Blog

I’ve watched the development of Artyem Saviliev’s story with deep sorrow and concern–both for Artyem and for all the families whose children wait in Russia.  Please pray much for all those involved in and affected by this tragedy.  In addition to prayer,Joint Council suggests several others ways you can support adoptive families and children waiting in Russia (see below).  I encourage you to consider advocating for our fellow adoptive families. We Are The Truth

 There are times when my now 6-year old daughter desperately needs assurance. This often manifests itself in a question either about love ("Will you always love me?") or in a question about commitment ("If bad guys stole me, would you come find me?"). While she is very easily passified with my sincere and genuine answers (Nothing you could ever do would make me love you less and nothing you could ever do can make me love you more") and ("No...

 Joint Council is pleased to confirm that the Adoption Tax Credit (ATC), which was scheduled to expire in 2010, was extended for one-year (through December 31, 2011). The highlights of the ATC are; The maximum credit was increased from $12,150 to $13,170, The ATC is now retroactive to January 1, 2010. This represents a potential increase of $1,000 for adoptive families. The ATC was made refundable. If a family has no tax liability, the IRS will refund...

It is once again time for my “Exploring Racial Justice” post.  I’ve read the chapter, but have run out of energy for writing the post.  It’s been a long week of sickness, stress at work, and water in the basement.  I’m not asking for pity.  Yesterday, I would have.  But today, I am thankful for my many blessings. I am thankful for a husband that recognized my emotional outbursts...

  In the book, "Disciplines of a Godly Man", the author R. Kent Hughes talks about the change in the personality of suburban architecture. Gone are the days when houses had large front porches where neighbors would gather to spend time together, sharing life’s experiences with each other. Today, the modern house is a castle where we retreat to the values of  individualism, isolation, and privatization. In addition to the architecture, this can also describe our social interactions. Where once we...

Sometimes I forget.  How can I forget? How can I forget something so huge? So BIG? I forget because they are becoming my own. They are becoming part of my heart, forever entwined with mine. And if they are my own, how could they have ever been another’s? I forget the incredibly, mind boggling sacrifice my children’s first mother made. The sacrifice of breaking her own heart to save her children.

 Parenting is not for the faint of heart – no matter how God has called you to be a parent – there is nothing easy about it!!  I have felt since our first adoption, that parenting an adopted child was very different and, for me, much harder.  I question so much more than I did with our biological children.  So when I ran across this book, 20 Things Adoptive Parents Need to Succeed by Sherrie Eldridge, I felt ready for...

Several months ago my 7-year-old daughter invited a friend for a playdate. The little girl had not yet been in our home or spent time with our family. As the “princesses” played, our young “prince” (a terrific 2-year-old with Disney-like charm) tried to get in on the fun. The girls sweetly catered to his whims while he enjoyed the pampering of two older ladies.   Then I heard that heart-stopping question, “Is he your real brother?”   My daughter...