 4)

Monday, October 28, 2013

Day 134 Prayer Request

Please pray for our son and daughter as they face the past.  Please pray they can learn forgiveness.

Ann (Momma to 6)

Sunday, October 27, 2013

The Jungle

You and I, we are tangled messes.  Just like that flower bed out front.  Time slipped by silently, and we didn't notice those sneaky bindweeds as they began to twine, slowly weighing down the pretty.


I'm almost sure we saw hints of the trouble.  In fact, I think we even discussed a plan of attack, a few months back.  But, in the hustle and bustle, we just kept living our lives, clinging to our schedule, keeping up with the world. 

Maybe we hoped in denial the vines might vanish away. 

But, before we knew it, we found ourselves all bound up.


Those vines had squeezed all the hope right out of us.

And I'm afraid we're both going to have to cry out for help. 

Because, I just can't reach you through my ropes. 

And, you just can't see me through your binds.

And the baggage we both carry is destined to crush us with the first tickle of white frost.



The light breeze is blowing winter our way.

The leaves are floating off the maple, blanketing the green.  Some are even catching the wind right over to our bed, threatening to further bury the mess we are.

I am beginning to understand Jesus' precious words to Martha in her deep sorrow of loss. (John 11:17-27).  Sometimes death is the only answer to discover true life.

What dreams am I willing to let die? 

What past trauma are you willing to surrender?

What blame are we both willing to forgive? (John 11:21; John 11:32)

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD.
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:8-9

Are we both willing to lay down our fight, let our faith become our arms reaching high in submission to the only One who can really give life?

In total surrender and unwavering belief, we just might regain our hope.


Because right among us, even in the last chilly days of October, the yellow poppies are still blooming in this jungle.



He is near to us. 

Day 133 Prayer Request

Please pray for me to open my eyes to His plan for her.

Reagan (Momma to 4)

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Day 132 Prayer Request

Please pray that our son will turn around and make the right choices before it's too late.

Ann (Momma to 6)

Friday, October 25, 2013

Day 131 Prayer Request

Please pray for God's will and my thankfulness in it all. 

Annette (Momma to many)

Thursday, October 24, 2013

The Marathon

I awoke at 5:00 a.m. sharp. 
 
I was ready to roll around 6:30 a.m.
 

 
 
The Warrior Daddy and I stepped outside the hotel, and meandered our way a couple blocks south to the crowd amassing.
 
Squeezing tightly his hand, I stepped into the mob and we snaked our way to the back of the crowd.  (When your number reads 16037, it means you start in the 16th wave.  Did you notice the amazing Warrior Daddy's number?  Yes, he is that fast!) 
 
The crowd overwhelmed, and I had to stop a few times and take a deep breath.  Reaching our destination, only two waves prior to the last, the Warrior Daddy reached his phone high and snapped the memory.
 
 

Twenty thousand anxious runners, corralled into one long street. 
 
I pointed mine to the western sky.
 
 


My mind wandered to Psalm 103.  I remember I am but dust and at His gentle breath could be gone forever. 
 
But on this morning, with the moon's beams winking at me, His mercy finds me.  I am one little shining grain in a sandhill. 
 
 
The Warrior Daddy grabs my attention back.  Asks me if I am really taking a picture of the moon?  He smiles big, wraps His arms around me.
 
 
 
Beth finally finds us, and my tummy is full of restless butterflies.  By this time it is too late for the Warrior Daddy to get himself back up to his own wave.  I really love that man!  Forfeiting his place for the sake of his overexcited wife.  He held my hand right through to the start, kissed me, and ran away.
 
I'd like to tell you the race was easy and my heart was full of joy for the duration, but.... 
 
...large crowds meant standing in line for about 15 minutes of valuable clock-ticking time just to releave my aching bladder. 
 
...around mile 12 an old injury roared through my right leg, and decided to stay.  
 
...I forgot my headphones, but that really didn't matter anyway.  At mile 14 my phone died. 
 
So, for 12 miles it was just me and God. 
 
And He grace kissed my tired body around mile 16 with a little bicycler who followed me until I teased, "Are you following me?"  He giggled loud, told me I was too slow, and then rushed by me with a large grin.
 
Passing the 20 mile mark, I met Danna, who off and on passed me and let me pass her.  Opportunity to encourage and be encouraged for the remainder of the course.
 
At about mile 22, I hit my wall.  My cardiovascular system and my mind were soaring, but my knees and IT bands screamed my age and forced a slow down.  And just when I was questioning whether my body could actually finish the rest of the long miles, He distracts as I turn onto a beautifully tree-lined street, canopied in yellow, orange, and red glory.
 
And I my heart longed to take a picture, but my camera too, convenienced on my phone, was dead.
 
Around mile 24, with a measly 2.2 miles left, my mind was captured by three beautiful brown-eyed girls with dark curly hair, and that one tall pink man-child just waiting and waiting for their Momma to turn the corner and finally run past them to the finish. 
 
And I'm sure I actually heard Steven Curtis Chapman seranading me with his remake of I'm Gonna Be (500 miles).  Two miles was so much less than 500, and yes, I would, no matter whether I ran, walked, or crawled, make it to that finish line. 
 
 


 
 It was a surreal moment as I ran under that arched banner.  My eyes swelled with tears as the let down set in. 
 
I have crossed many a finish line, but in this moment I felt His goodness seeping through every fatigued inch of me.  He is so good, and He grace kissed me with a finish, fulfilling a dream 18 years in the making.  
 
I shimmered like a found diamond in the middle of a sandpile.   
 
 
 
Thank you for your prayers!  Thank you for participating in this life-changing prayer drive.  What an honor it has been to pray for you, and be prayed for by you. 
 
My deep prayer is that you know you are not alone.  Adoption is hard.  Adoption is a journey.  But, adoption is His calling, and it really is special and wonderful. 
 
No matter what you walk through with your precious one, you are always loved and carried in our Savior's arms. 
 
You are not alone. :)
 


 
The prayer requests keep coming, and so I hope you will continue to keep visiting the blog and pray.  Exciting changes are happening around here.  I pray you'll keep joining me.

"For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations."
Psalm 100:5 

Day 130 Prayer Request

Please pray He will give me the courage to let her stumble and suffer the consequence.

Reagan (Momma to 4)

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Isaiah 55:12


"For you shall go out with joy,
And be led out with peace;
The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you,
And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands."
Isaiah 55:12

 

 
 
 

Day 129 Prayer Request

Please pray for a precious 8-year-old just diagnosed with leukemia.

Reagan (Momma to 4)

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Day 128 Prayer Request

Praise Him for His goodness and faithfulness! They know He lives in their hearts and they are turning to Him.  

Reagan (Momma to 4)  

Monday, October 21, 2013

Day 127 Prayer Request

Please pray I walk in His strength and peace.

Annette (Momma to many)

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Day 126 Prayer Request

Please pray for an adoptive momma you know. She cherishes your prayers and needs your prayers. 

Mandi (Momma to 4)

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Embrace the Crazy!

 
Somedays you just have to embrace the crazy!
 
The Warrior Daddy and I are hacking and sniffling, but trained and ready to embark on this adventure.  We are all so excited! 
 
We are off our schedule and off to Denver for the Rock and Roll Denver marathon!  The excitement is bursting around here.  Only one sensory meltdown so far! 


 
Please pray for an Auntie in charge of the troops and for safety for all.  Thank you for your prayers.  :)
 
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold
From those who walk uprightly.
O LORD of hosts
Blessed is the man who trusts in You!"
Psalm 84:11-12
 

Day 125 Prayer Request

Praise God for His overcoming feeling of peace.

Annette (Momma to many)

Friday, October 18, 2013

Day 124 Prayer Request

Please pray for our son to make a good friend at school.

Danielle (Momma to 3)

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Some days are worse than others.

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies."
2 Corinthians 4:7-10




 
artwork by Grace


"So we do not lose heart.  Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.  For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.  For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
 

Day 123 Prayer Request

Please pray that our daughter will understand how much God and her parents truly love her.

Ann (Momma to 6)

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Day 122 Prayer Request

Please pray for our daughter to keep unhealthy touches to herself at school.

Danielle (Momma to 3)

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

5 Days Left.....

Today I arose and met my precious ones showered and with a smile.  My kids gazed at me, a bit confused.

Ascending the stairs after our morning meeting, I stopped off in the laundry room and emerged wearing an apron.  The girls, with startled faces, asked, "What are you doing?" 

Evidently, my kids have gotten used to a sick momma, and are a bit shocked by their real momma's return.

Praise the LORD God, I am finally returning to my old, normal self! 

Thank you for answering my S.O.S. to pray, pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17).  I am so, so grateful for His Word, alive and true, written on my heart to cling to when there is nothing in me physically left.  And those five passages (Ps. 145:18, Heb. 4:14-16, Ps. 102:17-18, Ps. 55:16-17, and Ex. 20:5-6) are so dear; true Love speaking gently to the soul.

I am in awe of the power of prayer, and how He calls us to cry out to Him in all things, approaching His throne with hope and trust.  How He blesses us as we reach up high for each other, and heals our broken bodies (James 5:16). 

Thank you for praying for me.  :) 

And may I plead, please keep praying...

I admit, I am growing giddly inside. Only five days left before my 26.2 mile challenge.  I wish you could see my ear to ear grin and my hands clasped trying to keep all the bubbles contained. 

I. am. so. excited!!!!!!!!!!!!


The ash in the back has turned gold and the front maple is ablaze.  My phone predicts the weather to be a sunny 61 degrees.  He has planned this day, and I eagerly anticipate it's arrival.  I will run, through coughs and snot if necessary.  And I know He will run right alongside me, revealing His glory through His creation, and reminding me of you as I pray.
 

I have assigned a mile especially for you Marie, Ann, Faith, Sue, Michelle, Annette, Ann, Danielle, and a few more of you who have discretely asked for prayer. 

Am I leaving you out? Please email me, text me, or call me.  I have a few more miles to assign, and would feel so blessed to double up prayers for each mile.  He knows your need, and loves your prayers.  It is my honor to pray for you

Day 121 Prayer Request

Please pray for my children to know how much He loves them.

Annette (Momma to many)

Monday, October 14, 2013

Day 120 Prayer Request

This family is very sick!  Please pray for His healing hands to touch us.

Reagan (Momma to 4)

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Pray, pray without ceasing...

 
"The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth."
Psalm 145:18
 
He is near.
 
"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Hebrews 4:14-16
 
You can come boldly to His throne.
 
"he regards the prayer of the destitute
and does not despise their prayer.
Let this be recorded for the generation to come,
so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD:"
Psalm 102:17-18
 
He loves your prayers.
 
"But I call to God,
and the LORD will save me.
Evening and morning and at noon
I utter my complaint and moan,
and he hears my voice."
Psalm 55:16-17
 
He hears you.
 
"You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments."
Exodus 20:5-6
 
He is jealous for you.
 
"pray without ceasing."
1 Thessalonians 5:17
 

Day 119 Prayer Request

Please pray for wisdom and protection as our son explores his past.

Ann (Momma to 6)

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Day 118 Prayer Request

Please pray that we would be patient while seeking guidance  for our family.

Marie (Momma to 4)

Friday, October 11, 2013

Day 117 Prayer Request

Please pray for me as I meet with adoptive mommas this morning and embark on a new adventure.  Please pray He will lead us straight into His embrace, revealing His glory through our journey.

Mandi (Momma to 4)

Thursday, October 10, 2013

The Heart

 
The heart hides
itself
behind the walls it
built to keep hurt out.
But all it does
is hold the hurt inside
until it breaks in pieces.
 
The heart needs
fellowship
and ready doors that
swing wide open
for others.
Then when hurt knocks
true hands will reach
inside to help.
 
Grace
 
"Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up....
...Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10;12

Day 116 Prayer Request

Please pray that we would be patient, while seeking guidance for our family.

Marie (Momma to 4)

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Day 115 Prayer Request

Please pray for me to notice all the gradual, wonderful changes He is making in my girls. 

Reagan (Momma to 4)

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

His Gift

I woke up this morning to a symphony of coughs.  Unfortunately, mine was the featured instrument.  The morning progressed, and my energy waned, as the kids and I stumbled through language arts.

Emptying the dishwasher, I glance at the purple 365 Bible Promises for WOMEN.  October 8 reads:

"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble...for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you.  He will not fail you or forsake you."
 
Deuteronomy 31:6 NASB
 
Some days it is so hard to be strong. 
 
I give the girls a pass on centers.  I watch as they jump with glee when told they can just play.  I feel a bit defeated.  So many of my hours go into their beloved centers - structured games and activities incorporating occupational and speech therapies, social skills, brain gym activities.
 
And they want to just play.  
 
I want to just sit. 
 
Oh, my mind wants to keep my body moving.  There is always so much to do, not a moment to spare, as my days tumble together.  But in my loss of energy, I surrender, sit at the old farm table, watch the girls just play.
 
My mind travels to fear for a moment, wondering how on earth we will really get everything done if I change the plan.  I capture my thought, remember He is the one who goes with me.  He knew of this moment before, He knows how this moment will impact my future.  He will not fail me. 
 
I can choose to accept His Word as Truth.
 
I turn my head, look out the window, behold His touch transforming the ash leaves from green to gold.  When did this happen?  I'm sure all the leaves were green yesterday.
 
 
I focus attention back on my girls, now playing a game of dominoes together on the green rug.  And they are laughing, reminding each other of the rules, graciously helping each other out.  When did this happen?  The kindness, the sharing, the understanding of the game?
 
  
The sun shifts, shines brightly through the window on my face.  I feel His warmth, His embrace of me.  I'm convinced He has to stop me sometimes, lay me out sick, so I will be still enough to notice.
 
He has never forsaken me. 
 
I am coughing, and so,so thankful for His gift.   
 
 
 
 
  

Day 114 Prayer Request

Please pray for God to change our child's heart.

Ann (Momma to 6)

Monday, October 7, 2013

Day 113 Prayer Request

Praise the Lord!  He is good and faithful.  Proverbs 3:5-6

Annette (Momma to many)

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Day 112 Prayer Request

Please pray that we will remember some of the reasons behind our children's behavior and give them grace when needed.

Ann (Momma to 6)

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Psalm 119:114

 
Sometimes the little ones just get it - praise the Lord! 
 
I glimpse at this journal entry often; a perfect reminder of how simple it all can be.  All we have to do is place ourselves right under the Bible and open our hearts wide. 
 
My Joy, she truly understands.  She is amazing! 
 
 
"You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word."
Psalm 119:114
 
 

Day 111 Prayer Request

Please pray for God's will to be done and for us to trust Him with every detail.

Annette (Momma to many)

Friday, October 4, 2013

Day 110 Prayer Request

Please pray I will seek Him and He will give me wisdom.

Annette (Momma to many)

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Day 109 Prayer Request

Please pray that He will reveal the right words and timing with sharing our child's painful story.

Marie (Momma to 4)

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

The Song of Moses


I watched you today, and I knew you were hidden in a place so dark, so far from here.  I longed for eloquent words, hands to reach out and hold, for God to reveal.

Instead I stood there still, let my tangled words tumble right out.  I just wanted to find you, show you just a little glint of Him. 

You stood there, looked at me through your glazed over eyes, tried your best to smile.

The enemy has been attacking you with such vengeance.  His relentless strikes are even wearing me down as I watch your struggle. 

How do I show you how much you are loved?

How do I show you how much you were made for me?

How do I let go of control and let you go? 

I do not know all your story.  I can't even pretend to understand.  Your hurt lashes out from a place I never knew.  I wish I could have existed right there beside you, so I could really comprehend.  But, this was not His plan, despite my wish.

And I have learned the hard way that His plan really does trump mine.  He really is Love (1 John 4:8).  He really does hold the universe in His hands (Gen. 1-2:23).  He really is Good (Num. 23:19).  His ways are not mine (Isa. 55:8).

I look deep into your eyes.  I know you are there.  I've witnessed your strength.  I've seen His fire blazing inside you.  

Do you know I can never stop loving you?

He whispers in my ear the song of Moses (Deut. 32). 

I remember when He found me, just like a wandering Israelite, in a desert land, my wasteland, a howling wilderness.  That terrible place where the enemy roared through the wind, zapped every ounce of my strength, whiplashing me into belief of his lies.

Curled in a ball, cheek to the ground, I mustered up my last strength, raised my shaking palm high to Him, and screamed.  My scream surfaced as a whisper, but my faith, my faith must have shouted loud.  The wind was still howling, but I could finally see hope through the swirling sand. 

He encircled, instructed, kept me in His sight.

"For He bruises, but He binds up;
He wounds, but His hands make whole." 
Job 5:18 

And I cannot see your bruises, but my faith reminds me you are bound.  I know you are wounded, but I also know, firsthand, how His glorious, comforting, gentle, yet so-strong hands make a broken, lifeless, hopeless girl whole.

And when my sick finally healed whole, I knew I belonged in His chosen family.

He adopted me (Eph. 1:5).

I adopted you.

We are family.

I pray you hear the song of Moses.  

I love you. 

Day 108 Prayer Request

Please pray for health concerns for this very stressed mom.

Annette (Momma to many)

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Day 107 Prayer Request

Please pray we will remember to have empathy and understanding with our children and help teach them to do the same with each other and others.

Marie (Momma to 4)