My heart leapt when I got the email; "we have news about Emily". I held my breath as I read on....... Emily has a "forever family" !!!!!! Selfishly,a little sadly, it is not us. Our agency worked very diligently to find Emily and her paperwork. They thought they had. They received some paperwork last week but the name on her paperwork was not her name. Each child living at Newday Foster Home has a home orphanage. Though they may not have lived there for years, that is who maintains their paperwork. When they sent Emily's paperwork it had a different name than the one they were looking for. They immediately matched this child with a waiting family! We rejoice that God has answered our prayers and given Emily a new name.

I tell you this background to say; this was no mistake!! This has God's fingerprints all over it!! We have prayed from the beginning that God would place Emily in the best family for her!! We have sought God's will throughout this process. It is no mistake that Emily had a "mistaken name" for this matched her with the family that God wanted her to have. What I'm trying to say is:

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to [His] purpose." Rom 8:28

That being said there are 143,000,000 orphans throughout the world (please read that number again). That is staggering! All of these children are waiting for forever families.... we await the one God has chosen for ours!

Ever notice if you loose something of value everything in your world comes to a screeching halt til you find it? That's how I was the other day. After a run I got back to the church parking lot where I park my car only to discover I had lost my car key! (Not the key itself that I could easily get a copy but the push button FOB!) It could be anywhere!!! Thankfully Amanda was with me so we cruised around looking but eventually gave up and retrieved my extra key from home. The next morning I couldn't forget that key so I donned my Mizunos once again and started retracing my run from the day before....


I started out the first mile hopeful but not counting on it. As I lapped mile after mile, my eyes scanning every inch of the road and shoulder I thought a lot about loosing things and searching for them.... More specifically, I thought about the woman in the Bible who looses a coin and spends the day searching for it. Now I know this woman did not have much in the way of furniture. She certainly did not have a sofa the size of a truck that could easily swallow your entire wallet if you're not careful. She did though have cracks in her floor in which a coin could get stuck. She also had very small windows that were not even eye level but closer to the ceiling... not much in the way of light. This coin also represented a good portion of the grocery money for the week. Is it any wonder when she found the coin she went to the other women and they partied?


We too are searching for a lost coin.... as our agency searches for Emily's paper work it is becoming more clear that this is going to be VERY difficult if not impossible. Thankfully we serve the God of the impossible. AW Tozer said (and I'm paraphrasing) "why do we only do those things which we can do in our own strength?"


I am reminded that God searches for each of us. He yearns for us to know Him. I once was lost.......

"The best laid plans of mice and men"....sometimes things go off without a hitch but sometimes, let's just say, there are surprises! Yesterday Amanda, my daughter in law, and I ran in the Seaside Half Marathon. This was the perfect run.... Florida Gulf coast, sugar white beaches, sun, warmth...Ahhh, it was going to be great! Of course we woke up to freezing temperature and high wind advisory. Ah well, being runners (and having paid to do this) we weren't going to let a little cold weather stop us.

We made it to the parking lot where the shuttles were taking us to the start line, us and 2000 other runners. Needless to say, and fortunately for us, they delayed start time. After all, this is Seaside and they're a little bit on island time anyway. After depositing our stuff for the after race party we made our way to the start corrals. I opted to skip the ten minute milers and hang with Amanda in the eight minute corral (and by the way I passed most of those people I'm guessing so did a lot of other runners). The start sounded, I wished Amanda well and headed off towards the beautiful sugar white beaches. After about 500 yards the course curved north away from the beautiful sugar white beaches and headed straight into the wind! We ran past some stuff which I really didn't look at because I was trying to weave in and out of a mass of runners an find my place in the pack. Over a bridge and through the woods, this was definitely not going by the Gulf waters, oh well it was nice to be out running anyway. I stripped off my outer jacket, cranked up my itunes, and worshipped God through running. (After all it was Sunday morning... perfect worship!)

By mile four I found who I'd be running with, blue jacket lady, "life shines" shirt ladies, and leopard skirts. I found myself thinking about my new niece, Lily. Yes, their best laid plans had gone awry when at 37 weeks they had an emergency c-section and 3lb, 12 oz. Lily was whisked off to NICU. This has been Lily's home as she has fought to reach four lbs. and maintain her body temp. I've watched how my brother and sister in law have adapted and overcome as they became permanent fixtures in NICU and began their lives as parents there. I've prayed for them as Lily is running her own race to the 4lb mark. They have been given a most precious blessing in Lily and they are cherishing it. Way to go.... keep running Lily!

As I closed in on mile five the lead runner passed me on his way to the finish line! (This was an "out and back" run) We all cheered him on as he headed to victory. Each runner behind him also got cheers and well wishes. Some of them were too much in the zone to notice but some of them passed back words of encouragement to us slower runners. What a feeling to be encouraged by the best! I thought about how we always ought to be encouraging others, some ahead of us, some behind. "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pitchers of silver"

I was in the groove as I approached the turn around. I kept scanning the crowd for Amanda who was ahead of me; I figured we could "high five" on her way in. I was looking for a white shirt but when I finally caught site of her black jacket she was passing me and so absorbed in Amanda land we missed the high five. Oh well, I still had my best running partner and cheerleader. Yes, my sister runs all my races with me via cell phone. As I pass a mile marker I send her a text update and she responds with great little cheers: "4.. you score", "5... you're alive" "6..pick up sticks", "9...you're feeling fine", and my personal favorite, "congratulations.. I knew you could do it.. I love you". I thank God for my sister who has always been there for me... a bond like no other.

I was feeling strong and fast. Okay, so things didn't start out great and I haven't seen one speck of sugar white sand but it's been fun and I seem to be right on my best time so what the heck just run, praise, be thankful I can put one foot in front of the other. Mile 8 and all those training sessions with gazelle like Amanda are paying off. I finish my intervals with a sprint and pass blue jacket lady! Whoo-hoo. Then it hits. Mile 9 the most excruciating pain I've ever felt in my knee. I try walking it off for a few seconds as blue jacket passes me. Okay, competitive nature kicks in and temporarily over rides the pain. My mind once again drifts to Lily. She gains a couple of ounces but looses body temp. She maintains her body temp but they have to insert a feeding tube and add a whole 2 calories to fatten her up. Okay Lily if you can keep running so can I.

As the pain increases I slow my pace a little and say good bye to blue jacket as she pulls ahead not to be seen again, I do whatever it takes to take my mind off of the pain. I begin to pray for Christians around the world who are suffering for Christ. Really suffering. Not because they are weekend warriors running a half marathon but because, despite what will happen to them they boldly proclaim the gospel of peace. What is this self induced pain in my knee compared to what they are enduring? As I count off the nations to God where these brothers and sisters live the pain creeps down into my toe and up into my hip. I think about them, these bold believers and continue to run.

Mile 11, all I want to do is quit. I realize though, Lily can't quit. Believers in the 10/40 window can't quit. Jesus didn't quit. "For the joy (you and I) set before Him He endured the cross, despising the shame." I would not quit. I thought about the cross and the hours Christ endured there, just so that, if we so choose, we could be reconciled to God. I ran on.

The finish line is in sight. Soon(?) Lily will go home and life will once again return to "the plan", albeit a new plan. Amazingly I finish with a best time ( and needless to say one less toenail). With our medals, goody bags and aches and pains we head back to the shuttle bus to head home for a well deserved bath and nap. My race is over but Lily hangs in there gaining weight and taking up residence in a bassinet to keep her body temp up. She keeps running as her parents run along side of her cheering her on. The believers I mentioned do not quit but run the race, daily taking up their cross to follow the One who died for them. Keep running.

As we head home, aching in places we didn't know could hurt so much ie: a toe! we begin to plan our next one......

Brother Lawrence said, he concentrated on doing the little things for Him (God), since he was unable to do bigger things.
So often I become discontent in my thoughts because I am not doing greater things for God yet if I adopted Brother Lawerence's attitude all things would become significant and all things would become a gift done for Him.
Recently I got irritated with my beloved (and I was determined he would know it, see it my way, and CHANGE!). Okay, this may seem really trivial (but aren't those the things which get under our skin the most?).... every night when we go to bed, I turn back my husbands covers, fluff his pillow, and put a little chocolate on it (welcome to the Hyatt, right?)... okay, you may think this is silly but it was a simple way of saying, after 25 years, I still love you and I appreciate all you do. I did notice that on the rare occasion he was in bed first the covers were just thrown willy nilly and my side was not even cleaned off (ugh.... one of my ever present piles). I became so irritated that I just had to say something. I tried to tell him, but he deferred to another conversation.... I went to bed irritated. The next night I employed a tactic from a popular preacher, saying, " I feel __________ when you ________." (fill in the blanks with your own petty stuff). That totally back fired as all he wanted to do was eat his supper and relax! (bad timing ladies.... never talk to your husband when he's hungry). So the next morning I took advantage of our porch time to broach it again (why couldn't I just let this go.....Oh no, my flesh was way too involved). After explaining clearly my irritation not only did he not see it my way he reminded me that very early in our marriage I told him do not touch my piles. OUCH!
After our porch time I was so disheartened by my own lack of control over my flesh. What was here-to-fore a gift for my beloved each night had now become something other because I EXPECTED something back. I'm no genius but I'm pretty sure that it is now not a gift when you expect payment in return. It somehow cheapened my gift to him and to our FATHER in heaven (do ALL things unto the LORD).
What's the lesson? If something bugs you in your marriage... BE THE ONE TO TAKE CARE OF IT.... without expecting ANYTHING in return! If you want the shower curtain closed, close it (as a gift to God), if you want the counter cleaned off, clean it, as unto the Lord............ if JESUS, Himself, were spending the night in my house you better believe I'd fluff His pillow and put chocolate on it! Do it. Do it happily. Do it willingly. Die to your self...... and as Nike says, just do it!
Happy Valentines' day

It's a funny thing, the heart....How our hearts begin to fall in love with someone we have never seen. That's what happened though, every time I was pregnant ( and that was a lot!). I found myself falling in love with this tiny person I had never even seen. I would think about them at the oddest times during the day or night. For nine months I felt like I was carrying around a secret in my heart. A secret no one else could know or understand or love. Maybe my husband felt that way too but not being a man I cannot say for sure.
I can't say I understand it but that seems to be happening in my heart now. I begin thinking about our next child, whoever or wherever they may be, and a little smile begins to creep across my heart; sinking into all the cracks and crevices, making a home there. Who knew a heart could have so much room!
Just like when I was pregnant I know this is going to be a long wait. (I was usually two weeks overdue). I know I will have many obstacles to overcome..... but when I was pregnant I was willing to go through ANYTHING to hold that baby...... because I loved him already!
Hang on heart....we are in for the long haul!
(Our next round of paperwork is done)!!!

Remember the game of Mother-May-I? You know the person who is "it" can give orders to people about taking big steps or little steps to see who reaches "it" first. Of course it was totally unfair and rigged because you could always make the person of your choosing win or loose. (yes, I was that callous as a child). We are discovering that the process of adoption is rather like the game of mother-may-I: "take three steps back....one teeny step forward"
I refuse to be disappointed by any of this. In all fairness we were warned that the process can be tricky. It's funny because I have this perfect peace that God is so in this that I cannot despair. To be honest, I wish I felt this way about all areas of my life
I recently received a Voice of the Martyrs update on which the cover was written, "opposition is our opportunity". HHHMMMM? Really? Is that how I view things? I'm pretty sure when I run into opposition of any kind my first inclination is to quit or at least complain. When I have finally run out of myself THEN I turn to God and say "okay, here's an opportunity for you to show up".
Often times opposition is crushing because it can come from unexpected places. It takes us by surprise when it comes from our circle of friends or our church family, or even from within our own family. It hurts us and causes us to doubt if we are doing the right thing. Instead of feeling hurt or doubt myself the next time opposition comes I'm going to see it as an opportunity. An opportunity to share my vision, my passion, my Christ!

Streams in the Desert is one of my favorite devotionals!! God always has a comforting or encouraging word through its pages. Get a copy! Devour it!



“This thing is from me.” 1 Kings 12:24


“Life’s disappointments are veiled love’s appointments.” Rev. C. A. Fox.

My child, I have a message for you today; let me whisper it in your ear, that it may gild with glory any storm clouds which may arise, and smooth the rough places upon which you may have to tread. It is short, only five words, but let them sink into your inmost soul; use them as a pillow upon which to rest your weary head. This thing is from me.

Have you ever thought of it, that all that concerns you concerns Me too? For, “he that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye.” (Zech. 2:8) You are very precious in My sight. (Isa. 43:4) Therefore, it is My special delight to educate you.

I would have you learn when temptations assail you, and the “enemy comes in like a flood,” that this thing is from Me, that your weakness needs My might, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you.

Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by people who do not understand you, who never
consult your taste, who put you in the background? This thing is from Me. I am the God of circumstances. Thou camest not to thy place by accident, it is the very place God meant for thee.

Have you not asked to be made humble? See then, I have placed you in the very school where
this lesson is taught; your surroundings and companions are only working out My will.

Are you in money difficulties? Is it hard to make both ends meet? This thing is from Me, for I am your purse-bearer and would have you draw from and depend upon Me. My supplies are limitless. (Phil. 4:19) I would have you prove my promises. Let it not be said of you, “In this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God” (Deut. 1:32).

Are you passing through a night of sorrow? This thing is from Me. I am the Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief. I have let earthly comforters fail you, that by turning to Me you may obtain everlasting consolation. (2 Thess. 2:16,17) Have you longed to do some great work for Me and instead have been laid aside on a bed of pain and weakness? This thing is from Me. I could not get your attention in your busy days and I want to teach you some of my deepest lessons. “They also serve who only stand and wait.” Some of My greatest workers are those shut out from active service, that they may learn to wield the weapon of all-prayer.

This day I place in your hand this pot of holy oil. Make use of it free, my child. Let every circumstance that arises, every word that pains you, every interruption that would make you impatient, every revelation of your weakness be anointed with it. The sting will go as you learn to see Me in all things.

Laura A. Barter Snow

“This is from Me, the Saviour said, As bending low He kissed my brow,For One who loves you thus has led. Just rest in Me, be patient now,Your Father knows you have need of this, Tho’, why perchance you cannot see.Grieve not for things you’ve seemed to miss. The thing I send is best for thee.Then looking through my tears, I plead, Dear Lord, forgive, I did not know,Twill not be hard since Thou dost tread, Each path before me here below.And for my good this thing must be, His grace sufficient for each test.So still I’ll sing, Whatever be, God’s way for me is always best.”

From Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles Cowman