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Category Archives: Inspirational

A little pick-me-up…

I got the SWEETEST little goody basket today from one of the SWEETEST people in my life…Mama Judy! Any of you have those people in your life that are like your other momma? This sweet lady started out as one of my photography clients…but she quickly became a dear friend and I endearingly refer to her […]

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Amy - October 11, 2009 - 9:53 pm

That is awesome! What a special lady!

Kim - October 12, 2009 - 1:45 am

Just prayed for your sweet Mama Judy. Loved this precious post and the reminder that we should do more serving of others. The goodie basket is fabulous. You've got me craving candy corn. Haven't seen that yet in Hong Kong.
Blessings,
Kim

Are These Kids All Yours? - October 12, 2009 - 3:11 pm

That is so sweet to have a person who just wants to do something for you- just because 🙂

Anonymous - October 15, 2009 - 5:00 pm

What a great halloween treat! I love those mugs, my kiddos would love them. Do you happen to know where Mama Judy got them? Thanks!

PRAISE HIM! PRAISE HIM!

Today…I’m starting my day with tears praising my heavenly Father for His goodness! Do you REALIZE how much HE loves the orphans of the world?! Jesus loves the little children…ALL the children of the world! Not one of His does He forget…and these He loves so much to give them life…to give them a family […]

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Are These Kids All Yours? - October 10, 2009 - 9:30 am

AMEN to that- seen both of these stories and my heart is singing as well!!!! Praise God!

Calm my Anxious Heart (and help me stay focused on the main thing)

For most everyone (especially photographers), this is the busiest time of year. And for me–it’s very easy to become overwhelmed especially when I’ve already cut back the days I will work (Tues/Sat) in an attempt to  focus more on my first jobs as a wife and mommy. I’ve let some extra things creep in (sessions and in the midst […]

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whitneypratt@ymail.com - October 6, 2009 - 3:23 pm

wow, this really spoke to me! I need to do some major pruning in my life, and the whole thinking about it before just answering "yes" to a new responsibility. (My parents and friends tell me to start pracicing a gently "no thanks" a lot) I sure appreciate you sharing what you learned, gotta go make a tree… 🙂

Are These Kids All Yours? - October 6, 2009 - 5:12 pm

WOW- love that!!! I need to do some pruning myself!!! Thank you for that powerful reminder.

Kim - October 7, 2009 - 6:53 am

Oh how this post and the images spot to me!
Thank you!
Blessings from Hong Kong,
Kim

amy - October 7, 2009 - 7:21 am

Bless you sweet friend for being vulnerable 🙂 God is teaching me to trust him for fulfillment and not my ways of doing good here and there…still on this journey of pruning but it is beyond freeing! I'm learning to see the beauty of resting in HIM!! Right now I am basking in staying a passionate wife to Ken, and being a voice for Sophie and Cole while serving others. xoxo

Loraena - June 5, 2010 - 1:42 am

I found your blog through Shawnda’s post of your video and wow, I love it! This tree exercise is ingenious. I’ll be doing it soon!

Frank is okay…and so are 2 boys in Ethiopia:)

OK–first, for those of you who read about Frank and said a prayer for him. Thank you. He still has a horrible rash. It’s horrific to say the least…but this too shall pass:). He has been diagnosed with Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome. It will go away. In 4 weeks to 6 months, and it’s similar to something […]

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Are These Kids All Yours? - September 14, 2009 - 8:08 pm

Praying about that nasty rash thing…does not sound fun!!!! Yep, our heart was captured by a waiting list child, but a younger one. Hey, we already have plans that when our children are older- start over and adopt those sibling groups that are harder to place and older!!! It's all good God will use us in whatever He can….in His time.

Where does my strength come from?

Whew…a tired day after a long weekend—I ask myself the question, “Where does my strength come from?” Does it come from my children–and my pride in them? Does it come from my personal accomplishments? Does it come from my friends and family? Or does it come from my God? I am learning quickly–if you want […]

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Jenn in GA - September 13, 2009 - 1:32 pm

you don't know me, and i'm not sure how i found your blog. i just know that God has been putting people in my path who are involved with adoption internationally, and you are the latest on the list.

i believe in warfare, and i'm ecstatic that you have recorded for all posterity the victories that God provided to thwart the enemy this week. think of all the others He has fought for you that you have been unaware of!

i'm following your journey from cumming, and am asking God to show us our next step. we are a family of three; i'm 43, my husband is 45, and we have a 15 year old son. we know that for us to even think about pursuing a next step, we need to have a steady income.

my husband just started his own business providing sound, video, and lighting for churches 2 weeks ago. we're open, but we know without an income, there is no discussion. so, that's where we are. thanks for sharing where you are, and for calling the enemy out! be sure to share what happens tomorrow…

Are These Kids All Yours? - September 13, 2009 - 2:19 pm

Oh wow…..totally know what you mean. We have felt those spiritual attacks hmmmm…..just before summer every year- just before we have 2 intense months when we have between 45-65 kids give their lives to Christ or recommit to Christ! Sometimes it feels powerful, but NEVER TOO POWERFUL FOR OUR GOD!!!! Yep, during every adoption process as well. This week the week we accepted our sweet Naomi- yep you guessed it our kids are rarely sick- all but 2 were sick- ALL week. This was also the week of my husband's kidney stone surgery as well. Yep! It's true that OUR GOD REIGNS AND IS ALL POWERFUL!!!! Now we just pray for healing. Thank you for praying alongside us as well. You will never know that peace that fills my soul when fellow believers join in. You are in our thoughts and prayers- keep it up for CHRIST and THE CHILDREN!!!!

Amy - September 13, 2009 - 7:06 pm

Sounds like your under attack. I totally agree with you on satan not liking adoption and trying to keep it from happening. We don't have children (yet) and satan has been attacking our marriage. Nothing really bad but we've just not been getting along as well and being married has for the first time for us been hard. Thankfully we have the best protector on our side and with a little bit more work with patience and going out on dates together things are better.

I hope your health scares end soon. That is very scary but you clearly have God on your side 🙂

Anonymous - September 14, 2009 - 1:18 pm

Oh my, your words….thank you. My hubby and I are adopting 2 little boys from Ethiopia. The Lord has stirred our 44 year old hearts:) Our big boys are 18 and 20 so it definitely goes against the worldview of parenting.
Thank you for praying for us during this journey. We will be doing the same for you as well.

All's grace,
Susan Burkhalter

The Young Family - September 14, 2009 - 1:49 pm

Susan, Didn't see a link to email you at. Any chance you are also using AGCI???

Anonymous - September 15, 2009 - 7:04 pm

Andrea,

Susan here. We are adopting through Dove International out of Banks, OR. We don't have a blog yet but my friend is pretty adamant about us posting. If so, I will send you the link.

Thanks again for sharing your heart for the orphans. Your writing conveys what I am feeling in my heart. It is a blessing to read your words.

All's grace,
Susan Burkhalter
burkhalter@wwest.net