tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31791063762177670592024-03-18T22:53:49.944-04:00Melody For Thy NameEmmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-45091638890921720432015-08-27T16:32:00.000-04:002015-08-27T16:34:06.571-04:00I am a LiarA letter to my fellow Sisters in Christ:<br />
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I've been reflecting a lot.<br />
I lie awake at night for probably a good hour after my husband has begun snoring trying to figure out the solution to my problems and the world's problems.<br />
Lately, that has been this whole Planned Parenthood scandal. How can I believe so adamantly that life begins at conception, that a beating heart and all major organs functioning at 8 weeks is so clearly a *baby,* that when a woman becomes pregnant she is "pregnant with child," and yet so many in our world say, 'eh, if that clump of cells is an inconvenience, unwanted, threat to the mother, has a birth defect, or hey, the mom just doesn't want to be an incubator, then terminate the pregnancy. Abort. Don't take away our healthcare! Our rights! Our choices!'<br />
I cannot wrap my mind around that thinking. I just can't.<br />
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I talked for hours into the wee morning with a girlfriend who aborted her baby last year. She has never felt 'victimized' by my opinion that to abort is murder. She has never been offended. In fact, she herself knows what she did and believes the child within her was indeed 'a life.' She will say it was a baby, but can't let herself say she is/was a mother. I won't push her on this. She said that she knows in aborting her child she was killing her child, yet scrolled through all the reasons that she believed it best. <br />
Sometimes listening and grieving with someone is best.<br />
She knew she was trying to justify her actions, but she also knew that there was no justification good enough...she was distraught. And hurting. And in her mind, the best way to cope with that has been to acknowledge what she did, and cling to any justification she can conjure up.<br />
I've noticed a lot in my postings both on my Facebook wall and those on the Planned Parenthood site that the argument 'it isn't a life' is extremely rare. We know far more these days with modern technology then back in the 1970s of Roe v Wade. To me, that was the argument all along. If the clump of cells within you is a life, abortion should be illegal, because it is murder. If it isn't a life, then it really isn't a big deal what you do with your own body, since another body isn't at risk. To watch these last several weeks as the pro-choice/pro-life debate rages, I've been utterly shocked that the argument 'it isn't a life' is hard to find. Instead, it is a matter of women not wanting to be incubators, people already born should matter more than people not born, and in this, this, and this scenario, it should be allowed, and, what someone else chooses to do is none of someone else's business.<br />
I brought this up the other day. I had response after response after response on Planned Parenthood's FB page to one of my comments all offering excuses for the slaughter of the preborn children. Then I said, "not a single one of you is stating it isn't a life. Instead, you are justifying your reasons for murder."<br />
Few people changed their tune and said, 'oh wait, but it isn't a life.' Instead, they continued giving justifications for murder.<br />
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But you know....this is where I recognized myself. Let me explain.<br />
If you have an abortion and begin to feel great shame and guilt over your choice, what is easier? To say, "I was wrong" or to say "I am a murderer"???<br />
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Are we wanting every mother and every father who has made the choice to terminate what they have produced to say, "I'm a murderer?"<br />
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We make decisions every day to do what is right or to do what is wrong. Lots of times, it is black and white. Sometimes not. Sometimes we do something wrong but justify it for ourselves, like when we say "I'm sorry for doing ______________, BUT you did.....which caused me to x,y,z, etc." That isn't apologizing. That is blame shifting. That is wanting to do what you need to do to feel you did what you needed to do to be in the right, and then leaving the other person to realize you actually had nothing to apologize for because it is their fault in the first place. Yikes.<br />
We don't want to admit we are wrong.<br />
I don't want to admit I'm wrong.<br />
When I lie, I don't want to say "I'm a liar."<br />
In school, when I looked at that person's paper and copied that one answer, sure, I cheated. But I didn't want to say "I'm a cheater."<br />
When we have sex outside of marriage with someone we love, or don't love, we might say "I wish we had waited," but we won't say "I'm sexually immoral."<br />
When a husband or wife cheats, they might say, "honey, I had an affair, and it won't ever happen again," but he/she doesn't want to say "I'm an adulterer."<br />
We like to make things seem as if we are repentant, without actually being repentant.<br />
I'm no exception.<br />
Somewhere, we lost our backbones and stopped taking responsibility. We have become a culture that does whatever to whomever as long as 'happiness' is the goal. In an effort to never feel stuck in any category, we've done away with labels and lost that we are all sinners.<br />
All of us.<br />
We are broken. Completely broken.<br />
Either we are too weak to admit that we are terribly wrong, or we are apathetic. We just don't care.<br />
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And I don't know if we care to know if we are weak or apathetic.<br />
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I think we are running around as if it doesn't matter.<br />
But it does.<br />
How we treat others, what we say, what we do...it matters.<br />
How can I say, "you are murdering millions of children!" and expect those in the world to accept the label "murderer" but I am unwilling to accept the label, 'liar.'<br />
Christians, we need to be showing the world how to mourn our sins. We need to show the world how to repent. Being forgiven does not mean sinful apathy. We are only forgiven because Jesus went to the cross, and was beaten, mocked, crucified, for YOU! For ME. Because I am a wretched, sinful, despicable human being. The world wants to talk of a loving, gracious God that doesn't care what we personally do day in and day out. You know what? God's love and grace mean absolutely nothing without His justice and holiness and hate toward sin. What big deal is it if He loves me for being a lovable person?<br />
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No, His love is a big deal because He loves me even though I'm unlovable.<br />
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His grace is a big deal because apart from Christ, His justice would devour me.<br />
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It does matter what we do. It matters how we act. It matters if we are repentant. If we aren't repentant of our own sins, then what kind of example are we showing the world? <br />
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If we, the forgiven, those who claim to live life for Christ, are not acknowledging how utterly worthless we are apart from Christ and we aren't wholly repentant and completely dependent on Christ to save us from our lying, cheating, murderous selves, how can we expect the world to say, "what great wrong we have done to the children within our wombs!"?<br />
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May God move us to seeing ourselves clearly so that we can then be emptied and used as loving, compassionate vessels of His in this world.<br />
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Then will His Name be hallowed. Then will His fame grow. Then will we see clearly who we are, and all the more awestruck by Who He is.<br />
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<br /><!----i-->Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-12638936893322651002013-07-19T15:14:00.000-04:002013-07-19T15:14:13.296-04:00Pro-What?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Are you pro-life, or just pro-birth? Pro-life, or anti-abortion? Let me explain what I mean:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Zane and I are in the process of adopting 2 children from the country of Lesotho. Our pastor gave us 2 books, Orphan Justice and Adopted for Life. These books are both incredible, and go far beyond recommended material for just adoptive parents. I would recommend them to any christian. They are both thought-provoking, scriptural, and...grace-filled. In spite of my heart for orphans and adoption, both have taught me and shown me ways that I'm still...falling short. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But this particular chapter, in Orphan Justice, by Johnny Carr, really has me upset, sorrowful, and repentant. As a church, we claim to be pro-life, but I dare say we don't act the part. No, we definitely do not want unborn babies killed. We can all agree on that. But, what does the pregnant mother see? She sees posters screaming at her that she is a killer, she sees judgement, condemnation, and an unwillingness to hear her side of the story. She is stoned by me, while Jesus is right there writing in the sand with His finger saying, 'let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.' (John 8) And when that mother chooses life and gives her child up for adoption, where is the church in taking care of that child? Where are we when she needs support, and love, and care? When she chooses life, and raises her child alone, are we coming alongside her, helping her, loving her, asking her what she needs? How many children will be born this month alone that go into the foster system because their mother chose life? How many children who go into the foster system will stay there, because we are not taking adoption and caring for orphans seriously? How many children are sitting in a wobbly high-chair, covered in flies, sitting over a bucket that will hold their excrement for the day, not knowing the power of love, and we see them as a statistic in a third-world orphanage instead of a child, made in the image of God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Johnny Carr says in his book that 'man made orphanages for children. God made the family for children.' Do we *get* that? Here is what I've been struggling through in this book:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"When we speak up against abortion but fail to also actively encourage adoption, foster care, and supporting children in poverty, we present a one-sided view of the issue. In our pursuit of stopping the abortion movement, we have often lost the bigger picture of building a culture of life. Mike Huckabee put it well when he said:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'In today's debates, the issue is often obscured by the debate about abortion, which centers on the right of a pregnant woman to choose the disposition of her unborn child without any interference or input from the father, the family, or the federal government. But the culture of life is so much more. I'm not anti-abortion, I'm pro-life, and there's a fundamental difference. I'm not against something. I'm for something. I'm for the idea that your life and every other life has equal value, and every life should be treated with dignity and respect and honor.' </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"What are we doing for the babies who are being born into the world? Is it enough that they have the chance to see the light of day and breathe in oxygen? What about the children who are starving every single day, dying of curable medical conditions, living in cramped and unsanitary orphanages, or stuck in the foster care system waiting for a family? Each child matters deeply to our God, but too often, not to us....for every one verse in Scripture about the evil of murder, there are at least ten or twenty verses about taking care of the weak, needy and vulnerable... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Many children who are waiting to be adopted were likely born into the world after a difficult decision by their birth mother--a decision that we, the church, supported. So now we need to continue our pro-life stance by actually giving these children a loving family...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"If God's people do not step in to offer hope and help, I fear for these children's futures. I fear for their lives. So should you."</span><br />
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<br />Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-28948198179510072532012-12-17T14:24:00.000-05:002012-12-17T14:24:01.587-05:00Plans UnknownI am amazed by how our God works! To say He works in mysterious ways...seems like an understatement when you can look back and actually see where and how He was working. Ways that you never would have seen coming. That you couldn't have planned. I am amazed, in awe, and cannot wait to see what else the Lord has in store for us!<br />
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So, by now you know that I have longed to adopt, for years and years, but you might not know that the time for us to turn in our application...is just WEEKS away! We started fundraising in November for our Application Fee, knowing that once we raised the money we would submit our application. What we didn't realize is that it would only take 3 weeks to raise that money (and praise the Lord we are now on our way to raising money for our future Home Study, after Baby Seals #2 is born this May)! Which put us in the busyness of Christmas, us packing to move, finalizing things for buying our first home...so we decided we will submit it in January. Let's back track for just a moment:<br />
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Back in 2004, the ministry I was involved in on campus, The House, was sending out 7 mission trips during spring break. One of those was to New York. That is where I wanted to go. I love the city and wanted to serve the homeless there. My mom, however, after looking over the locations, told me she thought I should go to Romania to work in the orphanages and with street children (I would have kept my daughter IN the country and not shipped her across the ocean, but the Lord was quietly working in her heart without her even knowing it). She told me, 'I bet God can teach you a lot through a trip like that.' I bet she had no idea, nor could she imagine, what would happen while in Romania. My first day in the baby orphanage, while holding a baby, I knew...I just knew...I was supposed to adopt. God had called me to adopt. No idea when, or where, but that seed was planted, one of His callings on my life was now known to me, and my heart has been exploding since.<br />
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Fast forward to 2011, I'm pregnant with my first child, and I want to buy EVERY. SINGLE. BEANIE that I see. But that could get pretty expensive, fast! I decided I'd learn how to crochet. Make some beanies for other women in my life having children, make several for my unborn child, and then start selling some to bring in a little extra cash. Only God knew that about 20+ months later, I would be crocheting beanies to raise money for our adoption.<br />
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I know the Lord has planned my days. I know He knit me together in my mother's womb, and I know He knows me better than I will ever know myself. Still, I stand amazed in His presence when I look back through my life and see how one thing leads to another through no direction of my own but by His gentle guiding, calling, and grace. I look forward to see what He uses next from my past to bring hope to our family's future!<br />
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If you would like to order a beanie from us (visit me on my facebook page, Moments Sealed), or just make a donation towards the Seals' Adoption Fund, please click the donation button to the top right of this page :)Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-10823359408218251082012-12-03T22:15:00.001-05:002012-12-03T22:15:11.619-05:00Busy AnticipationI know, I know, I don't post on here enough! While keeping up with my pregnancy blog, and Roman, this blog has been put on the back burner, which is ridiculous! Whew, I have been busy lately! Busy crocheting that is, because our fundraising for adoption is off to a great start via me crocheting beanies. We will be submitting our application in January, and after such a long time desiring this, I am thrilled that the Lord has brought us to this moment.<br />
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Who knew that when I started crocheting beanies while pregnant with Roman (because I wanted every beanie that I saw, and lets face it....no one can afford that! haha) that it would lead to not only keeping his head warm but raising money to bring our children home! I will tell you Who knew! The Lord. God is sovereign over everything and His plans...they are to bring a hope and a future...and that little desire to crochet beanies for my unborn baby that He put in my heart nearly 2 1/2 years ago...is bringing a hope and a future to our family, in so many ways. Praise God! His ways are so perfect.<br />
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We are closing on a house the end of this month. We are 16 weeks pregnant. We are starting the adoption process. We are busy, but not so busy to see where God is at work, to recognize our need for Him, and to rejoice through our tiredness and excitement. Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-57686099537622453292012-11-27T10:34:00.003-05:002012-11-27T10:34:53.068-05:00Give ThanksIn my Scripture reading this morning, Psalm 107 commanded me, and all believers, to give thanks to the Lord for He is good. "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from trouble, and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south."<br />
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As one of His redeemed, I know I do not give Him praise and thanks enough. There are days that go by that I just forget...the thought doesn't even cross my mind...to tell the wonderful, MERCIFUL, Saviour, "thank you!" Oh we should never forget or take for granted what He has done for us. So undeserving. So filthy. And yet He calls us into His presence, cleanses us, wipes us clean, and calls us 'His Righteousness' and 'Holy.' We have nothing without Him. We have everything with Him. We have a future and a hope, which replaced despair and death. <br />
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So give thanks to the Lord! For He is good! And His steadfast love endures forever! Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-72870109962012659862012-11-13T21:45:00.001-05:002012-11-13T21:45:45.764-05:00The Lord's CallingGod's will always comes to pass. Maybe not in the way we would expect, but it always comes to pass. He is sovereign. He has known my days since before the world began, and something He called me to do, before the beginning of time, He will see to pass.<br /><br />
I've mentioned before about my desire, passion, for adoption. Back in the Spring of 2004, on a mission trip with my college ministry to Romania during spring break, my heart for adoption was clenched while serving in a baby orphanage. I've known since then that I would adopt one day. The country, the time, unknown...by me, but not unknown to our Sovereign God!<br />
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Well, last week Zane and I decided that we will officially start the process, aka turn in our application and see where God leads us. We are currently 13 weeks pregnant, so we might be limited as to how far we can advance in the process for now, but nevertheless we will begin and I'm so incredibly thankful for that. This has been a longing for over 8 years and I cannot wait to bring my baby home!<br />
<br />Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-29701915661606437642012-07-19T17:49:00.000-04:002012-07-19T17:49:12.448-04:00Blinded by 50 Shades of GrayFirst, let me say I have no interest in reading this book. The eye is the light to the rest of your body, and as a Christian, I must guard what I see. When you read, your mind is forced to imagine what your eye is comprehending, and I firmly believe this book has no place in the life of a Christian. <div>
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Since becoming a mother, I have become more aware as to how my actions can give approval, even if I don't necessarily mean to. For example, I have no problem with 2-pieces, or bikinis, BUT I don't want a mother who does have a problem with her daughter wearing a 2-piece to hear, "But Mrs. Seals, (or But Emmie, Miss Emmie, etc) wore one. Why can't I?!"</div>
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After having a brief moment of 'judging' those who are reading, or have read, this book, I heard, "Emmie, pull the log out of your own eye." I looked over to the left where Zane and I have well over 300 DVDs. Most of our DVDs I won't mind our children watching once they are at a certain age. But some of them, I never want our children to watch. Not even once they are 18. I started going through them, row by row, and have found 16 that need to be gotten rid of. Goodnesss, I can't believe these are in my house! In fact, it makes me wonder what else I am giving approval to that I am not quite aware of.</div>
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So this is a call to not only hold me accountable for my actions, but also to remember who you are. If you are a Christian, you are a child of the Living God. We need to live differently and pay attention to what we are putting in our lives. We are to shine for Christ. Are you? Am I? </div>
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"The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!" Matthew 6:22-23</div>Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-44929034118648426132012-06-29T14:20:00.000-04:002012-06-29T14:20:51.678-04:00Forget being Stalled<i>Good afternoon! On my last entry, I mentioned that Zane and I have been discovering that if we get pregnant during the adoption process, our application is put on hold, or in some cases, completely stalled and we would have to start all over again once our new child is 6 months old. Talk about agony! </i><br />
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<i>Well, I am happy that we have found several agencies and countries that do NOT have that policy. In fact, it can even help the bonding of the children the closer they are in age, right? So, we have a lot of prayer that needs to happen, for God to give us wisdom as we pursue adoption. We are narrowing down our agency choices, I think....and we are both feeling a heart towards Asia and Africa. This comes as a shock to me because of my love for Romania. I thought for sure I would feel pulled towards Eastern Europe, but God is working in my heart a different way than expected. God does that, though! And His ways are best. I look so forward to what He has in store.</i><br />
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<i>Have a wonderful Friday! Stay cool. It is so hot outside!</i>Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-12956349309432462772012-06-26T14:18:00.004-04:002012-06-26T14:18:49.002-04:00Holding for PregnancyAccording to one of the adoption agencies we have been in contact with, most countries will put your application on hold should you become pregnant during the process. This gives me pause. Zane and I want to start the adoption process, and knowing that it will be a several year journey, we would like to get pregnant and have another child while we wait to bring our children home from overseas. But, if that would put our application on hold, then Zane and I have some considering to do. Get pregnant sooner than we wanted? Have a baby after we bring our children from overseas home? So many things to consider! <br />
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Here I was, back in my naive days, thinking I knew just about all there was to know regarding adoption, just longing for the time that God will put this calling into motion. Haha! But now, actually researching agencies and countries with my husband, going to meetings, talking with people who have made this journey...well, let's just say I didn't know all I thought I did. Don't you just love wake-up calls!Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-83126703031123907322012-06-24T17:54:00.001-04:002012-06-24T17:54:48.737-04:00A Longing Worth Waiting OnThe idea of adopting is even more beautiful now than it was 8 years ago when God first put the PASSION in my heart. It is all I can do to contain this joy in eager anticipation of God's timing. You might notice, over to the right, we have a 'donate' button now to our adoption fund. We might only get pennies donated at the moment. Who knows?! As Zane puts it, "I wouldn't donate to someone if they hadn't started the process yet, at least chosen an agency and a country."<br />
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However, I'm of the mind that people who know me know that this isn't a whim. They know we will be adopting, as soon as God says 'now.' I have zero doubt in my mind that God will provide for us financially to bring our children home. And, if this is going to be a 3 year + journey, why not start raising money now? The more money we raise before we start, the easier (hopefully!) it will be to complete our dossier (fancy word for a ton of paperwork) and have it sent to our country that we will be adopting from.<br />
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Friends, I look so forward to our precious little ones. Baby Seals #2 and #3 (or #3 and #4, should we become pregnant before bringing our adopted ones home) are already greatly loved, prayed for, and LONGED for. <br />
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I hope you are having a beautiful day, filled with God's love and warmth shining down!Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-7804655467460989122012-06-22T23:29:00.000-04:002012-06-22T23:29:16.436-04:00An Informing MeetingZane and I went to our first Informational Meeting regarding adoption this past Tuesday. I have not been able to get it out of my head. I'm so excited to be on this path, though I've seen it coming for 8 years! The meeting was...enlightening. There are so many more countries that we are eligible for than I thought. Terminology does not always mean what you think it does. We have a list of countries, 5 actually, that we are interested in. One country that I thought was a 'no' is actually a 'yes' I found out, and I cannot get two little faces out of my head! No, I haven't seen our future children...I know I haven't...but I still see these two little faces every time I think about adoption. My heart is being tugged towards a particular country. I'm not quite sure how God gets a husband and wife to both desire a child from the same country, but I'm waiting to see if Zane starts bringing up this particular country before I let him know how I'm feeling. <br /><br />
While we are not starting the process at this time...hopefully in 2013 or the end of 2012...I am doing my research on creative fundraising methods. I cannot wait to start this process and welcome others to help us bring Baby Seals #2 and #3 home! (Unless I get pregnant..then #3 and #4.) Did you catch that? Yep, we want to bring home a sibling group. Originally I thought God would allow us to go through this process multiple times, but both Zane and I are desiring 2 at once. Praise the Lord for working in our hearts regarding that and bringing us to the same conclusion! I. Cannot. Wait. My heart is bursting at the seams thinking of my precious little ones. Roman will make a great big brother. Zane makes an excellent father and will love these precious ones as his own, just like he does Roman. And me...I've been desiring this for so long I don't quite grasp the reality in it all. Oh joy!Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-62311867053762414222012-06-12T12:23:00.000-04:002012-06-12T12:23:34.749-04:00Stalled for the Moment<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Well, it turns out that the Condo we had a contract on just wasn't meant to be. Praise the Lord He had already been working in my heart!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>For a little over a week, prior to finding out our contract was falling through, I began having doubts about the Condo. Were we making the right choice? We offered a little more than we were originally comfortable with. We weren't going to have a yard for Roman, and future children, to play in. Something just wasn't sitting right. I was becoming less excited about becoming a home-owner of this Condo, and more worried that there was something else out there for us. Maybe a house. Maybe we just need to renew our lease. I don't know...something. <br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I received a call from our lender Friday evening. Now, I had been praying all last week that if we weren't supposed to have the house, God would make it clear to us by Friday. Sure enough, Friday at 5 p.m., our lender called to let us know two problems going on with the FHA insurability of the Condo. Basically, it wasn't going to happen, and there wasn't anything Zane or I could do. It required the owners of other condos, and the HOA, to follow the guidelines laid out by FHA, but they were both far behind. I'd say God answered my prayer loud and clear! Praise Him for that! Even if we were to follow through on our Condo, and somehow HOA and other owners did what they were supposed to do, the liklihood of us falling into this same predicament when we try to sell is very high. </i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now, what this means: We are giving ourselves until Friday. If God wants us to have a house, we will see it between now and then. If He doesn't, we will renew our lease until December. Which would mean: A) I'm most certainly not getting another dog right now (please imagine me moping...I just love dogs!) and B) we are MOST DEFINITELY not starting the adoption process at this moment. We need to have a home to grow in before we can add on another child...or two...or three.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />Life is a roller coaster. I'm so thankful God is planning every day and holding the Seals' family each step of the way!</i></span>Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-50870831929011760972012-06-04T17:17:00.001-04:002012-06-04T17:17:29.409-04:00It Begins...And the road to adoption begins....<br />
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Well, let's be honest. For me, it began when God was knitting me together in my Mother's womb and planning my days. I realized it was beginning while on a mission trip in March of 2004 to Romania when I was holding a severely malnourished 4 year old who looked to be the age of my now 8 month old son. Since that trip, I have not been able to look back. That longing to adopt has grown, and grown, and grown, and I just don't know how much more it can grow without bursting my heart wide open. I have such joy when I think about seeing my child for the first time. I have such pain when I think of all the 'what ifs' that can take place during the process. A long, tedious process that I don't think ever goes smoothly. Sure, it is worth it in the end! Of course it is! May the Lord be gracious to my family, and my little heart, during the years ahead!<br />
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So, you might be thinking that Zane and I have started paperwork. You would be wrong. Several weeks ago we decided to start researching agencies and 'gathering the information,' if you will, so that when we are in a position to be ready to add a second child to our home, we will know the agency and country we wish to adopt from. Part of this push to start gathering the information was because some friends of ours who have been on the adoption road for a year now found out just a few months ago that the country they were working towards would no longer allow them to adopt. That struck pain into my heart for them. And pain/fear into my heart for what is up ahead. God has called me not to live a life of fear! He is sovereign and our journey, their journey, is in His hands...but the human in me cries out so loudly when I become abundantly more aware of the lack of control I have. <br />
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During our research of agencies, we found that Bethany Christian Services offers meetings, monthly, for prospective parents of International Adoption. While we have not decided on an agency, it is a GREAT idea, I'd say, to go ahead and go to a meeting to get ourselves informed. I've also contacted an agency from Georgia, An Open Door, to ask a few questions and discuss concerns. Zane and I will be visiting with a couple from our church in the next week or two to learn about their journey through adoption twice: once domestic and once international. And my hands have busily been creating beanies for football season. Every thing I crochet from here on out is to raise money for adoption. (So if you see something you like on my Etsy shop, Moments Sealed, feel free to purchase it knowing what it is going towards. You can always let me know what you want and I will do my best to make it for you.) <br />
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Feel free to pray without ceasing for us. For me as I get way ahead of myself and hate the whole waiting thing. For Zane since he has to deal with me hating the whole waiting thing. For God to be at work in us and through us during this time. To draw us closer together. To cause us to focus on Him more. For Roman to see a glimpse in this of what God has done for us, adopting us as His children. For our future adoptive child/children and the emotions/insecurities they might go through. For the birth parents, for them to come to know Jesus as their Savior; for them to be at peace with their decision; for God to be their comfort throughout their lives when they think about their child, where he/she is, what he/she looks like, etc. and praise Him on their behalf that they gave him/her life rather than aborting. <br />
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We invite you to go through this journey with us, praying alongside us. Thank you for reading, and I will keep you posted!Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-62029788989101247292012-05-29T22:21:00.004-04:002012-05-29T22:25:42.182-04:00Just AskWe have a contract on a condo! And I am very thrilled. Since 2004, I have sensed a great desire to own my own property, and stop this horrible cycle of wasting money on rent. When the economy tanked a few years ago, Zane and I began to understand just how difficult it is for a first-time homebuyer to actually purchase a home. We have nearly perfect credit, are extremely frugal financially, but, as any of you who have a home know, there are always bumps in the road!<br />
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Back in April, we found out that when our lease is up, July 2, our rent will be increased over $100. I assume that with so many people losing their homes, more people are renting, and apartment management can take advantage of that by increasing rent due to apartments being in such high demand. Well, where we live is not worth what we are currently paying. Zane and I decided to step out in faith and look for property.<br />
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What you might not know is that we live in the Nashville area. Zane's dream job is in Atlanta. When God brought us here, we were confused, to say the least. Then God led us to our church. We believe He brought us here for that reason--for us to be a part of Redeemer. While the job Zane wants will definitely be his as soon as the company starts hiring again, we have no idea as to how long we might wait. Our stepping out in faith was not just for God to lead us to the home He wants for us, but if God wants us to stay in Nashville, that He would take us to our home.<br />
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We couldn't find anything. Two days before we had to give our apartment management their 60 day notice of us staying or leaving, Zane and I decided to look at condos/townhomes. We just couldn't find a stand alone house and wanted to make sure we looked at everything. I emailed our realtor and we set up 5 condos to view the next morning. That is when I read James 4 and gleaned these 3 things: 1) "you do not have because you do not ask." While we were seeking God's will, I had not simply asked for a home. So, I did. 2) "Do not speak evil against one another." I had become slightly bitter towards my fellow believers surrounding me. I was judging them from what I viewed they had, while thinking Zane and I do everything right and can't find the smallest, safe home for our family to grow in. But has God not given us more than we could ever imagine! I must not judge my fellow Christians! and 3) "you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." This confirmed how our house hunt started: stepping out in faith because we don't know what tomorrow brings but do know that God will lead us where He wants us.<br />
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And that morning, about an hour or so after studying James 4 and spending time in prayer, I walked into the condo that we now have a contract on. Goodness, waiting for closing is so difficult though! Trust in the Lord. He will lead you. Follow.Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-33544729114423883022012-05-24T13:24:00.000-04:002012-05-24T13:24:22.984-04:00A New Journey<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I know, I know! It has been a very long time since my last post. I could sit here and make excuses about how busy I am feeding Roman, changing diapers, trying to be a good wife, crochet, clean, etc...but the truth is, I haven't even thought about writing that much! Shame on me. I love writing. So, let's try and do this again!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I began, as in 1 entry, to share a chapter in the Gospels. That didn't last. I'm not going to tell you "I will do this every day." Things in my life just don't work out that way anymore! But what I can tell you is that I will do my best to be more consistent with writing and sharing. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Roman has his 2 bottom front teeth now. He is crawling, everywhere. He makes a beeline to the dog food every single day. (Don't worry. None has made it to his mouth YET.) Roman adores our dog, Caprica. They make out (yes, kiss all the time), play tug of war, share toys, and Roman will even lay on her, hitting her over and over and Caprica is just SO gentle with him. (She is a german shepherd/rotti mix. Her gentleness with Roman amazes me. Such a huge blessing from God!) Our other dog, Frisbee, we gave to my older brother. I have loved her and raised her for 8 years. But once Roman came along she started messing every single day in the house. She even pooped on my foot...yes...ON MY FOOT 4 times. She also growls at Roman if he gets too close. So, yes, Fris had to go.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>We have a contract on a condo in Hendersonville. This began with us stepping out in faith. Not knowing if God wants us to remain here, or move back to Atlanta. But while we wait for His calling, our lease was coming to an end, and to re-up, management was going to raise the price over $100!!! So, we began looking for houses. I will tell you more about this in another post:) </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>God is great, and He is doing great things in our lives. And in our friend's lives. I can just see Him at work in so many ways. And this makes me excited, and prayerful, and more and more eager to know what He will do next. And more and more eager to have Him hold me in His arms, my family, and those I love. Being a mother has taught me that I have ZERO control...but that is okay, because God is never surprised by anything and He will work everything out for our good and His glory.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Have a beautiful day!</i></span>Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-36289830195671824792012-01-29T15:12:00.000-05:002012-01-29T15:12:46.999-05:00A Time to ShareYesterday I had the wonderful <i>blessing</i> of visiting with a dear friend from Romania. We met 8 years ago while I was helping with a youth camp, and then again 7 years ago during my summer in Piatra Neamt, Romania. We have kept in touch since then, but not nearly as often as either of us would like. I suppose that when you are living in two different countries, living two separate lives...while you may still be in fellowship with each other, the fellowship is not as close as it could be when shared.<br />
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It was wonderful seeing her. God has called her to serve in a country where it is not particularly safe towards Christians. She is serving those who could lose everything if they gave their life to Christ: family, friends, their home... Spending time with her reminded me of how important it is to know what God is doing around the world. Here in America, we get so busy. So focused on us. Our life. Our church. Our job. We lose sight of the bigger picture. Christ, and spreading the gospel to those around us and across the globe, to further His Kingdom as His Spirit leads. <br />
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When I worked at Mission to the World, it truly came home to me that if we are not going, and we are not sending, we are disobeying. As I reflect on my time with my friend, and how I live my life, it begs me to evaluate if I am going or sending...or disobeying. Where is my time and energy spent? Yes, right now my son demands more energy than I could ever imagine I had! But God has put people in my life, all around me, and there are opportunities everywhere to share the great news of the gospel. And I am called to go to them, seize those opportunities, send people financially and prayerfully, and love like Jesus loved, letting His light shine through my life, so that this dark world can have Hope that is only found in Him.<br />
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-4201377228690892432012-01-20T10:03:00.000-05:002012-01-20T10:03:23.971-05:00Last Several AttemptsGood morning, friends. My last several attempts to log onto my blog have failed. I'm not sure as to why, but finally, today, it worked! <br />
I should know better than to say 'I want to write about a new chapter a day from the Bible.' Having a baby changes everything. I can make plans of what I want to do, but when it comes down to it....unfortunately...there are not enough hours in the day for everything that needs to get done. And my blog goes on the back burner. However, mornings like this, when I have a moment, I want to try and write about what God is doing in my life!<br />
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My son is sitting next to me on the couch, kicking his little legs to classical music as he watches Baby Einstein. 3 days ago was his 4 month birthday. Every moment with him is a blessing. Even the moments that seem they will never end as he cries, or fusses, or just makes me feel inadequate. I'm constantly being reminded that he is not mine first. He belongs to the Lord. Praise God that He is giving me the opportunity, the blessing, to raise him!!! I hope I do not take him for granted!<br />
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Ever since we left Athens, I have missed my previous job. Not because I don't LOVE being a stay-at-home mother and wife, but because I miss working for the Kingdom. Well, I have just been offered a job, one in which I didn't apply for nor know was available, in which I only need to work a few short hours a week, and can do so from home or the office. If I am in the office, Roman can come too! Praise God for this opportunity, a little more income, and for it all being a blessing handed down from above.<br />
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Have a beautiful day all!!<br />
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-59564487289364379362012-01-03T13:32:00.000-05:002012-01-03T13:32:03.611-05:00Luke 1<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><div style="text-align: left;">Silly me. I should have known better than to say I would blog a new chapter each day of the Bible, and then go out of town for 11 days! I hope your Christmas and New Years was wonderful. It was so joyful being with friends and family, and having my little boy to share everything with!
Luke 1 fortells the birth of John the Baptist, born to prepare the way of our Lord. When his father, Zechariah was told by an angel that his wife would conceive, Zechariah doubted. His wife, Elizabeth, was advanced in years and barren. Because of his disbelief, Zechariah was silenced until the birth of John.
While Mary was pregnant, she visited Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. (Luke 1: 41) She immediately knew Mary was carrying the Lord. Mary remained with them for about three months and they rejoiced together. During that time was when Mary wrote her Magnificat:
<blockquote class="tr_bq">"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His Name. And His mercy is for those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hears; He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent empty away. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever." Luke 1:46-55</blockquote> After John's birth, Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophecies regarding God's mercy and his new baby: "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." Luke 1: 76-79
And that is just what John did. Growing strong in the spirit, he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance in Israel.
Goodness, all this talk about babies! Here is my precious baby boy. I pray that God has a special purpose for him and will see Roman through to its completion.</div><tr></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: left;">This is Roman with his Uncle Christopher. </td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RTE0rZ66hOs/TwM8WpMKjOI/AAAAAAAAAD8/XFa0bwSOYGI/s320/Christmas+2011+007.JPG" width="179" /></td></tr>
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<div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-17782683466406450032011-12-22T10:18:00.000-05:002011-12-22T10:18:16.072-05:00Matthew 2We three kings of orient are.....<br />
That's right! Matthew 2 involves the wise men visiting Jesus! So many prophecies are fulfilled in this chapter. The wise men traveled to Bethlehem and upon seeing Jesus, fell down and worshiped Him, and offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. <b> Prophecy #1</b> "And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel."<br />
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Herod was King during the time of Jesus' birth, and when the wise men asked where they could find 'He who has been born king of the Jews?', Herod and his chief priests and scribes began to plot how to ensure His death. He asked the wise men to bring back word of where this King was, that he too could go and worship Him. In a dream, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child and destroy Him." This fulfills <b>Prophecy #2 </b>"Out of Egypt I called my Son."<b> </b><br />
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When Herod realized he had been tricked by the wise men, by them returning to their home by way of a different route, he because furious and sent for all of the male children in Bethlehem age 2 and under to be killed. Looking at my baby boy, sleeping so peacefully next to me, I realize he falls in that age range. I cannot imagine...nor do I want to...what the mothers went through. Did Mary ever hear what had happened? Did she know that God provided protection for her baby? What was her reaction, if she did hear the horrible news of what had taken place? <b>Prophecy #3</b> "A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more."<br />
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After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, telling him to take Mary and the Child, and go to the land of Israel. They went and lived in a city called Nazareth, fulfilling <b>Prophecy #4</b> "He shall be called a Nazarene."<br />
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I love rereading these chapters and writing about them. It helps me to be reminded of all the prophecies that were fulfilled. That could only be fulfilled by the Messiah. Praise God for keeping His promises! Great is His faithfulness!<br />
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-21516681137418102932011-12-21T12:04:00.000-05:002011-12-21T12:04:00.074-05:00Matthew 1Again, I took a break from writing. Not because I didn't want to! Many days I thought about it, yet allowed my blog writing to slip through the cracks while Parenthood took over. I just love my son so much and have to watch him every moment he is awake....and some moments while he is asleep. He is just so, peaceful. I wonder if God's peace that He has given us is supposed to look like a peaceful sleeping babe to the outside world?<br />
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Yesterday I finished my year long (+ a few months) read through the Bible chronologically. How great it was! I learned things I hadn't known before, and reaffirmed my faith in so many ways. My view of God's sovereignty has grown exponentially! While reading through the New Testament, I decided I couldn't wait to get to the end and begin again...in the New Testament. Of course I will read through the Old again, but I really want to share with you, and me, each chapter of the New. (I probably won't tackle Revelation though in this blog....we will see how God leads.)<br />
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So, Matthew 1: The genealogy of Jesus Christ, fulfilling prophecies of Him being born of a virgin, in the line of David, from the seed of Abraham. And then the birth of Jesus Christ! Our Saviour. He came to this world for the reason of redeeming His children. His story does not end in Matthew 1. Nor does it begin there. His story began at the beginning of time. All of creation waited for this moment, looking forward to the Messiah. A song was being written since God created the heavens and the earth, and the birth of Christ was adding a new melody to His sonata. <br />
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After Mary was found to be with child, Joseph resolved to divorce her quietly, since she had conceived before they wed. Yet an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and told him to fear not, but that Mary had conceived this child by the Holy Spirit, and that He would save the people from their sins. When Joseph awoke from his dream, he did as the angel commanded. And Mary gave birth to a son. They called Him Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. <br />
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-89333949498810269742011-11-28T13:51:00.000-05:002011-11-28T13:51:18.893-05:00Thankfully SavedThis past week was Thanksgiving, which my family spread out over 4 days. 2 days were spent with my husband's family and 2 days were spent with mine. I love Thanksgiving food and I love going around the table telling what we are thankful for. I wish that we could keep going around the table for hours sharing what all God has been doing in our lives but alas, not everyone likes that tradition. <br />
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During my reading this morning of Colossians and Philemon, Thanksgiving kept being brought up. Not the holiday, but the reaction to what all God has done for us. How thankful we should be. How boldly we should share. Paul was encouraging the church (and therefore us as well) to conduct themselves in such a way that they would be thankfully sharing how Christ had redeemed us. Through our joy and thanksgiving, through sharing our faith, Paul was praying that it would become 'effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ." (Philemon 1:6)<br />
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If we are saved, then we of course are thankful. We have to be. There isn't any other option. If we have been saved we should be overflowing with such joy that His light pours out of us. And if being redeemed brings us such joy, we should be sharing. So go. Be bold. (I'm speaking to myself as well.) Let's share our faith and what God has done in our lives to those who desperately need to hear the gospel. Be thankfully saved! <br />
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-53507868589495560032011-11-17T14:10:00.000-05:002011-11-17T14:10:52.503-05:00Two MonthsIt has been two months since I experienced just what the Bible means when it repeatedly says "pangs of a woman in labor." I don't regret a moment of my labor. My birth story is beautiful, overflowing with God's grace. I don't know what I was thinking believing that the pain couldn't be THAT bad. I was wrong. Still, feeling every contraction and pushing out my beautiful blessing from my Father was and is indescribable. <br />
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But, this isn't to talk about my labor. This post is to talk about the beautiful gift that God allowed my husband and I to create. The beautiful gift created by the beautiful gift of love. All because God, in His grace and mercy, looked down from above, fearfully and wonderfully knitted me together in my mother's womb, planned my life, and predestined this girl from Knoxville to fall in love with an incredible man from Chattanooga, vow before God, family, and friends to love each other through thick and thin, and then He generously allowed our love to make a beautiful baby boy. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQp8PLNIVnFs2a-tlu7CTb4OGaiEVkOd-YTSVE82zN30oSZdHOV2q5ezhRbfQ9HKWj7hdJM1mps7kwO8A9cfZTB9qLcYYRZcFJsBu8JrlJpuHd7g8ZQLgc1aUCnXjdEv6zW6v8QJ7yOEW/s1600/Roman+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQp8PLNIVnFs2a-tlu7CTb4OGaiEVkOd-YTSVE82zN30oSZdHOV2q5ezhRbfQ9HKWj7hdJM1mps7kwO8A9cfZTB9qLcYYRZcFJsBu8JrlJpuHd7g8ZQLgc1aUCnXjdEv6zW6v8QJ7yOEW/s320/Roman+018.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>Breathtaking. I am in awe of God. I am humbled. I did nothing to deserve the life He has given me. But He wanted to give me this life anyways. All I can do in return is seek Him first, let Him pour into me so fully that I overflow Him into the lives around me, and live every day as a Song to my King.<br />
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-10584512312023653072011-11-14T14:30:00.000-05:002011-11-14T14:30:47.232-05:00Song in my HeartMy baby boy is swinging next to me and I'm crocheting a frog beanie, enjoying a cup of Mint Chocolate coffee, and listening to a CD that has nothing written on it. It didn't have a case. I wasn't sure if it was a CD I burned while in college, if it belongs to my husband, or if it even had anything on it. So I popped it in to find out the answer to those questions, as well as have music on so that little Roman stays asleep in his swing. Turns out, it is a CD that a friend of mine in college gave to me several years ago. The very first song captivated me. I know I've listened to this CD before, so I am baffled as to how I didn't recognize the first song in the least. <br />
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Needless to say, God wanted me to find this CD and put it in. It is stirring my heart in so many ways. I am experiencing a beautiful, blessed hour in my home. Just me, my Father, and the blessings He has surrounded me with. Most of these songs are perfectly focused on all Christ has done for us. Drawing me into Him. Calling me closer. Reminding me of the Faithful One. My soul needed this. I needed this. Sometimes, despite us being surrounded by Him and held by Him, we are still too busy to breathe in His presence. Ahh, what sweet presence I am experiencing right now. I couldn't help but put down my yarn and needle and blog this moment. I hope that someone reads this and either knows this feeling, or takes the moment now to bask in His Glory. <br />
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As I usually do, I'm going to share the lyrics with you of the first song that God used to draw me in today. The song is called Beautiful, Scandalous Night.<br />
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<i>Go on up to the mountain of Mercy to the crimson perpetual tide</i><br />
<i> Kneel down on the shore</i><br />
<i>Be thirsty no more</i><br />
<i>Go under and be purified</i><br />
<i>Follow Christ to the Holy Mountain</i><br />
<i>Sinner, sorry and wrecked by the fall</i><br />
<i>Cleanse your heart and your soul in the fountain that flows for you and for me and for all</i><br />
<i>On the hillside you will be delivered</i><br />
<i>At the foot of the cross, justified.</i><br />
<i>And your spirit restored by the river that pours</i><br />
<i>From our blessed Saviour's side</i><br />
<i>You carry the sin of mankind on your back and the sky went black.</i><br />
<i>At the wonderful, tragic, mysterious tree</i><br />
<i>On that beautiful, scandalous night you and me</i><br />
<i>Were atoned by His blood and forever washed white</i><br />
<i>On that beautiful, scandalous night.</i><br />
<i>On that beautiful, scandalous night.</i><br />
<i>On that beautiful, scandalous, miraculous night.</i><br />
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Have a blessed day, friends.<i><br />
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<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-5382078630274794002011-11-09T16:37:00.000-05:002011-11-09T16:37:39.688-05:00Desired Death<i>"Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." James 1: 13-15</i><br />
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I have been reading through the Bible chronologically since last September. I should be done by now, but have let things get in the way and am currently in my last few weeks. It has been such a journey. I read through the Bible when I was younger. It was a rule in our house. To get your driving permit, you had to read the Old Testament. For your license, the New Testament. Truthfully though, I probably skimmed more than read. I didn't want to postpone my permit or license any longer than necessary. I read just enough to give my parents a summary of the chapters each day. Now that I'm reading through it on my own, desiring to learn more and soak Scripture in, I am enjoying completely. When I'm finished, I will start again. How important it is to eat our Daily Bread!<br />
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When I read the book of James yesterday, I was struck by these verses. I knew them to be true, yet how often have I in my own life accused God of tempting me. I might call it a 'test' instead to try and justify my accusations, but nonetheless I was wrong in doing so. God always gives a door out to resist temptation, but He does not lead us into the room. Satan does, to try and ruin our reputation, as well as taking down a few onlookers in the process. As believers, we need to be clothed in armor. We need to recognize that our desires are at war within us, raging and trying to cripple us. The Holy Spirit is at work changing us, but we give our flesh power when we submit to our desires. And how often does it birth sin! Before long that desire grows and grows until it brings forth death. We need to guard our hearts. Clothe ourselves in Jesus. Submit to the Holy Spirit. And pray for our brothers and sisters. "Every good and perfect gift is from above," and in letting Christ pour through our lives, being visible to the world, we can allow Him to magnify His perfect gifts rather than us magnifying our broken lives that our wrapped in tempting desires and death. <br />
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God has made His children beautiful. And blessed. "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12<br />
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3179106376217767059.post-44452605845785547582011-11-03T20:58:00.000-04:002011-11-03T20:58:12.849-04:00Learning Grace"My grace is sufficient for you for My power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9<br />
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I'm currently learning grace. I know God's grace and have felt it rain down on me. Now I am in the process of being a vessel....one which God can pour His grace through me and onto my son. We are, hopefully, in the final days of his 6 week growth spurt. To anyone who has had a child, you understand how trying this time is. I do not know how single moms with zero help do this. I have my husband in the evenings to help me, to take a shift of screaming, so wouldn't you know that the evenings are when baby boy is at his worst?!<br />
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I am enjoying being a mother. I adore my son and am blessed beyond words. I do not deserve him. He is a sign of grace in my life. Now every day I just have to pray that God will allow me the grace to show my son His grace and His love every day of his life.<br />
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<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Emmie Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00178507115200893477noreply@blogger.com0