It is with utter joy that I type out that title. I'm devastated...the good kind of devastated. I just can't even believe it! Let me give you the back ground, so you too can share in the joy...of a God who is SO faithful!
Two weeks ago tonight we were about $4500 away from this part of the payment. I'll give you a better understanding of the process. Our agency breaks it down into three payments. 25% of the total to begin the process (homestudy), 50% to be waiting and approved, and the final 25% at the match with a birthmother. This middle payment is $17,500. That's a nice, new car my friends. Back to tonight two weeks ago, we got a call that a generous person wanted to finish out this payment, all of it. Done. We were floored. Blessed. Our hearts were so full. I worked my tail off to finish our profile that weekend so our caseworker could approve it Monday. Fast forward to Tuesday, and I get an email from the agency saying that we have a balance of $1070. There had been a miscalculation. I was devastated...the not good kind. If I am going to be honest, and I am, I was angry. I might as well have shook my fists at God. "Lord, how could you get us this close and have us rejoice in what you've done, to only find out that we aren't there?" I was low. I pitied myself. I compared. I moped. I felt abandoned and mistreated. I ached. Lots of ugly. I didn't tell many people what happened, which was hard because I had announced it on FB already and people knew. I have the most amazing man in the world, but it didn't affect him the same. He just knew God was going to provide. His showing of faith only made me angrier, followed by guilt over my sinful self. Good friends of ours gave us a check last Friday, which left $820. We were so thankful and blessed, but I wrestled even more with being that close. I let it create apathy in my spirit and it kept me from sweet communion with a loving God....who was indeed "working in all things for our good." That apathy reflected in my quiet times, how I treated my man, and even my conversations with others.
Today, I received a call from our caseworker. She was calling to check on us and I reminded her of our balance, literally said it out loud. "And you know we have $820 left!" It stung to hear those words come from my mouth. Her reply, "well actually, that's why I called, an anonymous donor called this morning and paid the balance in full." Long pause on my end. I could hardly reply. I felt joy and conviction. I felt heavy. I told J, but was in a bad mood for a good while...all because of my sin. I was mad at myself for missing out on the greater gift...trusting that God is completely in control. The clouds did lift and I am overjoyed! So, so thankful! I talked this all out tonight with my precious girlfriends in our community which helped me see it for what it all really is...more refining...more time on the Potter's wheel. I know it well. I am thankful for it. I have a good Dad. He loves me, in spite of myself, and my shortcomings. He's using this process to prune me into something beautiful and he's writing the most beautiful story teaching me about His grace in my own adoption through the adoption of our child.
We're praising God over here, inviting yall to praise Him with us! He's paid my balance, your balance, in full through the death of His Son on an old rugged cross.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Vegan Pumpkin Pie Ovenight Oats
Breakfast needed some "jazzing" up around here, and I was on a mission to find some recipes that could be prepped the night before. So, I found Angela's blog. My overnight oats recipe is done in a crockpot overnight with green apples and it's good and hearty, but I loved her recipe for Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats and it's Fall, so anything pumpkin is on my list!
These are super easy and you put in a tupperware before bed and when you wake up toss in walnuts and raisins and voila, breakfast!
I should highlight chia seeds before we begin. These tiny seeds are a nutrition bomb!
• 30% of the chia seed’s oil is Omega 3 oil. 40% of its oil is Omega 6 oil. This provides the nice balance those who take supplemental Essential Fatty Acids are looking for. The chia seed’s substantially dense percentage in alpha-linolenic fatty acid also makes this seed a healthy dietary source of fatty acids.
• You do not need to grind the Chia Seeds to digest it. It is a relatively easy to digest seed, whereas flax seeds are not. Often, one has to grind flax seeds to be able to process them in their digestive system. That is not the case with chia seeds.
• The chia seeds are great for athletes because they are highly hydrophilic. Being hydrophilic means it absorbs large amounts of water. Chia Seeds can absorb over 10 times their weight in water making them a great enhancer in hydrating our bodies. They absorb the water we drink holding it in our system longer.
• Studies show that eating chia seed slows down how fast our bodies convert carbohydrate calories into simple sugars. This leads scientists to believe that the chia seed may have great benefits for diabetics.
• The chia seed gels when becoming wet and this gel, when in our digestive systems, helps prevent some of the food, hence calories that we eat from getting absorbed into our system. This blockage of calorie absorption makes the chia seed a great diet helper. Eating the seeds also helps dieters by making them feel fuller faster so they will be less hungry!
• Chia seeds provide antioxidant activity
• Chia is a great addition to a detoxification program. Chia seeds are high in fiber and in healthy oils making them an excellent addition to many detox programs
Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
Ingredients:
1/3-1/2 cup oats
1.5 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8th tsp nutmeg, 1/8th tsp ginger)
3/4 cup Almond Milk
1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1/3 cup canned pumpkin
Walnuts (topping)
Raisins (topping)
Directions:
Mix the oats, chia seeds, and spices in a small bowl. Now add the Almond milk and maple syrup and whisk until mixed. Add in the pumpkin and whisk again until fully incorporated. Place in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight. Top with raisins, walnuts, and more milk if needed and enjoy your creamy pumpkin pie oats!
These are super easy and you put in a tupperware before bed and when you wake up toss in walnuts and raisins and voila, breakfast!
I should highlight chia seeds before we begin. These tiny seeds are a nutrition bomb!
• 30% of the chia seed’s oil is Omega 3 oil. 40% of its oil is Omega 6 oil. This provides the nice balance those who take supplemental Essential Fatty Acids are looking for. The chia seed’s substantially dense percentage in alpha-linolenic fatty acid also makes this seed a healthy dietary source of fatty acids.
• You do not need to grind the Chia Seeds to digest it. It is a relatively easy to digest seed, whereas flax seeds are not. Often, one has to grind flax seeds to be able to process them in their digestive system. That is not the case with chia seeds.
• The chia seeds are great for athletes because they are highly hydrophilic. Being hydrophilic means it absorbs large amounts of water. Chia Seeds can absorb over 10 times their weight in water making them a great enhancer in hydrating our bodies. They absorb the water we drink holding it in our system longer.
• Studies show that eating chia seed slows down how fast our bodies convert carbohydrate calories into simple sugars. This leads scientists to believe that the chia seed may have great benefits for diabetics.
• The chia seed gels when becoming wet and this gel, when in our digestive systems, helps prevent some of the food, hence calories that we eat from getting absorbed into our system. This blockage of calorie absorption makes the chia seed a great diet helper. Eating the seeds also helps dieters by making them feel fuller faster so they will be less hungry!
• Chia seeds provide antioxidant activity
• Chia is a great addition to a detoxification program. Chia seeds are high in fiber and in healthy oils making them an excellent addition to many detox programs
Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
Ingredients:
1/3-1/2 cup oats
1.5 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8th tsp nutmeg, 1/8th tsp ginger)
3/4 cup Almond Milk
1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1/3 cup canned pumpkin
Walnuts (topping)
Raisins (topping)
Directions:
Mix the oats, chia seeds, and spices in a small bowl. Now add the Almond milk and maple syrup and whisk until mixed. Add in the pumpkin and whisk again until fully incorporated. Place in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight. Top with raisins, walnuts, and more milk if needed and enjoy your creamy pumpkin pie oats!
Dinner Winner-Vegetable Pot Pie
We LOVE this recipe at the Martin house! Adapted from "Clean Food" by Terry Walters . We also love this cookbook, it's never failed me and this recipe is quickly becoming a fall staple. Seriously, and we've even had a few non-vegetable eaters tell us that they love it. It takes some advanced prep for roasting the squash. The chopping is the hard part, the cooking is easy.
My two "what are those" food highlights are delicata squash and arrowroot powder.
Delicata=delicious! This is one of my favorite winter squashes, with creamy pulp that tastes a bit like corn and sweet potatoes. Size may range from 5 to 10 inches in length. The squash can be baked or steamed and the skin is also edible.
Arrowroot powder-one of my "go to" thickners. Made from the Arrowroot plant and used as a gluten-free replacement for wheat flours in baking. It is also considered more desirable for gravies, sauces and pastries than some of the more common starches and flours. It thickens at a lower temperature over cornstarch and flour. It doesn't mix well with dairy. Substitute two teaspoons of arrowroot for one tablespoon of cornstarch, or one teaspoon of arrowroot for one tablespoon of wheat flour. It's acutally nutritous as is the only starch to contain calcium ash, making it a preferred in baby foods. It's alkalizing as well.
Ingredients:
2 med delicata squash
2 TB extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and diced
3 celery stalks, diced
2 TB of mirin
1/2 lb of green beans trimmed
1 1/2 cups of fresh or frozen corn
3/4 cup water
2 TB Braggs Liquid Aminos
2 TB of arrowroot powder
Fresh ground black pepper
1 frozen 9 inch pie crust, defrosted-I used organic spelt
Preheat oven to 400.
Roasting Squash
Wash squash well, cut in half lengthwise, removed seeds and rub each section with oil. Place cut side down in a glass baking pan or cookie sheet and roast 25 min or until soft throughout. Remove and set aside.
Preparing Filling
In Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat, saute onion in olive oil until soft (about 3 min). Add carrots, celery, and mirin (rice wine) and saute another 3 minutes. Cut green beans into bite size pieces, add to pot along with corn and saute 5 minutes or until beans are starting to soften. Chop squash into bite size pieces and fold into mixture.
In small bowl, whisk together water, liquid aminos, and arrowroot until smooth. Pour into pot with veggies and stir until liquid starts to thicken. Season to taste with pepper. Remove from heat and transfer to a casserole dish.
Finishing
Crumble pie crust over top of casserole and cover with foil. Bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 8 or until top is lightly browned. Serve.
My two "what are those" food highlights are delicata squash and arrowroot powder.
Delicata=delicious! This is one of my favorite winter squashes, with creamy pulp that tastes a bit like corn and sweet potatoes. Size may range from 5 to 10 inches in length. The squash can be baked or steamed and the skin is also edible.
Arrowroot powder-one of my "go to" thickners. Made from the Arrowroot plant and used as a gluten-free replacement for wheat flours in baking. It is also considered more desirable for gravies, sauces and pastries than some of the more common starches and flours. It thickens at a lower temperature over cornstarch and flour. It doesn't mix well with dairy. Substitute two teaspoons of arrowroot for one tablespoon of cornstarch, or one teaspoon of arrowroot for one tablespoon of wheat flour. It's acutally nutritous as is the only starch to contain calcium ash, making it a preferred in baby foods. It's alkalizing as well.
Ingredients:
2 med delicata squash
2 TB extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and diced
3 celery stalks, diced
2 TB of mirin
1/2 lb of green beans trimmed
1 1/2 cups of fresh or frozen corn
3/4 cup water
2 TB Braggs Liquid Aminos
2 TB of arrowroot powder
Fresh ground black pepper
1 frozen 9 inch pie crust, defrosted-I used organic spelt
Preheat oven to 400.
Roasting Squash
Wash squash well, cut in half lengthwise, removed seeds and rub each section with oil. Place cut side down in a glass baking pan or cookie sheet and roast 25 min or until soft throughout. Remove and set aside.
Preparing Filling
In Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat, saute onion in olive oil until soft (about 3 min). Add carrots, celery, and mirin (rice wine) and saute another 3 minutes. Cut green beans into bite size pieces, add to pot along with corn and saute 5 minutes or until beans are starting to soften. Chop squash into bite size pieces and fold into mixture.
In small bowl, whisk together water, liquid aminos, and arrowroot until smooth. Pour into pot with veggies and stir until liquid starts to thicken. Season to taste with pepper. Remove from heat and transfer to a casserole dish.
Finishing
Crumble pie crust over top of casserole and cover with foil. Bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 8 or until top is lightly browned. Serve.
Are You Hungry? Pumpkin Apple Streusel Muffins
Oh yes, I am about to change your lives with this one my friends. I got this recipe from Angela's blog. The smell is incredible, and you'll surely be in heaven from the first bite!
Ready?
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups of organic turbinado sugar (I used brown rice syrup and mixed in with wet ingredients)
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten (veganize and add fiber and make a flax egg, 1 TB of ground flax in three TB of warm water, let sit for 15 min)
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup vegetable oil-safflower is my personal fav for desserts
2 cups finely chopped peeled apples
Topping:
1/4 cup organic turbinado sugar or maple sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter or margarine-I use Earth Balance non-soy
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt. Combine eggs, pumpkin and oil; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in apples. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full.
For topping, combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; sprinkle 1 teaspoon over each muffin.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until muffins test done. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.
I had to get them from every angle, so delightful! Enjoyed with this, a steeping cup of Sencha Green Tea.
Happy Harvest!
Ready?
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups of organic turbinado sugar (I used brown rice syrup and mixed in with wet ingredients)
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten (veganize and add fiber and make a flax egg, 1 TB of ground flax in three TB of warm water, let sit for 15 min)
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup vegetable oil-safflower is my personal fav for desserts
2 cups finely chopped peeled apples
Topping:
1/4 cup organic turbinado sugar or maple sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter or margarine-I use Earth Balance non-soy
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt. Combine eggs, pumpkin and oil; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in apples. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full.
For topping, combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; sprinkle 1 teaspoon over each muffin.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until muffins test done. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.
I had to get them from every angle, so delightful! Enjoyed with this, a steeping cup of Sencha Green Tea.
Happy Harvest!
T4A2010
I don't even think one blog post can truly sum up the conference. It could take ten, bear with me! I mean it took me about a month to fully wrap my mind around it!
INCREDIBLE! We learned so much in two days! Our eyes were so opened to the desperate situation at hand 167 million orphans, a number growing monumentally everyday. Staggering. We, the church, have a calling on our lives. One of my favorite statements said, "If God is the Father to the fatherless, then we, the church, are the mother to the fatherless."
I had prayed that my heart would be refreshed to the reasons God has called us to this adoption. After so much paperwork and support raising, I am just tired. We aren't even waiting yet, and I am tired. God really pressed in that He hasn't called us to adopt because of our infertility issues...that's the means. He's called us to be His bride, to answer the call and love and care for the orphan. Yes, of course this may be our only means of family, so there is deep desire for children tied into feelings of loving the orphan...but all the same it's a calling.
If you don't think God's serious about the believer's call to love the fatherless:
Deut 14:29-"And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do."
Deut 26:12-"When you have finished paying all the tithe of your produce in the third year, which is the year of tithing, giving it to the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, so that they may eat within your towns and be filled,"
Psalm 68:5-"Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation."
Psalm 82:3-"Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute."
Psalm 146:9-"The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless ,but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin."
Isaiah 1:17-"learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause."
James 1:27-"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."
At the last session, Matt Carter, asked this question. "Why? Why does God have an enduring passion for these children?" He answered that with this quote and it grabbed me! "The global orphan crisis is one of the major hindrances and barriers to seeing the Great Commission fulfilled in our lives." We're called to "go"...that's it. We have this beautiful gospel picture of being adopted into the family of Christ by the willing sacrifice of our Savior and the spilling of his blood on the cross, and we have to "go and tell" the world! 167 million orphans, fatherless, destitute, alone. How can we the church stay silent and do nothing? I think the greater question is what if we don't?
20-60% of 15-24 year olds that came from orphanages are HIV infected.
19,000 children a year age out of the foster system here in the U.S.
Almost 50% of orphans are adolescents, 12% are younger than 5
Almost everyday 5,760 more children become orphans
Every 2.2 seconds another child ages out of the system with no family to belong to and no place to call home. In Russia and Ukraine 10-15% of these children commit suicide before age 18.
Every 15 seconds, another child in Africa becomes an AIDS orphan.
(statistics from UNICEF)
These should make you uncomfortable. Oh Jesus, move us to action. "Adoption is one of the clearest signs that the church could give of the gospel." How can we as the body of Christ be missional for this cause? There are hundreds of ways and some don't even involve your cash. There are foster families who are tired and need a break. They have tangible needs of money, clothes, beds, cleaning. There are other families who have already adopted or are in the process and God has placed this call on their lives and they need your help, monetarily, a night out, encouragement, prayers. When is the last time you blew someone away with your generosity?
What would it look like if there were no orphans?
INCREDIBLE! We learned so much in two days! Our eyes were so opened to the desperate situation at hand 167 million orphans, a number growing monumentally everyday. Staggering. We, the church, have a calling on our lives. One of my favorite statements said, "If God is the Father to the fatherless, then we, the church, are the mother to the fatherless."
I had prayed that my heart would be refreshed to the reasons God has called us to this adoption. After so much paperwork and support raising, I am just tired. We aren't even waiting yet, and I am tired. God really pressed in that He hasn't called us to adopt because of our infertility issues...that's the means. He's called us to be His bride, to answer the call and love and care for the orphan. Yes, of course this may be our only means of family, so there is deep desire for children tied into feelings of loving the orphan...but all the same it's a calling.
If you don't think God's serious about the believer's call to love the fatherless:
Deut 14:29-"And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do."
Deut 26:12-"When you have finished paying all the tithe of your produce in the third year, which is the year of tithing, giving it to the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, so that they may eat within your towns and be filled,"
Psalm 68:5-"Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation."
Psalm 82:3-"Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute."
Psalm 146:9-"The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless ,but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin."
Isaiah 1:17-"learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause."
James 1:27-"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."
At the last session, Matt Carter, asked this question. "Why? Why does God have an enduring passion for these children?" He answered that with this quote and it grabbed me! "The global orphan crisis is one of the major hindrances and barriers to seeing the Great Commission fulfilled in our lives." We're called to "go"...that's it. We have this beautiful gospel picture of being adopted into the family of Christ by the willing sacrifice of our Savior and the spilling of his blood on the cross, and we have to "go and tell" the world! 167 million orphans, fatherless, destitute, alone. How can we the church stay silent and do nothing? I think the greater question is what if we don't?
20-60% of 15-24 year olds that came from orphanages are HIV infected.
19,000 children a year age out of the foster system here in the U.S.
Almost 50% of orphans are adolescents, 12% are younger than 5
Almost everyday 5,760 more children become orphans
Every 2.2 seconds another child ages out of the system with no family to belong to and no place to call home. In Russia and Ukraine 10-15% of these children commit suicide before age 18.
Every 15 seconds, another child in Africa becomes an AIDS orphan.
(statistics from UNICEF)
These should make you uncomfortable. Oh Jesus, move us to action. "Adoption is one of the clearest signs that the church could give of the gospel." How can we as the body of Christ be missional for this cause? There are hundreds of ways and some don't even involve your cash. There are foster families who are tired and need a break. They have tangible needs of money, clothes, beds, cleaning. There are other families who have already adopted or are in the process and God has placed this call on their lives and they need your help, monetarily, a night out, encouragement, prayers. When is the last time you blew someone away with your generosity?
What would it look like if there were no orphans?
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Together for Adoption Conference-This Weekend!
Check it out at www.togetherforadoption.org. Jacob and I are so excited to be apart of this incredible event here in Austin this weekend. It's going to be amazing with experts from across the country speaking on everything from transracial adoption to raising support to the empowering the church to support adopting couples. I can't wait to tell yall all about it. Pray for us and all the volunteers and speakers traveling from everywhere for safe travels.
Also, I've been a little under the weather so I have been taking care of myself, but wanted to tell you that we raised $680 for the garage sale!! Yeah! Support has been coming in from friends and family and we're incredibly blessed.
Soon to be waiting after we apply to the Abba Fund and get a loan from them.
Bless yall!
Also, I've been a little under the weather so I have been taking care of myself, but wanted to tell you that we raised $680 for the garage sale!! Yeah! Support has been coming in from friends and family and we're incredibly blessed.
Soon to be waiting after we apply to the Abba Fund and get a loan from them.
Bless yall!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Martin Family Garage Sale-This Saturday September 18th!!
Precious friends. We are having our adoption support garage sale this weekend! Others have been so generous and we have a lot of stuff...now please join us in praying that it SELLS!
If anyone has good "garage sale" advice....please send it my way! This is my first ever garage sale.
Bless yall!
If anyone has good "garage sale" advice....please send it my way! This is my first ever garage sale.
Bless yall!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Support
Updates, updates. I hope I haven't lost all of my readers due to my lack of blogging. Work has been insanely busy for me and we've also been super busy. Our life in blurbs:
-We didn't get approved to switch to the minority only program with our agency. It's a small program with limited families. What does this mean for us? God could definitely still put a child of another race in our family, but he just wants us to raise $37,500 for his greater glory!
-We traveled to Wisconsin last weekend to see Jacob's dad's family. His grandparents and aunt and uncle live on the family farm. Everyone else came in to see us as well. We had a great time, well other than Jacob's dad breaking his ankle in three places and needing major surgery with pins and plates while we were there.
-Jacob started Fall semester this week. YEAH! Keep him in your prayers.
-We had our college leaders over for dinner last night. All 7 of them. We had a great time getting to hear their hearts, what God is doing in them, praying with them, and encouraging them. We know God is going to do incredible things this semester in our city and on campus for His name and renown.
-I had a little thyroid issue come up. The Lord really pressed into my heart to have it checked and I did, and it was just starting to decline. I was insanely tired, a little down, and gained 8 pounds in one month! I was put on medicine to help correct it and have done some natural supplementing and therapies as well. It's really an answered prayer. Thyroid malfunction is a fertility killer, so good thing to figure out for all kinds of reasons. I did the blood work yesterday to see where my levels are after six weeks on the medicine. Our doc thinks it got out of whack from our miscarriage last year.
-Yoga is my bf. I love, love, love it. I was doing it three times a week and since I've been so busy that's declined. But this week, I am back. I sleep better, feel like I can breathe better, got stronger. Yes, please!
-We sent support letters out last week. Jacob and I prayed over them and asked God to open people's hearts to give for our adoption. We have an overwhelming feeling that God is going to blow us away!
-Our little Lola girl was fixed two weeks ago, broke my heart. I cried when I left the vet. She cried all the first night and I thought I was going to lose my mind. Two days later, she was her normal self.
-Fall garden planting commencing in T minus one week.
-We start at our new satellite campus for church tomorrow and I am serving in the nursery rocking babies! We opened a campus in a low income area of Austin. We renovated a building and put in a non-profit center to office there. It's an amazing vision that our pastor was given year's ago. J and I feel called to be apart of this and be light in this neighborhood so that the gospel can penetrate the hearts of these people.
-Did I mention we are having a garage sale as part of the fundraising for our adoption? I am thinking Saturday September 11th, but still working the details out. If you are in Austin or Houston and have stuff you'd like to donate, please email me and we'll gladly pick it up.
Did I mention that we have to raise about another $23,000 for the adoption? If God is calling you to love the orphan by helping us adopt....please also email me. Be apart of God's great story and His glory and the life of the child He has for us.
-I am so ready for Fall! Soup and cool weather and football (yes I know, I even miss it). I am counting the days to like November...when it finally gets cool here.
God has continued to reveal to me the depths of faith wrought in waiting on Him and his plan. Waiting is so hard. I should have nothing to complain about because it's only been two years of waiting for Him to bless us with a child and others have waited far longer. I just know He's going to do something incredible because He already has in us. He's so good. He's so patient and loving. Stay tuned in our lives...for the best is yet to come.
Bless yall!
-We didn't get approved to switch to the minority only program with our agency. It's a small program with limited families. What does this mean for us? God could definitely still put a child of another race in our family, but he just wants us to raise $37,500 for his greater glory!
-We traveled to Wisconsin last weekend to see Jacob's dad's family. His grandparents and aunt and uncle live on the family farm. Everyone else came in to see us as well. We had a great time, well other than Jacob's dad breaking his ankle in three places and needing major surgery with pins and plates while we were there.
-Jacob started Fall semester this week. YEAH! Keep him in your prayers.
-We had our college leaders over for dinner last night. All 7 of them. We had a great time getting to hear their hearts, what God is doing in them, praying with them, and encouraging them. We know God is going to do incredible things this semester in our city and on campus for His name and renown.
-I had a little thyroid issue come up. The Lord really pressed into my heart to have it checked and I did, and it was just starting to decline. I was insanely tired, a little down, and gained 8 pounds in one month! I was put on medicine to help correct it and have done some natural supplementing and therapies as well. It's really an answered prayer. Thyroid malfunction is a fertility killer, so good thing to figure out for all kinds of reasons. I did the blood work yesterday to see where my levels are after six weeks on the medicine. Our doc thinks it got out of whack from our miscarriage last year.
-Yoga is my bf. I love, love, love it. I was doing it three times a week and since I've been so busy that's declined. But this week, I am back. I sleep better, feel like I can breathe better, got stronger. Yes, please!
-We sent support letters out last week. Jacob and I prayed over them and asked God to open people's hearts to give for our adoption. We have an overwhelming feeling that God is going to blow us away!
-Our little Lola girl was fixed two weeks ago, broke my heart. I cried when I left the vet. She cried all the first night and I thought I was going to lose my mind. Two days later, she was her normal self.
-Fall garden planting commencing in T minus one week.
-We start at our new satellite campus for church tomorrow and I am serving in the nursery rocking babies! We opened a campus in a low income area of Austin. We renovated a building and put in a non-profit center to office there. It's an amazing vision that our pastor was given year's ago. J and I feel called to be apart of this and be light in this neighborhood so that the gospel can penetrate the hearts of these people.
-Did I mention we are having a garage sale as part of the fundraising for our adoption? I am thinking Saturday September 11th, but still working the details out. If you are in Austin or Houston and have stuff you'd like to donate, please email me and we'll gladly pick it up.
Did I mention that we have to raise about another $23,000 for the adoption? If God is calling you to love the orphan by helping us adopt....please also email me. Be apart of God's great story and His glory and the life of the child He has for us.
-I am so ready for Fall! Soup and cool weather and football (yes I know, I even miss it). I am counting the days to like November...when it finally gets cool here.
God has continued to reveal to me the depths of faith wrought in waiting on Him and his plan. Waiting is so hard. I should have nothing to complain about because it's only been two years of waiting for Him to bless us with a child and others have waited far longer. I just know He's going to do something incredible because He already has in us. He's so good. He's so patient and loving. Stay tuned in our lives...for the best is yet to come.
Bless yall!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Jesus Loves the Little Children
Our homestudy went well last Friday, it was sooooo many questions and a long day, but good. Our caseworker is a precious lady and we are excited to be working with her in this process. We have about three weeks until all the paperwork is processed and we are officially waiting or as they say, "paper pregnant." Wow.
I've noticed throughout this whole journey that God has really been stretching us past our comforts. It's been two years of loss and waiting. Two years ago Sunday that we lost Grace and the thought crept in that this may not be as easy as we thought it would be. Fast forward to last October where we realized that adoption was to be on the radar sooner rather than later. Fast forward to now and here we are again at a crossroads.
Please never read this and feel sorry for us and give us the good ol, "bless their little hearts". God has been beyond gracious, my friends. He's AMAZINGLY good to us and we live abundant lives. We are being made more like Him and we are growing in our faith and just having him "rock our worlds" for the better. He's stretching us again in this process and making us stand back and say, "ok, Lord...if this is what you want for the Martins....we're all in! It may be hard and we may struggle, but we trust you 100%."
Jacob and I had long said and even written in black ink on our adoption paperwork that we were open racially across the board in adoption. We'd be thankful and excited for what ever skin color the child has that he will put in our family. We go to a church where that's embraced and celebrated, where it's almost the norm in adoption and we praise Jesus for that. We know white couples that have adopted children of other races and they are actually the minority in their own house. We know a couple who are adopting a special needs child from China, we know couples who adopted children from other countries who have H.IV. Praise God for these people who would step up and love these children without even batting an eye.
As we stand here and are faced with praying through what we are supposed to do, weighing the cost, knowing this probably won't be our only adoption...we believe God is calling us to step out in faith. So, we are switching to the program in our agency that is only for minority and biracial adoption. I know some might struggle with this, even out of the goodness of their hearts and simply not wanting us to see suffer more pain and heartache, but I hope you instead are faced with the gospel of Christ. I hope you see how we believe the verse in James that says, "pure and undefiled religion is caring for widows and orphans in their need" refers to the orphan is Africa, in Russia, in China, the white child in the US, and the child of another race in the US. It breaks my heart to know that the cost for us to adopt a biracial child here in the US is three times less for us than a white child. Who will love these precious babies...if not us? Who will step up and say, "yes Lord, send me", if we don't? Will they be passed into a failing foster system or be a child growing up in the welfare system with parents who didn't want them in the first place and would dare call them a mistake? Who will validate over and over again who they are in Christ and not as the world sees them? Who will sing the verse over them with tears in thier eyes, "red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world", if we don't?
I know we will face difficulty in this, our child will surely someday be teased or feel like they don't fit in. I was treated that way as a child a thousand times and I come from a white family. I just know that God wants us to be the kind of people who can bring a child into our family who looks nothing like us and call them "son" or "daughter" because He does. It's simply a preview of heaven that we will be blessed to experience here on earth. It will probably be the greatest joy we could ever be given by Him who's adopted us.
So, we are excited to share this news with you all and hope you'll continue to pray for this precious life that God is going to put into our family. Amen and amen.
I've noticed throughout this whole journey that God has really been stretching us past our comforts. It's been two years of loss and waiting. Two years ago Sunday that we lost Grace and the thought crept in that this may not be as easy as we thought it would be. Fast forward to last October where we realized that adoption was to be on the radar sooner rather than later. Fast forward to now and here we are again at a crossroads.
Please never read this and feel sorry for us and give us the good ol, "bless their little hearts". God has been beyond gracious, my friends. He's AMAZINGLY good to us and we live abundant lives. We are being made more like Him and we are growing in our faith and just having him "rock our worlds" for the better. He's stretching us again in this process and making us stand back and say, "ok, Lord...if this is what you want for the Martins....we're all in! It may be hard and we may struggle, but we trust you 100%."
Jacob and I had long said and even written in black ink on our adoption paperwork that we were open racially across the board in adoption. We'd be thankful and excited for what ever skin color the child has that he will put in our family. We go to a church where that's embraced and celebrated, where it's almost the norm in adoption and we praise Jesus for that. We know white couples that have adopted children of other races and they are actually the minority in their own house. We know a couple who are adopting a special needs child from China, we know couples who adopted children from other countries who have H.IV. Praise God for these people who would step up and love these children without even batting an eye.
As we stand here and are faced with praying through what we are supposed to do, weighing the cost, knowing this probably won't be our only adoption...we believe God is calling us to step out in faith. So, we are switching to the program in our agency that is only for minority and biracial adoption. I know some might struggle with this, even out of the goodness of their hearts and simply not wanting us to see suffer more pain and heartache, but I hope you instead are faced with the gospel of Christ. I hope you see how we believe the verse in James that says, "pure and undefiled religion is caring for widows and orphans in their need" refers to the orphan is Africa, in Russia, in China, the white child in the US, and the child of another race in the US. It breaks my heart to know that the cost for us to adopt a biracial child here in the US is three times less for us than a white child. Who will love these precious babies...if not us? Who will step up and say, "yes Lord, send me", if we don't? Will they be passed into a failing foster system or be a child growing up in the welfare system with parents who didn't want them in the first place and would dare call them a mistake? Who will validate over and over again who they are in Christ and not as the world sees them? Who will sing the verse over them with tears in thier eyes, "red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world", if we don't?
I know we will face difficulty in this, our child will surely someday be teased or feel like they don't fit in. I was treated that way as a child a thousand times and I come from a white family. I just know that God wants us to be the kind of people who can bring a child into our family who looks nothing like us and call them "son" or "daughter" because He does. It's simply a preview of heaven that we will be blessed to experience here on earth. It will probably be the greatest joy we could ever be given by Him who's adopted us.
So, we are excited to share this news with you all and hope you'll continue to pray for this precious life that God is going to put into our family. Amen and amen.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Homestudy Scheduled!
Well, talk about getting it done all at once! We have our first visit here at our house next Wednesday and the second at the agency in Fort Worth on Friday. YEAH! It's going to be a long week next week. God is so good!
Please keep us in your prayers!
Please keep us in your prayers!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Mexican Hummus....Um, Um, Good!
Mexican food is one of my bf's. Of course, we don't do the lard and the cheese around here...but yall this is some tasty business right here. I scored this recipe from Vegetarian Times and added some flare.
Mexican Hummus
1 15.5-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup salsa
1 Tbs. lime juice
2 tsp. olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 tsp.)
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup cilantro
Directions
1.Put beans, salsa, lime juice, oil, garlic and cumin in food processor or blender, and purée until smooth.
2.Spoon mixture into bowl, and stir in pumpkin seeds and cilantro. Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate. Makes about 1.5 cups.
So, I try and not use canned beans if I can help it...too many metals. I soaked 1.5 cups of pinto beans with kombu (seaweed that's nature's beano) overnight and then drained and cooked by bringing to a boil and then lowering heat to as fast simmer covered for an 1.5 hours in 6 cups water. You'll know when they are done because they fall apart. Yes, I bought the salsa (organic) and didn't squeeze my own limes (organic lime juice)....I am trying to create recipes for ladies who have busy lives!! I'm right there with yall.
It gets better. I broiled squash, zucchini, and red pepper in the oven marinated in EVOO and salt and pepper about 4-6 min a side. I then spread the hummus over a sprouted tortilla and picked basil from the garden, three leaves, some raw red onions, leftover arugula from the quinoa recipe, and voila! Another wrap, easy to assemble and oh so yummy! You can also serve this as a dip with veggies or whole wheat pita. Any left-over toasted pumpkin seeds you have, go great in a jar and eaten as a snack or in oatmeal for breakfast.
Bueno.
Mexican Hummus
1 15.5-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup salsa
1 Tbs. lime juice
2 tsp. olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 tsp.)
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup cilantro
Directions
1.Put beans, salsa, lime juice, oil, garlic and cumin in food processor or blender, and purée until smooth.
2.Spoon mixture into bowl, and stir in pumpkin seeds and cilantro. Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate. Makes about 1.5 cups.
So, I try and not use canned beans if I can help it...too many metals. I soaked 1.5 cups of pinto beans with kombu (seaweed that's nature's beano) overnight and then drained and cooked by bringing to a boil and then lowering heat to as fast simmer covered for an 1.5 hours in 6 cups water. You'll know when they are done because they fall apart. Yes, I bought the salsa (organic) and didn't squeeze my own limes (organic lime juice)....I am trying to create recipes for ladies who have busy lives!! I'm right there with yall.
It gets better. I broiled squash, zucchini, and red pepper in the oven marinated in EVOO and salt and pepper about 4-6 min a side. I then spread the hummus over a sprouted tortilla and picked basil from the garden, three leaves, some raw red onions, leftover arugula from the quinoa recipe, and voila! Another wrap, easy to assemble and oh so yummy! You can also serve this as a dip with veggies or whole wheat pita. Any left-over toasted pumpkin seeds you have, go great in a jar and eaten as a snack or in oatmeal for breakfast.
Bueno.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Time for A Recipe
Time for some new recipes, it's been way too long! I haven't stopped cooking, this house loves to eat! The more I learn and experiment with cooking, the more I see how it's quickly become one of my great passions. I love to help others strive for healthier and happier lifestyles. A little back story, I was very sick for 15 years. Two years and one month ago, God used food and a major lifestyle change to completely heal my body of the illness I had for so long! It's been an amazing journey and I hope to one day take it even further and start my own business. So, with a husband in school, who eats A LOT, I have been working on recipes that he can put in a wrap and carry with him on campus.
Quinoa (prounounced keen-wah) is a fabulous and versatile grain. It's easily digestible and has a light, nutty flavor. It's has more protein (averages about 16.2%) and calcium than a quart of milk, so it gives you endurance. It's high in iron, magnesium, and potassium. It is strengthening to the kidneys and heart. With this grain, a little goes a long way! It expands to four times its volume when cooked. What's not to love.
Veggie Stuffed Quinoa
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for oiling the pan
1 red onion, chopped
1/2 pound sliced mushrooms
1 cup chopped carrots
1 red bell pepper chopped
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1 cup of chopped arugula
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 t sea salt (or to taste)
1t garlic powder
1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and cooked according to package directions (Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup roasted almonds
Method
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally until transparent, 8 to 10 minutes.
Add mushrooms and cook until softened, 4 to 5 minutes more. Add carrots and chopped pepper, cook until just softened, then add parsley and arugula (in batches, if needed).
Let greens wilt then stir in garlic powder, salt, and cumin and cooked quinoa and toss gently to combine. Add salt, pepper and almonds and cook 1 to 2 minutes more. Set aside to let filling cool until just warm. Serve as a tasty side dish or in sprouted whole grain wraps. This made a huge pot as you can see, so it should last for a few days and lunches!
Finished dish!
Happy and healthy eating!
Quinoa (prounounced keen-wah) is a fabulous and versatile grain. It's easily digestible and has a light, nutty flavor. It's has more protein (averages about 16.2%) and calcium than a quart of milk, so it gives you endurance. It's high in iron, magnesium, and potassium. It is strengthening to the kidneys and heart. With this grain, a little goes a long way! It expands to four times its volume when cooked. What's not to love.
Veggie Stuffed Quinoa
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for oiling the pan
1 red onion, chopped
1/2 pound sliced mushrooms
1 cup chopped carrots
1 red bell pepper chopped
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1 cup of chopped arugula
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 t sea salt (or to taste)
1t garlic powder
1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and cooked according to package directions (Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup roasted almonds
Method
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally until transparent, 8 to 10 minutes.
Add mushrooms and cook until softened, 4 to 5 minutes more. Add carrots and chopped pepper, cook until just softened, then add parsley and arugula (in batches, if needed).
Let greens wilt then stir in garlic powder, salt, and cumin and cooked quinoa and toss gently to combine. Add salt, pepper and almonds and cook 1 to 2 minutes more. Set aside to let filling cool until just warm. Serve as a tasty side dish or in sprouted whole grain wraps. This made a huge pot as you can see, so it should last for a few days and lunches!
Finished dish!
Happy and healthy eating!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Adoption Update
I promise I will get the pics of the nursery up, I keep forgetting to take pictures of it finished in the daylight. It turned out awesome! So did the guest room.
We are waiting on an appeals process with our agency to decide on our adoption fee. Normally, the figure the fee by your combined earnings over the past three years, however; because Jacob is back in school, our situation has changed dramatically with living now on one income. If they give us grace, then our fee will be $7,000 lower. WOW! That's substantial. So please pray for us in that. Out total fees right now are around $37,000. We have to make a big payment before we can start the homestudy and before we can apply for our church scholarship the homestudy must be completed. Then upon final approval, another bigger payment. It's so hard to just trust, why is that? I was re-reading my post from like two posts ago and I specifically mentioned us doubting...even said with finances. Well, that was humbling to read. Because here I am, struggling to hold on. I know God can provide for what he's called us to, but it's so hard and there are so many times where I am ready to throw in the towel and give up.
I have struggled with so much these past weeks. Don't ever let anyone tell you that adoption is full of butterflies and sunshine, it's downright hard, even ugly at times. Hard.....much of the time and I am not even in the waiting yet. Let me expound. It's hard when you've waited so long and prayed so long for a child, it feels so distant and obscure. It's hard to not feel like you are "buying" a baby. It's hard to not wonder if you will have an adoption loss (a birthmother changing her mind, usually after having the baby). It's insanely hard to write a "dear birthmom" letter, telling a woman you've never met how you would be good parents to her child. It's hard to continue to submit your desire for biological children to the Lord and trust that this is the way he desires to grow your family. The list goes on and on.
Yet, I know God will provide. Today the Lord used our caseworker to deeply encourage me. Her words pierced right into my soul and I sobbed through the rest of the email and in Whole Foods. I had a feeling she was a believer...and now I have no doubts. Her words were like a blanket over me. One of those spots where you feel God deeply and feel silly for your lack of faith. Have yall been there? I have really felt alone and discouraged lately. I needed someone to speak right into my soul as she did.
God is good. He knows I need him to battle for me right now. Please keep us in your prayers as we seek to trust Jesus and have patience as we wait for his plan.
We are waiting on an appeals process with our agency to decide on our adoption fee. Normally, the figure the fee by your combined earnings over the past three years, however; because Jacob is back in school, our situation has changed dramatically with living now on one income. If they give us grace, then our fee will be $7,000 lower. WOW! That's substantial. So please pray for us in that. Out total fees right now are around $37,000. We have to make a big payment before we can start the homestudy and before we can apply for our church scholarship the homestudy must be completed. Then upon final approval, another bigger payment. It's so hard to just trust, why is that? I was re-reading my post from like two posts ago and I specifically mentioned us doubting...even said with finances. Well, that was humbling to read. Because here I am, struggling to hold on. I know God can provide for what he's called us to, but it's so hard and there are so many times where I am ready to throw in the towel and give up.
I have struggled with so much these past weeks. Don't ever let anyone tell you that adoption is full of butterflies and sunshine, it's downright hard, even ugly at times. Hard.....much of the time and I am not even in the waiting yet. Let me expound. It's hard when you've waited so long and prayed so long for a child, it feels so distant and obscure. It's hard to not feel like you are "buying" a baby. It's hard to not wonder if you will have an adoption loss (a birthmother changing her mind, usually after having the baby). It's insanely hard to write a "dear birthmom" letter, telling a woman you've never met how you would be good parents to her child. It's hard to continue to submit your desire for biological children to the Lord and trust that this is the way he desires to grow your family. The list goes on and on.
Yet, I know God will provide. Today the Lord used our caseworker to deeply encourage me. Her words pierced right into my soul and I sobbed through the rest of the email and in Whole Foods. I had a feeling she was a believer...and now I have no doubts. Her words were like a blanket over me. One of those spots where you feel God deeply and feel silly for your lack of faith. Have yall been there? I have really felt alone and discouraged lately. I needed someone to speak right into my soul as she did.
God is good. He knows I need him to battle for me right now. Please keep us in your prayers as we seek to trust Jesus and have patience as we wait for his plan.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Maui-fied!
It's been a busy couple months for us, between J and his finals, me and work, adoption paperwork, painting the guest room and nursery (pics to come), and vacation! It's back to busy with summer school for J and adoption scrapbook and homestudy to start soon. Here are some pics from our trip to Maui. Seriously, one of the best vacations I've ever had! My favorite part, laying on the beach with a book in my hands, listening to the waves crashing. Sweet, beautiful music. Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places. We scored an incredible deal on a rental. Check out Vacation Rentals By Owner online if you're looking for a house to rent. We cooked most of our own food, which saved us a lot of dough! If you get the chance to go, I highly recommend it!
One of South Maui's beautiful beaches
Honolua Bay, where J snorkeled, gorgeous reef
Doesn't it just make you feel better? The water was so pretty!
Shopping in Lahaina
Lunch of veggie sushi and miso soup
Our last night in Maui at an incredible restaurant.
One of South Maui's beautiful beaches
Honolua Bay, where J snorkeled, gorgeous reef
Doesn't it just make you feel better? The water was so pretty!
Shopping in Lahaina
Lunch of veggie sushi and miso soup
One of the few places we ate out for all organic wood-fired pizza. Delicious!
Beautiful Maui sunset
One of many waterfalls on the East side
I had to put this one in, this guy, had a ice cream stand in the middle of the jungle. In real life, he had no shirt on and used his machete to dash open a coconut for us to drink the milk and then served us the best vegan coconut ice cream we've ever tasted. Wish I had another bowl now.
Our last night in Maui at an incredible restaurant.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
At The Cross
What's defines me? I've been asking myself this question a lot lately. More than that realizing what doesn't define me. All my life I thought I had this real grip on the gospel and all that it is.....but lately I am realizing just how little I've really understood it down to the depths of my soul. I love Jesus, love him so much and I really seek to glorify Him with my life. But, the gospel...the gospel has been changing me. As I've struggled with sin issues and really been asking God to help "kill" those things in me, something in my soul has shifted. I've gone from beating myself up over sin, to seeing my Lord step into the gap every time and remind me, "Child, I died for that." I am so affected by His great sacrifice....more than I ever have been in my 28 years. His perfect love, taking on the wrath of God....so that I might live in eternity. One day, all who believe in Christ will stand before the throne and hear "this one's mine." Can you even try to wrap your mind around that without tears streaming down your face? It's only by His sacrifice and not by my deeds or faith, or rather lack there of.
Isaiah 51:17 talks about the "cup of wrath" that God was giving to his own Son, referring to it as the "cup of staggering."
In his book "The Cross Centered Life", CJ Mahaney discusses the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane.
"Listen again to the precious and powerful words we hear Him repeat to His Father:
'Not my will, but your will.'
Jesus is saying, 'Father, I willingly drink this cup by your command---I'll drink it all.'
And He will. He'll drink all of it, leaving not a drop. Not only will He leave nothing in that cup of wrath for us to drink....but today you and I will find ourselves with another cup in our hands. It's the cup of salvation. From this precious new cup we find ourselves drinking and drinking--drinking consistently, drinking endlessly, drinking eternally...for the cup of salvation is always full and overflowing. We can drink from this cup only because Jesus spoke those words about the other cup: 'Yet not what I will, but what you will.'
I will drink it all."
Oh what love my friends. It is the cross which defines me, defines you. The gospel. It is Christ.
Isaiah 51:17 talks about the "cup of wrath" that God was giving to his own Son, referring to it as the "cup of staggering."
In his book "The Cross Centered Life", CJ Mahaney discusses the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane.
"Listen again to the precious and powerful words we hear Him repeat to His Father:
'Not my will, but your will.'
Jesus is saying, 'Father, I willingly drink this cup by your command---I'll drink it all.'
And He will. He'll drink all of it, leaving not a drop. Not only will He leave nothing in that cup of wrath for us to drink....but today you and I will find ourselves with another cup in our hands. It's the cup of salvation. From this precious new cup we find ourselves drinking and drinking--drinking consistently, drinking endlessly, drinking eternally...for the cup of salvation is always full and overflowing. We can drink from this cup only because Jesus spoke those words about the other cup: 'Yet not what I will, but what you will.'
I will drink it all."
Oh what love my friends. It is the cross which defines me, defines you. The gospel. It is Christ.
Our Agency
I'm finally getting around to this post, and I am sorry for all my readers who have been '"waiting with baited breath." No, i am sure yall have been as busy as we have been. What is it about Spring that makes us run and schedule like crazy? Maybe because we were all hibernating this winter with the ridiculous cold!!
Back in March we drove to Ft. Worth to spend a day at the Gladney Center for Adoption. I wish we'd of known what we were in for. We were amazed! Gladney houses the birth moms on site, they have a beautiful facility with a gym, pool, house mom, commons with a full kitchen stocked with food, and beautiful rooms. They take such great care of these girls. We learned that the average age of these girls is early twenties. The care continues even after birth with their Next Steps Program, where the girls are helped with resumes, returning to school, and even funding for college if they so choose. They have lifetime counseling. The panel of birth moms was very eye-opening for both of us, it was nice to hear these girls talk about the process and support and the sacrifice they were making to better their child's life. I spent most of the day fighting back tears. Everyone with us had the same story, couldn't have children, and believed this was the next step for them.
We talked and planned and dreamed the whole way home. It was definitely confirmation of God's plan for us. It was neat seeing Jacob so excited about what the future holds for us. We're still in the midst of our paperwork, but making great headway. We hope to have it completed and the homestudy started within the next month.
I've been praying about God's will and asking for him to continue to lead us down His perfect path for our lives. I've seen such a change in my attitude already, I am growing so much as he removes things in me that don't look like him. It's SO hard, but so GOOD! I know opposition could come in this call to adopt.....even within our own hearts in the form of doubting that he will provide....but we are holding fast to truth. Being called to most anything always requires self-sacrifice and then comes great change in perspective. Less about us, more about Him.
The year anniversary of Grace's birthday, came and went......happened to be the day we celebrated Jacob's 30th birthday. I miss that sweet baby girl, but am thankful for the "call" on my life to go on without her and trust that this "work He's began in me, he will be faithful to complete." One day.....I'll know fully.
We picked out a lovely sage green to paint the nursery and will be starting that process slowly. We are also taking a much needed babymoon since we know we could very well have a baby within the next year (WOW!) and will also be broke for the rest of our lives! :) No, but we planned our trip to Maui in a month. Oh wow, are we excited! I cannot wait to just relax and soak up the sun and see an incredible place that I've always dreamed of seeing....even better with the love of my life!
Back in March we drove to Ft. Worth to spend a day at the Gladney Center for Adoption. I wish we'd of known what we were in for. We were amazed! Gladney houses the birth moms on site, they have a beautiful facility with a gym, pool, house mom, commons with a full kitchen stocked with food, and beautiful rooms. They take such great care of these girls. We learned that the average age of these girls is early twenties. The care continues even after birth with their Next Steps Program, where the girls are helped with resumes, returning to school, and even funding for college if they so choose. They have lifetime counseling. The panel of birth moms was very eye-opening for both of us, it was nice to hear these girls talk about the process and support and the sacrifice they were making to better their child's life. I spent most of the day fighting back tears. Everyone with us had the same story, couldn't have children, and believed this was the next step for them.
We talked and planned and dreamed the whole way home. It was definitely confirmation of God's plan for us. It was neat seeing Jacob so excited about what the future holds for us. We're still in the midst of our paperwork, but making great headway. We hope to have it completed and the homestudy started within the next month.
I've been praying about God's will and asking for him to continue to lead us down His perfect path for our lives. I've seen such a change in my attitude already, I am growing so much as he removes things in me that don't look like him. It's SO hard, but so GOOD! I know opposition could come in this call to adopt.....even within our own hearts in the form of doubting that he will provide....but we are holding fast to truth. Being called to most anything always requires self-sacrifice and then comes great change in perspective. Less about us, more about Him.
The year anniversary of Grace's birthday, came and went......happened to be the day we celebrated Jacob's 30th birthday. I miss that sweet baby girl, but am thankful for the "call" on my life to go on without her and trust that this "work He's began in me, he will be faithful to complete." One day.....I'll know fully.
We picked out a lovely sage green to paint the nursery and will be starting that process slowly. We are also taking a much needed babymoon since we know we could very well have a baby within the next year (WOW!) and will also be broke for the rest of our lives! :) No, but we planned our trip to Maui in a month. Oh wow, are we excited! I cannot wait to just relax and soak up the sun and see an incredible place that I've always dreamed of seeing....even better with the love of my life!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Paperwork Smaperwork
Well, we feel in love with our agency. The orientation was awesome. And I mean awesome. God is good and I will have to put it all in another very long post.
But for now, we are buried in paperwork. It's been my status on GMail for the last two weeks and it's true. Between setting an appointment to get FBI fingerprinted and writing our autobiographies, we've been working and going to school as well. I promise.
My dear friend reminded me after everything we've been through, this is easy. She's right. We're pumped.
God is good.....back to work.
But for now, we are buried in paperwork. It's been my status on GMail for the last two weeks and it's true. Between setting an appointment to get FBI fingerprinted and writing our autobiographies, we've been working and going to school as well. I promise.
My dear friend reminded me after everything we've been through, this is easy. She's right. We're pumped.
God is good.....back to work.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Maca-The Wonder Root
As an ode to the National Healthcare Reform passing....how about an herb bio. I heart maca! Let's talk about the benefits of this Peruvian root, shall we:
Endocrine Support-regulates the endocrine glands responsible for proper hormone balance. "Maca has been found to increase a person's energy levels, encourage growth and stimulate metabolic functions. The nutrients found in maca fuel the system and encourage hormone production."
Support the Adrenals-let's face it, if you're stressed or sick a lot, you're adrenals are and have been taxed. "Maca is an adaptogen and as such helps in maintaining the overall health of the body. Its calcium, fatty acids, and vitamins b1, b2, b12 content aids in the digestive process while its phosphorus, as well as vitamins b12 and b1 works on the nervous system. On the other hand, the alkaloid content of maca helps the body assimilate all the nutrients required by the body.
Help in Fighting Cancer-"the herb contains glucosinolate and fibers that prevent certain forms of cancer." The fatty acid of the herb helps in improving the body's immune system
Natural Pain Reliever-maca contains terpenoids and saponins which give it the power to relieve pain and act as an expectorant, sedative, and analgesic.
And probably the best reason.....
Increase Strength and Libido-the Incan warriors took the herb before battle to keep their bodies strong and ready for rigorous physical activity. It also increase libido. Hey, I am just saying.....
You can get maca in powder form which is most potent, mix with juice to take off the edge. I found that pear juice works best. It's also available in capsule form.
Endocrine Support-regulates the endocrine glands responsible for proper hormone balance. "Maca has been found to increase a person's energy levels, encourage growth and stimulate metabolic functions. The nutrients found in maca fuel the system and encourage hormone production."
Support the Adrenals-let's face it, if you're stressed or sick a lot, you're adrenals are and have been taxed. "Maca is an adaptogen and as such helps in maintaining the overall health of the body. Its calcium, fatty acids, and vitamins b1, b2, b12 content aids in the digestive process while its phosphorus, as well as vitamins b12 and b1 works on the nervous system. On the other hand, the alkaloid content of maca helps the body assimilate all the nutrients required by the body.
Help in Fighting Cancer-"the herb contains glucosinolate and fibers that prevent certain forms of cancer." The fatty acid of the herb helps in improving the body's immune system
Natural Pain Reliever-maca contains terpenoids and saponins which give it the power to relieve pain and act as an expectorant, sedative, and analgesic.
And probably the best reason.....
Increase Strength and Libido-the Incan warriors took the herb before battle to keep their bodies strong and ready for rigorous physical activity. It also increase libido. Hey, I am just saying.....
You can get maca in powder form which is most potent, mix with juice to take off the edge. I found that pear juice works best. It's also available in capsule form.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Approved!
I can't believe it happened so fast! We found out Friday that we were accepted to the agency we applied with. Yes, Lord! It was such an added blessing to our already planned date night! So, now begins the process. We head to Fort Worth on March 25th for an all day orientation on the 26th. Then the next step will be to start our home study and work on the scrapbook for birth moms to look through. We've also been brainstorming ways to raise funds. The total cost is going to be between $20,000-$30,000. We believe God to provide in ways unimaginable! In fact, I am planning on Him totally blowing us away! One plan is to have a garage sale and have friends and family donate their used stuff. Send me an email if you'd like to help with that.
This is such an amazing, humbling journey. We feel the peace of God and trust Him totally. He's been stripping away so much of my fears and my...well...junk. It's been so hard letting go of the fear that we may never have biological children. Who cares. We'll have one cool family brought together by the perfect, sovereign will of God!! I love it...love the thought, love the picture in my heart that he's given me. Again, here I am pondering the most precious things in my heart. He's been declaring peace as I try not to be afraid of the possibility of having a mom change her mind. We'll get through it, we'll be ok. Last night in class, we were talking about how Romans 8:28 is undeniable truth...He truly is "working ALL THINGS for our good." Every deep, deep hurt and loss....for our good. This, right here, right now...definitely for our good and for the good of a precious, precious life that we can't wait to teach about a Savior who is good.
This is such an amazing, humbling journey. We feel the peace of God and trust Him totally. He's been stripping away so much of my fears and my...well...junk. It's been so hard letting go of the fear that we may never have biological children. Who cares. We'll have one cool family brought together by the perfect, sovereign will of God!! I love it...love the thought, love the picture in my heart that he's given me. Again, here I am pondering the most precious things in my heart. He's been declaring peace as I try not to be afraid of the possibility of having a mom change her mind. We'll get through it, we'll be ok. Last night in class, we were talking about how Romans 8:28 is undeniable truth...He truly is "working ALL THINGS for our good." Every deep, deep hurt and loss....for our good. This, right here, right now...definitely for our good and for the good of a precious, precious life that we can't wait to teach about a Savior who is good.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Step One Complete
Well, today we submitted our application to an adoption agency! It's so exciting and surreal and wonderful! We feel that it's an incredible honor that God has called us to this! It's humbling. I know God is with us and has gone before us. What an incredible thought to wonder if this baby has already been conceived and to pray for his/her salvation even now! We are praying for the birth mom even now before we know her name or her story. We pray for her heart and for the decision she may not have made yet, but that will be so incredibly hard for her. What an amazing gift she is to us. Sweet, sweet things that I am storing in my heart and pondering.....
Monday, February 15, 2010
Wrecked
I got to hang with college students last Thursday night at Austin Stone On Campus. It was pretty amazing to hang and worship with over 1200 students! Jeff Mangum gave an incredible message that pretty much punched me right in the face. I was unprepared...c'mon I was going to a college event....it was going to be mission trips, service opportunities, and getting involved, sing Kumbaya, right?? Wrong.
If you asked me right now what my five year plan looked like, I could spew it at you within 15 seconds:
Plug into Austin and ministry here, have a few kids (I even have my perfect age spacing in mind), Jacob finish school and get a job, get settled somewhere and find a home, pick up some new hobbies, start on my book, learn to sew, grow my silly, short-sided faith..............
At 28 1/2, I thought things would be GREATLY different. I've been so disappointed lately that I am not where I thought I should be by now. I see so many that are where I long to be. I find myself holding onto things that God's been literally pulling each finger off. He's the greatest, I am the least. Get over yourself and your silly man-made plans, Cristina.
Mangum pulled this one out. James 4:13 "Come, now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit'----yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.' As it is, you boast in your arrogance."
Punch. Ouch.
The Matthew Henry's Commentary on this chapter was another face punch:
"How vain it is to look for anything good without God's blessing and guidance. The frailty, shortness, and uncertainty of life ought check the presumptuous confidence of all projects for futurity.....We are always to depend on the will of God. Our times are not in our own hands, but at the disposal of God. Our heads may be filled with cares and contrivances for ourselves, or our families, or our friends, but Providence often throws our plans into confusion. All we design, and all we do, should be with submissive dependence on God."
I am sore.
Are the plans I dream and conjure and play-out in my mind, laid down at the feet of my Lord with submissive dependence?? Always, all the time, with everything? Do I offer each decision and dream and care from the noteworthy to the mundane with a pure heart that says, "Lord, all yours......please get me, myself, and I out of the way!" I want to say that everyday I "lay it all down" and trust God for his perfection, his character, his holiness, just himself, but let's be honest. It's easy to make much of what I want and think I need, heck......that's 8 of 10 prayer requests. Hear me, they aren't bad things, those things I desire and most likely neither are yours....but are we wrecked out, sold out for God's plans for us so much so that when things go far from our idea of how we think they should, that we have JOY still?! Disappointment, sure, fine for a bit.....but then a switch to utter joy and a quiet heart because we are "tucked into" the will of God for our life. His best laid plans, not ours.
Definitely given me some good things to chew on. Lord, continue to throw my silly five year plan into confusion.....so that I live for you today, your glory, for eternity.
If you asked me right now what my five year plan looked like, I could spew it at you within 15 seconds:
Plug into Austin and ministry here, have a few kids (I even have my perfect age spacing in mind), Jacob finish school and get a job, get settled somewhere and find a home, pick up some new hobbies, start on my book, learn to sew, grow my silly, short-sided faith..............
At 28 1/2, I thought things would be GREATLY different. I've been so disappointed lately that I am not where I thought I should be by now. I see so many that are where I long to be. I find myself holding onto things that God's been literally pulling each finger off. He's the greatest, I am the least. Get over yourself and your silly man-made plans, Cristina.
Mangum pulled this one out. James 4:13 "Come, now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit'----yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.' As it is, you boast in your arrogance."
Punch. Ouch.
The Matthew Henry's Commentary on this chapter was another face punch:
"How vain it is to look for anything good without God's blessing and guidance. The frailty, shortness, and uncertainty of life ought check the presumptuous confidence of all projects for futurity.....We are always to depend on the will of God. Our times are not in our own hands, but at the disposal of God. Our heads may be filled with cares and contrivances for ourselves, or our families, or our friends, but Providence often throws our plans into confusion. All we design, and all we do, should be with submissive dependence on God."
I am sore.
Are the plans I dream and conjure and play-out in my mind, laid down at the feet of my Lord with submissive dependence?? Always, all the time, with everything? Do I offer each decision and dream and care from the noteworthy to the mundane with a pure heart that says, "Lord, all yours......please get me, myself, and I out of the way!" I want to say that everyday I "lay it all down" and trust God for his perfection, his character, his holiness, just himself, but let's be honest. It's easy to make much of what I want and think I need, heck......that's 8 of 10 prayer requests. Hear me, they aren't bad things, those things I desire and most likely neither are yours....but are we wrecked out, sold out for God's plans for us so much so that when things go far from our idea of how we think they should, that we have JOY still?! Disappointment, sure, fine for a bit.....but then a switch to utter joy and a quiet heart because we are "tucked into" the will of God for our life. His best laid plans, not ours.
Definitely given me some good things to chew on. Lord, continue to throw my silly five year plan into confusion.....so that I live for you today, your glory, for eternity.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Puppy Love
Aren't they precious? These two bring me so much joy and laughter. However, I got a bloody nose this morning by this guy who decided to adjust his leg while snuggling and elbowed me right in the nose! Still love him....
This little girl is my snuggle buddy. She loves to sleep curled up right next to me, sometimes down under the covers, head on my knee. Lola girl, you are the cutest!
That face can change your life too!
This little girl is my snuggle buddy. She loves to sleep curled up right next to me, sometimes down under the covers, head on my knee. Lola girl, you are the cutest!
That face can change your life too!
She's so dainty and yet she means business!
Monday, February 8, 2010
God's Plan
I wish I had different news for yall. Yesterday I had a faint line, which I knew meant another chemical pregnancy. Today, nothing. I had the strongest pregnancy symptoms I've ever had and I knew that I was pregnant. God just had other plans. As hard as it is to reconcile, I know God is for me. I have been claiming his peace and his love over me as a banner.
We went to church yesterday even though I felt like hiding in my covers. We were running a little late, so we sat in the back on the bleachers. The band started Blessed Be Your Name. I could feel hot tears running down my face, so glad it was dark. I could hardly sing, I felt so overwhelmed with emotion, but in my heart I shouted every word with all that I had. I couldn't lift my hands, but I lifted my eyes to Him.
I haven't stopped praying my prayer, for glory to Him and Him alone in this. Last week I met with an amazing woman. She and her husband tried for 11 years with losses and seasons of infertility before the Lord 'woke them" to the idea of adoption. It was then 2 more years, with some adoption losses and deep heartache before the Lord gave them their little boy. So humbling for me. She reminded me that the blessing of a child would be the most amazing and incredible gift...one that I would never take for granted after walking this road. I believe that with all of my heart.
So, we move forward like we prayed to adoption. There are three agencies that we are praying over. Our first step is to pick one, be accepted by them, and then start the application and homestudy process. So exciting! I have been reading through an amazing book called Adopted for Life. It's completely blown my little heart away on Christ's call to the church to "care for the orphan." I am even more blown away by our church that has such heart for adoption and assists in helping families bring these precious children home.
We aren't giving up on having biological children. We believe God could totally blow us away with an amazing miracle! I will keep taking great care of myself with my team of naturopaths. I think we will take a few months off, I really want to focus on ministry and adoption paperwork. I also may do another HSG (surgery to check out the whole reproductive area) if our doc agrees. I feel like we may need to look for some scar tissue as a result of the surgery from July. We'll see what his thoughts are.
Thank yall for your prayers, love, support....everything. We know God has a family for us, picked from the beginning of time and carried in our hearts. During these last two weeks I had two different dreams that I was pregnant. The second one on Saturday night was incredible. I had a inside view of the womb and this precious baby girl that was growing. I am not sure that it was my own womb, but it was amazing! She was tiny and beautiful, living and growing. I cried in the dream as I watched her, front row seat to the miracle of life and the power of God. I am no dream interpreter, but I believe she is mine. Not sure where she'll come from and when she'll be here, but I was overwhelmed with what I believe was a little gift from God. I can still see her as vivid as ever. We long for that blessing, we wait patiently for God's timing and the great and glorious way he'll reveal it to us. Keep praying for me, for my heart to see God's abundant love and faithfulness, even when I don't understand and that I won't question his plan....but see Him as a loving and giving Creator who is working all things for our good.
The verse that's been on my heart these last two weeks is Psalm 20:
"May he grant you your heart's desire and fufill all your plans!...... Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he will answer them from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright."
We went to church yesterday even though I felt like hiding in my covers. We were running a little late, so we sat in the back on the bleachers. The band started Blessed Be Your Name. I could feel hot tears running down my face, so glad it was dark. I could hardly sing, I felt so overwhelmed with emotion, but in my heart I shouted every word with all that I had. I couldn't lift my hands, but I lifted my eyes to Him.
I haven't stopped praying my prayer, for glory to Him and Him alone in this. Last week I met with an amazing woman. She and her husband tried for 11 years with losses and seasons of infertility before the Lord 'woke them" to the idea of adoption. It was then 2 more years, with some adoption losses and deep heartache before the Lord gave them their little boy. So humbling for me. She reminded me that the blessing of a child would be the most amazing and incredible gift...one that I would never take for granted after walking this road. I believe that with all of my heart.
So, we move forward like we prayed to adoption. There are three agencies that we are praying over. Our first step is to pick one, be accepted by them, and then start the application and homestudy process. So exciting! I have been reading through an amazing book called Adopted for Life. It's completely blown my little heart away on Christ's call to the church to "care for the orphan." I am even more blown away by our church that has such heart for adoption and assists in helping families bring these precious children home.
We aren't giving up on having biological children. We believe God could totally blow us away with an amazing miracle! I will keep taking great care of myself with my team of naturopaths. I think we will take a few months off, I really want to focus on ministry and adoption paperwork. I also may do another HSG (surgery to check out the whole reproductive area) if our doc agrees. I feel like we may need to look for some scar tissue as a result of the surgery from July. We'll see what his thoughts are.
Thank yall for your prayers, love, support....everything. We know God has a family for us, picked from the beginning of time and carried in our hearts. During these last two weeks I had two different dreams that I was pregnant. The second one on Saturday night was incredible. I had a inside view of the womb and this precious baby girl that was growing. I am not sure that it was my own womb, but it was amazing! She was tiny and beautiful, living and growing. I cried in the dream as I watched her, front row seat to the miracle of life and the power of God. I am no dream interpreter, but I believe she is mine. Not sure where she'll come from and when she'll be here, but I was overwhelmed with what I believe was a little gift from God. I can still see her as vivid as ever. We long for that blessing, we wait patiently for God's timing and the great and glorious way he'll reveal it to us. Keep praying for me, for my heart to see God's abundant love and faithfulness, even when I don't understand and that I won't question his plan....but see Him as a loving and giving Creator who is working all things for our good.
The verse that's been on my heart these last two weeks is Psalm 20:
"May he grant you your heart's desire and fufill all your plans!...... Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he will answer them from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright."
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
In Case You Were Wondering
I know yall are stalking like crazy to know what the results are. I am nine days past ovulation, so it's a little early still. Keep praying friends! I will test on Sunday morning, but I probably won't post to tell everyone until Monday evening. That's all I am going to say!! ;)
Two Years!
Yesterday was our two year wedding anniversary! Wow. I CAN believe it's been two years, it's been an awesome two years, but definitely two years of the Lord stretching us and deepening our faith and our dependence on him.
I'd like to highlight just some of the things that I love about my man:
1) He's the world's greatest mopper-that man can mop him some floors and leave them sparkling clean.
2) He never makes me clean up dog mess, ever. Bless him!
3) He keeps my grammar in check
4) He leaves me love notes in strategic places, got one this morning telling me how hot I was.
5) He prefers chore lists left for him to complete-every woman's dream.
6) He is incredibly protective of me.
7) He encourages me to walk with the Lord.
8) He walks with the Lord.
9) Breakfast is his speciality, and he makes my breakfast almost everyday.
10) He pumps my gas when it's cold or raining or just because it was low.
11) He moisturizes.
12) He makes the world's best homemade popcorn.
13) He is bearded.
14) He is strong, handsome, masculine.
15) He is my best friend and the most encouraging person I know. His love for me truly reflects the beautiful picture of Christ's love to his bride. He is my prince charming and I am SO very blessed to be his wife.
Hopes of many more wonderful years to come! I love you, Jacob!
Monday, January 25, 2010
What A Mighty God!
We did decide after much prayer on a church in Austin, we are so excited to be apart of the Austin Stone and can't wait to see what God has for us there in friends, ministry, and growth.
I just wanted to share with yall a Blog from our worship leader, Aaron Ivey. He and his wife have waited 2 1/2 year to adopt a precious child from Haiti. Even though we are brand new to this church, I already feel an incredible bond with the people we have been privileged to meet there. Aaron's heart was so poured out last week in worship as he cried out to God to bring his son home. Can you just imagine not being able to comfort your child, knowing he's safe, but sleeping outside and his caretakers are running out of food and water?? Well, friends less than a week later, the Ivey's received word that Amos and other children had received emergency visas and were going to be arriving in Orlando. Today, he is home with his family. WOW! God is so incredible! Read Amos's story here and the Ivey's journey to bring him home:
http://aaronivey.com/
Here is the CNN interview last week with the Iveys and their children:
http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2010/01/15/familys-adopted-son-in-haiti/
I just wanted to share with yall a Blog from our worship leader, Aaron Ivey. He and his wife have waited 2 1/2 year to adopt a precious child from Haiti. Even though we are brand new to this church, I already feel an incredible bond with the people we have been privileged to meet there. Aaron's heart was so poured out last week in worship as he cried out to God to bring his son home. Can you just imagine not being able to comfort your child, knowing he's safe, but sleeping outside and his caretakers are running out of food and water?? Well, friends less than a week later, the Ivey's received word that Amos and other children had received emergency visas and were going to be arriving in Orlando. Today, he is home with his family. WOW! God is so incredible! Read Amos's story here and the Ivey's journey to bring him home:
http://aaronivey.com/
Here is the CNN interview last week with the Iveys and their children:
http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2010/01/15/familys-adopted-son-in-haiti/
Saturday, January 23, 2010
A Holy Number
As promised, I wanted to keep you all updated. Last week was a really great week for me, a busy week, but really good. I had 30 minute drives everyday to and from my parent's house, so I had a lot of prayer and thinking time. We had prayed for three follicles, not too many, not to little. We had prayed that I wouldn't need to come back for another scan on Monday. One, because it's getting to be a pricey cycle....I don't have insurance that covers fertility treatments. Two, because that's a lot of driving for a 30 minute appointment. Well, friends the Lord heard our prayers!
Wouldn't you know there were three maturing follicles! I laughed......probably a little close to Sarah's laugh when she heard she'd have a baby in her nineties. I was just shocked! I prepared myself to see a lot more and then we'd of backed of the meds and prayed that not all of those follicles matured to ovulation. Quickly, that changed to awe. He's so good. Then, the better news....I don't need to come back Monday! Yippee! So, I continue injections through Sunday night and push ovulation with a injection on Monday night and then the wait begins.
The two week wait begins and I feel such peace. I am so in awe and I don't know what the outcome will be....but I do know that God is good.
Updates to come. Also, a teaser and prayer request. Pray for us as we pray about adopting an orphan that has come over from Haiti. More details soon...........................................
Wouldn't you know there were three maturing follicles! I laughed......probably a little close to Sarah's laugh when she heard she'd have a baby in her nineties. I was just shocked! I prepared myself to see a lot more and then we'd of backed of the meds and prayed that not all of those follicles matured to ovulation. Quickly, that changed to awe. He's so good. Then, the better news....I don't need to come back Monday! Yippee! So, I continue injections through Sunday night and push ovulation with a injection on Monday night and then the wait begins.
The two week wait begins and I feel such peace. I am so in awe and I don't know what the outcome will be....but I do know that God is good.
Updates to come. Also, a teaser and prayer request. Pray for us as we pray about adopting an orphan that has come over from Haiti. More details soon...........................................
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Praying & Trusting
I am in Houston working for the week, so it's been a pretty hectic week thus far. It's Jacob's first week of school, and I hate that I can't be there to pack his lunch and send him love notes. It's been pretty funny to talk about "college life" with him. "Of course I remember that Tuesday/Thursday classes begin on the half hour hunny. What was I thinking?!" Tonight he attended the Engineer's Society meeting and he told me that they provided free food. Get this.....chicken wings, mac and cheese, brownies, and ranch dressing for dipping!! Sick! He said it was quite a sight to see the nerds, I mean Engineering students devour it all. Some took leftovers on trays! Ah, the days of free food! Miss those. Wouldn't touch that meal with a ten foot pole.
I know you all must be wondering where we are in the journey to become parents. I haven't ever said much as far as treatments...only shared the tough-to-swallow aftermath. I have prayed a lot about sharing anything, but was praying on the way to work today and thought, "the people that do read this do really care and we need their prayers, so why not?!" I feel led to be honest with yall about where we are going and the outcomes, joys and heartaches. This is our first cycle to try injectibles. After so much prayer and thinking and prayer and back and forth reasoning....you get the idea, we decided to give this a try. My doctor really thinks that doing FSH injections will give us a good chance to get pregnant with a good egg. FSH is made naturally by the female brain before ovulation at the beginning of the cycle. It allows the follicle to develop and estrogen begins to rise before ovulation. We are using extra FSH to produce more follicles that are hopefully more stable than the one I generally make every month. Yes, there is a high risk of multiples. No, my doctor won't let me get pregnant with 8 babies! Don't panic. He is monitoring me very closely to make sure I have no more than three. The rest is up to the Lord. I've been giving myself injections all week and see him Friday morning to see where I am and when we push ovulation. So much prayer has gone into this decision. Jacob and I have been asking God to do what he's going to do and we trust Him. I had planned to be here in Houston a month ago and we ordered the medicine from London three weeks ago. My cycle had to begin last week on Thursday or Friday for us to start the injections at the right time. You have to begin injections on cycle day 3-5. I had to be here for an appointment Monday to have another Friday before I left to go home. I had a lot of peace. If it didn't come, it wouldn't work. No big deal, just not the cycle or month to try. I wasn't necessarily "throwing out a fleece" either, just really felt a peace that God would work all the details out if he wanted us to move forward. Well, everything happened right on time and so I went to my first appointment Monday morning. That's a huge deal considering that I have had two 40 days cycles since the loss in July and everything has been extremely unpredictable. We are so excited and really hopeful.
I sit here today with such an overwhelming peace in my heart that had really been robbed from me over the last four months. I need to confess to yall that I had not been trusting the Lord, seeking to have a quiet heart, having patience, and waiting on Him. I was holding a lot of bitterness in and I distanced myself from my Abba. I hate that. I love him so much and need him desperately. These last few months, I've only been going through the motions and in survival mode, wasting time that could have been used for great glory. Ugh, Lord please break me and make me more like you. I am deeply flawed and so battle my flesh. My sweet husband has covered me in prayer, and I mean covered. My man went to war for me in prayer, fighting with the Word against those things that he saw tying me to emptiness. I love him. What a gift he is! Precious, precious gift. Well, I am back yall. Just so filled with my Lord's presence and overwhelmed by his grace. He's so changed my heart, as he always does..when I give up the control.
I have a new prayer. I've been praying this prayer for a few weeks now. It goes a little something like this: "Lord, if it brings you the greatest glory to give us a baby, then Lord give us a baby. But if it brings you more glory to not allow us to get pregnant, then we'll submit that desire to you with our whole hearts. Lord, if it brings you more glory for us to lose another baby, then we trust you in that too. Increase our faith.....increase your glory."
Hard prayer to pray and I know those of you that have journeyed with us in our losses are cringing at the thought of us losing another child. It's a real hard one for me too, but I mean it with every fiber of my being. I don't want that to be the outcome...but I know he has gone before me and he is with me. It boggles my mind to think of the miracle that is life and not see the hand of God wrapped completely around it. I can't change my Lord's will for my life, I can just trust that "he's working out everything for my good."
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23
He's so faithful, been so faithful to the Martins. We're trusting him in this and believing Him to do great things in our lives and greater things for eternity. Pray for us in this sweet friends. Pray for a miracle, but more importantly....pray for us to stand on faith and glorify God together no matter the outcome. Jacob and I have hearts enlarging towards adoption. We are thrilled about bringing home a baby to be apart of our family. What a picture it is of Christ and our being "adopted" through his sacrifice on the cross. I firmly believe that we will adopt even if we are blessed to have children of our own. This excites me so much, I can't even stand it! I have great hope for our future and He has all the plans for that future.
Bless yall.
I know you all must be wondering where we are in the journey to become parents. I haven't ever said much as far as treatments...only shared the tough-to-swallow aftermath. I have prayed a lot about sharing anything, but was praying on the way to work today and thought, "the people that do read this do really care and we need their prayers, so why not?!" I feel led to be honest with yall about where we are going and the outcomes, joys and heartaches. This is our first cycle to try injectibles. After so much prayer and thinking and prayer and back and forth reasoning....you get the idea, we decided to give this a try. My doctor really thinks that doing FSH injections will give us a good chance to get pregnant with a good egg. FSH is made naturally by the female brain before ovulation at the beginning of the cycle. It allows the follicle to develop and estrogen begins to rise before ovulation. We are using extra FSH to produce more follicles that are hopefully more stable than the one I generally make every month. Yes, there is a high risk of multiples. No, my doctor won't let me get pregnant with 8 babies! Don't panic. He is monitoring me very closely to make sure I have no more than three. The rest is up to the Lord. I've been giving myself injections all week and see him Friday morning to see where I am and when we push ovulation. So much prayer has gone into this decision. Jacob and I have been asking God to do what he's going to do and we trust Him. I had planned to be here in Houston a month ago and we ordered the medicine from London three weeks ago. My cycle had to begin last week on Thursday or Friday for us to start the injections at the right time. You have to begin injections on cycle day 3-5. I had to be here for an appointment Monday to have another Friday before I left to go home. I had a lot of peace. If it didn't come, it wouldn't work. No big deal, just not the cycle or month to try. I wasn't necessarily "throwing out a fleece" either, just really felt a peace that God would work all the details out if he wanted us to move forward. Well, everything happened right on time and so I went to my first appointment Monday morning. That's a huge deal considering that I have had two 40 days cycles since the loss in July and everything has been extremely unpredictable. We are so excited and really hopeful.
I sit here today with such an overwhelming peace in my heart that had really been robbed from me over the last four months. I need to confess to yall that I had not been trusting the Lord, seeking to have a quiet heart, having patience, and waiting on Him. I was holding a lot of bitterness in and I distanced myself from my Abba. I hate that. I love him so much and need him desperately. These last few months, I've only been going through the motions and in survival mode, wasting time that could have been used for great glory. Ugh, Lord please break me and make me more like you. I am deeply flawed and so battle my flesh. My sweet husband has covered me in prayer, and I mean covered. My man went to war for me in prayer, fighting with the Word against those things that he saw tying me to emptiness. I love him. What a gift he is! Precious, precious gift. Well, I am back yall. Just so filled with my Lord's presence and overwhelmed by his grace. He's so changed my heart, as he always does..when I give up the control.
I have a new prayer. I've been praying this prayer for a few weeks now. It goes a little something like this: "Lord, if it brings you the greatest glory to give us a baby, then Lord give us a baby. But if it brings you more glory to not allow us to get pregnant, then we'll submit that desire to you with our whole hearts. Lord, if it brings you more glory for us to lose another baby, then we trust you in that too. Increase our faith.....increase your glory."
Hard prayer to pray and I know those of you that have journeyed with us in our losses are cringing at the thought of us losing another child. It's a real hard one for me too, but I mean it with every fiber of my being. I don't want that to be the outcome...but I know he has gone before me and he is with me. It boggles my mind to think of the miracle that is life and not see the hand of God wrapped completely around it. I can't change my Lord's will for my life, I can just trust that "he's working out everything for my good."
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23
He's so faithful, been so faithful to the Martins. We're trusting him in this and believing Him to do great things in our lives and greater things for eternity. Pray for us in this sweet friends. Pray for a miracle, but more importantly....pray for us to stand on faith and glorify God together no matter the outcome. Jacob and I have hearts enlarging towards adoption. We are thrilled about bringing home a baby to be apart of our family. What a picture it is of Christ and our being "adopted" through his sacrifice on the cross. I firmly believe that we will adopt even if we are blessed to have children of our own. This excites me so much, I can't even stand it! I have great hope for our future and He has all the plans for that future.
Bless yall.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Our New Home!!!
We are finally settled! Hooray! I think we have two boxes left, which will require patience and getting out the shredder. We really love it here! It's a beautiful neighborhood with jogging trails, a dog park, and it's own library. We have wonderful neighbors, who we have been praying for and getting to know. Genuinely sweet people. Our dogs are on cloud nine with the backyard. I can't get them to come inside! We love having a backyard too and my husband is gearing up for his first big project, the Spring garden. Austin really is a beautiful city and has a slower pace about it. We're excited to be here and see what God has in store for us.
We had our first guests. My parents came to stay with us last weekend. That was fun with four dogs in the house!! Since we are visiting churches, they came with us to a sweet little church on Sunday. We had a lot of fun, mom and I decorating, and the boys off at the movies. Sound about right??
I am recovering from busy season and traveling over Christmas. It about did me in. It's been really nice working from home and given me an opportunity to de-stress. I have already found an amazing team of naturopaths here in Austin to help take care of me and that's been such a blessing. Having a macrobiotic restaurant here that serves all organic, vegan food has also been amazing! There have been so many nights that I have been too tired to cook and so we can still get a healthy meal. If you ever are in town and want a truly amazing meal, then you must try Casa De Luz, http://www.casadeluz.org/.
As promised, here are pictures of our new home:
The view from the street
Entrance to my office
The big, open kitchen, love it
Here's the breakfast nook off the living area and kitchen
The backyard, it wraps around on both sides of the house. To the right of the deck is where my garden is going this Spring
The view from the back door
The stone fireplace, one of my favorite things
The living area 
We had our first guests. My parents came to stay with us last weekend. That was fun with four dogs in the house!! Since we are visiting churches, they came with us to a sweet little church on Sunday. We had a lot of fun, mom and I decorating, and the boys off at the movies. Sound about right??
I am recovering from busy season and traveling over Christmas. It about did me in. It's been really nice working from home and given me an opportunity to de-stress. I have already found an amazing team of naturopaths here in Austin to help take care of me and that's been such a blessing. Having a macrobiotic restaurant here that serves all organic, vegan food has also been amazing! There have been so many nights that I have been too tired to cook and so we can still get a healthy meal. If you ever are in town and want a truly amazing meal, then you must try Casa De Luz, http://www.casadeluz.org/.
As promised, here are pictures of our new home:
The view from the street
Entrance to my office
The big, open kitchen, love it
Here's the breakfast nook off the living area and kitchen
The backyard, it wraps around on both sides of the house. To the right of the deck is where my garden is going this Spring
The view from the back door
The stone fireplace, one of my favorite things
The living area 
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