One Sought Me

This morning was unusually mild in temperature for this time of year.  Fall is in full swing and in our mountains we don't get to enjoy that season long before winter weather comes about.  The children we outside feeding their pets when they called me away from the breakfast dishes to come outside.  Much to my surprise the air was filled with a beautiful chorus of birds.  We decided to sit and enjoy God's gift as we read our daily devotional book together, Jesus Calling for Kids by Sarah Young.  This devotional is written as if God was speaking to directly to you. This was today's reading: "Bells of Heaven  "I am the good shepherd...My sheep know my voice, and I know them."  John 10:14, 27 I am with you.  I am with you.  I am with you.  The bells of Heaven continually ring out this promise.  Some people never hear it, because they are so busy listening to the noise of this world.  Others hear it only on...

Here we go again! A N O T H E R week is going by and we are waiting and waiting for our referral of two little precious children being added to our family through adoption!! What does that really  mean?  Well, anytime, any day now, we could get "the call" that will be our agency telling us that two little orphan kiddos (siblings, and ages 0-5 years) have been cleared through the Ethiopian processes to be matched with a forever family.  It's exciting, and it's hard to wait, but we know that God is in control and He is never late.  His timing is perfect. So what about this waiting stage???   Seems like nothing "exciting" is really going on when we are sitting around doing nothing but waiting.  But that perspective is only our impatience speaking.  In reality, and in God's perspective, there are many exciting and miraculous things going on in our adoption process- it just happens to be things we do not see or know about yet.  If I evaluate myself...

Do you recall the story of the Little Red Hen?  It was actually one of my favorites when I was little.  I think it went right along with one of my dad's frequent sayings, "If you don't, then who will?" I don't even think he realizes how often he said that to us as kids or what influence that it had on me.  Down to the scrap of paper lying on the ground- "And if you don't pick it up, who will?" I can hear him saying that now.  Or even the tough situation that needed confronted "and if you don't stand up for what is right, then who do you expect to do that?" Most often I think my dad referred to this saying when he was telling us about why he had to be at his work on the family dairy farm- "and who do you think are going to milk the cows because they aren't going to milk themselves." This 'go-get-'em' work ethic is repeated throughout The Little Red Hen and it goes like this: "If no one is going to ste...

Let me just start out by saying that I don't believe in chance, coincidence, or random happenings.  I do believe that all things happen for a purpose and a reason under the sight of the Lord.  When we seek His will and His ways, He will guide us through thick and thin. Romans 8:28 " And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." With that being said, I want to tell you something.  Months and months ago, (like talking January 2013 here), I flipped through my desk calendar and felt like picking out a date.  Not quiet sure of a date for what, but a date that would be significant in our adoption process.  I prayed that the Lord would direct this "cast of lots"* so to speak, and marked the entire square of the calendar date block full with a big ol' heart.  I have been seeing that date come closer and closer as these months have past during our adoption process and well, you kno...

Week 17  "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts."  Colossians 1:27 If only that verse were as simple as it first reads.  Read it again and key in on the word "rule."  Really that verse is a continuing commitment that I turn over to the Lord and that is for Him to "rule" in my heart.  What else fights for the throne of my heart and wishes to "rule" it?  My plans, my way, my wishes, not to mention worries, anxiousness, and busyness.  These things I put aside and once again surrender to His ways and lay my worries at the feet of Jesus. HE knows all things, He is the giver of peace, He is in control. Father God, Rule in my heart and let your peace be ever present and strong in my heart and through my life.  One day has enough troubles of it's own, lest I worry about tomorrow's.  Lord, help me to surrender all to you and rest in the truths of your power over me.  Don't let my worries and busyness fight for the throne of my he...

I wanted to thank UMC Frostburg for having me speak tonight about the orphan crisis, widow's plight, and our adoption journey.  I am very thankful and blessed to be able to share with so many and praying that the Lord opens hearts and eyes to see the needs of His dear children around the world. A few resources that I mentioned were: Websites: Orphan Sunday World Vision Compassion International Books: Kisses from Katie Local organizations connected with serving in Uganda: Whispering Pines Store in Springs, PA Light Africa, child sponsorships and kids camp Widow's Plight, paper bead necklaces and bags Thanks again for your open hearts, prayers, and support!!  God bless you! Erin 

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls!  Have we got a match for you tonight!  It's the battle of the Test of Time !  In one corner we have "Faith, Trust, and Patience" and in the opposite corner we have "Anxiousness, Doubtfulness, and Control."  Who will take home the winner's belt and rule over these waiting hearts??? Oh, if only it were that casual and funny, the thoughts that race my mind and heart. Waiting and trusting and continually reminding myself of God's power, faithfulness, and goodness.  He is really working up a wonderful blessing, and although it isn't quite ready to be revealed to us, I can't wait to see His plan unfold with this next step of getting "the call." When we do get "the call" our agency will introduce us to the match of our new little ones!  She will tell us about their age and gender, their health and their background that is known.  Then shortly after we'll get a precious first glimpse of t...