January "Give": The Thomas Family

Sorry it's already a week into January, but here is our January Give Family!  I'm so thankful for Chris and Angie sharing their heart and family's adoption process with us.

Here is their story...
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No one ever told me adoption was a battle, a war, a direct attack on Satan and his plans to steal, kill and destroy.  I will admit when we started our adoption journey I was naïve and idealistic.  Submit paperwork, save and fund-raise (lots of) money and God brings a beautiful child in need into your family.  This is the point where I hang my head and let out a big sigh over my own ignorance.:)

 

Four and a half years later I can tell you God cares desperately for the fatherless and my naivety has been replaced by heart wounds and a deeper appreciation for the battle that ensues when we pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Adoption is a symbolic, earthly display of all that happens in the spiritual realm when we become followers of Christ.  We are rescued from our sins, purchased by His blood and brought into His family and given a new identity as His sons and daughters.  Adoption is the gospel displayed and it is beautiful…but Satan despises and opposes it in every way possible. 

 

My husband, Chris, and I first started the adoption process and submitted our application for international adoption in Ethiopia in the summer of 2010.  Our two spunky and crazy biological boys were three and almost two at the time.  We had spent time in Ethiopia and Kenya on short-term mission trips in 2003 and 2006 and sensed God’s clear leading to adopt from Ethiopia.  From the very beginning it seemed every step of the process was contested.  The first six months of our paperwork chase felt like we were walking in mud…lost documents and unexpected twists.  We finally finished our initial paperwork only to find out things in Ethiopia were changing and the wait times for being matched with a child quickly went from six months to twenty-four months. 

 

We continued to cry out to Him, asking for direction and considering if we should switch countries or agencies.  His answer, confirmed through much prayer and petition, was simply, "Stay and Wait." These words were almost crushing as we considered the wait ahead but we desperately wanted to be obedient and desired His highest and best. 

 

So…we waited (not always patiently, I might add) and in March 2013 we got the call from our agency which we had been waiting and praying for almost three years.  Our agency had a beautiful three-year-old little girl they wanted to place with our family.  One month later we discovered we were unexpectedly pregnant.  We were overjoyed at God's gift of another biological child but concerned about how this would affect our adoption.  We knew our agency had a very strict policy about pregnancy and not allowing families to proceed with adoption.  After months of tears and praying and pleading with God and our agency we found out we would not be able to continue with our adoption.   

On December 5th of 2013 we welcomed our third, precious, biological son into our family.  In July of 2014, we found out we were once again first on the list to be matched with a child.  Around the same time we learned that things in regard to international adoption had taken another downward turn in Ethiopia.  A "temporary" hold has been placed on adoption referrals at the orphanage our agency partners with by the regional Ethiopian government.  It has now been almost six months and nothing has changed.  Over Christmas we were really discouraged...again...but God gently and lovingly reminded us to keep praying. He has burdened our hearts to intercede and pray for the children who are currently living in orphanages without families.  He has led us to pray fervently that the power of the enemy who desires to keep these children as orphans would be "shattered" (Exodus 15:6, Isaiah 9:4, Job 34:24).

I can honestly say that the trials and heartaches of our adoption journey have changed us.  We understand so much more about our God…and about ourselves.  Our hearts have been purged and sifted of self-sufficiency, control, and pride (and let's just say it hasn't been pretty).  These sin struggles often die slow, painful deaths...but the life and joy found in Christ on the other side of the struggle really are more valuable than gold.  Faith and a deep, abiding trust in our Savior have been forged through the fires of disappointment and broken dreams.

And this is what we have discovered about our God…He is Faithful and Strong and True.  He is a Warrior who fought for and redeemed our lives and is still engaged in battle for those who remain spiritually without a Father and physically without a forever family.  We would covet your continued prayers for the Lord to bring home the child He has sovereignly chosen for our family. Would you pray that we would trust our God, no matter the outcome? Would you also continue to lift up the people and country of Ethiopia in your prayers as well?  The country has been ravaged by drought, economic hardships as well as HIV/AIDS for many decades.  However, God is moving and is calling and equipping the Ethiopian Church to address the needs of the millions of orphans who still exist in the country.  This is the only sustainable hope for the orphan crisis in Ethiopia and we pray God would continue to strengthen His Church in Ethiopia to lead the way in caring for orphans and other vulnerable children.  May love and justice be administered in the name of Christ and may He be glorified.

 

Love in Christ,

Chris, Angie, Burke, Henry and Ned Thomas

 

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All of the profit from the January Give Scarf will go straight to the Thomas family to help fund their adoption process.  Thank you so much for your generosity.  This month's give scarf is shown below- super soft Black & White Striped/Polka Dot Infinity Scarf (while supplies last).

 

December "Give" Family- The Maurers

So excited for you all to hear from Jen Maurer and her precious family...

Shawn is from northeast Ohio and I [Jen] am from southeast Indiana, and the two of us met in college in Kentucky. We were married in 2005 and spent five years ministering in Winston-Salem, NC before moving to Texas in 2010 where Shawn currently serves as the Lead Student Pastor of Compass Christian Church. Adoption and fostering has been on both of our hearts since we were dating, and we both knew that it would one day be something we'd pursue. God spoke to each of us separately and distinctly about a year ago, and we realized that the time to begin this part of our journey was now. Shawn's degree and experiences in student ministry combined with my degree and experiences in Counseling/Psychology have culminated in us hearts that break for the most vulnerable in our society - children in the foster care system. We feel called to walk through the pain, hurt, neglect, abuse, and prayerfully - healing with the children God has prepared for us. 

Our family will be officially licensed on December 4th, which was an arduous process unto itself! However, I think the most challenging aspect of our preparation so far has been working with our boys to understand what is about to happen. Our six year old [Jude] understands why children would be put in foster care and understands that our family can help, love, and serve those children, but also seems to think that all a child would need is a week or so of kind words and they'll be "good as new." Helping him see that the healing process is long, slow, and often even unseen has been challenging. Our four year old son [Cohen] is excited about the prospect of having a foster brother or sister, although we're still working to help him understand that his new sibling will require significant patience, gentleness, kindness, and selflessness. That's a hard lesson for many adults to get...much less a 4 year old! 

One of our greatest concerns in entering this process was our need for a support system. Our families live across the country, and we knew we'd need help, support, and understanding to parent our foster children [as well as Jude and Cohen] well. As we took our first steps in paperwork and training, Shawn and I began praying earnestly for a support system. I can remember crying on my knees, pleading with God and telling Him we couldn't do it alone. Within the hour, my phone began blowing up with friends offering their help and support - friends who were willing to be certified to babysit our foster children, friends who were happy to watch Jude and Cohen so we could make all of our training sessions, and friends who were offering encouragement and prayers. I've seen God provide over and over in many ways at each junction of our journey. Just when I get overwhelmed and think I'm not going to be able to make it through the next step, He reminds me of His faithfulness and everlasting love. 

We're not exactly sure when we'll get the call for a placement, but it's looking like we'll have a placement by Christmas. I can't help but think about Joseph in the days after Mary's labor. He was looking at a sweet boy. A sweet boy who wasn't biologically connected to him. During Mary's pregnancy, I wonder if he questioned if he'd be able to love that baby. I wonder if he thought he'd have a hard time raising a child he didn't help make, or worried about feeling resentful. But I think as he looked at Jesus' tiny fingers, any worries he'd had surely vanished. God called Joseph to adopt and raise His son, and Joseph submitted to that call. And the world will never be the same. 

My favorite quote, my battle cry, my anthem is from Derek Loux. "My friends, adoption is redemption. It's costly, exhausting, expensive, and outrageous. Buying back lives costs so much. When God set out to redeem us, it killed Him." 

Our family blog: 

				jenny.erally : speak.ing {speaking before i think since 1981}
				View on jennyerallyspeaking.w...	Preview by Yahoo

jenny.erally : speak.ing

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All profit from the December Give Scarf will go directly to the Maurer family to help fund their foster care and adoption process.  Thank you so much for your generosity.  Stock up on Christmas gifts, tell your friends and help us share with the Maurers!  Here is this month's Give Scarf:

I am not in control.

The following quote was shared in my bible study last week. (Children of the Day- Beth Moore)

It was one of those moments Jesus spoke right to me

with conviction, love and freedom.

I knew I needed to print & have it posted so I could be reminded every single day

and maybe this reminder can bring great freedom to you as well.

(feel free to email me everydaypitpat@gmail.com if you would like me to send you this image & quote)

Thrive Moms- Fall Retreat

I shared a few months ago {here} about Thrive Moms- "a ministry for moms to encourage and inspire you to do more than just survive motherhood... walking confidently in who He calls us to be as mothers."  They are doing some amazing things and definitely encourage me with their posts and weekly emails.  I have never been good at scripture memorization, but I've enjoyed using their lock screen wallpapers that coordinate with the week's email as a way to learn scripture and even teach John Ryman.  I might change a word here or there so it makes more sense in his mind-- but it's been precious to learn verses together.  He is way smarter than me too!

I'm really excited about the impact this ministry is having on so many women.  Coming up on Nov. 8th, Thrive is offering a FREE online retreat!  Yoga pants & coffee on your couch... a group of friends & snacks... or sign up to host it a group at your local church.  I love that it caters to our mama lives- no travel time or outrageous fees!  You can read more and register for the retreat on Thrive Mom's website.  Check out the retreat devotionals, cute mugs, and more {here}

I would love to hear from you if you are interested in getting a group together for the Retreat.  If you're in the Evansville, IN or Louisville, KY area and would be interested, leave a comment or email me! I haven't decided what I'm going to do, but y'all may sway my decision :) 
  

Grace on Monday, and everyday.

"For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace."
John 1:16

Just Laugh

Unusual Quiet.  You know the sound. That moment when your 2 1/2 year old is quiet and you know immediately he is into something. 

I ran upstairs to put Vera down for her nap and I heard the pantry door open.  I knew when I came down the steps one minute later it was going to be messy.  (so I grabbed my camera... and then ran on down)

Parenting is tough. Disciplining is tough. All the "no" and "say thank you" and "sister needs you to share with her" is oh so necessary but there are just some days when the messes and craziness need a little laughter!! We had the best laugh when I found him with his sprinkle mustache- and a huge belly laugh when I took him to a mirror to actually see what he looked like!

 

I was encouraged my this week's Thrive newsletter (are you on their mailing list?!) 

 

"Instead of focusing on timeouts, endless diapers, dirty floors, hours of homework, force-fed dinners, lies and disobedience from your children- what can you see?  How about chances for showing them Jesus, an opportunity for fun and something out of the ordinary!  Allow yourself to step out of insanity and live a life filled with grace and joy!"

 

Yes, the things listed above are greatly important in training and teaching our children, but with so much daily repetition we can forget the bigger picture and why we are training in the first place.  We want to raise our children to grow to know & love the Lord and share Him with others- but if they do not see our joy that overflows from the grace of Christ then all they will see are rules and boring life.

 

 

"So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for

people in this world than to eat, drink & enjoy life."

Eccl. 8:15

 

 

Encouragement for the weekend

Have you all heard of Thrive?

I recently stumbled upon their website and blog- actually I believe the Lord led me straight there knowing just what I needed.
 Thrive is a ministry for moms to encourage us to do more than survive motherhood and to learn to be confident in who God calls us to be as mothers.
I thought I would share with yall before the weekend just in case you can sneak away for a little free time and watch their retreat video.  I think the retreat was in April but I watched it last week and was very encouraged and blessed by the speakers that shared their hearts and words from scripture.
It says it is three hours, but there is an intermission and since its not live- you can pause and come back to it whenever you have free time or the kids go down for a nap.
{click here} for the retreat video
I'm running after my hiding place this weekend and soaking in the rest that only God can provide- praying you will join me!

Quote from Thrive's Monday newsletter:
"True fellowship is found when we come together in the light, willing to expose ourselves, and ready to offer the grace found in the precious blood of Jesus."

The truth.

I could photograph my garden with soft lavender and creeping oregano...

even share some surprises left behind by the missionaries that owned our home...

 but then you wouldn't see the crispy black-eyed susans.

 What a treat it was to find these wispy whites blooming along the back fence... 

but my garden, on the other hand, is quite a weedy mess!

I could crop & position so you would see the glowing tomatoes and those beautiful squash blooms...

but these half dead squash plants, overcrowded zucchinis and climbing weeds scream at me daily.

I could tell of my 99 cent Home Depot purchases that once were dead and have resurrected...

but then there are those tiny peonies that have yet to find a home.

Even the lamb's ear, one of my favorites, is flourishing,

but would you notice the chunk picked off from JR or the pots begging for water just behind...

My garden and, well, our entire yard is a work in progress and I don't want you to ever think that all things are perfect around here just because I enjoy picking the right angle for a photo or blurring out the overgrown messes.  Even though some spots are pretty and growing weed-free, you know what is my favorite in the entire yard?

It's actually these three dead flowers... picked by a little boy with dirt under his fingernails and the juice from fresh strawberries dripped down his white collar... just for his momma.

Hey Friends!

 
Well, friends, we are alive and well.  Sorry for the lack of posts!  As many of you know, we moved across country and are settling in to our new home and life in Evansville, Indiana... more specifically the town of Newburgh.  

 I have lots of posts to do, but needless to say, we have been a little exhausted (more emotionally than physically) around here.  It is quite a transition and we are missing so many dear friends.  While my pregnancy hormones haven't helped my tissue supply, the nesting symptoms are in full swing!  Most of our boxes are unpacked and I have reached the fun part of moving- organizing and decorating.  Hopefully I can update soon with pictures of our new home, nursery plans!??!, diy projects, the cute town of Newburgh and maybe even try to put words on paper about our last few days in Texas and our first home.  I really want to try to keep things up to date on here, so when the fog clears I can have some memory of this time in our lives.  Until then, here are some photos I took of John Ryman this morning by the river.  I am treasuring these special days, just me and my little buddy.  As excited as we are for Vera to join us in less than 2 months, JR and I sure are enjoying our days together exploring a new town and meeting new friends. 

Be Yourself!

I recently read a book entitled Desperate- Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe- and I highly recommend it!  Such a refreshing and uplifting read filled with so much wisdom.  "It is a life offering filled with encouragement, help and answers to some of your heart-wrenchingly honest questions."

The following section was written by one of the authors, Sally Clarkson.  I underlined and starred it while reading :)  It really spoke to me and I hope you are encouraged to be the woman, mom & wife that God creatively designed you to be.

"Determine for yourself what you hope to be the outcome of your family.  what legacies do you want to leave for your children?  Clay and I knew we wanted to pass on to our children the strengths we had nurtured in our own lives?  We wanted them to know how to think clearly, and so we chose a pathway that would expose them to great books and constant discussion of ideas.  We wanted them to have a personal relationship with the Lord, so we made plans on how to disciple them and reach their hearts.  Clay and I both loved and performed music, and so we invested time in music lessons, according to the inclinations of our individual children.  We wanted our home to feel like the best place in the world to them, so we planned activities, traditions, family feasts, games, and read-alouds.

If you do not have a plan or philosophy, then you will try to fit your life into other people's plans.  God has made each couple with the freedom to create their own family culture.  The sooner you decide to embrace your own values, preferences, strengths, and weaknesses, the more you will become who God made you and your husband to be.

Of course, it requires faith to be yourself, to embrace your own ideals and family design.  But living according to the voice of God's Spirit is always the way to freedom, joy and fulfillment.  Living by faith and cultivating your own purposes give you energy to pursue what is on your heart and to take your children along with you in advancing those ideals.

So all of you precious moms who will read this, be yourself; be the best and most excellent and most righteous self you can be, but live in the freedom of God's call and design on your life.  I love who you are and how God uses you.  When you learn to hold His hand and walk by faith and obedience, you just might find yourself in the Hall of Faith of those who followed hard after Him and were allowed to tell a story of faith in their lifetimes."

philippians 4:7

Birth Story- Part 1

 (our 2011 Christmas Photo- taken at 39 weeks)

Note to expecting mothers: My sweet friend took some wonderful photos, but I would recommend taking any maternity photos before 37 weeks :)  Unless you just want to remember how HUGE you were!  It was one of those things I just kept putting off until, well, it was almost too late.

I thought it would be fitting to share John Ryman's birth story today and tomorrow as I look back on those special days one year ago.  I had planned on sharing his birth story about 11 months ago, but after postponing and forgetting many times, I decided a few months ago to just wait until his first birthday.  I'm so excited to relive our 2011 Christmas with you and I'll be glad I have it in writing one day when I start to forget the little moments. 

Don't worry, no gory details or crazy drama that will have you running from ever getting pregnant.  I feel like I read so many horror blog posts and extreme birth stories while I was pregnant, that after I delivered I was frustrated more people didn't share the beautiful stories.  I tried to prepare myself for the worst possible scenario, remind myself that even if that occurred Christ was still in control, and then remove my thoughts from those fears.  Thankfully, I had a mom and several sweet friends that told me their sweet stories and how much they actually enjoyed labor & delivery- crazy huh?!  I know that good birth stories are rare mainly because every delivery is different, but I wonder if that's simply because most people share the horrible, screaming experience and you prematurely expect yours to be the same?  I went into the day looking forward to the process and encouraged by friends that it is okay to enjoy labor and delivery.  My next pregnancy will probably be the complete opposite of John Ryman's but there is something to say about a calm mindset, free from horror stories read online.  Okay, probably thinking too much into it... All that to say, this is a birth story you will want to share with pregnant friends or people with a fear of delivery :)

John Ryman was due to arrive on December 23rd, 2011.  My parents, Sadie and Sam drove down on the 22nd in hopes the little man would arrive on time.  My doctor said she would only let me go one week past my due date, so they knew they would stay over a week and get at least one day with John Ryman.  Thankfully, they only had to spend 2 days with my pregnant self and the rest of their time they had a precious baby to snuggle. 

I guess it all started a week before the due date, well actually 9 months before... but about a week before I started some of the old wives tales to induce labor.  I tried some spicy wings at Buffalo Wild Wings (which for me is just medium!)  A little eggplant with dinner.  LOTS of walking and shopping even though I was done with Christmas gifts- TJMaxx was a favorite.  Then on the 22nd, I took some evening primrose vitamins and continued the dosage until I woke up in labor.  I highly doubt any of these things helped, but who knows!

 (looking Large at Christmas Eve Eve Church Service)

Christmas Eve Eve (the due date) came around and no signs of labor.  We spent a lovely day with my family shopping and eating.  That evening we all went to one of the Christmas services at Compass.  It was strange because it was the first time in 20 years that my dad did not have to be a part of a Christmas Eve service.  Patrick helped out on Christmas Eve Eve, but didn't have any specific responsibilities either because of the uncertainty of whether he would make any of the services.  What a beautiful service and a joy to spend the evening with my whole family worshiping and celebrating the birth of our Savior!

After the service, we walked my family around the church and were actually one of the last to leave. They were all trying to think of ways to get me to go into labor.  I actually did a couple of laps up and down the steps- in heels and skipping every other step- quite hilarious and my dad got it all on video!  Then I raced my brother to the car in the back of the parking lot.  Not sure if that started labor, but my crazy bursts of energy should have been sign I was getting close!

Before heading home, we all made a stop at Krispy Kreme!!  To this day, my dad tells everyone that Krispy Kreme sent me into labor.  Lets just say I ate a LOT.  I tell all pregnant ladies about the original glazed because who doesn't like an excuse to indulge in such goodness! 
Patrick, Sam & I headed home (the rest were staying at a nearby hotel) with still no signs of labor. 
Who knew that after a great night sleep I would wake up Christmas Eve with my first contraction!
and this little Christmas blessing would be here before the day ended:

wonderfully made

 Nothing like precious newborn toes... I photographed baby Sienna (5 days old) yesterday and look forward to sharing the photos with you.  Couldn't help but think of this Psalm while looking through all the detail shots. 

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:12-14

Psalm 145:1-8

I will exalt you, my God the King;

I will praise your name for ever and ever.

Every day I will praise you

and extol your name for ever and ever.

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; 

his greatness no one can fathom.

One generation commends your works to another;

they tell of your mighty acts.

They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty-

and I will mediate on your wonderful works.

They tell of the power of your awesome works- 

and I will proclaim your great deeds.

They celebrate your abundant goodness

and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

The LORD is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and rich in love.

Psalm 145:1-8

Faithful Families Giveaway!

Happy Monday Friends.  Thought I would start out this week with an awesome GIVEAWAY!!

My dad (Dave Stone) just released a Faithful Families book series offering parents creative ideas, real life stories and scriptural guidance for building families that love God and enjoy being together.

I count it a blessing to have been raised by such godly parents and to have learned from their example, but it is even sweeter to now have their wisdom and stories written down so that I can read from my new perspective as a parent.  Some stories I remember from years ago, but now I see them differently, realizing just how intentional my parents were about bringing scripture into our home and living out their faith.  Now our family is not perfect, but we strive to love Christ more daily AND have a lot of fun together along the way!  I really think you will be blessed by these two books.  If you don't win, I encourage you to pick one up {here} & be on the lookout for book #3 this spring!

This week there will be 2 winners!  Winner 1 will receive:
Raising Your Kids to Love the Lord.  Winner 2 will receive: Building Family Ties with Faith, Love & Laughter.

See winners {here}!!!

There are lots of ways to enter!  If you don't have a blogger account, you can comment as "anonymous" just be sure to leave your email so I can contact you if you win.  
Winners will be announced on September 27th.

One entry for each of the following:  
1: Visit Dave Stone's website {here} and then come back and leave a comment below answering the following question: What do you think is one of the keys to raising a Faithful Family?
2: Follow @TheFaithfulFam or @EverydayPitPat on Twitter, then come back here and leave another comment below telling me you are a follower.
3: "Like" the Faithful Families Facebook Page and then comment on this post letting me know you liked the page.
4: Tweet or Share on Facebook about the Faithful Families giveaway.  Comment here and let me know.
5: I know some of you have already read the book & want to win so you can give it to a friend!  If you have read it, email me and let me know what you thought.  How are you bringing the joy of Christ into your home?  What ideas have you taken from the books and started with your family?  I'll add an extra entry for each person who emails :)  Contact me {here}

“Christian homes don’t just happen; neither do kids who love the Lord,” says author Dave Stone. “In this book, you’ll learn that when godly living is your priority, it becomes more natural for your children to embrace faith—real faith.”

You can read the first chapter of each book for FREE if you go {here} and download them :)