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suebee

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Posts posted by suebee

  2. In Memoriam

    in Abrazo's Chapel Potluck

    Posted

    This is so sad. John and Kay were in our orientation group more than 12 years ago. They were againers, and (as many of you can relate) it was so encouraging to meet a couple who had been through the process before and to see their adorable son. I always enjoyed seeing Kay at our annual Memphis area picnic and definitely missed her this year. My prayers for John, the boys, and their first families as they grieve the loss of their wife, mom, and friend.

    • Upvote 1

  4. Financing An Adoption

    in Looking to Adopt

    Posted

    When my first daughter was born we didn't have medical insurance. My in-laws gave us a heifer which we later sold to pay the medical bills. I am glad to report that after almost 40 years, our daughter does not appear to be traumatized by being paid for with a heifer. No, she wasn't adopted. But I think some children will embrace all aspects of their adoption story and some won't. I would guess if someone is upset because funds were raised to bring them into the family then they are probably struggling with adoption in general.

    Great story....and perspective Jackie! Was Melissa paid for with any farm animals? ;)

  5. A Birth Grandmother's Role

    in BirthGrandparents & Important Others

    Posted

    It is a great daily devotional tool… They also have one for kids, with language suited for them.. I think it’s ages 7 or 8 and up.. But hey as smart as kiddos are these days I’m sure younger ones wouldn’t have a problem understanding most of it.

    My co-worker actually has the kids' version on her desk and we read that one sometimes... I like how it gets the message across. Even for an adult, it's just easier to digest sometimes!

    Good to know Melissa. I have the "adult" version and have been thinking about ordering the kids' version to read with the kids at breakfast in the morning.

  7. Destiny, Divine Intervention Or Wishful Thinking?

    in Abrazo's Chapel Potluck

    Posted

    Perhaps you may never know the exact reason why and that is when faith kicks in - to be able to say I trust there was a purpose. I know everyone's personal feelings and religious convications are different. I don't ask you to believe the same as me. As we're all sharing and pondering I am just sharing my feelings that God is mindful of our families individually and uses every life experience for our good in one way or another.

    I don't believe he creates "bad" or "pain" (infertilty, failed adoptions, unplanned pregnancies, etc) but I do think he uses everything for our good.

    I couldn't agree more!

    I read this today and wanted to share.

    Read | Psalm 25:20-21

    What are we to think when God withholds His answer to a prayer? Most likely, you've wondered this at some point. As creatures stuck within time, we can find those ticking seconds very frustrating.

    We must realize that God doesn't see us simply in the here and now; He perceives the big picture all at once—where we've been, where we are, and where we're going. He knows exactly how every little decision, action, or blessing will impact our lives.

    Do you think God wants to bring some- thing into your life that would absolutely destroy you? Of course not! He knows that what may be a tremendous blessing for you later could completely wreck your life now. For this reason, though the Lord hears your prayer, He often pauses to give you time to prepare for that blessing.

    Learning to wait on God demands at least three things of us. First, we must be sensitive to Him. That is, we must nurture our relationship with the Father so we can hear Him when He says "Wait." Second, we must trust His judgment. Does God know more than we do? Yes. Then we should trust Him. Third, we must be obedient to Him. If we try to make something happen on our own after God tells us to wait, then we're heading for disaster. The Lord blesses obedience—even obedient waiting.

    God doesn't operate in a vacuum; He works within His relationship with you, on the basis of His omniscience, omnipotence, and love. Never forget He's actively walking with you, even when He withholds an answer to prayer. It doesn't mean He's not there; it means He's looking out for you even more.

    Copyright 2013 In Touch Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. www.intouch.org. In Touch grants permission to print for personal use only.

    Great insight. Thanks for sharing!

  9. Growing Spiritual Children

    in Abrazo's Chapel Potluck

    Posted

    I read that article too Elizabeth, and can definitely see the truth in a lot of it. I think the key factor is that parents who want to raise children of faith have a solid foundation of faith themselves. I think kids learn to value what their parents value (not what they SAY they value, but what they SHOW they value). The last two Sunday messages at my church were on parenting and training up a child in the way they should go. Like the apostle John, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." (3 John 1:4)

  13. Destiny, Divine Intervention Or Wishful Thinking?

    in Abrazo's Chapel Potluck

    Posted

    I read this topic thread when it was first posted, but really needed to sit with it before responding. This is a topic I struggle with, "Divine planning". Although I see beautiful swaths of what I call God's plan in my own life, I wonder about the lives of others. Why would God put Drake's birthmother through the pain of being separated from her child, and why would Divine Love put Drake through the separation of his first family and the pain that will cause him. Although i am eternally grateful to have him in my life, it seems like a heavy price for others to pay, for me to have my life's greatest joy. As we begin the adoption process again, I am still cognizant of the sacrifice of others, and feel almost an embarassment of riches. But I will continue to pray about it, and do the best I can to honor the sacrifices my little boy and his firstMamma made and continue to make. I may not be able to see the big picture all of the time, but I keep the faith. I wish I had more answers, but thanks for posing these questions.

    Jen,

    Your post is lovely. I could not agree more.

    Kevin and I went to a benefit for a charity we support in the Houston area last night. Listening to some of the testimonials made me realize that God, really truly is everywhere. We just might not realize it at the time. I was in awe listening to Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, speak of their journey in faith.

    I struggle with my faith at times. I think most people do. As my younger sister is battling infertility, I have to believe that there will be a answer to her and her husband's prayers. Whether it is through adoption, IUI or IVF.

    I was asking Kevin why she is having to go through what we went through and he said he does not know, but who are we to question.

    He said her road might have some twists and turns but the road her and her husband are on is worth traveling.

    We were placed with Alexander almost 16 months ago and I can honestly say there is not a day goes by that I do not think about M-I and the love she has for Alexander. We hope to hear from her again one day. She is missed.

    Leah,

    My younger sister also faced infertility, and I thought it was so unfair at the time. She is younger but married and began trying to start her family before me. My husband and I were led to pursue adoption before her and her husband, but as a result, their hearts were opened to adoption too. Now we both have two precious kids each! And we have a very strong bond through our shared infertility. I can definitely see God's hand in all of it.

  23. The Adoption Tax Credit

    in Looking to Adopt

    Posted

    Melissa - if you need to know what all we sent in, just let me know and I'll dig it up. I hope you will get your full refund SOON!

    Our CPA specializes in this! Both times the IRS has come back asking for things, it was something we'd already sent (and had copies of having sent in!) Our poor CPA is ready to bang his head on the wall, I think. I feel like we're always the exception to the rule in some way in our lives, so I can't say I'm surprised when things like this happen. I'm just trying to sit back and smile that maybe God is putting us on hold for a little while longer. :)

    You have the right to call the IRS taxpayer advocate service when the "normal" IRS channels cause you undue hardship. In other words the IRS taking way too long is affecting your ability to move forward with other plans. Google IRS taxpayer advocate and call. Your CPA does not need to call you can take care of it yourself.

    Actually I have it right here. IRS Taxpayer advocate 877-777-4778

    I was going to suggest the same thing. We were actually referred to a taxpayer advocate last year by someone at the IRS because of not receiving our adoption tax credit after we had submitted all requested paperwork (but I understand like Suzi said that you can request one yourself). It helped us to get a quick resolution.

  24. Spiritual Enrichment

    in Abrazo's Chapel Potluck

    Posted

    Thanks everyone for the great words of wisdom and encouragement its great to know i can take it a day at a time and even as i fall im still getting better daily :)

    So im looking for a great study Bible one thats easy to understand but still not so over translated that it can mis representative if you know what i mean? Any tips?

    Mandi,

    Some of my favorite Bible studies are those written by Beth Moore. You can find them at lifeway.com. If I think of any others I will let you know. Also, Lysa Terkeurst has written a great book called "Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl." It was very helpful to me.

  25. Spiritual Enrichment

    in Abrazo's Chapel Potluck

    Posted

    Mandi,

    Sounds like you are on the right track, and Hannah and Karen have both shared some wonderful insight. I have found for me that admitting my weakness to God and asking Him to strengthen me and help me live the way he wants me to is very powerful. I don't believe God expects us to "do it," but rather it is what He does in and through us. Just being yielded to him which, like Karen said, is a day by day thing (even minute by minute sometimes). Your story reminds me of Joseph in the Old Testament who was falsely accused and put into prison in Eqypt where he seemed to be forgotten. (And this was after being betrayed by his own brothers and sold into slavery.) Then one day, God brought him out and lifted him to a position second only to Pharoah. When he was reunited with his brother later he told them that what they meant for evil, God used for good. I, too, went through a period of time where I was mad at God because I knew He could change my circumstances and yet He did not. But now I see that what seemed to be for bad was actually used for my good.

    I wish you so much joy and peace for your life.

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