Creation + Family + Friends = Memories!

We have had a great Labor Day weekend! We decided this week to travel to Cincinatti and meet up with some very special friends for the weekend and visit The Creation Museum together. I am so glad that we went! It was sort of a spur of the moment decision, but it had been awhile since we'd had the opportunity to skip town, and we were ready for a road trip! I went to Wal-Mart on Thursday night and bought a portable DVD player for the car and the kids enjoyed the trip as well. Mike and I had such a great time driving down, talking about things, listening to and learning the new Hillsong praise and worship songs on our new CD, and just being together.

We were so delighted to see our friends, John and Aggie, and their beautiful children, Johnny, Noah and Mayra. We first met this sweet couple in Guatemala City in 2006 during our trip to bring Abigail home. They had travelled to bring Mayra home as well and were staying in the same hotel. We began eating our meals together in the hotel restauarant and immediately bonded as brothers and sisters in Christ AND adoptive families. For those of you who may not have personal experience with international adoption, it may be difficult to imagine the bond these families share. However, having gone through the ups and downs of the international adoption process, there was an immediate sensitivity and closeness. Upon leaving Guatemala, Aggie and I exchanged contact information and the Lord did the rest.

We began talking on the phone frequently, sharing our lives, checking on each other's children, praying for the great Physician to work in little Mayra's life miraculously (as He has so graciously done) and getting to know one another. We both began blogging and it has been a great way for us to stay in touch and share in one another's lives.

John and Aggie called us on Tuesday and said they were going to be in Cincy...we committed almost immediately to meet them. We've shared so much over the last two years by phone/email, but it was awesome to hug their necks and spend about 12 hours with them. Our children bonded well and enjoyed the time together. Abby and Mayra spontaneous walked hand-in-hand through the garden - so precious - not realizing that their road to America began together!

AND, I must add that if you have not made a trip to the Creation Museum in Cincinnati, it is definitely a must-see. It was an all-day experience in God's Word. It was worshipful, eye-opening and enlightening. We were able to share with our children - and remind ourselves - of the vastness of God's creation, His power to create, destroy and save. The biblical account was fully expounded upon and was brought all the way home to the cross and the need to fully trust this God of creation with our lives. All of our children especially enjoyed the petting zoo and the delightful Creation garden, which celebrated many of the beautiful plants, flowers, colors and wonders of God's creation. There were quite a few little bridges to cross, including swinging bridges, arches and "smokey" bridges that just intrigued our children so much. All four of our boys were so excited with what they saw and what was around the bend that we spent half the afternoon chasing after them, trying not to quench their excitement but ensure that they didn't get too far ahead of us.

John and Aggie - special friends - thank you so much for thinking of us, travelling so far and including us in this special day. We look forward to seeing God work in so many areas of your lives - Liberian adoption, missions, ministry, homeschooling, church life and John's work.

Friends are blessing to us - and wow - we are truly blessed with many incredible friends.

We are all home tomorrow for the Labor Day holiday and we are so glad to be able to spend the day together. I am planning on cleaning house, doing laundry, and just hanging out with my great kids. Daddy is planning on cutting the grass in the morning, studying some and relaxing at home.

Master plan

"In my own frustrations with prayer, I used to focus on the lack of God's intervention. Why won't God do what I ask? My perspective has changed as I understand prayer as a partnership, a subtle interplay of human and divine that accomplishes God's work on earth."

"God asks me to make myself known to him in prayer and then works my prayers into a master plan for my life --a plan which I can only faintly grasp."

(quotation from PRAYER Does It Make Any Difference by Philip Yancy)

Wow!
This insight has really gripped my heart the last 24 hours.
I am realy feeling compelled to pray in the spirit, in truth. To seek His will in my prayers, not my own, is the ultimate goal in my relationship with Him. In doing so, He will continually unveil His plan for my life, which will lead me into action. However, it is not natural for me to go into prayer thinking that God "works my prayers into a master plan." But, it is quite reassuring - reassuring in the fact that if I do pray for something that is not in His divine plan, but am seeking His perfect will, He will work that into my heart. Our prayers, although immature and selfish at times, are corrected by the Spirit - He intercedes for the saints although we may be off track at times. Many times we pray - I pray - attempting to convince myself that I am praying for good things - so they must be right things and God will surely grant them - like a jeannie in a bottle. But, the Lord is teaching me that not all good things are right for my life. I must seek His rightness - His righteousness to be lived out in me - even if it means that I may not have every "good" thing, but will have the things that are good for ME. I cannot truly understand God's grand plan for my life.

However, I can see glimpses of His plan
- I can faintly see it -
and it is enough to spur me on in prayer!

Tonight, I am praying for God to continue to reveal His plan in my conversations with Him. I want to listen - I want my prayer life to be fashioned after His will - not my own. It is hard to yield my will to His sometimes - it is a daily battle - I am only human, you know.

Surely I am not the only person who prays selfish prayers at times, right?

However, tonight, in particular, very specific areas of my life, I am very desperate for His direction - not my own because my own way isn't working - obviously.

Yielding tonight,
Melisa

Enough Said!

(Actually, Mike is GREAT at laundry - in our house it is a team effort!

However, it does seem that if something gets "altered" in the washing machine or dryer,

it belongs to mommy!

A routine statement that seems to flow out of my mouth is...

"I can't have 'nothin'. It either gets shrunk, puked on, or boogered. Everything I have is marked by this family!"

But - I wouldn't have it ANY other way!

LOL to my incredible hubby!)

I believe...help my unbelief...

Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisors"

Tonight, Michael and I sat down after the children went to bed and had a wonderful heart-to-heart regarding "prayer." It is truly a divine blessing in my marriage that we are able to talk openly day-in and day-out about the things of the Lord. I am so pleased that we are at the point that it is on our lips as our family - as we go out and as we come in. And, tonight was no exception. With Michael's newly acquired "seminary" experience - be it ever so brief - and my evergrowing desire to read, study, think, ponder and analyze, we end up talking more, sharing ideas and learning from one another.

The last couple of weeks, while reading Philip Yancey's book on Prayer, I have been reflecting on why I pray, where I pray, when I pray, and what my expectations are for prayer. I also have begun "questioning" prayer - if you want to call it that. And, that is exactly where our conversation went tonight - whether or not is o.k. to question prayer. My final resolution to this matter in my mind tonight is that questioning God (as a new Christian might, as a more mature Christian might during a time of trial or testing, or as someone might who has not yet accepted Christ) can be viewed by some as allowing Satan to tempt you to not believe or allowing Him to distract you or cause you to doubt so that His will won't be accomplished in your life.

I, however, strongly feel that the mature Christian - the Christian who is walking daily with the Lord, seeking a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him - will and should question on some level. Now, don't get me wrong. We all doubt at times. We all question God at times. This is not what I am referring to at all. My point is that we shouldn't just pray - we should question why we pray, how we pray, etc. We should always be seeking wisdom from on high. We should desire to know more - not to pray ritualistically, but to seek answers from the character and spirit of God. When our prayers aren't answered in the way or time we think they should be, is it o.k. to ask God why? I believe that in asking "why," we are admitting to God that we are seeking His will - that we want to understand His will for our lives at a more intimate level. Even Jesus questioned God's answers or lack there-in at times. After going to spend extensive time in prayer prior to the choices He would make for His disciples - the twelve men that would walk and talk with Him during His time on earth - he groaned in frustration, saying, "How much longer must I put up with you?" In essence, one interpretation is that Jesus may have been questioning the Father's decision in the choices for disciples. Jesus also prayed that He would be delivered from the cross - but then had to ask the Father, "Why have you forsaken me?"

In the footsteps of my Savior, tonight I am questioning - "Lord, why? Show me more of you. Whisper small answers to me. Give me footprints toward your character...I will follow them to learn more - I want to understand You more so I can pray for Your will to be done in my life and in the lives of those I care about." How can I learn more if I don't ask Him? Even this week, I thought I surely saw Him answering a long-time prayer of mine. I have thought for so long that He was answering my prayer by telling me to wait - and I felt sure that now He was telling me this was the time. Then - closed...the door closed...maybe temporarily...maybe forever. So, I stand questioning "why" tonight. Not to push myself farther away from God...but to draw closer so I can hear His voice more clearly.

Lord, I believe...help my unbelief!!!!!!!

Happy boys!

What handsome boys! I am so proud of my awesome boys! Boys are so fun. They were not worried about impressing anybody at school - they were totally relaxed this morning and walked right in like they owned the place. No tears...no hesitancy...confident students!

The first day of school has been a great success.

When asked if he liked his first day of second grade, Isaac said, "No! I loved it!"

When asked if he liked his first day of first grade, Jonah, said "Yeah, it was really cool, mom."

Both boys were pleasantly surprised to see

that their best friends were in their classrooms this year.

My friend, Michelle, gave me a great idea several years ago -
to take the children's picures by the mailbox on every first day to have a reference point for growth. Yes, I have taken the pictures, but no - I have not posted them all yet. I will have to drum up the other ones from the last two or three years - but I promise, I will. Abby insisted on having a backpack to stand with in front of the mailbox also. She and I counted the number of school buses we passed this morning. She just loves school buses!
Her FAVORITE song continues to be "The Wheels on the Bus!"
(PS. Imagine that we are whispering...."Possibly a big day for mommy today, too! More to come later if it all pans out the way we hope!")

Waxing Poetic...

'Twas the night before school starts and all through the house,

all the 'creatures' were stirring, even little Abby-mouse.

The bookbags were laid by the front door with care,
In hopes that the school fairy soon would be there.

The children FINALLY nestled all snug in their beds,
while visions of school supplies danced in their heads.

And mamma in her pajamas and and I in my shorts,
had just settled down for a late snack of sorts.

When all of a sudden, there arouse a big clatter,
and we sprang from the table to see what was the matter.

When what to our weary eyes should appear,
but 20 small toes standing in the hallway with fear.

Away to the hallway we flew like a flash,
hugged each child with care and reassured them in a dash.

The moon shown bright on the window to their room,
It gave a great lustre to their beds - but soon....

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a tiny little girl - such a sweetheart, a dear!

"I want to sleep on the couch, mom" she said.
And, off to the living room we did head.

More rapid than eagles we flew - it was great...
And she whistled, and shouted, "Go to bed boys... it's late!

Now, Isaac! Now, Jonah! Now, go to sleep quick.
Now boys - go to sleep and I'll show you a trick.

To the top of the closet, to the top of the wall,
I dashed away to get school clothes set out for the fall.

With everything laid out for the first day with care...
I hoped they would sleep so that tomorrow they would fare.

Now, sleep away, sleep away, sleep away all!
In the morning, the alarm clock will quickly call.

We prayed for our children - that they would be a light...
Happy First Day to all and to all a good Night.

All Night Long...or until we fall over!

Those of you that know me well know that one of my FAVORITE hobbies is scrapbooking. I have been scrappin' for 11 years now - ever since I got married. And, needless to say, my skills have improved somewhat over the years. (I drew and cut out pictures of Mickey Mouse for my scrapbook about my honeymoon at Disney World in 1997 - now I can buy the 3-D holographic stickers with glue dots, die-cuts, etc!) And, one of the delights of my scrappin' career has been getting my awesome friend Michelle (pictured above) hooked on the hobby as well. We've been through alot together over the years. And - do you know that I created a MONSTER! She is much more dedicated to the sport than I am. One of our favorite things to do is get together for a few hours and work on our scrapbook pages. But - as I am sure you can relate - time is definitely a factor for this working mother of 3 (not to mention my many other roles as well!).

Anyway - boy!!!! Was I thrilled when she called me the other day and said her husband was going out of town! Now, don't get me wrong. I love him dearly. He is a great friend. But, I knew what that meant - SCRAP 'TIL YOU DROP! Michelle decided to celebrate (I mean mourne) her husband's out of town trip with an all night croppin' party. And, I couldn't be more excited...all the girls will be there. We are going to crop 'til we just can't crop no more!

For those of you who are not scrapbookers, this notion may not seem appealling. And, yes, I do have several other hobbies that really get me puttin' a smile on - not the least of which is blogging. I am also an AVID reader and bargain shopper. ( Did I tell you that I found the boys some awesome navy blue courderoy pants for fall for $1.50/pr. the other night!!!) But, the thing about scrapbooking that really makes it fun for me is the immediate gratification. And, yes, I know that Scripture teaches us that we should exhibit the virtues of waiting and patience. But, it is nice every once in a while to experience immediate results of an effort. From start to finish, I can typically finish a page in 30 minutes or less - TA DA!! It's done - and move on to the next one. What fun!

I am really looking forward to the scrapbooking slumber party. Nothing like a little craftiness, goofiness, laughter, sharing and time with your friends to do a girl some good!

Love you Michelle and can't wait to come!

Still

In my Bible study time today, I was studying one of the verses that tend to be so familiar to us that we rarely take time to meditate on it - to determine its deeper relevance for our lives.

The verse says to
"Be still, and know that I am God."
I learned that in Latin, to be still means

"to vacate."

Now, does't it sound wonderful to vacate - to leave the premises, to stop, to declare a holiday? In this small portion of His word, God is commanding us to go on vacation - to take a break from playing God! He wants us to take a break from trying to control everything and acknowledge his power, his ability, his greatness, his strength. We must let God be God - take a vacation. We should climb down from our proverbial self-declared throne and give it to the one who rightfully deserves it - allow Him to do what only He can do in our lives. We don't have to travel far to take a vacation, guys! We only have to crawl down - humbly travel down the road to the place of complete surrender on our knees. There, we will receive our much needed vacation - rest only He can provide as we give Him all the circumstances, concerns and issues and admit His ability to work them for our good. So, if you come to my house tonight, don't be surprised to find a sign on the door..."Gone on vacation!" I'm tired and need a break from trying to control everything, don't you? I think it's time for me to be still. Do you want to go with me? Give it some thought...

"Be still!"

(Sounds like a command to me!)

The Invitation

The love of God is irresistible to me. It meets the needs of my life. It gives my life - every minute, every encounter, every challenge - deep purpose. It meets my need for healing, touching my life in places that no human can reach. When I drink His water - His Word - into my life, it quenches my thirst. He is persistent in pursuing a relationship with me. My praise is so precious to Him. But, He doesn't need my praise to be lifted higher. Actually, He can't be lifted higher than He already is. However, He does invited me to engage in relationship with Him - for MY SAKE! He draws me, compels me, repeatedly invites me. It is nice to be wanted.

I imagine in the morning as I try to wake, hit the "snooze" bar on the alarm clock, toss and turn as I try to shake the sleep off and start my day, that my Abba Father is anxiously waiting for me to get up. He can't wait to spend time with me. Just as my eyes light up every time one of my children walk in the room, He delights when I enter His presence. Have you entered His presence today? Have you spoken to Him today? Have you whispered your secrets to Him? He has invited you...make sure you RSVP!
(Taken from my personal notes in worship this morning and in the Beth Moore simulcast)

Our 1st Cub Scout Event is in the books!

School days, school days...

In one week, Isaac will be starting 2nd grade. In the Bell household, back pack choice is of utmost importance at the beginning of the school year. The boys painstakingly labor over which backpack to choose - one that's cool, "not baby-ish," just the right size...whew - it's a chore! He finally chose a Scooby Doo backpack this year. He has grown up so much this summer. He still is a kid, that's for sure! But, it is so fun to see little glimpses of him striving toward maturity and responsibility. He definitely fulfills the role of big brother as he is very protective of Jonah and Abby. When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, he said, "a race car driver, astronaut, firefighter, daddy with 4 children, a church worker and a missionary."

Jonah is going to be in 1st grade this year. He is very excited. He reads very well - actually he could read all of Isaac's 1st grade curriculum last year. I hope he isn't bored. He chose a backpack with "fire" on it like a hot rod would have. I know he is going to have a great year in school! When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, Jonah said he wanted to be "a plumber, firefighter, a daddy with 599 children and 599 dogs, a superhero and a policeman." He is my animal lover! I have never seen a kid so into bugs and critters.

Abby s 2.5 years old and is the life of the party. She is definitely strong willed - James Dobson could write a book about my children! But, she is also very tender and girly. She loves to have her hair fixed, wear dresses, play with babies and her doll house. She loves pink and purple. She still sucks her thumb. She wakes up every morning saying, "I want a snack, mommy." She would snack all day if I let her. She loves to eat strawberries, too. When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, she said, "the mommy."

School starts on August 18th. Since we are a family that thrives on structure, we actually look forward to routine. Everything goes a little smoother when it is fairy predictable. The only thing we have left to get for school is school shoes. We did some shopping yesterday, but the boys couldn't find a pair they really liked. So, daddy is going to take them today to look in Lexington. You see, the boys have their very first Boy Scouting outting tonight - and how exciting it is for them. They get to attend a Legends baseball game and then CAMP ON THE BASEBALL FIELD AFTER THE GAME WITH THE BOY SCOUTS. I don' know who's more excited - the boys OR THEIR DADDY! (It must be a guy thing.)

Needless to say, with the men in our life gone today and tomorrow, the girls are going shopping!

For those of you who follow my blog regularly, I have finally bought the fabric to re-upholster my dining room chairs. Will start the project soon and post pictures when done.

Blessed and grateful...

I haven't been feeling well today - sore throat/ears. Nothing serious, just the crud, I guess - one of the woes of working in healthcare. But, anyway, I kept Abby home with me tonight while Mike and the boys went to church/children's choir. I missed going so much because my church family is such an encouragement to me. But, if I was really getting sick, I didn't want to spread it all over the place. So, I laid down in the floor to check my blog and email. Abigail decided to cook supper for me and her baby doll. As you can see, a woman's work is never done and she was worn to a frazzle. She laid down beside me and fell asleep with no prompting at all, which is in itself, quite unusual.

While we were laying there, her precious face just blessed me so much. It reminded me of being in the grocery store the other night. The young man behind the deli counter saw her. His comment struck me - "I thought all the angels were in heaven. But, what do you know! One has lit right here in [name of town]." My first thought was that I do not want people to judge my children strictly on their appearance. My guard went up a little bit. I said, "Thanks. She's a great kid" and moved on to the produce section. Like any parent, I want to protect my children. And, you see, I believe that every mother truly believes that their children are beautiful. I am no different. I have 3 beautiful children. But, I also have 3 very inquisitive, creative, intelligent, fun, God-loving children as well. They are incredible PEOPLE and I can't wait to see how they continue to impact their world as life grows them up. Don't get me wrong...I appreciate the deli-man's comment, very sweet and genuine - I just hope that as we continue to live in this community - living life, being a family, building relationships - that our paths will cross again and that he will not just notice a pretty face - mommy's beautiful girl. I hope he sees more - a beautiful person with a lot to give to this world.

The other day we were riding in the car and having a talk with the boys about their recent decisions to be Christ followers. Abby always wants in on the conversation. She began saying in her two year old style,
"Dad-dy, dad-dy, dad!"
Michael said, "What is it Abby?"
"I luv Deezus. He lib in mu hot,"
which is interpreted...
"I love Jesus. He lives in my heart."

I pray that this testimony lives itself out in her little heart. In the meantime, we will strive to keep raising our kids to become the people God desires them to be.

Bigger

Amazing...stunning. I am in awe of His handiwork.

Isn't it incredible that He is so big and we are so small.

Have you limited God in some way today? Have you asked small things of Him?

Or have you believed the promise - ask...and it shall be given to you!

Take another look - He is a big God. He can handle it!

Various and Sundries

1.) Today has been a really good day. As compared to yesterday, anything in the up-direction was cause for rejoicing. I had muscle spasms in the right side of my back for about 4 hours in the early morning yesterday. I missed church because I couldn't sit upright. Then, I feel asleep on my heating pad (which I do not recommend at ALL!), and slightly burned my back. When I woke up, I had a fierce headache that lasted all evening. I guess you could say it just wasn't my day.

Today has been a really good day!

2.) We finalized plans to attend a Festival of Marriage event at Ridgecrest in the fall with two very close friends. Rachel and I were so excited today that we couldn't stop buzzing about it. Just can't wait! Michael and I have wanted to go ever since we were married, but it never worked out.

This time, we just decided to do it.

3.) I decided tonight that I was going to start the process to re-upholster my dining room chairs. You see, by now, I realize that anyone who is planning a family should never buy dining room chairs that are upholstered. They should have wooden seats that can be swiped out after every meal that is eaten by a toddler/young child. Therefore, I have started the disassembly process tonight and am going on a hunt for cheap fabric tomorrow. May try to find vinyl covering also for 3 of the chairs. I will post pictures of the "new and improved" Bell dining area...

as soon as I am finished.

4.) My friend Michelle has invited me to participate in a Scrapbooking slumber party in two weeks. Her husband is going to be out of town and us girls are going to get comfy and "crop til we drop." I am really looking forward to it as scrapbooking is one of my favorite hobbies, but since I don't have an assigned scrapbooking space in my home, I have to drag it all out. And, by the time I do that, I am almost too tired to crop. So, knowing that I will be able to scrap the night away - until I get sleepy that is...I will have a blast. And, it's great fun scrappin' with my buddy, Michelle, too. We don't get the time the way we would like - but when we do...

it's a blast!

5.) My new interest - which totally bores my little sister just to think about - is sewing. For years, I wanted a sewing machine and Michael finally bought me a Singer for my birthday. My first project - a full-length apron - is almost complete. I am now on the hunt for a new project. I must say that the whole "threading the bobbin" thing is not going real well for me. I do have to watch the tutorial DVD frequently and still continue to struggle. But - persistence is the key and I am not giving up. One of my friends suggested that I try to make Abby a Halloween costume. I'm not sure if this is the best second project for me or not.

But, I am loving the learning.

6.) All of my children are in the bed. Michael is getting ready to work on his homework and I am going to lay down with my 3 new magazines ("Country Sampler", "Sewing Savvy" and "Holiday Crafts") and rest awhile!

I am thankful for the quiet time.

7.) Did I mention that today has been a very good day?

Maximum Impact

I must say that I've had a grand weekend. My sister-in-law and I were able to experience the Beth Moore Living Proof Live Simulcast event at my church on Friday night and Saturday morning. It was a great time in Christ and I couldn't have imagined that it would have such a profound impact on my Christian "run." The focus of the weekend - or more importantly the area has remained my spiritual focus this afternoon as I tried to process it all - was allowing the Word of God to have Maximum Impact in my life. It is time for me to treasure the wonder of His word - be awestruck by it. I must hide it in my heart so that the enemy can not snatch it from me. And, I must retain it - own it! It is the word of God for me and Satan can't have it. Finally, and my biggest challenge of the weekend - Ecclesiastes 11:6..." Sow your seed in the morning...". What do you know - God is a morning person! I guess I have to be also to receive maximum impact from his word!