Open Arms

Open Arms
...caring for orphans and adoptive families...

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES

There was one night in Odessa last year that we wept as never before. We knew without a miracle from God's hand we would not leave Odessa with our 4 children- but He provided a way. There were other nights this past year we wept too---times when you don't know how to convince a child that you are not going to abandon them, but He provided a way, or nights that they dream nightmares of memories – but he comforts, or the day my mother died, and He comforts still, or the day a friendship was betrayed, but He is all we need.

We have sown in tears for the last 18 months, but there are songs of joy greater still. Five children came to a saving knowledge of Jesus in our home this past year, my brothers and sisters drew closer as we said goodbye to our mother, our family tree was enlarged as four siblings were truly grafted into their perfect places and they have grown leaves of new growth because their souls are being nourished. Our marriage has only grown closer as we've weathered these trials, one being strong when the other was weak and ready to give up. Jesus has been our faithful constant Friend. The Holy Spirit our true Comforter; day after day keeping us close to Father God.

We're looking toward a new year of stretching and continued growth, of reaching out to others as they enlarge their families through Open Arms Adoption Ministry, of learning to love one another more and of becoming a little more like Jesus each day. Praying we will all follow Jesus closely and trusting that He alone is our true Provider, Comforter and Friend. (Psalm 126 Look what He did.....Lord do it again!)

Blessings on you all!
Happy New Year!


Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28

Reminder to ourselves....He who promised is faithful ----remember---- “I will give you the blessings you ask for if you will not go any further without them.”

Psalm 126: 1-3 Look what He did!
Psalm 126:4-6 Lord do it again!
Luke 8:11-15 Don't forget to plant our seeds in good soil and persevere! A harvest takes time.
Galatians 6:9 Do not become weary....you will reap in due time...
Hebrews 6:12 Continue to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised!


SUNDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS WITH REBEKAH, TIM AND THE BOYS



JANUARY 2010













DECEMBER 2010



WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES!

God Keeps His Promises



Psalm 126
A Pilgrim Song
1-3 It seemed like a dream, too good to be true, when God returned Zion's exiles.
We laughed, we sang,
we couldn't believe our good fortune.
We were the talk of the nations—
"God was wonderful to them!"
God was wonderful to us;
we are one happy people.

4-6 And now, God, do it again—
bring rains to our drought-stricken lives
So those who planted their crops in despair
will shout hurrahs at the harvest,
So those who went off with heavy hearts
will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.