Best of Facebook: November 2015

11/1/2015: Click here to see photo on FB

Feeling like a real farmer this morning getting kicked by a cow!
We bought a beautiful Jersey heifer, Willow, who is currently in milk. This is only her second day on our farm and although she is adjusting well and tolerating me milking her she is easily spooked, ornery and stubborn. Sure brings all those bible verses to life where the Lord compares His people Israel to a stubborn heifer! As time goes on I'll get the hang of it and she'll get used to me. And my little helpers sure loved watching mommy milk a cow "like Ms. Ingalls" lol. Praise the Lord for over 2 gallons of fresh milk this morning! :)

11/7/2015: Click here to see photo on FB

"Wow. What made you want to parent a special needs child!?!" Short answer is I didn't. I cried out to God begging Him to choose someone else more patient, more compassionate and more qualified.

"God, some days are so hard already. Some days I feel so burdened. Why have you called me again to this road of adoption? Can't I back out and trust you will find a better parent for her? I don't feel qualified to parent a special needs child, Lord!"

God calmed my stormy spirit and suddenly one quiet thought passed through my mind.

"Have you forgotten that you know not what tomorrow may bring? Tomorrow one of your six healthy children could be involved in a life-threatening accident that could change their abilities and development forever. Tomorrow your womb may be opened to grow a child with severe disabilities. Tomorrow you could be the parent of a special needs child without an option to back out. You know what? You don't have to be qualified. For God is with you and He cares for the orphans. He will be your strength. He will lift your burdens. If you rely on Him alone He will give you rest. This child will not be a cause of burden for you but one of your biggest BLESSING!"

Five months we have parented a sweet and endearing little girl; one month in the hospital, four months in our home and two months as our beloved daughter! This little girl has shown us and brought more joy into our home than we had before she came. We have watched in awe as she has made a huge impact on everyone she comes in contact with. Everyday as I help her fulfill her every daily activity I thank God for this opportunity to love her. Brittney is so easy to love because she gives far more love than she could ever receive! Anybody could have loved Brittney, she is awesome, but I am so thankful God chose us to be the recipients of His great LOVE through her!

11/9/2015: Click here to see photo on FB:

11/15/2015: Click here to see photo on FB:

Operation Christmas Child shopping!

11/22/2015: Click here to see photo on FB:

Today did not start out as a good day. I broke down into uncontrollable sobs as Brian came out to the stable to help me. Our poor cow got mastitis and is not feeling well. The past couple days have already been a fight to milk her and treat her infection (and no milk for us). But today as I was milking her painful udders our sweet dandy-cat jumped on her back and began kneading with her claws! Instantly I had a flailing 1000lb cow knocking into me and jumping over me. Thank God I was able to get out of the way unharmed but the terror of being trapped and trampled was enough to make my screams heard inside and as Brian came out I broke down in tears explaining what had happened.

This past week has been busy busy making crafts for upcoming craft fairs. We have barely kept up on chores, laundry and all the other mundane household-running stuff. So today we spent the day catching up on much needed farm and house chores. It feels like a never ending job which is why it is sometimes so easy to put off since it will only get messy or dirty again.

I had just opened the fridge to make lunch and thought, "goodness we haven't even bought a turkey yet to start the defrosting!" Sigh, add grocery shopping on our long to-do list. I was disrupted by a slamming door, "Mom someone is at our gate." As our unexpected visitor drove in we went out to greet her, she said she was here with a delivery. She said that one of our neighbors is a member of their church and felt so blessed by our kids that their church bought our family two turkeys and a box of goodies for Thanksgiving dinner! How unexpected!

As if that wasn't enough for God to show His great provision in our lives we got a 2nd unexpected visitor tonight dropping off a decorated tree, lights, and a box of Christmas treats for the kids!

After feeling like a failure this morning, ready to give up on this whole farming venture and thinking what a poorly organized mother I am, this was a beautiful and blessed end to the day. As if I could audibly hear, "I love you, you are doing fine," coming from heaven.

11/28/2015: Click here to see photo on FB:

Busy isn't a strong enough word for how this season has felt. Don't get me wrong I am definitely thankful for a season of feeling busy compared to a dull alternative of sitting in a hospital. Yay for busy! With our season of craft fairs and holiday events as well as our normal family and farm stuff we have been holed up at home with non-stop projects. This season is no where near ending either. We have one week until we spend two full days at a Market Days (a local craft fair). As we were buying more beads to make more jewelry my old boss called and asked our family to be on the city's parade float in the annual Winter Festival parade.

I used to work with the city's Special Events office. I loved that job. I seriously got paid to make parade floats. It was just awesome. I loved it! Anyway, so I am now spending every waking moment staring at my sewing machine until I have my crew of seven turned into the cutest elves and reindeer you ever saw!

Oh, and did I tell you I have NO CLUE what I am doing. I don't have a pattern or any experience sewing. I am just winging it and re-doing a lot as I mess up then praying it turns out somewhat looking like I had hoped! I am quite pleased so far!

I'll be able to breath after Saturday. But then we will have a week to play catch up on all the stuff I am not getting done before we head to Orlando. We have four very full days that include a speaking opportunity, a gifted day at Universal Studios, a wedding, visits with friends and a fun reunion! Busy is better than dull! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!

11/30/2015: Click here to see photo on FB: 

This is our morning spread. Usually from October 1st to December 1st quite a few colds have passed through our house, not to mention the ear infections, sinus infections and the flu! But this year I am so excited to announce that so far we have been sickness-free! I love when the weather begins to become cool and crisp but I also begin to dread the snotty noses, sore throats and coughs it brings with it. With my news feed being filled with mamas posting about their sick babies I wanted to share the secret to our success thus far.

I am so thankful to God for the wisdom of our wellness doctor who instead of selling us the flu shot (which he said has not proven effective) or preparing for us to "need" antibiotics he prescribed that we load up on vitamin C and D to keep our immune system army ready for battle. Taking just a multivitamin doesn't cut it. In most multivitamins the average dose of vitamin C is 40mg and our doctor recommended 1000mg/day. The average dose of vitamin D is 400iu and our doctor recommended 2000-10,000iu/day. Back in August he tested my vitamin D levels and even though I was taking a daily multivitamin I was severely vitamin D deficient.

Twice in the past two months a little one showed signs of a drippy nose starting or said their throat felt a little scratchy. That is when we whip out the Apple Cider Vinegar (the real stuff with the mother) and after 2-3 tablespoons throughout the day (mixed with warm water, honey and cinnamon) any and all signs of a cold coming on were gone! Quote from OrganicAuthority: "While it’s highly acidic, apple cider vinegar actually helps the body to keep pH levels balanced, which can help prevent colds and flu germs from getting cozy in your nose and chest. A properly alkalized body is unappealing to germs.
Most of us tend to run a bit more acidic, thanks to the standard American diet, so it’s no wonder we spend the winter months battling germs." (Google "flu season apple cider vinegar").

Praise God for getting this far without any cold symptoms and praying for at least two more sick free weeks since we are way too busy currently to be down for a minute!

Posted by Shannon

Joy in the Chaos

a Fun Photo Shoot by Emily Garrison

I cannot say enough good things to convince you that Emily Garrison was an absolute dream to work with! She was creative, fun and, oh, so patient! Bathing, preparing and dressing seven children for a photo shoot is a quite the feat itself but then add seven favorite animals also and well you can only imagine the chaos that could ensue.... ;)

But Emily....she managed to turn our chaos into beauty. Here is the photo shoot in its entirety.

 Ah, we made it safe, on time, nobody's outfit got peed on during the drive and all the animals are cooperating relatively well...

A lovely day for a walk....or a parade! 

Geez...I love this man!

And this crew is my heart! We didn't create this family....we were just willing to be God's canvas! The heart of God.

                     

Doesn't it just all look picture perfect? During the above photos Maggie somehow managed to step in every ant pile in the park while we walked to different photo spots. Each time a screaming panic ensued. Poor little lady! The sun was blaring, we were all getting frazzled and sweaty, at least two kids got stepped on by the horse and Mirabel got peed on by her goat....

 Life ain't always peachy but the chaos in this life doesn't ever have the right to steal our joy!

After a very full photo shoot our photographer surprised us with small whip cream pies. It was explained that we are to hold the pie....

taste the pie....

And smear some pie on the person closest to you's face.

But then free reign was given. Shove the pie, throw the pie, get messy....GO!

And as you can see Anthony was the primary target for such pie fighting goodness.

I just may be beginning to revel in my life of intense chaos yet even deeper joy!

                        

                       

                       

                       

Posted by Shannon
To God be the Glory

A week of trials. A week of joy!

I am thankful that last week is over! Yet, I will remember what it taught me quite fondly. Here is a little snapshot of last week. We visited Urgent Care 3 times.

First, on Friday, for Mirabel's infected cut on her foot (playing outside without shoes on against mommy's advice)

 

After our 1st visit to Urgent Care, on Tuesday morning, Brian and I were awakened at 6:30am to a clanging/thumping sound in our bathroom. We ran in there to find our beloved Shaka having a seizure. This was a full on, body thrashing, head knocking, jaw clenching, tongue biting, mouth foaming, severe seizure. It lasted about 2 minutes while we were actually awake. Who knows how long she had been going before that. I worked at an animal shelter for 3 years. I have seen a handful of dog seizures but this one killed me. This was my baby before my babies. This was my Shaka and I couldn't do anything but wait and attempt to make her comfortable. When she finally stopped it took several more minutes for her muscle strength to return and for her to recognize me. She kept trying to pace around the bathroom but kept falling into walls until I held her and waited and cried. I begged God not to take her yet. She is only 8 years old, not yet.

 

                               

 

Later that same day we received several calls from Brian's family in VA. Brian's dad's health is deteriorating even further. He is 87, and in the past year has had several strokes, has Alzheimers, is mostly paralyzed. Now he cannot eat due to his recent trouble aspirating any food into his lungs. They will be attempting to have a feeding tube put in but due to many possible complications this was the "get ready" call. Get ready to come up here quick if things turn for the worst.

 

 

We are so thankful that we got to visit grandpa recently, in November 2012. When all 5 kiddos were finally adopted we made a trip up there and he got to meet his 5 new grandchildren for the first time. Brian and I had visited before our journey into fostercare and adoption started in May 2011, what a change for both of us! Grandpa was still healthy and driving back then and we were childless and barren. In a little over a year both of our lives had changed so much!

 

   

 

 On Wednesday, after a vet appointment for Shaka and several more family calls to update on grandpa, it was back to Urgent Care.

This time for little Ty-man and myself. We both tested positive for strep. Boo!

 

And a 3rd time, on Thursday, to get the rest of the herd strep tested. Only little Maggie-pants tested positive.

 

Thankfully, after antibiotics the strep was gone in less than 24 hours, but the antibiotics that I got wrecked my digestive system and kept me nauseated and dizzy for several days following. For 2 days all I could eat was yogurt. It didn't help either that I had really thought, for some reason, that this month was timed just right and God would open my womb. Well, that was not the case as the day I started antibiotics my crampy, monthly visitor showed up a week early. After some tears, I praised God anyway for His all-knowing and perfect timing. To top it off the letter and pictures I mailed to Maggie's birthmom back in early January was returned by the jail due to "no padded envelopes allowed". I have awaited a response from her, for what feels like forever, just to learn that she hasn't even received my letter yet. Again, God's timing is perfect, even when I don't know why.

 

So here I am.

 

I have survived, we have survived this week that didn't just rain, it poured. The best part of this week? God's continued faithfulness, grace and mercy lavished upon us! I have to say that my heart, my attitude and my joy was consistent this week despite the circumstances. I was able to pray, read and enjoy God even with all the trials. "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4.

 

This week I endured. I have been through many smaller trials than what this week brought and I always feel broken, hopeless and weak. This week was the first time I practiced what I know to be true. This week I leaned heavily on God's strength and He provided lavishly as He promised He would do. Not only did He provide my spiritual needs this week, but also my physical needs as dear friends brought over groceries, soup, diapers, coffee, toothbrushes and other goodies!

 

This week, through suffering and trials, God proved ever more faithful and trustworthy. He used a recent bible study in my life to keep me on track and joyful during these trials.

 

 

He tells us we, as Christians, have received the same faith as the disciples (2 Peter 1:1) who went through far more trials and seemed far stronger, yet we have the same faith! He promises that grace and peace will be multiplied to us (2 Peter 1:2) and that we, as Christians, have God's divine power and has granted us EVERYTHING we need, pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). We are able to escape the corruption of this world because we, as Christians, are partakers of His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). Nature determines appetite, behavior, and environment. As partakers of God's nature we should have an appetite for what is Holy, behavior that is Holy and surround ourselves in an environment of Holiness.

 

"⁵Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, ⁶ and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, ⁷ and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. ⁸ For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. ¹⁰ Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; ¹¹ for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you." 2 Peter 1:5-11

 

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this verse! Through much study the week before last, I vowed to begin to attempt to "apply all diligence" (2 Peter 1:5). I have all the faith I need right now! I have God's divine power and nature! I have God living inside me, through the Holy Spirit, my Helper! God has acted, THEREFORE I act! So NOW, apply ALL diligence, exhort ALL effort, exercise ALL your energy to supply, provide lavishly, stock fully, through faith, these qualities to your life: moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love.

 

This list begins with faith and ends with love. I love that.

 

 

Why do we, as Christians, diligently work to "stock" our lives with godly attributes? So that we will be useful and fruitful for Him (2 Peter 1:8), so we will not stumble (2 Peter 1:10), and so we can be completely assured of our future hope in heaven (2 Peter 1:11)!

 

This week was full of trials. But my hope isn't of this world. As trials come I can keep in peace and joy! God proved that to me this week. Although tears were abundant this week, my faith was unwavering. Although, after 2 days of being nauseated with nothing but yogurt to eat, I slipped up and momentarily gave in to sin and anger, I was able to quickly remind myself of my divine nature and power to escape the sin and corruption of this world. I was able to quickly begin again to stroke against the current of this world so that I don't drift away in it.

 

This world of suffering and trials is a strong current, waiting to pull us under. God reminds us in 2 Peter that if we are not stroking against the current we will drift. As Christians we must stroke!

 

God is present in our trials. God is good. ALWAYS!!!

 

 

Excerpt from a sermon by John Piper: 

 

Don't Float; Swim Hard

Last week I read a true story to the boys entitled Glenda's Long Swim in "The Incredible Series." Glenda and Robert Lennon were four miles off the coast of Florida fishing alone from their yacht. Glenda decided to take a swim and soon found the current had carried her too far out from the boat. Her husband, hearing her cries, without thinking dove in and swam to her, but then realized they were both being carried out. He was a champion swimmer, but not she. They made a plan. He would swim against the tide to keep the boat in view until the tide ceased and he could reach the boat. She should save her strength and just float with the tide and he would come and get her. He fought the tide for six hours and just as the boat was about to disappear on the horizon the tide turned and his strokes carried him to the boat exhausted. The sun had set. His searching was futile—he could not find his wife. The next day on one last effort of search, the search party found his wife—twenty miles out and still alive. It was an incredible story.

What it illustrates is this: Christians who just float never stay in the same place. Christians who disobey verses 5–7 and do not apply themselves with diligence to bear the fruit of faith drift into great peril. We must strive even to stand still, the tide of temptation is so strong.

The effort towards virtue, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly affection, and love is not dispensable icing on the cake of faith. If Robert had not swum with all his might, the yacht would have gone out of sight, and he and his wife would have drowned. I've said before and will say again: we do not judge a person's genuineness by how close he is to heaven but by how hard he is stroking. The evidence that God's power has been given to you by faith is that you are now making every effort (as verse 5 says) to advance in the qualities of Christ.

Verse 8 makes explicit the warning I have sounded: "For if these things are yours and abound, they keep you from being ineffectual and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." Recall from verse 2 that it is in "the knowledge" of Christ that there can be a barren and fruitless knowledge of Christ. It is possible to make a start in the Christian life, but then to become indifferent and unfeeling and careless in using the means of grace, and to drift into destruction. 2 Peter 2:20 says, "If after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overpowered, the last state has become worse for them than the first." If the knowledge of God's glorious promises does not spur us on to strive against the tide, then we will be barren and fruitless and drift to our destruction.

Click here for the entire sermon by John Piper on 2 Peter 1:5-11

Posted by Shannon



Soli Deo gloria - Glory to God alone