Adore HIM Creations

Testimony Thursday

So long since I posted my testimony and so much to share!

My friend Connie has been such a gift and inspiration to me. God brought us together last year, when I was published in a online Scrapbooking site.  She was on a trip to Chicago at the time when one of her art friends said check out this woman online. She lives near you. Connie emailed me and we talked on the phone while she was waiting in the airport to come back to Northern VA.  We connected via our faith and then through art. She has given so much support, love and spiritual mentoring to me over the past year. She named me as her resident artist for her church  Prince of Peace.  I have attended many of her Keep the Faith events and have been blessed by the women of her church who are interested in faithart.

One of Connies' gifts is mentoring and teaching- basically sharing her faith walk. She has kept a blessing journal for over 6 months ( from the book 1000 gifts) and for the past 2 years has kept a journal of her faith walk.  She practices praying in color (  Praying in Color ), which is where I got the inspiration to begin my praying in color journal in Jan of this year. ( see pictures and posts here). 

Connie will be teaching "Living Life as Prayer" here at the studio on April 28 and we have 4 seats left. Here is the Download AHC 2012 Guest Series Denninger v3.  You won't want to miss this!

God has given me this platform ( my blog) to spread His word and His creativity!  Another new friend from this blog is Paula Parkison.  She found me last month and we have been corresponding and I am so happy that she is coming from FL to the studio in 2 weeks for the Living Life as Prayer workshop.  Paula's story is fascinating, please check her blog   and read her faith journey!  She is a widow and a former pastors wife ( as is Connie). She has such talent in expressing faith in beautiful scripture snippets and other craft items. 

Today we received a huge box from Paula and I wept when I saw the gifts she sent us.  She custom made a name frame for each of my daughters and how did she know their color schemes???   She is amazing and the detail and love is so evident!  God has blessed me with her friendship and our love of God drew us together!

I shared my one little word for 2012 in Jan here.   I set some goals for myself and have been "steadfast" in doing them.  One of my goals was my weight. I have been struggling for the past few years with weight. I did not grow up with weight issues, weight became an issue for me when I became hypothyroid  about 12 years ago.  I  have lost 22 lbs on my "simple diet" plan . God has given me the strength to lean on Him instead of food, to exercise daily and taken away my cravings for food! This is a new habit of health I am trying to live. 

I started keeping my 1000 gifts book and praying in color journal and have kept up with it consistently- being steadfast!

God is watching over my children and blessing them and  I will be receiving a wonderful gift of a 2nd grandchild in October.

Life is good because of my relationship with Jesus and being steadfast in my habits.

My prayer  for my friends and family in April is found in John 17:15,17 

".... protect them from the evil one.  Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." 

one little word for 2012

My word  took some time to become my word this year. After a difficult year with the word free, I was hesitant about God giving me a word that would be difficult to live. 

 Trying to be transparent with my life, I am sharing my self assessment from 2011.

Unraveling  2011  “free”

What disappointed me?   That I didn’t finish what I started with my weight or my debt free goal.  That depression took over my life for a few months and separated me from my children.   The secular craft fairs weren’t successful and  took a lot of time and energy for a small return.  That my relationship with my daughters is still very difficult.

What surprised me? Meeting Connie and Jan was such a blessing and affirmation. The success of my art work and the sales at church sponsored events.  Loving my Grandson so much.  Highlights were AHC classes and sales.

Where did I excel? Increased my blogging and attracted more readers/followers. Established Etsy and selling through etsy is a possible revenue source.   I discovered that I love to create, I love to teach and inspire others.  My creations were successful and I was able to worship God through my work.  I walked for 75% of the year.  I made new art friends and had artistic growth!  Attended 6 craft shows and they showed me that secular craft shows are not the venue for my work.  I completed lots of projects and sold them and created classes for COB.  I earned more than $1500 in profit from AHC.

Where did I fail?  I didn’t lose weight, I actually gained weight. I stopped walking in November when my walking partner moved.  I became depressed and my emotional state affected my relationships with my children that I am still repairing.  2011 was supposed to be about being free- I actually think 2011 was difficult, emotional and stressed. I experienced artistic growth, but the emotional issues hobbled me. I withdrew from a lot of my life ( NHC, small group, neighbors).  I didn’t get out of debt which was my goal.  I was able to pay off about $2k in debt but paid for my son's rehearsal dinner, so am now $3600 in debt.  I bought QuickBooks and began to create my business but it is not finished. I have to finish entering all 2011 AR & AP.

Think back to the person you were when you initially picked your OLW.  Compare it to the individual you have become. 

I wanted to be free, but my emotional state actually kept me captive in 2011. I didn’t turn to God to help me, I did the same old thing- I “took care of myself”.  I am still  feeling numb,  and I don’t feel in control of my emotions or behavior.

 Did you expect to see the amount of growth you have experienced over the past year? Or maybe you had difficulty with your word and didn’t see the full fruit of the word in your life.  

I had such difficulty that I only saw growth in my artistic creativity. Not in my emotional or physical life.

 How did God use your OLW in ways you were not  expecting?

  He allowed me to become more creative and to meet new Christian artist that are an encouragement and inspiration.

 What are some lessons you have learned over the past year?   I have an emotional issue that I need to address. It has crippled me and turned my children away from me.  I am not living life fully and with hope and love. I have difficulty being a loving person, I am stressed most of the time with my children.

 If you could sit down with your future self, what would you want them to know about all the emotions, expectations and fears you harbored when you began your OLW journey?   I believe in the OLW and have seen the growth and happiness in following the word God gives me.  I must address the issues in my life so that God can use me.

 

What word is God giving you for 2012?  steadfast

 Why do you feel that God is drawing you to this word?  Honestly looking at myself, I realize I start things with the best intentions and then don’t finish. I find excuses to not do or be what I committed to. This year I want to finish strong, keep my commitments to myself and do what I say. It is about my integrity. 

If you embraced and lived this word daily, what could God do in your life and how would 2012 be different for you?

I would be unshakable, unfaltering and steady in my daily life.  I would finish what I start. I would have confidence in Jesus to give me strength to finish strong.

In what ways do you already live/follow this word?  For a lot of things I do finish, but the most important- my health, my faith I waver, and allow myself to fall away.

In what ways do you not live/follow this word? I say I am going to do something and then I start but don’t finish. I want to finish strong with what I know is important. I want to be balanced.  This word also fits with abiding, which was my word in 20010.  Free from 2011 is part of steadfast too- to be free of worry and trust in God for all my needs and to give me the strength to finish!

What old patterns or beliefs have kept you from living this word until now?  I get excited and decide to do something, then when the emotions wear off I stop and don’t finish.  I want to change that pattern. To only commit to what I really can do.

I have created a list of goals for 2012. To be shared next week.

 

My purpose in 2012     I will be steadfast. I will focus on only making commitments I can keep.

Outcomes for 2012:   

At the end of 2012 I will FINISH STRONG.

Theme for 2012:  

the year of CONSISTENCY

Testimony Thursday

The beatitudes final installment

Well, Jesus went from peacemaking to persecution in this next sentence.  I wouldn't have thought I was persecuted, however, I know that once I became a Christian, I did experience persecution.  In this verse He is telling me that I must live with and adjust to the fact that persecution - ( the clash between two irreconcilable value systems) is a fact of life as a Christian. He called me to represent Him and I must do this patiently enduring the opposition to my values.

But he does have sympathy for my struggle and reminds me to "rejoice and be glad" because I will have a great reward in heaven. Again, the focus for me is not here and now but eternity.

His gift to me is eternity in heaven with Him.

I have come to understand my true character through persecution, so it could be a blessing in disguise. It is humbling to be pressured from persecution of my beliefs.  How true are His words, "Without Me you can do nothing"  John 15:5.

 

 

 

I am called to be the salt and light. I am to shine into the darkness of this world. I must let my influence count for Christ in such a way that God will get all the glory for the good deeds in my life.  I so have experienced that in my life!  The entire adoption was orchestrated by Him, for Him and with Him. All I can do is share my story with others and point the light to Him.

My prayer for these pages was to show how God's word has given me hope, love and a purpose. My purpose is to share my faith with others no matter the cost ( lost friendships, ridicule, persecution). To use my hands to make beautiful pictures of His word in my life.

May God bless you and allow you to be a blessing to others.

Testimony Thursday

Back to the Beatitudes project  Today is Matthew 5:9-10

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God.”

In this sermon, Jesus began by describing the traits he was looking for in his followers.  He called those who lived out those traits blessed because God had something special in store for them.

Blessed can be thought of as saying "it will go well with the one who....".

What is a peacemaker? Is it someone who never says anything that is not diplomatic? Is it someone who never wants to rock the boat? Is it someone who never says anything that could cause separation? One who is a peacemaker is one who strives to first have peace between themselves and God and then peace among the people around them. 

As a peacemaker, I need to  proclaim what Christ has accomplished for me so that others may  come to Him and experience peace between  themselves and God . So a disciple of Jesus should be promoting peace. I do this by spreading the Gospel of peace to the world, and by promoting reconciliation within the household of faith as well. In short, I should be doing the work of the Messiah. Then I will be  called a daughter of God.

My experience of peace is the relationship I have with Jesus. I am calm knowing he is with me at all times, that He loves me and gives me mercy when I sin. I know where I am going when I leave the earth and I know I will see Jesus and be with Him for eternity. All of that gives me a sense of peace. I share that with my family and friends and pray that they will come to have a personal relationship with Jesus and experience "the peace the passes all understanding."

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of justice, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

At first I woudn't say I have experienced persecution, however if I look at the reaction when I try to share my faith, or  promote peace, or champion righteousness, or live a life of gentleness and meekness, I do find opposition. There is such rebellion to God in this world. People  might want a form of justice, but in their own terms. They much prefer power, and privilege, and possessions.

The lesson would simply be that I should be living for Christ in this world, living the way members of the kingdom should live, championing righteousness and justice, showing mercy, remaining meek and poor in spirit--all the things that the beatitudes praise. My reward for chosing this way to live will not be found here on earth, but will be given to me in heaven. And so, I look forward to the prize and accept the persecution and rejection today.

I want to blessed by God and to live a life that worships Him. As a sinner, I recognize that I can't do it on my own, and my obedience and surrender are required.

These pages helped me to explore Jesus words and apply them to my life.

May God blesss you and keep you this week.

Testimony Thursday

Today is a glorious day!  The weather is wonderful, I feel free, light and proud.

Last night Vera and I were invited to attend a reception for the  new Ukraine Deputy Director of the SDA ( which is the government adoption agency). She is here with 2 other officials meeting US government contacts and adoptive families learning more about Ukraine and USA adoption practices. It was an honor to meet her and to share a little bit of our adoption story. 

My pride comes from my 17 year old daughter Vera. She was able to speak Russian and some Ukrainian to the Director and her team.  Not only speak with them, but she ended up translating for the other families who don't speak Russian!  Now most of you don't understand the context of that accomplishment, so let me share why this is a key milestone in Vera's life.

Vera was 11 years old when she came to America 5 years ago and  only spoke Ukrainian, If you are over 40 in Ukraine, you speak Russian and under 40 speak Ukrainian. Vera was illiterate when she came to America  just 5 years ago, meaning she had a working vocabulary of Ukrainian ( approximately 100 words) but no grammer or written education.   We placed her in public school for the first year  (6th grade). I determined that she was so lacking in the basic skills, and public school just doesn't have the ability to teach older children elementary level work, so we needed to go back to the beginning with her education. I homeschooled her  starting with  2nd grade level work. In 18 months she went through 2-6 grade and then in Feb of 2010 went back to public school in 9th grade. She finished the 2nd semester of 9th grade, took summer school last year for Algebra and then in the fall of 2010 was a rising 10th grader. She signed up for Russian, not ever having Russian language skills. Within a few months the Russian teacher moved her from level 1 to level 2 and made her the class assistant for the level 2 students!  She was asked to perform in the Olympiadia in the spring of this year, and not only passed  the 3nd level but was awarded the top student in the state of VA for Russian level 3! She is considered a heritage speaker and that is why she had to compete at level 3.

Last night, she demonstrated a maturity and confidence that was a remarkable accomplishment! 

God reminded me how he had a plan for my life and for Vera and how when I listened to Him and followed Him, His plans come to fruition!   Jeremiah 29:11-14 says

" 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 hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”   

He rescued me from my captivity of self  that I lived in for most of my life.  His goodness, His mercy and his love were given to me  as I did what he gave me a mission to do- adopt 3 girls from Ukraine, teach them, support them, love them and give them a hope and a future. He did that for them through me. It makes all the difficulties, challenges and tears worthwhile when I see my daughter blossom and shine for God.

I am a blessed woman!

Testimony Thursday

continuing series about the Beatitudes....

This week is Matthew 5:7 and 8

7Blessed are the merciful,
   for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
   for they will see God.

 

I need to understand mercy before I can accept His mercy and be shown mercy. Mercy is defined as " the aspect of God's love that causes Him to help the miserable, just as grace is the aspect of His love that moves Him to forgive the guilty.  God shows mercy upon those who have broken His law, although such mercy is selective, demonstrating that it is not deserved. Because God is merciful, He expects His children to be merciful." {Dictionary of the Bible Herbert Lockyer, Sr.}

For me to understand His mercy, I have to understand my own neediness- how much I need His mercy. For there is nothing I can do to get mercy unless God decides to give it to me.  My journaling demonstrates my joy in His mercy and the stars represent the gift of mercy to me. I love the bright colors and they remind me that He is the merciful and I must give the same mercy He so willingly gave me to others!

  So I can receive mercy from God and he will bless me if I have a pure heart. What does a pure heart look like?

The Greek word for “pure” is katharos (used 27 times in the New Testament). Fundamentally, it signifies that which is clean, or free from contaminating substance (cf. Danker et al., Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, 489).

 I found this site which gives me more information about "pure"  in this passage.  "Pure” may describe the heart that is free of unadulterated “motives” (Commentary on Matthew, I.101). It perhaps represents that ideal state of mind of the person who longs to serve God and others for the sheer unselfish joy of honoring the Creator, and thus free of base motives. What a lofty disposition that would be. Christian Courier.com

I like to think that my mind is one that longs to serve God and others for the sheer joy, but if I am honest I know that sometimes I have an ulterior motive to my actions. Like I want there to be no conflict, so I hold my tongue ( even though my mind still thinks of the negative thoughts); I ignore things that may be making me mad, so that I won't show my anger, but it is still there. So, while I strive for a pure heart, my sinful nature prevents me from being what I desire.

This page, shows how I want my heart to be pure and focus on love ( the background stamp is the definition of love). The bright colors show how intense this feeling is and reminds me to keep striving for purity in my heart.

May God bless you and give you mercy as you are merciful and may your heart be pure.

 

Testimony Thursday

Continuing series on the Beatitudes.....

Matthew 5:5-6  "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth, blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

Meekness - wow, what does that word even mean?  The definition of meek is "patient, long-suffering or submissive in disposition or nature; humble; spineless or spiritless; compliant; an obsolete word for gentle."    Ok, I don't like the word submissive ( I guess my old women's liberation attitude comes out) but again if I look up the definition of submissive it is a form of cooperation. Now cooperation I can do.   Patience is something that is very difficult to do on my own, but with God's help I can wait, wait for him, wait for the best for me not the ok. 

So God is saying I need to be patient, cooperative and gentle. These are all good traits that I would love to have others describe me as. Why is it so hard to do???  

One reason, is because I continually try to live live on my own power, my own ways. However, when I wait - wait for Him it turns out so much better. 

This page was collaged. Underneath the paint, you can barely see the map page that I added. Then I looked up the definition of meek and enlarged it and collaged it too.  I used acrylic paints on top  of the collage. 

journaling:  I am willing to see myself as I am; submission to God and His word.

 

 

Next is hunger for righteousness.  Again, so many words in the bible I think I know what the mean and when I look up the definition, I realize I don't really understand the depth and breadth of a word. 

Righteousness:  "holy and upright living, in accordance with God's standard.  The word righteousness comes from a root word that means "straightness."  It refers to a state that conforms to an authoritative standard. Righteousness is a moral concept. God's character is the definition and source of all righteousness. "{Nelsons Dictionary of the Bible}

So God is telling me that I will be blessed when I hunger for righteousness. In my own paraphrase

I am blessed when I hunger ( a compelling need for) and thirst (strong or eager desire; craving) for holy living ( to become like Jesus).  That is pretty powerful and I desire for that to be my motivation, it isn't always, but I desire it.   Another way to look at it is "constant and recurring satisfaction with God's way."

Technique:  a collage paged. Used a page from an old children's cookbook showing a mother making food for a child, and pictures of fruits and veggies and a child eating a sandwich.  Then doodled, stamped and journaled. 

Blessings to you and I pray God's words and my pictures can minister to you this week.

 

 

Coram Deo “before the face of God”

 

Testimony Thursday

I love to take a topic or a passage and do some intense bible study and allow God to use the images he has created in my mind with His word to create faithart. For the next few weeks I am going to share the beatitudes with you.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

 

The beatitudes are found in Matthew 5:3-16. It is also called the Sermon on the Mount because Jesus gave it on a hillside near Capernaum.  When I read His words, I picture him with a microphone and the people enraptured with his words. Of course, there were no sound systems then, so it had to be a miracle of God that so many heard it. I pray that my faithart journal pages will give you  pictures of His words and help you to understand Jesus better.  I want to discuss each line and share what I am learning and have learned with you. I pray this ministers to your heart!

Let's dig into the word....

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
   for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
   for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
   for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
   for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
   for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
   for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

   ¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

    ¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

   ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Lets begin with the word blessed.  Each  beatitude begins with how to be blessed. In my Nelson's Dictionary of the Bible it says about the beatitudes:  "The Greek word translated  blessed means " spiritual well-being and prosperity", the deep joy of the soul.  The blessed have a share in salvation, and have entered the kingdom of God, experiencing a foretaste of heaven. The Beatitudes describe the ideal disciple, and his rewards, both present and future. The person whom Jesus describes in this passage has a different quality of character and lifestyle than those still outside the kingdom."

So unlike lifestyles of the rich and famous, the beatitudes tell me how to live not in the world, with the worlds values but live a life that draws me closer to God. It tells me how to experience hope and joy independent of outward circumstances.    So let's look at the first beatitude, verse 3.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"  This so clashes with worldly values of pride and personal independence.  I have spent most of my life being proud of my accomplishments- in my professional life, in my home ( decorating), with my children.  If I go to James it further emphasizes what God is asking me in this beatitude.  

⁷ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹ Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

How do I come near to God? James gives me 5 ways to do that.

1.  Submit to God. Yield to His authority and will, commit my life to him and his control and be willing to follow him. 2.  Resist the devil. Don't allow Satan to tempt me  3.  Lead a pure life  4.  grieve and mourn and wail in sincere sorrow for my sin  5.  humble myself before the Lord- recognizing that my worth comes from Him alone, not my works, my words, my accomplishments!

I can't do any of this on my own. I have to rely on Jesus and be humble to know that it is not about my pride and independence, but about my dependence on Him for everything- everything I do, say and have. This helps remind me of who is in control of my life, my will and my time.  It is not mine, but His and I pray for his strength to be humble .

Have a blessed week!

Technique: stencils, paint, collage ( there is a geography page underneath the paint), journaling

Testimony Thursday

Today I want to share a lesson I learned about waiting for God and receiving God's best.

Prior to my conversion in 1992 I pursued life on my terms. I decided what I wanted, what I thought was best for me and went and got it. I was a typical Type A personality.  I wanted to be married and have children, so I met a nice guy in July, and by Christmas of the same year was married to him. I wanted to have children, so in March ( 3 months after our marriage) I got pregnant.  I continued working after my son was born, ( the days of women's liberation was rampant) because I was the primary breadwinner in our home.  I wanted the perfectly decorated home, beautiful children and the best clothes. So I worked to get what I wanted.  When my 2nd son was born, I decided he needed to be baptized, so we began going to a church and the children were baptized.  I didn't really pursue God, just pursued the religion of going to church.

When my marriage fell apart 13 years later I looked at my life  emotional, physical, spiritual, professionally, I had it "together" except in the spiritual realm.  So I went to a southern Baptist church in Houston TX with my neighbor who had been inviting me for about 6 months.  There was my "Damascus Road" experience. I heard music that I had never heard before, saw people worshiping in a way I had never seen and felt God calling to me.  On the third Sunday of attending I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. It felt so good to be asking Jesus to be in my life.

My life pretty much fell apart for the next few years.  I divorced my husband, moved back to VA, started a new relationship and went through a series of job changes.  My children began to live with their father, and I had them every other weekend and a few days during the week. 

Again I pursued the things I wanted in life- a new relationship and marriage, a new house, a new job.  I was trying to fill that hole in my heart with things and other people.  It sure didn't work.  Falling apart in my life was really about the pieces falling together in Gods plan.  Although at the time I didn't see that. 

As I began to pursue God and not people and things, He began to show me  Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11-12 

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

"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 hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29:11-12

I had been so busy taking what I wanted, that I never had received God's plan or His best for me!  I didn't even know what His plans were for me, I was moving at breakneck speed in my life. I didn't stop and think or pray about anything. If I wanted His best ( what would that look like) I had to stop, stop taking, stop controlling and "be still and know that He is God".  That was difficult on the one hand, but easy- when everything is taken away and you are truly broken, then you can listen and slow down.

So, hopefully this will help you slow down and ponder the important questions of life. Do you know what his plans are for you? Have you experienced His best for your life? Do you experience his purposes?  If the answer is no, then spend some time in solitude with Him, He will tell you the plan for you if you will listen. You will experience such peace and joy when you listen and follow Him.

Blessings to you!

 

 

Testimony Thursday

So did you think about where you want to be spiritually in 10 years?   Did you write down those thoughts?  I  would love to hear what God has put on your  heart.

I have to really struggle to journal.  I do art every day, and that is such a sweet time with God, asking him to use my hands and heart to create art that brings Him glory. Journaling is a struggle, it is difficult to just write for long periods ( so I got a gel writer pen for smoother writing).  Plus, just black ink on a white page is boring!  Most of my journaling is done by faithart journaling. However, I am trying something new that I wanted to share with you as encouragement and as a testimony.

Spending quiet time with God is so important. Everyone will tell you to give God the first fruits of your day- the early morning, when you are fresh. I do love to spend that time with God, and it does start my day off in a peaceful way. So in your quiet time, what do you do?  Journal, read the bible, do a bible study?  At our retreat last year we got a list of a few Bible study methods. I have been using them the past 10 days and it has really drawn me closer to God. I wanted to share them with you.

The SOAP Method:

S: Scripture ~ read the verses at hand.

 

O: Observations ~ What is God saying to you through this verse or passage? Write your own paraphrase or personalization of the verse(s).

 

A: Application ~ Personalize it. How does this apply to your life right now? Is it instructional, encouraging, does it reveal a promise, give correction for something in your life right now?

 

P: Prayer ~ Ask God to help you with the scripture that you read; spend some time in silence listening for what He might be saying to you and write it down.

 

I really like this. It keeps my reading in perspective and I am able to see what God is telling me and how it applies to my own life.

The SPEED TRAP Method

Jeremiah 29:11-13

“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 hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

 

Ask yourself the following questions about the passage:

S – Are there any sins in my life that the Scripture passage brings to mind?

P – Are there any promises to claim in the passage?

E – Are there errors pointed out in the passage that I need to avoid in my own life?

E – Are there examples in this passage that I need to emulate in my own life?

D – Are there duties in this passage that I need to perform?

 

T – Are there truths to learn in this passage? Make a note of them.

R – Are there rules for living in this passage?

A – Are there ways I can apply this lesson to my life?

P – Are there any prayers in this passage to echo in my own life?

This method is really good!  It really allows God to speak into my heart and mind what He wants me to learn, understand and teaching me how to live.

What method do you use to do Bible Study?

In her book A Woman After God's Own Heart Elizabeth George created a form to use to track your time with God.  I love that and created my own.  you can download it and print it for your personal use.   Download God times calendar

She describes the Quiet Times Calendar as a tool to be consistent in spending time with God.  It is a simple list that you record each day with the Lord.  I love what she says " remember that the goal is solid lines- like a thermometer, not a "morse code" measurement ( dot-dash-dot) or a measles measurement ( here a dot, there a dot, everywhere a dot dot)."  So what does your time with God look like? Mine has been more morse code and now it is becoming a thermometer!

Here is a picture from my faithart journal that reflects the thermometer concept. Are you hot for God?

testimony Thursday

Good morning!  I awoke with the sun shining and God calling me to spend time with Him. Do you spend time with Jesus daily? It is the best part of my day when I sit in my comfy chair and read His word, journal and pray. I feel so calm, peaceful and joyful. Knowing that I don't have to handle my life on my own.

I highly recommend " A Woman after God's Own Heart"  by Elizabeth George. I got it last week to participate in a Proverbs 31 Blog Hop and it consumed me all weekend long.  This book helps you get perspective on God's priorities for your  life and teaches how to be transformed into  a woman after God's own heart by Him. 

One of her questions was particularly haunting. I really don't think too far ahead, and haven't ever set long term goals for myself.  As I approach my 60th year, I do have a new sense that time is running out. I don't have a lot of time left to accomplish much. However, I am experiencing a freedom ( my one little word for 2011 is Free) in knowing what God is calling me to do with my next 10-20 years.  Her question, where do you want to be in 10 years???

In 10 years I will be 70 ( wow, that is sooooo old).  I want to be a mother in law who is loving, supportive and a light into the darkness.  A grandmother who is loving, fun, and teaches my grandchildren about Jesus and His love.  An artist who God uses to touch peoples lives and their hearts with Jesus love and light.  A mother to my 3 daughters- to launch them into their own lives living as Godly young women with families and married to Godly men.  A business owner (Adore HIM Creations) that supports me financially, spiritually and brings people closer to God.

I can't do any of these things on my own. With God, through prayer, and focus can I accomplish these dreams.  I seek His strength, wisdom and peace to live my life so that I am a light to others.

Where do you want to be in 10 years? Who do you want to be in 10 years???

This page is from the "She had 3 Hearts class".  It fits so well with the book. I need to commit daily to Him. 

Journaling:  "Lord I give up all my own plans and purposes, all my own desires and hopes and accept  thy will for my life. I give myself, my tiem, my all  utterly to you forever. fill me and seal me with the Holy Spirit. Use me as you will, send me where you will , work out thy whole will in my life at any cost, now and forever."

This is a quote from Betty Scott Stam, A china Inland Mission worker in 1934.  She and her husband were led through the streets of China to their execution by decapitation, while their baby lay behind in its crib. This was her daily prayer!

Oh that I could be so sold out to Jesus that I would give my life for Him.  I made this page to help me to pray her daily prayer.

 

Testimony Thursday

As I mentioned yesterday I was a guest speaker for River of Joy  on Saturday. I was able to share my adoption testimony.   It was a good experience to prepare for my talk by reliving my adoption testimony and to understand how joy fits into my life. 

I wanted to share a few things that God put on my heart as I was preparing.

"Come Fill my cup, Lord.... Choosing true joy over happiness"

Joy is a gift, a choice and not based on circumstances. 

Joy is given to us as a gift from the Holy Spirit when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior as part of the fruit of the spirit...

LOVE JOY PEACE PATIENCE KINDNESS GOODNESS FAITHFULNESS GENTLENESS SELF-CONTROL

Happiness is much easier to have. It depends and responds to my circumstances. It is easy to feel happy when things are going well for me- but when things are going rough, or I am feeling overwhelmed, then my option is to choose joy. We are commanded to choose joy

  " sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything."  2 Corinthians 6:10

And again in 2 Corinthians 7:4 

^"4 I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds."

Joy is the result of discovering the person, power and plan of God in my circumstances. througout my entire adoption experience, God was in control, it was by His power that everything worked and came together. 

Joy is the result of restoration. My boys, mother and brother relationships were restored by His hand.

Joy is the result of remaining in Christ no matter what. Allowing Christ to lead me, guide me and put my life back together created joy in me which is indescribable!

God created Adore Him creations. He is using this business to change me again- to grow me, to push me to do things that aren't comfortable, or easy. He is using AHC to bring others to him and to explore their faith through art. 

⁴ You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me!
      I sing for joy because of what you have done.
 ⁵ O Lord, what great works you do!
      And how deep are your thoughts. Psalm 92:4-5 NLT

 ¹⁶ But as for me, I will sing about your power.
      Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.
   For you have been my refuge,
      a place of safety when I am in distress. Psalm 59:16 (NLT)

Here is the faithart that was donated to the charity. I love the colors, the bible verse and the blue bird of joy!

Testimony Thursday

The girls and I attended a charity Tea last Saturday at Prince of Peace Church in Springfield, VA.  Hosted by Connie Dellinger,  the Vintage Living Luncheon and Silent Auction  is an annual event that raises money for charities.  Adore HIM Creations was able to display our faithart and we donated 15% of our sales to SALT. (Serving as Advocates for the Lost and Troubled)

SALT, Serving as Advocates for the Lost and Troubled, a 501(c)(3) non-profit Christian organization, is an international humanitarian mission dedicated to assisting abandoned, suffering, and poor children by means of financial, emotional, and spiritual support to local ministries in developing countries.
"Ye Are the Salt of the Earth..." -- Matthew 5:13

 

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

Colossians 3:23

Do your work (2038) (ergazomai from érgon = work) means to work out, engage in an activity involving considerable expenditure of effort. It was used to describe one toiling energetically and diligently in the vineyard. The present imperative is a command calling for this as one's lifestyle or habitual practice.

No matter what my daily chores might be
To earn my livelihood, still may I see
My job, the real position that I hold,
Is bringing others to the Master's fold. —Stalter

Adore HIM creations is about the intersection of my faith and art. How I can use art to share the gospel, to bring others to know Christ as I do, as my savior and Lord.  I have been given a gift - the ability to translate Gods word into pictures, colors and shapes. Each picture, or item I create, I pray and ask God to speak to me and use my hands to create what He wants. To use the faith art I create to witness and to bring Him glory and Honor.

My prayer is to be open to His leading, His desires and to use my hands and feet as His.  Thanks for reading my blog and for your comments and support.

Here are some examples of His recent work!

 

Testimony Thursday

 God's plan for me is to be a "Godly" woman. What does that look like?  If I use the Bible to guide me, then I look to Proverbs 31:10 -31. It describes a woman with a strong character, great wisdom and many skills.  Can I use that as my pattern?

A Wife of Noble Character

 ^{10 [b]}Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
      She is more precious than rubies.
 ¹¹ Her husband can trust her,
      and she will greatly enrich his life.
 ¹² She brings him good, not harm,
      all the days of her life.

 ¹³ She finds wool and flax
      and busily spins it.
 ¹⁴ She is like a merchant’s ship,
      bringing her food from afar.
 ¹⁵ She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
      and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

 ¹⁶ She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
      with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
 ¹⁷ She is energetic and strong,
      a hard worker.
 ¹⁸ She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
      her lamp burns late into the night.

 ¹⁹ Her hands are busy spinning thread,
      her fingers twisting fiber.
 ²⁰ She extends a helping hand to the poor
      and opens her arms to the needy.
 ²¹ She has no fear of winter for her household,
      for everyone has warm^[c] clothes.

 ²² She makes her own bedspreads.
      She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
 ²³ Her husband is well known at the city gates,
      where he sits with the other civic leaders.
 ²⁴ She makes belted linen garments
      and sashes to sell to the merchants.

 ²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity,
      and she laughs without fear of the future.
 ²⁶ When she speaks, her words are wise,
      and she gives instructions with kindness.
 ²⁷ She carefully watches everything in her household
      and suffers nothing from laziness.

 ²⁸ Her children stand and bless her.
      Her husband praises her:
 ²⁹ “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
      but you surpass them all!”

 ³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
      but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
 ³¹ Reward her for all she has done.
      Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

This woman is a manufacturer, importer, manager, realtor, farmer, seamstess, upholsterer, and merchant. The most amazing thing about her is her reverence for God.  I like to think she is not just one woman, but a composite of many women. She is an inspiration for me.

In my life I have done a lot of those things. Adore HIM Creations makes me a manufacturer, manager, and merchant. I think God has given me this business to bring him glory and honor as I create faith art and use art to turn people to Him.  I love to work in my yard, planting, creating and enjoying the fruits of my labor- my flower garden.  But I have to remember that all of this verse sounds like a lot of "doing" and I am working on not so much "doing" as being.

So how can I "be" a Proverbs 31 woman?  I can love my children- no matter what. I can follow God's promptings in my business, in my creating and in my professional life. I can spend more time in prayer and seeking wise counsel. I can "be" a woman that others seek for wise counsel. I can live with integrity and honesty. I can trust in Him and lead others by example.  I can be " the light". 

God, help me daily to turn to you, to love others as you love me.Thank you for loving me and providing for me and my family. Help me to be all you want me to be and to be the example for my children.

 

Testimony Thursday

Yes, I  have adopted 3 girls as a single woman. But before that big event, there was the Diane that God had to do a mighty work in.

For 40+ years self reliance was my operating system.  I never asked for advice, I analyzed in my own mind what I should do and how to get what I wanted.  I was a DOER, controller and  very self focused.  I had learned how to pretend I was OK, everything was great and I was FINE.  My family’s love was given based on what you did, not who you are, so I learned to DO instead of BE.  I was empty and could never do enough of the right things in the right way to FEEL LOVED.  Of course I searched in all the wrong places- with boyfriends, 2 husbands work, clothes, books, food and therapy.  I have been married twice and have 6 children 3 biological boys and 3 adopted girls.

I was the 1^st born to two 19 year olds, who both came from extremely dysfunctional families. My mother’s family suffered from alcoholism and my father came from  family where rage, sexual acting out and mental illness was present.   I was raised with my younger brother, and have a ½ brother who is 6 years younger than me, who was passed off as my cousin.  I was in the army for 3 years, put myself through college at American University after my army service and graduated with a dual major in Bio & Chem.   But those are the FACTS, not the story behind who I am today. 

I identify with the apostle Paul.  His personal encounter with Jesus changed his life.  He never lost his fierce intensity, but from then on it was channeled for the gospel.  I am a passionate person, and try to focus my passions so I can be sensitive to God’s leading.  I want to do what God directs me, although my strong personality wrestles with HIM a lot of the time.  For the first 5 years after accepting Jesus as my savior I did what I wanted to do and my life spiraled downward.  I just did not want to let go of

My anger -  My will -  My preoccupations - My favorite distractions-  My priority list - My view of the world and My short sighted view of God.

After a suicide attempt and a failing second marriage, I felt God calling me to HIM.  This was a heart pulling, come to me call. I felt like God was crooking his finger to me saying- “Come, Come to me, leave him to me. You come.”   

He asked me to let go of my control, and be with HIM. I isolated myself, let go of my illusion of control over my life and focused on the Bible and spending time with God.  He was so patient with me; he put his arms around me, comforted me and confronted me.  The Psalms were a balm to my intense sorrow and pain.  It was during that desert experience, that I came to know Jesus as my Lord.  He removed my bondage to self and opened my heart to loving HIM.   He restored my soul, my relationship with my children and my self esteem.  I began to fall deeply in love with Jesus and for the first time in my life felt loved – Loved by the One who gave me grace and loved me no matter what I had done.  There was nothing I could do to earn his love; all I had to do was accept it.  He loved me more than any human had ever loved me.   

JESUS became the LOVER OF MY SOUL

During that desert time, my 2^nd husband and I separated and I moved into a house alone with my 2 sons and began to re-build my life- this time I put  God first, my children second and me last.  I had to repair my relationship with my children and with God. 

Most everything in my life fell apart during this time.  Although as I now know it was

falling together in his plan. 

Let me tell you of all the events that were rearranged and reprioritized in my life.   I was laid off from 3 jobs during the next 18 months.  There were days I had no money to pay bills and God would provide a refund of something I had forgotten, or a temporary job that paid well.  I was having difficulty finding an affordable house so my sons would not have to switch schools, and God led me to a rental house through a bible study partner at $1000 less per month than any other in the neighborhood. 

I started to see him working in my life with my children, there was healing and rebuilding.  I had to depend on him for my daily bread- my job, family, home, money.  I learned how to pray- oh I though I knew what prayer was and how to do it, but I learned to be quiet before God and wait for him to speak to me.  Each time I approached God about my marriage situation, He told me to not divorce my husband, to wait.  I waited for 5 years.  In the beginning I asked God frequently how long do I wait?   One time He answered me with Psalm 40 “I waited patiently for the Lord and he turned and heard my cry.”    And another time was Psalm 62 “My soul find rest in God alone, my salvation comes from Him.  Find rest o my soul in God alone.”

During that waiting time I kept praying to God about what now- what do I DO to bide my time waiting for a sign about the outcome of my second marriage. He had started pruning and was changing me.  I still wanted to know “Now what?”   What can I do for you God?  That wonderful song, “Lead me Lord, I will follow” kept running through my soul.  I felt old, used up and couldn’t possibly see how he could use me.

As you now know, he had a plan for me that would take me to the  other side of the world, that would force me to depend on Him, to change my life totally.

I am still a DOER, although now I hope that my doing is more about doing for HIM in ways He calls me than in doing what Diane wants.  I share my testimony because I want to give all the credit for all the good I have done to the one who gave it all for me- Jesus. As we enter Easter weekend, I am reminded how much He loves me and wants the best for me and for what He has sacrificed so that I can have eternal life.

Thank you Jesus for rescuing this sinner.

testimony Thursday

2006 was a year filled with many firsts, trials, joy, challenges, sadness, grief and LOVE. As we knit together our new family, God was changing hearts. My brother and mother became more open to the girls and started to get involved with them. Our church welcomed them with open arms and helped me with emotional and spiritual support. My sons welcomed their sisters as if they had always been a part of their lives.

Their first six months are captured in the scrapbook entitled "Dreams really do come true".  This book symbolized the entire journey I had been on with God- my mission trips, the adoption and how he was changing me and giving me the desires of my heart.

The girls had 2 main questions about coming to America. Can we swim and can we ride bikes when we get there?  So, we had fun taking them to an indoor pool and through some generous anonymous neighbors 3 new bikes appeared!  Zach began to enjoy having 3 sisters. He took them to the park, played games with them, and just became a big brother.   We went to Philadelphia to see my Aunt Ruth and Uncle Fritz, who had been big supporters of the entire adoption. The girls had so much fun meeting and playing with their cousins.  They were learning how to be sisters- remember they had been separated from each other for over 2 years and when they lived together , Vera was more the mother than a big sister. So they had to learn how to let me be the Mom, what good Moms do and what they were allowed to do and not do. They learned to celebrate birthdays, and had their "first birthday party" both  Natalyas'  11th birthday and Vera's 13th. 

The last page of this album written at 6 months September 2006 was my prayer : Thank you God  for the precious gifts you have given our family. These three  wonderful girls have become sisters, daughters, grandaughters and nieces. They are a source of joy to everyone. Everything is new to them- learning to swim, to ride bikes, have a family, see elephants, ride a motorcycle, have brothers to play with, have beautiful clothes, plenty of nourishing food, pretty bedrooms, clean sheets and most of all love. We will always cherish this time in our hearts when God created a new family!

 "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray tome, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you and bring you back from captivity."

Jer 29:11-14

to see the entire album look at the photo section of my blog.

testimony Thursday

On Feb 22 2006, Shauna (my close friend and mission companion) and I left for Kiev Ukraine.  Shauna had graciously offered to accompany me for the first 2 weeks of my trip.  The adoption plan was a two visit one -I would be in Ukraine for 3 weeks and then return home wait a few weeks and then return to get the girls. So I packed clothes, reading materials, etc with the 3 week plan in mind.

Here is my picture in front of the Government office for adoption.

 

 Four days later we finally made it to  Vera's orphanage in Verba and it was another life changing moment for me.  The girls had no idea I was coming, it was a freezing cold Saturday and we had no idea that they had already moved Deanna into Vera’s orphanage.  It was a dream come true to see the girls again. It had been 9 months since we had seen each other. They were living in horrible conditions, but were so happy to see me.  I think they finally believed they might get to leave the orphanage and be reunited. 

The next day I went to see Natalya at Misoch a 2 hour drive in a different direction.  She came in shyly.  I really cried when I saw her, she was so fragile and vulnerable. It was wonderful to be able to keep my word to come back and make them my daughters!  

I was told that if I wanted to stay the entire time in Ukraine, I could possibly get the girls and return home in 1 trip, but I would have to stay about 5 weeks. My friend Shauna left as planned after the first 2 weeks, so I  decided it was easier to just stay and wait it out .  I was on my own in the little town of Dubno waiting for all the processes and paperwork to be completed.  I learned how to ride the public bus to the internet cafe each day, went to the orphanages each day to see the girls and read my bible each night in my little room.  TV there is mostly pornographic, so I really was alone, most of the time. God used this time to keep me calm and focused on his work in me and in my life.

I also used this time to do a lot of sight seeing and learning more about the country my daughters were from. We went to an ice festival, played soccer ball in the snow, and took the girls to their first beauty salon where they each got haircuts( their first professional ones in their life) and had manicures.

Three weeks into the process, my project manager Natasha informed me that there was a possibility that the judge could deny my application the next day when we went to court.  This was the first I had been told of this possibility.   If that happened,  I would have to leave Ukraine, and Natasha my project manager would appeal to a different court. That process could take 3-6 months with no guarantee that I would get a favorable outcome.  I started to be anxious and fearful, but I felt his presence there with me in my little hotel room. I turned to my comfort- the Psalms.  God spoke to me in the night gave me peace through his word. 

Psalm 56:3-4" But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. 

 I praise God for what he has promised.

 I trust God, so why should I be afraid? 

What can mere mortals do to me?

Psalm 62:1-2,5

I wait quietly before God for my victory comes from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation my fortress

where I will not be shaken. 

Let all that I am wait quietly before God for my hope is in him.

 I was able to sleep and have the peace that passes all understanding and go to court knowing that he was in control and that all would be according to HIS  plan. I had to surrender my body, mind, soul, and  self-control.  The miracles I had been a part of were confirmation that His will always reveal a way for Him to get the glory and honor.

March 20, 2006

 A very long day, full of surprises, dreams realized, hopes secured & goodbyes. 

The judge heard my case in the morning and we returned in the afternoon for his decision. At lunch the girls were so scared and crying- they wanted to know what would happen if the judge said no. 

God provided me the opportunity to share my faith when I told them that I trusted God and he had a plan and it would be revealed to us.  Finally at 2:30 we were ushered into his courtroom again, and he re-read all the papers aloud again, and finally Vera looked at me and smiled and pulled on my arm and nodded to me and tried to hug me.  She heard  him say YES- they were going to be my daughters!  God had made it all work out- Hallelujah!

 This is the first photo of us as a family in front of the judges court in Dubno Ukraine.

The girls had to say goodbye to their grandmother and mother who had shown up at court unannounced and it was difficult to not show them how happy they were.  Their grandmother told me that she had prayed for God to send someone to rescue her granddaughters and she believed that I was sent by HIM and she gave me her blessing. 

The final picture of the girls mother and father and grandmother.

I had to get airline  tickets out of Ukraine for 4 people and leaned that you can't go online to sites like Expedia in Europe. So I had to email my friends and ask them to look up flights. Also, the money was an issue. Since I had stayed longer in Ukraine I was running out of money.  When my friends told me the only tickets they could find online were about $7000, I was really scared. Great, how was I going to get the money to pay for that?  My translator worked part time in a Ukrainian travel agency and he worked some magic for us and found me tickets on Aerosvlat into JFK in NYC for $1800!  So were were able to get into the US, but then I had to get us back to Virginia. My two best friends decided to drive together to meet us at JFK and drive us back home all in one day. God had provided the entire way for us.

The entire 5 hour trip back home the girls kept asking if we were in VA yet, they didn't understand that we had to drive through 3-4 states before we got home.

We arrived at my home  March 31 to a wonderful welcome by my small group who provided us a house full of balloons, food, and love.  Our first two weeks were wonderful, difficult, dramatic, and precious.   Within 3 weeks, God provided a new job working from home with the same income too. 

Here is mothers day 2006- first pictures of all my children together.    The journey was just beginning!

testimony Thursday

Next stop Ukraine! 

Zach and I arrived in Ukraine summer of 2005. We made our way via a 6 hour bus ride to Rivne, where our mission team works in the orphanages. After a lot of calling and negotiating, we were able to find Vera - she was not at the orphanage, but at a summer camp.

So we went there and surprised her! Seeing Vera again was such a moment to remember!  These are the first pictures of our meeting her and Natalya. She was so excited to see me and Zach again, and her sister Natalya was with her at a camp too.   The hope in her eyes was worth everything I had been through so far and confirmed that this was the right thing to do.  God intervened and allowed us to take Vera and Natalya out of the camp and stay with us for the entire week we were in Rivne in our hotel. It was so precious to see them together- all three of them were in separate orphanages and did not get to see each other.  Each morning we went to Deanna’s orphanage to work with the mission team and Vera and Natalya came with us.

The worst hour of my life was when we had to take them back to the camp on Friday morning and say goodbye.  How do you say goodbye and not promise something you may not be able to deliver?  I did not know at that point if I would be approved for adoption, and if I would ever see them again.  So, we had to say goodbye by saying I would TRY  to come back !  

Trying was not in my vocabulary, remember I am a doer.  But I was cautious and did not want to hurt the girls.  We shed so many tears and with sad hearts we left and came back to America.  I received 2 letters from the girls a few weeks later, while I was doing all the paperwork, but they did not know that I was trying to come and adopt them and I had no way of contacting them to give them updates.

So while I was proceeding with this complicated adoption process, God was teaching me to demonstrate my faith and trust in HIM and my dependence on HIM alone.  The first day back home in America I found out that my company was doing a reorganization and I may lose my position.  Wow, another chance for God to reveal HIS plan for me and for me to depend and trust him.!   This really scared me as I had already committed to pursuing the adoption.  This company had a adoption reimbursement policy of  $5000 per child that you adopt, which  I had planned to cover the expenses. 

I did lose my position, but one of the vendors I worked with offered me a great position at more money and I accepted  it.  He also promised me $ for the adoption, so it seemed all was back on track.  I went ahead and took out a loan against my 401k and was prepared and waiting for the date to go to Ukraine.   We spent the next few months remodeling our rental home to create another bedroom and waiting.  Waiting- it was getting comfortable now. 

Christmas 2005 came, my son Andrew was delivered safely home from Iraq. Praise the Lord!   I  was waiting ( had been for 4 months) for my appointment date.  Then 2 weeks in to January the very small company I worked for reorganized and laid me off with a 1 week severance package.  At first, I though life seemed to be conspiring against me to complete this adoption. But I soon understood that all of this was just God showing me that HE was in control, not me, and that it would be evidence that he made all these things happen for his glory and honor, and nobody could say – wow Diane is so great, look what she is doing on her own!

So, now I had no job, no funds to do the adoption, no car (because I had a company car) and what do I do now?  Was the devil making this happen, was I supposed to not do this????

I did something I had never done before in my life.  Instead of giving up, or getting depressed, or going blindly ahead, I asked a small group of people from church to come to a prayer vigil at my house.  I asked them to listen to all the information and give me wise counsel on what they thought I should do. 

They believed that God was in control, he had asked me to follow him and do this and his plan would come to fruition if I trusted him totally.  We came up with a plan for me to ask my company to honor their commitment to provide the money for the adoption and I went and humbly asked.  It was uncomfortable for me because I hate to not be in a position of power, but I went and asked sincerely and with no malice.  A week later they called me and told me to come and pick up a check for $10,000. 

God was in control!  This provided me the money to live on and then all I needed to do was get the funds to complete the adoption. I was blessed by New Hope when a generous family offered me a used car. I had borrowed the money from my 401k plan, but when you leave a company you have to pay it back or take a 50% penalty in taxes.  There was one other option, return the borrowed funds to my 401k plan, and get it whole, and borrow the money from someone else, until I could get a new job, take a new loan out and return the money. 

Now, here is where God works miracles!  My son Andrew had saved all of his army money and he had $39,000 in the bank.  He offered to loan me the $20,000 I needed to go and complete the adoption!  God had provided again, his way in his time. God had sent my son to Iraq, had protected him, and softened his heart to participate in HIS plan for our lives.    

I love reading this, and remembering God's provision in my life.  It was good that I wrote all this down a few years ago so that all the little details and intricacies that were woven together would not be forgotten.

Next week, going to Ukraine to adopt my three daughters~

 

 

testimony Thursday

Yes, my journey with God was getting very interesting!

I believe I was part of a miracle that just had occurred with Vera and recognizing her sisters and it made me shiver and be in awe of HIM.   He was giving me a new desire,  to really think and pray about the possibility of adoption.  Could I really do this, how would my family feel, would I have any support? 

During this time my middle son Andrew was activated by the National Guard and was being shipped to Iraq. He was a truck driver and was going to Iraq for a year.  Of course, if you remember, most of the troops were killed are on the road traveling in Iraq, so he was going right into the line of fire. 

Andrew survived Iraq, and God revealed how Iraq was part of His plan for my family and life later.   In the process of considering adoption, my mother and brother were very against the entire idea.  They had many questions and wanted me to think about through many things.

God was in the process of changing me and this was a good example of a major change in my response.  In the past I would have just gone ahead with no preparation or thought, but because I loved my mom and brother and God was working in me, I responded entirely different.  I spent about 6 weeks researching, praying and writing a 9 page document addressing their  concerns.  This was so unusual for me! 

I presented this to my family and some women  who are my wise counsel for feedback.  The response from mom and brother was not positive to say the least  and I was devasted by their responses. They were totally against this entire idea.  My sons were supportive and encouraged me to do what God was asking me to do. 

However, I was very afraid.    God was with me and asked me a very important question-  “Diane, whose approval are you seeking?  Mine or man’s”  

God gave me this bible verse  “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God?  If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

GAL 1:10

This was such a wake up call to me and I realized that I was doing the same thing again.  I asked Him to lead me and He was and I was afraid to follow. Could I give up my family’s approval and risk even having any relationship with them if I did this?   

After lots of prayer and wise counsel, I decided to proceed with the paperwork.  I knew that God would stop the process at any time if this was not what he was asking me to do.  My marital situation had to be resolved also, and after waiting for repentance and release for 5 years, GOD did release me from my marriage, and it ended in divorce in 2005.

The international adoption process is long, involved and arduous, and constantly has roadblocks which force you to demonstrate your commitment level.   Zach and I spoke about how our home life would change and I encouraged him to come with me to Ukraine on the next mission trip in June of 05 so that he would be prepared. He was basically on only child, he and I were living comfortably, we had freedom, time to be together. We discussed that never having a sister, now getting 3 sisters would probably drive him crazy. 

After a lot of coaxing, he decided to come and it was another way for God to prepare us for what we were about to do.  He was able to see their country, an orphanage, orphans and how much God had blessed him.  He really blossomed there and his heart was softening to being a big brother and to love girls who had never know any kindness or love or family.

Next week- our mission trip, seeing the girls again and having to leave them in the orphanage without promising if we would be adopting them!

 

 

testimony Thursday

The most important and biggest work God has done in my faith journey began in 2004 on my first mission trip to Ukraine. 

I heard about the Ukraine Mission trip in 2003 and prayed about it and felt it would be a good direction for me to go- focus on ministering to others.  I signed up and  then spent the next few months wondering  and questioning God about- ok, why Ukraine, why overseas, can’t you use me here – how about Washington DC?  Well, he was silent and firm and I remember thinking ok, I will go, I don’t understand, but here is my chance to follow you where you are leading me. 

That trip was a major changing point in my life. I was able to minister to children, share Gods love with and give them hope. It gave me a new direction.  My heart was captured by all the children, the country, the sad state of life for orphans.  I took 12 rolls of film and I kept thinking, how can I leave them , what can I do to help them once we leave?  Jeremiah 29:11   was revealed to me  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.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. 

He did have a plan for me and would I trust him that it was ok?  Of course, he doesn’t just hand you a piece of paper with the plan outlined and say here it is Diane, go for it.  No, he reveals it little by little, because he has to work on you to be open to what he is going to do! 

First he introduced me to  a young man named Oles Suhetsky in Ukraine on the last night we are on the mission trip.  Oles contacts another church member and myself  and asks us to gather a group at NH to sponsor Ukraine orphans to America for Christmas time.  It seemed like an awesome thing to do and we found support in our church to be able to bring 7 children here. 

The next step was choosing the children to come to America. I received an email with pictures of 20 children and  we were asked  to pick the children we wanted to bring to America.  I chose one older girl, but found out later that her paperwork was not available.  So I had to chose another child, and by then all the other older girls had been chosen.  Vera was the last girl in the photos and the only one not smiling, but Zach and I chose her. ( the first picture of Vera)

Vera arrived and we connected with her immediately.  She fit so well into our family, and Zach and I had lots of fun with her.  We experienced joy and sadness during those days. My heart began to be heavy thinking about how  we were going to send this sweet girl back to an orphanage.

 

Here are a few photos of out 2 1/2 weeks together.

 

On Christmas Day, Oles spoke to me about Vera’s family situation, and I learned that she had two sisters named Natalya and Deanna, who were in 3 separate orphanages. Oles asked me if I would consider adopting Vera.  I said I don’t know . Encouraged by my response, he asked me to consider adopting all 3 of them, and I was immediately overwhelmed!  I had come to knew Vera, had held her, laughed with her, loved her, but I did not know her sisters, I had no experience of them.  How could I think of adopting 3 little girls? 

In my heart I felt prompted to open my mind to God’s plan and consider adopting these precious girls but then rational thinking over took me and sanity said  “This is a crazy idea; I am too old, I don’t have enough money, I don’t have enough space in my home, and countless other reasons.” 

God was giving me an opportunity to do something that was BOLD, OUTRAGEOUS, DIFFICULT, EXPENSIVE, UNCERTAIN, AND SOUNDED CRAZY TO EVERYONE, including me. 

God is so amazing– within 24 hours he answered my fears, opened my heart and mind, and showed me His Way.

A friend from church suggested I show Vera my mission trip pictures, which seemed strange to me. Vera was from an orphanage over 50 miles away from in a small village and it had no connection to the orphanages we had worked in.  But, in trying to connect with her,  I showed Vera  my pictures.  All of a sudden, she became very excited, pointing to pictures and saying Natalya, Deanna!  Amazingly, I had worked in the very orphanage that her sisters were in, I did know them– I had spent a week with them, had hugged them, played with them!  

Here are the original photos of Deanna and Natalya at the intake center orphanage we worked in June of 2004. Of course, I did not know who they were then!

Deanna had no hair because they shaved the heads of the children who had lice.

Natalya and Deanna are in this picture of the entire group of kids and workers on the day we left. They are in the middle - Natalya is turned around looking backward.

I thought I had randomly chosen a girl named Vera to come to America, only to discover I had met her sisters without knowing how I would be connected to them when I had followed God to Ukraine.  On the biggest adventure of Vera’s life, she stays with a woman who has met her sisters Natalya and Deanna.  A couple of thousand miles from her home, she makes a connection to family she had not seen for 6 months.  Tears of joy and sorrow fell that night.  We printed pictures of Natalya and Deanna and made a photo album Vera could take back to Ukraine with her. 

God is in control – and his pathways are amazing.  The entire experience was no coincidence, and was orchestrated by His hand.  From an orphanage that the mission team had not been connected to, my choosing a child from a set of pictures with strange names, to meeting and ministering to children in the intake center, especially 2 little girls who I would be linked with forever, whose sister would come to my home in America. Only God could make all those things connect in his time and in his way.  Everything that was happening was directly of God– BY God and FOR God.

My  journey was getting very interesting!

testimony Thursday

Join me as I share my journey with God on testimony Thursday's.

He has taken me down a path and pruned, pushed, led, pulled and changed me.  He has strengthened my character, given me a special ministry, given me a testimony and created a new family which changed the lives of 3 little girls.  The Lord wanted to work in my life and as soon as I got out of His way and surrendered to Him, His blessings and unmistakable mark was on my life.

Discovering His will is a daily process of trust.  His word has provided the comprehensive guide for my life the past 11 years. I have discovered His desired will through circumstances and prayer. He was actively guiding every incident of my life in order to stitch the in-congruent "threads" together for my good.

"And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28

A sense of peace always accompanied my obeying His will even when I did not know how things were going to go. I had to surrender my body, mind, soul , self-control and money.  The miracles I experienced have been confirmation that His ways always reveal a way for Him to get the glory and honor.

Observer the path I have walked with God from my first mission trip i 2004, bringing Vera to America, my son going to war in Iraq, losing 2 jobs within 7 months, and 12 months of waiting to adopt. God revealed His plan for my life little by little and only gave me enough information that I needed for the moment.  Later I could see His hand and how everything worked together to bless me and my family and bring Him glory.

May God use my testimony to touch your heart and to understand His ways.