I've been checking everyone's blogs out, wondering why no one has posted lately. Then I realized I hadn't either :) lol
Wednesday was a bittersweet day. God reminded me that He really is still in control. Thank you, God. It may seem we can't bear any more, but when it comes right down to it, You step in and lift us up.
Busyness has become the "reason for the season," it seems. Gotta do this, go here, get that, wrap this, stash that, bake this, clean that. My prayer for all of you is that in the midst of this, you could do a "freeze frame" of the world around you, take a deep breath,............. and another..........and spend a moment reflecting on what truly is important, and what commercialism has deemed important.
I posted on our chat group the other day some scripture from Galatians. Wow! Repeating the fruit of the Spirit out loud does amazing things. When I'm mad, driving down the road, contemplating how mad I am- When I speak these fruits out loud- the "mad" flies out the window and is replaced by sweetness of spirit.
Our CHRISTmas Fruit Basket to you ;0)
Galatians 5:22
"BUT WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT CONTROLS OUR LIVES HE WILL PRODUCE THIS KIND OF FRUIT IN US: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control...
Those who belong to Christ have nailed their natural evil desires to his cross and crucified them there. If we are living now by the Holy Spirit's power, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in EVERY part of our lives......And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't get discouraged and give up. That is why whenever we can we should always be kind to everyone, and especially to our Christian brothers."
Thanking God for the Love He showed to us that we are celebrating now, the Joy that brings to our lives, the Peace to our hearts. Praying that He will continue to grant us Patience, Kindness and Goodness in our dealings with all around us as we remain Faithful to Him, Gentle to others and in Control of ourselves at all times.
As we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birthday of the Christ child, Tim and I are also preparing our hearts for the child Christ has for us, which is why I have 2 little baby boys in my heart during this amazing Christmas season. Thank you God for giving me your son to focus on while I am waiting for the time to be complete for my son to come home.
Just in case any of us forget:
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday, Dear Jesus,
Happy Birthday to you!!! And many more..............
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Love Quilt
Greetings, family and friends!
As we head toward the New Year, and all the amazing things that will be happening in our family, I would love to express my heart to you. Many have asked what you can do for our son, to show him not only the love of God, but also the love God has already given you in your hearts for us and for Elisha.
I would love to be able to have anyone that has been praying for us during this journey to be involved. I am going to make a quilt for Elisha. What I ask of you would be the blocks to make up that quilt, and also the expression of your heart as you get that block together.
This would be a request for 5” square blocks, in blues and/or reds. This can be a pieced block, or a scrap- or even a cut out from a favorite old pair of pj’s your own child wore when growing up. Along with that square, a brief prayer, or letter, or thought about Elisha becoming a part of our family.
I am going to take all the squares, and, after scanning them into the computer, make a quilt for Elisha to cuddle under. The scanned images I am going to use to make a scrapbook, with the thoughts and prayers listed with each square and who sent it.
My idea in this is to show love to our son in such a practical way, so if he ever doubts how much we love him and God loves him, he can look through this book and see the prayers and thoughts brought for him while he was still on his way here.
You can give them to me at any time, and please, if you have an interest in this, try to get it to me before Easter.
We have also been asked about donations. If you feel God leading you to help monetarily in this process, any tax-deductible donations can be made out to the church with “Swingle Adoption Fund” in the memo. The church address is:
Rolling Plains United Methodist Church
3350 Moxahala Park Road
Zanesville, Ohio 43701 740-453-4192
Thank you for covering us in prayer as we continue in our journey to bring home our son!!
Possible example 1:
1. 5X5 piece from an old blue spotted flannel or fuzzy red sleeper
2. A brief note:
Dear Eli,
This is a piece of flannel from my son’s sleeper. I chose this because it reminds me of tucking my son in to sleep at night and how much we loved to cuddle. I pray that you will have wonderful memories of your mom and dad reading stories to you and tucking you in. You should see how excited they are to be able to bring you home!! The only sad part of this process has been seeing how long it is taking to bring you home. Praying your mom and dad will soon have you in your own sleeper, tucking you in bed and reading you stories.
Possible example 2:
1. 5X5 pieced block of flying geese
2. A brief note:
Dear Eli,
I chose to make my block for you in the shape of flying geese. There is strength in numbers, as you can see by the way the geese fly. We are just one of many people who have been praying for you and waiting for so long to watch your mom and dad bring you home. I am praying for you as I make this block for safe travel, that God would be at the front of your pack, smoothing the way, and making your flight home smooth.
As we head toward the New Year, and all the amazing things that will be happening in our family, I would love to express my heart to you. Many have asked what you can do for our son, to show him not only the love of God, but also the love God has already given you in your hearts for us and for Elisha.
I would love to be able to have anyone that has been praying for us during this journey to be involved. I am going to make a quilt for Elisha. What I ask of you would be the blocks to make up that quilt, and also the expression of your heart as you get that block together.
This would be a request for 5” square blocks, in blues and/or reds. This can be a pieced block, or a scrap- or even a cut out from a favorite old pair of pj’s your own child wore when growing up. Along with that square, a brief prayer, or letter, or thought about Elisha becoming a part of our family.
I am going to take all the squares, and, after scanning them into the computer, make a quilt for Elisha to cuddle under. The scanned images I am going to use to make a scrapbook, with the thoughts and prayers listed with each square and who sent it.
My idea in this is to show love to our son in such a practical way, so if he ever doubts how much we love him and God loves him, he can look through this book and see the prayers and thoughts brought for him while he was still on his way here.
You can give them to me at any time, and please, if you have an interest in this, try to get it to me before Easter.
We have also been asked about donations. If you feel God leading you to help monetarily in this process, any tax-deductible donations can be made out to the church with “Swingle Adoption Fund” in the memo. The church address is:
Rolling Plains United Methodist Church
3350 Moxahala Park Road
Zanesville, Ohio 43701 740-453-4192
Thank you for covering us in prayer as we continue in our journey to bring home our son!!
Possible example 1:
1. 5X5 piece from an old blue spotted flannel or fuzzy red sleeper
2. A brief note:
Dear Eli,
This is a piece of flannel from my son’s sleeper. I chose this because it reminds me of tucking my son in to sleep at night and how much we loved to cuddle. I pray that you will have wonderful memories of your mom and dad reading stories to you and tucking you in. You should see how excited they are to be able to bring you home!! The only sad part of this process has been seeing how long it is taking to bring you home. Praying your mom and dad will soon have you in your own sleeper, tucking you in bed and reading you stories.
Possible example 2:
1. 5X5 pieced block of flying geese
2. A brief note:
Dear Eli,
I chose to make my block for you in the shape of flying geese. There is strength in numbers, as you can see by the way the geese fly. We are just one of many people who have been praying for you and waiting for so long to watch your mom and dad bring you home. I am praying for you as I make this block for safe travel, that God would be at the front of your pack, smoothing the way, and making your flight home smooth.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
An Orphan's Prayer
I found this poem in some paperwork as I was sorting and cleaning. I remember getting from someone's website clear back in January- but I didn't write down who wrote this. Soo, whoever wrote this out there- thank you. It meant a lot in Jan of this year, but it means a whole lot more now. If anyone knows the author, please let me know so I can give recognition :) (Thank you, Carey- The poem was written by Nancy Kaywork)
I may not know who you are or what you look like,
But somehow deep in my heart I know you are out there.
That one day you will come and find me.
It's a long journey, and it takes a lot of time...
I wish it could be easier.
But I know that the ones who come for me will not count the cost.
They will only see the joy of finding me.
For now I abide in the fields of the fatherless.
Day by day wondering why I was born here and not somewhere else?
Asking... why my life couldn't have been different?
It is so lonely...
Even though I am surrounded by hundreds of other children,
I know that something is missing... I know in my heart that I need a place to call home.
My arms long to be wrapped in a father's embrace...
I long to be saved by a mother's love...
Gazing out of the orphanage window, I offer a prayer of hope,
"Oh God please help them come quickly."
Even as I lay in the darkness each night somehow I feel assured,
That no matter how lost I appear I am not alone.
Holy hands guard my steps, sacred fingers wipe my tears, touching my lonely heart.
The one who made me,
The God that knew me before I was born,
Hears me every time I call.
He whispers His promises in my ear.
I listen with hope to His voice.
But what I worry about most is that no one wants to look for me.
The fields are vast and there are so many scattered all over the earth.
I wonder how one little child, so lost, can be found?
Yet He calms my heart and assures me that He will find you.
That He will make sure you hear His voice clearly.
He has promised me that He will make a way through the fields,
That He will personally cut a path, and lead you right to my orphanage door.
My prayer is...
When He speaks... Please don't forget to listen...
When He calls don't be too afraid to go
For I am waiting...somewhere, far...far...away
On the other side of the world
To come Home.
Keep praying, my son. We are doing our best, watching as God moves mountains to bring us together once again. I can't wait to tell you about all that God did to bring us halfway around the world to find you and bring you home. I pray it will be soon !
ya tebya lyublyu, Sergey!
An Orphan's Prayer
by Nancy Kaywork
I am waiting...somewhere far...far...away on the other side of the world.by Nancy Kaywork
I may not know who you are or what you look like,
But somehow deep in my heart I know you are out there.
That one day you will come and find me.
It's a long journey, and it takes a lot of time...
I wish it could be easier.
But I know that the ones who come for me will not count the cost.
They will only see the joy of finding me.
For now I abide in the fields of the fatherless.
Day by day wondering why I was born here and not somewhere else?
Asking... why my life couldn't have been different?
It is so lonely...
Even though I am surrounded by hundreds of other children,
I know that something is missing... I know in my heart that I need a place to call home.
My arms long to be wrapped in a father's embrace...
I long to be saved by a mother's love...
Gazing out of the orphanage window, I offer a prayer of hope,
"Oh God please help them come quickly."
Even as I lay in the darkness each night somehow I feel assured,
That no matter how lost I appear I am not alone.
Holy hands guard my steps, sacred fingers wipe my tears, touching my lonely heart.
The one who made me,
The God that knew me before I was born,
Hears me every time I call.
He whispers His promises in my ear.
I listen with hope to His voice.
But what I worry about most is that no one wants to look for me.
The fields are vast and there are so many scattered all over the earth.
I wonder how one little child, so lost, can be found?
Yet He calms my heart and assures me that He will find you.
That He will make sure you hear His voice clearly.
He has promised me that He will make a way through the fields,
That He will personally cut a path, and lead you right to my orphanage door.
My prayer is...
When He speaks... Please don't forget to listen...
When He calls don't be too afraid to go
For I am waiting...somewhere, far...far...away
On the other side of the world
To come Home.
Keep praying, my son. We are doing our best, watching as God moves mountains to bring us together once again. I can't wait to tell you about all that God did to bring us halfway around the world to find you and bring you home. I pray it will be soon !
ya tebya lyublyu, Sergey!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Sonshine
Aha! The thing about a rainy week- the good thing- I've discovered it. I've been looking...
You begin looking so intently for the good thing in the dreary landscape around you, really looking, not just going about your journey oblivious to all the love letters God is trying to send your way.
Then, suddenly, just as God has you where He wants you- looking intently for what He has to show you, a little tiny ray of sunshine peeks through.
Normally, this is a little ray we would pass over and think nothing about. But not now. Not when we are intently looking.
Now it is a promise. A promise of more sonshine to come.
Wow, how much more we appreciate and actually see the sun shining down when we go through a time of not seeing it.
HHHHhmmmmm.......... sounding familiar to some life lessons? It is for me.
As Casting Crowns says- I'll praise you through the storm. But I thank you for the "Sonshine" in our lives......
Looking forward to the radiant smile of our own son reflecting the smile of Your son........
You begin looking so intently for the good thing in the dreary landscape around you, really looking, not just going about your journey oblivious to all the love letters God is trying to send your way.
Then, suddenly, just as God has you where He wants you- looking intently for what He has to show you, a little tiny ray of sunshine peeks through.
Normally, this is a little ray we would pass over and think nothing about. But not now. Not when we are intently looking.
Now it is a promise. A promise of more sonshine to come.
Wow, how much more we appreciate and actually see the sun shining down when we go through a time of not seeing it.
HHHHhmmmmm.......... sounding familiar to some life lessons? It is for me.
As Casting Crowns says- I'll praise you through the storm. But I thank you for the "Sonshine" in our lives......
Looking forward to the radiant smile of our own son reflecting the smile of Your son........
Monday, December 10, 2007
Noah
Well, the weather outside is frightful, but our fire is so delightful. On our last post we had no place to go- but watch it snow, watch it snow, watch it snow. We got our 3 inches of snow they were calling for. And it was COLD!!
Then the warm front moved in..................
It's been raining for several days now........................
The weather forecast doesn't show anything but rain until Friday. How did Noah stand this for 40 days and nights!!??!!! Can you imagine how "sad" they must have all been. I keep remembering that as I wipe mud from the dogs after they've been out.
I'm trying to find the beauty in the sodden ground, the mud everywhere and the dreary scenery. I know it is there somewhere, but, as with some of us, it's just sometimes more difficult to see. Gotta get to deeper layers, I guess. I'm sure God will give us eyes to see the beauty ......Oh- the Christmas lights- They do look beautiful through the rain- especially when a drop gets in your eye and it looks all prismy. (If that's not a word- I'll claim it as one of my own creations- you know-like a prism.......)
Still praying for our CPS letter to come in. Still no word. Have orders for our chest x-rays- will get our labs done soon, and then the whole process of notarizing, certifying and apostilling begins.
I'm trying to clean out our paperwork and organize our office. AARGHhhh!! Not a good thing to do when it's so dreary, and yet, that is the best time to do it. I know it will be so amazing when it's done, but, wow, I can think of many other things I'd like to be doing right about now. (But don't worry- I won't stay on here and type for hours- just a few more minutes in my break..) Even working on adoption paperwork isn't this painful- literally- I have stuff spread all over the floor in piles. Amazing what you find when that nesting instinct hits and no pile is safe, isn't it?
Just a thought to ponder as we look forward to celebrating Christ's birth in a few weeks. I posted a few days ago a thought I had, and it has really stuck with me. I have only been in my son's presence for about 3 hours. Total. But I can't imagine living the rest of my life without him. I pray nothing will harm him and God will give us the strength and courage to raise him as we should. God knew his son from eternity past. I'm beginning to get a glimpse of what it must have been like for him to give up his son, though I pray it is something I never have to experience. But then I am blown away- because of the Love of the Father for me. He gave up His Son because He couldn't imagine life without me!! Thank you for giving up your son so you could adopt me into your family to spend eternity with you!!
Soon- our post will read something about a winter wonderland in Siberia- praying, praying, praying........(PS looking forward to a little sunshine;0p
Then the warm front moved in..................
It's been raining for several days now........................
The weather forecast doesn't show anything but rain until Friday. How did Noah stand this for 40 days and nights!!??!!! Can you imagine how "sad" they must have all been. I keep remembering that as I wipe mud from the dogs after they've been out.
I'm trying to find the beauty in the sodden ground, the mud everywhere and the dreary scenery. I know it is there somewhere, but, as with some of us, it's just sometimes more difficult to see. Gotta get to deeper layers, I guess. I'm sure God will give us eyes to see the beauty ......Oh- the Christmas lights- They do look beautiful through the rain- especially when a drop gets in your eye and it looks all prismy. (If that's not a word- I'll claim it as one of my own creations- you know-like a prism.......)
Still praying for our CPS letter to come in. Still no word. Have orders for our chest x-rays- will get our labs done soon, and then the whole process of notarizing, certifying and apostilling begins.
I'm trying to clean out our paperwork and organize our office. AARGHhhh!! Not a good thing to do when it's so dreary, and yet, that is the best time to do it. I know it will be so amazing when it's done, but, wow, I can think of many other things I'd like to be doing right about now. (But don't worry- I won't stay on here and type for hours- just a few more minutes in my break..) Even working on adoption paperwork isn't this painful- literally- I have stuff spread all over the floor in piles. Amazing what you find when that nesting instinct hits and no pile is safe, isn't it?
Just a thought to ponder as we look forward to celebrating Christ's birth in a few weeks. I posted a few days ago a thought I had, and it has really stuck with me. I have only been in my son's presence for about 3 hours. Total. But I can't imagine living the rest of my life without him. I pray nothing will harm him and God will give us the strength and courage to raise him as we should. God knew his son from eternity past. I'm beginning to get a glimpse of what it must have been like for him to give up his son, though I pray it is something I never have to experience. But then I am blown away- because of the Love of the Father for me. He gave up His Son because He couldn't imagine life without me!! Thank you for giving up your son so you could adopt me into your family to spend eternity with you!!
Soon- our post will read something about a winter wonderland in Siberia- praying, praying, praying........(PS looking forward to a little sunshine;0p
Thursday, December 6, 2007
God Speaking
What an amazing site we see all around us!! We got well over 6 inches of snow yesterday, and we are expecting another 3 inches or so tonight. It is so beautiful, and peaceful, and serene and..... COLD!!! It makes me think, hehehe, God is so preparing us for our son- in south central Siberia..... hehehe.
As I was driving to work this morning it was absolutely breathtaking. Wait, let me back up to last night. It has been a bit stressful at work lately, and here, trying to get everything done, follow all the rules, keep everyone happy and realize all that is going to be changing and has already changed. I have gone into full fledged nesting mode, too. I am such a pack rat, it is difficult for me to understand myself wanting to "get rid" of all this "stuff" around me.
Well, with all this, I have let my time set aside for worshipping our creator and God slip. I hate to even admit it, but it is so true. The one friendship I can always count on, the One who knows me even when I don't know or can't stand myself, that friendship I've let slide while I fuss and fret over all the little stuff. So, I have been working on that friendship the last few days.
Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.
Ok, back to this morning. As I was driving up Bagley Rd, our beautiful country lane, I was blown away by how beautiful it was- picture the sunlight streaming down, glistening off the frozen tundra- making the world look like a crystal palace, or a place of prisms. It was breathtaking. I remarked to myself, I wish I had my camera with me, this would be great to take with me to Russia to show our people helping us. Too bad I'm missing this. Maybe we'll have something beautiful again soon.
Suddenly, I thought to myself, is it really just now beautiful, or is it beautiful because I am just now noticing it, because I am more in tune with the Creator that made it. I realized I have been so focused on me and what I "have" to do and get done that I have become self absorbed and am missing out on all the beauty my Creator has put around me like a love letter. Thank you, God, for opening my eyes to see Your beauty. Please open my ears to hear your voice and my mind to go in the direction you lead!!
I heard this song on the way home and it brought it all together for me. OK, so it is another you tube video- but wow! Thanks for indulging me- God always speaks to me through music.....
As I was driving to work this morning it was absolutely breathtaking. Wait, let me back up to last night. It has been a bit stressful at work lately, and here, trying to get everything done, follow all the rules, keep everyone happy and realize all that is going to be changing and has already changed. I have gone into full fledged nesting mode, too. I am such a pack rat, it is difficult for me to understand myself wanting to "get rid" of all this "stuff" around me.
Well, with all this, I have let my time set aside for worshipping our creator and God slip. I hate to even admit it, but it is so true. The one friendship I can always count on, the One who knows me even when I don't know or can't stand myself, that friendship I've let slide while I fuss and fret over all the little stuff. So, I have been working on that friendship the last few days.
Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.
Ok, back to this morning. As I was driving up Bagley Rd, our beautiful country lane, I was blown away by how beautiful it was- picture the sunlight streaming down, glistening off the frozen tundra- making the world look like a crystal palace, or a place of prisms. It was breathtaking. I remarked to myself, I wish I had my camera with me, this would be great to take with me to Russia to show our people helping us. Too bad I'm missing this. Maybe we'll have something beautiful again soon.
Suddenly, I thought to myself, is it really just now beautiful, or is it beautiful because I am just now noticing it, because I am more in tune with the Creator that made it. I realized I have been so focused on me and what I "have" to do and get done that I have become self absorbed and am missing out on all the beauty my Creator has put around me like a love letter. Thank you, God, for opening my eyes to see Your beauty. Please open my ears to hear your voice and my mind to go in the direction you lead!!
I heard this song on the way home and it brought it all together for me. OK, so it is another you tube video- but wow! Thanks for indulging me- God always speaks to me through music.....
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Encouragement
Isn't it amazing, even with so many blessings in our lives, so many wonderful things happening and about to happen, we can fall into such a state of discouragement. I was there just a little bit ago. I was pretty happy about figuring out how to post a video from YouTube on our blog, but still kinda blah and blue.
So, I think this was really a God thing. I, still in YouTube watching Mark Schultz, praying for Elisha's biological mom, decided I'd type in encouragement, since I was really feeling like I needed some. What came up was an excerpt from the movie Facing the Giants. If any of you have not seen this movie, I think it is one of the best movies I've seen in a good while and I give it 2 thumbs up!
Here is the excerpt- May God encourage you as much as He did me, bolster you up, and refresh your spirit as He did mine. God Bless you all!!
Have you given your all today???? Your very best????
PS I'm not planning on posting a YouTube video with every post, just 'cause I know how now- these 2 were just pretty special :)
So, I think this was really a God thing. I, still in YouTube watching Mark Schultz, praying for Elisha's biological mom, decided I'd type in encouragement, since I was really feeling like I needed some. What came up was an excerpt from the movie Facing the Giants. If any of you have not seen this movie, I think it is one of the best movies I've seen in a good while and I give it 2 thumbs up!
Here is the excerpt- May God encourage you as much as He did me, bolster you up, and refresh your spirit as He did mine. God Bless you all!!
Have you given your all today???? Your very best????
PS I'm not planning on posting a YouTube video with every post, just 'cause I know how now- these 2 were just pretty special :)
Everything to me
This song by Mark Shultz really touched my heart. It's his song to his biological mom who gave him up at birth. I wish we adoptive moms could give a copy of this to all biological moms. Wow! What a message.
Thank you to those who give us the incredible privilege of raising these most precious gifts from God!
Thank you to those who give us the incredible privilege of raising these most precious gifts from God!
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Adoption Poem
ADOPTION POEM
I didn't give you the gift of life,
but in my heart I know,
the love I feel is as deep & real,
as if it had been so.
For us to have each other
is like a dream come true.
No, I didn't give you the gift of life.
Life gave me the gift of you.
~Author Unknown
Thank you God for these most amazing gifts you give- first the gift of Your son, allowing us to become Your children, and then the give of our son, giving us an even deeper understanding of all it is to be adopted! Thanks for adopting us into Your family! Love, Your Daughter :0)
I didn't give you the gift of life,
but in my heart I know,
the love I feel is as deep & real,
as if it had been so.
For us to have each other
is like a dream come true.
No, I didn't give you the gift of life.
Life gave me the gift of you.
~Author Unknown
Thank you God for these most amazing gifts you give- first the gift of Your son, allowing us to become Your children, and then the give of our son, giving us an even deeper understanding of all it is to be adopted! Thanks for adopting us into Your family! Love, Your Daughter :0)
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