Another song from Karsten

Here is Karsten singing and playing "Jesus Loves Me". Yesterday he received a black eye as he and his friend ran into each other as they were playing. His friend's forehead hit Karsten's cheekbone and eye. His eye was extremely swolen yesterday that we took him to the doctor to make sure nothing was broken and that his eye was okay. He is doing well and the swelling has gone in. Please pray for Karsten!

Here I Am To Worship

I have to brag on Karsten. He started guitar lessons in January and is doing a great job. We are so thankful for his guitar teacher who is also a Christian. Yesterday he learned the song, "Here I Am To Worship" and Karsten has enjoyed practicing it. He wants to play it at his recital in a few weeks.

It brings joy to my heart to see Karsten using his talents for the Lord. It also, of course, brings tears to my eyes as he plays the song. I love the words!



So here Karsten is making a joyful noise unto the Lord.

Way to go, Karsten! We are so proud of you!

Praying, Praying, and More Praying

Just an undate on our adoption...we are still waiting on Kylie Hope. Things are moving really slowly with the CCAA (China Center of Adoption Affairs). July 14 will be 3 years that we were logged in and when the official wait time began. So hard to believe. Yet we continue to trust our loving and sovereign God whose plan is always perfect. We may not agree and may not like it, but He knows us better than we know ourselves and wants what is best for us.

We love you, Kylie, and just know that so many people are praying for you. You are so loved!

Please continue to pray for the millions of orphans around the world who are waiting for loving families. I get so wrapped up in my selfishness and think about our long wait when I forget about all the babies waiting for so long just for someone to hold them and tell them they love them. It breaks my heart.

Brad and I continue to seek God's direction on our second adoption of Karsten's second brother. Currently we are searching adoption agencies and praying. We told Karsten the other day and I cannot even begin to tell you how excited he was. He said something like this with a big grin on his face and eyes open wide, "You mean I'm getting a sister plus another brother...I don't care where he's from...he can be from Atlanta, China, Mexico...I don't care...I am so happy." I smiled and tears welled from my eyes. Karsten has such a tender heart. He looks at what's inside a person and not what color they are. He has the kind of love that God wants all of us to have. I love that about him.

Thank you Karsten for being who God wants you to be. Daddy and Mommy love you so much! Never forget that you ARE a big brother even though your little brother Kyler is not here.

Thank you family and friends for praying for us and for our daughter, Kylie. Someday soon I look forward to posting pictures of Kylie.

Resurrection Day

I am so thankful for my risen Savior. Without the resurrection of Jesus Christ, I would have no hope of eternal life. I hope each of you has a blessed Easter and always remember that Jesus loves you. In fact, He loves you so much that He died for you. He took our sins away when He gave his life on the cross. And three glorious days later, He arose from the grave!

A friend of our's called just a while ago and asked if I had ever heard of the song, "Always" by Building 429. He described to me what it was about and thought of us. I just had to search for it and found it on you tube. Whatever storm you are going through, remember that Jesus never changes, He is sovereign and is always with you.

Don't forget to scroll down to the bottom to pause the music playing.