Santa

We did it ... took the annual trip to have a pictures with Santa. Every year my mother plans a night for all her grandkids to get a picture with Santa. This was the first year there were no tears ...

Xavier was especially brave ... each family gets an individual shot too ... Xavier was the last to go. Maybe because he had the help of Jeremy Bear ... this is an great picture:)

not sure what they were telling each other, but it sure was cute!

GRACE AND PEACE!

remaining in HIM

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you" John 15:7 This was the verse I read yesterday morning, from Joel Osteen ... perfect timing.

FROM JOEL:

In life, we all have ups and downs. There are seasons that are more difficult than others, seasons of testing, trials and temptation where our character is being developed and our faith in God is being strengthened. Sometimes it can feel like you are taking two steps forward and then three steps backward. But if we’re not careful, we’ll start thinking that life is always going to be this way. Even in the strong seasons, you'll start looking for things to go wrong.

God doesn’t want us to be living life like a roller coaster. He wants to bring us to a place of stability where we remain strong in Him. Jesus said, “I am the vine. You are the branches. If you abide in me, you will bear much fruit and your fruit will remain.” The word “remain” means “to be fixed, immovable, not affected by circumstances.” If you will just keep abiding in Him, just keep meditating on His Word, He’ll bring you through. He’ll make you strong, He’ll keep you stable, and you’ll keep moving forward into the life of blessing He has prepared for you!

Yesterday, we saw our doctor and had an ultrasound.

I was anxious, nervous and had kept my emotions at bay since we had a positive pregnancy test in October.

It is hard for me to believe it was THIS past January that we were in a similar situation. Headed to the Doctor for an ultrasound at 10 weeks ... only to learn that the baby had stopped developing at 6weeks, it was called a "blighted ovum". Heartbroken - confused - mad.

Those feelings shifted and we knew God had a family for us - and we began the process of adoption - Xavier. His smile, laugh and love is contagious. He is the answer to many prayers. The manifestation that GOD desires GOOD things for HIS children.

Followed by Aaron transitioning from his position at Northview Church as the Urban Pastor to the new role at Shepherd Community Center as the Director of Urban & Sports Ministry. Amazing to see how all along the way GOD has been preparing Aaron for this role. (All the way back to working now in the neighborhood his father grew up!)

So yesterday, as we entered the ultra sound (love the tech Erin!) I shared my anxious feeling - Aaron had a meeting, so my mother and Xavier were with me .... and what did we see, a healthy developing baby. Followed by a strong (161) heart beat. It took a while to get the reading of the heart beat due to my laughing, crying and shaking. We also learned that I was off by a week, I thought we were 11w3d, when the baby measured 12w5d (due June13) .... we will be 13 weeks tomorrow!

meet our JUNEBUG!

choosing to remain in HIM.

GRACE AND PEACE!

it's official!

today was our FINAL HEARING .... we are proud to introduce the newest member of the Shelby Family!

XAVIER MOSES SHELBY!!!

We have loved him since we first learned of him, he then stole our hearts the day he was born on March 30th .... and he continues to bless us daily. Xavier is our prayer answered.

For this child I prayed, and the Lord answered my prayer. 1 Samuel 1:27

with our attorney, Michele Jackson

with the Judge

OUR FAMILY ... Xavier was pretty excited too!

Many thanks to those that have endured this journey, and continue with us. We pray that you will experience the abundant blessings of the Lord!

May Jesus lead your way.

GRACE AND PEACE!

a DYI project

i have been spending time on "pinterest" a virtual bulletin board. basically, you can find most anything on the internet, and then pin it on a board - LOVE IT! 


problem is, I spend time looking but not doing. Last week  aaron and i cleaned out the garage, I was inspired to DO something ... I found this bookshelf, that used to be my Grandmothers, one the back written in crayon - their name/address/ $.50 delivery fee ...


So I cleaned it,

 Primed it, 

 painted it! 

I sealed it today, and it will move into the house Thursday:) 

GRACE AND PEACE! 

sonya

Yesterday, Xavier and I met my college volleyball coach for lunch ...  It was great to catch up. Xavier was enamored with Sonya!

GRACE AND PEACE! 

6 months

working on solids ... likes to do it himself ...

sitting up on my own, smiling at my daddy!

6mo stats:

18.7lbs (79%) 27.3" (84%) | compare to birth 6.5lbs (17%) 19"(30%)

He is growing & thriving!

so blessed!

GRACE & PEACE!

what have we been up to

Little time to write, but I have heard pictures are worth 1000 words ... here are some 5 month pictures

first swing, XMO loved it!!!
first cookout at Papas property .... next year he can enjoy the smores

laughing! check out those hands & legs! This is one healthy guy:)

We are soo incredibly blessed with such a special guy.

We have one more assessment, then we will receive a court date to finalize the adoption! Prayers are welcome, always!!!

GRACE AND PEACE!

Many things to write about, trying to find the time to sit at the computer ...

Grace & Peace!

4 months!

4 months!!

16 lbs 11oz - 24.5"

GRACE AND PEACE!

understanding

One day a rabbi stood on a hill overlooking a certain city. The rabbi watched in horror as a band of Cossacks on horseback suddenly attacked the town, killing innocent men, women and children. Some of the slaughtered were his own disciples. Looking up to heaven the rabbi exclaimed "Oh, if only I were God." An astonished student, standing nearby, asked, "But, Master, if you were God, what would you do differently?" The rabbi replied: "If I were God I would do nothing differently. If I were God I would understand."

This was part of my devotion last week, and I have been thinking about it since.

Specifically, I had a visit with my Special Nurse, which included talking to a mother that recently suffered a stillbirth. It breaks my heart that there is one more family that has suffered loss, while I know she will find fantastic support with my Special Nurse, who I am so thankful for - I hate that there is even a need for her position. My heart aches for this young couple simply hoping to start a family.

I have been thinking, how I often would like to just understand.

Then I realize, I appreciate, that I am working with just enough light for the step in front of me walking in trust, that God, the one who does know and understand has a plan for me, and each of us.


"For I know the plans I have for you." Declares the Lord,"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future..." Jeremiah 29:11

GRACE AND PEACE

three months!

Xavier & I had a "photo shoot" in my sisters backyard ... here are 2 of the 300 i took!

with sophie ....

remembering his brother Jeremy ...

Xavier, 3 months 15 lbs | 24 1/2"

GRACE AND PEACE!

just sayin'

most mornings, weather permitting - Xavier and I take a walk. We have discovered that we can walk 5 miles through 7 connected neighborhoods with no back tracking and stating off busy roads. LOVE IT!

As I push him, i am amazed that God chose to bless us in this manner, how when i looked back over my journals for the past 2 1/2 years HE heard my prayer, my cry, my plea and answered me in the most unexpected and amazing manner. My heart cry ... "to bring a baby home from the hospital" ... LOOK AT GOD! He did it, in only a manner that HE receives all the GLORY. PRAISE BE TO GOD!!!

I am so surprised by the rush of emotions that over come me with the realization that HE heard me - HE heard my cries and HE answered.

the word from JOEL reminded me of this

Holding Fast

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised)” (Hebrews 10:23, KJV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria“Hold fast” is not a phrase we often use in this culture. But in the original Greek, hold fast means not only to embrace, but to embrace with force as if someone is trying to take something from you. In other words, you’ve got to have a firm grip or you’re going to lose out! And notice what we are supposed to hold fast to — our profession, our declaration of faith.

I like to think of it sort of like a tug of war. You’re on one end and the enemy is on the other. He’s trying to pull that rope out of your hand. He’s trying to steal your hope and get you to speak negative words of doubt and unbelief. But you’ve got to be determined and stand strong. You’ve got to persevere and hold fast. Don’t let the enemy pull the seed of faith out of your heart! You might need to dig your heals in and get a new grip, but don’t you dare let go! Keep speaking words of faith. Keep speaking words of hope. Keep declaring God's Word and keep holding fast to the profession of your faith!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father in heaven, today I choose to hold fast to my profession of faith in You. I know that You are faithful, and I believe that You will complete everything that You’ve started in my life. I bless You and magnify You above all else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I continue to lean into Jesus ... I am fairly certain Xavier is just the start of big blessings to come!

GRACE AND PEACE!!

2 mo & growing!

so blessed with a growing, interactive little guy!

tummy time
really enjoying tummy time!

GRACE AND PEACE!

continued awe

i love being a mom.
i really love changing dirty (sometimes really dirty) diapers, late night / early morning feedings, the HUGE smile when my son hears my voice, followed by the coo when he sees me.
i love watching him sleep.
i love watching his dad play with him.
i love thanking God for choosing me to be Xaviers mom ... and for choosing Xavier to be my son.

i love that God is not done, i am in a great place.
a place full of joy ... today i was reminded that God has more ... i do NOT want to get in HIS way ...

Get Ready for More
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back...”(Isaiah 54:2, NIV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria God has greater blessings in store for you! He has favor in your future like you’ve never imagined. He wants to take you places that you’ve never dreamed. But in order for us to partake of all these blessings, we have to increase our capacity to receive.Think about this: if you have a one-gallon bucket, and someone has fifty gallons to give you, the problem is not with the supply. The problem is that you don’t have the capacity to receive the fifty gallons. But if you get rid of that small container and get something larger, then you will be able to receive more. It’s the same way with God. If we think we’ve reached our limits, the problem isn’t that God doesn’t have the resources or the ability. The problem is that our container is too small. We have to enlarge our vision and make room for the new things God has for us. Our attitude should be, “Even though the economy is down, I know God is still on the throne. I know wherever I go His goodness and mercy follow me.” When you have that kind of attitude, you’re increasing your capacity to receive so that you can live the abundant life He has in store for you.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father in heaven, today I choose to increase my capacity to receive from You. I let go of limited thinking and old mindsets and open myself to everything You have in store for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

GRACE AND PEACE

Sacred Parenting

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me" Matthew 25:35-36

our life group started a new study, Sacred Parenting (Gary Thomas) ... how raising children shapes our souls. Not only has our group started this study - I am leading it! ... jumping right in.

this weekend will be the 2nd session ... during my preview I was rocked - by the above well known verse.

In my limited view, I read this verse with eyes that understood it to state I needed to reach out to those less fortunate then me, more specific the people on the side of the road, the folks with out homes and without resources. NEVER had I looked at this statement through the lens of a parent (an adoptive parent at that). Granted this parent lens is a new for me ... but with this lens, I am able to see the manifestation of this scripture. As a parent the first thing you do is meet this little stranger, feed him, clothe him, bring him home, care for him. Care for his EVERY NEED. Without question.

Further, I began to think about my life as a whole, expanding my view of who I may have helped clothe, feed, care for - before becoming a parent ... suddenly my years of teaching and coaching came flooding back.

How different that scripture looks through a new lens - how narrow my view has been ...

I can only imagine as this study unfolds and I continue to learn how to be a GOD Centered person, My prayer , that my lens will be altered and my heart more like HIS.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Our Family

Enjoying Easter:)

Family Picture Easter Sunday

GRACE AND PEACE!

My Little Love

His size is little - but my love is HUGE!

3 weeks ago I met my son.
My love for him was immediate, and continues to grow each day.
When he was 4 days old, he recognized my voice, my heart melted and tears of joy filled my eyes.

Who knew that I would have this most amazing experience to gain a glimpse at how Our Father in Heaven loves each of us. We have all been adopted into HIS family, how blessed and loved are we. 4 weeks ago, I thought I understood the Love our Father has for us - blown away. I was not even close to comprehending. PRAISE THE LORD!

My love grows for our little man, I watch Aaron with him, waves of joy pour over - and my love for Aaron multiplies. Parenting together, providing the needs for this little love is our joy and our pleasure. Again, a glimpse of how much Abba, our Father desires to provide for us.

Praise the Lord for this valuable season of learning we are experiencing!

GRACE AND PEACE!

abundance!

this was a great word from Joel today ...

A Place of Abundance

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE "…We went through fire and water, but You brought us to a place of abundance"
(Psalm 66:12 NIV).

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria Everyone has times in life when they feel like they are going through the fire, so to speak, or they feel overwhelmed with everyday life. If that's you today, understand that God is going to bring you through those challenges. He's going to bring you through the fire and the flood into a place of abundance and victory! We serve a God of more than enough, and His desire is to always make sure you have whatever you need to be successful and victorious in every area of your life. Remember, John 10 says that Jesus came so that we can have life—abundant life! He wants you to have an abundance of resources, an abundance of wisdom, an abundance of peace—everything you need. Open your heart and thank Him for His goodness. Begin to receive His promises by faith. Let your praise open the door for Him to move on your behalf so He can take you to a place of abundance in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY Heavenly Father, I humbly come to You today, giving You all that I am. Thank You for leading and guiding me into a place of abundance and victory. I give You all the glory, honor and praise. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

GRACE AND PEACE!

our new little love

Just a glimpse of our little gift ... many more to follow.

Behold Children are a gift of the Lord Psalm 127:3a

first family picture, Xavier only a few hours old

loving the little lambs ... after papers signed
open eyes ... first day home

And so we are off on the next stage of this journey .... with many adventures to follow!

GRACE AND PEACE!

Look at GOD!

I remain without clear words to describe my heart, my mind, my soul, my emotions that I have actually brought my son home from the hospital. Please bear with me as I begin ...

Xavier Moses is home! (pictures soon)
important stats: 6lbs 9oz, 19 1/2" - 9:22am, Wednesday March 30th
He has been eating, sleeping, peeing and pooping like a champ:)

The scripture that continues to run through my head
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. " 1 Corinthians 2:9

I consider this part: WHAT GOD HAS PREPARED ...

I certainly never could have imagined how HE was going to answer my prayer, my request, my persistent knocking .... to bring a child home from the hospital. LOOK AT GOD!!!

I am ever thankful for the obedience of fellow servants, that heard a prompting from the Lord - not just in the past few weeks ... I am talking YEARS AGO! So much of this story is attached to decisions and choices made many years ago. Should I be surprised, no because believe it or not it is not MY story, it is Gods story. From the beginning of creation. Oh how blessed am I that I have been chosen to be a part of the story! ... that HE has prepared.

The parts continue to be revealed, each at the appointed time.
Right on time - Praise the Lord!

to be continued ...

GRACE AND PEACE

... and we wait

the waiting continues.

we all know babies come when they are ready, not just because all of us on the outside are ready.

i turn to the word .... for assurance as i wait ...

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14

We wait in hope for the LORD; HE is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:20

While I wait, I have completed some projects ... new curtains in the kitchen

... the black really makes the kitchen table pop.

Thank you all for the amazing prayers, looking forward to introducing our son - soon:)

GRACE AND PEACE!

a good word - a great reminder

Aaron & I are in a "final" stage of waiting. Our expectant mom, is in the beginning stages of labor!

He Answers You
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “I will answer them before they even call to Me...”
(Isaiah 65:24, NLT)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria Have you ever thought about something you wanted or needed, and suddenly that need was supplied even before you had time to stop and pray? God knows your needs before you even speak them. He wants to provide for you and answer the very desires of your heart. Don’t ever think God is too busy to answer you. Don’t ever think your needs are too small or that you don’t matter. The truth is that He cares about everything that concerns you, and He loves to hear you call upon His name! When you put Him first in everything you do, when you faithfully follow His commands, He’ll pour out an extra portion of His goodness and favor upon you!

Remember, you are very special to God, and He hears you and answers you. It may not be in your timing or in the way you expected, but know that He always has your best interest at heart. He is working things out for your good, and He will always answer — sometimes before you even call!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father in heaven, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. I trust that You hear me and that You will answer me. Show me Your ways and teach me to trust in You as I surrender to You every area of life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

GRACE AND PEACE!

she was right!

My Mom, my mother was right!

let me say that again - My MOTHER was RIGHT!

When Aaron and I learned of the baby due April 4th, it was the beginning of February. We had only just downloaded forms to begin the application process with an agency. I was so overwhelmed with the cost, we have been for the past few months cutting it real tight with just the 2 of us - how would we be able to sliver off any to begin an adoption fund. Then when we learned of this little one coming April 4th - our hearts are ready - it was our bank account that shouted NO.

After my first conversation with the Attorney, hearing just the retainer fee, followed by the total to complete the adoption made me sick to my stomach. Aaron was at work, so my mom was there to listen and offer encouragement to me. What stands out today, was that she encouraged us, me to move forward as if money was not a concern.

Little did she know that that day she was speaking truth over me .... since that conversation the financial blessings have poured in. Each time a cost has come up - our bank account has been ready. We have been blessed in ways I never never imagined or expected.

Double Blessing Bracelet sales continue to surge ... closing in on 300. 2 more Beads By Beth parties this month, 1 in April and 1 in May, my goal is at least 2 a month through the year. I am so thankful that the Lord reminded me of my gift of craftsmanship. THANK YOU!

Thank you dear prayer warriors - your prayers offer encouragement, protection and comfort! I am enjoying this feeling of overwhelming love, that comes from Our Father - through His precious children, thank you!

I lean on this scripture daily:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

It is my prayer that you will each trust the Lord with all your heart - and allow him to make your paths straight.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Children of God

I had the opportunity to see Third Day live, at Northview Church 3/9/11, they have been a favorite band of mine since 2001 ... when I was saved.

this blew me away, a must share

³All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. ⁴Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. ⁵God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. ⁶So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. ⁷He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. ⁸He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1: 3-8

GRACE AND PEACE!

miracle

this past weekend Pastor Steve Poe preached at Northview Church, at the conclusion he invited anyone that needed a miracle to come forward for prayer ... the aisles filled and mighty prayers went up to the heavens.

i was frozen in my seat, basking in the goodness of our Lord, and relishing the miracle of Jeremy, while finding myself in the middle of a new miracle. (Or maybe this is part of the same miracle?)

i am so thankful that my spiritual eyes are open to see and recognize where i am and how the Lord is orchestrating everything. What an amazing place to be - so completely humbled.

adoption update:

• we officially have an attorney
• the expectant birth mom has an attorney
• the expectant birth mom and her attorney have a birth plan in place
• when she goes into labor, our attorney will be notified, then we will receive a call.
• when the little guy arrives, our attorney will be notified, then we will receive a call.
• the expectant birth mom will be able to sign papers 24 hours after birth, unless she has a c-section(which is unlikely, baby #1 was vaginal)
• when the expectant mom has signed, we will head to the hospital to meet our son.

Due date, April 4th. She has been having contractions for a week - but no "real" progress. It is my prayer that the little guy continue to grow on the inside as long as possible, with the arrival as close to April 4th as possible. We are ready for him, now - so let the Lords will be done.

We have a few more papers to be returned for our homestudy, and hope to have a social worker to our house BEFORE April 1st!

This is such an amazing time, the Lord continues to provide - for ALL our needs. He continues to humble my heart with the ability to receive the blessings. That too is a miracle!

thanks to help from lifegroup girls, the nursery is together ... still desire to get some black out curtains ... thinking brown

for his ride home ... we will put it in the car this week please pray that this process will continue to bring glory to God our Father, that through ALL things HIS name will be praised!

GRACE AND PEACE!

From Aaron ...

Today, Aaron shared the devotion during the monthly all-staff meeting at Northview Church.

POWERFUL!

happy to share:

Trials, trials, trials, trials, trials

When Beth and I where planning our wedding ceremony we chose Proverbs 3 verses 5 through 6, one of my all time favor verses to quote.

It says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Back in August of 2008 I was ordained here at Northview Church. And while I went through the ceremony with a smile, nobody knew except the Lord, that I was crying in my heart.

Two weeks previous to that glorious ordination day, my wife and I received a diagnosis about our 17-week old baby that he was afflicted with a condition called Trisome 13, which means the presence of an extra (third) chromosome 13 in all of the cells. And this condition is not compatible with life outside the womb.

The commentator Mathew Henry says, “May we learn to obey and trust the Lord, even in tribulation; to live or die as he pleases: we know not for what good ends our lives may be shortened or prolonged.”

Beth and I where completely shocked when we heard the doctor reveal the life of our son would not endure long. To be completely open I thought I was exempt, immune, protected from such affliction, but not so. Proverbs chapter 3 is so poetic and romantic; to me it is so inspiring to hear “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight,” but now, needing to apply it in the midst of trial was sobering.

Nobody’s faith is immune from testing. I thought it strange that we where experiencing this trial, but the Bible says,

In 1 Peter 4:12-13

¹² Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; ¹³ but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

2nd - Beth and I are amazed that we didn’t fall apart during that trial. We actually became closer to the LORD and to one another in the midst that stormy season. This trial was lived out in the open and it could not be endured in secret. Not bothering others with our hurts, habits and hang-ups is so common, but so unhealthy.

This trial allowed us to see God working through our friends and family, Brookside Church, Northview Church and our Life Group as God demonstrated His love and compassion for us. We are now experiencing the body of Christ supporting and contributing to our calling to adopt a child.

Another calling, more trials, more grace, more joy.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

GRACE AND PEACE!

GRACE & updates

grace: HIS unmerited favor ...

Oh how HIS GRACE flows over me.

The outpouring from those around, known & unknown, to help in building our adoption fund can only be due to HIS AMAZING GRACE!

There is NOTHING I have done to deserve this amazing blessing, masked in financial help ... I am so unworthy of the help that is pouring over us now. Only because of what Jesus did for me and you, am I able to accept these gifts, blessings ... my heart is humbled over & over.

I am so thankful to be offering the double blessing bracelets, as a way to offer something in return to building our adoption fund. It is my prayer that as our family is blessed, we will be positioned to pay the blessing forward. Bracelets can be ordered & purchased through the pay pal button to the right.

ADOPTION UPDATE

Tuesday 2/22, Double Blessing Bracelets available to purchase in Capstone Cafe at Northview Church

Thursday 2/24, we have officially retained an Attorney for our adoption

Friday 2/25 (tomorrow) Aaron and I are meeting the Expectant Mom, we will have some paperwork to be signed demonstrating our intent and her intent for this little boy (DUE APRIL 4th)

Please pray that this process will continue to bring glory to God our Father, through all things HIS name will be praised.

GRACE AND PEACE!

oh wow!

we continue to be blessed by those that God has placed in and around our lives!

since posting about the upcoming adoption, needing to raise funds and availability of the "double blessing beads" - the words of encouragement and action taken by folks around us : OVERWHELMING! and loving it.

my heart continues to expand ... i accidentally landed on a scripture yesterday at church when trying to get to where the pastor was .... of course it was one that was revealed to me in October, and i have been looking for it since.

"Make room for us in your hearts.
We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one"
2 Corinthians 7:2

There was a note in my bible, i wrote 4 months ago: CHILDREN

Since that time, the Lord continues to expand my heart, in ways i never knew possible. Not just for the family that HE is preparing - but expanding my heart to receive help.

I have always had a VERY hard time asking for and receiving any kind of help. But the Lord continues to do a great work in me, and it is all because of JESUS, I am able to receive this overflow. My eyes and heart are open to HIM - THANK YOU!

For those of you that have ordered bracelets, my life group girls and I are getting busy working to meet the demand, and build a supply so we can sell them at Capstone (northview church) and have them on hand ready to ship. THANK YOU for your continued help for our family building and the women in Uganda!

i praise the Lord for this growing heart, knowing freedom i have never imagined.
PRAISE HIM!

GRACE AND PEACE!