Melkam Genna!
I hope you all had an incredible Christmas! We were so blessed with a peaceful break and I know that is due to so many prayers from the faithful!
I just have to share my most special gift from Nate. You might know that in Ethiopia they usually don't exchange gifts as part of celebrating Christmas. Our kids were so excited to be able to include presents as part of Christmas, but they were most excited about getting to GIVE gifts. They each spent their birthday money that they had saved to shop for meaningful gifts for each member of our family; and Isaiah even shopped at his school's book fair with the $$ I had given him to shop for books that he had asked for. My mom took each of them shopping and they kind of drove her a little crazy by being so particular over each and every purchase. :)
I'm thinking that they may have been inspired by Little House on the Prarie, Christmas at Plum Creek.
Remember the one where Laura sells her horse, Bunny to Mr. Olson to buy a stove for Ma? They LOVE Little House, especially Mercy......following in big sister's footsteps.
Nate gave me this snow globe with our family picture inside.
He chose it because it says, "Baby's First Christmas."
He said because, "I am your baby."
I do tell him that all the time!
This little globe represents more than I can even tell you to me!
It speaks of how God has us in his embrace-- even though I am being poured out like a drink offering, Philippians 2:17-- it speaks of how being in the center of God's will is the most dangerous place to be, yet safe in His hold, at the same time-- it speaks of how the old is gone and the new is here, 2 Corinthians 2:17--
and so much more.
Elle had the amazing opportunity to go to Ethiopia with our dear friend Courtney to help her bring home sweet Teddy. Read about their story. It is a movie in the making. Elle had wanted to go with her from the beginning, but didn't have the funds for a plane ticket. On New Year's Day, she cleaned out her bank account and paid for the ticket with the EXACT amount of money she had in her account ---and left the next day.
God always demands it all doesn't He?
-- and He always provides when it is HIS plan!!---
AND she is spending Christmas in Holeta, Ethiopia with Pochi right now---celebrating Jesus' birth in the most precious way. ---I'm just a little bit jealous.
Praying all of HIS best in 2011 for all of you!
You have made know to me the path of life;
You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.
Psalm 16:11
9 comments:
i am crying right now with the beauty of that gift. so precious!
your children (all of them) are so special!
Love your snow globe and the heart He has given to your children. Be blessed and enjoy your New Year in the Light of His goodness.
xxoo
your friend;
Kimmie
I've never commented on your blog and have followed for a few months. Found you via Lucy Lane. Just wanted you to know the Holy Spirit uses you to speak to me each time I read. Today it was in the phrase, "He demands it all, doesn't He?" (I may be paraphrasing) Anyway, I was just struggling with that a few minutes ago...every time we get a little extra cash God speaks to us to give it to a ministry, a person in need...this was to be our year to furnish our home after 14 years of marriage...a few years ago we sold our home and God told us to pay off debt and instead of buying a new home to give it to our church...gladly! But after four years of renting and watching my friends build there homes and decorate them I was starting to feel a little bummed...but He has laid adoption on our hearts for years and instead of furnishing our home with things we're going to use to it father His blessings...and even though my Spirit says "Yes, Lord1", there are times my flesh battles me when He "demands it all". Obedience demands sacrifice and your words just reaffirmed that to me. And it's the joy of the Lord that is my strength; in the presence of the Lord is fullness of joy. I don't need anything else. Everytime I empty it out I feel like the woman with the jar of oil, because there is always more than enough. Always. Sorry to write a novel here, but you need to know that God is using you and your family.
And the snow globe? There are no words.
Blessings to you and your family.
Love,
Rory Cookman
Portland, Oregon
woosterweester@aol.com
Oh I love that boy and this post! What a present! What a blessed Christmas!
What a most special gift!!! I so love reading your post. You truly have a special family. I wish you all the best in 2011!! Now, if you ever decide to led a Bible study - I want to be first on the list to sign up :) The Holy Spirit shines so bright through your words!!
I agree with wooster weester-Thank you! God spoke through you to me today as I step out in faith in various ways. God has placed orphans heavily on my heart & also hospitality. In my heart I dream of adoption (hubby not ready). However, God keeps bringing so many needy & adoptive families into our lives that it seems like God wants us to give everything extra to others instead. Each giving situation usually results in an increase of family illness/chaos/things start to break down, etc. I am starting to think that these are good signs & proof that we are on the right track. However, it is very easy to get swallowed up by the chaos that ensues when we follow God's call! Keep walking in light! We are praying for you & your family!
I just wanted to say thank you for your blog. I have recently come across it and am so thankful for your honesty and worship in every post. We are in process to adopt two older children (10 & 12 yrs) from Ethiopia (whose names happen to be the same as two of yours i think!) and at times I am scared about what the future holds. I am encouraged by your blog and will be coming back often for advice! :)
Hi Tracy. I can't find your contact email. Could you please drop me a line at GivenMuchMom@gmail.com?
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