"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:30 

Do you ever feel like your life doesn't matter? That what you're doing isn't important? Me too! But not today! Today God had me singing a song He put on my heart, as He often does, and I was singing it to the girls, helping them get ready for school in the bathroom. Doesn't everyone sing in the bathroom?! You know; Wash hands. Wash face. Brush hair. Brush teeth. Our usual routine. But since its been raining for weeks, it had a way of slowing me down and wanting to see things more clearly. I know God had me singing this song for a reason. Because I've been struggling with should I go back to school and was feeling guilty for not doing more. And even though God knows I have more dreams. And as much as it could be a good thing to do something else. Right now is not that time. I'm called to be here! God knows my heart wants to serve Him. That's "why" He made me a mom. I'm available 24/7 to be just that. And because Hannah and Lera need me the most, I'm most satisfied taking care of them. This was a picture of me singing to them (again) this morning, while we waited for the bus to come. Getting them to sit down when they were playing ball, and singing, "Strangely Dim" was priceless. To see their little faces looking back at me, makes me know I wouldn't change a thing in the world. I love this front row seat! They have my heart! 

Happy Friday! 
https://youtu.be/L5qD9HOoGpQ

Does He Know?

" Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." - John 14:6 

Dear You,

Don't give up! 

I was just like you. We had 2 kids, just married out of high school chasing our dreams. But then it happened. I started asking hard questions. What comes next? This is all there is? This is all I'm living for? Changing diapers. Making breakfast. Lunch. And dinner. Everyday. I felt so empty. But I had everything I ever asked for. I was married to my high school sweetheart. He loved me too. Didn't he? He loved our kids too. But still something was missing. That's when I realized I was living for myself. But I had a little help realizing that. God sent my Sunday school teacher. I was tired of telling my kids what to do. Yes, toddlers are stubborn! But they wouldn't listen to me! Do you know what my teacher said? She said, "isn't that just the way we are as God's children...He tells us what to do in His Word, but we won't listen!" Ahh, that hurt. Conviction set in. I knew I wasn't living my life right. I was living the worldly way, expecting Godly results. But it wasn't until a neighbor that I knew was a Christian (you just know). I watched her walk. One day I asked her how it was she lived like a Christian everyday, but I had a hard enough time going to church on Sunday and I'm a Christian too! She said, "you are? Does He know?" Wow. Hit me again. I wanted God to know I was a Christian, but my life style made it hard to know. Then I thought, does Jim know I'm a Christian? I live like he does! It made it hard to walk the walk. Talk the talk doesn't work. And I was living in my sin. Ashamed to say what we did when the kids were in bed. How could I expect my kids to listen to me when I wasn't listening to God? Or expect my husband to be any better because we did all these things before we were married. The thing that changed my life was when my neighbor that was moving gave me a magnet that read, "Jesus Is Lord". I never heard that before. I heard Jesus was Savior. I knew He died on the cross to save me from my sins. But that was all. I lived my life like I wanted to. As the song goes "Years I spent in vanity and pride. Caring not my Lord was crucified. Knowing not it was for ME He died on Calvary." So I repented. I learned to put Jesus first. It saved my marriage. Jesus Is Lord! He comes before my selfish desires. Before my husband. Before my kids. My family knows I would do anything for them. But I can't save them. All I can do is trust Jesus and give them to Him. They are a gift. But the greatest gift died to set me free. I hope this helps someone. If you need me to pray for you I will. Love is worth fighting for! Thank You Jesus! 

❤️ -Debbie 

I was inspired to write my story today by Updates from

Daily – Morgan Harper Nichols

http://itsmorganmusic.com/you-never-know-how-god-will-use-your-story/?mc_cid=6a44fe0afc&mc_eid=2f0f23cc4d

Special thanks to our son James for tickets to attended Love Worth Fighting For...

 Me and my husband after the event ~ Love Worth Fighting For Marriage Event 2016! <3

Jim and I 1984 Christmas Morning with our first 2 kids Michelle and James :)

Christmas 2015

James and his wife Amanda with their first two kids! I dedicate this blog to them :) 

Coldplay - 'Fix you' music video 

http://youtu.be/skUJ-B6oVDQ

Welcome Home!

"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things." - 1 Corinthians 13:11 

I giggle a little to think what God must think of me when I jump to conclusions sometimes. What I think He is doing isn't always is. Just because He speaks to me doesn't mean I know the way in which He will bring things about. Take for example a few blogs back...I wrote how Jesus woke me up and said He was coming! How excited I was...I immediately began sorting things out...was He talking about "little Hannah" from foster care? Or was He ready to part the clouds? Both are good answers! But I think this time it was through our own son, James that He would come. When James came to our house, Rachel was still living here and was able to share her faith with him and point him to the Lord. It was her idea that we all watch the "War Room" together as he and his wife, Amanda were having marital problems. God used that and James went back home to pray over his house. He began hanging scripture up on doors and walls in the downstairs where he stayed on the couch (his war room)...ended up Rachel was called to Canada, and the same night we said goodbye to her, James came back saying God wanted everything, leaving behind all his broken pieces and giving them to God....He then stayed at our house for two weeks...through these events we witnessed Jesus indeed had come to our house! We saw the power of God transform our son from the old man he was to a changed man of God, strong and dependent on God, joy pouring out, love in his eyes, a smile on his face, scripture God had given him being shared, music playing as he always was listening to Christian music...of course he wanted his wife, but he said he didn't need her anymore. Not like before, he trusted God had a plan and even if it didn't turn out how he hoped, he was happy God used his past to bring him to Himself. But that's not all, because James gave Jesus his all...God gave back more than he gave up...his wife, Amanda surrendered her all to God and now they are a family again!  

And this is how it ended, right back where it started. Rachel left for Canada to be a missionary, and on the same night, James came home, giving everything to God. Then God did what only He can do, He gave everything back brand new! (2 Corinthians 5:17) 

~ On January 18, 2016, James and Amanda wanted to renew their wedding vows at our house before they returned home together. So they did! Jim guided beside them and family and friends gathered around to support them. :) 

"Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate." - Mark 10:9 

Praise God! 

You're a good, good Father! ~ 

"While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him." - Luke 15:20 

Chris Tomlin - Good Good Father (Audio)

http://youtu.be/CqybaIesbuA

This Is Living

"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit everlasting life." - Matthew 19:29 

Rachel left a week ago, Monday night. Although we knew it was coming, and she already planned on going, the actual day came like a surprise! When The Holy Spirit decided it was time, He took her ever so swiftly to Canada to work with teens! She's excited to share what God has done and how He changed her life!

James ended up back here on the night Rachel left saying God wanted everything and God would provide! His wife. His kids. His home. All to God, with only the clothes on his back for now! 

When James gave his life back to God, Matthew saw what he and Rachel had and gave his life back to God! Then Matthew's wife, Jessica accepted the Lord!

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls." - 1 Peter 1:3-9

Special thanks to Jason Kisic for being with us and taking this picture of us with Rachel before she left for Canada! 

Our family from top to bottom: 

Tim, Rachel, Caleb, Micah, Me, Amanda, James, Matthew, Jessica, Jim, Alice, Skylar, Christian, Lera, Hannah, Mikayla and Myah. (Michelle and Howard not pictured.)

 

Rachel, this song makes me think of you. I dedicate it to you and Alice because I know she loves it like you do! I'm glad we had fun hanging out together before you left. Until we see you again...we love you! Xoxo 

This Is Living (Acoustic) (Audio) - Hillsong Young & Free

http://youtu.be/BFR-tV2whAU

Where are you Christmas?

It's been a long time since I felt like blogging. So much has happened but words won't come. But then again, my words aren't really important. God's words are..."And it came to pass"...Luke 2. 

I haven't been feeling my best. It's a sure sign that God has been working even though it doesn't always feel good. It's been raw. Stuff happening. Disappointments. Setbacks. Things I thought would happen, didn't. I started blaming myself. Dumb mistake. It's never a good thing to take on the weight of the world. I'm reminded once again how much I need Jesus. I never really forgot. But it brings tears to my eyes to realize how much Jesus loves me and chose me. I'm not ever gonna understand it all. And that's okay. I have a good enough understanding, but that doesn't stop me from wanting more. 

Long story short, there's a little girl named Hannah. (Yeah,the same one God put on my husbands heart over a year ago at work). I don't even know what else to say except that to start with yesterday...they came to our house...two women from social services about the little girl named Hannah whom we have been praying for. It's all complicated, they told us once again. But last night after they left I got an email from one of them saying they are considering us! What? Yes! Finally! I guess that's what blogging is for. To share important stuff. It's just while we waited, I haven't felt very important. I bet you sometimes feel that way too. So please forgive me for my absense. I've just been hurting to hear good news...they told us it might take years to finish what has been started, but I don't care! Jim has already said, if God could do it once, (referring to Lera, our little blond angel from Ukraine that God led us to on the other side of the world, He could do it again!) praise God! We can do all things through Christ who makes us strong...Philippians 4.

Sorry for lack of details. But we have learned it's a quiet thing doing foster care. We have our certification, and we're working on our home study. Not much more I can tell you but I ask for your prayers and please remember to pray for all the children this Christmas who need to know the love of a forever family. God bless! 

I heard this song at my mothers house watching the season finally of Dancing With Stars when we traveled there for Thanksgiving and it brought a tear to my eye. But I think I found it! (Christmas!) ... I also really enjoyed watching Bindi, the Crocodile Hunters daughter, but that's another story. :) #footprintsinthesand 

Where Are You Christmas - Cover by One Voice Children's Choir

http://youtu.be/Pdkm8BmesOo

This is our Christmas tree with the lights on, still needs to be decorated, but we're getting there! Maybe I can share how it looks when we're done in the next blog. ;) Merry Christmas! :))))  

Get Ready, I'm Coming!

"And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers." - Philemon 22 

I don't pretend to have all the answers, but I know Who does. The other night I must have been dreaming, but I don't remember it. I just remember hearing, "Get ready, I'm coming!" When I heard those words, I woke straight up and said "He's coming!" Those words have been playing in my head. I have no idea how soon. Or what exactly I should be doing. So I keep praying and believing God will do what He says He will do. I've been ready! I long for it! Now I'm dreaming it! And believing it will be soon! 

"He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon."  Amen. Come, Lord Jesus." - Revelation 22:20 

Jim and I are in the process of trying for foster parenting. Tonight will be our 6th class out of 10. There's lists to do to get ready for a child to come to our home, so I'm thinking it could be that. God wants to come live with us. I remember the same thing happening when we were adopting Lera. And lately, Hannah keeps talking about it. She says she's ready to go! Her and Lera have been packing their suitcase and saying, I'm going to Hannah's house. Hannah has an old cell phone and she's been using it to talk to Hannah. For those who have been following my blog, you know the reason why we started on the foster care path. We heard there's a little girl named Hannah with Down syndrome that needs a forever home. We've been told there's no guarantees. We know things might look different once we get there and our training is finished as far as classes go. And our home study is complete. But I don't doubt that I'm supposed to be getting ready and this is what God has us doing. Only God knows what it will all look like in the end. Jim even said he'd open up the door to an older child if a teen would come instead. That scares me! But I'm willing to do whatever God wants. We're on this path together, this is our journey. Until we all go home to heaven, may our home be like heaven and a safe place for whoever the child may be God wants us to take care of. I'm closing with the previous verse that I opened with because this is my husbands heart and the first verse is mine.

"Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask." - Philemon 21 

I'm Ready Now (Official Lyric Video)

http://youtu.be/zBUQqLp6N24

This was Hannah and Lera, Saturday.  I wanted to remember what they said. "I'm ready to go!" 

Me too! 

Are you? 

Psalm 23 & Adoption Psalm

Psalm 23 - 

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 

3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, 

for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. 

I read from my Facebook memories, yesterday, how I couldn't sleep because of our upcoming court date when we were in Ukraine adopting Lera, back in 2009. I remember that night and how I found comfort reading the 23rd Psalm, so much so that I wrote one of my own for Lera using the original as my guide. Here it is: 

For Lera❤️: Adoption Psalm -

The Lord is my Father.  I shall not die!  He makes me His child through adoption.  He leads me home.  He restores my being; He leads me to a new life and He gives me His name.  Yes, though I walk through the world that abandoned me, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your Word and Your Promises, they comfort me.  You prepare a family to take care of me; You anoint my head with kisses; My joy runs over.  Surely goodness and grace will follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord FOREVER!  ~ 

This is Lera's baby house picture:

Today I find comfort in reading both of these. Because I know it is God who leads us. He has a plan to take care of us. His ways are greater than mine. I can do little, He can do more than my thoughts can imagine. I trust Him. He knows my name, and yours! He knew me before I was born, just as much as He knew Lera would need a mother after she was born. In our mother's wombs we were thought of. I marvel at that and it chokes me up inside, and stops me in my tracks, even hard to type what that feels like. That the God of the universe would come to me in a personal way through His son to write my story. I won't even get into that. Hopefully you will learn more of our story when you read my book (Chasing A Dream Where The Sunflowers Grow). 

If you already read it, or if you have known me for any length of time, you will know one of my favorite verses is Matthew 19:26 - With God all things are possible! It is the very reason we were able to adopt Lera, because God did it! Not Jim and Debbie. I am humbled every time I think that God chose a filthy wretch like me (and Jim, and our family) to adoption. When I read Psalm 23 and the one I wrote in our Ukrainan apartment, it speaks to me still. God didn't just call us to adopt Lera. When I wrote "family" back there in our Ukrainian apartment, I now see the bigger picture being the "church". Our church family was just as much a part of our story. And before this blog gets any longer. Let me simply say, it still is. Church is a big part of every Christian too. Once we've accepted Christ Jesus as our LORD and Savior, we aren't meant to be orphans anymore, but belong to the body of Christ! Happy to say, our church has a big heart for the lost and displaced Christian, and invited three of our children, Caleb, Micah and Alice to RECHARGE, a summer youth camp for FREE! And because they did, all three came back fired up for God, which brought us all back to where our story started, church! Only three more are missing (and their families, grandchildren, etc.), but I believe God is doing something in each heart, I can just feel it! 

Praise God, He never gives up on us! So why should I! (My book is just part of my/our story. Jim and I have been married for going on 33 years coming up this Friday, September 11th, but if I could tell you more, it would just be more stories of the hope that never ends.) 

My Story (Lyrics) - Big Daddy Weave 

http://youtu.be/jIHmYBKkGa8