Real

REAL--- Righteous Everlasting Almighty Lord ---- REAL!!

True Romance

Those of you who know me well know that my husband is my true hero.  Apart from the Lord Jesus Christ , Farm Boy,is the one who has taught me what true love is.  He has taught me that romance is not about bringing flowers, and candlelight dinners (although I do enjoy that as well:-) )  Each day Farm Boy shows me true love and romance.  The kind that leaves me thinking and praying for him each minute we are apart.  How does such a quiet man do this?  In the little things --- 3:00 am his alarm goes off, time for him to start his day, but before he leaves our room he tucks the blankets up around me, caresses his love to me through the touch of his hand on my hair, a gentle kiss, lest he should disturb me to deeply, then he proceeds to the basement to build a fire in the furnace so when his family arises 4 hours later, we will be warm.  Wrapped in his love.  Knowing that he has also taken time to go check on his older princesses in their apartment, making sure their heater has not gone out during the cold Maine night. Farm Boy romances me daily with preparing an ease into my day, I am not by nature a morning person. Farm Boy never chides, he accepts, he encourages, he prepares a coffee pot (in our room) to begin brewing at 6:00 so I can gently wake to the sound and aroma of coffee ( a heavenly scent I am sure:-) )  This provides a quiet time for the Lord and I to spend together. By this time Farm Boy has driven his hour to work, again showing love for me and his children.  The children and I get on with the day, waiting for Farm Boy's strong quiet presence to return late in the afternoon.  Oh what joy when he does return-- we all run to greet him, someone takes his coat, another his lunch bag,off come the boots-- then hugs and kisses all around,  but always he starts with me.  His eyes sparkle with love and joy.  He listens patiently for the days events to unfold, offering his wisdom when necessary, but mostly listening.  What a rare and precious gift this is.  I am trying to be more like him. Throughout the afternoon he romances with gentle words, and strong arms that carry in the wood, repair a vehicle, the performing of barn chores, the list goes on.  He continues romancing as he gently tucks the little ones into bed, reading and praying with each one.  Finally the house is quiet.  A time for just the two of us.  A time for romance.

Vivid

Vivid;  My family.  Each with a strong personality, designed and placed here by God.  Each individual made stronger by the family interactions.  The life giving energy that ebbs and flows throughout our home and lives.Vivid joy and laughter, and sadness too. The memories of today and years gone by.  The brilliance of a life lived for the glory of God. The word of God itself.  I am praying for each who read this a vivid life-- lived in the light of eternity.

God's faithfulness

What makes a child/person unlovable, or unadoptable?  The color of their skin? Their physical or emotional disability?  The anger and rage that sometimes covers an unseen world of hurt?  I have been blessed thus far to adopt 4 precious children that have been labeled not worthy (or likely)of adoption because of the above mentioned factors. My family and I are in the process of trying to bring two orphans home from Russia, also labeled unadoptable.  I am thankful everyday for the family that God has blessed me with, and that He found me worth loving even when I was unlovable. That He adopted me.   His adoption is eternal, forever.  That is His covenant with me, never to be rescinded upon, even if I tried to turn my back on Him, He is bound by His word to never leave me nor forsake me.(Hebrews 13:5)  Why then do people "adopt" a child only to turn their backs on them a few years later? Saying it is too hard or too disruptive? I know the answer is because of sin, however it angers me and sickens me that this is even possible in our society,especially among Christians.  If you have a biological child that gives you a challenge you find help, you don't take them back to the hospital and look for a refund.  These are human lives and souls  that are at stake. I understand the challenges-- I live with them daily.  I also know that God is always faithful to help or send the help I need when I cry out to Him.  I have recently heard of another "failed adoption" .  I praise the Lord that their is a wonderful Christian family that is willing to give this girl a home.  Forever-- no turning back However,I am saddened for the girl who will have to face the rejection of people who claimed,before a judge no less, that they would provide her with a forever home. It is sad to think that adoption in America is going the way of marriages in America.  I praise The Lord that I have security in His love and His family.  He has blessed me beyond measure by allowing me the privilege of caring for and training up children for Him. My greatest joy is in knowing God personally, believing and trusting in Him and knowing that He will never let me down.

Open

This is my first time at five minute Fridays, here goes.
Open-- "open the eyes of my heart Lord"  Open my spirit and mind to all the possibilities that you have for me in the new year.  Open my home to receive my son and daughter home from Russia, and to minister to fellow travelers along the way.  Open me up to love as your Son loves , Open me like a quilt unfurled spreading warmth and comfort to all who come under it.

The Day After

It is the day after Christmas. A short time of reflection on the day, before preparing for another day with friends and family.  We had a sweet day of celebrating the birth of our Saviour.  It started with a good morning to Jesus, and then just enough time to do presents with Grammy before getting ready for church. For us that means some heading to the barn for chores, others dressing little ones and making sure everything that needs to go out the door with us is not left behind.  Especially my son Michael's dee (his favorite blanket). We then spent the day at church.  The church choir did an amazing Christmas Cantata, then the church family and friends served   a delicious dinner, followed by words of thanksgiving by our Pastor.  Once we got home we spent time opening family gifts. It is wonderful to see that my children enjoy giving the gifts they picked out, as much, if not more than getting their own gifts. What a joy to watch the delight of children young and old open gifts, I am reminded of the scripture that "every good and perfect gift cometh from the Father," I believe God receives joy from His children when we accept His gifts to us, the first and most precious of these gifts is His gift of Salvation. What a thought-- that I can bring joy to The Creator of the universe and Saviour of my soul. That He would possibly find delight in me, the unlovable. This thought astounds me,  humbles me and encourages me.  Oh what a great and mighty God I serve. Full of grace and mercy to all.

New to me

My daughter has been telling me for a long time that I need to have a blog. So today she got me started.  I am not  a writer by any stretch of the imagination. I am a wife and mom , I love the Lord and find great joy in serving Him.  I also have heartaches and sorrows like any one else. I have found encouragement through other blogs I have read and pray perhaps I can do the same for someone else along the way. 
Today is a beautiful day in Maine.  The snow is falling, Christmas preparations are almost complete, the family enjoyed making Christmas cookies last night.  My 11 year old daughter Gemini gave me an early present, as she and I were finishing up in the kitchen (just the two of us alone-- rare in this home) she said, " Mom, I am so glad you and Dad adopted me, this day has been so fun I wish it would never end."  All because we took the time to make cookies.  What a blessing to my mother's heart.  God is so good to have used Gem to speak to my soul, because truth be told I almost did not do the cookie bake. I contemplated just letting the children watch a movie and go to bed, I would make the cookies with out all the "extra help"...  it would be so much easier.   Oh to think of the joy I would have missed!  Watching the joy in the lives of my children, especially once Dad got involved in the process. My husband is so wonderful.  He keeps me grounded and encouraged.

                                                      Daddy decorating with the kids

                                                                      More sugar!

                                              Josh helping Mom cut cookies

        

                                                       Anna cutting out cookies

                                            Michael intently watching his cookies be cut

                                   It's truly a wonderful life the God has blessed me with.