Yesterday we were blessed in so many ways! At least 60 people received haircuts compliments of the wonderful stylists at Progressive Image Salon and Day Spa.
A huge thank you to Debbie Jones for organizing this event and for all of the stylists and volunteers who made our Cutting For A Cause event possible. Thank you to each and every person who came out to join us and who so generously donated to help bring J and L home to their "forever family". It brought joy to our hearts to spend time with each one of you and for your support of our family. Words cannot fully express our appreciation.
We are happy to announce that the total raised was $1,533! We are still short by approximately $2,500 of what we believe we will need for travel to the Philippines. God has already moved mountains and we know that HE is faithful to provide the rest needed.
We are also so thankful for the staff at Christian Adoption Services who went above and beyond to see that our home study update be completed in a timely manner! Our homestudy is now complete and ready to be mailed off to the USCIS tomorrow along with the other documents requested.
We are praying that we will receive authorization to travel some time in the month of March. Nonetheless, we have learned to expect the unexpected!
Ruth 1:8 "May the Lord show you kindness as you have shown kindness...to me."
Jo Anna and family
Monday, January 16, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Providential Provision
Philippians 4:19 "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
As we were so eloquently reminded this Sunday at Salem Chapel by substitute-teacher and my friend Bill Ketner, the "new" commandment given to us by Jesus is just that...a commandment. John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” The Greek word used there is entole and speaks of "an order, command, charge, precept, or injunction" (via BibleStudyTools.com Greek Lexicon). Hmm. Sooo, in other words we don't have a choice? Correct. Have I always abided by that "rule"? Nope...no way. BUT, by God, I should. Jesus Christ came to earth, lived a sinless life, and paid the price for my sins (and yours as well, if you call upon his name - John 3:16) and rose again on the third day. God so loved the world...so loved me, that I ought to love others. Just. Like. He. Did. I appreciate the chorus that the worship band sang near the end yesterday: " Oh, praise the One/Who paid my debt/And raised this life up from the dead." He deserves my unending devotion...that which I fail to do, but strive to otherwise. Part of that is to obey His command to love, just like Jesus did and still does today (love us).
Now step forward to the reason for my post -- and backward (huh?) to the verse at the top -- God's provision. One of the "names" of God is Jehovah Jireh (English translation, if you will): The LORD will provide (Genesis 22:14). Just as He did for Abraham by supplying the substitute for Isaac with the ram, He still provides for His own today. We re-evaluated our adoption financials today. Wow. Our God has already provided for us, His children for our future children by His calling. We have miraculously paid $18,405 of the anticipated minimum of $29,015 that the adoption of L and J will cost. Again I say WOW. All this is in addition and during some unexpected expenses such as a new air conditioner, car repairs, a spinal fusion surgery and 4 months living on short-term disability and a mission trip to Guatemala for our entire family. Amazing. But wait...there is more.
We still have around $10,610 to go. We don't have that much in the savings right now. We have -- being transparent here -- around half that. Yep. Now, remember we had a great poinsettia fund raiser that yielded $1200 and have 2 more events scheduled...a hair cutting event and an iPad give away. We are trusting that He will provide for us through people like you -- our family and friends -- through these opportunities to partner with us in bringing our boys home. Trust. Webster's defines that word as the "assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something." We know what our God is capable of....we just need to believe it despite the circumstances. We must actually have faith that Jehovah will provide. After all, He loved us enough to send His Son. I am reminded of His command to love, just like Jesus did and still does today (love US). "...(our) God will meet all (our) needs..."
We have found our home/We have found our peace/We have found our rest/In the one who loves/He will light the way/He will lead us home/As we offer all/To the One who saves us...Forever His love endures/Forever and EVER! - The One Who Saves by Hillsong/Ben Fielding
Scott
As we were so eloquently reminded this Sunday at Salem Chapel by substitute-teacher and my friend Bill Ketner, the "new" commandment given to us by Jesus is just that...a commandment. John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” The Greek word used there is entole and speaks of "an order, command, charge, precept, or injunction" (via BibleStudyTools.com Greek Lexicon). Hmm. Sooo, in other words we don't have a choice? Correct. Have I always abided by that "rule"? Nope...no way. BUT, by God, I should. Jesus Christ came to earth, lived a sinless life, and paid the price for my sins (and yours as well, if you call upon his name - John 3:16) and rose again on the third day. God so loved the world...so loved me, that I ought to love others. Just. Like. He. Did. I appreciate the chorus that the worship band sang near the end yesterday: " Oh, praise the One/Who paid my debt/And raised this life up from the dead." He deserves my unending devotion...that which I fail to do, but strive to otherwise. Part of that is to obey His command to love, just like Jesus did and still does today (love us).
Now step forward to the reason for my post -- and backward (huh?) to the verse at the top -- God's provision. One of the "names" of God is Jehovah Jireh (English translation, if you will): The LORD will provide (Genesis 22:14). Just as He did for Abraham by supplying the substitute for Isaac with the ram, He still provides for His own today. We re-evaluated our adoption financials today. Wow. Our God has already provided for us, His children for our future children by His calling. We have miraculously paid $18,405 of the anticipated minimum of $29,015 that the adoption of L and J will cost. Again I say WOW. All this is in addition and during some unexpected expenses such as a new air conditioner, car repairs, a spinal fusion surgery and 4 months living on short-term disability and a mission trip to Guatemala for our entire family. Amazing. But wait...there is more.
We still have around $10,610 to go. We don't have that much in the savings right now. We have -- being transparent here -- around half that. Yep. Now, remember we had a great poinsettia fund raiser that yielded $1200 and have 2 more events scheduled...a hair cutting event and an iPad give away. We are trusting that He will provide for us through people like you -- our family and friends -- through these opportunities to partner with us in bringing our boys home. Trust. Webster's defines that word as the "assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something." We know what our God is capable of....we just need to believe it despite the circumstances. We must actually have faith that Jehovah will provide. After all, He loved us enough to send His Son. I am reminded of His command to love, just like Jesus did and still does today (love US). "...(our) God will meet all (our) needs..."
We have found our home/We have found our peace/We have found our rest/In the one who loves/He will light the way/He will lead us home/As we offer all/To the One who saves us...Forever His love endures/Forever and EVER! - The One Who Saves by Hillsong/Ben Fielding
Scott
Thursday, January 5, 2012
A Timely Reminder-The Great Equalizer
A Prayer from today's devotion-Dave Keesling's A Journey: Life in Real Time:
"Lord, You are the great equalizer. In Your presence, no one can stand. My best righteousness is like dirty rags compared to Your glory and majesty. Father, there is nothing I can bring to You by which I can be made worthy. I am like every other man or woman in Your sight, fallen and sinful and desperately in need of the redemption that can only come through the sacrifice of Your dear Son."
May the attitudes of our hearts be honoring to God.
Jo Anna
"Lord, You are the great equalizer. In Your presence, no one can stand. My best righteousness is like dirty rags compared to Your glory and majesty. Father, there is nothing I can bring to You by which I can be made worthy. I am like every other man or woman in Your sight, fallen and sinful and desperately in need of the redemption that can only come through the sacrifice of Your dear Son."
May the attitudes of our hearts be honoring to God.
Jo Anna
Monday, January 2, 2012
Cutting for a Cause Event and Adoption Update
Happy New Year!
Progressive Image Day Salon and Day Spa in Winston-Salem is sponsoring "Cutting for a Cause" as another means of assisting us with the remaining funds needed for L and J's adoption. For a minimum donation of $15 you will receive a shampoo and haircut by one of their professional stylists. They are located at 3538 Vest Mill Road, 27103. and the phone number is 336-760-1292. The event will take place on Sunday, January 15th from 2-6. Please contact the salon for more details. We hope to see you there!
Thanks to USCIS (said with irony), we now have until February 5, 2012 to submit a new home study update in order for the boys' visas to be processed! This is mainly due to L being classified as "special needs" due to his severe hearing loss. Our new home study must show the resources available to us and ways in which we will specifically parent these two little boys. Of course, not only is there now increased expenses for the home study update and the $350 processing fee to USCIS, but it also delays our travel to bring the boys home from the Philippines. Please pray that things move quickly and that we will be approved upon submission.
Jo Anna
Progressive Image Day Salon and Day Spa in Winston-Salem is sponsoring "Cutting for a Cause" as another means of assisting us with the remaining funds needed for L and J's adoption. For a minimum donation of $15 you will receive a shampoo and haircut by one of their professional stylists. They are located at 3538 Vest Mill Road, 27103. and the phone number is 336-760-1292. The event will take place on Sunday, January 15th from 2-6. Please contact the salon for more details. We hope to see you there!
Thanks to USCIS (said with irony), we now have until February 5, 2012 to submit a new home study update in order for the boys' visas to be processed! This is mainly due to L being classified as "special needs" due to his severe hearing loss. Our new home study must show the resources available to us and ways in which we will specifically parent these two little boys. Of course, not only is there now increased expenses for the home study update and the $350 processing fee to USCIS, but it also delays our travel to bring the boys home from the Philippines. Please pray that things move quickly and that we will be approved upon submission.
Jo Anna
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Another hiccup...prayers appreciated!
Hiccup. Yep. Anyone who has gone through the adoption process knows there are many hiccups along the way. The hiccups usually drive us a little crazy and lengthen the time it takes to get our new kids...
More documents and information is being requested before our petition for the boys' visas are approved. We are hoping we can quickly receive and forward the information needed. But it is Christmas. And New Year's. And things often come to a screaching halt this time of year--both here and overseas. But God is sovereign.
Sovereign.That was Scott's "word" for 2011. And boy, have we both learned alot about God's sovereignty this year. My "word", you ask? Abide. Yep, we have been doing a lot of that this year, too.
To quote one of my favorite verses: Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. "
We would covet your prayers as we patiently, or not so patiently, navigate through this latest hiccup.
We're coming to get you , L and J. Soon. Hopefully, soon.
Jo Anna
More documents and information is being requested before our petition for the boys' visas are approved. We are hoping we can quickly receive and forward the information needed. But it is Christmas. And New Year's. And things often come to a screaching halt this time of year--both here and overseas. But God is sovereign.
Sovereign.That was Scott's "word" for 2011. And boy, have we both learned alot about God's sovereignty this year. My "word", you ask? Abide. Yep, we have been doing a lot of that this year, too.
To quote one of my favorite verses: Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. "
We would covet your prayers as we patiently, or not so patiently, navigate through this latest hiccup.
We're coming to get you , L and J. Soon. Hopefully, soon.
Jo Anna
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Cutting for a Cause
Lord of all the earth/we shout your name, shout your name/filling up the skies with endless praise, endless praise/Yahweh, Yahweh...we love to shout your name, Oh Lord!
- excerpt from "At Your Name" by Phil Wickham
We are human. Yep. I know this is a surprise. I hope you were sitting down for that one. We get discouraged...we get beat down (especially by a certain employer who will remain nameless, though it might sound kind of like Beavis)...and we get exhausted, especially in the adoption process.
All kidding aside, we are in awe over the way God has blessed us in regards to the adoption -- in His time, in His way -- and the event announcement below is another example of that. We had a successful poinsettia sale, raising nearly $1,200! For that we praise He from whom all blessings flow. That leaves us with around $3k to travel. For that, we also praise Him. Why? Jesus Christ gave everything for me -- for you -- on the cross, why would I believe He is going to abandon us now? I don't. His grace is greater than any problem I have, and He loves me like I am His own...because God adopted me into His family in 1994. Please check this out...
Progressive Image Day Salon and Day Spa in Winston-Salem is sponsoring "Cutting for a Cause" an another means of assisting us with the remaining funds. For a minimum donation of $15 you will receive a shampoo and haircut by one of their professional stylists. They are located at 3538 Vest Mill Road, 27103. and the phone number is 336-760-1292. The event will take place on Sunday, January 15th from 2-6. Please contact the salon for more details and to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome, however. We hope to see you there!
The Crawfords
- excerpt from "At Your Name" by Phil Wickham
We are human. Yep. I know this is a surprise. I hope you were sitting down for that one. We get discouraged...we get beat down (especially by a certain employer who will remain nameless, though it might sound kind of like Beavis)...and we get exhausted, especially in the adoption process.
All kidding aside, we are in awe over the way God has blessed us in regards to the adoption -- in His time, in His way -- and the event announcement below is another example of that. We had a successful poinsettia sale, raising nearly $1,200! For that we praise He from whom all blessings flow. That leaves us with around $3k to travel. For that, we also praise Him. Why? Jesus Christ gave everything for me -- for you -- on the cross, why would I believe He is going to abandon us now? I don't. His grace is greater than any problem I have, and He loves me like I am His own...because God adopted me into His family in 1994. Please check this out...
Progressive Image Day Salon and Day Spa in Winston-Salem is sponsoring "Cutting for a Cause" an another means of assisting us with the remaining funds. For a minimum donation of $15 you will receive a shampoo and haircut by one of their professional stylists. They are located at 3538 Vest Mill Road, 27103. and the phone number is 336-760-1292. The event will take place on Sunday, January 15th from 2-6. Please contact the salon for more details and to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome, however. We hope to see you there!
The Crawfords
Monday, November 21, 2011
A Time to Reflect: Conditional or Unconditional Praise?
Psalm 106
1 Praise the LORD.[a]Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
2 Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD
or fully declare his praise?
3 Blessed are those who act justly,
who always do what is right.
4 Remember me, LORD, when you show favor to your people,
come to my aid when you save them,
5 that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones,
that I may share in the joy of your nation
and join your inheritance in giving praise.
This time of year, our focus is on thanking God for the ways and things He has blessed us with. And we thank Him often for His Word, family, friends, provision, the measure of health He has given us, our freedom, the list goes on and on. And we should live a life that expresses our thanks to God and others regularly.
As I study this psalm, if I am honest, my prosperity, joy, and praise (vs 5) are often dependent on my cirumstances. In our human condition, it is HARD to praise God in the valleys, disappointments, broken relationships, poor health.
God is good ALL the time. May His praise be continually on my lips.
Jo Anna
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