Sunday, July 25, 2010
HOME AT LAST!!!!!!!
WHAT AN AWESOME GOD!!! There just are not words to describe what it is like when God picks up a child, places them on your heart, and then delivers them into your family in six months time. Never could we dream a story like this, but we do give God the credit for making it come true. I think I will just post photo's for you to enjoy. I think they tell the story better than words do.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
NOT EASY . . . BUT AWESOME!!!
Today, I found myself reading Matthew 7, and reflecting on what it says.
"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'
Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. and great was its fall."
And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
I guess as I was reflecting on the times when we believed we were to take a step out in faith, because it was what we knew God wanted us to do, it has not been "easy" and sometimes a bit "scary" but we knew we could weather the storm because He was with us. Every time we do, He teaches us so many things about Him and about ourselves. I hope I will always remember His words, "but he who DOES the will of My Father in heaven." I want those words to be more powerful than any selfish feelings I might have. He has shown us over and over again, that a house built on Him the Rock, will be able to withstand the rain and storms when they happen. And did you notice it didn't say "if" but clearly stated they would come. I believe we are to expect them. It also made me think of what it feels like to go outside after a storm has passed by. The air seems refreshed, sometimes the yard is a mess and needs a little rearranging, but it usually leads to a cleaner yard. We pick up and throw out the things that came down during the storm, or repair the week things. I think we do that in our lives as well. We find the weaknesses or the parts in our busy lives that really are not productive or useful, and those need to go to the way side during a trial. You may find they need to leave your priority list all together. Today, I am thankful for our Rock!
This has been a tough week, but exciting week. Jon and David are in Ukraine, they signed Kristina out of the orphanage for good on Monday, and went to get her passport. All went well, and they headed for Kiev, for their Embassy appointment the next day. My grandmother (almost 92) was found in her home with a broken hip. She had been there for a few days before she was found. Praise God, she did well having surgery and is recovering now. Jon lost an envelope of money, which was a little stressful, but thanks for all the prayers, he found it when they got to Kiev and could thoroughly go through the luggage. They went to the Embassy on Tuesday, went to get her medical exam done and were done for Tuesday. They said it is really hot there. Today, Wednesday, they should already be at the Embassy right now, finishing her visa process, and leaving with it in hand any minute now. They plan to do some sight seeing around Kiev today and tomorrow. They get on a plane Friday at 5:30 AM to head home. WE cannot wait to meet them in Boston! This has been an incredible journey beyond words. We did not plan to adopt a 16 year old girl, but God said to us, "My plans are better than your plans." We needed to trust in Him, and David is having the best time with his new sister right now. He is so happy and says she is great! She even wrestles with him and puts him in a head lock. Jon and I both felt like she was already part of our family. God knits families together in such different ways than society does. I pray, if God has ever tugged on your heart regarding someone in need of the love of Christ, and you can be used to share it, consider, pray and take a step of faith. Who knows where it will lead? He won't leave you, you will have storms, but if you keep your eyes on Him, you can't go wrong.
"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'
Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. and great was its fall."
And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
I guess as I was reflecting on the times when we believed we were to take a step out in faith, because it was what we knew God wanted us to do, it has not been "easy" and sometimes a bit "scary" but we knew we could weather the storm because He was with us. Every time we do, He teaches us so many things about Him and about ourselves. I hope I will always remember His words, "but he who DOES the will of My Father in heaven." I want those words to be more powerful than any selfish feelings I might have. He has shown us over and over again, that a house built on Him the Rock, will be able to withstand the rain and storms when they happen. And did you notice it didn't say "if" but clearly stated they would come. I believe we are to expect them. It also made me think of what it feels like to go outside after a storm has passed by. The air seems refreshed, sometimes the yard is a mess and needs a little rearranging, but it usually leads to a cleaner yard. We pick up and throw out the things that came down during the storm, or repair the week things. I think we do that in our lives as well. We find the weaknesses or the parts in our busy lives that really are not productive or useful, and those need to go to the way side during a trial. You may find they need to leave your priority list all together. Today, I am thankful for our Rock!
This has been a tough week, but exciting week. Jon and David are in Ukraine, they signed Kristina out of the orphanage for good on Monday, and went to get her passport. All went well, and they headed for Kiev, for their Embassy appointment the next day. My grandmother (almost 92) was found in her home with a broken hip. She had been there for a few days before she was found. Praise God, she did well having surgery and is recovering now. Jon lost an envelope of money, which was a little stressful, but thanks for all the prayers, he found it when they got to Kiev and could thoroughly go through the luggage. They went to the Embassy on Tuesday, went to get her medical exam done and were done for Tuesday. They said it is really hot there. Today, Wednesday, they should already be at the Embassy right now, finishing her visa process, and leaving with it in hand any minute now. They plan to do some sight seeing around Kiev today and tomorrow. They get on a plane Friday at 5:30 AM to head home. WE cannot wait to meet them in Boston! This has been an incredible journey beyond words. We did not plan to adopt a 16 year old girl, but God said to us, "My plans are better than your plans." We needed to trust in Him, and David is having the best time with his new sister right now. He is so happy and says she is great! She even wrestles with him and puts him in a head lock. Jon and I both felt like she was already part of our family. God knits families together in such different ways than society does. I pray, if God has ever tugged on your heart regarding someone in need of the love of Christ, and you can be used to share it, consider, pray and take a step of faith. Who knows where it will lead? He won't leave you, you will have storms, but if you keep your eyes on Him, you can't go wrong.
Friday, July 16, 2010
SHOUT TO THE LORD, ALL THE EARTH LET US SING . . .
Mountains bow down, because You are God! Thank you Lord for how You have worked everything out. We will continue to pray for the enemy to stay away and that this trip will run smoothly, and be fruitful. We will continue to look to You for our path and our strength. Thank you Lord, that Kristina's international passport is ready to be picked up today. Thank you Lord, that we have an appointment at the US Embassy for Tuesday, AM. Thank you Lord, that the boys get to drive directly from the airport straight to Kristina. Thank you Lord, for providing just enough for each step we have been on. Thank you Lord, for giving us a chance to love another. May we continue to be guided by You, and be a blessing in Kristina's life. May she come to know You, and trust in You some day, and hear Your voice in the plans You have for her life. Thank you Lord, for loving us first!
We are busy packing. How amazing all the donations have been to the orphanage. We have vacuum sealed clothing, but still have to watch the weight limits on the boxes. We are paying for one box to go, and have two other big boxes as the boys checked baggage. The orphanage will be so blessed! Thank you for caring and sharing what you have.
We will be leaving early tomorrow morning to drop the boys off for their flights out of Boston. Please keep praying for safe travel and good flights. David is very excited to go to another country. They will be very busy for the first 3 days, but God willing and everything goes smoothly, they will have two days to see Kiev. They may even get a chance to meet a very special friend we can talk about when they return. Once they are gone, Naomi, Matt and I will begin our 7 day count down. We will go to Boston and meet their late night flight, stay over night and drive home on Sunday. The day cannot come quick enough.
We are sending our love to all of you, and I apologize if I have forgotten anything, or not responded to mail or phone calls. I have tried to keep on top of things, but my mind has been a bit unfocused this week. That is what I have prayed for, clarity in what needs to be done. I think we are on track now. Matt and I will be busy at home, preparing our home the best we can. We look forward to seeing you all soon.
Grace and Peace,
Linda and family
We are busy packing. How amazing all the donations have been to the orphanage. We have vacuum sealed clothing, but still have to watch the weight limits on the boxes. We are paying for one box to go, and have two other big boxes as the boys checked baggage. The orphanage will be so blessed! Thank you for caring and sharing what you have.
We will be leaving early tomorrow morning to drop the boys off for their flights out of Boston. Please keep praying for safe travel and good flights. David is very excited to go to another country. They will be very busy for the first 3 days, but God willing and everything goes smoothly, they will have two days to see Kiev. They may even get a chance to meet a very special friend we can talk about when they return. Once they are gone, Naomi, Matt and I will begin our 7 day count down. We will go to Boston and meet their late night flight, stay over night and drive home on Sunday. The day cannot come quick enough.
We are sending our love to all of you, and I apologize if I have forgotten anything, or not responded to mail or phone calls. I have tried to keep on top of things, but my mind has been a bit unfocused this week. That is what I have prayed for, clarity in what needs to be done. I think we are on track now. Matt and I will be busy at home, preparing our home the best we can. We look forward to seeing you all soon.
Grace and Peace,
Linda and family
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
PRAISING GOD!!!! What a journey!
Just a quick update. We have 4 days until Jon and David fly over to Ukraine to get Kristina. We spoke with her on the phone today, and she is extremely excited! That is an understatement. Her voice and the joy and excitement brings tears to my eyes. The love the Lord has given us for her is so great that I can only praise Him today. It will be a long week waiting for them to come back, but what an exciting week. Naomi is reading to take a bus to Boston. She saw one yesterday and was ready to go.
It appears we are starting a hosting program for Ukrainian orphans right here in Maine. If you are interested, or know anyone that might want to host an orphan for 2 weeks this fall, please have them get in touch with me. You can host to adopt/ or just do host only. So much more information to share as we get it organized.
Who would have thought that 6 months ago, God would say "How much do you have? Go and find out." and we could find ourselves being blessed in such an awesome, miraculous way! I love letting Him direct our family ship. He can see the entire journey from above, we can only see the bow.
Have a Blessed day!
It appears we are starting a hosting program for Ukrainian orphans right here in Maine. If you are interested, or know anyone that might want to host an orphan for 2 weeks this fall, please have them get in touch with me. You can host to adopt/ or just do host only. So much more information to share as we get it organized.
Who would have thought that 6 months ago, God would say "How much do you have? Go and find out." and we could find ourselves being blessed in such an awesome, miraculous way! I love letting Him direct our family ship. He can see the entire journey from above, we can only see the bow.
Have a Blessed day!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
MY HEART LOVES HER . . .
Today, we tried to phone Kristina to tell her the date to come and get her. We tried the first number we were given, only to find out she had been moved to a different teachers house. The first teacher that answered said that Kristina was getting sad and depressed because she was beginning to think we weren't coming. They had told her we were coming July 5th for some reason, and the day came and went and we were not there. I wanted to cry. My heart was so heavy. We HAD to reach her today. We continued trying the new phone numbers we were given and finally, she answered the phone. I was so happy to hear her voice, I can't even put it into words. We were able to talk and talk, and laugh, and plan. She sounded just like we were still together in Mala, before we left. I explained that we were told she would go to camp, and when we found out she didn't go, we worked on getting phone numbers so we could call her.
We talked about missing each other, and M&M's, packing clothes and shoes, and how excited we are to be together again. It may sound crazy to some people, but she is already our daughter, and it feels aweful to think she felt we might not come. There is already a bond, a love deep within my heart for her. We have a lot to learn and grow through together, but it was such a blessing to talk for 25 minutes today. Now, we will call again on Tuesday, and then Jon and David fly away on Saturday to see her on Sunday, July 18th. They fly home on July 24th God willing, and Matt, Naomi and I will meet them in Boston. This day cannot come soon enough for me.
Lord we know your timing is perfect, and will trust in that. Please keep me patient and understanding and everything You want me to be during this wait. Please bring peace and comfort to Kristina, who needs You more than she needs us. Wrap Your arms around her and let her know how much she is loved! Amen!
We talked about missing each other, and M&M's, packing clothes and shoes, and how excited we are to be together again. It may sound crazy to some people, but she is already our daughter, and it feels aweful to think she felt we might not come. There is already a bond, a love deep within my heart for her. We have a lot to learn and grow through together, but it was such a blessing to talk for 25 minutes today. Now, we will call again on Tuesday, and then Jon and David fly away on Saturday to see her on Sunday, July 18th. They fly home on July 24th God willing, and Matt, Naomi and I will meet them in Boston. This day cannot come soon enough for me.
Lord we know your timing is perfect, and will trust in that. Please keep me patient and understanding and everything You want me to be during this wait. Please bring peace and comfort to Kristina, who needs You more than she needs us. Wrap Your arms around her and let her know how much she is loved! Amen!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
I sense the time is near . . .
You know that we have had just enough given to us for each step of the adoption. We have been trying to raise funds to travel back to get Kristina as soon as all the papers are in the correct hands. I sense the time is near. As the total collection is nearing the goal set, I sense a trip coming soon. God has been so amazing to call different people, and groups into action. We again have been so blessed by many donations of items to take to the orphanage. Lots of socks, underwear, clothing, chalk, glow sticks, balls, etc. They will be so blessed by your caring hearts, but I know that our Lord is extremely blessed by your desire to care.
We were blessed by some financial donations for our trip this week. We appreciate all of them, big and small, but one is really needing to be shared. As I read Stormie Omartians calendar today, it really matched what happened. We got up early today, went to church, then the parade and then back to church for the picnic. I was approached by a dear friend who told me she had something in her car for me. Before we went to get it, she explained that she, her son, and her late husband had been saving change in a bottle for a special family trip they were going to take together. The family has lost this dear man to cancer this year. They have been praying about this money bottle and together, they decided they would like to donate it to our journey, and believed that is what her husband would have wanted as well. I had a lump in my throat as I thanked her, as there were no words that could tell her how I felt inside at that moment. God has been so amazing, but her strength and courage has been remarkable. We love this family so much . . . and I believe it is God's plan to continue to use them in ways we can't even begin to imagine. I don't question this woman's communication with our Lord, and if they believe this is what that fund is to go to, who am I to argue with them. The calendar reminds me of her character, and I hope we can all grow into this kind of Christian as we continue to walk each step of our lives following Jesus.
Gentleness is a humble meekness that is calm, soothing, peaceful, and easy to be around. Being considerate of the feelings and needs of others by exhibiting gentleness shows you are responding to the Spirit of God and what has been planted in you has taken root. Pray that you can be as gentle and meek as Jesus.
I believe this describes my friend, and her son has an excellent mom who models the love of our Lord day and night.
I am missing Kristina right now, but we know God's timing is perfect . . . and next year will be an amazing Independence Day! Please keep praying for papers to appear in our facilitators office so we can travel. We are so excited to bring her home to our family and all of you. Pray that I can continue in our Lord's peace and rest in knowing He has this all planned out . . . there can be NO mistaking that!
We were blessed by some financial donations for our trip this week. We appreciate all of them, big and small, but one is really needing to be shared. As I read Stormie Omartians calendar today, it really matched what happened. We got up early today, went to church, then the parade and then back to church for the picnic. I was approached by a dear friend who told me she had something in her car for me. Before we went to get it, she explained that she, her son, and her late husband had been saving change in a bottle for a special family trip they were going to take together. The family has lost this dear man to cancer this year. They have been praying about this money bottle and together, they decided they would like to donate it to our journey, and believed that is what her husband would have wanted as well. I had a lump in my throat as I thanked her, as there were no words that could tell her how I felt inside at that moment. God has been so amazing, but her strength and courage has been remarkable. We love this family so much . . . and I believe it is God's plan to continue to use them in ways we can't even begin to imagine. I don't question this woman's communication with our Lord, and if they believe this is what that fund is to go to, who am I to argue with them. The calendar reminds me of her character, and I hope we can all grow into this kind of Christian as we continue to walk each step of our lives following Jesus.
Gentleness is a humble meekness that is calm, soothing, peaceful, and easy to be around. Being considerate of the feelings and needs of others by exhibiting gentleness shows you are responding to the Spirit of God and what has been planted in you has taken root. Pray that you can be as gentle and meek as Jesus.
I believe this describes my friend, and her son has an excellent mom who models the love of our Lord day and night.
I am missing Kristina right now, but we know God's timing is perfect . . . and next year will be an amazing Independence Day! Please keep praying for papers to appear in our facilitators office so we can travel. We are so excited to bring her home to our family and all of you. Pray that I can continue in our Lord's peace and rest in knowing He has this all planned out . . . there can be NO mistaking that!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
HOSPITALITY: The Gift of Welcome
I know, interesting title. My power was out today for hours, and Naomi went down for a nap, so I spent some quiet moments in the Word and talking to the Lord. There is certain scriptures that catch my attention and then stick for such a long time, that I keep going back and "chewing on them" a little more each time. I grabbed a different Bible today, and was really blessed by the study notes and extra thoughts that were added to it. I thought I might share these for many reasons today. First, the holiday of the 4th is coming up, and we all tend to have extra people in our lives during these events. Second, the Ukrainian Hosting program is going to be coming here to speak about hosting orphans, and third, just because it is good for all of us, all the time. ;0)
1 Peter 4:7-8
The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a mulititude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.
The notes said, "Hospitality is the practice of welcoming, sheltering, and feeding - with no thought of personal gain - those who come to your door. Hospitality is sharing what we have and who we are with whomever God sends."
"In the New Testament, Jesus modeled perfect hospitality as He moved beyond mundane physical needs to meet deeper needs of those who came to Him."
And my favorite thoughts to think about today were these:
"You can share your heart and life with others, even if the meal is simple and the setting in humble. The most important gift of welcome simply says I care, I love you, and I have prepared a place for you."
As I prayed and thought about these words today, I couldn't help think about the kids in orphanages, and one in particular only because I have personally met them. Each person will connect with whomever God has put in your path. I think about that exact message above. When people reach out and host these children, you are sharing Jesus with them through your love, by showing them you care, love them and have opened your home and hearts to them for a time. It is the same message we all want to hear from our Father in heaven. I, am so blessed that I know God cares, loves me and has a place prepared for me. I am praying that we can help spread this message to the orphans by modeling Jesus, and doing the same.
Have a blessed day!
1 Peter 4:7-8
The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a mulititude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.
The notes said, "Hospitality is the practice of welcoming, sheltering, and feeding - with no thought of personal gain - those who come to your door. Hospitality is sharing what we have and who we are with whomever God sends."
"In the New Testament, Jesus modeled perfect hospitality as He moved beyond mundane physical needs to meet deeper needs of those who came to Him."
And my favorite thoughts to think about today were these:
"You can share your heart and life with others, even if the meal is simple and the setting in humble. The most important gift of welcome simply says I care, I love you, and I have prepared a place for you."
As I prayed and thought about these words today, I couldn't help think about the kids in orphanages, and one in particular only because I have personally met them. Each person will connect with whomever God has put in your path. I think about that exact message above. When people reach out and host these children, you are sharing Jesus with them through your love, by showing them you care, love them and have opened your home and hearts to them for a time. It is the same message we all want to hear from our Father in heaven. I, am so blessed that I know God cares, loves me and has a place prepared for me. I am praying that we can help spread this message to the orphans by modeling Jesus, and doing the same.
Have a blessed day!
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