GOT IT!

I'll keep it short.....Ryan and I wanted to share this great news. All the worries of being able to foster/adopt God has been removed and He has heard our hearts and answered our prayers. 

As you know from my previous post there were concerns of not getting approved for a Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card. After worrying that my past would forever haunt me it shows that MERCY and GRACE still prevail.  DRUM ROLL PLEASE...................................... I GOT IT! Yes folks, you read that right. I'm the proud owner of a level 1 clearance card. HOW EXCITED ARE WE????? VERY!

We are excited to start the next step. What is that you ask? Completing our classes. These classes are 3 hours long and there are 12 weeks of them. State requires you do not miss more then 2. If you miss 2 classes you must START OVER.  With Ryan and I working full time this has become a challenge for us. We've gone through the first half of the classes 2 TIMES.  Our struggle is that my nights off do not always fall on the same night. So, we are asking for prayer for this next part of our journey. We would ask for availability and for things to fall into place so we can register and complete our classes.  We are absolutely honored to be apart of God's story. We know without a doubt this is God working in us and not ourselves. 

We are excited to share our story.  Thank you again!

Ryan and Dena 

Delayed UPDATE - SORRY ;-(

Friends and Family,

So sorry for the delayed update. Ryan and I's world has been kinda crazy the last few months with not much more then life, ( I turned 36, this is bitter sweet, I'll tell you later why) and unexpected trips.

So, where are we in the adoption process? Well, we had to post pone our adoption classes due to some schedule issues, but we plan on starting back up in August. Just needed to get through some transitions and schedule changes. We are still on track but of course pushing out our classes pushes out the adoption. But we fear not for this is STILL God's story not OURS.

I still have to go back to Downtown Phoenix to be re-finger printed since apparently the first set of digitals did not come out clear. How this happened is beyond me? They where digital? How did the tech who took them not notice they where not clear? SO ODD to me. Then again this is the state we are working with, so another deep breath and move on.

We've completed two successful garage sales. An amazing feat I must say.  We are planning on another one this weekend. Yes, you read that right, we are going to have another adoption garage sale this weekend in 100+ heat. YES, we are crazy. WE LIVE IN ARIZONA, we gotta be!

Our family has been amazing with support for us. We are feeling very blessed.  Things are coming together smoothly.  Ryan and I had to make some hard choices but not without putting them before God first.  We decided we have to pay off some debt sooner then later, so that is what we are in the process of doing now while the waiting game continues.  We have to remind ourselves this is A very slow process but a process none the less we are going to complete.

On a positive note, I did find a new family to start working for this fall. They attend Cornerstone and are a very sweet young family. Excited for this. It will allow my schedule to be structured and it will not flucuiate as much. Looking forward to some consistency. Though it's always hard leaving a family. I feel this is God's doing not mine. So, I'm OK with that. God's story is ALWAYS better then mine.

Well, as soon as more happens we will tell you. Our hearts are always in prayer for our future loves wherever they may be. Our hearts jump with joy just when we talk about them not knowing if they are possibly thinking of us too.  Helps keep my heart calm in the process of this very exciting stressful event.

Thanks again for the support, prayers, love and well wishes friends. Very much appreciated!

Smiles,

Dena and Ryan

OF COURSE!

Wow, I'm struggling with the words and I'm having a hard time writing about my blessings in the wake of such tragedy that my CS family has experienced. So, I"m going to to my best and keep this simple.

So, you all know that Ryan and I put on our list  a need for both a toddler bed/convertible crib and twin bed. Well, God has heard us and answered prayers. A friend of my sisters and now a friend of mine had posted a few days ago that she had a crib that she was getting rid of.  I some how missed this post and never saw it.  Apparently my good friend communicated that I would definitely be interested.  She sent me a text with the picture and asked if I wanted it. I cried, OF COURSE!  Less then 24 hours later it was delivered and put together. I am in awe.  Not only was I given this beautiful crib but two sets of beautiful bedding to go with it as well as a twin frame that will work perfectly.

This is not the final decor for the room but it's a definite start. As you can kinda see on the right of the crib a large framed picture. That picture will be the center focal point of our children's room.  This picture is priceless to me.  When Ryan and I first were married he knew what a love I had for giraffes. (real life photography of them not cartoon). Well, we had been talking about having children and the receipt of this picture at Christmas time in 2008 was Ryan telling me he was ready to have children. So,  ever since thien this picture has been protected and kept safe waiting for it's rightful place in our children's room.  The start of our family.  So, though I don't know what the final product will look like I will  know it will be centered around answered prayers, love and dreams come true. I can't wait to reveal as it all comes together.

God is opening doors and answering prayers. I'm astounded by the support that we've been getting and just can't put into words how truly thankful we are.  We still are a long way off from being ready but this is a definite step in the right direction and just more confirmation that God is fully in control.

Dena

Fasting & Prayer

Good Evening,

So, my heart is still aching for those lil loves Glory and Gage. I found out today that they are now 3 and 4.  For Ryan and I they can't be more perfect.  We're just excited and therefore we find ourselves in deep emotional prayer for these loves. We for God's will. Even if that means these two beauties are not for us, then they would find another home that will adore them and love them like they are. They are children of GOD!  With that, Ryan and I just cant stop praying over these two and often feel a strong tug to take our prayer life deeper when it comes to our adoption story.

I wanted to share an article I found regarding fasting and prayer.  I found this pertinent due to the circumstance Ryan and I are going through.  We both thought it would be helpful with this evenings topic.

So, I didn't write the below article but wanted to share it anyway. I have several readers following my blog so I want to make sure that I can do everything possible to show my heart and God's story through this.  Because as much as I want this to be about ME.  It's not,  it's about Christ and the story HE is writing for us. Ryan and I are merely pawns in God's great chess game.

Your Personal Guide to Fasting and Prayer

By Dr. Bill Bright

How to Fast

• 01. Your Guide to Fasting & Prayer
• 01. Your Guide to Fasting & Prayer
• 02. Why You Should Fast
• 03. How to Fast Safely
• 04. How Long & What Type of Fast
• 05. Physical & Spiritual Preparation
• 06. Managing Your Schedule While Fasting
• 07. Dealing with Responses of Others
• 08. Your Spiritual Experience
• 09. Maintaining Nutritional Balance
• 10. Expected Physical Effects
• 11. Finishing Your Fast

Join "40 Days of Purpose", our daily Lenten devotional starting this week!

Fasting is the most powerful spiritual discipline of all the Christian disciplines. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life.

Fasting and prayer can also work on a much grander scale. According to Scripture, personal experience and observation, I am convinced that when God's people fast with a proper Biblical motive-seeking God's face not His hand-with a broken, repentant, and contrite spirit, God will hear from heaven and heal our lives, our churches, our communities, our nation and world. Fasting and prayer can bring about revival - a change in the direction of our nation, the nations of earth and the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

The awesome power can be released through you as you fast through the enabling of the Holy  Spirit.

Fasting is one of the most neglected spiritual admonitions. In fact, it has been ignored for so long that it is difficult to find information on the "how-to's" of this life-changing experience. When I first undertook an extended fast, I had a difficult time finding information on the nature of a Biblical fast, how to start, what to expect physically and spiritually, and how to terminate a fast.

These pages are designed to answer your practical questions about fasting and ease any concerns you might have. In this series, you will learn:

• Why you should fast
• How to fast safely
• How long and what type of fast is right for you
• How to prepare yourself spiritually and physically
• How to manage your schedule while fasting
• How to deal with the responses of friends and loved ones
• How to make your spiritual experience the best it can be
• How to maintain nutritional balance and health from beginning to end (including specific juice and broth recipes)
• What physical benefits to expect
• How to finish your fast and return to your normal schedule in a HEALTHY way

I want to be of help to you so I will be speaking to you from these pages at various points in the study. I have completed five 40-day fasts. I want to share with you what I have learned and what has helped me. Whether you hold a 1-day fast or an extended 40-day fast, I pray that our Lord's most wonderful love and blessings will be poured out on you as you take this exciting step of faith

So, I'm late to the game to fast for lent. But I am dedicating one day a week to prayer and fasting.  I really want complete clarity and concise direction that we are in God's will. In no way do I want to have any doubts. The minute you allow doubt into your heart you've allowed Satan to have power.  Let me tell you, brother's and sisters Satan will NEVER have residence or be welcomed in my life.

My father is bigger. He knows our hearts and he knows our prayers and we fully trust him to not only supply the dreams of our hearts but also lead us gently to them to ensure we are making wise choices.

Ryan and I have learned so much with this process. We've feel more then ever that our God is with us and the direction we are going on is exactly His will. Must admit what a peace it gives Ryan and I to know that our God is for us and that He is never more then a prayer away.

We do not doubt that our God knows our hearts, desires and even our prayers before they are spoken.  But I also know that he absolutely called us to have faith, to follow and to live a life in His image. To live a life of discipline.  There are several months yet in this journey and we want Christ at our side for every single moment.  We want to be the pawns of Christ's chess game. You want to know why? Because Christ never looses!

 This love journey would not be happening if not for our amazing family and friends supporting us and praying for s. Thank you SO MUCH!

Smiles,

Ryan and Dena - 

For Sale

In my first post I told everyone that Ryan and I would be collecting items to sell in order to raise money to cover the foster-adoption costs. Today I raised our first $20 BUCKS.  It feels pretty good.  We are no longer going to sit on the sidelines and watch. We are actively participating in our future and what Christ has called us to do.  Today was a small step towards something bigger.  Not necessarily easier but definitely BIGGER.

If you have items that you would like to donate to Ryan and I to help us with our fundraising, please message us and let us know. We will kindly pick up the items and add them to our garage sale.  We will both be selling items online at groups like Higley Friends, Queen Creek Friends and East Valley Friends as well as Craigslist and a Physical garage sale April 5th, 6th and 7th at our home.  

Ryan has dedicated his skill set and offered to make Custom Made Magnetic Organizational Boards and Custom Made Jewelry Boards.  I’ve posted two pictures of the ones I own. These boards are completely customizable by size, shape and color of your choice.  If you want details on these please message us.  Friends and family, please SPREAD THE LOVE and share our post!  Already the outpour of support has been amazing. 

God has put it so strongly on our hearts to do this and we are hoping that God has put it on your heart as well.  Anything small counts. A lot of little donations can make one BIG total.

So, thank you friends. Thank you SO much!  We love sharing our story and watching how God is using us. I also promise I will eventually allow Ryan to post too. LOL...

Smiles,

Dena B. 

Despite

I'm struggling today  I heard that my pastor received my referral letter which made me nervous. Not sure why since Ryan and I both know this is God's will.  I was adivised today to get referrals from close friends and employers to hand in to our social worker for our adoption process.  

After asking a friend I was hit with a wall. I got a reply of no.  By my surprise this no was painful.  I mean hit in the gut, take my breath away painful. See, I made the mistake of talking to my friend only when things seem to be rough. Though there are more up's then downs, unfortunately my friend has not seen or heard it. This is no one's fault but my own. It is still painful to hear that you will not be given a referral from someone you considered a close friend. :-(

So, I started to think. I started to have a little Dena pitty party. Pathetic, I know.  Still, I was sad and I wanted to dive into a box of Thin Mints in the fridge, but instead of doing that, I prayed. I started to read the bible and asked God for wisdom.  See, I know I'm not the only one that is haunted by a troubled past or poor decision making. So, in effort to help me feel better. God brought the people below to mind.

1. Eve - She started the sin. She ended up then creating the nation as we know it now. 
2. Cain - He killed his brother 
3. Abraham - Did not listen to Christ
4. David - Adulterer, murderer, liar - Then became the greatest King
5. Moses - Directly disobeyed God, Then became the Leader of the Egyptians
6. Paul - was a murdered - He ended up writing  13 of the 27 books. over 30% of the New Testament. 
7. Peter - Denied Christ 

Ok, so these are just a few. 
The important thing to see in this event is that God does not need perfect people to use for his purposes. Abraham was a mortal man just like us. He had his weaknesses and sometimes failed to do the right thing (Rom. 3:23). In spite of his weakness and sin, God still used him and he can use us as well. You will note that God makes a point to tell us of the shortcomings of all the great Bible heroes. Only Jesus was without sin. (First Century Christian)


I'm already feeling better but still saddened. Who'd thought that this process would be such a learning experience. I mean way more then I even thought. Ryan is constantly asking about what's going on which is refreshing. We are more accountable to each other then ever. I've got to say, this has brought us closer. Which, of course is AMAZING. All, this because two people decided to follow God's will despite our pasts. 

No Accident

I just wrote a blog yesterday so I thank you for following me and reading again today. 

Funny how God can remind you so easily what he wants for you in the smallest of ways! About two months ago when I was searching the Christian Family Care website and Facebook site i noticed two beautiful little children Gage and Glory. They are brother and sister 2 and 3 years old. They melted my heart.  I felt something deep down I couldn't put words on but something told me this could be mine. (I really hope that makes sense). Anyways, I prayed. I didn't go into detail about them to Ryan but mentioned them. I spoke about their ages what they like to do etc.. I learned all this from their post that was shared on their FB page. 

Well, today yet again I'm surprised. I open up my Facebook and one of the very first post I read is were of Gage and Glory. My heart just melted. Right then I knew God was tugging at my heart strings.  I of course knew my wonderful God was speaking to me.  I'm now praying directly for these two little beauties. To either be our beautiful loves or to find a home.  Not sure what about these two melt me besides the fact they are beautiful. 

I can only imagine that this is what it was like when my friends Brittany and John adopted their 2nd son Bek from Ethiopia. How Brittany told me was that they saw the picture of him and just knew. They melted. With reverent prayer and fasting today I will be lifting these two up. I ask that you pray for them as well. That God's will will be done and that all doors will closed if not. 

Here are the two beauties. I already love them and don't even know them. Amazing how God designed us women! I'm a big pot of melty gue right now. 

Thanks for the prayers and support friends and family. Stay tuned and watch as God writes our Loveology Not Biology Story! SO FLIPPING EXCITED!

Check their bio out.