The Year of the Snake

Chinese New Year began on February 10th. And for those of us who have been blessed to experience a Chinese or Korean adoption, we know that all government offices close for a whole week during the Chinese New Year. This means that yet another delay is encountered by anyone waiting to bring their child home. However, these little darlings are worth the wait, and we gathered last Sunday to celebrate them and the biggest holiday of their heritage. (Blessing #1112). Unfortunately, we were missing two little darlings, who were hit by the influenza bug.

Lily, Lainey, Mya, Emma, Jillian

We really don't need a reason to eat Chinese foods, but we seized the moment and filled the table with both Korean and Chinese favorites.

I love it when we can celebrate something so special with others who know what the international adoption journey is all about. (#1113). My prayer is that many, many others will get the "adoption bug" too, and step out in faith to experience one of the biggest blessings ever.

 

Finding Rest

When faced with a problem, my initial reaction is to accept it, weigh my options, figure out a solution, and move forward.  I am a problem-solver by nature.  I had a boss one time who said, "don't come to me with a problem, unless you've attempted to come up with a solution."  I love that advice! 

 

But what about those problems where there's another person involved?   I can only control my own response.  I can't control the actions of others.  So what do I do with those struggles?  Or when the problem just isn't going away and seems to be lasting forever? 

 

When I'm feeling weary . . . When I'm feeling heavy-laden . . . When I'm feeling frustrated . . . discouraged . . . overwhelmed . . . and exhausted?

 

What are my options?

There’s HGTV and the Food Channel.

There’s calling someone and complaining.

There’s pumping myself up with positive self-talk.

There’s finding something comforting in the fridge or that bag of chocolates.

And of course there’s always pity-parties.

But it seems to me that the best option is taking it to the only One who can fully satisfy our every need.  Including rest.  And that solution is Jesus.  (Blessing #1111)

 

 

 

 

But just how does Jesus give us rest?   By showing us The Father.  By reminding us to trust the One who is big enough to handle whatever problem comes our way.  I picture myself as a little girl, climbing up onto the lap of my daddy, and hearing him say, "it's going to be okay, Janet.  Everything will be okay."  It's like that with God too.  We can climb up onto his lap, feel his loving arms around us, and hear His words, "everything is going to be okay.  I've got this.  You can trust me."

 

 

Matthew 11:28-29

²⁸ Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

 

 

Welcome to the World of Gymnastics

Jillian is trying something new this school year.  Back in September, she nervously stepped out of her comfort zone to try something new.  Gymnastics. 

Not that we're anything close to being experts on the subject, but she seemed to be a natural when it came to cart wheels, splits, head stands, and such.  So we thought gymnastics might just be her thing.  However, she's a bit of a perfectionist and doesn't take mediocre very well.  She puts a lot of pressure on herself and hates to mess up.  Needless to say, we've been trying to help her overcome this, but it's not happening over night. 

Jillian loved what she was learning in gymnastics and couldn't wait until the next class.  She was catching on quickly and caught up with the other girls in her level 2 class right away.  In fact, she was invited to be on their competitive team after her fourth class.  We weren't sure we wanted to push her in that direction quite yet, but we noticed a confidence developing in Jillian (blessing #1107) and thought we'd give it a try. 

A week ago she had her first competitive meet.  I must say . . . I am impressed with how smoothly and quickly they run these meets. (#1108) There must be some incredibly organized women in charge! 

Jillian was so nervous, but we said a short prayer in the bleachers before she took the floor to warm up, she took a deep breath, and then joined her team.  It didn't take long and she was all smiles, totally enjoying herself.  (#1109)

Introducing the Holdrege Level 2 Team

 

And for her first meet, she did really well.  When I asked her what the best part of her day was, she didn't say anything about her medal; instead she said, "I had lots of fun."  (#1110)

Super Bowl Goodies

Anyone else out there watching the Super Bowl tomorrow?  It's never at the top of my list, but because others in my family enjoy it, we always have it on the TV.  And I must say, those Super Bowl commercials are the best.

As I was flipping through the pages of my Rachael Ray magazine, I happened to notice that Rach has a Super Bowl Commercial Bingo game that I could print off and take with for some added fun.  Talking baby commercial?  Cross off that box.  "Star Wars" reference?  Cross off another box.   Now that's what I'm talking about!  The Super Bowl is about to become way more fun.  (#1106)  At least for me.  If you want to join in the fun, click here to print off your own Commercial Bingo cards.

And a Super Bowl party wouldn't be the same without some yummy snack foods to take along.  And because our New Year's Resolutions include eating healthier, I found a this delicious low-cal Black Bean Salsa (#1107) recipe to share with everyone.  It's AMAZING!  (I don't anticipate any left-overs.)

Black Bean Salsa
Combine the following:
1 can black beans, rinsed
1 can corn, drained
1/2 red pepper, diced
1/2 green pepper, diced
1/2 yellow pepper, diced
1/4 c. chopped red onion
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped 
2 Roma Tomatoes, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 TB lime juice
Serve with Tostito's Multi-grain chips.  

Who do I think will win?  Ummmm...... I'm almost embarassed to admit this, but I'm not even sure who's playing.