Been a long time

We are readying our home and family for another host trip. We will be hosting through graceadoptionministries.com. I know their name changed to Charis but I cannot find any other reference to their website with the change so there you go. We are hosting three children from Ukraine, one of which was in our home all summer. She has two younger siblings that will be joining her for Christmas. We are so excited. Only 8 more days!

Anyway, some of our friends are in Ukraine now. They are picking up their daughter whom they hosted over the summer. We are so excited for them and cannot wait to see how God continues to work in their lives. I was able to Skype with them this morning. I am following their blog, TheGoodPortion, but seem to be having trouble with comments. So, the main reason for this post is, J & C, if you read this, know that we are praying for you guys, love getting the updates and know that God is so wonderful and He is managing all the details in His perfect time. Cannot wait until NEXT Sunday!

Resolve...

While studying in the book of Daniel, I learned a new word-RESOLVE. I am in awe at Daniel's resolve and how he stood for God, even at the risk of death. I pray that if ever given an opportunity to stand for Christ in that way, that I also have resolve. (Steff and Leah, did you guys ever listen to Mimi and Papa's version of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednigo??)

Resolve for not filling my mind with things of this earth.
Resolve for not watching things on TV that prompt me to become desensitized.
For example: Pre-marital sex, extra marital sex, murder, cheating, etc.
Resolve for not reading books about things that are not wholesome, true and good.
This is going to prove to be difficult...I am a huge Harry Potter fan, I love a good murder
mystery, Hmmmm...
Resolve for not watching movies that (see TV).
Resolve for not supporting candidates that do not support the Truth of the Bible, the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, personal responsibility, limited government, I could go on for DAYS...
Resolve for not talking about people in a slanderous way.
Resolve for believing in God and His Soverignity.
Resolve for believing God's promises and covenants.

Resolve for taking captive every thought and giving it back to my Lord so that He can render it holy. If only...

Okay, I have already found myself figuring out ways to get around reading books! How sad is that???? Even some Christian Fiction has murder in it. UG!

Can I also be real honest?! I feel like that will also label me as a PRUDE. I was labeled that in High School. Can I tell my 10 year old daughter that being labeled prude is the best label ever given to a girl??? Yeah, I'll have to remember that. : )

I want to have fun in life. I want to enjoy what God has provided me. I know that His ways are best and truly for my benefit. He places parameters around us and in us for our own protection.

I am now rambling. I just wanted to share my new word with you 3. And, yes, Leah, you are the magical number 3! : ) Blessings to all!

WHATEVER you want God, I'm in...

2009 has proved to be a great start. My husband has been able to rally enough support that he will be offerred a new position with the new company taking over 3/1. We are thankful! He has also decided to pick up part-time work in the surrounding areas so that he can have a fall back plan in case something should go wrong. Always good to have a 2nd option.

We have shown our house 3 times since listing it. It has been shown twice this week. I cannot decide if I really want to move. I really want a boat load of money to be dropped at my feet, to be very honest. Anyone?? We are trusting God to provide a buyer if our house is supposed to sell and if we are supposed to move. My man told me last night that he feels like God is wanting us to give up something. Maybe it is our home. Maybe it is our lifestyle. I know that God will bring us through and what He has waiting on the other side of this trial is something magical.

There is a certain amount of peace that I have knowing that God is soverign. I am amazed when I read over the things in my prayer journal and see what God has given me over the last few months. It is funny because I thought He was preparing me for the new political season. The words on the pages began to jump out at me while reading through them the other day. Words like gentleness, respect, forgiveness. I have had so many moments (sometimes entire afternoons, evenings) worth of angry, "it's not fair," tirades that I believe God has been placing His word in front of me to help me deal with my emotions and humaness. God is so incredibly good!

Hope all is well with the 3 that read this. I am studying Daniel with CBS (Community Bible Study) and just started Esther with Beth Moore. She makes the bible come alive for me. I am so excited to learn more about God's word. In CBS this fall we studied 1 & 2 Peter. Amazing. Truly, God's word is wonderfully pertinent today. Anyway, Beth Moore's blog is livingproofministries.blogspot.com. It is fabulous to see so many come together in the name of Jesus. Check it out sometime.