Pictures of Christmas Eve 2007

Christmas Eve Pictures

Wanting to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !!! This year we have spent it pretty much waiting for our miracle little girl "Isabella". When we first began our adoption process and received our LID date of 9/12/06, I thought for sure we would be receiving a referral by either Nov or Dec 2007, but it did not happen, which is fine because I know that God is preparing our Isabella for us and the timing then will just be perfect. Meanwhile, hubbie and I enjoyed the presence of the rest of the family and all of our kiddos that have joined our family - kai, aj, anna gracie and of course amanda, anthony, adam, tito and seth.

We had a blast this Christmas Eve with the tradition of the roasting of the pig, accompanied by rice, black beans, yuca & mojo, salad and cuban bread, followed by desserts.

Our family has truly been blessed, we also had some of mom's friends over to share in our cuban tradition in which they absolutely loved. New friendships were formed and our family bond became even tighter.

Thank you Lord for the wonderful family that you have given me. Thank You for all the countless blessings that you have besowed upon us and Thank You most of all for reminding us that YOU JESUS ARE THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.

We are one step closer to our Isabella

We are one step closer to our baby girl - "Isabella". I was informed yesterday from my sister (Thank God for her keeping me up to date with things) that our file is out of the review room and has now been sent to the infamous "MATCHING ROOM" - the good news is that this is where the wisdom of God will manifest itself upon the individuals who will be matching our family to our forever daughter from China.

The bad news is that this process can take up to another year or so. I am just continuing to give God all the honor and Glory for not allowing me or my hubbie to feel the stress of how long this process has taken. It truly has been a blessing, the Lord has kept us very busy but also with the peace of knowing that you Lord our working behind the scenes to unite us as a forever family as soon as you will it to be.

Wonderful Counselor

Today's Scripture

“For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 AMP).

Today's Word

What do you need today? Do you need guidance or counsel about a particular situation? One of the reasons Jesus was sent to this earth was to be your Wonderful Counselor. When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the Counselor comes to live inside of you by the Holy Spirit. Notice He’s not just any kind of counselor, He is the Wonderful Counselor. He is full of wonder and amazement. He’s extraordinary. He’s the very best counselor you could have—He knows all things! Do you need counsel today regarding your job? Do you need counsel regarding your relationships or an important decision? Do you need a counselor to act as your defender today? Call on the Wonderful Counselor. Open your heart and let Him show you His wisdom. Receive His counsel from the Word of God. Receive His counsel from the godly people in your life. As you seek the Wonderful Counselor with an open heart, He promises to lead and guide you. He promises to show you paths of life so that you can live in victory the way God intends!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Spirit that lives inside of me. Thank You for the Wonderful Counselor that guides and protects me. I choose Your guidance today. Speak to my heart so that I can honor You and follow Your leading today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Emmanuel - God is with us

Today's Scripture

Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel--which, when translated, means, God with us (Matthew 1:23 AMP).

Today's Word

All throughout the Bible, Jesus has many names according to His attributes. In this verse, He is called Emmanuel, which means God with us. Aren’t you glad we serve a God who is with us? He’s not far away looking down on us; He is with us! As believer’s, He’s not just around us, He’s actually living on the inside of us. That means you never have to be alone or feel afraid. Do you need Emmanuel today? Do you need to feel His presence? He is closer than the air you breathe. When you call on Him, He will answer. As you worship and thank Him for His faithfulness, His presence will manifest in your life, and you will experience Him in ways you never imagined. Take time right now to acknowledge Emmanuel. Thank Him for dwelling on the inside of you. Give Him first place in your life, and as you do, He’ll pour out His abundant blessing, and you’ll experience the life of victory He has in store for you.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for being Emmanuel and for choosing to live inside of me. Thank You for being close to me today and giving me Your comfort and peace. I acknowledge You today that I may bring You glory in everything I do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Esteem One Another

Today's Scripture

“And walk in love (esteeming and delighting in one another) as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us…” (Ephesians 5:2).

Today's Word

We don’t often hear the world esteem used very much in our culture, but the Bible tells us to esteem and delight in one another. One definition of esteem is to hold in high regard. That means we are to honor and value one another. And you may not always agree with everyone around you. They may not always act honorably, but we are to honor and esteem people because they are valuable in the eyes of God. If you had a very costly and valuable piece of jewelry, you wouldn’t just wear it to the gym or leave it on the kitchen sink. No, you would treat it carefully. You would put it in a safe place and protect it. When we see others as valuable, the way God sees them; we should treat them carefully as well. We should watch how we talk to other people. We should look for the good in others and honor them for who God made them to be. The Bible tells us that the way we treat others is like sowing seeds, and it will come back to you. Choose to esteem and delight in one another. Sow good seeds, and you will see a harvest of blessing in your own life in return!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, today I choose love. I choose to honor the people around me. Help me to see the value in others the way You see the value in me. Help my actions and words to esteem and delight in others so that I can be an example of Your love and light. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.