tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10772016966542985102024-03-05T10:11:18.611-08:00Princess with a PurposeSherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-88710559434660281302010-01-28T14:59:00.000-08:002010-01-28T15:00:42.078-08:00Scarlet Threads: The Ideal Valentine<a href="http://blog.scarletthreads.org/2010/01/ideal-valentine.html">Scarlet Threads: The Ideal Valentine</a><br />
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Ok so I am joining my friends over at www.scarletthreads.org and I am going to tell you about my very worst and very best Valentine's Day experiences.<br />
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So let’s start with the worst and end on a positive note. On February 14, 2007 I woke up and went to work, I jumped when the phone rang just knowing my knight in shining armor would be having some beautiful flowers delivered...finally when 5:00 rolled around and there were no roses on my desk I just knew that he was going to have something special planned that night. When I came in from work all I got was a "Happy Valentine's Day" and an excuse about how it had been a busy week and we would celebrate on the weekend. Not a card, not a chocolate, nothing...I was so upset but I didn't want to be a brat so I acted as if I was ok.<br />
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I called my sister and she had the same story to tell...busy week...do something on the weekend...NOTHING for Valentine's Day. Well my Dad who has ALWAYS done something for us on Valentine's Day had been out of town for work and was just coming back into town. When he got home he called each of us to say that he loved us and he wanted to take us to dinner that WEEKEND for Valentine's Day. We both said that would be great and he asked what "the boys" as he lovingly calls his son-in-law's had gotten us when we both replied NOTHING he said he loved us and would talk to us the next day. It was about 10:00 and I was surprised he even called because he goes to sleep at 10 EVERY NIGHT. Well, at about 10:45 I was sitting on the couch (still to mad to go to bed) and there was a knock at my door. I opened it and my sweet Daddy was standing their with roses...he said he could never let "his girls" have a Valentine's Day that they had to do without...the son-in-law's were in the DOG HOUSE in a big way!<br />
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So after the embarrassment he had received in 2007 my husband really out did himself in 2008. He paid for me to have a whole day at my favorite Day Spa (Debutante’s Salon and Day Spa in Cleveland, TN). I got a manicure, pedicure, massage, facial, and got my hair and makeup done. Then we went to dinner and spent the night in a wonderful bed and breakfast. I had a wonderful night and he said that he wanted to make sure I always knew how special I am to him. Last year was just as wonderful...another day at the spa and we had a wonderful dinner at a spot I had been dying to try. The thing that made both of those nights so great is that he took care of every detail. I am normally the one that get's childcare and books rooms...ect. It was nice to have him taking care of it all. I love him and I am so blessed to have him in my life! But if he ever messes up I have a wonderful Daddy to step in and show him up! ;-)Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-46248794914018978852009-12-09T08:02:00.000-08:002009-12-09T08:02:59.579-08:00I wish...Where to post oh where to post...here I know just a few read it but those few are so precious to me so I will just post my heart here.<br />
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Sometimes I just want a redo. I mean I want to start at 17 and redo some things. I want to unmake bad decisions. I want to go to school. Get a great job. I want to marry Mitchell the love of my life in a huge church wedding done just the way I want. I want to save money, buy a house, then try to get pregnant and bring sweet little Sarah into this world. Then I want to enjoy being a mommy. I want to have handsome Colton. Then I want to start adopting children from all over this world. I want to have a house full of homeschooled children. I want to cook three meals a day and move to a farm like Mitch has always dreamed of. I want to be the mom of a huge family. I want to have family meetings and spend time teaching my kids the word of God instead of answering phones. That is where my heart is. Being mom. Being wife. I just feel so out of place sometimes. But I know that for now this is what our finances need. Me working. Me being mom and wife as much as I can but also being employee. I just wish that life could be different sometimes. <br />
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Don't get me wrong I am SO thankful! I praise God for my children and my wonderful job and my home. But I sometimes I just wish things were different. <br />
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Anyhow Wishing never did anyone any good so I will just make the best out of the way life has turned out, after all...I am sure there are those that wish that their life looked more like mine.<br />
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Lord, help me be what you would have me be. May I only be satisfied when you are. <br />
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SherriSherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-51053415476391741362009-11-05T10:26:00.000-08:002009-11-05T10:26:31.956-08:00The Wind Blown LookWell my Daddy should be happy...I took down all of the pink! He hated that pink blog, it really got on my nerves too but I had to leave it up for awhile after he said he hated it. Just because he's the Dad, I am the daughter and it's my job to annoy him! <br />
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I also added a different picture (Dad said I didn't look like "myself" in the old one.) Not sure about that but I went with one of my favorite pictures I was much younger in it plus I only had one set of stretch marks gracing my hips. Sarah was only a few months old. It was one of those fun pictures when it is just you and the love of your life. Mitch took the picture. My hair was in my eyes...I kinda like that windblown look. It means I was more concerned about living in that moment then how the picture might turn out. <br />
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There are plenty of moments when I have let the picture be more important than real life...I promise you I have said the words "stand still or I'm going to knock you into yesterday" to my son more than one time when we are trying to take pictures and he has other ideas! But when I think back on moments it is the less than perfect picture of a wonderful moment that I value the most. <br />
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I said all of that to say this I want my whole life to look windblown. But not windblown by physical wind or by the wind of change but I want my life to be windblown by the Holy Spirit. I love when things don't go how I want and a situation ends up so much better than I could have ever imagined. So many times the Holy Spirit blows my plans all over the place and I end up frustrated and upset. However if I can slow down and see that the one who made the wind is in control of every single thing in my life I love the way it feels to be in the moment with the True Love of my life!!!<br />
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Holy Spirit blow on me even if it means that my hair is out of place!<br />
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SherriSherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-83941558302400131742009-10-23T11:32:00.001-07:002009-10-23T11:32:22.894-07:00The PURPOSE is closer than ever!Esther 4:14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" <br />
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Wow I'm not ready to share here what is in my heart but this verse is just what I needed to read. I have come to the royal position as daughter of the King of Kings for such a time as this. I know that God is about to do awesome things in my life. I am willing and waiting for his hand to guide me. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-69012266461091199252009-10-13T14:25:00.000-07:002009-10-13T14:25:21.336-07:00Dirt to DestinyI have been neglecting this blog a bit but that is because Operation Giggle is keeping me busier than I have words for! I do want to invite everyone to our Dirt to Destiny Women's Conference on November 14, 2009. It is called Behind the Veil "An intimate encounter with Jehovah". Sometimes the dirt of our past has us thinking that we can not enter into the Holy place with our Jehovah but He longs for an encounter with each one of us that will change us forever. Please feel free to email me as sdrgodsgirl@yahoo.com if you would like more information. Or click on the icon on the side of the screen and it will take you to our website. Click on Ministries and the womens conference will be the first page you see. <br />
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There will be great singing, speaking and worship! We would love to have you!<br />
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In Christ Alone,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYb5iZVlj6OEMxbXIelmt9JfbSTi6oKhVIO0E6RPRAW5Bp1w2NA1JR6PuYP4HmJhBKnLxSkax3VXBUaCjtbj_4Zr1kAPY9hbkztfbiRmkZlFhF9lz-P_bDeKrB7PbYEkc81L6ccRD9E6o/s1600-h/almond1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $r="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYb5iZVlj6OEMxbXIelmt9JfbSTi6oKhVIO0E6RPRAW5Bp1w2NA1JR6PuYP4HmJhBKnLxSkax3VXBUaCjtbj_4Zr1kAPY9hbkztfbiRmkZlFhF9lz-P_bDeKrB7PbYEkc81L6ccRD9E6o/s320/almond1.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>SherriSherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-57686549338184618782009-09-29T12:59:00.000-07:002009-09-29T13:12:54.781-07:00He's an On Time God<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadQ7qXz5_qJFFbJuygmTQbM2_aXAH5G3ct2ZNVmNTX_bX_kxsRaCmZT4m_OEfkZKVSCX_cxdx0ZbiBkKklg6lhQnS9_-sGF5nns66U-rPzeJbyaQmxVX7EahRFFUM35_slVp6ZBpMJSTn/s1600-h/time1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386984934990143570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 152px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadQ7qXz5_qJFFbJuygmTQbM2_aXAH5G3ct2ZNVmNTX_bX_kxsRaCmZT4m_OEfkZKVSCX_cxdx0ZbiBkKklg6lhQnS9_-sGF5nns66U-rPzeJbyaQmxVX7EahRFFUM35_slVp6ZBpMJSTn/s200/time1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18Icccxsno0XtduRyp-ytiaLZXUbauMJLU-M6H_ombx79ZpXpOk3CK_0ZkytmGhF4rgHai_TB1xGLsDo2Rc0nVp6BtT2RLEkhhqdtrxufcMox_PrHVbJ1y16Qv8X_a28qYwdo-eYYfukf/s1600-h/time1.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div>Timing. I have none. I am late to EVERYTHING! My Dad always says I will be late to my own funeral...that is one thing I would like to miss altogether! Anyway I am so glad that my God has timing...perfect timing...impeccable timing. Even when I don't understand what the wait is all about or when I don't understand why my plans were all ruined. Even when I don't understand why I can't just get everyone (including Him) to do things my way...he is not rushed one bit, he is never late and he is not swayed by my jumping up and down telling him when and what to do. I don't understand how he puts up with me acting like an impatient two year old but somehow he knows me and loves me. When I listen to His voice I can reap the benefits of his timing. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>The reason I was thinking about timing is because my best friend Tara, that I accompanied to China last year to pick up her daughter Nora, sent me an email today. She had gotten an email from her Adoption Agency it was a monthly update. It said that they were placing children with an LID of March 2006. Tara's LID was May 2006. That means that if she had not added her name to the Special Needs list she would still be waiting to get Nora. Of course Nora is worth the wait but the problem with that would have been that Tara's mom, Bunnie (see the post before this for more about her) passed away two weeks ago. If Tara hadn't followed God's leading and added her name to the Special Needs list then Bunnie would have never touched Nora or looked into her beautiful eyes. How many times do we miss something by a month, a week or a minute because of our disobedience? We should all challenge ourselves to obey God's will even when we don't understand why he tells us to do something. Just Do It! He has good plans for us...Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that. We need to just trust Him and obey Him in every situation. I praise God for His wonderful favor and impeccable timing in my life!! </div></div>Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-82682421601871946942009-09-21T08:21:00.000-07:002009-09-21T09:05:34.745-07:00I'm just me.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcSeWv6eCrcrf-nqmrE9H8VbDveyB1wGyf8d9VfEXumg9Ydjk1OSAyglud3N0t-ZPSeFQI-FAncd6rPM32zOl3jpTFLuCS_K29gqWCAbd39CdMVLWegEdquqQnvC3GmhnTk_0tn9WC0gm/s1600-h/Bunnie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383952371276969074" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcSeWv6eCrcrf-nqmrE9H8VbDveyB1wGyf8d9VfEXumg9Ydjk1OSAyglud3N0t-ZPSeFQI-FAncd6rPM32zOl3jpTFLuCS_K29gqWCAbd39CdMVLWegEdquqQnvC3GmhnTk_0tn9WC0gm/s200/Bunnie.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The last few months have been hard for me. I have been in a slump...or valley...or whatever you want to call it. It hasn't been constant. I have had mountain moments but overall I have felt far away, not just from God but from my family and even from myself if that makes any sense. I would like to begin the next sentence with "It all started when..." and give some example of some reason that this valley came to be but I can't do that. See it didn't happen overnight. It didn't occur one weekend. It was a slow fade. I was right in the center of God's will when I checked and then I got busy and distracted and looked up and realized I had moved...I was no longer at "the spot where the honey falls out" (as my Dad puts it.) I looked around and at first I thought where did you go God? Instantly I realized He never changes, He never leaves me, He never walks away. It's always me that moves. I hate being wrong, I hate being the one who messed up, the sinner. Oh I know that we all fall short of the glory of God but sometimes I feel like I do it better than anyone. Sin is sin and one sin is no bigger or smaller than another. So I don't mean that I commit "bigger" or "greater" sin than the next person. What I mean is that I find myself in sin so many times when what I long to do is serve God and please my heavenly father. My flesh is selfish. That is the main problem. I want to do what I want to do. I hate that part of me.<br /><br />Paul said it best when he said: Romans 7:18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me." I want to be all God wants me to be. It took me a long time to say that. But now I truly do want what he has for me. But I know my God and he expects me to overcome sin with His grace and help. He wants me to stop giving in to "the sin that dwells within me". I am more than a conqueror through him. We all are.<br /><br />Why is it important to keep striving to do what is right? Why is it important to fight against our sin nature? Because if we don't then we will live a defeated life. If we try to hide who we truly are from God then it is impossible to enjoy our life. My friend Bunnie died last Sunday. She had a long battle with cancer and through it all if I had to find one word to describe her it would be VICTORIOUS. She was not defeated and she didn't live her life like someone who was. She didn't hide who she was from God, she enjoyed her life. She loved her Christian walk. She loved to worship God and read her bible. She decided, with God's help, what was right for her. She didn't need anyone else to give her a long list of legalism to follow. (I pity any fool who might have tried!) She knew that her God loved her. All of her, not just the parts that were considered "Godly". He loved the part of her that liked to put on Motown and dance. He liked the parts of her that took her daughter on her first honeymoon after the wedding was called off and spent the week showing her that life was by no means over. He loved the part of her that none of us even knew about the parts of her that she might rather be left hidden. She loved Him and He loved her. That is the kind of life I want. I want to be me. Completely and totally me. I don't care if everyone likes me. I don't care if I fit your mold, I don't care if I offend the "religious". I know that to be accepted by God I don't have to be perfect, I just have to be me. I am going to enjoy being me. So who am I? I like to dance too...maybe not to Motown but some Seger will work. I love my kids, I love my husband. I love girls night's out with Tara. I love the color Pink. But most of all I love Him and He loves me. (pic above on right is Bunnie in high school)</div>Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-13210132765807291902009-08-23T05:13:00.000-07:002009-08-23T05:22:09.862-07:00Silence...they say it's golden. I think I agree. I have been at the beach for a couple of days now and when I sit on the balcony and look out over the beautiful beach and ocean I am amazed. It is so silent. But somehow in my soul it stirs up praise. I really wish I had my praise leader Pastor Larry here this morning leading praise by the pool. I think the natural beauty of this place coupled with the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ability</span> to spend uninterrupted time with my family (no jobs to run do or yard that needs mowed) has caused me to feel so very blessed. For me a natural part of feeling blessed is needing to praise God for it. You see nothing good or righteous in my life comes from me. I am a sinner by nature and pretty good at turning things that are supposed to be good in my life into negatives. So when something is as good, peaceful, and positive as this week it means that it's from him. So Praise God from who all blessings flow!Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-12689227135443681022009-08-11T15:21:00.000-07:002009-08-11T15:35:10.807-07:00Pity, Pride, Pits, Traps, and Mud Holes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVhPXvJN_blTil70KbHOoOXTXLFG9XCLekCqzkTkdJpsT7m0hq3oZdM_3gWJ05WdtGFZngfQHJGgdEFMNRBwApkpUE6248zRew5f9Vr8B2fVIkKB6qjGsG4J1TnvnyqRhhauBn5Mrk4kf/s1600-h/mud.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368836424077637538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 204px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVhPXvJN_blTil70KbHOoOXTXLFG9XCLekCqzkTkdJpsT7m0hq3oZdM_3gWJ05WdtGFZngfQHJGgdEFMNRBwApkpUE6248zRew5f9Vr8B2fVIkKB6qjGsG4J1TnvnyqRhhauBn5Mrk4kf/s320/mud.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Ever been in a mud hole? Ever got out of a mud hole and felt that icky sticky stuff dry to your skin? It's pretty miserable isn't it? Well when you find yourself wallowing in a spiritual mud hole it feels about the same. I am a little upset with myself. We know the tricks and snares of the enemy but we fall into them time and again. I know that when I am praying for something for other people I should always look at myself first to see if I am lacking in the item of prayer. But still I find myself up to my neck in some sort of pity, pride, or sin and look around like how did I get here?! Well I have learned to recognize it pretty rapidly. At least I don't wallow in it for days at a time like I once did. However I wish I could just miss those pits, traps, and mud holes all together. I guess if I went long enough without winding up with a face full of mud then I would forget to be thankful for Grace. So I will continue to try to live out Philippians 3:13 and 14 and "forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead" I must "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." I'll be the first to tell you that left to my own demise things would get bleak but I have a loving Father that I can pray to as Daniel did:<br /></div><div></div><br /><div>Daniel 9:17 Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate. 18 O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. 19 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.”</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I know that he will pay attention and act, praise God for HIS righteousness!!! He's got enough for us both!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Until next time...</div><br /><div></div>Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-31634254716459826132009-08-06T06:44:00.000-07:002009-08-06T06:59:02.434-07:00Back to School<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwl7R0Tzka55V3ICsl6L0Jav1AP4y1YE5_QW3v2ak58DTAOjTVteZo1K1oYvSCcf-qNeS7_z7fCZb7orBC1JkApJLzErwlk_q1plzuXlQlKNuOEh70nu5LMnXH1Oac4_IqNoG6g-Ox8vU/s1600-h/school2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366849684764594178" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwl7R0Tzka55V3ICsl6L0Jav1AP4y1YE5_QW3v2ak58DTAOjTVteZo1K1oYvSCcf-qNeS7_z7fCZb7orBC1JkApJLzErwlk_q1plzuXlQlKNuOEh70nu5LMnXH1Oac4_IqNoG6g-Ox8vU/s200/school2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well the school year is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">officially</span> underway and as I often do at this time of year I want to spend a little time looking back. I can not believe how big Sarah and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Colton</span> are, it seems like just a few days ago when Sarah's preschool teacher came to the house to visit her and she cried because she didn't want to sit next to them for a picture.</div><div> </div><div>Yesterday was the first half day of school they did great. (I know this picture is grainy but my camera is out of order so my cell had to do.) This morning I walked her into her first full day as a 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> grader and she hugged me went and put her stuff up and sat down. Where are the tears and the 1 more hugs? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Colton</span> walked into 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">nd</span> grade and did the same thing. I remember thinking I would be so glad when they were older and didn't cry for me. Now I am not so sure. I guess it did something for my ego to know that I was such an awesome mom they couldn't imagine being away from me for even a few hours. I guess that reality sets in even at 7 and 9. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So today was our first real day, they had school all day and I had to come to work for awhile. Things are going to be crazy for us for awhile. Mitchell is going back to school full time for work I am going to school full time and working full time and the kids are both in school. Thank God my Step-Mom is quiting her job soon. I don't know what I would do if she didn't "fill in" for me for the next few months. It's so good for the kids to have a routine for after school and I am glad I don't have to pay half my pay check for after school care. God's timing is impeccable. He has made a way for me to do what I need to do and still provided a loving, Christian environment for my kids to thrive in. (they aren't moving in or anything...despite their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mamaw</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Lene</span> and Papaw Jack's best tries :) they are just going there after school and until one of us finally get home at the end of the day so they will be doing homework and stuff there.) Again I am so thankful for all of my family! My Aunt and my mom will be filing in when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Lene</span> is busy and of course Mitchell's Mom is a great back up too. We are truly blessed with family. I hope everyone else is having a great first week of school also! Until next time.... </div>Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-29803378840172267232009-07-31T06:56:00.000-07:002009-07-31T06:59:44.062-07:00Following...New Google feature: You can now become a "follower" on my blog using your Google, AOL, or Yahoo ID. You just click the Join this site link and use the information you would normally use to sign into your email. It's very simple and that way you can follow without having to get a blogger account. Have a great Friday!!Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-47529913207058952662009-07-31T06:37:00.000-07:002009-07-31T06:43:43.129-07:00Top 10 reasons I love 07/31/09!The top 10 reasons I love this day:<br /><br />10. I am at a job I love.<br />9. I am listening to the Christian Music station that I love (J103).<br />8. I am drinking a French Vanilla Starbucks coffee.<br />7. I woke up on time.<br />6. It's Friday.<br />5. I am off for the next 5 count em...5 days!<br />4. I woke up in my right mind this morning, in a warm bed, and had running water to shower with...it's the little things that make life so great!<br />3. I woke up next to my best friend and husband of over ten years with whom I can be myself and know that he loves me just as I am. I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">completely</span> smitten by him.<br />2. I have two wonderful healthy kiddos waiting to spend the next five days with their mom!<br />1. I have been bought and paid for by a Savior who knows me yet still loves me and the God of all the universe knows my name and calls me friend.Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-91105022579703110692009-07-29T05:08:00.000-07:002009-07-29T10:15:52.088-07:00Amazed by John 3:16I was listening to a local christian radio station this morning and the devotion was John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DJ</span> was talking about how glad he is that it says "God so loved the world" not God so loved the rich person or God so loved the white man, or God so loved the thin person...God loves us all...at all times.<br /><br />Even in my worst moment the Father is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">completely</span> in love with me. This is so hard for our minds to grasp. In our society people love everything...they love their car and their dog (look at the post before this) I even love my job. But real love...true love is a kind of love that does something for you that you can't do for yourself. Look at John 3:16 again it doesn't say God so loved the world that he told them so or God so loved the world that he had a fuzzy feeling when he saw them. It says "God so loved the world, that he gave his ONLY Son." God did something for me that I could not do on my own. He did something for you that you can't do on your own either. He became the propitiation for our sins. Propitiation (or the act of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">propitiation</span>) simply means to gain or regain the favor or goodwill of (someone). So that means that Jesus Christ the blameless one took on the guilt and shame of our sins to regain the favor and goodwill of the father.<br /><br />So I said all of that to say this: If you are drowning in disappointment over past or present failures know that John 3:16 is so much more than a Sunday School memory verse. It is the key that unlocks the chains that we put ourselves in God loves us so much that he did something for us we couldn't do, and just to prove it (because He knows we need him to speak plainly) he added John 3:17 "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." Even though so many who claim to be "christian" may judge and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">condemn</span> you for your sins, Christ himself was not even sent to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">condemn</span> you he was sent to save you. Not only from hell but from yourself. So enjoy the awesome gift you have been given and live today knowing that Christianity is not a list of rules and regulations to follow but the freedom of knowing that the creator of this world is madly in love with you and that nothing you can do will change that. So when you fail all there is to do is repent and try again knowing you are still the apple of His eye!<br /><br />I will leave you with one of my favorite verses Romans 8: 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. <a id="Ro 8:38" title="Romans 8:38" rel="verse"></a>38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, <a id="Ro 8:39" title="Romans 8:39" rel="verse"></a>39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-39219301136888018022009-07-28T07:37:00.000-07:002009-08-13T08:50:21.279-07:00So blessed but...Oh where to start? I love my job. I enjoy getting up and getting dressed up and going somewhere but it is more than just that. I like the people I work with. I like having my own space. I even like answering a million questions that a bank teller in Jersey has about her short term disability policy. I love my job. So what now?<br /><br />Those of you who know me know that I don't sit still for long. My life is going great! I have a job I love. I am married to the love of my life. My kids are healthy!!! (Not even one breathing treatment in the last month). I have a wonderful church family. School is about to start for me and the kids and all of my school was paid for through grants and loans. Vacation is just a few weeks away...laying on the beach with my kids, my husband, and my whole (dad's side) extended family is just around the corner...but true to fashion I still have that sinking feeling something is missing. Ok so maybe not something but someone. You know what I am talking about if you know me at all. I want another child. I can't give birth to anymore. However my heart is just about to burst for another little one to love.<br /><br />I am being patient. As patient as I know how to be. I am trying VERY HARD not to push the hub...although I havn't been able to resist the ocassional email or text of a beautiful little chinese girl. I haven't brought it up a million times or begged and cried...nope tryin to be adult about this and let him make his own decision. A great blog friend of mine gave me some advice. She said pray that God heals your heart or changes his. So that is my prayer. In the mean time I have found another way to give to the children of china.<br /><br />I "met" Carrie click <a href="http://jacobandcarrie.blogspot.com/">"here"</a> for her blog. She works with a foster home in China. I read her blog and sat and cried for hours. I wanted to do something to help. I know I live in a small town and I can not go to China just because I want to. I have two children and a husband who depend on me and not to mention Sarah's Hope (a maternity home for unwed mothers) that we are trying to get off the ground. But I can do SOMETHING! After talking to Carrie I figured out that that something is a Operation Giggle. Click <a href="http://operationgiggle.blogspot.com/">"here"</a> for the blog that is not, I repeat, NOT, up and running as of yet (<span style="color:#cc33cc;">edited to add it IS I repeat IS up and running now!!!</span>). I am working with Becky at Busy Mama Blog Design to get this blog up and running very soon. You can visit Becky's Blog Design page <a href="http://busymamablogdesign.blogspot.com/">"here"</a>. All proceeds go toward her child's adoption costs.<br /><br />Operation Giggle is going to be a Christmas Gift Drive for the 50 or so children at the foster home. I will be posting more information to the site just as soon as I can. Please be praying for God's leadership during this time. Until next time...<br /><br />SherriSherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-38663943390725872862009-07-22T13:12:00.000-07:002009-07-22T13:14:13.458-07:00New BlogJust so you know I am in the midst of sitting up a new blog it is <a href="http://romans12-9.blogspot.com/">http://romans12-9.blogspot.com/</a> I will let everyone know when I get it up and running.<br /><br />I am working 40 hours a week at my new job and I LOVE it. I am so blessed to have found this job. I pray that I can be the employee I need to be and thrive at this company.<br /><br />Please pray for me and my family as we take new steps of faith over the next few months.<br /><br />Hope all is well!<br /><br />SherriSherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-49019507450222918382009-06-04T20:15:00.000-07:002009-06-04T20:25:28.038-07:00A Long Time ComingSometimes we have to wait, and wait, and wait, and wait. We don't always know what we are waiting on we just know that something good is on the way and until it arrives we must wait. That is the place I have found myself in for the last two years. Waiting. Not being lazy or standing still but actively waiting. I still had to be a mom and wife, I still volunteered at school, attended church, supported my friends, went back to school, but the whole time I was waiting. See I lost a job that I absolutely loved two years ago last month. I was heartbroken. I had been there several years and I never planned on leaving. When I lost the job I didn't think I would ever find another one that was as great as that job. I was hopeless. Or at least I thought I was! But this week almost 2 years to the date later I got a new job. A job I never imagined I would get. A job that pays more than I've ever made and that will allow me to still be in school and spend time with my children. This job was WORTH THE WAIT! I hope that I have learned a little patience from this time of waiting. I am not sure I have learned to wait gracefully but I do believe I have learned to wait like my nine year old does. Having spurts of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">gracefulness</span> accompanied by regular bouts of whining and temper tantrums. Oh thank you Heavenly Father that you don't throw the marred clay away. Thank you that you rework me, and that even if my moments of thoughtlessness, even in my moments where my faith fails and my hope seems lost, you are by my side ready and waiting to pick up the pieces of my shattered heart and mold them back into something you can use. I thank you, I praise you, and I honor you Heavenly Father for every good thing that you have placed in my life, even times of waiting!Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-85221173323164918302009-04-07T05:15:00.000-07:002009-04-07T06:10:45.387-07:00At War with PerfectionI hate Perfection. I hate the way it yells at me and reminds me how far away I am from it. I hate the way it seems to always be just a little outta my grasp...a little cleaner house, a little bit better behaved children, a little more loving husband, a lot thinner waist. Ughhhh! My dad tells me it's a disease. I am back in school and I have to have a 100 on everything. Not a 98 or 99...a 100. In my Math class I had this semester you could retake every test or quiz until you were satisfied with the grade I took every test until I made 100 but then when we got to the final I missed one and the instructor wouldn't let me retake it because I had a 100 on everything else and it wouldn't change my grade. An A is an A. It almost drove me to tears. What is this "disease" that drives me to try to attain the unattainable? I'll tell you...it's sin. It's the sin of trying to "Earn" the gifts that God has given me. NEWS FLASH I don't deserve them and never ever ever will! The only thing that has made me Worthy is His blood applied to my heart.<br /><br />I am so imperfect. I have SUCH an imperfect past...oh how my heart longs for one of those big erasers that would just erase everything I've done to sabotage myself and my heart. I would love to take the people that have broken my heart and just blot them out of my memory. But that is not possible and even if it were it wouldn't be wise to do because the mistakes I've made are what made me who I am today. How would I ever know what a great husband I have if I hadn't been in some really BAD relationships? How would I know the value of a friend if I hadn't lost a few, How much would I depend on undependable people if they had never shown me their true colors.<br /><br />This week I was told that someone whom I trusted shared somethings about my past that I NEVER wanted anyone to know. At first I was mad, then hurt, but finally I realized that I can not guarantee that the details of my past will never be shared. But one of my favorite verses says:<br /><br />John 8:7 And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.<br /><br />My accusers may not have to make up one thing about me to say something bad, it may all be true but Christ himself said that only those without sin can cast the first stone. Time and time again I hear accusers speaking in my ear and time and time again Christ steps in and the stones fall and I am left alone standing before Jesus. I have only one thing to say to all those accusers. I'M NOT WHO I WAS! God has changed me. He has done something in me that I could never ever do on my own! He broke the chains that the devil put me in so long ago. He broke addictions and he broke generational curses that were on my life. I am FREE! Free from my imperfection, Free from your accusations, and Free to do what God calls me to do without fear of my past being exposed. Sin is sin and the sins of my past and my present are no worse then everyone else's. The devil loves to make us all believe that we are the worst of the worst but the truth is we are all equally sinful without the grace of God. It's time for Christian people to stand up for each other not against each other. We need to realize that Satan is the enemy and allow each other to be Free to be who they are!<br /><div style="VISIBILITY: visible; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; WIDTH: 450px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><object height="270" width="435"><param name="movie" value="http://www.profileplaylist.net/mc/mp3player_new.swf"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="flashvars" value="config=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indimusic.us%2Fext%2Fpc%2Fconfig_regular.xml&mywidth=435&myheight=270&playlist_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indimusic.us%2Floadplaylist.php%3Fplaylist%3D1771004%26t%3D1239109824&wid=os"><br /> <embed style="width:435px; visibility:visible; height:270px;" allowscriptaccess="never" src="http://www.profileplaylist.net/mc/mp3player_new.swf" flashvars="config=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indimusic.us%2Fext%2Fpc%2Fconfig_regular.xml&mywidth=435&myheight=270&playlist_url=http://www.indimusic.us/loadplaylist.php?playlist=1771004&t=1239109824&wid=os" width="435" height="270" name="mp3player" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" border="0"></embed> </object><br /><a href="http://www.profileplaylist.net/"><img alt="Get a playlist!" src="http://www.profileplaylist.net/mc/images/create_gray.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.mysocialgroup.com/standalone/1771004" target="_blank"><img alt="Standalone player" src="http://www.profileplaylist.net/mc/images/launch_gray.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.mysocialgroup.com/download/1771004"><img alt="Get Ringtones" src="http://www.profileplaylist.net/mc/images/get_gray.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div>Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-13152507560859648012009-03-15T20:47:00.000-07:002009-03-15T20:56:45.599-07:00VICTORYWell it is 11:49 p.m. and I am at war. You might think well how are you at war if you are on the computer. Let me just tell you how! I have had an issue with fear my entire life. I mean a BIG issue with fear. I have let the enemy push me around and every time he has said Boo I have jumped but NOT ANYMORE!<br /><br />I am claiming Psalms 91 here it is personalized for my family.<br /><br />Psalm 91<br />My Refuge and My Fortress<br /> 1(The Roe Family) who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.2(The Roe Family) will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."<br /> 3For he will deliver (The Roe Family) from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.4He will cover (The Roe Family) with his pinions, and under his wings (The Roe Family) will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.5 (The Roe Family) will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.<br /> 7A thousand may fall at (The Roe Family’s) side, ten thousand at (The Roe Family’s) right hand, but it will not come near (The Roe Family).8(The Roe Family) will only look with (our) eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.<br /> 9Because (The Roe Family) have made the LORD (The Roe Family’s) dwelling place— the Most High, who is (The Roe Family) refuge10 no evil shall be allowed to befall (The Roe Family), no plague come near (The Roe Family’s) tent (or house).<br /> 11 For he will command his angels concerning (The Roe Family) to guard (The Roe Family) in all (The Roe Family’s) ways.12On their hands they will bear (The Roe Family) up, lest (The Roe Family) strike (‘s) (their) foot against a stone.13(The Roe Family) will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent (The Roe Family) will trample underfoot.<br /> 14"Because (The Roe Family) holds fast to me in love, I will deliver (The Roe Family); I will protect (The Roe Family), because (The Roe Family) knows my name.15When (The Roe Family) calls to me, I will answer (The Roe Family); I will be with (The Roe Family) in trouble; I will rescue (The Roe Family) and honor (The Roe Family).16With long life I will satisfy (The Roe Family) and show (The Roe Family) my salvation."<br /><br />With all of these promises I have no reason to worry. The devil is mad. He is mad that my family loves GOD and believes in JESUS! But Greater is He that is within me then he that is in the world. This home belongs to CHRIST and HE IS ALL WE NEED.<br /><br />The enemy has tried several scare tactics already tonight...fear, terror, shame, a bug...eww...but no matter what he tries I know that my VICTORY was won by Jesus way back on Calvary...the hard part for a weak human is walking it out but, when I am weak HE (God) is strong so I am not depending on my strength to get me through this I know the strength of MY SAVIOR is enough to win this war! God Bless You All!Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-38802800822838762212009-01-17T20:23:00.000-08:002009-01-17T20:36:24.320-08:00BTWI'm not finished. I am not finished on so many levels. I am not finished growing as God's child. I am not finished being an awesome wife. I am not finished being a mother...I want more kids. God has so many children out there that need a mom and dad and we have more love and more life left in us. I am not finished being a student, I will get my degree...no turning back. I am not finished in my finances. Things are hard right now...I have been looking for a job forever but one is on the way. There will be a time when this will seem like a distant memory...just a time that God wanted to show his strength in my weakness. But the main thing that I just want everyone to know is I'm not finished and I believe God's word in <span style="color:#000000;">Philippians 1:6 the bible says: God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again (NCV).</span> He is the one who has begun the "good work" in me and I know that he will...not maybe or could...but will finish it!Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-75688957685939916912009-01-15T20:17:00.001-08:002009-01-15T20:29:18.799-08:00Restless but Waiting.Have you ever felt God moving way down in a place you didn't even know existed inside you? Have you ever heard him whisper something so quietly in your spirit that it's almost <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">indiscernible</span>? That is what I am going through now. Change is coming. I feel it, I hear it, I taste it and I smell it. The only thing left is to see it. Just like you can hear a train whistle from miles away and feel the track rumble under your feet when it's still outta sight...I know God's on his way. I trust you God. Even though I don't know where you're leading. I am yours, my marriage is yours, my children are yours (thanks for letting me borrow them they are one of my favorite parts of this life), my job (or lack thereof) is yours, my house is yours, my car is yours, it's all yours. I am feeling restless now...I truly believe that this restlessness doesn't come from discontentment but from my spirit being <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">stirred</span> by your holy hands. God I don't want to be led away by <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">counterfeit</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">opportunities</span> please give me and Mitchell discernment during this time. Give us direction Dear Father....and make it plain so that we can understand and do your will.Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-68351082281605752022009-01-08T19:41:00.000-08:002009-01-08T19:48:42.479-08:00While I'm WaitingI love the song by John Waller "While I'm Waiting". I heard it a few months ago when my friend Kesha played it before a Sunday School lesson. The last few months I have been stuck in a time of waiting. Basically I need a J-O-B. When I say need I don't mean I would like to have or we could use the money...I mean I am in need of a job. We are really struggling. I know that the same thing can be said by people all over this country right now. Everyone is looking for a job it seems. I have tried to be patient. I have submitted applications and resumes left and right. But I am just not getting call backs. I don't really understand what is going on. Except that God has the perfect job for me and I have not crossed paths with it yet. So I continue to wait. I am trying to take every step in obedience. I am trying not to get discouraged. I am trying not to believe the lies of the enemy that God has forgotten me and my needs. I am trying not to think about what we will do to pay the bills and buy the groceries in the coming weeks. I am trying to just wait patiently, do my part and let God do his. I fail often. I have moments when I just burst into tears out of frustration. I have moments when I can feel the breath of God on me and I know that he is for me and not against me. So I choose to continue waiting...taking every step in obedience...while I'm waiting. Please Lord act soon...but if not...send me comfort...While I'm Waiting!Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-12251451156527067122008-09-25T17:21:00.001-07:002008-09-25T17:22:42.055-07:00Home Sweet HomeSo, I am home now. I came home almost a full week early. I just missed my kids so very much. Tara finally looked at me Saturday night and I started crying and said I miss my kids and I really want to go home...she said "Sherri I completely understand. I don't blame you one bit. Go home to your kids. I'll be fine" She is so understanding. I think now that she knows a mothers love she was wondering how she would ever be without Nora and survive. We told the kids they were coming to the airport to pick-up a bag I had sent home for them. They are young enough that they didn't know any better. On the way to the airport Mitchell said they were chatting a lot but then when they got to the airport and saw a plane landing they got quite and when Mitchell asked what was wrong Sarah said "I wish Mommy was coming home today" and Colton agreed with her. When they walked in the luggage claim area Sarah spotted me and leaned over to her dad and said "I think I see my mom." he said "well go to her if you see her." she came running into my arms...Colton stood there a little confused and then eventually came running to me also. At first they looked a little sad I asked why and they said are you going back? I let them know I was home to stay and then the biggest smile came on both of their faces and never left. Colton was precious he hugged me and cried and said "Thank you for coming back to me Mommy" I cried too! I have been very jet lagged....I traveled from 8 am our time Saturday morning till 9 pm our time Sunday night. So I have been sleeping a lot this week. Tara and Billy will be back Saturday afternoon pray for them as they travel. As soon as I got home I went to my sisters to hold my new niece. Bella Kate Bain is so beautiful and I love kissing on her and just spoiling her. Thanks for all of your prayers. I have decided to keep this blog up so I can post here for those of you without Myspace. I just posted all of my blogs from China on here the dates are a little out of wack...email me if you can't figure it out. God Bless You All!Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-14156746118932043352008-09-25T17:19:00.000-07:002008-09-25T17:20:06.890-07:00First Day in ChinaPosted on Sunday September 14th<br /><br />Ni Hao ya'll! We are in our motel room in China! Thank God! The day started off just fine, it was hard to say goodbye to the kids but I expected that. Then my dad suprised me by being at Tara's when we met there to leave. That meant alot to me. So we go to the airport in Knoxville and when I am going through security my dad calls to tell me my sister's water broke and they were on the way to the hospital. I am very sad that I missed it but very happy to say little Bella Kate Bain was born Saturday around noon and she is a beautiful girl!! I will get some pictures up here as soon as someone emails me some.<br />We left Knoxville on Saturday at 11:10 and arrived in Beijing at 10 p.m. Sunday night Beijing time. We are exahusted. I am trying to upload a few pic's now. God bless you all! I'm having trouble getting my Yahoo mail up, I'm gonna keep trying but just in case Sarah, Colton, Cassie, and Mitchell I love you all very much and I miss you like Crazy!!!<br />Love,<br />SherriSherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-89803262186061286272008-09-25T17:18:00.000-07:002008-09-25T17:19:04.952-07:002nd day in ChinaPosted on Monday September 15th<br /><br />First of all let me just explain the title...I'm sick of rice already, we found french fries, and on the way to the fries we almost lost our lives in a game of hit the two fat white girls and the skinny white man that looked a lot like an old school game of Frogger. Ok, ok getting ahead of myself. We slept great last night and woke up about 6:30 a.m. we got up packed our stuff and went to breakfast...well, something that was supposed to be breakfast. It was a breakfast bar and there were boiled eggs, RICE (fried rice ewww), baked beans, fried rice and noodles, a salad bar, undercooked bacon, ham, sausage, omelets, the only things I found worth eating was some croissants with jelly and a couple of pieces of brownish bacon. We met up with Leslie and Charles Erwin they are a couple and are traveling with his mom Cindy to adopt a 3 year old little girl from the same orphanage Nora is in. We all introduced ourselves then we went to the airport and flew Kunming.<br />The airplane was something left over from the cold war and we felt like we rode on our side the whole way here. Leslie said she almost punched the ceiling to get the oxygen mask to fall because it was hotter then who dunnit...but we lived and Kuming is so beautiful the weather is so pretty. It's called the Spring City because it is always so mild.<br />Our guide Jerry met us at the airport; he is so nice and helpful. Thank God for Jerry. We have eaten nothing but rice & the whole time by that I mean, rice and chicken, rice and beef, rice and rice and rice and rice. Leslie, Charles and Cindy felt the same way so we decided to walk to find some American food...on the way Charles says to go and we just followed, then he screamed RUN...and the cars started coming, and I don't mean swerving around us or stopping I mean they were aiming for us...we ran as best two chunky girls with broke backs can and barely missed elimination from the Frogger game of life.<br />We did find a KFC praise God, I've never been so glad to eat dark meat chicken and drink Pepsi. The fries were heavenly so at least we are nourished for another day. We are back in the room now. We get to go get Nora at 8:30 in the morning. So right as you all go to bed we will be seeing her face. Pray for strength for all of us. Pray for Tara and Billy we all got teary eyed when we came in and saw her crib. Also pray for my ear. I think the last 4 flights have done it in and with the night air here...it's hurting pretty bad...I am going to take some Tylenol and get started on the antibiotic I brought.<br />One last thing....Thank you God...for your goodness, mercy, grace, long-suffering, kindness, and everything else that you continue to pour over my head while I am on this journey. I know that we came to get Nora but I have also found something that I have been missing for a long time...the eyes of Christ...seeing people as He sees them...we have a lot of work to do brother's and sisters...in Cleveland and in Kunming and everywhere in between. I love you all!!!Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077201696654298510.post-83085459165438911082008-09-25T17:12:00.000-07:002008-09-25T17:14:59.727-07:00Gotcha DayOriginally posted on Tuesday 16th<br /><br /><br />So we woke up this morning at around 6 and we went to breakfast. It was wonderful. There was fruit, bacon, and toast!!! I will survive if breakfast is the only meal I eat so be it! God knows I could stand to lose a few pounds.<br />After the meal we met Jerry and the Irwin family downstairs and went to the Civil Affairs Office. It was a plain building...nothing very fancy. You can see pictures of it in my Nora Henley Album. We went into the office; it was clean but very plain. Tara and Billy signed some paperwork and then all of a sudden I saw her come in the door. She turned around and we saw the back of her head and we were sure it was her. She came right to Tara and then went to her Daddy. She never cried and seemed to be completely content to just be with her Mommy and Daddy.<br />I held her for a few minutes while they were finishing up the paperwork, then after getting her footprints done Tara sang her to sleep.<br />Billy put her into his little front papoose and that's where she stayed until we got to the motel.<br />After the civil affairs office we went to the Police Station and had her Passport Photo made, and then we went to the grocery store. That was a true adventure. It was called CareFour and the bottom level was like a department store, the 2nd level was like the home goods and baby section of Wal-mart, and the top level was the grocery store. There were escalators with no stairs just sort of ramps...so you could take the buggy on. I found Coke, Ritz Crackers, Land O Lakes Cheese, and OREO'S...I think we actually danced in the store over the OREO's. When we checked out there were little plastic basket's in the store and that is what they put your food in. I am sure there were also plastic bags but we didn't see them or even think about looking for them. So when we get down to the cab and start to take the basket a police officer stops us so we had to load the individual items into the cab and then carry them in. We were so tired we could have cared less...<br />We came back to the room and took her three layers of clothes off and she has played with us the entire time. She loves her daddy and cries when he walks away from her. I watched her while Tara and Billy went down to exchange money and she was a perfect angel...she likes riding the horsy on my knee and playing peek-a-boo...she's likes to be tickled and loves for me to stand and sway with her. I love this little china doll so very much. She is such a blessing.<br />We fed her some Congee a little while ago...don't ask what it is it smells like poo...but she eats it. Now she is asleep in her crib. She is such a sweetie...We prayed for her and anointed her and claimed the blood of Jesus over her.<br />God has been so active and amazing through this whole thing. He gave me two scriptures to claim over her and I quoted them before we prayed they are:<br />Isaiah 35:10<br />And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.<br />and<br />1 Peter 2:9<br />I am a member of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.<br />Her time of sorrow and sighing has gone and her joy has come to stay she is a member of a chosen generation and part of His nation. That is the only nationality that really matters.<br />Please pray for the other family their daughter has a heart problem and she is in the hospital her toes and fingers are turning blue and they need to get her home and to Vanderbilt quickly. They are a Christian family. Please pray that God will work in an awesome way.<br />I am about to upload a couple of new pictures. We love hearing from you all thanks for all of the emails and comments. Love you all!<br />Kids mommy misses you so bad you have no clue. If it wasn't for my bible and this computer I think I would fly home this minute. Mitchell, I miss you too take care of the kids and call me when you can. God Bless You All!<br />Love,<br />Sherri<br /><br /><a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=235350135&blogID=433486547&Mytoken=23D15B40-8605-401B-82EBB69C3A1442BC83033723">10:05 AM</a><br /><br />Nora is here!! Current mood: exhausted<br />It has all been worth the little face that is my profile picture. Every mile flown, every car dodged and every piece of rice eaten. She is worth them all and more. She is so precious has hardly cried at all and loves to laugh!!! I am too tired to type too much right now but let me just tell you she is perfect.<br />Pray for the other family the Irwin's their daughter is sick and in the hospital. Pray that God would make a way to get her home safely.<br />Love,<br />SherriSherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16067324760731378405noreply@blogger.com0