I've got 2 new foster kids and love them to death! they have kept me busy but have stolen my heart. I loved Caleb but knew God would give us more. Although busy I am loving it! I love being a mom. We went to the splash pad in Grand Blanc. Shawn took the day off after working 60 hours a week for the last month!....and went with us ..what joy! that is all I have to explain it. The blessing of God to the tenth power. wow! the joy of having a baby around is indescribable. they ran, they played, and laughed. I kept my self busy organizing and taking pics..but it was a delight. I never understood how moms could enjoy all that sacrifice. It is truly a joy....pics to come.

The kids from our homeschool co-op came over for a playdate.

It was great fun. It was also nice having adult conversation for a change...

the road less traveled

It always amazes me how people respond to my lifestories. I really don't think my life is extra-ordinary...although I will admit it is not the "normal" christian life. It is not the life I would have designed.
and honestly I don't think it is over-the-top. In fact I think everyone can have a wow-life. because having the extraordinary life comes from one simple rule. Follow Gods voice. let him be the pillar of fire and cloud...in your life...even though the natural man has other ideas of the direction or purpose..GOD KNOWS BEST. yep..thats it ....
its funny how people are intrigued by my faith stories....when God wants us all to have that kind of a life.
the second thing that gets me thinking or chuckling is that people love to hear the "faith walk" stories. They are entertained and encouraged by the "missionary" stories...however...none of them want to walk the walk that brings about those stories. acatualy testemonies of Gods faithfulness. In other words its great to watch an action thriller movie..but who wants to be the hero that had to live thru that kind of drama.

anyways I thank God for HIs mercies, grace and faithfulness.

Waiting on God

Waiting on God. Waiting on people.....is frustrating. It is especially frustrating when I am positive that I heard from the Lord. When I say I "heard" from the Lord. I got an impression...prayed about it..checked it with the Word of God...and waited for the confirmation..and it was yes, yes, and yes. As many of you the waiting period follows. In my experience that waiting period escorts a slew of situations that contradict the word. Kind of like Joseph. He received a dream and its revelation but yet that vision was not realized for fifteen years. I've experienced the "Joseph" syndrome many times in my life as well.

For example, finding my husband was a series of faith builder moments. I received a Word ..the confirmation, and yet I didn't find and marry him until I was 44. He was worth the waitl

Sooooo I said all that to say I am waiting for my girls. There is a bit of a set back because of the current situation and that some step dad is interested in them....This is not good...but God keeps reminding me to trust Him. Its tough. It would be easier to toss in the towell and recognize there are thousands of other girls ...but GOD! I know I must not look by sight but by the spirit. God give me that wisdom..and understanding .
]
Thanks Lord for your faithfulness.
Thank you for my new family
Thank you for speaking to me and allowing me to step out on you

Well there are two girls that are foster kids of my freinds'. They have never wanted to adopt...we do. these girls are great. No they do not come without a few issues..but trust me they are minimal and fairly normal especially due to the trauma they have had to face. We have petitioned to adopt them. I love them very much.

but I have trouble waiting. I know that God has spoken to me about these girls...and everything is flowing well..but I'm getting a little tired of the story and want the next chapter to start. I mean this one is beginning to feel like a coma.

if anyone is reading this please say a prayer for us because I want our "family" to start ...Is that too much to ask?...

They got babtized Sunday...soo precious. A very special moment.

Losing weight. Ugh! this is a topic which totally dicourages me. I feel like a failure. I mean I try to excersize. I watch my portions...but yet it seems like the story ends the same a 2 steps forward four steps back. ...If I could keep it up..I could  move to the next level. but it isn't, I don't ...thats that..or should I say thats fat. ...I won't drag this horse thru the mud any more..but I really want to look better and feel better.

relationships

Relationships in the family are so complicated. Especially when I'm in the equation. Why do I think that I have to solve their problems? Why do I get so emotionally worked up...its quite simple..if they would just TAKE MY ADVICE the world would be a MUCH BETTER PLACE! HELLO?!...Geeesh!..

Ok..Ok..I've calmed down now. God must get a kick out of me. I bet he's up there, right now, with a big bag of popcorn watching the show. what a hooot!..the "Watch Penny change the world and fall on her butt hour"! lol The truth is...I can't change anyone. NEWSFLASH..right? HA! I can't even get them to listen.

I know , I know if I wouldn't try to shove down the entire 5 course meal ! Slow and steady has never been my forte...I overwhelm people...I try to force feed them without realizing its like feeding a starving orphan steak and potatoes..they will get sick. They can't handle the truth. Their spiritual digestive system must be developed. We live in a fast food, warm and fuzzy, poltically correct generation. They must be handed truth gently...soooo ok ... I try the nugget thing.....they still don't want to eat ...I'm like ..DUDE! ...EAT!...I forget they have the freedom to say no..I mean they can be wrong if they want to! :)

They don't want the meal...they don't want the nuggets...How do I reach them ( notice that big I in there.) you've already figured this out...It's not about me.

Truth and wisdom of any volume is useless without the anointing of the Holy Spirit! I need to serve the nuggets of wisdom like I would serve desert. Dress is up...put it on a beautiful plate....and top it off with the anointing of the spirit. If they taste great...if not ...don't sweat it. I have served it. the rest is up to the Holy Spirit. He works miracles even when we can't see them. that is where the faith comes in. Not by sight...or might..but by the Spirit.
says the LORD!
NOT PENNY?????UGH! nope...
So now my goal is to be intentional about filling myself with God....and letting God flow thru me.

Think of it. Getting up in the morning filling myself with the word of God...saturate my self in the presence of the Holy Spirit....and let HIM ...the ONE TRUE GOD....flow out.
To capture His presence and let people experience GOD...NOT the wisdom of Penny....God brings them to HIM.

The scripture is clear. "If I am lifted up..I will draw all men unto ME!"...So here I am again..letting go ...

"Father in Heaven, forgive me for trying to fix everyone...Forgive my arrogance...
teach me to love and pass out the nuggets of your truth, because all truth comes from you. Holy Spirit, I invite you to walk with me, in me..please touch the lives of everyone I meet today. I promise to smile, bring a piece of light..but only you can change lives...I give that to you, and trust that you will touch someones life thru me... thank you Lord, for your faithfulness and your power working in plain old selfish me.
For your Glory , amen."

Thanks for listening all and pray for me.