What does God say...

As we continue with our adoption, the following verses have helped and will continue to help. I came across these verses sometime ago and have saved them. I think I thought we'd be much further in the process by now. We are still working on raising the funds to start our home-study. Hopefully soon.  We know that all good things happen in God's time to those who trust in Him.

"Pray without ceasing…" 1Thessalonians 5:17.

On Adoption and Corporal Acts of Mercy

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me." Mathew 18:5

"…learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of fatherless, plead the case for the widow." Isaiah 1:17

"A Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families…" Psalm 68:5-6a

"Vindicate the weak and the fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and destitute." Psalm 82:3

"I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me…Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me---you did it to me.'" Mathew 25: 35-36, 40 (MSG)

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." Romans 8:15

On Taking Action

"Be doers of the word, and not hearers only…" James 1:22

"A man makes a plan in his heart, but God directs his path." Proverbs 16:9

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it." Proverbs 3:27

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." 1 John 4:18

On God's Plan for Your Family

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power at work in us, to Him be the glory." Ephesians 3:20

"Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west." Isaiah 43:5

"Orphans get parents, the homeless get homes. The reign of terror is over; the rule of the gang lords is ended." Psalm 10:18 (MSG)

Happy St. Patty's Day!

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Truly love one another...

I came across this video today. I will warn you, it is very hard to watch. I was a wreck after. But I am also thankful for seeing it, I will not forget. This seems so far removed from our daily lives, but its very real and its happening every day. It is horrible. What can we do?

National Champs!!

 

Yeah!! Bryn's team took first place at the Pac West Spirit Group Nationals this weekend! It was such a wonderful time! Her team did fantastic, we are so proud! She's all done for the year, this was her last competition...until we start all over in the fall. =) She really loves it and we love to watch her having fun. She asked Kyle tonight, "Dad were you ever a National Champion?" haha! Nope, he wasn't...Pac 10 Champion, but not National. Kyle told her she's the first in the family to be a national champion, and she thought that was pretty awesome. 

Sugar rush...

So I'm checking in on my status of observing Lent for 40 days...Yeah, I didn't make the 40 days of no sugar. (I don't think I even made it one full day!) It was seriously way to hard for me. I do love sugary snacks and treats. However even if avoiding those I quickly found sugar is in just about everything! I think next time I need to be more specific. haha! It was hard to avoid.  High fructose corn syrup is a main ingredient in most foods in our cupboard, I think I will work on changing that. So I have been prayer journaling, and while i'll admit to missing a day or two...I have really enjoyed adding this to my daily routine. I think it will be great to read back over my prayers in time and see how God worked through each one.  So I am sticking to this and plan on it being something I continue beyond the 40 days. 

Spirit Cheer Nationals

 

Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday...what does it mean?

What is Lent and why don't we as Baptists celebrate it? Well from my internet research it seems some Baptists have begun to recognize Lent more and more. And from my limited understanding of Lent and what it means, I think I can benefit from this recognition of Lent. 40 days. Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days before he bore our sin so that we might one day live with Him. I think that obviously me giving up something for 40 days is small and insignificant compared to the sacrifice Jesus made for us. However, if it helps me to daily remember that I am a sinner and that I didn't deserve what Jesus did for me...then that can only help me become stronger in my faith. It can only help my relationship with Christ grow. I like that. So this year I've decided to give up something that at times I feel I can't live without. Sugar. I am going to avoid all things sugar. I think I am also going to add to my 40 days with daily prayer journaling. Lent is not a fad. Lent is not the "in" thing. Lent seems to me to be a very personal journey. A walk that will deepen my relationship and strengthen my faith. 40 days to reflect and repent before our celebration of His resurrection Easter Sunday. I would love to hear others opinions regarding Lent, so please share!