We got Iowa!

Thanks, Healing Rooms in Iowa!

What about Idaho? Connecticut? Delaware? Hawaii?

Do you all realize we only have like 17 states left?

Wow! Thanks so much for all your help!

I know Sherri and Joel appreciate your

continued support and prayers!

By the way, today is Sherri's birthday! Feel free to stop by her blog at http://allglorybetogod.blogspot.com/, and leave her a birthday greeting!

Thanks again and God bless!

Stop grunting!

Haha! How do you tell a kid to stop grunting when they don't know what you're talking about? Diego is our grunt'r...He just grunts all the time! Why do we grunt? Does it have anything to do with our breathing? I don't know, but it sure can be annoying at the dinner table. I remember my Papaw telling me not to grunt when I was younger. It was funny telling Diego not to tonight! I'm also big about "No smacking," and Diego thought I was talking about closing his mouth.

So, what do I do? I mimic the grunt, a little louder though. Well, every time after that when Diego grunted, Andrew and Tatiana would mimic him, except more dramatic...and repetitively, they would make the noises... You can just imagine what they sounded like!!! Argh! What have I done? I'm just hoping I don't have to explain this to a teacher next year when Andrew finds a "grunter" in school!!! Yikes! But ya gotta laugh, this was so totally innocent!

Waahoo for Illinois!

Thank you, Evans Family for covering Isaac and his family in prayers!

Looking for... Idaho and Iowa, too?

Anyone out there?

Arranged Marriages!

Somewhat light-hearted conversation with Nate and Rena, but I'm not opposed to it? Are you? What are your thoughts on it? It is becoming more common in Christian circles...do you know anyone who had an arranged marriage?

The Duewel Family Visit

We have so truly been blessed to meet several of our friends from the CHI Family! Some of those included: the Bennetts', the Cousineaus', and the Duewels'!

We followed the Duewels' journey thru Colombia and thereafter. Rena also, was present on the prayer board and as mentioned before, had offered me kind words and words of wisdom concerning very sensitive issues regarding adoption, adjustment and family, in general.

Meeting her and her family in person, was again, such an awesome opportunity! The children are just as adorable and beautiful in person as in pictures! Gorgeous! Funny! In the south, we'd say, "I could just swallow 'em up!" It was neat to see a bit of their personality, too! Oh, and they are superb swimmers! Alex and Sebastian, that is!

Sibling adoptions are fun and challenging at the same time! I enjoy reading others' blogs, because I steal their ideas and parenting tips! So, I was super excited to get to spend time with Nate and Rena and glean from them anything that they had to share! Their children were very well behaved, polite, and considerate, and sometimes goofy! It was evident that Nate and Rena had showered those babies with love!

The children (ours included!) got along and played well together. Andrew liked the idea that he and Alex were the same age. Erika and Diego were the same age, too! We went to Dauphin Island together on Sunday (2 wks ago). We tried to meet up again and go to the famous, "Lulu's" but the wait was too long; we found another cool spot; we were able to eat and share!

It was just great to be able to talk and share and pray together. We want to plan times in the future that we can get together and schedule "play dates." We have some friends close to KC that we might try to hook up with and visit as well as meet up with Ben's dad and family in Minneapolis, MN!

So, in short, Nate & Rena, are super-fabulous people, who are easy-going, God-fearing, fun-loving, joyful, talented people! They are as fun and awesome as they appear on their blog! They are doing a wonderful job raising their children, and I can't wait to meet up with them again, soon!

Why New York? (Part Three)

continued from previous post:

Wow! How do I begin...? Sherri is amazing! When praised, she often reflects on God's goodness and His mercy for getting her through. She does --really give God all the glory!

Sherri not only verbalizes how God has carried her and Joel through this journey, but also through her actions and behaviors she exemplifies godly character. She has much grace, much patience, and cares deeply for her family and others. She is disciplined in seeking the Lord through time in the Bible and prayer.

Watching her move about to care for the daily tasks and routines in her home, again, I am amazed. I tried to take some of that responsibility away from her while I was there, but I felt in some ways she tried to entertain me and didn't want me to do those things. I really pray that in some small way I was an encouragement to her, and not a burden. She'd never tell ya if you were, I don't believe! :o)

I was so blessed to meet this person I had only known thru emails, blog updates, and conversations over the phone. I believe God is bringing people across the nation together to unite for Kingdom purposes...and He is using Isaac to draw many.

As she faces trials daily, she stands on the promises that God has made to her and Joel claiming those promises over Isaac and her family. But like with many of us, when we've been battered in the storm for so long, we tend to weaken and let down our guard, and fear may seem to filtrate thru...like Peter who walked on the water, and then suddenly began to sink. Why did he sink? Was it because he looked at the circumstances around him? No, No, I'm not saying Sherri is sinking! That may have been a bad analogy...but I am saying, it's a whole lot easier for us who are just watching from inside the boat. Sherri and Joel have taken God at His word and have stepped out in faith.

God didn't mean for her to carry this alone. She has an awesome husband who is a great help. She has a few friends who are also great encouragers and have helped provide care for Isaac. Several of you in the blogosphere are part of that network that God has raised up to surround her with prayers of love and encouragement. Please do not neglect to do so.

In a situation like this, it is easy for feelings of discouragement and despair to overwhelm them. As Isaac continues to throw tantrums for unknown reasons, it would be easy to lose patience and begin to believe lies of the enemy and to personalize those things and feel rejected by him. I don't believe in my heart that is the case at all. I believe Isaac loves his family very much and would love to tell them if he could. There are several other areas in which we could pray and uplift this family, and Sherri blogs about it each week. I ask of you to join me and the countless others who have agreed to stand with this family and pray. We want to see God's power move and manifest a perfect healing over Isaac's body; we want people touched by that miracle healing to come to know the Savior as who he is; we want God's will over the Cousineau Family.

Sherri is an awesome woman of God. I wish I was as disciplined and patient as she is. It was neat to see her and Joel interact; Joel is very supportive of her and she-him. They are a great couple! God knew right what He was doing when He chose them to be Isaac's parents! They are a special couple! And I am blessed to call them my friends! Thank you, Sherri and Joel for letting me and the kids come and visit. I love you all!

(Small note: Much of this post is a reflection of Sherri; this is not to negate the great impact this has on Joel and the character of God that he walks in. He is an awesome man of God who God has placed in a position of authority among leaders who he has been given opportunity to share and witness to!)

50 State Challenge Update!!

We have 30 states praying; only 20 states remain uncovered! Can you help us complete this challenge? Do you know someone in one or more of the states not represented that would be willing to pray? Please send us a comment, scripture, or prayer with your name and state. Even, if you are from a state that is already represented and would like to send an encouraging note, please do so.

If you're new to this blog, what are we praying for? A little child named Isaac and his family. See previous post for more info. You can also find his family's blog on the side bar listed as Cousineau Family under adoption blogs. Thanks!

Why New York? (Part Two)

Continued from previous post:

So, hearing my daughter pray each day, reading Sherri's blog and talking with her from time to time, I found myself praying for her fervently, thinking often about Isaac... One Sunday, as I was praying for God to raise up a group of people to give her family additional support and encouragement, to uplift them in prayer, I felt impressed that God wanted me to go to New York! That's crazy, what could I do, I thought? I hate flying! We don't have the money...my excuses and thoughts raced on!

If I went, I wanted to take Tatiana with me so she could come back and tell her brothers that Isaac is real! He's not just a photo on the web! And she could pray for him in person! Thinking Ben would dismiss the idea, I told him! He said "Go!" What? Then all the reasons why I couldn't raced through my mind again...then, I told God if it were him, I needed him to give me the opportunity at work to make some extra money to go...Haha...the next month or so, I did have extra calls, paying for me, Tatiana and even Andrew to go to New York! God is good! I've said before, "If it's His will, He'll foot the bill!" He did!

Sherri, Caleb and Isaac met us at the airport. I had no idea what I was going to do there. My hope was that I could just be some sort of "help" to them, and maybe allow time for Sherri and Joel to get out of the house and spend time together. Deep in my heart, I wanted to see miracles happen... I wanted to see things manifest as we had been praying for... I wanted to see my friend smile and be encouraged!

Meeting Isaac: It was so awesome to see the little guy that I had been praying over for so long! He is beautiful! His locks are gorgeous! And don't underestimate him...he's smart and can be a little manipulative, too (kids learn early!)...One thing I learned right away, Isaac loves his big brother, Caleb!

I had the opportunity to help Sherri at feeding times; and I was so blessed to even be able to do that. Some may think this isn't so a big deal, but it is concerning Isaac. You see all his food must be blended up before he can eat to prevent choking and he must have a certain medicine mixed in with it. Isaac has problems controlling the muscles in his jaws/mouth. I'm sure this is as frustrating to Isaac as it would be to others when given food it usually comes right back out. You had to be quick to catch it! I think by the end of my stay I was getting more comfortable with it and not stressing so much as itt dripped onto his bib.

One really cool thing that Sherri and Joel have taught Isaac since they've been home is when he's finished eating, he lifts and swings his arm forward, toward the spoonful you're about to try to give him, and this signifies that he's finished eating! I thought that was so neat! I would try to give him more just for laughs and giggles, and to say "I've been swatted by Isaac!"

My concern before I went was a fear that Isaac was really fragile. Of course, he is, but at the same time he's not. What does that mean? Well, I'm not totally sure if this is the correct jargon, but if Sherri reads this post maybe she'll correct. Isaac "hyperextends" (?) his legs almost all the time. It is difficult to get him in the "sitting" position. You must actually bend his limbs. Sometimes he is okay with that and others, he might fuss. I remember sitting outside in the back yard with him watching the other kids playing. As I was praying for the limbs to strengthen, and Isaac to have normal motor functioning, I thought about how much that Isaac must want to just get out of that body and run and jump and play... My heart hurt for my little friend. It also frustrated me as I could not explain why God would not just heal him, why God would linger...

Isaac didn't seem to throw a lot of tantrums while I was there for the most part except at night, and when Sherri and I took the other children to the zoo, and left him with Joel. During the night, I didn't know how they would feel if I got up to check on him when I heard him crying. I also was kindof scared. What if I couldn't get him to stop crying? One of my thoughts were to just check on him, if all was okay, just let him cry; he'll stop eventually right, a tantrum...well, Sherri won't do that. Why? She is SO considerate. While we were there, she didn't want it to disturb us, but then she also does that each night, because she wants her husband to get enough rest for work. Joel is a state trooper and often that job title comes with excessive stress alone. How considerate. How selfless! I can't imagine how that would wear on the body night after night, day after day...I was only there for a few days. I only had a glimpse of what their life was like.

Isaac also has special chairs, toys, and other neat things to help him in his therapies. The chairs are very helpful. One chair that he uses when he eats braces his head somewhat. Isaac isn't able to hold his head up very well and it sort of rolls from side to side instead of turning side to side, unless he has that bracing it. He does very well at following people or things with his eyes! I asked several times, "Where's big brother?" He would smile usually, and find Caleb with his eyes! Caleb often showered Isaac with hugs and kisses. He is a great big brother!

Isaac also has this neat stretchy fabric that Sherri and Joel or the therapist use to toss or swing him in the air. Sherri and I did this with Isaac for what seemed like FOREVER!!! I'm sure it was only a few minutes, but sheesh! I had to use a lot of self talk ("I will not let this baby fall. I will not drop this baby!") I'm weak! Sherri has gained much arm muscle from this new addition! It was pretty cool, though, and Isaac loved it! And, it's a great workout for those arms!

Isaac also had braces on his legs to help straighten his feet and certain bones at the bottom of his feet. Before I left, Sherri commented on how she thought a muscle in his calf had formed on the top of the brace. She was going to talk with the doctor at the next appt concerning that.

Isaac is a beautiful child. I can only imagine what he will be like running and jumping around one day! I can only imagine what stories he will share when he is able to communicate verbally. I can only imagine what goes through his little mind right now... I thank God for him, and I know God has a great plan for this little child and this family.

I thank God for letting me be part of their story in some little way... I believe this story is so much bigger than Isaac, than the Cousineau family, than the sickness, it's big! Please help me pray for his complete healing and strength for Sherri and Joel as they face daily challenges caring for him, as they wait for that healing...

(Why New York? Part Three --What I learned about Sherri & Conclusion)

Whoops! Error State Challenge-Mami Card Comment--

I made a comment in regards to Anna in California from Mommy cards holding Isaac in prayer. I received an email from Anna with Mommy Cards who said she actually didn't send the previous email about holding Isaac in prayer and didn't want any other "Anna" to get short-changed! Thank you! I'm sorry, I just assumed that! There is an "Anna" somewhere in California that is praying--thank you and I'm sorry! Also, Anna from Mommy cards, thanks!

Texas is in! What about Oklahoma and Idaho?

Can YOU help me find someone in Oklahoma and Idaho to pray for Baby Isaac's healing?

A Mommy-Card Discount---for you guys!!!! Thanks, Anna!

Waahoo! I found this comment under the Mami-Card post! This is from Anna in California who has also committed to pray for Isaac Diego! Yea! She is offering me and you a discount on Mommy-cards.com . These are the really cool cards; She has some neat designs!

Please support her as she has begun to support us and our bloggin' sisters, as well as Isaac and his family thru prayer!

Thanks again, Anna! You're awesome and what a special blessing!


" Hi Wendi!

I'm so happy to hear that you are happy with your cards from Mommy-Cards.com. I wanted to offer you and your readers a 10% discount on all our cards.

Just use the discount code MC10 at checkout!

Take care, Anna "

Why New York? (Part One)

Why New York? Do you ever feel like God puts something on your heart and sometimes you wish you could just shake it, shake the thought, thinking-that couldn't be God?

As we have went thru the different stages of the adoption, we have grown close to several of the families. I probably have become more involved in or with those families than Ben as I am the ones who stalk their blogs and say, "Look! Look, Ben!" and share your stories with him. One of the families that I have felt drawn toward was the Cousineau family.

Even before they knew they would adopt Isaac Diego, we prayed that God would prepare them and set things in order for them as they waited. Sherri waited a very long time for her son. In the midst of the waiting period, she began a prayer group where various people in the CHI Adoption Agency could chat about themselves, where they are in the process and pray! We would pray for our families,our adoption agency, the country of Colombia, our future children, and the rest of the orphans or various other things. I was blessed by Sherri's discipline to be there each Monday night. Through spending that time together, even though, just over the computer, I feel I bonded with her like I have with many other sisters going thru like experiences related to the adoption.

So, they adopted Isaac! Before he was Isaac, he was called by the name Diego Andres! Why is that significant to me? Because I have a Diego and an Andres! (Benjamin Diego and Andrew (Andres) Steven)

We were home with our 3 before they traveled to Colombia. Each of the children learned to pray for Isaac. Tatiana seemed to be more consistent, praying at breakfast, lunch and dinner for "Isaac Diego walk, big muscles, strong and play!" Hearing her pray, blessed my soul!

(I will try to break this down into 2-3 posts as not to make it too entirely long for one individual post.)

Mami Cards!

Have you heard of Mommy cards?

Mommy Cards are a stylish, easy way to make play dates and create new friendships for you and your little ones. Ben thinks it was a waste of money, but I've waited an awful long time to be a "Mami" and I'm proud! Plus, it is so easy to pull out the card and give to other Mommy's to schedule playdates, or if the children go somewhere any pertinent notes can be written on the back!

I think they are cute and "super-chic" as I've heard someone reply! My only problem: I can't decide which one I like best! So, I ordered a few different designs! (I think this is where the "waste of money" comment came in.) Can you help me decide?

I ordered the file for this card at fruitions.com for $20. I took the file to Staples and had them print on 50 cards for $4.99. I think it is the card quality about this I don't prefer. They are printed on a super thin glossy-like photo paper. I love the design, but hate the flimsy paper. I can upgrade at Staples for business cards, but they are a bit more expensive.

I got this card at http://mommy-cards.com/default.aspx for $35 plus shipping and handling.

Love them! Perfect, I think! Easy to read with a sophisticated, mod mama look! Love the back side, too!

And then, the last one I ordered were from http://www.123print.com for $3.95 plus shipping; I used the business card vs. searching for the Mommy card on this site, because they were cheaper by a buck, but they had some cool designs like sports balls, and girly colors if you had the same sex children. I think this is very card quality. The only I think I would have done different would played with the font and changed it a little.

So, there they are! Tell me what you think! Which one do you like best?

Yes! California is waving the banner on behalf of Isaac!

With much gratitude, I thank Anna from California for agreeing to pray for Isaac and his family! Go, BIG CAL!

Tatiana & Isaac 7/04/08

Ok, so let's find three more this week, one person from each of the following states that will agree to pray for Isaac's family: Idaho, Oklahoma, and Texas!

Presenting....Nate Duewel @ the Worship Center!

We have been so blessed to spend time with the Duewels' this week! They are an awesome couple. Sunday, I stood up in church to testify of God's goodness and totally embarassed myself in front of them! I am SO NOT a public speaker! I am just grateful for "God-connections" and am totally amazed how God networks the body of Christ together! Throughout our own story, our life, God has put people in our paths that we needed RIGHT at that time- just in time! God is so amazing!

What I tried to say in Church, but got all flustered and began studdering-like, was that Rena was one of those people! There was some point, I believe after we had returned from Colombia that Rena spoke with me or emailed and I was so encouraged. I don't even remember exactly what it was, but I remember thinking- "Wow...that's God!" Then, in several conversations with various other people in our adoption circle, I heard how Rena ministered to people over the phone giving words of encouragement and that really blessed them. Well, I want to be like that- a blessing to another person. I think God would have us to be like that.

As I continued to talk in Church, I began getting teary-eyed when I shared a little about my experience in New York. I explained how the adoption support group was very beneficial to me. God used Sherri as well as Rena in my life to encourage and uplift me and my family in prayer. I am so very grateful for Sherri. Even though, we aren't really close, I feel we are. It doesn't make sense to a lot of people, but because I have invested so much time in thoughts and prayers over that family, I feel so connected to her. So, anyways, I asked for their help and prayer for that family. I also requested help to accomplish the 50-state Challenge! Two from Mobile have committed to pray!

After I sat down, Ben gave Rena & Nate a better introduction, and Nate sang. Sounds pretty good, ey? Ya know, if we bombard their blog with "fan" mail, we may can convince him to post some more music!!!

Washington is Covered!

Thanks to Jeremy Holmes from the Seattle Healing Rooms!

Okay, I still haven't heard from Idaho & California?

Sheila D. has some friends she is going to contact and fwd Isaac's info to in Massachusetts! Go, Sheila! Thanks for helping us complete this challenge!

I will let you know if they email me. They may email Sherri and if so, I will just make changes on the sidebar accordingly!

Please continue to pray for our friend and if you know people in other states who will commit to prayer that would be awesome if you could pass this along!

God bless!

A Faithful Servant

Thought I would share today's devotion with you from Joyce Meyer Ending Your Day Right (Sometimes, I start my day with this!):

So then, let us [apostles] be looked upon as ministering servants of Christ and stewards (trustees) of the mysteries (the secret purposes) of God. Moreover, it is [essentially] required of stewards that a man should be found faithful [proving himself worthy of trust].

1 Corinthians 4.1-2

A faithful person knows what God has put in their heart, and even though they may feel like quitting, they don't give up. They don't get out of a relationship because it isn't easy anymore. They don't leave a church because there is some "new" thing across town, or a job because it gets too challenging.

One of the most important lessons you can learn is to be faithful with something until God lets you know you are finished with it. Sometimes God will call you out of one place and put you into another one--but God doesn't change the plan very frequently. A faithful person is committed to doing whatever God tells them to do--no matter what!

I know I can use these truths in several areas of my life... It's a nice reminder to persevere thru the most difficult and challenging times! Tell me how this might be applicable to you! Have a great Tuesday!

Another Great Day!

The Duewels' came to Church with us today! We had a very special opportunity to hear Bro. Nate sing and play guitar! You would have loved it! I have a video clip of it to share pending permission! Here's a glimpse of what we looked like in the pew with our Colombian crew! The children really enjoyed each other. I wished we were closer because we enjoyed Nate and Rena as well! After Church, we went to dinner and then to Dauphin Island. We hope to meet up once more before they head North! Nate and Rena, You guys ROCK!

Looking for prayer in Idaho & California!

Anyone out there? Please see posts below! Leave a comment or prayer for Baby Isaac.

the best summer yet!

Yea! Our New Friends! Andrew said, "Mami, I love my new friends!"

A few nights ago, I got a surprise email from Rena! She and Nate decided to bring the family to the Coast! Road Trip! I was so excited! Earlier this summer, we were gonna try to meet up in the middle, but that didn't seem to work out. So, when I got the email, I was super-psyched to tell Ben! They drove in today. We went to dinner together, and then went back to their hotel to play in the swim pool.

Rena & Erika

Rena & Nate are an awesome couple! I learned much about them thru following their journey. They have adopted a sib group of 4 from Colombia! So, we kindof had a little Colombian reunion tonight! The children had a lot of fun! Andrew, especially, likes the idea that he and Alex are 6!

Alex, Sebastian, Erika, and Luisa-- wow! They are beautiful! They have gorgeous hair! I think I may try to grow Diego's hair out like Alex and Sebastian's! They are so adorable!!!

They are going to come to Church with us tomorrow. Ben is preaching! After Church, we will go to Dauphin Island, hopefully and hang out some more. It has been such a treat! Rena has been real encouraging to me at times, and I appreciate her and her wisdom! She rocks! It is such a blessing to meet her and her family in person. They are great!

"Hey, No one look at the camera!"

This summer we have had a great time meeting new friends from all around! We met Ms. Jenn & Nataly (TN), Mrs. Sherri, Caleb, Isaac Diego, & Mr. Joel (NY), the Hills' (MS), and tonight, the Duewels'(KS)! It is neat meeting people that we have adopted through our same agency or have followed our adoption journey! I hope that we and our children will always be friends. These are really some great people! It is amazing how God networks his people!

We got prayer in Maine!

Isaac, sure is a special little guy! We have people all over the nation praying for this little fellow! Soon, we will have the 50 states covered!

Thank you, Source of Life Healing Rooms!

Here is their prayer:

Father in Heaven, We thank you and we praise your name that we can know You and come into Your Presence whenever we feel the need, or even just to be with you.We knkow that You have supplied ALL our needs. FORGIVE US , FATHER, BECAUSE SOMETINES WE FALL INTO OUR EARTHLY UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THINGS REALLY ARE. We know Father, that You created Isaac and that You knew him before the foundation of the world. We know that You made him in Your own image, and that You portioned a reflection of Yourself into him for all eternity. You numbered the hairs on his head and You called him by name.

Father, we call it to Your attention that the enemy, here on earth, has disrupted something in his earthly existance, and that his body and his mind are not functioning as you intend for Your children here on Earth. So NOW, we come before You in FAITH asking that this interferance to his body and mind be corrected. There is no deformity in Heaven, Father, and You have directed us to BRING HEAVEN TO EARTH. Accordingly, In Jesus' Name, we declare Isaac to be normal. We command the spirits of darkness to release his body and mind, and his entire person and personality, his spirit. We command them, 'Go, never to return!' According to written word. In Jesus' precious name, we call it done, NOW, HERE ON EARTH WHERE ALL CAN SEE IT WITH THEIR OWN EYES.

Father, we now thank You for Your promises to us and Your answers to our prayers which are always 'Yes and Amen.' WE THANK YOU FOR THIS VISIBLE MIRACLE. We praise Your name and we thank You. MAY ALL THE GLORY FROM THIS CHANGE IN ISAAC’S EARTHLY LIFE BE A TESTIMONY TO YOUR COVENANYT WITH US. MAY THIS MIRACLE BE A REVELATION OF WHO YOU ARE TO ALL WHO SEE IT AND HEAR OF IT .

WE CALL FORTH ISAAC’S DESTINY THAT HE WILL BE WELL AND PROSPER AS YOU INTEND, AND THAT HE WILL FULFILL YOUR DESTINY FOR HIM IN HIS SEASON ON EARTH. Amen.

PR. MICHAEL DEVITA

SOURCE OF LIFE HEALING ROOMS

201 CEDAR STREETBANGOR, ME 044401

http://www.sourceoflife.org/

SOLDOCD@VERIZON.NET

(Please note: I changed the original font of email to make it easier to read. Originally written in all caps.)

Waahoo! North Dakota!!!

Thanks, New Hope Healing Rooms

of Beulah, ND!!!!

A Prayer Sent on Behalf of Isaac from North Dakota:

Dear Wendy,

We do not have to tickle God's ear or tease Him to get Him to heal. He paid the price 2000 yars ago Isa 53 so that we could have our healing. We do not have to beg God for anything. It is His good pleasure to give us the Kingdom. He will not withhold any good thing from us. We need to appropriate what the Lord has freely already given. Notice in the godpels Jesus never begged God to heal someonw. He only spoke or commanded it and it was.

I take authority over the plans and schemes of Satan to bring destruction upon Issac. And in the name of Jesus I command a creative miracle into Issac's brain. I command those two gaps to be filled now with the brain matter needed for perfect brain function. Anything that is missing for perfect brain fuction I command it now to form and come together as the Lord designed it to be in Jesus' name. I speak and release life into Isaac. I speak peace and joy into Issac. I call forth his purpose and destiny to be established and fullfilled. I thank you Lord for Issac and the GOOD plan you have for him. It is a good plan, not an evil plan. It is a plan to prosper him to give him a good future and a good hope. I thank you Lord that all your promises are yes and amen. And thank you Lord for a miracle for Issac. In your wonderful name Jesus!! Amen

Keep us informed Wendy

~Georgene Heitz New Hope Healing Rooms~Beulah, ND

Change Promotes Growth

Sometimes we have to rearrange things in our life...sometimes we do it intentionally, and sometimes God forces us to do it! Sometimes our priorities get all out of whack and it's not until the carpet is pulled out from under us do we realize the mistakes we've made... the potential for even greater loss... that we're not as tough and strong as we thought we were! We can't be independent. Or we just need to make some realistic changes, simple changes in our lives. Or, maybe it's changing our expectations...of ourselves, of family, friends, God or whatever!

I really don't like change! I am a person who likes to know what's coming next...and routines are good for me. I like structure! Don't get me wrong- I do like positive change, but if I'm involved I like to buy into it and understand what's going on! I don't do chaos well!

As a new mom, I am adjusting! I am changing! God is helping me rearrange some things in my own life! There is chaos and sometimes, even with a routine! There are unscheduled surprises- well, almost daily! I've found that sometimes even the most trivial things can shake me up! I'm learning to "flex" though! God is good and even thru transition and the difficult part, He remains faithful to draw people by my side to help thru the valleys, to encourage me, to inspire me... I am so very blessed!

What about you? Do you feel like your life is in a state of chaos? Has God made some rearrangements in your home? Have you? Are there changes in you or your situation whether at home, work or play that need to be made? Is there something you could change to make life less chaotic and more enjoyable and peaceful?

Here's one for ALABAMA!!!

Thanks to the WILD WEST Mom from Alabama who has agreed to pray for Isaac and his family!

Come on "W" States!!! And Maine and Idaho! Please help us pray for Isaac's healing! See Sherri's blog on the side bar for more information. We would like to have all 50 states represented and covering Isaac in prayer!!! We're almost halfway there!!!!

Appraisal & Coco Loco

Today, we had our house appraised. The guy said it would take about 2 days to put the numbers together. But he gave an estimate that was sweet! We have been discussing refinancing our house and buying this plot of land next to our home which would add more value to the property if we ever decided to sell! The only problem is if we did sell out, it would take all of what a profit would be to put toward property and building another home as everything around here has shot up in price!

This evening, we went to Coco Loco's. The children love to eat there, and the servers always come and play with the kids. Tonight, they were talking to them in Spanish and seemed disappointed that they couldn't understand them! I was too! How I wish I could speak that language! I guess this provokes me to do another lesson on rosetta tonight! I want to get them on it too, but I need a separate computer, as the headphones/microphone part doesn't work on the laptop. I can hear, but it doesn't pick up my response. Anyways, I feel as if the children have lost part of who they are and their culture, because we weren't able to keep them fluent.

Oh yeah, tonight, Tatiana said-- "Mami, my chi-chi hurts!" Ugh, does this mean a UTI??? Guess I will try to get an appointment for her tomorrow at the doctor's. What do I do to make it better? I know for adults they take AZO standard or a generic for pain and use an antibiotic, but what do they make for kids? Has anyone else had experience with UTIs in children? (Is this appropriate for the blog?)

"this is a hot mess!"

That's what the lady in front of me said! It was definitely frustrating standing in line behind this woman as not one, but two different Moss Point School Personnel tried to help her by running copies of her registration and paperwork for over 30 minutes! The system to register or re-register students for school was very disorganized and chaotic! Almost, well, it was--RIDICULOUS! After waiting over thirty minutes, AND keeping my cool, someone walked up and said, "Oh, you're already being helped aren't you?" And when I told her my lunch time at work had expired, she said I could come back after work they would be there until 7. Ok, here's my thought: "WHATEVER!!!" If anyone knows me, I hate disorganization...argh!

BUT, now that I've ranted about that, it's nice to have TWO children in school now! Tatiana is really excited about starting school as well! We must be on the look-out for a pink mesh book bag! Andrew will be the big brother and watch after her. He likes that idea too!

We talked about trying to get Diego in a private school next year since he has a late birthday so we won't lose that year. And then, we would switch him to the public school in first grade. We will further investigate that later this year.

The "W" States

Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming!

Can we get someone from any of the above states to commit and pray for Isaac Diego and his family? Please check out the posts below to find out how you can pray! Or go to Isaac's Mom's blog detailing his adoption story and journey thru therapy at Http://www.allglorybetogod.blogspot.com

Please email or post a comment here with an encouraging word, scripture or prayer. It can be simple or complex. Just write your name and what state you represent!

If you are not from these states, but know someone who is, please email them and tell them to check out this post! We need to get at least one person in each of the 50 states to pray to meet this challenge! Thank you in helping us do this! God is good and He hears the prayers of the righteous! God bless!

Hiding in the Shell! Taking a Break from It All!

Sometimes, I wonder if I crawled into my own shell if my problems would just go away... If I could take a "mental escape" from the drudgeries of everyday life; and then the reality of it slaps me in the face that all those challenges will still most likely be present, BUT maybe time away would help me get a clearer perspective, or a change of perspective.

Jesus went away to a quiet place after ministering... I think we should all take time to do that. I know for me, I have difficulty finding time away! I really am already "away" so much from the children... that I just want to come home and "be!" I work two jobs at the hospital (a regular 40 hour job and an add'l part-time crisis calls 2-3 nights per wk), and then, Ben and others expect me to participate in church activities/meetings. I really want to be more involved at church, but that is difficult for me, because I miss the time being with my children, and they are already growing so fast. Ben and I have made a commitment to constantly keep our schedules in check so that we are spending quality time with the children and not being bombarded by too much of the other.

It would be nice just to "be," ya know? I feel like I'm always on the go. I want to escape...with Ben and the kids... ah, it would be nice...maybe one day! Until then, I take my daily "mental escapes" to get me through! Anyone else have these thoughts?

(These pics were taken the last day we were in Rochester with Sherri and Caleb!)

Yes, God! Yes! Waahoo for Wisconsin!

Thank YOU! Thank YOU! For joining with us to pray for this family! For helping band with sister and brother lifting them up as they journey thru this adventure!

Thanks to Christy and Ernie, Wisconsin is covered!

Please note that when you write or post a comment saying you are praying or a testimony of healing that I am forwarding these to Sherri.

My thought is that she would print these and put them in a folder. In times when she needs to find encouragement, she can go back through the notes, the scriptures, the names of people who have held her and her family up in prayer, the promises God has given her and the most awesome words of encouragement. The bible says, "Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16.24

Waahoo! Kentucky is covered!!!

Thanks to Renee' and Mike, Kentucky is covered!

Thank you both for committing to pray for Isaac and his family. May you be blessed!

Alright, NOW, we need someone from Maine and Idaho who will do the same! If you know anyone from either of these states, please forward the posts below to them, and ask them to join us in prayer for this awesome family! And, they are awesome! We can do this together... for them! And who knows what other God connection might happen! You guys are awesome!

Yes! Arkansas Covered!!!

Thanks to Beverly in Arkansas!!!

Now--- Come on, Kentucky! Idaho! Maine! Represent! Looking for prayer partners to pray with me for this child and his family.

This is my little friend, Isaac Diego and his mom, Sherri. Please see the post below for more details, and you can also follow Sherri's blog at http://allglorybetogod.blogspot.com/ . We are looking for at least 1 person from each of the 50 states to pray for this family! Wouldn't it be awesome to be covered in prayer all over the nation? Isaac needs YOUR prayer! Sherri and Joel need YOUR prayer! Caleb does too! Please join with me and pray! Pray for Isaac's complete healing in his body, and god continue to unite and bond this family even closer together and that God draw others to them that they may learn about the love of the Father thru their adoption story!

Kentucky? Idaho? Arkansas? Maine?

Anyone out there??

Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky & Maine!

Isaac Diego!!!

A beautiful child of God... Knit in the mother's womb... God has mighty plans for this little guy! Please join with me in praying for he and his family as they wait for the complete healing of his body to manifest. Isaac has symptoms similar to that of Cerebral Palsy, but he actually has two small gaps in his brain which is causing problems for him to walk or use his muscles appropriately, and talk. His parents, Sherri and Joel, believe God has promised them that Isaac will walk. Dreams of this happening from other people have verified that he too, will walk. According to the doctors' reports, he has no chance! We do NOT believe the report of the doctors. Isaac will walk! Isaac will talk! He will be a mighty soldier in God's Army!

Won't you join in prayer with me and this family? God has a great plan for Isaac and his family even now as they journey thru this valley. Sherri and Joel have heeded to the voice of the Lord and stood in the gap for Isaac when no one else would. Please support them thru your prayer and encouragement as they continue to provide him with the love and support Isaac needs so very much! Thank you in advance!

We are looking for at least one person in each of the 50 states to lift this little guy in prayer. I am going to post this request periodically until we have each of the 50 states represented. This post, I am looking for someone in Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, and Maine! If you or someone you know is from one of these states and are willing to pray, please comment. Leave a prayer or scripture and I will forward to the parents. Thank you so much for your time and prayers! May God bless you always!

A weird dream...

Sometimes dreams are just dreams and don't amount to anything...but, then there are those with spiritual significance. Last night, I had a really weird dream. You tell me what you think!

I dreamed that my sister was alive. Then, the dream went to her and there were two other friends with her hovering over the open hood of her car. Shanda was trying to remove the engine from the car. Apparently, the car had broke down, and she was trying to overhaul it or whatever. Well, the next image that came to me in the dream was her friends telling me she died trying to take the engine out of the car!

In the dream, I was very distraught and angry. I found myself blaming another person for this tragedy that was so very preventable (or so it seemed in the dream). I awoke crying!

Is that weird or what? I began praying. God, what in the world? My sister is dead! How I wish her death were a mere dream...but she's dead now! Why am I crying? I'm mad she's dead! What are you trying to say to me, Lord? Or is this just my mind in overdrive?

Well, tonight, I called my brother and told him of the "weird dream" and he didn't have much to say...and as I turned on the radio to American Family Radio, I heard the Yousef (spelling?) guy preaching. He began this sermon talking about a car who's engine light comes on and says "engine trouble", and fear and faith, spending time with God, and more.

Ok, so, was this just a coincidence? What do you think?

Hammock Entertainment!

I'm not sure if Mr. Joel appreciated this... I tried to tell the children this was a "grown-up toy" and we didn't want to tear it up... I sure hope they didn't find anything broken after we left...

More to come later!

A God-Connection!

God has an awesome way of networking the body of Christ. I believe in the last days we will see more and more of this...the body uniting as one, lifting one another up and ministering to each other as directed so in the Bible. This weekend, I had the awesome opportunity to meet one of the "Yahoo Sisters" that I have met thru our adoption agency support group! This is a picture of me and Sherri! She has become a dear friend that I value muchly. Sherri is an awesome person and a great delight to be around. I enjoyed our visit!

I will post more about that later...but wanted to post some pics before I was off to work! Tatiana and Andrew also went with us...they did great flying, and for the most part were great while there. Andrew was a little on the hyper side, and Sherri has a 2-story with a staircase, so you can imagine the chasing and stomping around in the house, along with the laughter and giggling! They had a great time with Caleb and Isaac, and let me not forget- Mr. Joel or "Senor Joel"!

Diego-Staying with Papi!

On our way...

We're going to New York!

Waa-Hoo!

Just a quick note to ask all the blog-stalkers to please pray for us as we are about to depart for New York! We are about embark on an exciting (extended) weekend adventure! Tatiana, Andrew, and I are flying out tomorrow morning and should arrive around 5 pm in Rochester, NY. We will meet Sherri and her family and stay with them over the weekend!

Since before Isaac became part of their family, Sherri and I have prayed together. As we've prayed together and followed each other's blog, talked on the phone, I feel like we've been friends forever! Thru this journey, I lost my sister...it was a very difficult time for me...Yet, in that time, God raised up other sisters in Christ that have supported me through words of wisdom and encouragement. Sherri was one of those! I am so grateful that God networked us together through our agency, Children's Hope International, and the Yahoo Group, CHI-Colombia! God has a way of bringing together the body of Christ in ways we don't even think about!

Anyway, it is my hope that I can be a support, an encouragement, a help to Sherri and Joel as they have stood in the gap for Baby Isaac! I want in on that blessing! (Is this selfish or what?) I want to see the Baby that has occupied my mind for so long, for so many months, so many prayers! I want to hold him in my arms! I want to love on him! I want Tatiana and Andrew who pray for him daily to see and touch him and know that he is real, and not just a pic on the computer! I can't wait!

Well, I still haven't packed so I must get going! But, please pray for us in travel. We will return home on Monday nite. Thanks everyone and God bless!

Free! Free At Last! Thank God Almighty! Free At Last!

Cut! Cut! Cut!

Yesterday, Tatiana and I got to go to Splendor Salon in Gulfport. We usually make these trips every 8-12 weeks to see Angela. Saturdays are our days of choice; however, we had to cancel our appt last weekend because of the VBS finale. Tatiana loves it. Before we left, Beamie asked if the boys would be going to...she said quickly, "NO! Girls Only!" Funny!