A Giveaway!

Jenna at Feminine Farmgirl is giving away this great book, The Family Daughter by Sarah Bryant. I haven't read it yet, but I really hope I get the chance to soon. It looks to be an inspiring and encouraging book!

I always love books written by Christian young ladies ~ I know this will be another delightful book!

If you want to enter, click here.

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Isaac's hair-do

I don't know about you, but I think there's something cute about little boys (especially little Asian boys) who have their hair combed and parted. Something cuter than an ordinary buzz-cut.

Unfortunately, I seem to be alone in my little-boy-hair-styling tastes. Hence Isaac's usual buzz cut. (Which he still seems to make look cute, by the way!)

But once in a while.....I just have to try out my techniques. And so, with Isaac as my model, I did just what I wanted to - I slicked over his hair. And boy did he look cute!

Little 3-year old boys smell so snuggly! (Well, sometimes they do. There are many occasions where he doesn't smell quite so sweet. Thank heavens for wipes, new diapers, and baths!)

Unfortunatly however, his "style" didn't last more than about 15 minutes. But it was cute while it lasted....:-)

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What I'm Thankful For Today

I'm sure most of you have probably already seen these on Courtney's blog, but I just had to post them myself....new pictures of my most ADORABLE little brother!! We got them yesterday, so that was a wonderful surprise. I am SO EXCITED to finally meet him in person!

(The picture above is my personal favorite!:-)

He looks so old in these pictures to me....so much older than 2. But then, we took his updated measurements and found that he is identical in size to Isaac (within a pound or two), so that made me feel better. He's still a little guy! *Happy sigh*......

Joshua, we have to get you some nicer clothes!! What an interesting outfit.

Look at that sweet smile! Doesn't it just melt your heart?

Well, I am sure you probably alread know what I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving, right?

Him. Himself. He. His cutie pie-chubby-cheek-sweet-pumpkin-self.

I am so thankful for the oppertunity to bring him all the way over to the United States, to our family specifically. What a privilege to be his big sister! You know, I never imagined I would have the chance to have two baby brothers all over again. Really; after David came home from Korea in 2001, I thought we were done. But what an amazing surprise God had in store for us!

I just love adoption........!

This is our first Thanksgiving with Isaac. And our last one without Joshua. I am so thankful for these two sweet blessings! Our little "Asian Angels" are so perfect!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, everyone....and don't forget to thank God for one of the most important blessings: family. Look at each of your siblings, your parents, and truly thank God for each one of them. They are gifts from the Lord, and we shouldn't ever take them for granted.

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How to Make a Thankful Turkey ~ by Isaac

Hi everyone! It's been a long time since I've posted, 'cuz Rachel says the title of this blog says Rachel's Blog, not Isaac's Blog. But she said that, since I was so cute, that I could do a post just this once. (I heard her mumbling something about my cuteness attracting more followers to her blog, but I don't know for sure. )

See how nice it is? After posing for this picture, Rachel told me to stop smashing my turkey. I wasn't smashing it, I was just hugging it.

Okay guys, step one: trace your hand on several pieces of paper. You're gonna need some sharp scissors for this to cut out your shapes. I would have done this part myself, but Rachel said scissors were dangerous.

See the red hand I made? You're gonna need several of these, guys. The hands are what makes the feathers of the turkey later on.

Then, write down what you're thankful for on each of the fingers of the hands you just cut out. I would have done this part, too, but Rachel took over again. (Why do girls always do that? I guess 'cuz they're scared we boys might do it better than them. Kinda hard to tell.)

Huh! I can do it pretty good, I have to say. Rachel has reason to be afraid I might do it better than her - I was pretty impressed with my turky myself.

Good job, everyone! You're doing great. Just call me the Turkey Teacher.

Now, glue all your pieces together. By now, you should have made the eyes, nose, beak, head, and neck of your turkey. I finished mine fast.

Ha! Done! Doesn't it look so good? Rachel said that each of the feathers would remind us to give thanks to God for everything we wrote down. I don't really know what she means. Right now the extent of my prayers are Amen. But, maybe I'll learn here pretty soon.

And there it is, guys! Thanks for listening to me. I like telling people what to do, so this post came pretty naturally to me. Maybe, if I get time, I'll write some more later about how to manipulate your older sister by yelling no.

Uh-oh, here comes Rachel! I better sign off for now. See ya next time!

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Interview With Lauren ~ Part 2

5.) A lot of us girls have big families and busy days. What does a typical day at your house look like?

My days begin very early…usually between 4 and 5 am (I’ve always been a morning person) and it is in those first few hours I prepare myself for the day by seeking the Lord in my daily prayer and worship…finding refreshment in His Word and His love. Early mornings hold fewer distractions and after committing myself to Him then, I find my heart even more filled with His ravishing love. I seek to draw closer to my Lord throughout the day, serving Him by serving others, and glorifying Him in everything that I do.

Many aspects of home making are covered on a daily basis and my daily responsibilities include overseeing all of the household chores, attending to the grocery shopping and meal preparations, running errands, taking care of our rescued animals, completing home projects, tending to my family and studies etc. My discipline and time management skills have been challenged and I have also learned to cultivate a servant’s heart and attitude. I’m reminded of the saying the idle hands are the workshop of the enemy…so I want to fill my time with things that are honoring to the Lord and look for opportunities to serve.

6.) Modesty and Biblical femininity are very important issues to me. But, it can be hard to find the "right" kind of clothes. How do you see modest dress as an important part of being a Godly woman? What are some guidelines you use when choosing clothing?

Dressing selflessly is to dress as a princess of Christ instead of a product of this world…“To lay down our pursuit of gaining the approval and applause of this world, and to live for His smile alone” (Leslie Ludy). In choosing what I wear, I always try to prayerfully consider what my inner motives are…does my appearance show others that I belong to Christ or to this world? Am I truly reflecting the beauty of His glory? I want Christ to radiate from me and God has shown me that what you wear is a major indicator of where your priorities lie. Modest dress is a tool that showcases a higher purpose in our lives, which is to reflect Jesus Christ to others. When choosing clothing, I want to reflect the beauty of heaven and guard my femininity out of love for Jesus Christ and honor for my future husband.

It is such an encouragement to see so many young women and blogging friends sewing and making their own clothing…something that I think God also wants me to start looking into, which I’m very excited about!

7.) I read once that Jesus shouldn't be a part of your life, He should be your life. We are to be utterly consumed with Him. How does this play into your daily life?

“To become a true Christian – the one who bears the name of Jesus, our beloved Bridegroom – we must leave behind our own lives and come away with Him” (Leslie Ludy). He is calling us to put aside off all of our selfish desires….He must become our All in all. For me…I have to ask myself what I’m holding onto that’s keeping me from being consumed by Him…and only Him. What is jeopardizing my relationship with Christ? Is it my selfish attitude? Is it my longing for the things of this world? Yielding to Him and abiding in Him throughout the day and seeking to draw closer to Him is when I’m committing myself to Him. It means rising with Him every morning…letting Him take every thought, attitude, action, and word spoken captive. It’s following His lead in everything that I do and leaning upon His strength and power alone. Every moment of my time…I want to lay at His feet.

8.) Have you ever felt "different" from other girls who may not be on the same path as you? If so, how have your dealt with this?

The main struggles that I deal with in living set-apart for Christ begin within me…when I start looking to myself. But when I make it my main focus to live for Him and to seek His applause alone in whatever I face, that’s when I don’t pay any attention to the opposing pressure from the world around me. I want to live with Christ as my only audience…that my identity is found in Him…and in Him alone.

9.) This is a miscellaneous question....what are some parting words of encouragment you could share with us?

Share every moment of your life with God ~ Spend time daily in His Word ~ Rid yourself of things that are not of Him ~ Cultivate your relationship with Christ and search for Him with your whole heart ~ Surround yourself with kindred spirits who can keep you accountable ~ Rejoice in Him always!


Thanks Lauren, for doing this interview! I thoroughly enjoyed all your answers. Wasn't that great, everyone? How encouraging!

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