Sometimes God Just Hits Ya Over the Head!!!

I love people, I love to get to know people and I love to be social. But for some stupid reason, I have this horrible fear of making new friends outside my comfort zone. (Which is Mississippi) I don't know why, it's dumb I know.

Well, my sweet little puppy has gotten me out in the neighborhood. So I am meeting people.

I have a wonderful home (and I am very thankful to God for it) and I would so like to invite neighbors and friends over. I just have this crazy fear. So, I have been doing this Bible study on Judges and Ruth, by Elizabeth George. Wow, today was about faithfulness and certainity, and when we aren't faithful, we fail. If we take our eyes off God!

A few weeks ago I ordered the promotional stuff to do "Operation Christmas Child" in my neighborhood. Everyday I look at that box of stuff. I gotta JUST DO IT! Get out and let everyone know about this thing I want to do.

Then, low and behold, today I found this video, about stepping out of the boat. Hello!!! Ok, God I hear ya!! I am stepping out.

Here's a little about the group in the video. I first heard them in college. "Aceppella" They are pretty great. I haven't thought about them in a while though.

Have a good day and enjoy the video.Acappella - Video by Acappella - MySpace Video

Shared via AddThis

Nothing Is To Trivial For God!!

A few weeks ago, I was with Hubby and the kids and we had to stop by the bank. The kids, of course, didn't want to go into the bank, and they asked if they could go look in the pet store, that was next door. I (what was I thinking?) said sure. Well, now we have this cute little fellow.

.

But always there is a life lesson to be learned right? As well as a spiritual one! The puppy they wanted was a cute little Pomeranian. She was probably eight weeks old. She was quite adorable, but so little. I told the kids, let's all go home and pray about this little dog. "But she'll be gone when we come back!" I told them, that "if it's God's will for us to have that puppy, she would still be there." Well, that evening they had to go back to their Mom's, but we all agreed to pray about the dog.

The next afternoon, Hubby and I stopped back at the pet store. The puppy wasn't there. But, guess what, another precious little one was. He was so ugly, he was cute. I asked about him, how much etc. He was only $88.00. Wow, the other one was $400.00. I wanted to know how come he was so cheap. He's been here for 70 days. I asked to see his papers and everything. (I used to work at a vet clinic) I saw he had all his puppy shots, plus a micro-chip (encase he gets lost) I knew we had a bargain. The shots alone would have cost me $300.00. He also gets a neutered for free. Wow!

Since the kids were not with us, we took his picture and sent it to them on the phone. We all agreed. This little guy was the one for us.

They all had their hearts set on the other puppy, but how much better is the one we received. God knows what is best for us. We just have to seek Him & listen for His gentle guidance. I try to teach the children that God wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives. Nothing is to trivial for Him. Not even a puppy.

Also, this little pup was a breeze to house train. He's a Schnoodle, and his name is "Handsome", but we call him "Handy" for short. The cats are not too sure about all this, but they are adjusting. Lol!!

I Will Rise - Chris Tomlin Worship Video w/lyrics

I haven't blogged in quite a few weeks, due to being sick with Asthma again and also being busy with the kids, family and my Hubby's business.

Recently my Hubby had a major problem with his main client and we both had to go into a meeting, to try to smooth things over and make the client calm down. We met with the president of the company and during the discussions, he paused and asked hubby and me, how can we remain so calm in the midst of what he sees as a major crisis?

We were a little taken back with his question. I didn't even realize that it was noticeable. We did have a peace about this entire issue. Me more than Hubby, but still we had peace. We touched on the why's and how's of our peace. But, as this gentlemen is an unbeliever, it was difficult to translate, especially in the conference room setting we were in. I hope we planted a few seeds and will be able to cultivate them further in the future.

I am so amazed that he saw a peacefullness in us. Sometimes I do not feel that I have peace, but I guess compared to someone who doesn't know Jesus as their Saviour, I have immeasureable Peace. After all, "it is well" and we "will rise" above all this earthly trouble, to receive a much greater prize. How awesome is that?

Sunday afternoon, I saw Chris Tomlin sing this song on TBN and I thought" that's it. That's how we get through." We know that there is a much higher goal than what we deal with on earth and not matter what, Jesus is on our side.

Small Talk 6 Saturdays!!

It's Saturday and that means Small Talk 6!! Today's topic, 6 things you loved or hated about school.

#1.) I loved shopping for school clothes and school supplies.

#2.) I loved seeing all my friends.

#3.) I loved all my classes (I know, nerdy)

#4.) I loved Friday night Football "Go Aggies" (Friday night football games in a small southern town, they are the social event of the year, let me tell you!!)

#5.) I loved Saturdays.

#6.) I hated bullies.

There you have it. I loved school, this past week, getting my kids and my nieces all ready for school, it makes me want to go back. (but I soon get over that) Lol!

How Time Flies~~~

I can't believe it's the end of August. It seems just like yesterday, the warm, long anticipated days of summer were arriving. Surely they would be stretching out in front of us for months to come......but it sadly summer is winding down, at least here in the upper mid west. All next week we aren't supposed to even get out of the 60's. While I love the cooler weather, I am shivering just thinking about those seemingly endless days of winter that's approaching much sooner than I want.

This winter, I will certainly know what to expect. I am already planning for things to do. Last year, I was totally taken by surprise. I mean, I lived for 3 years in New England, so I thought winter in Chicago would be no big deal. Boy was I wrong.

I've been trying to spend what's left of summer outside, as much as I can. I've been reading, reading and reading some more. I discovered a new author. A few weeks ago, I was on one of my frequent trips to the Good Will. (I love shopping there) and I found this wonderful book. The Woods by Harlan Coben. I usually don't like to read books written by men, (I have no idea why) but anyway, there you have it. This book had the most twist and turns. I was on pins and needles all the way to the last page.

I had to get another of his books, so off to Barnes & Nobles I went. I've read 5 of his books so far. Hold Tight, Gone for Good, Tell No One & Just One Look. (And of course The Woods) Every one is a page turner. I have passed a book along to my Mama and my Mother-in-law. The book Tell No One was also made into a movie. I think it went straight to dvd. I haven't watched it though, but I hope to soon.

So if you're looking for a great new author, pick up one of Harlan Coben's books, they are full of suspense and are all page turners.

As far as the adoption application is going. I have finished all my questions, but Hubby has to answer his. He says I will have to help him. Hmmmm.....

Adoption Update!

Sorry I've not posted in a week, but I've been busy. Niko and my nieces visited last week, then I worked on a project for work this week.

We had our adoption orientation meeting August 12. It was very informative. Right off the bat, the agency informed us, that the chances of adopting a caucasian child were pretty slim. There were about 12 people in the conference room. The 2 social workers doing the meeting, told us that, if that was what any of us was wanting, it would be best to leave. We were already well aware of the racial dynamics of children (waiting children) who are in foster care. (I always believe in doing research) that way I'm in the know, ya know! LOl. Anyway, then they told us that to adopt a Hispanic child, one person in the household must speak Spanish. (that is if the child speaks Spanish) My hubby is 1/2 Spanish, but he doesn't speak any of the language. His Dad didn't speak it in their home.
But get this, if the child is Asian, or anyother nationality, English is fine. Huh?

Then they told us, the most likely children were going to be African American. If that wasn't acceptable please leave. They were very up front about that. They didn't want to waste any one's time. But Hubby and I have been praying about this very issue and we believe that we are capable to loving and nurturing any child God chooses to give us. We both have so much love to give. We don't care about the race of the child, and we can probably handle certain children with behavioral problems.

The social workers kept mentioning ADHD and other behavior problems. Well, we already deal with that. Niko has ADHD and is on the autism spectrum.

Now we are working on our application. It's slightly overwhelming. We each have 2 essay questions to answer. The first, is to explain our experience with children. The only way I can figure out how to answer this question, is to just write about each of my step-children, and the nuances of our relationship. Each child's quirks and what makes them special, how we deal with each child and the challenges they might present to us as parents. Hubby and I discussed it and that seems to be the best way to answer that question.

The next is why we want to adopt. This is the most difficult question. So please pray as I try to put all those reason's down on paper.

I do believe that every child, no matter what their race, deserves to have someone who loves them unconditionally. God has been really working on my heart regarding this matter.

I hope everyone had a great week and have a great weekend.

Moving On Up!!!

A couple of weekends ago, my Hubby and my sisters husband, (that would be my brother in law) had the pleasure of helping my Mom in law move. She had been searching for almost a year, a cheaper place to live. Low and behold, she found one that is half the cost of her old place and much, much nicer. (also in a nicer neighborhood) This is a much answered prayer.



Not only did Hubby and BIL help in the moving, I did too, (well, I supervised anyway) took these lovely pictures I'm about to share with you and generally make the whole moving crew look a little more respectable! Ha! (oh and I did carry a lamp here and there)



Here's a few pictures of the hard working movers!! They truly missed their calling in a profession. They should have taken moving up as a career (just kiddin)!

Hubby got hot, I was there (as supervisor of course)

with a paper towel to wipe the sweat of my sweetie's brow! LOL!!

Hubby trying to figure out how they are gonna get that couch in the door.

They had to take the door off. (Shear genius my friends) :-)

We of course had to end this hot, exhausting day at SONIC!

Nothing like a Route 44 diet coke, to cure what ails you!

Now for the serious stuff......our attorney managed to get court postponed for a month. Niko was just recently diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome and we are going to present somethings to the court. We have been trying to deal with Niko and getting him diagnosed for 4 years. (but that is another post) so we have counseling with Niko tomorrow afternoon, and then he is coming all by himself to stay with us for 5 days. My nieces are going to visiting too. They all get along so well.

Also, tomorrow evening we have the adoption orientation meeting. Please pray for us as we go through all these things. As far as all the court business goes, my anxiety level sky rockets when dealing with court. I know God is in control, I just can't get my nervous system to understand that :0

Thanks again for your prayers!

It's Monday People!!

Oh my, it's Monday. The start to another work week, or school week, or a winding down week of summer. I am taking a class that starts this week. We are joining a new small group from our church. Please pray for that. It seems that every time we attempt to join a small group and get involved, something comes up. I told Hubby, satan doesn't want us to get involved. We have to conquer that. Also an exciting thing this week is our adoption meeting. It is Wednesday evening. Also, we are supposed to have court re: the ex, but not sure if that will happen.

Lots of things are going on in the Esparza household. Please pray that we will keep Jesus in our center focus. I am gonna leave you today with a couple of more pictures from our Wisconsin Dells vacation. Have a great day everybody.

Remember Jesus loves you!