The Best Christmas Ever!

May you find peace in Jesus Christ our Savior this Christmas season. I have been so blessed this season. My Lord has really brought to my attention many times, what Christmas is all about. May I continue to be reminded what our Savior did for us. I really tried to put Christ the center of all the hustle and bustle, shopping, parties, family traditions, and of my Heart during this wonderful time of year. I hope you have a wonderful and Christ filled Christmas.


C is for the Child born that night to be our light. (John 8:12)
H is for holy is His name. (Rev.4:8)
R is for rejoice with gladness & joy. (Luke 1:14)
I is for Immanuel, God with us. (Is.7:14,) John 1:14)
S is for the star that led the Wise men to Him. (Matt.2:2)
T is for the truth & grace that was sent our way. (John 1:14)
M is for Mother Mary laying Him in swaddling clothes in the manger. (Luke 2:7)
A is for angels singing songs of joy. (Luke 2:14)
S is for salvation.
- Johnnie DesRochers.

My Heart Goes Out

My heart aches for the Krause family. My condolences to the entire family. "H" is a wonderful man and is loved by the entire church family. "L" is wonderful women as well and I know she is very strong, but I also know that this time of the year will be very difficult. May I be reminded to be there for here WHENEVER needed. We can rejoice that "H" is celebrating Jesus's birth with no other but Jesus himself.


Christmas is all about the family and the birth of our Savior, may I be a light for the very reason. In this time of sorrow, may this family be reminded that the Lord never leave us and is the comfort, and peace needed through this time of loss. We love you Krause family very much and thank you for being an example to this family in so many ways.

Thanks to ALL for the PRAYERS!

My brother received news yesterday that the Dr. is 99% sure that my brother is CANCER FREE.........

Thank you to all of you for your prayers, I ask that you continue to pray. The Dr. is requesting that Danny takes radiation for precaution purpose only. This could be a very expensive procedure and Danny and his wife Aranda can use the prayers, for the continuing of Health for my brother and unexpected expenses through out this process.

I am so thankful for all of you, your prayers, and encouragement to me and all of my family. I still can't believe how fast this happen and that things were fixed so fast........ There is no other way this is possible but through Jesus Christ himself. My God is so good!

A SWEET Project!

Kaylee and I did a very special and great tasting (well someone might think so) project a couple of night ago. It started looking like a puzzle we would have to put together, but we liked it that way because we had no idea were to start. Ashley joined us for a little while, but went to her favorite hobby homework (NOT). We started to assemble and before we knew it we had our very first gingerbread house. We even left some candy and didn't eat it....... But that would not stay the case for ever! LOL the very next day as a was watching the Johnson's little ones I heard Kambry say "YUM" and thought to myself what could she be eating.... I came into the living room and much to my surprise there they were, Kambry and Kaeleb, eating all the candy off the house, saying with every bite.... YUM. Last night as I sat by it I realized such how much they had eaten. Well they did enjoy every bite. Kaylee laughed and said I told you so! She knew kids well enough to say that they would find it and eat it if they could reach it. Yes where I put they could reach it with a short little climb. :) It sure is a cute little house, and I really enjoyed the time with both my girls and just having fun TRYING to decorate the sweetest project ever!

"Look mom we did it!"

The finished project

Hanging of the Greens

Rejoice!

For unto you a child is born

Isaiah 9:6

Ok the stress is gone...... Another beautiful Hanging of the Greens service. The youth group did fantastic and the service is so wonderful. The Hanging of the Greens service is one of my favorite services, the other one being our Family Christmas service at church. I love when the church is all lite up with Christmas lights and candles, and the piano is playing and the youth is all dressed up. The meaning of Christmas is really captured in this service, with each and every symbol we see during the Christmas season, explained why we display them. Did you know........

The Christmas tree points upward toward heaven, and represents the Cross (made of a tree).

Candles wax represent the body of Christ, wick symbolized His soul, and the flame portrayed His divine nature.

The Evergreens are the most universal feature of Christmas, They are ever green, ever alive, even in the midst of winter. They symbolize the unchanging nature of God.

Poinsettia, called the flower of the night, with many points has also been called the Star of Bethlehem.

The Christ of Christmas:

The greatest gift of Christmas is the Gift of God in Christ Jesus. All that we do at the Holy Season points to that expression of Holy Love. Christ came as a babe in Bethlehem, God's gift at Christmas. As Christians we seek to pass on our heritage to our children and to those who, by faith in Christ, become part of the family of God. It is through the work of the Holy Spirit in your life and mine that GIFT goes on.

This year, the Youth did the entire service, and they did wonderful. I think secretly they like doing it, but they would never say that out loud...... :)

My prayer is this:

To all that read, you will know the true meaning of Christmas, will not get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas, focus on Christ and your family. I pray that this Christmas will be different, with new memories to cherish and old traditions to carry on through year after year. Merry Christmas to all, and may it be a Christ filled Christmas.

The Coolest Youth Group Ever..........

My two beautiful daughters. I am so proud of you both!

Me and Erica

Erica, your the coolest! I SO enjoy the time we get to be with each other.!

The Lord never leaves us!

Oh my so much has happen since my last post. I must start with PRAISE TO MY LORD...... He is a God that answers prayers. Last week, my brother was diagnosed with a certain cancer. Let me share the miracle that happen with in hours.

My brother was not feeling well, decided to go to the doctor and see why? After missing the Dr's office by a few minutes, (they had closed) his wife made the decision to go to the hospital and get answerer's. After a very quick diagnose for the Dr, he was told he had cancer and they needed a cat scan to see how much had spread. The cat scan was ordered and given that night, much to the family's surprise the test was read that night. The cancer was contained to one area, and could be easily removed. Then the surgery was scheduled for the very next day. The miracles of finding out that you have cancer and then having a surgery scheduled the next day.... Amazing, but let me add that this was all done after 8:00 pm at the hospital. God was there with us during this time of confusion, fear and the unknown. Can you believe that there was someone there to read a cat scan after hours..... I can, because that the power of My God.

The surgery was very successful and the results of the tests done after the surgery will be in on Thursday. My brother is doing extremely well, a little pain, but also to be expected. I was a very hectic 24 hours but a 24 hours were we knew God was there and was not going to leave us. I thank the Lord that my brother is good, and feeling better. I also thank each one of you who was praying for him and my family. Lord thank you for meeting us at the hospital even before we knew we were going.

He has not ignored the suffering of the needy, He has not turned and walked away. He has listened to their cry for help.

Psalm 22:24

Update!

Hello,

Long time no Blog...... I know I have fallen behind. I think what could I blog about today, not much has happen and then I think "Are you fooling yourself April, so much has happen" I wont bore you with all the details. I will share with you that we are in the Basketball schedule full swing.... 4 games this week!

I also started decorating my home last night in a mad dash for I have 3 special children here today. And yes you guessed it, I didn't get done! Its alright though because I will work a little here and maybe get done before Christmas Eve. Speaking of that I can't believe that Christmas is already here, I can't grip about the Christmas music being played at Wal-Mart, because it is after Thanksgiving, really it is! I have begun to shop for Christmas, and I have a few gifts.

Still at a stand still for the Adoption process! We forgot we needed David's passport, and still waiting for something else to come through. Wanted to Thank you all personally who ordered a Poinsettia, from the Fund Raiser, it was very successful and we appreciate all the help you have provided for the 3 families.

Much Love to All

Happy Thanksgiving

"Every time I think of you, I give

thanks to my God"

Philippians 1:3

I give thanks to my God for:

Jesus ~ My Salvation

My Godly Husband

My Beautiful Daughters

My Daughter in China

My Parents and In~Laws

My Brother, Brother In~Law and their family

My Aunts and Uncles, Cousins, and their families.

My Friends who I consider Family

My Church Family

My Youth Group

May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving, and give Thanks to the One and Only ~ Jesus, for all He has done for you this past year and then share with someone!

Yes Lord, I am listening.

"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you"

Isaiah 26:3

Hello to all,

I wanted to share an incredible way the Lord got hold 0f my attention. While shopping ~ see he could use shopping ~ I had found a necklace that was beautiful and had a encouraging way to live life. While I really wanted to get the necklace I was thinking the whole time, " I really don't need another one". I put it down at least 3 times. Went back the fourth time and purchased the necklace.

Now this is when I realized that my life was not reflecting what the necklace had said. Although I felt the necklace was a perfect way to wrap up all the emotions, feeling, waits, doubts, and excitement we were feeling about the adoption process to our precious little girl. There was one part of the necklace that I did not feel that I was giving all of myself to the Lord. The necklace said " The journey of Faith is a journey of Love" I really did feel that this necklace said it perfect, It was a journey of Love, but I don't think that I was putting all myself into the Faith that it needed. So here I am Lord, saying my Faith is full and I am ready to show you and all those around me that I must trust in the Faith I have building on it every moment of every day. So as I where the necklace I will remember that I have put all of myself into the trust and faith for this incredible journey of LOVE......

God's Timing is Perfect

Those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

As some may know, I was having my own pitty party within my heart the last past few days. Was trying to keep it within my heart, for I knew it is was selfish and should not be acted on. The Hamm's and Johnson's were having part of their home study done yesterday, and because of certain hold ups we were not being able to do this. I hope that Connie and Tina can say that I was happy for them for I tried my best to show that to them because I was happy for them just dissappointed for us that we were not in that part of the process.

Now for awesome updates......

David was able to talk to the nurse we have been working with, and much to our surprise (Gods timing) she had results for him. She told him some information about the test we have been waiting on and all in all it is very good news. He may have to take medications for about 2 months, but this would be the extent of the treatment. I have talked to our adoption agency and I am waiting to hear if we can continue to move on in spite of the results. Please pray that this is our future. Also much to our surprise (again God's timing) we were able to have our 1st home visit toward our home study. We did not expect it but yesterday afternoon, Dillon contacted us and asked if she could meet with us briefly, and despite basketball games and the fact that we had alreday left for those games, we had our first visit. It was short, but I have met her and her me, and she has seen the house. God is so good, and we MUST rest in his timing, for He knows the best timing for the Muellers and we must trust in that. I praise Him for He knew my sturggles yesterday and even though I thought I was being very selfish He honored us with a visit from Dillon and know we will wait on His timing for the exact moment when Karla will call back.

Encore, Encore, Encore~

Kaylee and Pastor Brian

"Johns Revelation" & two special guest

As a proud mom, I must brag on my children for a bit....... Last Thursday our school had a Charity Concert to supply needs to our community and entertain the audience. Kaylee performed "Grace" by Laura Story and was accompanied by Brian (our pastor). She did a wonderful job and I must add that Brian is a wonderful and amazing piano player. Kaylee voice matched this song so beautiful and she sang it beautiful. Ashley and John's Revelation (which is she part of) the band from our Youth Group performed "Get Down" by Audio Adrenaline. She did a great job, it is a very fast song and she did not miss a beat, and sang it beautiful as well. The band sounded wonderful, I am so proud of all them, the time and effort they have put into the band. Ashley also had some very special dancers to do the motions for the song..... Great job girls. So many of our church family and youth group was singing and dancing for our enjoyment. It is such a blessing for all of them to Honor God, in the ways they did. Way to Go to all of you!

The Band perfroming "Get Down"

Kaylee performing "Grace"

Announcing a short-term fundraiser for the Mueller, Johnson, Hamm families, adopting from China! We will take orders until November 23rd for beautiful, nursery quality, display ready, red, 5-7 bloom poinsettias in a 6.5" hooded pot. They are only $18! To place your order or get more info, please call me. I'm sorry we can't ship them, but we will deliver locally, or you can pick them up at our place. Blessings!

Ready.. Set....... WAIT!

"These things I plans won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed."

Habakkuk 2:3

Let the waiting begin..... I have always thought that I would understand the waiting period with in the process of adoption. Yet I feel that we are suppose to be waiting, but it is hard to see the other families around us who are adopting moving through the process at a slow but steady pace. We on the other hand are at a complete stand still except of some reading (which I was never a fan of to begin with). We are waiting on test results to be returned to Enid. Everything else is ready to go. We have not had a interview with our agency, for reasons of the test results. I feel like we are getting no where, and yet I feel we are exactly where we are suppose to be. I really want to be in God's timing and do that I have to except what He puts in front of me. I do know that waiting could bring wonderful things..... like my girls being able to go to China with us when we travel, of course I know waiting means that we are not in the place of time to receive our daughter who God has given to us. I know that I must be patient with Him for He knows best and the plans He has made for me. This means I must trust and have faith in Him. This is something I am getting stronger and stronger in, and know that it will be ongoing even after the adoption. I believe we are always building our trust and faith in our Lord each and every day.

Another test of patience....

I have tried to be very patient with issue of my dining room table in my kitchen. It has fallen apart little be little of the past few months. We were down to two chairs, that really could break at any moment, and the fact that it is at least 12 years old was not a strike for it. Well yesterday much to my excitement, we were faced with more waiting. We purchased a table at Wal Mart and to my patience was added two bar stools that matched. Came home to assemble and when we pulled out the tabletop we was faced with a extremely warped top. Now we are waiting for Wal Mart to get back in stock the table. The good news is they told me we did not have to disassemble the table we could just bring in the top. Hopefully it will be in tomorrow, but if not I am up to the waiting...... :)

Kaylee helping her dad put together the table....

Soon to be a bar stool

And more waiting.

Kaeleb and Kayden apparently could not wait for nap time today...... Lunch just was not as important!

Spontaneous pays off!!!!!

Ok for any one who has ever wanted to take off at the spur of the moment...... I say "do it" don't hold back, go for it! Rita and I took off on Tuesday morning and headed to Branson. We went for many different reasons, business, fun, get away, spend time together and a little shopping. Who goes to Branson with out shopping. We left on Tuesday and was back last night around 7:00. By family managed with out me and Rita's husband said he figured we would stay longer, but I think secretly hoping we wouldn't. We did have some business to tend to and also had some fun waiting for us..... Once again, (not complaining on my part) we went to Noah the Musical. I was so excited to be there once again and sharing with her. Truly I would like to sit though it over and over just so I can be with everyone as they see it for the first time. I really makes me understand why my pastor called me the very next day after we had seen it for the first time. We did a little shopping at the Branson landing and had lunch at my favorite restaurant of all. Every time I go to Branson, I have to eat at Mel's Hard Luck Diner, they have wonderful fool and great entertainment. Apparently even American Idol thinks they have great entertainment, because two of the waiter's have been on American Idol and one of them, Jason Yeager, made it to the top 10 guys. We had lunch with another couple at the Hard Luck Diner because it was very busy with 3 buses there, so Rita invited another couple to join us, much to our surprise he was a Baptist pastor and they both loved American Idol and eat at the Hard Luck every time they come too. We had a very nice lunch with them and God was so good to us during our trip. He granted us safety and laughs, wonderful experience at the Noah show and business was good too.

"Jason Yeager and Me"

Rita and I on the trolley at the Brason Landing

Also much to our surprise the Branson area was preparing for Christmas. We were able to go through the Parade of Lights on Saturday night. It took us about 30 to 40 minutes to go through. I must tell you that I was only driving 10 miles an hour and with no lights. I was driving Rita's car so I was very careful because I could not see the road. It was a very nice display of lights, and we had fun getting all the pictures, playing with our cameras to see what took the best photo. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did.

Well God is good, it was very much enjoyed by both of us and we hope we can do it some time soon. We very much felt that God was with us the whole time and brought us home safe and sound. We must not end this blog with out giving a BIG thank you to my mom for letting us use her condo..... Mom, thank you and I love you!

"Where two or three gather together

because they are mine,

I am there among them"

Matthew 18:20

Connie is doing well

If you can help your neighbor now don't say,

"Come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you"

Proverbs 3:28

I have heard from Connie and she is doing well!!!! Please continue to pray for Tami, Abraham, Connie, Clayton and her family. It wont be long and she will be home, it seems so weird because I usually have talked to her by way of Skype and this time I have had contact only by way of email. Please check out Connie's Blog, and leave her a special message of pray or encouragement.

Highlights 2 and 3 from Fall Break

Hello to all!!!!

I have the pictures to share the 2 other highlights from Fall Break. We had a wonderful time with the "F" family that we traveled with. We went to two shows and shopped until we dropped on Saturday. We both spent more money then we probably intended, but we had fun doing it. Branson is well known for the shows and shopping, we had to experience Branson to its fullest..... ha ha

Anyways let me share with you the main reason we went to Branson. NOAH....... The Sight and Sound Theater presented Noah the Musical. This would be our second time in 4 months to go. It is a wonderful show and worth going twice, in fact I would go again if asked. ( I would love to take my church and have already asked my mom when we could go and share it with her) Noah the musical of course is about the story of Noah and his family, with some non biblical story lines added but still capture the time and how the people were acting. The acting is superb, and the props are unbelievable, very real looking, and the theater is gorgeous...... But the story and the truths are taken right from Genesis, and they capture your heart from the beginning. I highly recommend Noah to all, if there is any way you can get to Branson to see this incredible show....... GO, don't wait any longer. This is the first and most important from our Branson trip, but I do have one more to share!!!

Our children in front of the "Lion and the Lamb"

The Sight and Sound Theater

"Jesus and the Children"

The second thing that was really cool....... For all those who watch "American Idol", we were served by Jason Yeager at the Hard Luck Diner in Branson. Very Cool.... We were able to ask questions and chat about whatever, because we were his only table for awhile. He teased us, as a good waiter would, and served us as a good waiter would. He was very confused, thinking that Mikala and I are related, but I took it as a complement, she may not have..... lol We took pictures and he signed our CD, and we also found out that he has family living in Garber OK, and visits from time to time. We are big fans of Hard Luck Diner, the waiters, and waitress sing and serve. The talent is great and the food is just as good. We had fun and enjoyed ourselves at the restaurant, and I always look forward to going back.

Jason Yeager singing at Hard Luck Diner

Ashley, Mikala, Jason, Me, Austin, Chezni, and Kaylee

Mark Schultz makes an apperance

For all who do not know..... The Muellers love Mark Schultz! He was on Extreme Makeover Home Edition last night (Oct 26th, 08) singing his well known song "He's My Son". The family's son has suffered through lukemia and a lung transplant and WON!!!! The daughter of the family loves Christian music and her favorite Christian artist is Mark Shultz. On the show he sang the song at the hospital where the son had recovered, and he sang it to many children and thier families. God is good, so many were touched by the song, and many, many, many heard it. Let the Lord use this moment to bring Him Glory. Praise you Lord! I hope many of you seen it!

PS. One of our Youth had a great report today as well. God is still in the business of Miracles!

Thank You Fairview!!!!!

Wow what an honor it was to speak about China to the Fairview School. The class made me feel very welcomed. I went really well and I enjoyed the excitement from all the kids. The kids really enjoyed the Chinese words I taught them and had a hard time understand the money exchange rate, but had lots of questions about it. They were very excited about the 1 yuan I gave them, and wrote down all the Chinese words. The teacher said she will be repeating those words for days to come. The children were fascinated by the Great Wall of China and the 2008 Olympic buildings. Very sweet class and it was a blessing to share my journey to China once again, and to top it off to see that journey through the eyes of children....... priceless.

Still working on paperwork......... Please pray for David, medical issues!

Thanks to all who check in with me everyday and the support and prayers I fell within my heart!

Children, Teachers, and Me.... Oh My

Wow I am very excited and scared at the same time today. I have an opportunity to speak about China at a near by school. I will be speaking to a 3rd grade class all about the culture of China. I get to share my pictures with some more people..... woo hoo. I am also going to teach them some Chinese words and share with each of them a piece of Yuan to take home with them. I have pictures of cities, homes, food, flowers, animals, transportation and the most important, Great Wall of China, Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace. I have about 30 minutes to speak and with all the information I have and the way I love to talk I may need an hour! If you read this by 2:30 today please pray for my timing.

Oh yea, Connie is in China safe and sound!!!!! Please pray for her journey and her family here in the states. I know exactly the emotions she is going through, but she is also in for a ride of wonderful emotions as well. Connie we love and can't wait to see you back in Oklahoma, but for now enjoy the moments, smiles, hugs, being there for Tami, and anticipation of coming home.......

Highlights of Fall Break

My family and another family went to Branson, and had a wonderful time. I will post on that as soon as I can get my hands on the pictures...... :)

Now for the ending of Fall Break! My mom and I had an opportunity to share some time together and enjoy a concert....... Yes we did, we went to Neil Diamond concert and had a wonderful time. Not many people know but Neil Diamond reminds my mom and I of a very important event in my moms life. The concert did bring back some memories of that event, but they were all good memories. I must say that Neil Diamond rocked the house down. Much to my surprise, it was very loud. Let me share another detail....... My mom and I were the minority on age groups. We were the younger generation. There were many couples of the ages of 70 ~ 80. Lots of walkers, canes and wheelchairs.... Many of you think I am joking, but I AM NOT......... It was a great concert and my mom and I enjoyed ourselves very much, reminiscing, laughing, deep conversations, and just sharing time, and reminding each other how much we love one another.

Thanks mom for a great night......

Niel Diamond...... Rocking out

The stage, equipped with a 14 man band!

My Mom and I at the concert

Look closely that is the stage behind us...... :)

Must of had a hard night.......

Ashley and the basketball team had a lock in last night at the gym. Ashley being the team manager was able to participate in the fun. Her and K was in charge of keeping score and calling play by play. She said it was so much fun, and I think that it is a great team builder. With the decision of not playing basketball this year, came the decision of being an assistance to the coach. She took the responsibilities with great pride and as far as her mom's point of view, I think she is doing a great job. She really wanted to be part of the team, and still very much feels that way. Well I hope that all you had a great time and I ponder with the thought does your coaches and love seats look like mine?

I guess she was kinda tired........

We Did It!

Ok we did it, we had an Oklahoma Hearts for Adoption event. We (Becky) had to speak at the last minute, but did a wonderful job. We had a lot of interest and one church book a Sunday for us to come speak at. How exciting, the Lord is paving the path for us! We also have a few contacts with some really big church's in Enid, so we pray that those will come through. It is so exciting that the Lord is allowing us to share with what He has placed on our hearts with SO MANY people. I always love sharing with people what the Lord has done, but who can imagine what it is like when He says "GO" and tell many! I am very excited about being a part of Bible Study titled "Biblical Perspective on Adoption". Even though we are already in the adoption process, I feel this will help in so many ways with the people who ask questions that are sometimes hard to answer, (we know the answer's but don't know how to explain it all the times) and this will help me put it in a perspective from God's point of view.

What a wonderful day, reminder to all:

"This is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice in be glad in it"

Maybe busy weekends affect the Children too?

Ok I know that we had a very busy weekend, but little did I know that the Johnson kids would be affected so hard by all the running around. Wow you know they were really tired, if they feel asleep during lunch..........



They were transferred to my room and slept until we had to leave for Dr. appt. We established our family at a new Dr and I am very excited about it. We were so sick of waiting around for 3 hours to see our Dr. for about 5 minutes. Another plus is that the nurse is an adoptive parent also, so we already have a connection with her. We also had our first TB test. I know that I am a wimp but I was surprised on how much that little needle hurt. I wrote my autobiography today and who would have thought that it would be so hard to write your story down. It took all morning and most of the afternoon. Our agency sure does ask a lot of questions about my past. Questions I had never ever thought of before. Go figure!!!!!

















Now that's really tired............