Thank you for praying for our Ethiopian court date last Wednesday night. We received word that it didn’t actually happen and has been postponed until November 23rd. The main reason we were given is that the court dockets are too full (they just reopened after a 6 week closure). We know you have been praying for us because despite our deep disappointment we have a peace and strength that is not of ourselves. What a comfort to know that our Lord holds our daughter in His hands and has already ordained the day she will come home. Thank you so much for your prayers on our behalf!
Tonight while we sleep our daughter’s court case will be brought before the Ethiopian courts. Please pray that…
All her paperwork will be in order
Her birth family will make it (they are required to be there and often have to travel from far away villages)
Electricity (Ethiopia has very unreliable electricity)
Our hearts would rest in God’s perfect timing and except the outcome even if it means another postponement or not passing the first time
The babies of six other families whose cases will also be heard tonight (if we all pass we will likely be traveling together!)
But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
I cried out to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy mountain.
I lay down and slept,
yet I woke up in safety,
for the Lord was watching over me.
~Psalm 3:3-5
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.
Posted in Favorite Find on 10/19/2009 09:30 am by Cacey
Kim’s Bensen has successfully lost 212 and kept it off! Her website is a great resource for anyone trying to lose weight or just learn healthy eating habits. She shares low-calorie recipes (I’m anxious to try her Pumpkin Muffins!), meal plans, restaurant nutrition facts, and other great tips and tricks. You can also check out her delicious light bagels and have them delivered fresh to your door!
On a busy day there is nothing better than a hot meal straight from the crock-pot! I’m always looking for new crock-pot recipes to try and last year stumbled upon this Gooseberry Patch cookbook.
If you haven’t seen a Gooseberry Patch cookbook before, they are very cute! Not only do they have simple yet flavorful recipes, they are also peppered with cute country drawings and include little quotes, decorating tips or just all around fun ideas on each page!
To wet your appetite I’ll share my favorite recipe so far…
Slow-Cooker Enchiladas
1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained
1/2 c. onion, chopped
10 oz. can enchilada sauce
10-3/4 oz. can nacho cheese soup (I substitute with Tostito’s Cheese Dip)
10-3/4 can cream of mushroom soup
15 oz. can corn, drained
16 oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 c. sliced black olives
4 corn tortillas
2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
Combine all ingredients except tortillas and cheese. Place one tortilla in the bottom of a slow cooker; spoon one-quarter of the beef mixture over tortilla, followed by 1/2 cup of cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with cheese. Heat on high setting for one hour until cheese is melted and bubbling. Serves 6 to 8.
Posted in General Posts on 10/12/2009 09:30 am by Cacey
Fall is my absolute favorite time of year! I love the cold, crisp days, trips to Apple Hill were we sample the apple donuts and bring home boxes of freshly picked apples, watching the leaves turn brilliant reds and golds, and snuggling up on the couch with my sweet Spencer while we listen to the soft sound of the rain falling.
Here are a few pictures from our Fall adventures so far…
Apple Hill with Grammy, Pop, Auntie Sarah, Dora, Marie and Cousin Addy!
Enjoying Coloma Gold Discovery Days with Nana and Papa (Nana does outdoor cooking and Papa gives demonstrations at the sawmill as state park docents).
My cousin Ryan and his new wife Summer! We enjoyed their beautiful wedding in South Lake Tahoe.
Sisters having fun together! Aaron taking pictures of us like the paparazzi!
Posted in General Posts on 10/02/2009 10:58 am by Cacey
Shortly after I posted about our court date only being one week away, I received an e-mail letting us know that the courts have postponed reopening until mid-October. Consequently our date had to be moved and is now rescheduled for October 22nd.
We are very disappointed to say the least but trusting that God is sovereign over every aspect of our adoption including court closers and postponements. Two weeks in the grand scheme of life is not that big of a deal but it sure feels like it when you look at your little girl’s picture every night and long to hold and care for her.
We are praying that we pass court the first time and will still be able to travel before Christmas. Please pray that we would wait patiently and not become anxious.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7
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Tastefully Simple
As you'll read, I love Tastefully Simple's food. I became a consultant so I can stock my own pantry and share it with others! When I mention a TS ingredient I used in one of my recipies, I'll link to my site in case you want to buy it...but feel free to use the recipes with your own ingredients, however you wish!
