It's a learning process

God is teaching me so much through this process! Of course I am learning to be patient. (God has been trying to teach me that for the last 3 years!) He is also teaching me to trust Him. I know that God has called us to adopt. So sometimes I wonder why it is so hard. I got my answer: If God only asked us to do things that are easy, then we wouldn't need to trust Him. He is teaching us to trust Him by giving us a problem and not giving us all the answers. I was very discouraged about the finances for our agency fees. I would look at our savings and crunch the numbers, I just couldn't see how it was humanly possible for us to save/raise that much money. That's because it's not "humanly" possible! We couldn't do any of this without God.

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." (Phil 4:13)

We are contracting with our agency at the end of this month and our first agency fee is due. Based on what we have saved/raised, we are almost exactly $1,000 short. The month seems to be going by so fast and I just couldn't see where that money would come from. So I gave up! I gave it to God. I asked God to help me to trust Him and know that He will provide somehow. I thought maybe we would get a surprise donation check in the mail or one of us would get a bonus from work or... I didn't know how He would do it, but I wanted so badly to trust that He would. It is so hard to give things over completely to God. Then I received an e-mail yesterday from our adoption agency. In honor of Adoption month (November), they are providing a fee reduction of up to $1,000 to anyone who contracts by the end of the year. Tears filled my eyes as I read this. My prayers were not only heard, but answered! I am so amazed by the power of prayer! When you see God work in your life like this, you can't help but be awestruck. There aren't enough words to describe how awesome my Saviour is!

"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." (Phil 4:6-7)

God has opened every door for this adoption. He hasn't made it easy, but He has made it very clear that this is what He wants us to do. God is truly changing our lives through this adoption and I couldn't be more grateful! Please continue to pray for us. Pray that we have patience throughout this process. Pray that our finances are met. And most of all, pray that our trust in God continues to grow.

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (Mark 11:24) 

Get your Christmas shopping done early! Order Pampered Chef for your friends and relatives. It also makes great Teacher's gifts, and all the proceeds go to a great cause! :) But hurry, all orders have to be in by November 30!



Pampered Chef Teacher Gift Ideas under $15

Adjustable Measuring Tools (starting at $8)

“Thanks for making a measurable” difference in my child’s life!”

Apple Wedger ($13.00) (with apple on top, all tied with a ribbon)

“Any way you slice it, you’re a great teacher!”

Bamboo Collection ($4-15.50)

“Your classroom is an “island” of learning!”

Cutting Board/Bar Board ($9.50)

“No matter how you “cut” it ...you are a great teacher!”

Creative Cutters ($11.00)

“Thank you for your “creative” teaching!”

Easy Opener ($5.00) / Jar Opener($11.00)

“Thank you for “opening” up our kids to learning!”

Measure All Cup ($10) (filled with candy, of course!)

“No matter how you measure it...you’re the best teacher!” or “No one can measure up to you!”

Micro-Cookers ($8.50-11.00)

“Here’s for cooking up some holiday cheer!”

Mini-Serving Spatula ($5.50)

“Thank you so much for ‘serving up’ great lessons this year!”

Peelers (citrus, avocado, vegetable, julienne - $1-10.25)

You’ve made learning very “a-peeling”

Quikut Paring Knife ($2) –

“I’ll make it “quik”, you’re a great teacher!”

Recipe Books ($1-14.75) –

“You are a great teacher...you have all the ingredients”

“Hope you cook up some fun over the Holiday break!”

Rubs ($4.50)

“I hope this doesn’t “rub” you the wrong way, but we think you are a great teacher!”

Small Stainless Steel Scoop ($14.50) or the Ice Cream Dipper($15):

“Here’s the scoop: You are a great teacher!”

Small Batter Bowl ($12.00)

“You’ve “bowled” us over with your great teaching!”

Spices & Sauces ($6-12):

Hope your Holidays are full of "spice"!

“Be sure to “pour” on the fun this Holiday!”

Spreaders (all purpose, small & large $5.00-9.50)

“Start “spreading” the news...we think you’re great!” “Thanks for “spreading” your knowledge!”

Suds Pump ($11.50):

“You’ve pumped me up for learning!”

Twix-it Clips ($5.50)

Thanks for keeping your teaching “fresh”

Here’s how you can order and help us bring home our child:

You can simply go to our Web site at http://www.pamperedchef.biz/ruthiescookin, go to the Our Products section, select the link below the products you would like to purchase, and enter my first (Kathy) and last (Hansen) name in the fields provided.