Word of mouth

Lately we've been given many opportunities to share about fostering and adoption through people God places in our path. Recently my husband and I have had some health concerns and during our doctor visits had the opportunity to talk with our doctor about fostering and adoption. It was so encouraging to hear such a positive response from our doctor.

Another time I seen my surgeon about my upcoming surgery this Wednesday and during my office visit we spent probably half of our time discussing fostering and adoption also. Once again I was encouraged that my surgeon was so supportive of it. My husband and I have already talked about the opportunity God may give us to share with whatever people He puts in our path on Wednesday when I go for my surgery at the hospital. Not excited for surgery but excited though for the possible opportunity to bring more awareness about fostering and adoption. This surgery has got us thinking about why we go through things in life. For instance why am I having this surgery? One reason could simply be because my body needs it or could it be that by me going through this surgery it will give me an opportunity to glorify the Lord? Could be both! Don't get me wrong we're not questioning God and we are thankful for the technology and wisdom God has given man to perform these surgeries with little risks involved. It does get us thinking though that this is not all about us and that if it means going through a surgery or going to several doctor appointments for the opportunity to bring awareness about fostering and adoption and possibly allow some child or children to receive their forever home, than it is well worth it.

This past weekend we were blessed to have an awesome family over for dinner and great conversation. It was a joy as our families got to share about fostering and adoption and encourage one another while our children had fun laughing and playing together.

Another blessing as of late has been the opportunity I have been given to meet with a group of adoptive moms and share, talk, laugh and encourage one another on in our ministry. We all are different ages with different stories but we have a common thread with our passion for the, “the least of these.” It's like a dose of medicine being with these ladies and feeling renewed and encouraged to keep on keeping on.

So wherever God has you right now in your life take the opportunity to look for ways that you can glorify Him in your everyday life.

True Love

Thinking about today, Valentine's day, and what this holiday represents; LOVE. In our household this is a fun day to show each other small acts of love. This morning my hubby surprised me with some very thoughtful gifts and when he went to get into his van to leave for work I had surprised him with some of his favorite candy. My youngest son made me a paper football which he was excited about. Later we'll have a nice dinner together and pass out valentine's to the kids and a small treat to enjoy. Of course even if we didn't give these small gifts of love we all know that we love each other and that it is the meaning behind the gift that really counts. Cost is not important but what is shared from the heart.

I was also thinking how today reminded me of hearts and how there are so many children(123,000+) in the United States waiting for forever homes and to have their hearts filled with the love a family they can call their own can bring. I know, I take for granted that I will always have people around me that will love me and show their love for me. For some of these children having someone express true love to them is foreign. What they know as love often presents itself with conditions, inappropriateness and short lived. No wonder these children come into our homes confused and act out when we show them love with no strings attached. It's scary to them. It's something their not used to experiencing. I would encourage you today to take some time and prayerfully consider whose heart you could help show true love too but helping them have a forever family to call their own. We have the greatest example of love through our Savior Jesus Christ.

1 John 4:10-11

In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation(payment) for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

You may be reading this and thinking I don't know what true love really is so how can I help someone else. If this is you I would encourage you to find someone to talk with about the greatest love story there ever was. Jesus Christ loves you so much and came to earth to be born of a virgin and died on a cross for all mankinds sins(past, present & future). But the exciting part is He didn't stay dead but rose from the grave and is in heaven interceding to the Father for us. 1 John 4:7 says, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”

Having that love and relationship with God(Jesus) is freely given to all who will receive it. It is a gift though. You have to choose to receive it. Jesus will not force His way into your heart. He wants to be there but He also gives us freewill to choose.

Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 10:9-10 &13 “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”

“For whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Happy Valentine's day!

Kisses in the Wind

I came across this poem recently. It reminded me of the journey our family is on with waiting to see if we're a match for the sibling group we've inquired about. Even though we've never met, I think about them often.

Kisses in the Wind (author unknown)

I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams. You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seems. I know you wonder where we are...what's taking us so long. But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong. Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin...because tonight, just as always, I blow kisses in the wind. May God hold you in his hand until I can be with you. I promise you, my darling, I'm doing all that I can do. Very soon, you'll have a family for real, not just pretend. But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind. May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight. And let the angels bring the kisses that I send to you each night.

Apron for adoption

Adoption Apron

Recently at our church our Pastor presented our family with an adoption apron he bought for our family and the frame ministry. The apron was decorated by children that are waiting to be adopted. The apron is full of color and talks about kids wanting parents. Just looking at all the details and words the children put into the apron brought tears to my eyes. Our pastor purchased the apron for us at the 11^th Annual Dave Thomas Celebrity Cook off. The Northeast Ohio Adoption Services and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption were represented there. For more information visit DaveThomasFoundation.org or call 1-800-ASK-DTFA. I would also encourage you to check out Northeast Ohio Adoption Services website(NOAS). In the program for the Celebrity Cookoff the executive director, Cindy Deal, says,”It is simply not Ok to let children grow up without the love and security of permanent families.” Well said Cindy. All children deserve their forever families. Please consider praying about your family possibly being someone's forever family. Also those of you that enjoy eating out at resturants I encourage you to support Wendy's by eating there. Not only are you getting great food but you're helping to further a great cause, adoption:0)

Sometimes in life the hardest things to understand are the simpliest things. We make complicated things simplified or simple things complicated. Sometimes things are just what they are, no more or no less. When you take things at face value then you'll be able to see there's much more. Here's a short story I wrote about adoption.

Consider Me?

Child born. Needs home. Adopt Me.

Adoption can be a very hard and difficult journey, with many obstacles and unexpected turns along the way. But it is just as simple as the short story I wrote above and can end with as much if not more joy that is experienced through birth.

N.Stuart

One year ago today

One year ago today, January 31, 2012 we were incredibly blessed to adopt our oldest daughter. Prior to her adoption she had lived with us for around

2 ½ years. We went through several different court hearings and switched from a social worker to an adoption worker that was working with us to help make this all happen. I remember when she first came and was very reserved and quiet. She needed to be taught different things that we take for granted because of our parents teaching us and hers did not. She went from learning to follow a recipe and helping me bake to now doing it all on her own. Usually if there's something that needs baked in the house she volunteers to make it. She has grown emotionally, physically, mentally and most importantly spiritually. During her time with us before her adoption at one of our church's Wednesday night programs she accepted Jesus into her heart. That's what it's all about.:) We're very proud of her and the fine young lady she is becoming. She is very compassionate towards others and does a great job helping around the house. She is relaxing more and learning to have fun and let her guard down. It's neat to see her laughing and enjoying life like she should. She has an obedient heart and my prayer for her and all our children is that they will love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. That He is their everything! We're very thankful on this day to have our daughter in our lives. We may not have been the parents that gave birth to her but oh what a blessing it is to be the parents that get to raise her. To God be the glory!

Passing it on

A big part of the frame ministry is to help out and encourage others that God puts in our paths. This could happen in various types of ways. You may know a person or family in need of something and you're able to help meet that need. You may know someone who is going through a hard time or even someone who is doing well but could benefit from a little note of encouragement. It doesn't take much to brighten someone's day. Try going about your day carrying a smile on your face, even just a smile brightens people's days. We've been blessed to be able to help others and also to have others help us. Recently a good friend of ours that lives up the road gave our daughters a big bag of clothes that her older daughter had outgrown. She has done this several times for our family and our girls are always excited to see what's in the bag or bags. Our family is very appreciative for their thoughtfulness. It's fun to see kids wearing clothes that our kids used to wear also. Of course we could sell these items or just keep them in storage but what a blessing it is to pass them on and see the enjoyment they bring to others. So I encourage you to look for ways this week to be a blessing to those that God puts in your path. With a smile, a note, a text, cleaning out your closets and passing them on, etc... We're so blessed to have what we have in this country and we need to be careful not to take that for granted.

1 John 3:17

But whoever had this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?