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Just coming up for a breather…and wanted to post the video we shared at the WELCOME on Friday night!!! Now this video just represents a few of the families there! It was an AMAZING weekend of learning, encouragement, worship and PURPOSE! More to come from the weekend…but by all means–feel free to share this on your blogs, Facebook and with friends and family…especially if you spot your sweet family in it too!!! LOVE to you all…and already dreaming of Created for Care 2012! Well, it’s here. After four months of planning, the Created for Care adoption momma retreat is here. I wish I could tell you every thing the Lord has in store–but I only know a taste of it. And what I do know–I am humbed and amazed by. There are so many details that the Lord has so obviously ordained–and watching Him work has been nothing short of a miracle. Of course I believe in Him and I believe Him…He is who He says He is—but oh my…in these last few months–as He has clearly orchestrated this weekend–it is so evident where His heart stands in caring for little ones who need mommies and daddies to tuck them in at night…to tell them they are loved—and most importantly…that Jesus never left them–that He adores them and that when they look to Him for guidance…they will see His favor and faithfulness over and over and over again. In praying and preparing for the retreat–I asked, “What Lord do you want these moms to know? What is your heart for them? What is it you want to see unfold for the weekend together? Why would you want 250 moms to fly here from across the country to be together…to be reminded of what??” I remember over and over His showing me Psalm 84. This is just a taste of what He has in store for us this weekend… LORD Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. 3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, LORD Almighty, my King and my God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. What does it mean to dwell?? To live. To stay. Permenantly. Does my soul LONG–and FAINT just to be near Him? Or do I get too busy in my own world that I forget how GOOD He really is? Oh–if you have never LONGED for the Savior…sweet friends–He really is SO good. If I sound crazy to you–I promise I’m not…He is just really REAL–and He is what life is all about. And how sweet it is to know His presence. And when you KNOW Him…truly your heart CRIES out just to be with Him…to experience more of Him. And truly–there is something about the adoption journey that allows you to see more of Him. When you are called to this journey for His sake–and not for your own sake–I promise you experience His greatness in a whole new way. Once in my life I have heard my God speak audibly…and it was during a very deep time of discouragement on our adoption journey to our son. It was loud–it was clear…it was even scary–but in a fearful, good way…and oh so reassuring. And while I know that might sound crazy to many of you–God is able to do all things…speaking audibly is quite easy for my God–but something He rarely does in our day…I guess so we will have faith without hearing or seeing. What He said was precious to me and sacred–and those words have encouraged me to be a voice and never give up on being a voice for the voiceless…truly this is His heart. Oh…to LONG for Him–to KNOW Him…to believe Him. THIS is what life is about. Seeking to know Him deeply–this is ONE thing you will never regret. And who does this psalm say He provides a home even for? The sparrow. And if He cares for the birds of the field…how much MORE does He care for you? It is His desire for the homeless to have homes…the fatherless to have fathers…the barren to have babes…and for many–this will happen through the miracle of adoption. I also believe that He desires to raise up Christian families to open their hearts to these children–for the gospel’s sake–that they will one day know Him. Where does this psalm say the swallow’s nest where she will raise her young is? Near what? Near His alter. Near a place she can leave her burdens, her fears…unknowns…hurt…worries…and give those to her Creator–and trust all of those things into His care. So close to Him where she will see Him…daily–and ever be praising her King. Oh…is there any other place to raise our young? And it’s NEVER to late to start moving your sticks and building a nest–closer to Him. It’s never too late to come closer… whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. 6 As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion. And the journeys the Lord calls you on as you stay ever close to Him will NOT be easy. They just won’t. In fact, some times they will look impossible to the world. YET–He is faithful. And when He comes through–it will be HIM that gets the glory. BLESSED is the mom whose strength is in you–and whose heart is DETERMINED to be on her journeys for His sake…for His business. As they pass through the valley of Baca–which means WEEPING…not IF they pass through the valley of weeping but AS…and WHEN they pass through the valley of weeping. It won’t be easy. Sure–you can build your nest farther away from Him–and in this world it WILL SEEM easier, but oh how looks can be deceiving…and really–that is what it will be. Close to Him will some times look and seem harder–but OH HOW BLESSED you will be!!! And AS YOU WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF WEEPING–WHAT WILL YOU WHO CALL UPON HIS NAME DO??? You will make it a place of springs…of fruitfulness…of LIFE. Some of you will be helping little ones heal. Some of you will sacrifice the “normal American life” to have more children…to care for families called to care for more…to pass up vacations to help fund others needs. BUT in your obedience to the One you have planted your nest ever so close to–you will turn weeping into dancing…and there will be Life. And you will go from STRENGTH to STRENGTH until you stand before Him. NOW…is that any way to live here? Oh–yes, indeed! listen to me, God of Jacob. 9 Look on our shield, O God; look with favor on your anointed one. 10 Better is one day in your courts TRULY better is one day with Jesus than a thousand else where. And as I read this–I thought about sitting on a front porch with Jesus inside. How THAT would be a better place to be than any where he was not. Just to be close by–oh how sweet! YET–He opens the door and invites us to experience His fullness!!! To LIVE in His presence…to raise our young with His guidance…and to even sacrifice our time, our idea of the “ideal”…and to make our lives about His purpose for His children and His glory. He will be your sun and guide you. He will be your shield and protect you. AND NO GOOD THING will He withhold from those whose walk is blameless. In other words–YOU CAN TRUST HIM! blessed is the one who trusts in you. And that…is just a taste of what I believe He wants these 250 moms to know. I’m dying to know what else He has on His heart…and I’m just honored to be there… Please keep this weekend in your prayers…and pray for safetly for those traveling to join us. May you experience His presence in new and real ways as you trust more in Him… OH MY GOODNESS!! I am so tired and should be in bed, but just decided to peek to see if you had anything last minute before the retreat. I cannot believe the Lord has given you that Psalm. Just this week I was meditating on that. It has all new meaning for me, a weary mom, these days. I am SO looking forward to meeting you. Thank you for all that you’ve put into this retreat!! I will continue to pray for this glorious weekend that He so perfectly orchestrated through beautiful women that Care to be the hands and feet of Jesus – to spread His word, to encourage, to love, to never give up. Loving you …. Oh how beautiful. And oh how I wish I was going to be in attendance. oh such sweet true words. Thank you for sharing and for living them out. Praying for you this weekend too! Thank you for these words, Andrea! I cannot wait to be with other like-minded mamas this weekend! So excited for all HE is doing!!! Please let me know if/how I can order CD’s if that is an option. Praying for all the details and all the hearts that will be there! Oh how I needed this today! Thank you SO much for your encouraging words! Wish I could be there:)! after reading this post it makes me even sadder that i won’t be able to be there this weekend, but you will all be in my prayers. i know it will be a blessing to those who go and next year, after my little ones have been home for a while, i will be able to attend what will hopefully be an annual event. your words or more importantly God’s word blessed me today. Thanks so much for sharing this. A friend of mine told me about your blog. We are in the homestudy phase of adopting from Ethiopia. I really needed to read your words and even more the Word that you shared. Thank you. I pray your retreat is wonderfully refreshing and full of Him! I have been praying for you all this weekend! I really wish I could have been there! Let me know if I can order any CDs! I would love that! I love what you wrote about Ps. 84. It was so encouraging to me, as I have been discouraged this week with the journey! And, just this morning my kids and I were belting out “Better is one Day….” So, I loved reading this! God is so sweet and so intentional to us. I pray the Lord blesses you a million-fold Andrea for creating the opportunity for all of us ladies to gather and be refreshed and informed this past weekend! As testimonies were being shared…I realized just how life-changing this weekend was! So many received fresh revelation of how much they are dearly loved by the Father. That alone is HUGE!!! I came away with fresh hope, a new parenting focus, a greater understanding of my precious daughter, and revelation from the Lord showing me more of who I am in Him! All that and more in about 2 days :). God is amazing!! It was so fun rooming with you and getting to know you a bit better too!! May the Lord truly bless you my new friend!! SOOO…I got bored for about 3 minutes today;) and got out a can of blackboard spraypaint… Don’t you want to know what that is that I spraypainted?? WELL…Rico Suave and I have a strict “if it’s not broken we don’t fix it” policy we live by. Really, it’s just practical. SOOO…every appliance in our home is the appliance that came with our home. Some are louder than others–and the dishwasher is an old white thing that shows all kind of residue from sticky fingers. SOOO…I slid the white cover right off the dishwasher—and simply spraypainted it in seriously 3 minutes in the garage. (You can buy a can at most art supply stores–I bought mine from Dick Blick Art Supplies–and I believe Home Depot also carries it). SOOO…now—we have this…
We love our appliances because they work:). And I love them because they are old enough to spray paint and create character and kid-friendly fun with too. Soooo…there’s your easy fun for the day. Seriously–can you imagine what Rico Suave thinks when he comes home and I have crazy projects done like this almost daily? I love that it rolls with most anything I do:). I wrote a really long post on “why we adopt” tonight–but I decided I’m going to wait and post it another day. Still collecting my thoughts WHY we adopt. I will say this–for us it has nothing to do with infertility, pity, rescue from poverty or famine or many other things you may think drew us to grow our family in that way. Instead–it has everything to do with the gospel ALONE. Sure–those things show you different NEEDS–but those needs CAN be met in different ways other than adoption of course. It has to be for MORE than that and NOT for just that. If and when we ever adopt again–it truly doesn’t matter if our baby is from Africa or Beverly Hills–because for us…it really is just about the gospel. We believe it is God’s heart that every one of His sweet children know Him. And I believe it would bring Him glory and pleasure to see His children–no matter their race, poverty level, birth country, etc–be raised in homes where they would grow up learning to listen for and love Jesus. It is not the easy road to grow your family from broken backgrounds–but we serve the God of miracles and healing…and we believe through adoption many children may have the chance to know Him as Christian families follow God in growing their families this way. Sure as believers we share His love to children in Sunday school class, at the pool in the summer and at the park with friends…but to share Jesus in our homes and to tuck a child into bed each night telling them how much they are valued and loved…not only by us but by their Creator…to remind them God has a plan and purpose for their life and we are just here to love them and cheer them on to furfill that grand calling JUST for them…to speak Truth into their hearts and lives…and then to set them out to be disciples throughout the world–and to see HIM do all the work and merely use us as vessels for His glory…this has to be the motivation for us…the gospel alone. It’s trusting HIM to provide the nests for even the swallow–and that He who cares for the birds cares SO MUCH MORE for His children. And remembering where He desires us as parents–to STAY as we raise our children…every so close to Him. Not just at the door…or in His courts…but RIGHT by His side.  1 How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. 3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, LORD Almighty, my King and my God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. i love the chalkboard dishwasher…so right up my alley…so fun, kj I really want to know what kind of drugs you’re taking and get some of those! Is it that 5 Hour Energy? Lots of coffee? Speed? Because I wouldn’t have the creative energy to do something like that on a normal day, let alone TWO DAYS BEFORE HOSTING 250 WOMEN!! You’re nuts. Love you for it. Can’t wait to read that adoption post. It sounds like a lot of what we’ve been talking about. SEE YOU TOMORROW! Andrea, I can’t believe you have the time and energy to do all you do! I have 2 kids and I don’t do half of what you do! (I’m thinking you’re a very organized person and I’m not, but I’m working on it!) Have fun at your retreat! How fun is that! You come up with the cutest ideas and crafts for your kids! I hope I can be as fun as you are with my own as they grow up! Love the idea… just might have to try it! 🙂 BEAUTIFUL! You are amazing and God must gift you incredible amounts of energy. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on why you adopt, and I can’t wait to read the post! 🙂 Praying for your retreat this weekend! Hope I get the opportunity to meet you in person someday too! 🙂 I love this!!!! We have a bit of an eye sore dishwasher and I’m thinking this is a PERFECT idea!! Tucker’s not old enough to play with it yet, but I’m sure the time will fly when he gets home! 🙂 Have a GREAT time at the retreat!!! We’re leaving on Wednesday to GO GET OUR BOY!!!!! :):) i came to your site from Lara posting on FB. looking forward to getting to know you more and read what you have to share. Thanks for the thought-provoking read this morning. I quoted you in a blog post. Hope you don’t mind! Thanks so much for putting into words WHY we adopt…even though you haven’t “posted” it yet;)! And your creativity ROCKS!! Especially to those of us who were deprived of that particular gene! Andrea, LOVE this idea!!!! I HAVE to do it! Thank you! 🙂 Love your project 🙂 Love, love, love the chalkboard dishwasher!!! SO cute!! Can’t wait for the weekend!! Praying we make it even through the ice storm!! 🙂 What a fabulous idea! We are all about using something in a “new” & exciting way for the kiddos. Seriously looking forward to the post because I have found it difficult to explain just how deeply moved by God’s word I have been in regards to orphans. God definitely changes the hearts of those he prepares to care for the fatherless in whatever way he chooses. Praying for SUN to melt the ice & safe travel for all! you are hilarious…i want some of your energy dear!!!!! I am excited to hear more of your thoughts on why you all adopted and I am loving the dishwasher! I have never commented but have enjoyed your blog for many months! Absolutely LOVE your dishwasher:) but then again I love everything “Andrea” 🙂 Praying for you sweet friend as you prepare for this weekend. Oh how I wish I could be there. So fun!!! I downloaded your Lent tree docs and we’ve been out collecting our ornaments. I’m so excited about doing that this year with the littles. Have a great weekend, I can’t wait to hear all about the retreat! SO sweet ! Blessings for your retreat. Pax,m What a GREAT idea! {P.S. ours is loud too…although its pretty new…boo!} I’ve been wanting to write THIS post for over a year now. Finally–tonight I write it. And I’m not sure how it will turn out…because there is so much I would like to say about this girl… Some of you may have heard of her…or read her blog “Compass to my Heart”. Her name is Christie Cotney…very soon-to-be Magera…as she has met her beau–but that’s not the beginning of this beautiful story. And while my part in it is very microscopic–I am honored to call her a friend and to be a part of it. Christie and I are from the same hometown. We went to high school together…only if you would have looked into our lives 15 years ago–you would have never guessed we’d be doing what we were doing now. For one, neither of us knew Jesus. And two…only our high school friends reading this are smiling…because well–you’d never peg either of us as the “mission trip” type…the skipping school and knows where a 17 year old can buy a keg type–yes. I began my walk with the Lord just after graduating from high school at the age of 18 years…and I wouldn’t run across Christie’s face again until 15 years later on Facebook. Never underestimate how God can use you…or where He might choose to. Christie and I started messaging one another through Facebook in the Fall of 2009. I would encourage her as she had recently lost her job–and the crazy girl was selling kids clothes on the side to make rent. I stocked up on cute little outfits for Laney through her…and more dialogue between us took place. At the same time we had just gotten on the waitlist for our Isaac–and she began encouraging me in our wait…and she would get SO excited for us. She also started doing that blog hop thing we all do on adoption blogs especially…from blog to blog to blog to blog. I remember us talking about her reading Kisses by Katie and being a friend on the outside looking in…I KNEW. I knew that she had more than just a wonder. I knew that her heart was being softened. And I could see our Great God begin to call her to Himself. She didn’t know it yet though…but looking back now–it was beautiful. Christmas came and went–and she was still looking for a job…she was asking me to pray for her–and she was getting desperate…but she didn’t know really for what yet. THEN one night I couldn’t sleep. I got on Facebook to see she had emailed me…and for hours and hours and hours and hours—back and forth into the wee hours of the night we dialogued. About life. About pain. About the past. And I learned more about this beautiful girl that night than probably most of her dearest friends know. And I saw a beautiful creation. I also saw a little girl–who despereatly needed a Savior. She was pure. She innocent. And I saw her as God saw her…because she had met Jesus—and she was a new creation in him. The first of January 2010…would be her year. The beginning of a life with him. Christie wanted to start her year fresh…so she asked to sponsor one of our Wiphan kids–Moses. Without a job…she said she’d sell more clothes to be able to pay for his sponsorship. I wasn’t sure if it was the smart thing for her to do–but I could see the smart thing for me to do was be quiet…and let her heart lead. While I thought she’d spend the year brainstorming ways to support Moses…she instead started brainstorming how she could be used–already without a job…to serve her new found King. Months passed and I watched Christie grow in her love relationship with her Savior. I was thankful when she started attending David Platt’s church…but with her already radical spirit–I took a front row seat and smiled as I watched her want to do more for His glory. Christie’s facebook statuses were daily filled with what she was learning–they were challenging…some times convicting…and some times just her crazy self. Spring came and went–and Christie began looking for mission trips to go on…Haiti? Zambia? Uganda??? ANY where??? But she had a hard time finding the right fit–and the funds to go. But she kept selling those clothes AND she moved in her sister Melinda’s basement to save money…which we all thoroughly enjoyed those Facebook statuses about her niece and dog…two things Christie is also passionate about. And then–a trip opened up…for her to travel to Uganda…and she was off. Some may say she wasn’t ready–I mean, I know organizations that require mission trip go-ers to be believers for a certain number of years before going…but I just loved that she took off. Call me crazy, but isn’t that how Jesus called his disciples? I mean, I get what some of you will say–that we need to be trained to train…but OH to love? We just need Christ. HE IS ENOUGH. Drop your nets. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” And–so she did. Christie spent much of her summer helping with Bugaboo village in Bombo, Uganda. She kept us all updated…with her humor and more importantly with her heart. Many of her Facebook friends would get annoyed with her comments (it was eye-opening to see not everyone love to hear the day to day miracles…but not everyone will love His work or those passionate about it). I was so proud of how she handled criticism in her first months as a believer–she continously turned to what was TRUE and to her calling. And I–I couldn’t help but be amazed. Because…you see, just six months earlier I saw a transformed heart unfold…and I know her story–and her tender heart. It bleeds for others…and when she came back to the states…she only lasted a few months here…realizing this was not her home. She was made to serve and to love the people of Uganda–and the compass of her heart points to her Creator…and for her–she has been called to Uganda. The amazing thing is–she is faithfully following. No time to set up a “non-profit”…she thought Jesus was enough and she is trusting Him to provide. Oh…how often I have such little faith. YET this new sister in Christ had faith to move mountains. Even now in Uganda, Christie has made a “faith list” for their ministry. A list she is trusting the Lord to provide… Electricity (for entire school property) – $4,500 Teacher’s Units (4) – $14,000 Refuge Units (2) – $10,000 4×4 Van – $12,000 School Kitchen – $2,000 Finishing our home – $2,000 Soccer Team – $500+ If you would like to give—and be a part of what God is doing through this sister-in-Christ…you can go to her blog Compass In My Heart . If you learned about her story through my blog–tell her I sent you…and if you give–until she is an established non-profit you won’t get a tax deduction either by the way. Sadly–some of us care about that. And it will stop some from giving. BUT Jesus said “store up your treasures in heaven” and “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing”…so I think there is nothing sweeter or meaningful or precious than giving where credit on this Earth will not be returned in any way. Yes–it’s hard for us…and some times unheard of…BUT so is becoming a believer and packing up and following God to Uganda in the same year too. We serve the God of wonders–everything He calls you to won’t make sense in this world…but IT WILL BE WORTH IT. Will you prayerfully consider joining Christie? No, you don’t have to pick up and move there. She has moved her world to Uganda because He called her…but others will be called to help right where they are. Will you prayerfully consider joining her financially…by giving up one thing this month and instead use that money to go toward something on her faith list? And in the mean time–add her blog to your blog “must read” list too. I have seen more miracles through this girl in one year–and her story is one that I just can’t not be a part of. She also recently got engaged to her side-kick ministry partner George–a godly Ugandan man…so to say Christie isn’t coming home is not true. CHRISTIE IS HOME. And there is not other place she’d rather be. Thank you Christie for never giving up during the hard times in your life…for not letting others distroy your spirit…and for loving unconditionally THE WORLD even before you knew Him. It is an honor to be your friend…and to have a microscopic small part in your story. When I’m old and grey…and in a rocking chair thinking about moments I treasure…those 3am emails will be one of them. I love seeing Christ in you. Your life WAS day-in-day-out traffic…and NOW–you are pumping water, dressing wounds, being a mother to many and being the hands of Jesus in a way few of us will ever experience. How thankful we are for your heart and your obedience. Thank you for being a light…and for having the courage to go. To those of you encouraged by Christie’s story…Never underestimate how God may use your past friendships and your time investing in them for His glory. Never underestimate how He can use you if you are just now getting to know Him. He is the God of wonders…and He can move mountains through those who trust in Him. Praying for you Christie as you move mountains in lives of Ugandans for His glory…I pray that He raises up a multitude to join you through giving. To read more go to http://compassinmyheart.blogspot.com Tears are flowing down my face…all I can do is cry..and praise God. Oh to be even a tiny piece of this incredible story..written by God… I am so glad you gave her back story! I am FB friends with Christie, and I’ve always wanted to know more specfics about her and what she’s doing. Beautiful! A beautiful post about an incredibly beautiful woman. My life is better because I know Christie. I can’t wait to see what God is going to do through her and George! Beautiful post, Andrea, of a woman who is so inspirational to me and so many others. I “found her” through you in May ’10 when I was so touched about reading the first post about her (on your blog) that I immediately private msg’d her on FB and we became friends. You said it so perfectly above, I won’t repeat =) but I say it a lot … she is the real-deal … a true example of being the Hands and Feet of Jesus. I-heart-you-both! I just recently “met” Christie on facebook through my little sister and I must say God has certainly blessed me by making her a small part of her life as well! This is one AMAZING woman doing things most of us can’t even fathom! I’m glad you took the time to write about her and the work God is doing through her! I pray that more and more friends and friends of friends read her story, learn of what she’s doing and feel drawn to be a part of it all as well! Bless you, Bless Christie and bless the precious people of Bugabo Village! What I’m lovin’ even more is how my life has become intertwined with so many of you that are so far away from me…..and then finding out you are all friends! =) Have followed you for over a year now, started following Christie in November. Can’t even remember how I found her! That’s the fun and ironic part… And then to discover we have a mutual friend in you girl. I love how HE fills my life with such blessings in friends that I have yet to meet. Feel honored and blessed to be a part of what Christie is doing in Bugabo. Can’t wait to see pictures of that Borehole being dug today!!! ♥ God is good! He STILL moves mountains! LOVE her heart!!! She amazes me at the depth of her faith. Love reading her story….started following this past summer…..and loved to see how God provided EVERYTHING!!! Another time when God just blows you away! I became a “friend” of Christy through facebook this past year and have loved following her story and seeing her ministry unfold! Thank you for sharing her story here! OH Andrea!! You know how I love you and Christie both!! My heart melts and I have enough tears just reading your blogs most of the time but you writing this…. oh my!!! They are streaming now!! Love you guys, this was/is beautiful!! I am reading this and my heart is full. I have to say, that in recent months, I have been amazed at how God has worked through some of my high school classmates. I have connected to you and Christie through Katie’s blog and I must say that I have been amazed at how God has worked through you guys. You have encouraged me in my walk beyond words. You guys encourage to take risks that would normally take me months to mull over. You guys teach me to trust God to in ways I never have before. I just recently wrote about Christie as well because she just blows my mind…so with all that said. Thank you to you and them for sharing your journeys because it means more than you know. Wow, I didn’t know her story. Thanks for sharing! SO…the countdown is on people–it’s on like Donkey Kong. And I am SO stinkin’ excited to meet 257 of my soon-to-be new VBFFs this weekend! Ok…truly its 250 new VBFFs…BUT if you count the audio people (who get the pleasure of having me ask questions EVERY day) and Karl our resort planner (who thinks April, Christy and I are nuts) then…it’s 257:-). April is my super-sweet sister who is one of my planning sidekicks. She is heading down (or up rather) to the resort tomorrow to work out last minute questions. I sent her with a LIST of about 25 questions. She obviously hasn’t read through them and emailed back “thanks–keep your phone close by during our meeting time”…so I’m wondering if she’ll really read number 5 outloud to Karl (you just gotta know Karl to know how funny this is!)… 5. Tell Karl we will have the Q&A Question Panel after the talk on Friday night in the Veranda room. We are calling it the PJ Party Panel. Is Karl and the resort cool with hundreds of women running back downstairs in their pjs? Does Karl want to wear his pjs? Does Karl think we are crazy? Okay—so boarderline inappropriate? Yes. Funny? Yes. Super funny if and when you meet Karl? Absolutely! We heart you Karl! Sorry…under pressure I have to throw in questions like that…and keep it light…real…and funny. It’s the way I roll. THANK YOU April for making the hike up to the resort tomorrow. YOU rock my sister. You rock! Now…on to more important business! What has been going on here? WELL…lemme tell you:). FIRST…we are penny penching where we can to make our dollar go as far as possible for the retreat. Instead of buying a bunch of signs I knew I’d toss–I had an idea to buy chalkboards I could write on and erase and rewrite on…check this out–you can buy these at IKEA for just $14!!! (If you want a black one though…you have to paint it. Don’t you think it looks better black though??) SO…for $14.99 you get a chalkboard on one side and a white board on the other…AND a rod for their roll of paper (you can buy the ginormous roll for just $4.99). SOOOO…here’s a story that will make you laugh! A comedy of errors. SOOO…what happens when you try to save a buck usually? SO…I paint the wood black because I think it looks better. My hubby tells me, “You sure are spending a lot of time on those…”. THEN I have a great idea to buy chalkboard ink…you know–the kind you see at Trader Joes, at restaurants and groceries and such? SOO…I go to Dick Blick and this 20 year old guy behind the counter tells me, “YES! We have chalkboard ink! Let me get it for you.” He gets it for me…it was $10 a pen. Wow. Not cheap. I had to buy a handful. Wow. So much for saving money…right?? I got home to see if it worked…we painted on the boards…I thought it looked cool compared to chalk… THEN I decided I better wipe it off just to write “Registration/Sign in” on there. WELL…guess what??? IT WOULDN’T COME OFF! It was permenant INK! NOT chalk-board ink!!!! SOOO…I went BACK to Dick Blick Art Supply store–showed the workers the “chalk ink” and they all gasped! They felt so badly–and I was laughing because I thought it was so funny. They asked if the chalkboards were ruined–and I told them it just depended on how you looked at it…and they were SO KIND to give me chalkboard spray paint FOR FREE and take back the $$$ pens!!! I left with spray paint to make the chalk boards BACK into chalk boards and a box of chalk. SORRY guys–I know the chalk ink is way prettier–but I’m sticking to chalk this time! AND…in the long run I’m back to saving money as I didn’t even have to pay for the chalk. They were so kind to give me that too! SOOOO…in other Young news;)…Rosie is doing well–and she continues to be patient with the littles loving on her. AND BOY do they love her! One thing I am really amazed about right now–is the Lord’s kindness and care. Truthfully–I always tell people that I never saw the Lord’s affection and care as vividly and REAL as I have since we started orphan care and adoption. ONCE AGAIN…the Lord has blown me away how He is caring for me as I trust Him and follow Him in caring for others. This morning, a precious mom/pastor’s wife/blog reader…and now friend came by to bless our family with dinner. Her name is April Houston and she has the sweetest heart–and such a passion for orphans/fostercare/adoption. She also has kiddos that play well with ours…and her 2 year old and Frank had quiet the morning icing cookies (before lunch time!). Sorry April…this is what you get when you come to our house! Sweets are some times around the clock here;) We let them ice their own cookies…MESSY…but I see this as a fine motor skills activity;) How CUTE are they?!
THEN…after they left–it was carpool time and today I had the JOY of helping two friends out and had a couple of extras! I LOOOOOOVE this!!!! I think we need more kids honey!!! (Just in case you are reading Rico Suave…doesn’t this just look “right” in our house! Oh I just love it!)
AND THEN…just when you think the blessings couldn’t flow any more in one day…HE GIVETH AGAIN! The UPS man knocked on the door and dropped off a care package from another sweet friend/blog reader…all the way from Pennsylvania. Caytie Hirschburg I could just gobble you up!! Seriously–this family encouraged us all the way through our adoption time, and they are in the midst of waiting to bring home their sweetie too! We are hoping and praying they get the big phone call this weekend!!! There is something about us adoption mommas that just instantly connect…and even states away we know what is going on in one another’s hearts. I am sure sad Caytie can’t join us this weekend–but I *KNOW* she will be praying for us…and for that I am *SO* thankful!!! (I’ll let you all know if and when they get their big news too!!!! SO EXCITED!!!!!!) Now…you have to see the SWEETNESS that was in the care package… Sweet treats for all! (Caytie…Frank got into the chocolate before I could stop him!! Boy…he is on sugar overload today isn’t he?! And Loo-bear just LOVED her princess tin and yummy candy jewelry. She even shared with her brothers…so sweet!) Alright the first reactions were initial SHOCK–“For real…presents and candy and it’s not even Christmas!” [ON a side note…did you spot that fun pillow in the back?? ANOTHER find at IKEA…and just $10!]… Happies for Baby Isaac…he loves the blankie and has been rubbing it on his sweet cheeks!
More out of control with the candy… Sweet little outfits for ITY… We even put one on him to see how it fit! HOW cute is this…
And THE most perfect sayings on bibs:) And truly–the sweetest, dearest thing for my heart…scripture to encourage—I love this Caytie! With the sweetest note tucked inside… Caytie also sent the MOST incredible laminated poem–that I am going to share at the retreat. It’s just perfect. Perfect. Exactly what I needed to hear…and what I think all these ladies coming need to hear. I even ordered 250 cards tonight with the poem on it to gift to the mommas there. I’ll share it next week on my blog with all of you. Oh I can’t hold out! It is just too, too perfect and too TRUE of His grace… by Annie Johnson Flint He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater, When we have exhausted our store of endurance, His love has no limit, His grace has no measure, Thank you sweet Jesus for pouring out your love to me today through these friends…and for taking such good care of me! How thankful I am…and how I can’t wait to pour back out His love this weekend. May it be none of us–all of You and may You receive all the glory! Much love to all of you!!! wow, that might be the sweetest gift EVER!! wow..so thoughtful, kj great post. love the pics. my isaac LOVES our dog too!how sweet of her to send those gifts to you and your children! I LOVED the chalkboard story and now im really wishing we had an IKEA near us! I would have loved to join you girls this year but it didnt work out. I hope you all have a WONDERFUL time and if this ever happens again I will try hard to be there! What amazing friends God has put into your life! A true blessing from Him! 🙂 Can’t wait to hear all about the retreat! Okay….i definitely needed that this morning!!! Don’t you just love ikea??? We have the same pillow;). Oh, and the poem…you had me crying before 7!!! So praying that we have a picture to show you on friday Please pray we can make it to the airport on Friday…we’ve got about 3/4 inch of ice and expected to get 20 inches of snow on top of it today…….I NEED to get to GA on Friday to be with you all!!! Oh sweet Andrea, it was just something little. You pour into all of us out here in bloggy land…just wanted something to let you know we care and value you, your heart, your realness and your love for God! I have learned so much through you and your encouragement has been incredible! I am so glad that you loved “He giveth more grace” My Nanna use to sing this old hymn growing up…she was such a godly woman who loved with everything she had! So. special. for. me. that you are using this at the retreat cause you know my HEART will be there and will be praying for all my fellow adopting mommas! Can’t wait to hear all about it…I want DETAILS!!! xoxo Caytie God is going to do some amazing things at the retreat…can’t wait to hear about it:) What a precious gift from Caytie! And I have to tell you I got our Seeds CD in the mail yesterday…we are obsessed with it! Gotta blog about it today and send people over here to get the coupon code! We heart Seeds!!! I REALLY want to be insanely jealous- ok so I am…..due to our ‘big announcement’ that is coming out Saturday- I knew I couldn’t come to the retreat. So I will deal with it, but I am still jealous!!!! PRAYING for all the AWESOME WOMEN that will be there and be refreshed for GOD! Loving all the many countless hours you have put in over a LOOONNNGGG time to do this. LOVE seeing the many Blessings the Lord is pouring over your sweet spirit! NOW just so you know being camp directors for 11 years- I GET how much work goes into what you are doing. On top of your Wiphan work, and being a mommy! So know that we have been and will continue to pray for this to be AMAZING OUTPOURING OF GOD!!! BLESSINGS on this very special weekend…..and hoping and praying that one day- I can actually meet you for real to just give you and your sweet family a hug 🙂 your posts always encourage me. though this one kind of depressed me since i don’t have an ikea. that pillow is awesome. 🙂 love your creativity! 1. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!! Fun! My buddy Erica will be there having fun for me! : ) Loved this post! Thanks mucho! Isn’t it amazing how God uses others to lift us up at exactly the right times? Praying for an amazing, relaxing, fun-filled, spirit-filled (pajama friendly) retreat for all! |
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by admin
Beautiful video ~ the song could not have been any more perfect. =)
such a beautiful video. i know it was an amazing weekend. so wish i could have been there!!!!
Super cute video, great work Andrea! Sooo hope to be there with all my Seattle girls next year =) We’re already talking about it!
A common theme I keep hearing…”I didn’t know about that. I would have gone!”. I keep having to explain that since it filled up right away, I didn’t advertise it!!! You struck a need!
LOVED this weekend, Andrea! It was so amazing!! Thank you so much for everything that you and your friends did for us! You are precious!!
Since we were late arriving, I missed this- so thank you for posting it!!! What a fabulous weekend!! God is so good :).
Thank you so much for following God and creating this event. It was such a blessing to me!
Andrea, this weekend was SUCH a blessing to me. You and your team did an incredible job focusing on 250 mommas’ hearts! THANK YOU!
The video is just beautiful.
Wish I had been there to soak up all your love, joy, and wisdom.
Blessings from Hong Kong,
Kim
Amazing video!!! I wish so much I could have been there! But…. I heard you guys are going to do another one next year???? I will definitely be there! 🙂
I SOOOO wish I could have been there!! I just can’t wait to join everyone next year it’s a must.. It sounded amazing and to you a big thank you for following God’s call to organize such a great event!!
I was so blessed this weekend. Though I left emotionally, spiritually, and physically exhausted God reminded me, once again, that He has a wonderful plan for our family. Thank you, Andrea, for all you did to make this weekend possible!
LoVe it! Can’t wait to hear more!!!
Oh what a great video!! How I wished I could have been there, but it sounds like you all had an AMAZING time:) Next year I will be there, Lord willing! hugs