Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Definition Gives Direction

Good morning all!
I'm here to share a definition
that was just brought to my attention via
an email from our agency, Lifeline.

Definition of calling: 
a strong inner impulse 
toward a particular course of action 
especially when accompanied by conviction 
of divine influence. 

The email referenced the following scripture:
"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, 
we have not stopped praying for you 
and asking God to fill you with the knowledge 
of His will through all spiritual wisdom 
and understanding. And we pray this in order 
that you may live a life worthy of the Lord 
and may please him in every way: 
bearing fruit in every good work, 
growing in the knowledge of God, 
being strengthened with all power 
according to His glorious might 
so that you may have great endurance 
and patience."
Colossians 1:9-11

Needless to say, it spoke to my heart.
I am so blessed to have felt that strong inner impulse.
I admit it took much prayer & meditation
before I realized it wasn't just my desire,
it was our family's calling to adopt.


It's been a long road.
But as we wait, we pray.
And as we pray,
we're strengthened by His spiritual wisdom.


So today while you ponder God's calling for your life,
please continue to pray for Emily Margaret.
Our dossier is currently making it's rounds here in the USA,
before heading off to China.


God's blessings friends,
we're getting closer!
Sarah :)









Saturday, April 2, 2011

And We're OFF!

Good morning Emily Margaret fans.
We did it!
Our dossier has officially left Cullman
and should be arriving at the agency today.
Inclosed was a stack of paperwork,
family pictures and of course a handful of checks. 

After our dossier visits with the agency and receives a few tweaks,
it will begin it's journey.
The Hinson dossier will spend approximately 
three weeks traveling the United States.
Once it's certified and authenticated 
the REAL journey begins.
Are you with me??
In less than one month our dossier will be headed to China!
SQUEAL!!!

Now remember, 
the abreviated version of the Hinson family
was PreApproved to adopt Emily Margaret
back on December 10th.
Our dossier is the L-O-N-G version 
of the Hinson family.
And peeps, 
you've seen our baby girl...
isn't she fabulous?!
She deserves to have her family thoroughly investigated. 

SO, our timeline to travel once the dossier 
gets to China is about 6 months. 
During that time we'll be approved 
and receive our travel arrangements. :D

But I need you to be prepared,
because I'm certain she's coming home sooner.
God is doing the most amazing things
for one beautiful baby girl!
How do I know??
Because God sent Mark 11:22-24
as my devotional reading this morning.

"Have faith in God, Jesus answered. 
I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 
Go throw yourself into the sea, 
and does not doubt in his heart 
but believes that what he says will happen, 
it will be done for him.
Therefore I tell you,
whatever you ask for in prayer, 
believe that you have received it,
and it will be yours."

I stand firm in the truth that God 
was in this before I was.
If He says He's moving mountains,
then friend those mountains are moved!

Now I leave you with a smile.

Keep praising God for bringing Emily Margaret home.
We're ready to see those smiles in person!
God's blessings on your weekend loved ones,
Sarah :)