Two little girls were having a little trouble getting along. I told them to choose a task out of the "Uh oh, we were fighting so now we have to work together..." jar. Would you believe, they fought through that assignment as well? So, they had to pick again. The second time around they chose this task: Together, compose a list of 10 reasons you love Mom. Oh, fun.
Between them, these are the reasons they love me (you can probably figure out which ones were written by the 6 year old and which were written by the 8 year old).
1. BKOS SHIE IS THE ABE2T MADOR
2's. S's. Same thing, right? I believe this says that I am the best mother, as in "Hello Mudder, Hello Fadder" from the popular camp song. Or it could say that I'm the best matador. The author couldn't remember.
2. She gives me lots.
I'm not sure what I give lots of, but it appears to be appreciated.
3. I LOV U MOMMY VR HF
She loves me very half?
4. I LOV U Y FOL MIE HRT
Stick with me here but I think it says, "I love you wif all my heart." Those y's and w's get her every time; I even saw her peeking at the alphabet chart but I don't think it helped. And spaces between words, who needs them?
5. She plays games with us.
I'm not sure if she's referring to board games or head games. Because I admit to doing both.
6. MOMMY IS BE2T MOMMY BKO2 HELET ME VI2IT MOME SHEDO
Don't worry, I had a little trouble with this one, too. It was interpreted by the author as, "Mommy is the best Mommy because she helped me visit Mommy Chanda." Mommy Chanda is her birthmother and while Hope doesn't remember visiting her, we have pictures until Hope was 1 1/2. Yes, that one melted my heart. And continues to do so each time I read this.
7. She gives me food.
This may not mean much to you but since it came from the child who refuses to eat at least half of my meals, I'll take it as a compliment.
8. She tells me what to do.
Glad you like it.
9. She helps me when I am sick.
Yeah, we just had the flu around here.
10. I LOV U BKO2 U ODOPT ME
She loves me because I adopted her. I think I'm going to cry.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
Fight the good fight
It was a rough week. It's been a rough month. In fact, things have just been a bit crazy for quite some time. Car trouble. All three cars. Tempers. Tantrums the likes of which have never been seen in my house. Attitudes. Some days I feel like I'm living with Jekyll and Hyde, and there are nine of them!
And then I ran across this blog, written two years ago but so relevant for my family today. Really, I don't think adoption is the key point here; I think that anyone following God's will, opening doors for others to join the kingdom, will find battle. Unfortunately, we were caught off-guard, our defenses were down, and we suffered the onslaught.
But in the midst of turmoil, breakthrough. Tonight, as I said my usual, "Good night, I love you," it was returned with, "I love you, too." Three words I've never heard from this child and often wondered if I ever would. Really? You chose tonight to speak them aloud for the first time in this home? In the midst of anger and resistance?
Yeah, I'm counting my blessings over here. We may have suffered in a few battles, but we're not losing the war. It's already been won!
1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.
Please remember us in your prayers.
And then I ran across this blog, written two years ago but so relevant for my family today. Really, I don't think adoption is the key point here; I think that anyone following God's will, opening doors for others to join the kingdom, will find battle. Unfortunately, we were caught off-guard, our defenses were down, and we suffered the onslaught.
But in the midst of turmoil, breakthrough. Tonight, as I said my usual, "Good night, I love you," it was returned with, "I love you, too." Three words I've never heard from this child and often wondered if I ever would. Really? You chose tonight to speak them aloud for the first time in this home? In the midst of anger and resistance?
Yeah, I'm counting my blessings over here. We may have suffered in a few battles, but we're not losing the war. It's already been won!
1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.
Please remember us in your prayers.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
The art of re-buying
The Good Doctor married me because I hate shopping. Well, either that or because he knew I'd allow him to bring some big ole black cauldron into the marriage with him, carefully storing it in every garage in every home we've ever lived, but never letting it see the light of day. But that's a story for another day and besides, I'm pretty sure it's the first reason.
So, it was quite a shock that yesterday I decided to brave the mall. Maybe it can't really be called "going to the mall" since I knew I was only going to one store, and one store only, but the location was most definitely the mall. I received a gift card for Christmas and then a one-day coupon came through for $50 off a purchase of $100. With a $50 gift card in hand, even I could do the math and figure out that I'd be getting much more bang for my buck. And yes, even I can figure out that the store is still laughing all the way to the bank at their profit, but I don't think there's much that I can do about that.
I stopped at Panera to get to my pick-me-up cup of Chai, a self-medicating way to get the courage to walk inside the mall and tackle the task of shopping. Then there I was. The trying on process was not that difficult and I had my items, equally as close to $100 as possible but definitely NOT going under. All was well and within no time I had exited the store, the mall, and was on my way home.
Halfway home I realized the awful truth that I had forgotten to use my gift card, the sole purpose for making this trip! What was I to do? I could use it as an excuse to have to return to the store to purchase $50 more in the future. Or, I could return to the store immediately.
I did what any sane American would do. I exited at the first exit, turned myself around, speed walked back to that store, returned my clothing, and then re-bought everything, being certain to use my gift card this time. Okay, maybe any sane American wouldn't have done that. But every cheapskate like me knows exactly why I did what I did. I feel so much better.
And think of all that extra exercise!
So, it was quite a shock that yesterday I decided to brave the mall. Maybe it can't really be called "going to the mall" since I knew I was only going to one store, and one store only, but the location was most definitely the mall. I received a gift card for Christmas and then a one-day coupon came through for $50 off a purchase of $100. With a $50 gift card in hand, even I could do the math and figure out that I'd be getting much more bang for my buck. And yes, even I can figure out that the store is still laughing all the way to the bank at their profit, but I don't think there's much that I can do about that.
I stopped at Panera to get to my pick-me-up cup of Chai, a self-medicating way to get the courage to walk inside the mall and tackle the task of shopping. Then there I was. The trying on process was not that difficult and I had my items, equally as close to $100 as possible but definitely NOT going under. All was well and within no time I had exited the store, the mall, and was on my way home.
Halfway home I realized the awful truth that I had forgotten to use my gift card, the sole purpose for making this trip! What was I to do? I could use it as an excuse to have to return to the store to purchase $50 more in the future. Or, I could return to the store immediately.
I did what any sane American would do. I exited at the first exit, turned myself around, speed walked back to that store, returned my clothing, and then re-bought everything, being certain to use my gift card this time. Okay, maybe any sane American wouldn't have done that. But every cheapskate like me knows exactly why I did what I did. I feel so much better.
And think of all that extra exercise!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Of loaves and fishes and checks
Mark 9:24 I do believe! Help me overcome my unbelief!
There is a story of George Muller's orphanage in the late 1800's. One morning as the children sat down to breakfast, there was no food on the table. In faith, George prayed for the provision of food that God had given them. Soon there came a knock at the door and it was a local baker. He told George and the waiting staff and children that God had instructed him to bake bread and donate it to the orphanage so he was doing so. Not long after that, another knock came at the door. It was a milkman, explaining that his milk truck had broken down outside the door and that he wanted to give some of his milk to the orphanage.
This is one of my favorite stories of faith. I've often prayed that God would give me these kinds of stories but at the same time realized that I would need to be in a place of need to experience these miraculous provisions in faith. Just like the 5,000 who, in Jesus' day, were fed on the mountain. Had they been sent home for lunch, or if someone had provided their food for the day, they would not have been witness to the multiplication of that simple lunch, enough for one, and of the bountiful baskets left over. So I've also prayed that God would allow me to be in those places of need so that I and my family could experience not only the miracle that comes from faith but the left-over as well.
Recently in the adoption journey, we received the home study invoice a little earlier than we were expecting. Desiring to pay for this adoption from our fundraising, we weren't at a place where we could pay the bill. The next day we did receive a check from a family wanting to help with our adoption. It was out of the blue, so unexpected, and such a God thing. But it didn't cover the whole amount. That night I went to bed praying that God would provide the funds that weren't there yet.
The next day we were approached by a couple holding an envelope in their hands. They said that they felt like God wanted them to bless our family and they were giving us this gift with no strings attached; it was ours to use as we wished. I asked them if they knew that we were adopting again and with surprised looks, the confirmed that they did not. I couldn't help a tear of joy as I told them about our journey, about the invoice, and my prayer. They then confessed that they had felt this nudging this past summer but were just now getting around to sharing this with us. I told them that I thought the timing was perfect. Of course, when we got home and looked at the amount on the check (you already know this is coming, don't you?), the amount, coupled with the check from the day before was the the exact amount we needed to pay the agency doing our home study. For days, anytime I thought of this miraculous provision, the tears would freely flow. How can anyone say that is a coincidence? As I like to say to myself, "Oh, me of little faith."
And God wasn't finished, we also received a third check from a family wanting to be a part of our adoption journey. And then another cookie order came in. Just like the loaves and fishes, there were baskets left over. And so we continue to fundraise for this little blessing that we know is a gift from God. He will provide just what we need, when we need it. And when I doubt, I can remind myself of the story of the multiplying checks.
Deuteronomy 4:9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
There is a story of George Muller's orphanage in the late 1800's. One morning as the children sat down to breakfast, there was no food on the table. In faith, George prayed for the provision of food that God had given them. Soon there came a knock at the door and it was a local baker. He told George and the waiting staff and children that God had instructed him to bake bread and donate it to the orphanage so he was doing so. Not long after that, another knock came at the door. It was a milkman, explaining that his milk truck had broken down outside the door and that he wanted to give some of his milk to the orphanage.
This is one of my favorite stories of faith. I've often prayed that God would give me these kinds of stories but at the same time realized that I would need to be in a place of need to experience these miraculous provisions in faith. Just like the 5,000 who, in Jesus' day, were fed on the mountain. Had they been sent home for lunch, or if someone had provided their food for the day, they would not have been witness to the multiplication of that simple lunch, enough for one, and of the bountiful baskets left over. So I've also prayed that God would allow me to be in those places of need so that I and my family could experience not only the miracle that comes from faith but the left-over as well.
Recently in the adoption journey, we received the home study invoice a little earlier than we were expecting. Desiring to pay for this adoption from our fundraising, we weren't at a place where we could pay the bill. The next day we did receive a check from a family wanting to help with our adoption. It was out of the blue, so unexpected, and such a God thing. But it didn't cover the whole amount. That night I went to bed praying that God would provide the funds that weren't there yet.
The next day we were approached by a couple holding an envelope in their hands. They said that they felt like God wanted them to bless our family and they were giving us this gift with no strings attached; it was ours to use as we wished. I asked them if they knew that we were adopting again and with surprised looks, the confirmed that they did not. I couldn't help a tear of joy as I told them about our journey, about the invoice, and my prayer. They then confessed that they had felt this nudging this past summer but were just now getting around to sharing this with us. I told them that I thought the timing was perfect. Of course, when we got home and looked at the amount on the check (you already know this is coming, don't you?), the amount, coupled with the check from the day before was the the exact amount we needed to pay the agency doing our home study. For days, anytime I thought of this miraculous provision, the tears would freely flow. How can anyone say that is a coincidence? As I like to say to myself, "Oh, me of little faith."
And God wasn't finished, we also received a third check from a family wanting to be a part of our adoption journey. And then another cookie order came in. Just like the loaves and fishes, there were baskets left over. And so we continue to fundraise for this little blessing that we know is a gift from God. He will provide just what we need, when we need it. And when I doubt, I can remind myself of the story of the multiplying checks.
Deuteronomy 4:9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Adoption grace and blessings
This morning, as I read (yet another) beautiful adoption story, I was reminded again of the sacrifice of the birthmother. We have in our possession a lovingly-written letter from HopeAnne's birthmother to us which we plan to give to her on that day when she can both understand and believe the words that this woman gifted to her. Our joy on termination day stood in stark contrast to the pain of the woman who gave life to this peanut of a little girl.
But another blessing of our newest adoption announcement has been the willingness of others to share their own adoption stories.
A man, old enough to be my father, told us that he had been adopted. For years he has tried to find information about his birth family, mostly for the sake of his children and grandchildren, to have a health history he can pass down. He knows he was born in the days when unwed mothers were sent away to "Aunt Edna's" for a vacation, only to return, predictably, about 6 months later, forever changed by the events of the pregnancy and birth. His suspicion that it could have been someone in the community, and that his aunts and uncles could tell him the truth, will now never be confirmed since they have all passed on. But there is no anger, no bitterness. There is life and grace in the adoption story.
Just this week we received a letter from a wonderful friend. Just recently, she revealed that she had been adopted as an infant. Her words brought tears to my eyes.
"I was really moved by your adoption cookie story and immediately knew that I wanted to help. Being an adopted child myself, I have embraced all that this has meant to me over the last several decades. A selfless act on the part of a brave and strong woman.
God led me to my forever family and I know he did the same with HopeAnne and Shoun. I have never thought of my family as being anything other than, my family, although I have found that there are people who don't believe that. There have been points where I have struggled with that notion and accept and embrace that this was God's will. I, too believe, that God is also calling you to do the same once again.
I loved the adoption cookies and thank you for sharing them with [my daughter]. You have been so kind ot her over the years and certainly have accepted her as part of your family. See, genetics has absolutely nothing to do with it! There is so much love to be shared and I know you have more to give.
Looking at the end of the month budget, I find I was a bit ahead of where I thought I would be, so please add the enclosed to your fund. no cookies, no thanks, just one step closer to God's work being fulfilled for your family.
Blessing to you all as you continue on this journey."
I am truly humbled and thank God for the gift of life that this woman is to her family and friends. Thank you, not just for sharing your end-of-the-month gift, but for sharing your story with our family.
But another blessing of our newest adoption announcement has been the willingness of others to share their own adoption stories.
A man, old enough to be my father, told us that he had been adopted. For years he has tried to find information about his birth family, mostly for the sake of his children and grandchildren, to have a health history he can pass down. He knows he was born in the days when unwed mothers were sent away to "Aunt Edna's" for a vacation, only to return, predictably, about 6 months later, forever changed by the events of the pregnancy and birth. His suspicion that it could have been someone in the community, and that his aunts and uncles could tell him the truth, will now never be confirmed since they have all passed on. But there is no anger, no bitterness. There is life and grace in the adoption story.
Just this week we received a letter from a wonderful friend. Just recently, she revealed that she had been adopted as an infant. Her words brought tears to my eyes.
"I was really moved by your adoption cookie story and immediately knew that I wanted to help. Being an adopted child myself, I have embraced all that this has meant to me over the last several decades. A selfless act on the part of a brave and strong woman.
God led me to my forever family and I know he did the same with HopeAnne and Shoun. I have never thought of my family as being anything other than, my family, although I have found that there are people who don't believe that. There have been points where I have struggled with that notion and accept and embrace that this was God's will. I, too believe, that God is also calling you to do the same once again.
I loved the adoption cookies and thank you for sharing them with [my daughter]. You have been so kind ot her over the years and certainly have accepted her as part of your family. See, genetics has absolutely nothing to do with it! There is so much love to be shared and I know you have more to give.
Looking at the end of the month budget, I find I was a bit ahead of where I thought I would be, so please add the enclosed to your fund. no cookies, no thanks, just one step closer to God's work being fulfilled for your family.
Blessing to you all as you continue on this journey."
I am truly humbled and thank God for the gift of life that this woman is to her family and friends. Thank you, not just for sharing your end-of-the-month gift, but for sharing your story with our family.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Cookies anyone?
For anyone who may have missed the actual information for our cookie fundraiser:
You can call them Stuffed Cookies...
You can call them Inception Cookies...
But we like to call them Pregnant Cookies...
...because we're expecting. Well, kind of...
Yes, the Kings are adopting again!
If you like cookies, and an Oreo cookie stuffed inside a chocolate chip cookie to be exact, then have we got a deal for you! Order just a few or a dozen or two, and you can help us help another child.
If you are interested in some cookies
1. for yourself (it'll be our little secret)
2. for someone special (awww, you're so sweet)
3. for a gift (Surprise!)
4. for a picnic (hurry up, it's getting colder out there!)
5. for a college student (we've already sent orders to colleges as far as MA and CO!)
6. for someone who can't make it home for the holidays
7. or you fill in the blanks (Be creative - you can do it!)
then please let us know at kingzoo@comcast.net. Let us know if you'd like us to include a note, if you're local and plan to pick up or would like a drop off, where you'd like them mailed, etc.
Individual cookies have a minimum suggested donation of $1.00 or more (Remember, each cookie is really the equivalent of 2 or 3 cookies)
A dozen cookies has a minimum suggested donation of $10.00/dozen or more
Keep in mind that shipping adds an additional cost of approx. $7.00 or more/dozen
Just as exciting as getting closer to our goal is the many ways people are choosing to bless others through our fundraiser.
A family sent cookies to their nephew/cousin far away in college. He reported that they were the best cookies he's ever eaten (really - those were his words - I didn't make it up).
Grandparents ordered cookies to be delivered to their grandchild for her birthday.
A couple sent a donation and asked us to bless any of the college students who attend our church. The best part of this story? The couple lives out of the area and doesn't even attend our church except when visiting relatives.
One of our instrumental teachers gave a donation and asked for just one cookie per week at the child's lesson.
A musical theatre friend of ours, now back in college, shared a beautiful story of how her younger sister was adopted and her desire to someday have a family of her own that grows through adoption. She sent a donation and later reported that her office really enjoyed the cookies they received!
A youth worker at our church ordered cookies to be sent to a former youth who is now at college. The college student is now doing his best to find someone else to send him a dozen or two. :)
A young woman's mother was scheduled for cancer surgery so she ordered cookies to take along for her mother and the family post-surgery.
A 16th birthday party was blessed with some of our special cookies.
A friend asked us to send cookies to someone currently serving in ministry.
I can't wait to see where they are going next!
You can call them Stuffed Cookies...
You can call them Inception Cookies...
But we like to call them Pregnant Cookies...
...because we're expecting. Well, kind of...
Yes, the Kings are adopting again!
If you like cookies, and an Oreo cookie stuffed inside a chocolate chip cookie to be exact, then have we got a deal for you! Order just a few or a dozen or two, and you can help us help another child.
If you are interested in some cookies
1. for yourself (it'll be our little secret)
2. for someone special (awww, you're so sweet)
3. for a gift (Surprise!)
4. for a picnic (hurry up, it's getting colder out there!)
5. for a college student (we've already sent orders to colleges as far as MA and CO!)
6. for someone who can't make it home for the holidays
7. or you fill in the blanks (Be creative - you can do it!)
then please let us know at kingzoo@comcast.net. Let us know if you'd like us to include a note, if you're local and plan to pick up or would like a drop off, where you'd like them mailed, etc.
Individual cookies have a minimum suggested donation of $1.00 or more (Remember, each cookie is really the equivalent of 2 or 3 cookies)
A dozen cookies has a minimum suggested donation of $10.00/dozen or more
Keep in mind that shipping adds an additional cost of approx. $7.00 or more/dozen
Just as exciting as getting closer to our goal is the many ways people are choosing to bless others through our fundraiser.
A family sent cookies to their nephew/cousin far away in college. He reported that they were the best cookies he's ever eaten (really - those were his words - I didn't make it up).
Grandparents ordered cookies to be delivered to their grandchild for her birthday.
A couple sent a donation and asked us to bless any of the college students who attend our church. The best part of this story? The couple lives out of the area and doesn't even attend our church except when visiting relatives.
One of our instrumental teachers gave a donation and asked for just one cookie per week at the child's lesson.
A musical theatre friend of ours, now back in college, shared a beautiful story of how her younger sister was adopted and her desire to someday have a family of her own that grows through adoption. She sent a donation and later reported that her office really enjoyed the cookies they received!
A youth worker at our church ordered cookies to be sent to a former youth who is now at college. The college student is now doing his best to find someone else to send him a dozen or two. :)
A young woman's mother was scheduled for cancer surgery so she ordered cookies to take along for her mother and the family post-surgery.
A 16th birthday party was blessed with some of our special cookies.
A friend asked us to send cookies to someone currently serving in ministry.
I can't wait to see where they are going next!
Friday, September 28, 2012
God is good.
All the time.
All the time.
God is good.
I love this simple, yet profound prayer. Why, oh why, can't I remember it all the time?
When started this adoption journey knowing that fundraising would be a large part of it. We knew that we'd wait on God's timing. And we agreed that "it was good." But then a week went by. And the money didn't float down in an envelope from the sky. (Yeah, my faith was that short-lived. Okay, it's a slight exaggeration.)
I had my moments of discouragement. "Lord, I'm not getting any younger." As if the One who created me in the hidden places didn't already know that!
And that's when He showed up. First of all, we found out that there is a discount offered for all paperwork turned in this month. And then the icing on the cake, as only God can do: I had been reading the form wrong. Our initial payment need only be half of what I thought. And guess what? We already have that amount.
God is good.
All the time.
All the time.
God is good.
Oh, and then our adoption consultant posted this link to her Facebook page. Yes, I believe it with all my heart.
All the time.
All the time.
God is good.
I love this simple, yet profound prayer. Why, oh why, can't I remember it all the time?
When started this adoption journey knowing that fundraising would be a large part of it. We knew that we'd wait on God's timing. And we agreed that "it was good." But then a week went by. And the money didn't float down in an envelope from the sky. (Yeah, my faith was that short-lived. Okay, it's a slight exaggeration.)
I had my moments of discouragement. "Lord, I'm not getting any younger." As if the One who created me in the hidden places didn't already know that!
And that's when He showed up. First of all, we found out that there is a discount offered for all paperwork turned in this month. And then the icing on the cake, as only God can do: I had been reading the form wrong. Our initial payment need only be half of what I thought. And guess what? We already have that amount.
God is good.
All the time.
All the time.
God is good.
Oh, and then our adoption consultant posted this link to her Facebook page. Yes, I believe it with all my heart.
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