Women of Faith 2011: Atlanta

Today is the day!

Women of Faith 2011 is here!

A few of us will be driving up to meet our "Fireflies" group in Atlanta for a weekend of renewal, grace, and inspiration. 

Last year, Steven and Mary Beth Chapman sealed my heart once again that we were being called to adoption. I didn't understand completely. I knew we were struggling to have a family, but this was one of the final "nudges" and "tugs" on my own heart. I didn't understand our circumstances and sometimes I still do not, but I knew there was a purpose for me to be at this conference. 

We went not knowing what WOF was all about and uncertain if we would even like it. We met wonderful women. Suzie and I received a backstage tour with World Vision. We love this lady. I cannot remember her name, but will never forget her story and kindness. We sponsor a child on the west bank gaza strip. He is precious. We write often to each other. I saw his face and knew he was ours to sponsor. I fell instantly in love with our little guy. Perhaps this is what adoption will feel like?

This year we head to Atlanta full of excitement and anticipation of what's in store for us at the conference. A chance to connect with friends and family. This year we have more friends going and so excited to share this experience with them! We are missing Suzie this year...sigh, but there's always next year!

xoxo

What Is Your Take???

At this year's conference, I was gifted a book called, Jesus Calling.

Daily devotionals for 365 days. 

At first glance, another short story/thought 365 day devotional which has nice thoughts, but not profound...UNTIL you open the book and read Sarah Young's foreword. I was hooked.

Over the last couple years on our journey, my relationship with our Father has grown deeper. I hope and pray I continue to grow and learn to let go of myself and fully trust. I am a "fixer" by nature. Look at the profession I chose. A nurse. An ER nurse. An ER nurse who thrived off caring for the sickest of the sick and the bloodiest of the bloody. Morbid? Maybe. Odd? We are.  But really, I LOVED the pace, quick thinking and  rush of saving a life. I was very good at cutting off emotion to get through and do what needed to be done. 

Do you see a common theme in the above??? "I". Yep, a lot of "I's".  I always knew working in the kinds of ER's I have worked that this was a gift from God. Truly. I have held brain matter in my hands of a 17 year old boy who had just graduated and was off to college, driving his new fast car which took too fast a turn along a winding road. Somehow, we were fine with brain matter in our hands. Again, odd. But let me be clear, if we did get emotional and let these things get to us, we were no good for our patients who needed us to be on top of our game. If we didn't cut off, we'd cry our way through nearly each day at work with things we saw. So please don't think I am calloused. Being "fine" with brain matter is all it is at the moment, but I still remember leaving work and standing outside my apartment in Chattanooga, TN on good 'Ol East Dallas Rd and actually smelling the air and listening to the birds. Something that 17 yr would never be able to do again. I still see that poor little 17 year old's face as though it was yesterday I took care of him. I see many faces as there are those patients you'll never forget. Patients and families you prayed with. Lives saved. Lives lost. It stays with you. I loved being there for people in their most dire times. 

I guess the point is that I know how to cope. I know how to fix. I am good at coping. Good at smiling. Good at fixing. Blessing and my worst enemy.

The reason the last two years have been so significant for me is that I have learned that some things I just can't fix. I have also learned that I need to be "OK" with not being able to fix things. And that it's "ok" to not be fixable if that is God's will. And in all things being God's will, there is a plan far greater than what I had thought or planned there to ever be. Weren't we promised this in Jeremiah 29:11? Yep.

So back to this book. From the moment I began reading, July 13th, to be exact, each day has shared something significant for me. The book is about hearing God. I mean, REALLY, hearing God speaking to you. Each day is written as though God is speaking directly to the reader. 

Though my relationship continues to grow in Christ, I do find myself wondering at times, "Erika, is that REALLY God speaking or just what you want to hear?" I find myself in doubt; not able to let go and let God.

Today, I woke begging God to speak to me. Begging for clarity. Begging for direction. I drove to work talking, like a crazy person, to my windshield (really to God). I have a few things on my mind...hehe.

Every day before I get into the grit of work, I sit down with a cup of warm (aka coffee) and read a devotional. These days, Jesus Calling. Today's was to be still in His Presence and not to worry. God has a plan for the journey. And no matter how hard the journey, I'm not alone, He is with me/us and carrying us.  Really?!?! I felt like this day's devotion was written just for me at that very moment. 

Erika, quit begging. Quit talking. 

Just listen and let God.

So in lieu of this FABULOUS book, I'm curious of your thoughts.

QUESTION:

How do you know God is speaking to you and that it's not just you telling yourself something?

And P.S.

TOTALLY go get this book off AMAZON since sadly Borders is closing...sigh. It's amazing! They even make a children's version...LOVE! My little miss Belle, Ashley's bub, had one on her desk. She thought it was fun that we were both reading the same book. Oh how I love that little. 

How cute is that little blue bird?!?!?

Can't wait to hear your thoughts?

xoxo

erika

July 30, 2011: Run for Africa 5K

Yesterday we woke to a 5:30 am wake up call. 

Why on earth would we wake at 5:30 am on Sabbath morning???

We woke to Run for Africa. 

Children of the Nations was the main sponsor.

My brother and his wife ran with us. They were sick, but still came to run and support the cause for our bub! They really are a couple of AMAZING people!!! I can't believe they still came being sick! LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

The Florida heat at 7 am was INSANE! I think it was 80 degrees at least when we woke up. 

Just after the national anthem I looked forward. Someday I can show our bub all the people who support their birth continent in America. People who recognize we need to support each other regardless of our birth place, nation or continent. 

After the race we were SOAKED and tired from the heat. Looking back at the finish line I could see the American flag. I walked back to the flag to take a closer look.

I couldn't help but notice where the USA flag was posted on the world map...Africa. We, as Americans, ran to support our fellow human beings, brothers and sisters in Christ, in Africa.

If amidst famine and drought people can walk 100 miles in desert heat for a small meal, I can wake at 5:30 am to run 3 miles to support them.

I've been so saddened and concerned with the recent news of Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia. I can't help but wonder if our child's family is struggling right this very moment. Do they have food to eat? Do they have hope? Each meal I have, I think of them. I think of my fullness and have this sense of guilt. 

Embarrassment of American riches. 

We complain or feel frustrated when the food we eat is not exactly what we want. If we don't have our coffee in the morning. If we run out of ice in our freezer. 

I need to be more thankful for what we have. Even for the canned ravioli in our pantry (I have NO IDEA how we acquired that...ha!). 

How can you help support those in the Horn of Africa suffering? See the links below and at the right side of our blog.

WorldVision.org

Doctors Without Borders

ADRA.org

xoxo

feed one

July Numbers Sprinkled with Blueberries

We received our Official July numbers while in Bar Harbor, Maine on a Friday evening. So far, our timing has been that we receive our official numbers on Friday evening as Sabbath begins. Love that!

                                     

Without further ado: 

Girl

Boy

We are really excited with the movement on the list. At the same time it does feel like a lifetime before our referral. The wait is FAR harder than we expected.

We have been trying to do and think of things that keep us connected. While in New Hampshire and Maine, we learned of the most severe drought and famine in the Eastern Horn of Africa in 60 years. To think our child or child's family could be experiencing so much pain, loss and hunger at the same time we were indulging in amazing meals and Maine's wild blueberry ice cream....well, it just made us sick!!! We knew we couldn't just see this happening on the news and read it in the papers. We had to act.

We knew just where to go to support the help in Africa...ADRA.org

I pray God use the funds ADRA raises to help His people in such need. So sad.

Then I was sitting on a bench one day just taking in Bar Harbor sites. I began watching a mother explore the beach and water with her little bub...awe...someday....

We stumbled upon a book standing in a window display we had both had read to us when we were little. I believe Mrs. Feldbush in kindergarten read it to me. I loved this book! I don't think I had seen it since a child. We immediately went into this family owned book store to check it out!

That night, I read this book to us before bed. It was a quick and fun book that brought back so many memories. Then it hit us, lets find a new children's book each month. Each month when we receive our Official Numbers we'll write our bub a letter on the inside page. A note to tell them why we chose this book, how the wait is going, the happenings for the month, and how much we care about our bub that we don't even know. A sort of story through monthly books to journal our wait and receipt of numbers.

July = Blueberries for Sal

July = One Month Closer

xoxo

us

Grab Your Kleenex

A bestie shared this with me yesterday....

Note to self: DO NOT watch this while in public.

xoxo

Hanging Out with SuperMan

D12 Foundation

A couple Saturday night's ago we were invited by our friends, Isaac and Suzie, to a charity event to support the D12 Foundation.

(Sidenote: I think I need to cut my hair off like that again...oh how I miss the ease of short hair...HMMM...)

Ok, back to my point....

So I have a "little" crush on Superman...AKA Dwight Howard, the center for the NBA Orlando Magic basketball team.

He was really cool. He taught my friend Suzie how to bowl. I only got to touch his arm....UM, for the record, his skin is INSANELY smooth!!! LOL! I am pretty sure Tim is rolling his eyes right now. LOL He knows he will ALWAYS be one and true dreamboat!

SEE THE PROOF?!?!? Look closely, you can see my ONE eyeball and forehead! LOL! Not sure why I was hiding??? It is my one proof I was right with him. On a funny note, PAAA-LEASE look at my hubs! Is he trying to be taller than Superman??? I am thinking so! I do remember him saying he didn't want to look really short next to Dwight. 

P.S. Tim is 6'4...not so short. LOL

Ok, so that's one of my favorite 2011 Summer events!!! 

I met....

ON A LITTLE BUB NOTE....should be getting our OFFICIAL July numbers soon!!! YIPPEE!!!!

xoxo

one less

Clearwater, FL and It Was CLEAR!

The last several weeks and weeks to come have felt more of a blur to me. I write from a hotel room.

Being on the road is VERY difficult on me and us for many reasons.

Last night while at dinner...again alone I read, "But the secret to joy is to keep seeking God where we doubt He is", Ann Voskamp.

So I have been slightly MIA in the blog world. Mainly because I'm tired of the rush and just need to "be" when I finally get home.

Once in a while we get lucky and we both require travel to the same work location. A few weeks ago we were blessed with this in our schedules so we took the opportunity to go one night early and stay in Clearwater Beach, FL. It is just that...CLEAR WATER!!! I think this may be one of my new FAV Florida locations. I mean, there are a ton of FAV places here in our state, but this one is a must see!

We had this amazing view from our hotel room. Nothing is more relaxing and good for the soul than a good view of the beach. Actually, being on the beach and hearing the rhythm of the ocean is pretty amazing too! Haha!

Tim off to find the perfect lounge location...options were limitless!

View from our little cabana we rented.......HEAVENLY!!!

Tim found this AWESOME restaurant on Diners, Dives, and Drive In's for our date night. This was also rated high on Trip Advisor. Now I forget the name of the place!?!?   Oh well. Anyway, we're HUGE fans of using Trip Advisor or Yelp when traveling...always the best way to find great restaurants, hotels and things to do wherever you may be.

After dinner we took in the sunset...just SO NICE to sit and talk with my handsome date! I love just "being" with the hubs. He's so much fun and makes life so full. We had fun dreaming about our future and talking of things to come.

I love this pic of him...pure joy.

The next morning we decided to get up for a beach run. GLORIOUS!!! Oh it was so beautiful!

Tim is pretty fast so I thought I'd get a pic of my marathoner.

You can't completely tell, but I noticed these homes on our run. They were the colors of our wedding (sky blue, yellow and green). Then I thought to switch my iPod playlist to our wedding music. I had a blast rediscovering our music from nearly 3 years ago.

As I was listening to the song I walked down the aisle to, "I Knew I Loved You" by Celene Dion (brings to tears to my eyes every time), I noticed Tim headed for me in the distance. JUST LIKE OUR WEDDING DAY!!! I was feeling emotional!

He had no idea what I was listening to.

Erika, why are you looking at me so funny??? LOL!!!

When our run was over and we walked back to the hotel, just before getting back on the sidewalk, I stumbled on this.....A LUCKY HORSESHOE! That pretty much summed up my run, the houses in our wedding colors, our playlist, and most importantly my God-gifted life with my hubs.

In the midst of all this travel, it's the little discoveries of a one night get-a-way, a horse shoe, a sunset, a cute text from Tim, or a sentence in a book that seems to get me through the difficult times/schedules we seem to be keeping the last couple months and months to come.

I have to admit, even though tough schedules, life with Tim makes me ONE HAPPY FISH!!!

I will always find the sunshine in the storm.

On a sidenote, HOW COOL IS THIS WALL ART THAT WAS IN OUR HOTEL!?!?!?! Forget about it!

xoxo

fler