A New Look

As you can see, we have a new look to our blog - courtesy of Danielle. She did an amazing job with our site.

In other news, we received the first draft of our homestudy today!! It felt so good to send it back and know that we are on our way. We still have not been matched with a child - but I know God's timing is perfect.

Well, have to get ready for the Thanksgiving holiday - wishing you all the best.

Time...

Time - it is something that I never seem to have enough of. I am constantly running - either to my next meeting or home from work to get dinner, do laundry, etc. At times I feel like I am frantically trying to catch-up.

A dear friend of mine had this information from Rick Warner posted on her site - and it caused me to STOP - and examine why I am running so much. I hope it blesses you as much as it did me.

The Time of Your Life

by Rick Warren

Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Ephesians 5:16 (MSG)

*** *** *** ***

Why is it that time drags when you want it to pass quickly and flies when you need more of it? It’s not very cooperative!Time is the great equalizer.

We all have the same amount of it. The difference between successful people and average people is this:

Achievers manage their time wisely. Rather than wasting time or spending time,

they invest time.

They make the most out of each moment.

In these difficult days, people are realizing that time is more important than money.

Money is a renewable resource - there are always places to get more of it.

But time is a limited resource.You only have a certain allotment of time in your life.

When it's used up ... that’s it!

YOUR TIME IS YOUR LIFE.

When you give someone your money, you’ve given them something that you can replace.

But when you give someone your time, you've given them a part of your life.

This means time management is really “life management.”

The Bible has this to say: “Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get.

These are desperate times! Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly.

Make sure you understand what the Master wants” (Ephesians 5:15b-17 MSG).

You could summarize these verses this way:

1. Analyze Your Lifestyle. Be aware of where your time is going.

2. Utilize The Present. Make the most of this moment.

3. Recognize What’s Important. Focus on priorities that last.

A question to consider throughout the day: “How much of what I’m doing right now is going to count ten years from now … 50 years from now … or for eternity?”

You have just enough time to fulfill God’s purpose for your life.

If you can’t get it all done it means:

1. You’re doing things God never intended for you to do, or

2. You’re doing the right thing in the wrong way.

Prayer: “God, help me to manage my time wisely this week.”

I had a really cool thought today...

A friend of mine was asking how our adoption was progressing. I very sadly said that we had not been matched with a child yet - but then a really cool thought hit me. You see, I just realized that we are on the brink of something so amazing. I am going to be a mother again - WOW!!! And the fact that God has been planning this all along is so cool. I kind of think of it like how I feel when it is one of the kids birthdays and I have a special gift for them. I cannot wait for them to open it. I spent time choosing just the right gift and imagined the expression on their face as they open the package. It gives me goose bumps. I think that is how my heavenly father must feel right now. He has carefully selected the perfect child for our family. He formed her and has blessed this little girl. He chose her just for us - and now he waits to share that awesome gift with His children. That is so cool!!! I just hope the time comes very quickly, when I can open my present.

Till later,

Diane

Wow - is it really November already?

It seems like the days are flying by lately. I am sure they will begin to slow down as we get closer to our baby girl. So much has happened lately, so grab a cup of coffee - you might be here a while.

First, Terry and I had a night away from the kids. To some of you this may not sound like a big deal, but to us it is huge. The last time we went away together was when we were adopting Tessa. Much like that time, we were attending our home study agencies training. Our agency is Adoption and Beyond and they are located in the Kansas City area. It was an amazing trip. We actually talked - without being interrupted. We laughed more than I think we have in months. You know the kind of laugh that makes your sides hurt.

Adoption & Beyond

My Best Friend

We also learned some new things at the training. We went in there thinking we were the seasoned pros at this adoption thing - but then realized we still have a lot of questions.

When we pulled into the parking lot, I started to cry. I guess it all became very real to me - We are adopting again. I know, not a news flash to all of you, but it really started to sink in. I feel so very humbled to be part of God's plan for this child's life.

My parents were kind enough to stay with the kids while we were away. I think this was some great spoiling time for the kids. They really love their grandparents. When we got home, Trenton started to cry, When I asked him what was wrong, he said he did not want Grandma to leave. I think my mom melted at that one. Thanks Mom & Dad, this really meant a lot to us.

Other updates - we will mail our home study packet to the agency tomorrow evening. We have struggled to get the last pieces together. The kids will have their physicals tomorrow afternoon and then we are done. hurray!!!

Then there is Halloween. This year we had Cinderella, Buzz Lightyear and Harry Potter join us for the holiday. They looked adorable. And boy did they bring in loads of candy. So much for the dieting... This year Taylor chose to stay at home and pass out candy. I think her favorite part is sampling her sister and brothers candy.

Another update is regarding the adoption ministry at our church. I had approached our Missions Pastor, Rick - about the possibility of starting an adoption support group at our church. He asked me to continue to pray about it and to study the book of Nehemiah. I must admit, eventhough I attended a Christian University, I could not recall any details from this book. So I started to read. It took me a few attempts, but I finished it. And now I totally get why he had me read this book. Nehemiah was rebuilding the wall of the city. He fought persecution, like I cannot even imagine - and he did not do it alone. It talks about all the different people who helped to build sections of the wall. It also speaks of how they had a hammer in one hand and a sword in the other. I have learned that I cannot do this ministry alone - I will need a lot of help. That brings me to my next point. God has placed some amazing women in my life lately. Two other families from our church are adopting from China. Right now, it seems like we are all about 1 month apart in the process. Tami and Jennifer are two super mom's. I feel so blessed that God has brought them into my life.

Well, I think that is about it for now. I will try to post more often, so as not to ramble on as much.

Till later,