marthaj

Tony and Donna, First the Steelers win the Super Bowl, and NOW THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The year 2006 will certainly be a year to remember and to celebrate!! Best wishes from fellow Steelers fans, Martha, Jeff and Catherine

Anne, As I understand it, the Jewish faith is passed through the mother, so since you are not of the Jewish faith, there is really not a requirement that he be brought up in that faith. We are Catholic (my husband is a "cradle" Catholic, I joined the Catholic church through the RCIA program in 1990 before we were married) and for many years our parish held a Jewish "seder" meal on the Monday of Holy Week. I believe many Christian demoninations have adopted the seder as part of Holy Week activities. I think you can teach Judeo-Christian ethics without diminishing one faith over another. (For example, the Ten Commandments are timeless, and are used by both the Jewish and Christian faiths as a moral standard.) If you can approach it from the aspect of what the two religions share in common, then perhaps Josh will feel less "anxious" about which path to take.

Yes, Karen, you are right! I checked the Gallery, and I remember Joe and Nancy from Camp 2004. I remember meeting and talking with them, and their son was just a mere babe himself then! Congratulations, Joe and Nancy!

Kenneth and Mary, So happy for you! Our BOG also found her way to us 12 months after we completed orientation! I know the feeling!

Congratulations Heidi! Who knew when you posted on the forum for the first time on Feb 1, that just a mere 10 days later you would be holding your new son!

From Air Force Blue to Pretty in Pink! CONGRATULATIONS KRISTEN AND JASON!!

Fingerprints were required as part of our homestudy here in Texas. We drove up to Austin, had them done at the TX Dept of Public Safety HQ in the morning, and the results were back by afternoon. We then handcarried the results to our Social Worker. I think that the fingerprints are probably still required. The laws are probably in effect to ensure that you're not a convicted felon, on parole or on probation. Maybe they are not required in Pennsylvania, and so your local social worker is not aware of this.

Here the the remaining spiritual virtues for days 29-31. Day 29 Prayerfulness I ask that my children would be committed to prayer, and not faint, lose heart or give up. (ref: Luke 18:1) Day 30 Gratitude Lord, help my children to live lives that overflow with thankfulness, always giving thanks to You. (ref: Ephesians 5:20) Day 31 Boldness I pray that my children would fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel of Christ Jesus. (ref: Ephesians 6:19) I hope that you have gained some insight from these verses. Even if you don't embrace the Christian faith, there are some universal concepts among these virtues that cross religious differences and boundaries. Certainly, concepts like integrity, self-control, respect, kindness, compassion, responsibility, wisdom, and perseverance are desirable traits for us all!

How about the comments made to a woman who already has 4 or 5 children and is pregnant again, "Haven't you figured out what causes that yet?"

"Oh, I just couldn't adopt, it just wouldn't be the same as having my own baby." (I say, if you want to own something, go buy a car!! Or a dress, or a new purse, or a pair of shoes, why don't cha!???)

Sabrina, I have been practicing these "rules" for years myself! Great rules, for singles or marrieds, with or without kids!! Thanks for sharing!

Here are the next 7 virtues, for days 22 through 28. Day 22 Contentment "Father, teach my children the secret of being content in every situation, through Him who gives them strength." (ref: Philippians 4:12-13) Day 23 Faith "Lord, help my children to fight the good fight of faith, taking hold of the eternal life to which they were called." (ref: 1 Timothy 6:12) Day 24 A Servant's Heart "God, help my children develop servants' hearts, that they may serve wholeheartedly." (ref: Ephesians 6:7) Day 25 Hope "God of hope, grant that my children may overflow with hope and hopefulness by the power of the Holy Spirit." (ref: Romans 15:13) Day 26 Patience "God, strengthen my children with all power, so that they may have great endurance and patience." (ref: Galatians 5:22) Day 27 Passion for the Lord "Lord, I pray my children's souls would pant for you as the deer pants for streams of water." (ref: Psalm 42:1) Day 28 Wisdom "Father, I pray my children would ask and that you would generously give wisdom to them as you promise." (ref: James 1:5)

Sabrina, What beautiful thoughts! It's reminds of the saying "I'm not perfect, I'm just forgiven." Thanks so much for sharing that with us!!

Brenda, You can check out Susan, Bill and new daughter's picture in the Forum Gallery under the heading Abrazotots and New Arrivals.

Here are the next 7 virtues, for day 15 through 21. Day 15 Generosity "Lord, I pray my child(ren) would be rich in good deeds, generous and willing to share." (ref: 1 Timothy 6:18) Day 16 Peace Loving "Father God, help my children make every effort to do what leads to peace." (ref: Romans 14:19) Day 17 Joy "Heavenly Father, grant that my children would be filled with the joy given by the Holy Spirit." (ref: 1 Thessalonians 1:6) Day 18 Perseverance "Lord, teach my child(ren) to persevere in all they do, and help them run with perseverance the race set before them." (ref: Hebrews 12:1) Day 19 Humility "God, please cultivate in my child(ren) the abiltiy to show true humility toward all." (ref: Titus 3:2) Day 20 Compassion "Holy Father, I pray that You would clothe my children with the virtue of compassion." (ref: Colossians 3:12) Day 21 Responsibility "Lord, grant that my children would learn to be responsible, for each one should carry his own load." (ref: Galatians 6:5)

Here are the 7 virtues for this next week, days 8 thru 14 of our one month of virtues. Day 8 Prayer for Mercy Oh Father, grant that my children would be full of mercy and compassion. (ref: James 5:11) Day 9 Prayer for Respect Lord, help my child(ren) to show proper respect to everyone. (ref: 1 Peter 2:17) Day 10 Prayer for Self-Esteem God, help my child(ren) develop a strong self-esteem, rooted in the realization that they are Your workmanship. (ref: Ephesians 2:10) Day 11 Prayer for Faithfulness Let faithfulness never leave my children, but bind this virtue around their necks. (ref Proverbs 3:3) Day 12 Prayer for Courage Lord, may my children always be strong and courageous in their character and their actions. (ref: Deuteronomy 31:6) Day 13 Prayer for Purity Create in my children pure hearts, O God, and let that purity of heart be shown in their lives. (ref: Psalms 51:10) Day 14 Prayer for Kindness Father, I pray that my children would be kind to each other and to everyone else. (ref: 1 Thessalonians 5:15)

For more info about positive adoption language, please see the following Forum topics: Adoptees->Heart to Heart->ADOPTESE Homestead->Family Room->Positive Adoption Language Primer

Bumping up this topic for MarkLaurie, for all those who are thinking about entering the adoption process, and for those of us who just need a "review."

With the start of a new year, I wanted to share something I received at my Mother's Enrichment Group. It is a calendar, but not for any specific month. It is a calendar of 31 Christian virtues, with a short prayer and supporting scripture reference. You can use this calendar to pray 31 different biblical virtues into your children. I wanted to share the 7 virtues for the first week (Sunday Jan 1st thru Saturday Jan 7th.) Then each Sunday I will add 7 more for the following week. You can pray each one per day, or just pick the virtue that has the most meaning to you. Day 1 Prayer for Salvation Lord, I pray that my child(ren) would obtain the salvation that is in Jesus Christ, with eternal glory. ( ref: 2 Timothy 2:10) Day 2 Prayer for God's Grace I pray that my child(ren) may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (ref: 2 Peter 3:18) Day 3 Prayer for Love Father, grant that my child(ren) would learn to live a life of love, through the Spirit who lives in them. (ref: Ephesians 5:2) Day 4 Prayer for Integrity Lord, may integrity and uprightness protect my children because their hope is in you. (ref: Psalm 25:21) Day 5 Prayer for Self-Control Father, help my child(ren) not be like many others, but to be alert and self-controlled in all they do. (ref: 1 Thessalonians 5:6) Day 6 Prayer for Love for God's Word Lord, may my child(ren) regard your Word as more precious than gold and sweeter than honey. (ref: Psalm 19:10) Day 7 Prayer for Justice God, help my child(ren) to love justice as You do and act justly in all they do. (ref: Psalm 11:7 & Micah 6:8)

With the start of a new year, I wanted to share something I received at my Mother's Enrichment Group. It is a calendar, but not for any specific month. It is a calendar of 31 Christian virtues, with a short prayer and supporting scripture reference. You can use this calendar to pray 31 different biblical virtues into your children. I wanted to share the 7 virtues for the first week (Sunday Jan 1st thru Saturday Jan 7th.) Then each Sunday I will add 7 more for the following week. You can pray each one per day, or just pick the virtue that has the most meaning to you. Day 1 Prayer for Salvation Lord, I pray that my child(ren) would obtain the salvation that is in Jesus Christ, with eternal glory. ( ref: 2 Timothy 2:10) Day 2 Prayer for God's Grace I pray that my child(ren) may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (ref: 2 Peter 3:18) Day 3 Prayer for Love Father, grant that my child(ren) would learn to live a life of love, through the Spirit who lives in them. (ref: Ephesians 5:2) Day 4 Prayer for Integrity Lord, may integrity and uprightness protect my children because their hope is in you. (ref: Psalm 25:21) Day 5 Prayer for Self-Control Father, help my child(ren) not to be like many others, but to be alert and self-controlled in all they do. (ref: 1 Thessalonians 5:6) Day 6 Prayer for Love for God's Word Lord, may my child(ren) regard your Word as more precious than gold and sweeter than honey. (ref: Psalm 19:10) Day 7 Prayer for Justice God, help my children to love justice as You do and act justly in all they do. (ref: Psalm 11:7 & Micah 6:8)

I just bet all the other brightly wrapped presents under the Christmas tree will surely pale in comparison to this priceless gift! Enjoy your new year of firsts...first Christmas together, first New Year's, first Valentine's Day, first Easter, first Mother's and Father's Day, first 4th of July....in fact, why not make each and every day together a holiday! Congratulations!

Sabrina, Beautifully said! When we put our focus on what is best for the children, then everyone wins!

When Laura posted her comment about who should shoulder the financial responsibility in a failed match, she was for the most part responding to Sherrie's post about being out the $4000+ monies for the adoption in which the b/mother they were matched with, who was due in 3 days, left the state for a more lucrative financial arrangement in California. Obviously the b/parents must have been working "behind the scenes" with the adoption attorney in Calif, while still accepting monies from Abrazo. I saw Laura's post simply as her being sympathetic to Sherrie's plight. I know all of us who were on the Forum at that time were as hurt and outraged as Sherrie was. But even this story had a happy ending, as Sherri's beloved Brenli came home not too long after that, and their hearts were healed! So I did not view Laura's statement as an indictment against all b/mother's, but as a response to Sherrie's specific situation. Just my opinion.

Claudia, I found a link on the Parents.com web site that pretty much contains the same info as the article I read. The on-line article is entitled "When Should You Have Your Second Child?" and has subtopics "Less than 2 years apart," "2 to 4 years apart," and 'More than 5 years apart." Here is the link: www.parents.com/parents/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/parents/story/data/6117.xml

Jean, I forgot to say...I am not the author of that beautiful prayer. I received it as a hand out at my Mother's Enrichment Group meeting. I'm glad you liked it!