It seems like all I think about lately is ADOPTION! Jeremy and I finally settled on a website! Even though its still under construction, most of the information is up there for all to see.
EmbraceHope4.Us
I'm very pleased with it, and I really want to figure out how to direct traffic to it. There are so many people who have shown such an interest and willingness to help in any way possible that I have been overwhelmed! As I've stated before, I'm not the most technology savvy person, but this is very important for me, so I'm trying to learn.
My mother, who is very well known back home in Georgia for her cakes, and my sister Taylor came up with their own fundraising idea! They picked out 6 yummy cake recipes and started selling them for $25 each. Their goal was to sell 100 cakes, and be able to raise $1000 for our adoption. ($5 per cake goes to ingredients) I'm so HAPPY to say that they have already mailed me a check for $500 and have a total of 70 cakes ordered! That was just in a month!! God has been so good. I can't tell you how many people from my families' lives and our past that have come forward to help us out. One lady my mom mentioned was our old neighbor. I grew up in the same house for over 21 years, and she was our neighbor for most of that. She had recently found my mom on Facebook, and when she found out about the cake sale, she ordered three!! Once again, and I can't say it enough, God is so good!!
A friend on facebook was hosting a Thirty-One Gifts party to raise money for her adoption, but I didn't know any Thirty-One consultants here in PC. Several of my friends went through a phase (and still are I suppose) of hosting Premier Jewelry Parties. The same consultant did several of the ones I went to. She also attended church with another friend of mine, so I called her up and asked her if she wouldn't mind donating part of my Jewelry Party proceeds to our adoption. She was so thrilled that I asked her! I have had two parties so far and have raised $400!
Jeremy and I have planned a Spaghetti Lunch one Sunday after church, and a Yard sale in late September. I have to be honest and say that I often get discouraged and overwhelmed, but I know that just the devil. I have really had to focus this past month on not letting him get to me. He doesn't want us to give God the glory for all the amazing things He's done so far and all the amazing things He will do! So please, follow via our website all the exciting things going on, and most importantly, please continue to pray for us.
Tuesday, August 23
Tuesday, August 9
venting
So, I haven't posted recently mainly because my husband and I were working on a wordpress blog for our adoption journey, well mainly the fundraising aspect of it. However, it hasn't been going so great. I don't have much blog knowledge as you can see from this one, and wordpress seems to be more complicated than most blog websites. Then, on top of that, my husband makes everything even MORE complicated. He really can't help it- he knows the ins and outs of websites and photoshop- but he also doesn't explain things in such a way that I can understand. I wanted my website up and running weeks ago, and now I feel like I need to start over.
I have been very blessed to find a Premier Designs Jewelry consultant who has graciously offered 50% of her profits from any Premier Designs Jewelry party that either I hosted or someone hosted for me. I raised $150 from my show, and my mother in law (who so kindly hosted a show) will probably raise about as much.
My mother, who is well known for her baking skills back home in GA, and my sister Taylor have agreed to help us raise money by baking cakes and donating most of the proceeds. Their goal was to raise $1000, and they've already raised $500 in just three weeks!!
Then, my very loving grandparents gave us $500. I have been so blessed growing up to have them as an example. They have never been rich, but my papa is very smart with money. I hope one day to be able to bless my granddaughter like they did me.
So I'm trying to focus on the positive and the MANY blessings, but right now all I want is a decent website. I'm so selfish.
I have been very blessed to find a Premier Designs Jewelry consultant who has graciously offered 50% of her profits from any Premier Designs Jewelry party that either I hosted or someone hosted for me. I raised $150 from my show, and my mother in law (who so kindly hosted a show) will probably raise about as much.
My mother, who is well known for her baking skills back home in GA, and my sister Taylor have agreed to help us raise money by baking cakes and donating most of the proceeds. Their goal was to raise $1000, and they've already raised $500 in just three weeks!!
Then, my very loving grandparents gave us $500. I have been so blessed growing up to have them as an example. They have never been rich, but my papa is very smart with money. I hope one day to be able to bless my granddaughter like they did me.
So I'm trying to focus on the positive and the MANY blessings, but right now all I want is a decent website. I'm so selfish.
Wednesday, August 3
Fall 2011 Fashion Trend
PLEATS!!!!
I'm sorry, but I love pleats. Of course, they have evolved from when I wore them in high school.
The knee length skirts really weren't flattering on anyone. And no one really actually wears the Brittn*y Spears school girl look in public.
SO- I'm really looking forward to finding several items for my fall wardrobe that include pleats!
Tuesday, August 2
Time with God
Today is the day to turn over a new leaf.
I vow to make time to spend with God.
I desire to draw near to Him,
because I need Him to draw near to me.
I vow to delve into His word,
in hopes of learning more about Him.
Today is a new day.
Thursday, June 16
Home Study Complete!
This post has been several months in the making. However, I can finally say, OUR HOME STUDY IS COMPLETE!!
I mailed in the last of the paperwork yesterday. It feels so good to be done with it, but there is still so much to do. I've been very discouraged lately. Very. The ups and downs are hard to take even though I know this is the path that God has for us. I know that one day I will be able to use this time in my life to bless someone else, but it sure isn't fun now.
Our next and final step is the profile or the portfolio that is shown to potential birth mothers. Jeremy and I haven't even started on it, and I'm so tired of being the one with the motivation when it comes to this adoption. This to me is the most important step. How are we going to present ourselves in a way that birth moms would choose us over other wonderful families? I know that Jeremy and I will make great parents and we have an amazing relationship, but how do you convey that through pictures and a letter? I plan on spending much time on my knees in prayer. I will try my hardest not to stress over it.
Jeremy has decided that even though God blessed us with money to pay for the adoption, he wants us to raise the $2000 profile fee. I'm struggling b/c I want to take the easy way- the way that gives less glory to God. I'm so thankful that my husband challenges me the way he does. A friend from college just had a Thirty One Gifts party and a percentage of the sales goes towards her adoption. I'm hoping to find a Premier Designs consultant here in Panama City that will do the same for me. I had also had several ideas for fundraising through my church, but I'm not sure that's going to work out. That's another blog for another time.
Anyway, yes, I'm very discouraged, mainly b/c of my own shortcomings, but I'm also so very happy that the home study is complete!!! I can't wait to see God's plan unfold!
I mailed in the last of the paperwork yesterday. It feels so good to be done with it, but there is still so much to do. I've been very discouraged lately. Very. The ups and downs are hard to take even though I know this is the path that God has for us. I know that one day I will be able to use this time in my life to bless someone else, but it sure isn't fun now.
Our next and final step is the profile or the portfolio that is shown to potential birth mothers. Jeremy and I haven't even started on it, and I'm so tired of being the one with the motivation when it comes to this adoption. This to me is the most important step. How are we going to present ourselves in a way that birth moms would choose us over other wonderful families? I know that Jeremy and I will make great parents and we have an amazing relationship, but how do you convey that through pictures and a letter? I plan on spending much time on my knees in prayer. I will try my hardest not to stress over it.
Jeremy has decided that even though God blessed us with money to pay for the adoption, he wants us to raise the $2000 profile fee. I'm struggling b/c I want to take the easy way- the way that gives less glory to God. I'm so thankful that my husband challenges me the way he does. A friend from college just had a Thirty One Gifts party and a percentage of the sales goes towards her adoption. I'm hoping to find a Premier Designs consultant here in Panama City that will do the same for me. I had also had several ideas for fundraising through my church, but I'm not sure that's going to work out. That's another blog for another time.
Anyway, yes, I'm very discouraged, mainly b/c of my own shortcomings, but I'm also so very happy that the home study is complete!!! I can't wait to see God's plan unfold!
Wednesday, June 8
Songs to listen to when you're discouraged
"Bridge Over Troubled Waters"
by Michael W. Smith
When you're weary, feelin' small
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all.
I'm on your side, Oh, when times get rough
And friends just can't be found.
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.
When you're down and out, when you're on the street
When evening falls so hard, I will comfort you.
I'll take your part, Oh when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.
Sail on children, sail on by
Your time has come to shine, all their dreams
are on their way
See how they shine, Oh when you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled waters,
I will ease your mind.
I'll ease your mind.
When you're weary, feelin' small
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all.
I'm on your side, Oh, when times get rough
And friends just can't be found.
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.
When you're down and out, when you're on the street
When evening falls so hard, I will comfort you.
I'll take your part, Oh when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.
Sail on children, sail on by
Your time has come to shine, all their dreams
are on their way
See how they shine, Oh when you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled waters,
I will ease your mind.
I'll ease your mind.
“If You Want Me Too”
by Ginny Owens
The pathway is broken
And the signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to
No I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to You
Then I will walk through the fire
If You want me to
It may not be the way I would have chosen
When You lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'll never go alone (yeah oh oh)
So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the sufferin' Your love put You through
And I will walk through the darkness
If You want me to
'Cause when I cross over Jordan, I'm gonna sing, gonna shout
Gonna look into your eyes and see you never let me down
So take me on the pathway that leads me home to you
And I will walk through the valley if you want me to
Yes, I will walk through the valley if you want me to
And the signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to
No I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to You
Then I will walk through the fire
If You want me to
It may not be the way I would have chosen
When You lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'll never go alone (yeah oh oh)
So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the sufferin' Your love put You through
And I will walk through the darkness
If You want me to
'Cause when I cross over Jordan, I'm gonna sing, gonna shout
Gonna look into your eyes and see you never let me down
So take me on the pathway that leads me home to you
And I will walk through the valley if you want me to
Yes, I will walk through the valley if you want me to
Wednesday, June 1
Godly Influences
You really don't realize the importance of Godly influences in your life until you either go through a 'wilderness' or until you take a step back to evaluate your life. Recently, I've taken a step back. I quit volunteering for so much stuff, both in my church and among my friends. I cut many things out of my life, such as exercising, to try to make room for more one on one time with God. As I mentioned in the previous post, I'm still not where I want to be, but I'm getting there.
Last week, Jeremy and I went to Chattanooga to visit friends and family. During the very busy two days we were there, I was able to carve out a few hours to spend with a dear friend of mine. She and I became close during college. We are complete opposites in almost everything- except for our passion for God and for knowledge. (Granted, she is SOOOO much more intelligent than I, but I feel so much smarter around her.) During those precious few hours, I was able to discuss God in a way that only happens when she and I get together. Since then, I've made it my prayer to develop this habit in more friendships. I want to be able to have more frequent conversations like that and be the reason someone else wants to spend more time getting to know God.
Also as I've blogged before, I've been going with my friend to her church on Wednesday nights for bible study. It has been such an AMAZING blessing to me to study and fellowship with other ladies who are as excited to learn more about God as I am. We are currently doing another Priscilla Shirer bible study, One in a Million.
It has really forced me to evaluate my life, the things I do and say, the people I hang out with, etc. One day of week one really spoke to me. Here are several key points. (I've paraphrased and copied word for word.)
* God wants us to expect and anticipate more out of our walk with Him which is why He placed a gnawing hunger in our hearts to encounter Him.
* A narrow view of God could prevent us from doing just that. It creates a boundary that limits our experience with Him.
Oh and I LOVED this next point- (little background- Priscilla's father is an amazing pastor in Texas, and she has a strong Biblical upbringing)
* The teaching I have received isn't biblically incorrect (its solid and effective), but what I learned through knowledge.... GOD WANTED TO EXPAND THROUGH EXPERIENCE.
*We must be willing to move out of our comfort zones and church routines if we are to break through to the abundant life Christ offers.
*Pray that God will offer you something different in your relationship with Him than what you've previously known- something that forces you to dig deeper in the Word, have a deeper prayer life, or even search for a supplemental body of believers with which to grow!
Last week, Jeremy and I went to Chattanooga to visit friends and family. During the very busy two days we were there, I was able to carve out a few hours to spend with a dear friend of mine. She and I became close during college. We are complete opposites in almost everything- except for our passion for God and for knowledge. (Granted, she is SOOOO much more intelligent than I, but I feel so much smarter around her.) During those precious few hours, I was able to discuss God in a way that only happens when she and I get together. Since then, I've made it my prayer to develop this habit in more friendships. I want to be able to have more frequent conversations like that and be the reason someone else wants to spend more time getting to know God.
Also as I've blogged before, I've been going with my friend to her church on Wednesday nights for bible study. It has been such an AMAZING blessing to me to study and fellowship with other ladies who are as excited to learn more about God as I am. We are currently doing another Priscilla Shirer bible study, One in a Million.
It has really forced me to evaluate my life, the things I do and say, the people I hang out with, etc. One day of week one really spoke to me. Here are several key points. (I've paraphrased and copied word for word.)
* God wants us to expect and anticipate more out of our walk with Him which is why He placed a gnawing hunger in our hearts to encounter Him.
* A narrow view of God could prevent us from doing just that. It creates a boundary that limits our experience with Him.
Oh and I LOVED this next point- (little background- Priscilla's father is an amazing pastor in Texas, and she has a strong Biblical upbringing)
* The teaching I have received isn't biblically incorrect (its solid and effective), but what I learned through knowledge.... GOD WANTED TO EXPAND THROUGH EXPERIENCE.
*We must be willing to move out of our comfort zones and church routines if we are to break through to the abundant life Christ offers.
*Pray that God will offer you something different in your relationship with Him than what you've previously known- something that forces you to dig deeper in the Word, have a deeper prayer life, or even search for a supplemental body of believers with which to grow!
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