tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54920944221683304792024-02-19T04:26:40.870-06:00Another DaigleColleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-81855152558457756702014-06-14T09:05:00.003-05:002014-06-14T09:05:42.125-05:00The Post Wherein I Disclose Some PlansIt is a smoggy, busy day in Addis Ababa. From our guest house's rooftop balcony, we have watched three buildings rise a little into the sky each day. The men carry bags of concrete mix over one shoulder, a bucket of water in one hand, a shovel in the other. They climb five to six stories on scaffolding made of tree limbs.<br />
<br />
These are not OSHA approved situations, I assure you.<br />
<br />
But, they work. Constantly. They start early in the morning and the sounds of hammers and saws and loud shouting in Amharic go on long after the sun has set behind the hazy clouds and mountains west of the city. It seems like just a few hours before the mosques on that far mountain are broadcasting the mournful morning prayers.<br />
<br />
I've had many hours of laying quietly in the bed, looking across the night stand at Adam and listening to him breathe the relaxed breaths of sleep. I've had many hours to think and ponder some of the things that God's done in my heart during this adoption process.<br />
<br />
The first plan that I'm disclosing is the idea of blogging weekly regarding about 27 things that I look at differently since going through this process. So, there's plan 1!<br />
<br />
The second plan is not so warm and fuzzy...it's just hard and practical. However, I anticipate that it may hurt some feelings. This is not my goal. Please don't let it hurt your feelings. This is a way that you can help and support us during a major transition in our lives and home.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps I should start off by apologizing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I feel like we haven’t done a good job preparing you all for
what will happen when we get Adam home. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Children that come from hard places are often in need of a
long transition time, in which attachment to the adoptive parents is the
ultimate goal. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the most effective ways of reaching that goal is a
method called “Cocooning.” This just means that we are going to “lay low” for a
while. We are going to spend the summer doing things as a family, with our
family. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our main goal is going to be getting our family into a
predictable, comfortable schedule, providing consistency and comfort to a young
man whose entire existence is radically changing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, for a while, even though we will certainly want to, we
won’t be going to parties or events. Even harder, we won’t be having any
visitors (other than our families). It stinks, I know. However, it will be best
for all 7 Daigles as we settle in. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He’s excited to come to Texas and meet everyone. You are
more than welcomed to come meet us in the airport and say, “Howdy.” We cannot
wait to get home and to see everyone! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, starting the next day, we are going into
hunker-down-mode…not because it sounds like a blast, but because it is what is
best. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are a few things to keep in mind:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>He doesn’t know you! You have been kept up to
date with Facebook and emails, and <i>you know a lot. But, he doesn’t know you.</i> Act
like you are meeting someone for the first time. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>We are trying to establish that Larry and
Colleen Daigle are Dad and Mom. <i>Please don’t give him anything.</i> He is learning
that we are his caregivers/providers/parents. He’s been cared for by a string
of people in the last few years. It will take a long time for him to completely
understand that we are his parents and we are going to care for him and provide
for him. If you want him to have something, you may give it to one of us and we
can give it to him at an appropriate time. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>His English is quite a bit farther along than we
expected. He understands a lot! <i>So, please, be careful about what you choose to
say around him. </i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><i>We still need your prayer and support! </i>This has
been a hard few weeks, as Adam and I have been thrown together in a
sink-or-swim type of situation. We are doing great…sometimes beautiful
strokes…sometimes desperate dog-paddling…but, we are doing well. Pray for
Larry, the boys and I as we all get ready to jump into life together.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I applaud those of you who’ve read all the way through. You
love us, and I know it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We love you, too!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Colleen and Guys</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Larry, Joseph, Gideon, Jeremiah, Caleb and Adam Dagnachew
Daigle)</div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-13017643443170022862014-05-17T09:25:00.002-05:002014-05-17T09:25:45.525-05:00The Post Wherein We Reschedule the FundraiserDaigleDodgeball is rescheduled to May 31st, 2014. It will still take place from 10am-12Noon in the Gym at First Baptist Church of Conroe.<br />
<br />
We are so very excited about the reason why we need to reschedule.<br />
<br />
While we would love to be playing dodgeball on the 24th, we are even more happy to be traveling to Ethiopia that weekend!!!<br />
<br />
We have a court date in Addis Ababa on May 27th, where we will become the proud parents of an 8 year old boy.<br />
<br />
Larry will travel back home and be here in Conroe with the boys.<br />
<br />
I will stay in Addis with the newest Daigle until all of the paperwork is completed and the US Embassy issues a visa for him. We expect this to take 4-6 weeks.<br />
<br />
Here's what happens after our court date.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>As soon as we have a copy of the court decree, the in-country staff of our adoption agency begins the process of getting him a new birth certificate with the last name of Daigle. </li>
<li>Once the birth certificate is obtained, an application is made for his Ethiopian passport.</li>
<li>Once the passport is received, we see an embassy approved doctor for a quick check-up.</li>
<li>After the check-up, the agency will submit all of the documentation to US Embassy Adoption Unit for approval.</li>
<li>Once the embassy reviews the case, we will receive an email from the embassy requesting an appointment. Since I will still be in Ethiopia, I can be there as soon as possible...without having to arrange flights, accommodations, etc. </li>
<li>After the embassy appointment, it typically takes 2 days to have the visa issued.</li>
<li>When we receive the visa, we go to airport, we fly home. Then the major adjustment, transition, and the rest of real life begins.</li>
</ul>
We know that this is not a fairy tale. We know that our little guy has been through a lot and will go through a lot in this completely altering process. We know that there will be some profoundly tough days ahead.<br />
<br />
Please pray for us. We are happy, excited, nervous and chomping at the bit. Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-61028711559578927442014-05-08T08:43:00.001-05:002014-05-08T14:53:11.903-05:00The Post Wherein we have a fundraiser!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMRhzv2E1BwtzmoTs8EYLuuj2PMDqqDFFCFTzAFmOf_IWQoq3PsFuPJmvWjh871HM9Vmw2WPOr77aZ-5qDVRY7A2_LE5E3JcCQS8EtxNOu0NkU2qfL8MdRR1tyI5M40SWq97mLkHU2Ujh/s1600/Dodgeball+flyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMRhzv2E1BwtzmoTs8EYLuuj2PMDqqDFFCFTzAFmOf_IWQoq3PsFuPJmvWjh871HM9Vmw2WPOr77aZ-5qDVRY7A2_LE5E3JcCQS8EtxNOu0NkU2qfL8MdRR1tyI5M40SWq97mLkHU2Ujh/s1600/Dodgeball+flyer.jpg" height="400" width="308" /></a></div>
Who's ready for some dodgeball?<br />
<br />
Here's some info:<br />
<br />
Who: Anyone, whether you would like to play or not...Any age, there will be a kids bracket and a teens/adult bracket.<br />
<br />
Where: First Baptist Church of Conroe...in downtown Conroe, near Montgomery County courthouse. Go east on Hwy 105 (East Davis) and turn left onto Main St. The church will be right in front of you. Park in the west parking lot and enter into the Gym doors. We will have some signs out.<br />
<br />
How much: $10 per player...There will be some other opportunities to support, but it's just $10 to play.<br />
<br />
What to expect: There will be some teams that are short players. So, if you don't have a team, don't worry, we can match you up with one. We will have a very casual bracket...this is not professional dodgeball. We are going to have fun and play and be happy. Feel free to call out and challenge another group!<br />
<br />
Cool Stuff: We've begun to have donations given for door prizes and give-aways. So far, we have passes to The Grand Theatre on League Line, dinner for 2 at The Cracker Barrel, free dessert from Montgomery Bakehouse. More to come!!! (And, if you have any suggestions/connections for giveaways, let me know!!!)<br />
<br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-66010349629142446562014-04-12T17:32:00.002-05:002014-04-12T17:33:33.080-05:00The Post Wherein We Start Getting Super Excited!!!Dear one,<br />
<br />
I know that you have no idea what's going on in this process.<br />
<br />
You know who we are.<br />
You know that we are adopting you.<br />
You have received our care packages.<br />
You probably don't know that we've applied for your file to be reviewed by United States Citizenship & Immigration Services for pre-approval. <br />
You probably don't know that the application has gone through MUCH faster than we were told that it would.<br />
You probably don't know that other families that are just a few weeks ahead of us are starting to get court dates and make travel plans to meet their new children.<br />
You probably don't know that we are starting to consider ways to scratch together those last minute travel costs.<br />
We pray that you know that we love you.<br />
We pray that you know that we are coming.<br />
We pray that the Lord continues to guard over you and comfort you until we are there to wrap our arms around you.<br />
We pray for you.<br />
<br />
We love you. And, we are coming as soon as possible!<br />
<br />
"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." John 14:18Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-36373591175930116222014-01-28T13:57:00.003-06:002014-01-28T13:57:45.630-06:00The Post Wherein We Send a Package<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Dear one, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have to tell you that I’m nervous. I sent a package
recently to another family that is adopting through our agency. They have
agreed to deliver it to the in-country staff when they travel to Addis Ababa to
pick up their new daughter. The in-country staff will then deliver this package
to you! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I received word this morning that this sweet family has
received clearance from the embassy and will be travelling right away. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Honestly, I’m a wreck. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first time that your new brothers actually saw me and
your new daddy, it was in a hospital room through eyes smeared with an antibiotic
ointment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was a wreck then as well. My sweaty face was framed with
damp, frizzy hair, pulled back into a ponytail. Through the process of each of
their births, that ponytail worked its way off to one side. I know that I roll
around a lot in my sleep, and the side ponytail proves the habit comes also in
labor. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With you, this first tangible interaction will be so very
different. You are older. You will remember this package. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We prayed, as we have every step of this long process, over
what to put in the package. It is not a lot, for we needed to respect the
family that is so graciously delivering it. They have baggage weight/space
constraints.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Among other things, it had</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>A small photo album…</li>
<li>A picture of you…Have you ever seen a picture of yourself?</li>
<li>Pictures of each of the brothers, with their names…</li>
<li>Pictures of myself and your daddy…</li>
<li>Pictures of your new grandparents…</li>
<li>Pictures of our home…</li>
<li>A Houston Texans baseball cap, which I am now wishing I had
replaced with a Houston Dynamo one. You, like the rest of the non-American
world, prefer soccer. Next package, I promise…</li>
<li>A card game that requires no English and no reading…I bought
one for us at home, too…Will you feel comfortable seeing something that you
might have played while at the orphanage or Transition Home?</li>
<li>Hot Wheels cars…You will certainly have a chance to play
with similar ones here. Your Pa, my father, likes to pick Hot Wheels cars for
each of the boys’ stockings at Christmas.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In fact, choosing those items was a bit like stuffing a
Christmas stocking. You don’t know what a stocking is, but you will. And, you
already have one. It has hung on our mantle for three Christmas seasons. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The nerves that I feel come with the realization that this
is my first time to interact with you. And, there is no blur of eye ointment
this time. There is no buffer of years too early to remember. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sweet boy, I’m praying that you receive that package and
that you are not disappointed. I’m praying that the time between now and our
first hug is short. I’m praying that all of the paperwork and clearances and
appointments go smoothly. I’m praying for wisdom. I’m praying for patience and
protection. I’m praying for grace and mercy in this process. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I’m praying for you. I’m praying for us.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love you, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Momma</div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-44518477965678022712013-12-15T16:14:00.002-06:002013-12-15T16:14:44.492-06:00The Post Wherein We See a Picture <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In December of 2011, we bought an extra stocking for the
mantle. That stocking symbolized a decision to adopt. It hung on our mantle,
like a public display of the beginning of our adoption journey. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had no idea how long the journey would be. We still don’t
know. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In December of 2011, we hung that stocking and said, “We are
adopting a little boy.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In December of 2012, we hung that stocking again. It was a
bittersweet time. The entire process of adoption from Ethiopia was slowing
down, in every agency, in every case. Secretly, in our hearts, we had been
hoping that we would be much closer to having that little boy home for
Christmas 2012. As the holiday came closer, we knew there was just no way. The
monthly conference calls with the adoption agency began to seem like waiting
pep-talks, sprinkled with warnings to be ready to wait even more. We still didn’t
even know who the little boy was or where he laid his head.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In December of 2012, we hung that stocking and still said, “Maybe
we will have him home next Christmas.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We usually decorate for Christmas right after Jeremiah’s
early November birthday. This year, I could barely bring myself to do it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, we did. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And, it was fun.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWh3srv3Rtvb-CdcPJ0vc-AEJJKKbdKgkFqqOodJ0WCEI_1BGPQZdqa88AyBEnNVqHVmzuCpOjcxuMnq1misJQabebeDtIbCtjHneR1khsBwRX6HwXhmtblrOcSkuBcwhyphenhyphenWH6Stmm7z0Fd/s1600/December+2013+174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWh3srv3Rtvb-CdcPJ0vc-AEJJKKbdKgkFqqOodJ0WCEI_1BGPQZdqa88AyBEnNVqHVmzuCpOjcxuMnq1misJQabebeDtIbCtjHneR1khsBwRX6HwXhmtblrOcSkuBcwhyphenhyphenWH6Stmm7z0Fd/s320/December+2013+174.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few weeks ago, we hung the stockings…all seven of them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxUcfaqvvxOuY9Y_zoChSj0CSDs5cp2C-cLAPbzn58UXK11oV9EdEJeRNyY0YTnz9_4Pxpqtstylx9X9RWVrUOYxyqzgpJg_ItqVkUUhiQAMjAhhft6RdrFMVQ5xrnhI62O_9ZrWghy8p/s1600/December+2013+162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxUcfaqvvxOuY9Y_zoChSj0CSDs5cp2C-cLAPbzn58UXK11oV9EdEJeRNyY0YTnz9_4Pxpqtstylx9X9RWVrUOYxyqzgpJg_ItqVkUUhiQAMjAhhft6RdrFMVQ5xrnhI62O_9ZrWghy8p/s320/December+2013+162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With eyes glassed over and teary, I hung that stocking and
said, “Maybe we will know who he is next Christmas.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve been praying for our little boy, for the documents
needed to allow him to be adopted, for his birthparents, living family,
caregivers… </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve been praying. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still, in December of 2013, I sat on the couch in the living
room, staring at the seventh stocking. Another Christmas without knowing
anything would be tough. Not unbearable, not hopeless…just tough. The Lord
worked it out so that my daily devotional would include Habakkuk 2:3 (NET). </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">"For the message is a witness to what is decreed; it gives reliable
testimony about how matters will turn out. Even if the message is not fulfilled
right away, wait patiently; for it will certainly come to pass--it will not
arrive late."</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGKWvoQRmH0iuHQto9Uj5Vo6eVia5eMXinTmBZEEQDX5PMvbhGZTdtoWwZxUkrxWVG2dmVTT6p6bbepVrnHIA5YgVYyoSpTP7F504AAgAoLKlKPohEOVxqDIf7PFlqOD-WgS9Ip_sDc5J/s1600/December+2013+180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGKWvoQRmH0iuHQto9Uj5Vo6eVia5eMXinTmBZEEQDX5PMvbhGZTdtoWwZxUkrxWVG2dmVTT6p6bbepVrnHIA5YgVYyoSpTP7F504AAgAoLKlKPohEOVxqDIf7PFlqOD-WgS9Ip_sDc5J/s320/December+2013+180.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We prayed and prayed that God would work on our hearts as we
waited. We prayed that He would help us wait patiently. And, we thanked Him for
the assurance that it would certainly come to pass…and for the reassurance that
it wouldn’t be late. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This past week, we received a call from our Family
Coordinator at America World, then emails, then calls, then more emails.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week of December 2013…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We saw his picture!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We prayed</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We read his given name!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We prayed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We cried over the great losses that he will grieve over the
rest of his life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We prayed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We know who he is!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We continue to pray. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are praying that we will have him home next Christmas! </div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-6689956369595330202013-12-06T21:53:00.000-06:002013-12-06T21:57:03.881-06:00The Post Wherein the Berbere Arrives<br />
Dear Micah,<br />
<br />
Today a package arrived, brought by a delivery guy. It was light, bearing just one pound of contents. Within that small package was 16 ounces of berbere spice mix.<br />
<br />
Sweet boy, you're going to want something familiar when you finally get here. There won't be any single thing that will be comforting to you. New place, new people, new language, new family, new, new, new.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSthP8vcjsMODZPetWdbODaHH5wQ8VDj4DOwIc1BjfFEjPK5Oe1TitQ70z8IdVOM2wGu49AISaalPHikj13KwAy7qWUvNTfErtNZLhwlSnrak5fqFfNWoAN04nH8vBNwiqZdwfZwwNQRb9/s1600/Bere+Bere-5943-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSthP8vcjsMODZPetWdbODaHH5wQ8VDj4DOwIc1BjfFEjPK5Oe1TitQ70z8IdVOM2wGu49AISaalPHikj13KwAy7qWUvNTfErtNZLhwlSnrak5fqFfNWoAN04nH8vBNwiqZdwfZwwNQRb9/s320/Bere+Bere-5943-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You will come with so much to deal with. I don't yet know your history. I don't know what tragic events have caused you to be considered an adoptable orphan. We can't fathom the losses that you have endured at such a young age. And, because we will begin our lives together with a significant discrepancy in our communicative languages, I will want to try everything that I know to bring you some form of comfort.<br />
<br />
So, after reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Yes-Chef-Memoir-Marcus-Samuelsson/dp/0385342608/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=" target="_blank">Yes, Chef, by Marcus Samuelsson</a>, (a famous chef who was also adopted from Ethiopia) I decided to start using berbere spice in my cooking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOjoKtgzCAeXiq2vAUfQlnnhtmKhhnVsMXEv0l4we4Z2zaYhh8gzFPtAQ_xv_OPsQxCC_1gK40QGVvuqBAGtWYLVK-SaTd0WyVTEAmLLCvY4LnaFIOw-hAiTlNkoEguSGfY9rfsYB_9Hq/s1600/yes-chef-samuelsson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOjoKtgzCAeXiq2vAUfQlnnhtmKhhnVsMXEv0l4we4Z2zaYhh8gzFPtAQ_xv_OPsQxCC_1gK40QGVvuqBAGtWYLVK-SaTd0WyVTEAmLLCvY4LnaFIOw-hAiTlNkoEguSGfY9rfsYB_9Hq/s400/yes-chef-samuelsson.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
So, I added the distinctively Ethiopian spice to our meatloaf today. I started introducing it to your new brothers with just a small amount. But, I will gradually add more spice to more dishes. I want to be able to fill the house with a familiar smell for you. I want it to be familiar to your brothers by then, too.<br />
<br />
I cannot wait for all of you to run through the door after playing outside together...I cannot wait for your faces to all light up with anticipation of a yummy dinner because of the smell of berbere in the kitchen.<br />
<br />
I hope that in some measure, we can bring you a sense of comfort and a feeling of being at home. <br />
<br />
We love you, Micah. And, we are cooking with berbere and thinking of you.<br />
<br />
Love, Momma<br />
<br />
***Note: a recipe for Homemade Berbere Spice Mix and for Crispy Berbere Chicken with Ethiopian Lentils (pictured above) can be found at <a href="http://www.feastingathome.com/2012/11/crispy-berbere-chicken-with-ethiopian.html" target="_blank">Feasting At Home</a>.Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-66966312061944590682013-11-11T19:22:00.000-06:002013-11-11T19:22:19.026-06:00Wherein we have nothing to reportIt's been a long time since I last posted.<br />
<br />
Would you like to know why?<br />
<br />
Because there is nothing to tell you.<br />
<br />
Absolutely nothing.<br />
<br />
We continue to wait for the child God has planned for us to adopt. We continue to wait for that sweet boy's case file to receive the necessary clearances. We continue to wait for the clearances to make way for a referral to our family. We continue to wait for some movement...any movement.<br />
<br />
We continue to wait.<br />
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While we are waiting, we are living. I don't want to whine or complain.<br />
<br />
The boys continue working on jiu jitsu.<br />
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The boys continue getting cuter.<br />
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Larry continues to go on mission trips.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/Jc-b_9ewTYU" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/Jc-b_9ewTYU</a><br />
<br />
I continue to work on course work for a BS in Nutrition Science.<br />
<br />
We continue...<br />
<br />
We continue to wait.<br />
<br />
We continue to wait and continue to miss a little boy that doesn't know we exist.<br />
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Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-12058841366304333692013-03-07T20:27:00.000-06:002013-03-07T20:27:37.540-06:00The Post Wherein We Celebrate 6 Months DTE<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Yesterday was March 6, 2013.</b></span> It was a time to reminisce. It was the fourth anniversary of Larry's father's passing. As the time has passed, it is becoming easier to focus on the fun and lovely and silly memories than on the struggle of his last few months. So, much of yesterday we thought about "Grandfather" and what his take would be on some of the issues we have faced and are currently facing.<br />
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<br />
<br />
One thing that we know...Grandfather was excited about the idea of us adopting. Caleb was born just a few months before Larry's dad died. Just prior to finding out that I was pregnant with Caleb, we had filled out initial paperwork to adopt a girl from China. Our pregnancy put that process on hold...Really, it wiped the idea of adopting out of sight for quite a while. However, before Caleb came rolling down the pike, we had shared with Larry's dad our plans to adopt.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>"Let's go get her!" </b></span></span></div>
<br />
An unabashed, unwavering, uninhibited, unhesitating endorsement of the Daigle family adopting. <br />
<br />
It is a priceless memory.<br />
<br />
It wasn't "Are you sure?"<br />
<br />
Not, "Have you considered ______?"<br />
<br />
Not even, "Well, if it makes you happy."<br />
<br />
There have been so many supportive, encouraging, loving words spoken over us during this process so far. So many that I can't begin to count them.<br />
<br />
Still, we miss his words. But, we know that he was for our adoption. And, that is so very fortifying.<br />
<br />
Fast forward four years...<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Today is March 7, 2013.</b></span> We have been officially waiting on a referral for 6 months.<br />
<br />
I mentioned <a href="http://anotherdaigle.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-weekend-of-firsts.html" target="_blank">in an earlier post</a>, that I planned on making a different type of cookies each month on the 7th to try to make our wait a celebration and not a dreadful date on the calendar.<br />
<br />
This month the boys requested Peanut Butter Cookies. Strange, I thought that a new type each month would be fun...they want a 20 minute, whip 'em up, standby. Oh, well. Easier for me!<br />
<br />
Caleb was my helper and we worked to have warm cookies on the table when the boys got off the bus.<br />
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He had fun helping make the criss-cross pattern with the tines of a fork. However, his favorite part was sprinkling sugar.<br />
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This next one is an awful picture, but I had to put it in there to show my family that I am a carrier of the gene for the Burns' Chin!<br />
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Peanut Butter Cookies...great choice, boys!<br />
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While the first batch was in the oven, a delivery fan pulled into our driveway. Since Larry's been working from the house, we receive packages pretty frequently. However, this was from a local florist! What?!?!?! Did Larry send me flowers while he was out of town?!?!?! Alas, no. (No pressure, Babe!)<br />
<br />
Another source of constant encouragement has been my sweet friend, Regan. I don't deserve her friendship! She sent our family a Happy 6 Months DTE balloon bouquet!<br />
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The boys were so excited! It was the perfect celebration, complete with balloons and cookies!<br />
<br />
Even more reason to celebrate, there was a referral ahead of us in the unofficial waiting list. From what I can tell, this moves us to #19! We are out of the 20's! Yay!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Today is March 7, 2013 and<span style="color: black;">...</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>"since my youth, God, You have taught me, and to this day, I declare Your marvelous deeds." Psalm 71:17</b></span></div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-9623315796898228882013-01-07T20:09:00.001-06:002013-01-07T20:09:16.554-06:00Dear Micah, Melkam Ganna!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Dear Micah, </div>
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<br /></div>
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Today is January 7, 2013. Ethiopian Christians are
celebrating the birth of our Savior on this very day. They call it Ganna. And,
little boy, you have been on my mind, my heart, all day. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Today, I wore all white because that’s what mommas in
Ethiopia do when they celebrate Ganna. It was a white shirt, white pants…even
white shoes and socks. I don’t know if anyone noticed, but I did it for you. I
did it for you and your momma. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTT4HqH43ftJA5HI7o4jl6q2OYhvZwmLLldlOiTvtEGiQpG3mtXNVKZGRj3fSTsvSGFxkBYbDVdS17oy47jYYnXAdN8POrMsTnVc9YoLtSGDnLw8ru9Ike6SdGqafeUpLVicl2Kf2U6xsh/s1600/Christmas+in+Ethiopia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTT4HqH43ftJA5HI7o4jl6q2OYhvZwmLLldlOiTvtEGiQpG3mtXNVKZGRj3fSTsvSGFxkBYbDVdS17oy47jYYnXAdN8POrMsTnVc9YoLtSGDnLw8ru9Ike6SdGqafeUpLVicl2Kf2U6xsh/s320/Christmas+in+Ethiopia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Today, I prayed that someone was telling you what happened
in a Bethlehem stable so many years ago. I prayed that someone would read Luke
2 to you. I prayed for your momma and daddy, that they know or knew Jesus. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, I prayed that you were already in the Transition
Home. I prayed that you were eating injera and wat. I prayed that you were
playing with the children there and that some other American momma would be picking
up or meeting her new child. I prayed that she would see you and give you a
hug. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7EfHAdnADOu-d_iRyimMEHLcIRcDH0FDuAhJwYg6y9u3EsVkSiQxRSCJNcRMskEdJF2oSTHcloAILpMWJ7f3LQPOZzowgrYB5w6Vmo3aJLnj1oxCybUgd16bmzP4dOwUPWghR27n5ajL/s1600/Injera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7EfHAdnADOu-d_iRyimMEHLcIRcDH0FDuAhJwYg6y9u3EsVkSiQxRSCJNcRMskEdJF2oSTHcloAILpMWJ7f3LQPOZzowgrYB5w6Vmo3aJLnj1oxCybUgd16bmzP4dOwUPWghR27n5ajL/s1600/Injera.jpg" /></a></div>
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Today, I thought about all that I have learned about
adoption through these past two years. I thought I knew a lot. I didn’t. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Today, I thanked God for adopting me. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Today, I thought about how we have been waiting on the list
for 4 months. Yep. Today marked our 4<sup>th</sup> month on the DTE (Dossier To
Ethiopia) List. We are number 20 on the Older Child list, but only 5 families
ahead of us will accept a little 6-year old boy. So, we are hoping that it won’t
be too much longer. Still, we feel like waiting is the worst part.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj70au19xtUW7cFYFD0QvGozJb_UVSotNggWyz1YkaI8EYzBpQHn_vOZlRuZia1AY0KfM3RhVzTs5CKf9Yi13wm0pzvzFf-6vdboJThXK-kFhKT5UrkTWO_GRVQAuoJJmfzfx4RSfFj-F0/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj70au19xtUW7cFYFD0QvGozJb_UVSotNggWyz1YkaI8EYzBpQHn_vOZlRuZia1AY0KfM3RhVzTs5CKf9Yi13wm0pzvzFf-6vdboJThXK-kFhKT5UrkTWO_GRVQAuoJJmfzfx4RSfFj-F0/s1600/20.jpg" /></a></div>
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Today, I wondered if God felt like this: if He felt like He
might never get to adopt me, like it couldn’t come soon enough. I wonder how He
felt while I made Him wait. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, I made a cake. At dinner, we ate and then read Luke
2. We talked about Christmas and how we don’t really know what day it
happened, what day Jesus was born. We talked about the Christians in Ethiopia and what they were doing
today. We talked about you. We sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and ate cake. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBaHYNWFFLOxhVn_nuYR-3MOLD5n71qJc92_2w5yU6cK9Lk-M4XCnG04Y4ttN-pMxL7DAA_aCWpsGgTCylQsj3vTlJRvW1zO2S0h7IkZyC0ifFcAZ408nly4sPfHHEsJJq1iXujKsmkB3/s1600/Happy+Birthday+Jesus.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBaHYNWFFLOxhVn_nuYR-3MOLD5n71qJc92_2w5yU6cK9Lk-M4XCnG04Y4ttN-pMxL7DAA_aCWpsGgTCylQsj3vTlJRvW1zO2S0h7IkZyC0ifFcAZ408nly4sPfHHEsJJq1iXujKsmkB3/s320/Happy+Birthday+Jesus.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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Today, just like every day, Daddy and I prayed for you. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Melkam Ganna, Micah. (Merry Christmas!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We love you so, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Daddy and Momma</div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-29430815670400770742013-01-03T15:23:00.000-06:002013-01-03T15:23:08.607-06:00The Post Where I Pick One Word<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Mom and Dad usually give me a devotional in my Christmas
presents. And, this year, just like in those past, I received <a href="http://www.jesuscallingkidsapp.com/" target="_blank">Jesus Calling for Kids</a>. I suppose they were trying to match my mental level. ***Grin*** </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12Nlt8tr-IRlnwLIEKZcbrrzDOd3IvGoax1r4RdbS6FIWIpaVL1FdOw4RX7LS2iZQspG6yslaJPty0nE1qBpys8SFYxxVPwFkfRvm7lZBurMKV8d96BdMOupnW2XymB5LbyHNIe8_sbaT/s1600/Jesus+Calling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12Nlt8tr-IRlnwLIEKZcbrrzDOd3IvGoax1r4RdbS6FIWIpaVL1FdOw4RX7LS2iZQspG6yslaJPty0nE1qBpys8SFYxxVPwFkfRvm7lZBurMKV8d96BdMOupnW2XymB5LbyHNIe8_sbaT/s200/Jesus+Calling.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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They also gave me Ann Voskamp’s book,<a href="http://onethousandgifts.com/" target="_blank"> One Thousand Gifts</a>. Since
I spend nearly every waking moment with kids, I skipped the devotional and dove
straight into the book written by an adult. Another mother. One who also spends
most moments with her kids. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0RS-2UprunMwDrED4d8u_n5miic0ge7oOR4oqYmRaPtcuqrIDcS8o9zl7-bZ26mMtEKYX5trpZPAsOOczbsZHfbUzpDcS7RNEXaLwZbnA8hCkyKq1ufwhlD5yldXntYWvCnt-_8P-tNM/s1600/One+thousand+gifts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0RS-2UprunMwDrED4d8u_n5miic0ge7oOR4oqYmRaPtcuqrIDcS8o9zl7-bZ26mMtEKYX5trpZPAsOOczbsZHfbUzpDcS7RNEXaLwZbnA8hCkyKq1ufwhlD5yldXntYWvCnt-_8P-tNM/s1600/One+thousand+gifts.png" /></a></div>
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You can read the first chapter <a href="http://onethousandgifts.com/the-book" target="_blank">here…</a></div>
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I didn’t get far into the book until I had made up my mind
to select a word to set my heart on for the course of the coming new year. I
read of how her eyes had caught on a certain word and how it began to take root
and change her perspective, her heart. I want that. New perspective. New
awareness of what God is doing in my heart.</div>
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I began thinking of what word I could choose. </div>
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It had already been chosen for me. </div>
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The Sunday before Christmas, Larry and I settled into our
Sunday classroom at the church and listened to our teachers, Wayne and Deb,
speak of the angels and the shepherds. Our class just finished a series of
lessons on different individuals in the Christmas story. It was the final
lesson. I loved it. </div>
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Reading through Luke 2, in the class, I saw something in
verse 15 that bugged me, intrigued me, distracted me for the next 10 minutes of
the lesson. </div>
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“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the
shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that
has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’”</div>
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I don’t know if this has ever bugged you before, but “this
thing”? Thing? Really? I couldn’t stand it when someone called one of my boys “it”,
as if he was some inanimate object. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Why not say, “Let’s go see this King” or “this baby” or “this
miracle?” Why “this thing?”</div>
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I really try to not get distracted in lessons or sermons. I’ve
been informed by my husband that it’s dreadfully distracting to be teaching/preaching
and to look out at your spouse, who sits with her brow furrowed momentarily and
then plows through the back of her Bible…frantically looking up Greek and
Hebrew words. It’s even more distracting when she digs in her purse for a
highlighter and starts flipping back and forth between verses and a notepad,
scribbling wildly. I try not to do it. I usually do okay. That Sunday, I did wait until after the lesson to go
flipping through the references in the back of my Bible.
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What made me so curious? I had also noted during the lesson
that the same word translated as “thing” was used in verse 17, but translated
differently.</div>
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“When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning
what had been told them about this child,”</div>
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The noun used in both verses is the Greek word, rhema. In
verse 15, rhema is translated into “thing.” In verse 17, rhema is translated as
“word.” </div>
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We see “word” in John 1:1, but that is translated from
logos. Logos is typically indicative of the written word or the physical word,
as in “the Word became flesh.” However, <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=G4487&t=KJV&page=3" target="_blank">rhema</a> seems to indicate the spoken word
and specifically, words spoken to someone. It’s often used in such situations as
“the word of the Lord came to…so and so.” </div>
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I spent another day pondering the difference between logos
and rhema. I know that I’ve heard the differences discussed before, but it hadn’t
been important to me at that point. I’ll admittingly chalk that up to a hard,
unwilling heart. </div>
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From what I’ve been able to scratch up in the last week, God’s
Word…the Bible…is the logos that I have access to in the written form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the Hebrews 4:12 word. The logos that is
living and active. Sharper than any sword, it cuts down to the division of my
soul and spirit and judges my heart and attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is of utmost importance. I need to be hiding
it in my heart.</div>
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I need to be hiding into my heart and pondering these “things”
in my heart. By the way, in Luke 2:19 all of those “things” that Mary pondered
in her heart, were the rhema…spoken words of her son, The Son, The One and Only…The
(Logos) Word became flesh.</div>
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I have the written word. I have a Bible in nearly every room
of my home. I have it on my phone. I have portions of it on plagues and
paintings. I am surrounded by the written word. </div>
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However, I don’t know that I give the Spirit the time and
attention to listen to His rhema word. I don’t slow down and listen as He
reminds me of the logos, just as Romans 8 and John 14 say He will. </div>
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The shepherds had received a word from God. This "thing" that happened was worth spreading the "word." Rhema. </div>
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Rhema. </div>
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This year, my one “word” is rhema.</div>
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I want to hear what God speaks to me. I want it to be so real that I'm stopped in my tracks. So real that I have to immediately share the thing and spread the word.</div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-3856920778748405362012-12-17T14:25:00.001-06:002012-12-24T23:06:35.222-06:0012/14/2012 - My Devotional from that Awful DayI can't even begin to make sense or have the right wisdom to share regarding Friday's terrible tragedy. But, I wanted to just pass along what my daily devotional brought to my heart that morning. How could I know what God was preparing my heart to be exposed to that day?<br />
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Search My Heart, O God</div>
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by Kay Arthur</div>
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December 14</div>
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"Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has not the health of the daughter of my people been restored?"</div>
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Beloved, those words are from Jeremiah 8:22. Gilead was a city in Israel known for its healing ointment. They soothing salve of Gilead brought both healing and beauty. But Jeremiah knew his nation needed more than a topical salve, more than a bandage. Judah's wounds went all the way to the soul. </div>
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There was only One who could heal, only One who could restore health and beauty to a sin-sick nation. God's people learned there is a Physician, One who could bring refreshement, One who could take the bitterness of life and make it sweet. </div>
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Do you know Him today, dear friend, as Jehovah-rapha--the Lord Who Heals?</div>
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<i>Your Word says that You heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds. You support the afflicted. Thank You for being my Physician today, dear God. I need Your tender mercies and healing touch. Restore my soul to health and bring refreshment to my spirit. </i></div>
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I love this devotional. My mom put it in my stocking last year. What a treasure it has been!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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So, how about a give away?<br />
<br />
Leave a comment by December 23rd and I will choose two people at random to receive a copy of Kay Arthur's Search My Heart, O God: 365 Appointments with God.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Don't forget to comment with your name so that I can contact you for shipping information!<br />
<br />
I will announce the winners on Christmas Eve!<br />
<br />
***Lindsey and Brettney win!!!***<br />
<br />
Brettney wins for retweeting the link to the blog!<br />
Lindsey wins for being the ONLY comment!!!<br />
Give away...Fail!<br />
<br />
Oh, well. I'll just say that it's because my tens of readers were all so busy being super moms for the week of Christmas! Yeah, that's what I'll say! </div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-15762555513329896762012-12-10T21:45:00.000-06:002012-12-10T21:45:27.198-06:00While I'm Waiting (Part 1) - Matt 6:25-34<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It’s funny how a song takes on new meaning in different
seasons of my life. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Scripture doesn’t really do that…take on new meaning. It
seems to mean the same thing but pokes me in a different spot. Scripture stays
the same but attacks a different infection in my life, binds up a different
wound. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In the last several weeks, I have heard the song While I’m
Waiting by John Waller a bazillion times. Not really, of course. But, it’s been
often enough to force me to ponder the fact that I am waiting.</span></span>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/i6X71sXagUY" width="400"></iframe>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Right now, I am
waiting for our family to receive a referral from <a href="http://www.awaa.org/default.aspx" target="_blank">America World AdoptionAssociates</a>. By a referral, I mean the phone call from our Family Coordinator
telling us that we have the option to adopt a specific child. At that time, we
will be able to view a picture of the child, medical evaluations, any known
background information and social assessments that have been made or gathered
by the staff. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So, we wait. We are waiting for a referral for a boy, from
Ethiopia, between the ages of 2 and 6. If you would like to know why this is
the child we are requesting, just ask us. It’s a long discussion, best suited
to relaxed conversation over a steaming cup of tea. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We have only been waiting a short while. December 7<sup>th</sup>,
<a href="http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/npswapa/gallery/album13.htm" target="_blank">a date which will live in infamy</a>, marked our 3<sup>rd</sup> month of being DTE.
DTE stands for Dossier To Ethiopia. This hurdle means that all of our paperwork
is done and we are officially on the list to adopt a child in Ethiopia. On the
unofficial list<span style="font-size: small;">,</span> we are #21 in
line for a child over the age of 4. However, there are only 10 families on the
list ahead of us that are requesting a boy or are open to either gender. Also,
only 5 of those families are open to a boy over the age of 5.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So, we wait. And, we will probably be waiting for a long
time.<span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It's not the first time that we've had to wait.</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We’ve had to wait for direction.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We’ve had to wait for deliverance.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We’ve had to wait for healing.</span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We’ve had to wait for provision.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">However, none of those waits had a list, a day on the
calendar to count from, a Facebook page and Yahoo group of others waiting alongside
of us. None of those waits left a little boy as an orphan on the other side of
the earth.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Larry was asked to speak in a senior adult Sunday school
class a few weeks back and in their curriculum, I was struck by this quote regarding
Acts 1, when the disciples were waiting for the Holy Spirit.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>“The key to waiting is to wait with purpose. The disciples
did not accidently wait. They obediently waited. The obedience was not only
THAT they waited but HOW they waited.” </i>– Jesse Rincones, pastor of <a href="http://www.alliancechurch.us/" target="_blank">AllianceChurch</a> in Lubbock, Texas and President of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of
Texas</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The reason that this quote gave me such a jolt was that we
had just been asked to consider serving in a new way. And, of course, I had
immediate reservations because WE ARE WAITING. What if we start serving and
then we get a referral? That means that we will have to find someone to cover
in this new area while we travel to Ethiopia…twice! What if the transition is
awful and we drop the ball? What if we all end up with giardia? What if? What
if? What if? </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This song was so convicting this week because I have been
waiting, not just on a referral, but on a lot of What Ifs. Ugh…I stink at this.
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Do you know what? <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:25-34&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">Matthew 6:25-34</a> did not change this week.
It just poked me in a different place this week. It poked me where I trusted
myself and my planning and my spreadsheets and my pile of adoption/attachment/trans-racial
parenting books. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So, we wait. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But, we will serve Him while we are waiting. </span></div>
</span></div>
</div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-53706262093300414832012-11-07T21:22:00.002-06:002012-11-07T21:22:38.742-06:00Need Something to Celebrate?
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We woke up this morning with the statistics shouting that we
are a divided country. Check out the eloquent way our friend, Brandy, tied it
into her life on her blog --> <a href="http://brandybruce.blogspot.com/2012/11/uncertainty-and-good-friends.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, I want to explain why yesterday was a day to celebrate
at the Daigle house. In fact, today is a day to celebrate as well!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thirteen years ago, today, I was boarding a plane at IAH to
fly away to my honeymoon. Larry and I had walked into Mims Baptist Church, the
day before, as single sweethearts and walked out as man and wife, bound by a
covenant made before God and our families and friends. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That day started the greatest adventure of our lives. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have had a lot of low times. We have lost all of Larry’s
grandparents. We have lost three babies through miscarriage. We have lost his
father to Leukemia. We have fought with each other, with all of our siblings,
with all of our parents and most of our friends. We have overspent, overeaten
and overslept. We have had hard heads and hard hearts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thankfully and only through the grace of a merciful and
redemptive God, we have had some good times. We have four healthy boys. We have
always had a home, a job and a church family that we love. We have come through
a cancer scare with no reason to worry. We have a son, somewhere in Ethiopia,
waiting for clearances allowing him to be adopted. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have a God, Who saves, redeems, restores, provides,
heals, corrects, rebukes and guides. Who is like Him?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, yesterday, we celebrated our 13<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
anniversary.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today, we celebrate our 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> month on the DTE (Dossier
to Ethiopia) list. As of today, we are still number 24 on the unofficial list.
There was not a lot of movement during the month of October. However, the rainy
season is over in Ethiopia and our prayers are that the process will soon begin
moving quickly and efficiently. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are trusting that the same God that has carried us
through 13 years of marriage will carry us through this adoption process as
well.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And that is something to celebrate!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">***Pictures of some of the days that we celebrated will be posted tomorrow!***</span></div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-20241964046252496902012-10-26T17:24:00.000-05:002012-10-26T17:24:19.542-05:001 Chronicles 16:23 - Let All Things Now LivingHe's alive. Yes, Larry is alive!<br />
<br />
In the very basic nature of this statement, I am truly glad. But, I'm also glad in ways I never knew I'd be glad.<br />
<br />
Let's go back a little over a year.<br />
<br />
Larry and I were sitting in a car dealership. We waited at the saleswoman's desk as the finance department ran some numbers for us. <br />
<br />
We waited and waited. Much longer than we had ever waited before. I began to wonder if there was a problem. We had paid down all of our debt. Perhaps, no debt made our credit score scary to lenders. I knew that could happen. We hadn't moved or changed jobs recently. We waited...I worried. Larry never worries, so he sat reading a gearhead magazine. <br />
<br />
The saleswoman, who is a friend of my parents, approached with an odd look upon her face. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>"Larry, did you know that you are dead?"</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Silence.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>The sound of Larry and I blinking...</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Larry's big sigh..."Well, that makes this conversation awkward." (This is typical Larry.)</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You see, Larry is the executor of his father's estate. Evidently, when he called to cancel one of his dad's credit cards, the creditor reported Larry Daigle III dead instead of Larry Daigle Jr. We aren't really certain how that happened, since my Larry didn't have an account with them. However, he was dead. Just according to one credit card company and the one credit bureau to which they report. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's amazing that with just a few swift errant keystrokes one Sally Sue DataEntry girl could cause a problem. What's more amazing is that they will immediately take your word that someone is dead...but, they cannot under any circumstance take your word that you are alive. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Fast forward through a year's worth of long, frustrating phone calls to credit bureaus, the credit card company and an attorney. Larry is finally alive. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It wasn't the end of the world. We drove home in the vehicle Larry had chosen. Our life continued as normal. But, today, Larry is in the system and alive.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Let All Things Now Living</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
words by Katherine K Davis</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let all things now living</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a song of thanksgiving</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to God the Creator</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
triumphantly raise,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who fashioned and made us, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
protected and stayed us, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who guideth us on</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to the end of our days.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His banners are o'er us, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His light goes before us, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A pillar of fire shining forth in the night,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'til shadows have vanished</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and darkness is banished, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as forward we travel from light into light.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His law He enforces, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the stars in their courses, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the sun in His orbit, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
obediently shine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The hills and the mountains, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the rivers and fountains, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the deeps of the ocean</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
proclaim Him Divine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We too, should be voicing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
our love and rejoicing, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with glad adoration a song let us raise, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'til all things now living</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
unite in thanksgiving</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to God in the highest, hosanna and praise!</div>
<br />
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-12647388441219661532012-10-17T11:07:00.000-05:002012-10-17T11:07:53.543-05:00Kings & Queens - Matt. 25:40&45/Matt 18:5I have been sporadically sharing what I've gleaned by going through the hymns during my quiet time.<br />
<br />
Today, we'll take a modern spin on the same idea.<br />
<br />
I saw the video (brand-spanking new, by the way) by Audio Adrenaline for Kings & Queens and my heart was devastated by the lyrics. It must have broken 255 times while I watched and listened. That's a heartbreaking rate of 1 break per second. <br />
<br />
I've been checking iTunes to see if the single is available yet. Nope. Dern. But, I will let you know when it is available. In the meantime, watch the video, read the lyrics, crack your Bible to <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2025&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">Matthew 25</a>, visit the <a href="http://www.handsandfeetproject.org/home" target="_blank">Hands And Feet Project</a>, and love the least of these. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Kings & Queens</span></em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Audio Adrenaline for Hands & Feet Project</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Little hands</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Shoeless feet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lonely eyes looking back at me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Will we leave behind the innocent
to grieve?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On their own <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On the run</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">When their lives have only begun<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">These could be our daughters and
our sons<o:p></o:p></span></em></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And just like a drum <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I can hear their hearts beating<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I know my God won’t let them be
defeated<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Every child has a dream to belong
and to be loved<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Boys become kings</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Girls will be queens</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wrapped in Your majesty</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we love the least of these</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then they will be</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Brave and free</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Shout Your name in victory</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we love the least of these<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Break our hearts</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once again</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Help us to remember when</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We were only children hoping for
a friend</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Won’t you look around</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><strong><em>These are the lives that the
world has forgotten</em></strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Waiting for doors of our hearts
and our homes to open<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Boys become kings</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Girls will be queens</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wrapped in Your majesty</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we love the least of these</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then they will be</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Brave and free</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Shout Your name in victory</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we love the least of these</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we love the least of these</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If not us</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Who will be</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like Jesus</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To the least of these</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If not us </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tell me who will be like Jesus</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like Jesus to the least of these<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Boys become kings</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Girls will be queens</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wrapped in Your majesty</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we love the least of these</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then they will be</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Brave and free</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Shout Your name in victory</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><strong><em>We will love</em></strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We will love the least of these (6x)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="239" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/U64bongHqYU" width="425"></iframe><br />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-75831533523543190282012-10-08T10:01:00.001-05:002012-10-10T11:39:58.008-05:00Pictures of the Firsts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
***<strong><em>Update:</em></strong> Jeremiah's visits to the orthopaedic specialist and the ENT went very well. The doctor that did the temporary cast in the ER was doing a rotation there from Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. The ortho said that she had done the temporary cast so well that he didn't see a need for a new one. If it becomes too worn or gets wet, we will go in for a full cast. However, we are going to try to make it the full time with the one we have. The ENT feels like the damage to the right side of Jeremiah's nose is minimal and that there will not be any problems with its healing. We already had another CT scan and round of allergy tests scheduled for next week. So, the ENT will be able to compare the CT scans from the week before the accident, the night of the accident and then the new ones to make sure that everything is on the right track.***</div>
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Here's my brave little man. <br />
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He wanted to get on his bike the very next day. <br />
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The morning after, with his temporary cast. He's going in to the ENT tomorrow and the orthopaedist today. We will update you later with the color of cast he selected!<br />
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We may also swing by Academy and get a few pairs of wind pants. Buttons and zippers are a little tricky. Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-66421081999502605452012-10-07T23:58:00.001-05:002012-10-07T23:58:26.478-05:00A weekend of firstsEver planned something? <br />
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I know the famous line is "the best laid plans of mice and men..." However, it really, Really, REALLY should be "The best laid plans of moms..." You're giggling because you know it's true. <br />
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See, I started a rough draft of today's post on Friday morning. The rough draft is still a rough draft. I will have to work on it a bit more. It's more thoughtful and reflective than this one. <br />
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See, I was planning on marking the 7th as a big day. We were to celebrate our 1 Month DTE (Dossier To Ethiopia) Day. There was a plan to make a batch of cookies each month to celebrate. And, each month would be a different type of cookie. ***Our DTE Day on September 7th had Snickerdoodle Pinwheels, out of a cookbook my mom-in-law gave me for Christmas one year. They were great.*** <br />
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My plan was to hit the grocery store early Saturday, stock up for the meals for the coming week and grab the last ingredient that I needed for today's cookies. But, that was my best laid plan. <br />
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We were going to celebrate our 1st month of being on the waiting list for our adoption. <br />
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But, we had an unplanned first on Friday. Just a standard Friday, but with a couple of surprises. For one, Larry's twin sister, Jennifer, popped in for a surprise visit on her way back into town. That was an awesome surprise and we were all hanging around in the kitchen chatting away when our second surprise occurred. <br />
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Jeremiah crashed on his bike...big time. I mean Big Time! Poor little dude. He broke his thumb, broke his nose and knocked out his two front baby teeth. <br />
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Obviously, there was never another thought of my plans for the weekend. Immediately, we flew into scramble-mode. After we got Jeremiah (and Gideon) calmed down, we were able to assess the damage and determined the best course of action was visiting the ER. <br />
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Now, you might think that a mom with four sons has had to take one of them in for a broken bone before, but remember...this is a post about firsts. <br />
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Larry loaded Jeremiah up and went to the hospital. I did the frantic scramble of arranging for a friend to come and stay with the other guys (Thank you, Regan!), ordering pizza, making sure I had the new insurance cards, then hopping in the other vehicle. Of course, it was almost out of gas necessitating an additional stop before getting to the hospital. <br />
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It all caught up to me at the gas pump. Of course, I'm so grateful that it was only a broken thumb, broken nose and double-duty for the Tooth Fairy. But, you still hate to see your little guy hurting and upset. <br />
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Just rambling at this point. So tired. Ready for new day, when His mercies are new!<br />
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I'll post pictures of our tough guy tomorrow...and make cookies!Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-66434044732221244982012-10-01T11:18:00.005-05:002012-10-01T11:18:36.900-05:00Praise Him! Praise Him! - Psalm 48:1Just a little thing, but I'm so glad.<br />
<br />
The civil case that I received a jury summons for was dropped at 9:30am!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>Praise Him! Praise Him!</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>Tell of His excellent greatness!</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>Praise Him! Praise Him!</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>Ever in joyful song!</strong></span></div>
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(Words by Fanny Crosby)</div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-52439987782309052882012-09-24T18:28:00.000-05:002012-09-24T18:28:23.415-05:00Philippians 3:14 – Higher Ground/Goodbye, Crib and OverallsChange. I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all.
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<br />
There has been a lot of change in my life recently. Most notably, Larry’s job change. While most spousal job changes mean that a spouse leaves and goes to a different location than he used to, our situation has been a little different.
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<br />
Larry had served in youth ministry for the last 13 years, with the last 4 years at a church here. When he switched jobs to serve in missions full-time with International Commission, changing churches was the courteous thing to do. *** The prior church that Larry served in hired him as the student pastor, because the student pastor had been promoted to senior pastor. Pastor Steve did a great job of referring parents and students to Larry when they came to him. However, it was still a long transition before Larry was the student minister in people’s minds. We didn’t want that for the new guy. Plus, we knew that it would be difficult for our boys to understand the change of roles…No, that’s not Daddy’s office anymore; No, we’re not going to the youth room, etc. You understand. ***
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<br />
So, Larry changed jobs and we changed churches. During the months prior to Larry’s resignation, we tested the waters at several churches by participating in nearly every Vacation Bible School in town. We fell in love with First Baptist of Conroe almost immediately. They had their VBS at night. That was great because it meant Larry and I could drop the guys off, pick them up and check things out together, rather than me scoping out the place/people on my own. The first night, as we checked the 3 big guys in, a woman approached me and asked if Caleb would like to come as well. I didn’t think that he could since the preschool classes were for workers’ children. However, she assured me there was plenty of room for one more and walked us to the preschool area. He was delighted! In fact, he still calls the church “Mega Sports Camp.” What impressed us most was a call that Larry received on that Thursday morning. Pastor Eric, the children’s minister, called every child’s parents to encourage them to attend on Thursday evening, when they would be presenting the gospel. He called EVERY parent! We were hooked. <br />
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So, Larry changed jobs, we changed churches and we had to select a Sunday school class. Ugh, we have been teaching Sunday school for the last 12 years, we didn’t know how to pick one…we have always been assigned one or filling in for absent teachers. The most striking part of this process was realizing we were in the late 30s/early 40s age bracket. What?! I can’t go from 11th/12th grade girls to the 30s/40s class. That just didn’t seem right. But, we found that we love it. <br />
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So, Larry changed jobs, we changed churches, we changed Sunday school habits and Larry moved his office. Now, in the mornings, we get up, get the boys off to school and Larry goes to work…at his desk/study…in the game room. This has been perhaps the most jarring change of all. I ADORE my man. Hang out with me for one hour and you will know it is true. However, we’ve never been together constantly. That’s Constantly, with a capital C. <br />
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So, Larry changed jobs, we changed churches, we changed Sunday school, Larry moved his office to the game room and I took down Caleb’s crib (again). I took it down once before and mourned the changing of seasons in our lives. Happily, I put it back up just a few weeks later when I began watching a precious little girl three days a week. But, a year later, I’ve taken it down again to give to some friends that just had a baby. Larry loaded it in the back of his Sequoia last night and delivered it to them today. We realize that our Micah will probably be old enough to sleep in a big boy bed. And, we realize that by the time we have Micah home, our friends’ son may be big enough to sleep in a big boy bed himself. (Although, I can’t imagine that their son won’t have some siblings rolling down the pike!) Add to the change of our sons growing up that this crib is going to a couple much younger than us. In fact, this new daddy was a student in one of Larry’s youth groups and not the most recent one at that! Everyone is growing up! Sheesh. <br />
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So, Larry changed jobs, we changed churches, we changed Sunday school, Larry moved offices, I took down Caleb’s crib (thereby coming to grips with the fact that my children are getting older) and today, The Overalls broke. Caleb is a mini-man and as such, he was bequeathed the OshKosh Overalls that Joseph wore, that Gideon wore and that Jeremiah wore. Caleb has been wearing them frequently for the last 4-6 months. Today, one of the clasps broke. It completely broke and not in a “oh, I can fix this” sort of way. I could have lost it. I stood at the dryer, holding that darling set of overalls and wanted to cry. But, I did not. <br />
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There are too many blessings ahead for me to hold on to my yesterdays. <br />
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I don’t want to look over my shoulder and long for what is familiar. I want to continue to see my little men grow to be big men, to see my big man continue to grow as a godly man and for my heart to continue to grow and be transformed.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">I’m pressing on the upward way,
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">New heights I’m gaining ev’ry day;
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Still praying as I onward bound,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”</span>
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(Higher Ground - Words by Johnson Oatman, Jr., Music by Charles H. Gabriel)</div>
Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-22706043462337584242012-09-14T14:44:00.000-05:002012-09-14T14:44:37.295-05:00Back to Church Sunday - Sept 16, 2012<iframe width="425" height="239" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nx_P_afu_tU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
I love this! "All of the people, get to a steeple"<br />
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PS: I'll post on Monday with A Daigle Update!<br />
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In the meantime, I'll see you on Sunday!Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-79283842730369496672012-09-08T17:19:00.001-05:002012-09-08T17:19:40.966-05:00DTE 9/7/12 - My Faith Has Found A Resting PlaceI mentioned last week that we sent in our dossier documents to America World (AWAA). <br />
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Everything was complete. So, our documents were sent to the Department of State and the Ethiopian Embassy for certification/authentication. As of now, those documents are in the hands of FedEx, travelling to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.<br />
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Relief, excitement and angst converged on Friday when I opened the e-mail providing our tracking number. Will I be able to handle the wait? Have I read all of the right books? Are the boys (all five of them) going to be okay through this? Will we have enough money saved when it's time to go? Is our new little guy okay right this minute? Is he hungry, cold, alone? Is he safe? Is he already in an orphanage? Is he still with his family? Are You sick of my questions?<br />
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I intentionally searched for this hymn during my devotion time.<br />
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<em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">My Faith Has Found A Resting Place</span></strong></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #cc0000;">My faith has found a resting place, </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;">Not in device or creed;</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;">I trust the Everliving One, </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;">His wounds for me shall plead.</span></em><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">We who have believed enter that rest. -- Hebrews 4:3</span><br />
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My all-time favorite album is <a href="http://toddagnew.com/music/" target="_blank">Todd Agnew's Need</a>. I can't really choose between two songs on that album for my favorite song. <br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldcOuqO_fNg&playnext=1&list=PL1D6E3236C0DE3BF0&feature=results_video" target="_blank">Tell Me The Story</a> is going to be played at my funeral and you WILL dance and play the air guitar. You will. <br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuliORqWhUs" target="_blank">I Need No Other</a> is bit more low-key and a re-writing of My Faith Has Found a Resting Place. And, I want to have one of my friends at Uppercase Living to have its chorus made for my dining room wall.<br />
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<em><span style="color: #cc0000;">I need no other argument,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;">I need no other plea,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;">It is enough that Jesus died,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;">And that He died for me.</span></em><br />
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Right now, there is nothing that I can do for our adoption process. I can study and prepare. I cannot make this current step go any faster. So, I choose to trust the Everliving One. <br />
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Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-77516782212075784782012-08-31T20:15:00.000-05:002012-08-31T20:15:55.714-05:00In His Time - Psalm 27:14Timing is everything. My current fav on Hulu is <a href="http://www.fox.com/masterchef/" target="_blank">MasterChef</a>. I can't really stand any of the judges. However, I enjoy rooting for the amateur chefs as they compete for the title. It's just fun. This past week, two contestants faced off making three different types of souffles, which had to come out of the oven at the exact same moment. Yikes!<br />
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Sometimes, the kitchen gets hot and the pressure is on. Even then, probably more critically than ever, timing is everything. <br />
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I shared a while back that I had put my book-buying-self on hiatus until we complete our adoption. This led to my use of a hymnal for quiet time prompts. What a fruitful source! There have been lots of pages scribbled in and one scripture referencing another, referencing another and so on, until I end up with my nose stuck in a commentary!<br />
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Today, the hymn that I read was <em>In His Time</em> (words and music by Diane Ball). <br />
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<em>In His time, in His time;</em></div>
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<em>He makes all things beautiful in His time.</em></div>
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<em>Lord, please show me everyday as You're teaching me Your way,</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>That You do just what You say</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>in Your time.</em></div>
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<em></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>In Your time, in Your time;</em></div>
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<em>You make all things beautiful in Your time.</em></div>
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<em>Lord, my life to You I bring; May each song I have to sing</em></div>
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<em>Be to You a lovely thing</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>in Your time.</em></div>
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The scripture reference was Ecclesiastes 3:11, "He has made everything beautiful."<br />
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He has, indeed. And, He is doing so now.<br />
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I have felt for a while that I've had three "souffles" in the oven. But, everything seems to be coming together. Not all at one time. Not the way Gordan Ramsey would like it. But, I like it. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Today was a big day</span></strong>. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Today</span></strong> marked the end of the first week of school. Having three guys in school means a lot of careful calendar watching. It can be easy to miss dates, switch dates, and make-up your own dates when you have three children and a total of six teachers in the mix. We love the school our boys attend. There is not a complaint that I can muster. Our family is my #1 Souffle. The time that we spend together is my delight! The week before school started we had a wonderful week. We went to the <a href="http://www.houstonzoo.org/" target="_blank">Houston Zoo</a>, <a href="http://www.cmhouston.org/" target="_blank">Houston Children's Museum</a>, the <a href="http://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumhouston/" target="_blank">Downtown Aquarium</a>,<a href="http://www.hmns.org/" target="_blank"> Houston Museum of Natural Science</a>, toured <a href="http://houston.astros.mlb.com/hou/ballpark/" target="_blank">Minute Maid Park</a>, <a href="http://www.spacecenter.org/" target="_blank">SpaceCenter Houston</a> and <a href="http://www.galveston.com/seawolfpark/" target="_blank">SeaWolf Park</a>. Of course, we also partook of glorious shakes at <a href="http://59diner.com/" target="_blank">59 Diner</a>, where the shakes are (according to the menu) "Rich Enough to be Your Landlord!" Delicious!<br />
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But, as of today, we have one week of school and its routine behind us!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Today</span></strong> we sent the very last documents needed for our dossier. The adoption is my 2nd Souffle. We've have been on this step for ages! I know, I know...it has taken us a long, long time. It's not that we didn't have the paperwork done, funds for this step or the confidence that we were doing the right thing. We were waiting for the 3rd Souffle. But, we're done with our paperwork (other than periodic updates, depending on how long our wait time will be.) <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Today</span></strong> was Larry's last official day with West Conroe Baptist Church. Larry's duties rounded out in mid-July, with a very sweet and endearing "Thanks, Larry" reception in the Garden Room at the church. The church was even gracious enough to allow Larry the last 6 weeks to prepare for his new position. We have received so many cards of encouragement and count the church family as dear friends. However, Larry has changed ministry paths to work with International Commission. <br />
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International Commission is the group where my father is the area VP of Africa. This is certainly the dessert course souffle! I love my daddy! I love my hubby! It is exceedingly, abundantly more than I could ever ask or imagine for them to love each other enough to work together! Blessing upon blessing...they will be working shoulder to shoulder to see people around the world come to Christ.<br />
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I could just cry like the guy at the end of Facing the Giants, "I'm overwhelmed!"<br />
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At this point, the kitchen of my life smells like three beautiful souffles! That's not to say that lots of little side dishes haven't burned, spoiled or bubbled over recently. And, there is still a lot of time to wait in our adoption. There is still a lot of administrative stuff to complete before Larry's boots are on the ground with International Commission. There are still many things going on with our four boys. There is much to do and much waiting still to be done. <br />
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But, He does make all things beautiful in His time! His timing is everything. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Psalm 27:14 </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wait<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14300AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup> for the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>;<br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-27-14">be strong<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14300AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup> and take heart</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-27-14">and wait for the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</span></span></span></span></strong></div>
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Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-31558976126563331412012-08-26T22:08:00.002-05:002012-08-26T22:08:58.285-05:00My Sister Makes Me CryLet me start by declaring that I have a precious sister.<br />
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This evening, I have been going through a bunch of adoption paperwork. At a moment of frustration, I stumbled across this letter of recommendation. Penned by my very dearest friend, it is one of my most valuable possessions. <br />
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<em>To Whom It May Concern:</em></div>
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<em>Lawrence and Laurie Daigle, who we call Larry and Colleen, are my brother-in-law and sister. Colleen is my big sister and best friend. I was eleven years old when she and Larry married, and it has been a joy and a privilege to watch, over the past thirteen years, their sweet example of a Christ-centered marriage, godly parenting, and a family founded on faith.</em></div>
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<em>Colleen is Larry's biggest fan. No one loves him more, encourages him more, or fights for him more than she does. The reverse is just as true. They model for their boys and for others what it means to support each other through prayer, forgiveness, and laughter. Larry and Colleen love each other more today than they did when I saw them dating; more than they did when I watched them get married. Their commitment to each other and to their family is stronger even today than it was when their oldest son, Joseph, was born. I am confident that in years to come, that love and commitment will only grow deeper and stronger. </em></div>
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<em>Joseph, Gideon, Jeremiah, and Caleb Daigle rarely meet a stranger. Larry and Colleen have taught them well how to welcome and befriend the friendless. They make room at their table for little boys from school who don't get enought to eat at home. They have taken under their wing teenagers who needed encouragement and the love of a family. The Daigles have, perhaps unwittingly, been practicing for years for this journey of adoption. Their homes and their hearts are so ready to embrace their new son and brother.</em></div>
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<em>Sincerely, </em></div>
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<em>Hannah....</em></div>
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Jeezalou! And, yes, I cried! What an honor!<br />
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Thank you, Hannah!Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492094422168330479.post-22220408683157111002012-05-22T10:14:00.000-05:002012-05-22T14:01:03.298-05:00Love it!A new video from our agency, <a href="http://www.awaa.org/default.aspx" target="_blank">America World Adoption</a>.<br />
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<iframe width="425" height="246" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LsAwo_t2ufY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658830832599089903noreply@blogger.com1