Fatty Fast Food

See the infograph that depicts the Fast Food epidemic.

InfoGraph

(HT: Tim Challies)

The Wall Street Journal on the Christian Orphan Movement

Read Article Below:

The Wall Street Journal on the Christian Orphan Movement

Edward Albrecht - An answer to prayer today

I am in Seattle area for 2 1/2 days for a Windermere Real Estate conference. The events don't start until tomorrow, so I had a chance to walk around downtown Seattle some this afternoon before I met the other agents from my office for dinner.

Edward Albrecht - An answer to prayer
for me

As I was walking I began to pray, "God, I'd really love the opportunity to take someone to lunch who is really in need of it" and before I finished that silent prayer Edward Albrecht, a homeless man around 33 years old, turned around and asked if I had a few dollars to spare for lunch. I was kind of taken aback (but I know I was heard by God) by the quickness of the answer, but Edward and I proceeded to go to McDonald's and share a meal together. He was very open to talk and converse about all things.

It was such a joy to be able to share with him that 3 seconds before he turned around to me I had just prayed and asked God to provide me with someone to take to lunch! Tears started filling his eyes as he just stared out...thinking and pondering.

See the sidewalk: That is where Edward
slept the last 2 nights

I asked Edward if he had ever trusted Jesus to forgive him and confessed/repented of his sin. He was refreshingly honest and shared that he is a very angry man and he knew about God in his head but not in his heart. (Those were his words). It was such a joy to be able to read some Scripture to him and pray that God would work and save him.

He asked if I could help him get a bus ticket which was a privilege to do. We walked over to the bus station and Edward was on his way back to Shoreline.

So, if you think of it, please pray for Edward. I asked if I could take his picture...it will help remind me to pray for Him.

Robert

After this I continued to walk around downtown Seattle and got close to the restaurant we were all going to be eating at. I had about an hour before everyone was going to get there, so I saw a guy and struck up a conversation with him. Robert had fallen on some hard times, but had a lot of joy. We started talking and proceeding to share with me that a month ago he was born again and became a follower of Christ! Wow, this was an awesome day...full of joy and sharing with people and God using others to encourage and exhort me.

Pakistan in need - In pictures

Pakistan in need - The Big Picture - Boston.com

Greenup Family Outtakes

Often people post the best pictures of their kids. Understandable. Once in a while, like 1 out of 134 digital photos taken, turn out with everyone smiling, looking, etc.

Yet, if that was all we ever posted, we'd be giving everyone an unrealistic idea of what normal life is like.

Below are a few photos. And that is that.

Justin Buzzard on Idolatry

Justin Buzzard wrote the following:

The idolatry in our lives is like a pacifier problem I recently observed.

My friend has a two year-old son who is always sucking on his pacifier. Always. He sucks on his pacifier all day long. He sucks on his pacifier all night long. Two years of all day and all night pacifier sucking has caused a big problem: this toddler’s teeth have hinged forward and up like an old fashioned garage door because of the constant shape and suck of the pacifier.

A pacifier is a good thing. But a pacifier becomes a dangerous and idolatrous thing when we give it our ultimate allegiance–when we suck on it all day long, all night long, for two years. This pacifier has changed the structure and appearance of this little boy’s mouth, and now significant corrective action is required.

Read the Rest:

The purpose of Parenting...and Life

The purpose of life and the purpose of parenting are the same: Psalm 145

I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.
They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.
All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you!
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, 
to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.
[The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.]
The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season
You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.

The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.
the Lord preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.

Making Bold & 'UnAmerican Dream' decisions

I took Ezra and Olivia to the park a few nights ago and saw a lady there with her 2 twin children from Ethiopia. They were celebrating their year date of returning from Ethiopia with these children.

What a joy to see this family. By no means had it been an easy year for them, but seeing their joy in the Lord was evident.

As we talking, she mentioned their family was renting a house instead of buying one. They surely could have bought a house sometime in the last year or two had they not adopted twins from Ethiopia. The Lord had worked in this couple to see past the allusion of the 'American Dream' (which is better described as the 'American Lie' or 'American Nightmare'. If you want to read further about what I mean, go to Don't Waste Your Life and pick up a copy of the book and read it).

 This couple has open their lives, wallets, everything, so that these two children could have a home filled with love, care and affection.

Praise the Lord for how He has worked in this family and enabled them to see past the deception of the American Dream and Changed Their World so the lives of two children could be changed!



You aren't going to hear too many Realtors say this, but I am going to: I would be ecstatically happy if more people would choose to open their current home to another child or two (whether via foster care or adoption) than if they were to buy a bigger house.

Greater than Hail Stones and the Sun Standing Still

Reading and meditating upon Joshua 10 this morning.

The Old Testament is filled with amazing feats of God's deliverance of His people. (So is the New Testament, we'll get there.)

This chapter is no exception.

Israel was a war with the Amorites and God had promised Joshua that He would give Israel victory over the Amorites.

2 amazing miracles occurred in this chapter.

1. God threw down large hailstones from heaven and more of the enemy was killed because of the hailstones than from swords in combat with Israel.

2. 'The Sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for a whole day'. (v.13)

These are amazing and I/you should be amazed at the power of God when reading this. But, as I read this I thought to myself, 'wow, I wish God would do awesome stuff like that today.'

Yet, as I write that I realize how little I cherish the Gospel, which is a far greater act of power & love.

You want to know what the most incredible act of deliverance is, what the most wondrous truth and reality is?

"but God shows His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Since therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be save by Him from the wrath of God" 

Romans 5:8-9

May deliverance from death and eternal hell, from a wasted life, from the eternal wrath of God and the wonder of justification by His blood, and adoption into His family be continually upon my heart and lips.

Trailer for "Like Dandelion Dust" movie - in theaters September 2010

This is a movie we are going to see. I have heard a lot about Karen Kingsbury, but haven't read any of her books as of yet. I know she is a Christian, and a huge adoption advocate (she is an adoptive mother herself). This movie looks intense, weighty, but an important film.

Here is the link to the Like Dandelion Dust website, and the trailer is below.

I think I'm going to pick up the book and read it first.

Lasting Rest...Paul Tripp

As a parent with young children, this blog post was extremely helpful, especially in terms of my relating with my Father. I long and pray that I would be a father to my children as He is to me.

O to abide in Christ!!!! John 14.

"Do you ever struggle with God’s sovereignty? Do you wonder why he has ordained for you to face the things you face? Are you ever tempted to doubt his goodness or question his love? Or do you experience rest of heart even when your relationships are messy and your circumstances are difficult? The following words are about where the rest can be found."

Read the rest: 

Change Your World for THREE...Baby Zoowan family!

Change Your World For One....or THREE.

(This story is about a family who started the the Website/Company Baby Zoowan.) Read and be challenged, inspired, etc.

It is fun to post inspiring stories of people I have never met! We have had people pray and financially support our adoption who we have never met or talked to and hopefully this couple will have the same experience!


This is a story to read about! Very personal, transparent, wonderful!!!!

Here is how it starts out...

Family & Friends,

I hope you are doing well. I am writing to fill you in on the whirlwind of events that have taken place over the last 60 hours with our adoption. As most of you know Sherry and I had been in the process of adopting from Ethiopia. By God's grace we had our home study done, training done, and had completed all the major paperwork needed. We were just waiting to move up on the lists.

Wednesday night as I was headed home from work Sherry called, she had asked if I had seen an email about a mother in town who had triplets and was needing to find a home for them. I said "no," but asked her to fill me in on details. With what little information she had, she filled me in, describing the boys, "they are six months old, they were born extremely premature, one is still in the hospital and has many special medical needs, the mother is 18 and realizes she can't give her boys the life she wants for them, and that we should be praying for them." I cannot express to you the immediate pull on my heart for these boys, even as I type this tears are welding up. We began talking about the boys, about the courage of the mom to make such a big decision, and we both realized that both of our hearts were drawn towards them. Our initial thought was that there was no way this would be possible, we thought for sure the adoption agency would tell us "no" because of the fact that we have 3 little ones at home already. But alas after much time of prayer and conversation we decided to call the agency and tell them that we were interested. We called and left a voicemail, not really expecting a call back that same night.

As we were bathing the kids and getting them ready for bed we got a call back, we were surprise to say the least. As I talked on the phone with our agent I began explaining the immediate draw in my heart for these boys, expecting that they would tell us we weren't a good fit at any moment. Their response was not what I expected at all, she told me, "I have been thinking all day about a family that could handle this, a mom who would give these boys the love and attention that they need, and I kept thinking about you guys... I kept thinking about Sherry..." I couldn't believe those words were coming out of her mouth, I was in shock. She filled me in on more details about the boys. "They were born February 26 and the mother was only 24 weeks when the c-section was performed. Two of the boys are healthy and developing as expected. They are still on oxygen, but are expected to come off it sometime soon. The other boy is a beautiful boy who will require much more attention. He was born weighing only 13 ounces (the mother told me today that he was a little bit smaller than a barbie doll when he came out, if you can imagine that). He has had liver failure, he has a severe vitamin d deficiency that has caused several fractures in his body. He has broken both of his arms, both of his legs, and his jaw. In addition to that he has a g-tube (a tube that is inserted into his stomach for feeding), and is still on oxygen, BUT he has fought through as is ready to go home this week." As she was describing these boys (names Cameron, Christian and Caleb -- who is still in the hospital) my heart was crushed for them. Tears began streaming down my face and I began to feel a love for them that I cannot express. Sherry was crying, I was crying and we knew that if even if we weren't the ones to take the boys home we still loved them, loved the mom, and were committed to pray for them. We got off the phone and a flood of emotions and feelings came rushing in. Feelings of joy, fear, love, brokenness, and helplessness.

The next day (Thursday) we got a call from the agency telling us that we were scheduled to meet with the mother on Friday, but not to get our hopes up because there was another family meeting with her, and the mother will choose what family she thinks best fits. I kept thinking there is no way she will choose us, we already have 3 kids, surely this is the door that God will shut. Sherry and I spent all day in prayer over this, all the while feeling a peace about pursuing this that I cannot explain. We decided not to call our family or anyone because we didn't know what the mother was going to choose, and we didn't want to get our hopes up. I even remember praying over and over again, "Lord if this is not your will please close the doors, don't let this happen, but give these boys a home." After a long night, with very little sleep, Friday came. At work I could not concentrate, there was strange dichotomy off feelings, both nervousness and peace inundated me. Around mid-morning Sherry got a call from the agency stating that the other family dropped out. She told me and immediately my heart was filled with joy, but it was a very surreal feeling. I was still nervous, I thought what if she doesn't like us, or what if she has a problem with us already having kids. Fears and doubts crept in, not of pursuing -- but of the mother not being in favor of our pursuit.

We met with her at 3:15 Friday afternoon. What's crazy is her requirements for the family matched us exactly: a hispanic / anglo mixed family, a dad with a stable job, a mom who stays home... and the list goes on. Everything she wanted was us. We began sharing with her our love for adoption, the church, our family, and even about God's love for us and the gospel. The connection we made with her and the time spent in that small office was one that I will never forget. She shared with us her love for the boys. And that at 24 weeks she had to make the toughest decision of her life. At a routine check up they found out that the blood flow had stopped going to Caleb. They told her that she could just let him die and the other two would deliver fine. Or she could do c-section, but then put all the boys at risk. She said with a resounding boldness that she "wanted to give ALL her boys a chance at life." So they delivered all three. It was a fruitful time of sharing our love for adoption, and God's love for us. She expressed her love for the boys with many tears. I can honestly say that I have so much respect for her. She is a great mom, she just couldn't give the boys the life she wanted. She wanted them to have a family, a family with a dad, a mom, and support system that would love them and nourish them. After about 1/2 an hour of meeting she said, "this is it... this is what I want for my boys, I feel comfortable with this... I feel a comfort I cannot explain, I want this." I could not believe it, but was beyond excited, words cannot express the joy I had in my heart. All the while still feeling a bit of fear, understanding this will be a huge undertaking, but trusting that God will provide strength. We left to go tell our kids that they would be not just getting 1 baby brother but 3!

That night we went we visited Caleb. He is beautiful. I held him in my arms and literally never wanted to let go. We should get to bring him home either Monday or Tuesday. Sherry will be doing a 24 hour stay at the hospital to learn about some of the medical equipment he needs starting later today. After that we can bring him home. This afternoon.. yesterday afternoon (whatever it is now...) we brought home Cameron and Christian for an "overnight." They are amazing well-behaved babies, and are absolutely adorable. They have even been asleep all night! I have that new dad... fearful something's going to happen feeling that wakes me up about every 1/2 an hour (hence writing this at 3 AM), but they are doing great! We will sign quite a bit more paperwork this week and by mid-week they will officially be ours, the court process may take a few months though. We we are now one HUGE family... with a lot of love, a lot of diapers, and a lot of food... So, you may be wondering how you can help... or at least I'm hoping you're wondering that ;)... well, here it goes:

In numerical order, because I'm a "type-a" computer programmer and I like numbers:

1. PRAY - Pray for a few things: the birth-mom, this will be very tough on her pray that God gives her strength. Also, pray that our sharing of the gospel gives her an interest in Jesus. Pray for strength for Sherry and I, as we both are in the middle of a full semester of school work and for me "normal work." Another one is that our agency is seeing if they can transfer over the medicaid for the boys. This would be a HUGE answer to prayer, especially with all of Caleb's needs specifically. Pray for the boys health, and that they too would love Jesus someday. Also, pray our court process finalizes before December 31, it will be extremely helpful to get the adoption credit this year. Last, pray for Madison, Matthew, and Selah, that they would understand what we are doing, that they would love their brothers, and that we (as parents) would not neglect their needs.

2. SUPPORT - We have put in $15,000 of our own money into the adoption process, and we have to come up with about $14,500 more (plus all the things we need to buy for the boys... car-seats, beds, clothes, etc.) in 4 days. That number can seem overwhelming, but I am confident God will provide. I am confident that we will give these boys a home and a family that they need. If you can help us we would be ever so grateful, if not that is totally fine, but please either way pray for this. Trust me this is hard for me to ask for... I have always had a pride issue with people giving me or loaning us money, but I think this is one way God will provide, and am trusting him in that.

3. HELP-OUT - We may need help with the kids in the first few weeks as we adjust. Or just help with "normal things" things around the house... not sure about what we will need at this time, but it we may need something. If there something comes up I can commit to letting you know.

Thanks for reading this mini-novel. I'm going to go check on the boys and their oxygen tanks, it's probably about time to swap one out. 

Love you all and can't wait for you to meet Christian, Cameron, and Caleb!

Blessings,

Bryan, Sherry, Selah, Matthew, Madison, Christian, Cameron, and Caleb (I guess we need to just start signing things as the "Lopez Family")

          

 If you feel moved to help out the Lopez family in anyway, please contact Bryan at bryanclopezATgmailDOTcom.  They have also started an orphan ministry called Baby Zoowan (you can see the ad in my sidebar on the right).  Another great way to help them out would be to make some purchases from that site.  It helps them and goes toward orphan care as well!

HT: (Take Your Vitamin Z)

Ethiopia, 'Safety' and Jesus Christ

"Get over there (Ethiopia), get him, get outta there, and get back"

This has been mentioned to us a few times in the past week or two.

There is a growing uncertainty and unrest with life in Ethiopia and 'danger' that looms because of Islamic terrorists throughout Africa. Our adoption agency has communicated with adopting families to exercise caution and be discerning when walking about in Addis Ababa (which I completely agree with). I guarantee I will not be wearing some American Flag t-shirt with a bullseye on it.


BUT...

My King, My Savior, Redeemer love me so much that He left perfection in heaven to come to this sin drenched world to rescue me. To rescue me! Me - a churchy-bred Pharisee who thought I didn't really need a Savior that much. He opened my eyes and heart that I was a rebel, a treasonous hater of God, who masked around like a Christian. He changed me, caused me to be born again, saved me to eternal life of knowing Christ Jesus. He gave life to me, reconciled me, adopted me into His family, as His son, his heir.


SO...

When we go to Ethiopia, our priority isn't going to be to get there and 'get our ASAP' because of fear for safety. We rest, firmly rest, in the confidence that the Lord knows and directs our steps and our days are numbered according to His plans.

If we were truly gripped by fear of the unknown, rest assured we never would have started the adoption process in the first place.

Aren't you thankful Jesus wasn't concerned about 'his safety' when he came to this earth, lived among us, was crucified and forsaken by His Father, so that you, a treasonous terrorist might be saved and adopted into His family?

Are you overwhelmed with adoption expenses?

If so, read the link I posted below. It is really encouraging. I don't know Tim and Alicia Rowe, but was reading their blog and was totally encouraged by one of their posts related to adoption expenses and how God provided and is providing for them.

 Here is the LINK their blog post of how God provided!

Biting, Prayers and my need for the Gospel

My 4 year old son bite my wife today when she was seeking to train him to be quick to listen and quick to obey.

Yikes!

(Thankfully this is not a common occurrence but it is an opportunity that I get to learn to love my wife and shepherd my family).

 I love Ezra with my life and would die for him, but when he bites my wife, my emotions are not exactly spilling over with joy and happiness. Just being honest.

"Father, help me love my son and point Him to You. He, like myself, needs the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ to change. Keep me from thinking that behavior modification is sufficient to save him.  Empower me to die to self, and live unto You. Enable me to love others with the strength You provide."

O how I have trampled on the goodness of God in my own life. When I sin, I spit in God's face saying that I don't trust Him or believe Him that his promises are right, true, and good. Christ came, was crucified, and rose from the dead so my sin would be nailed to the cross and that I would live in newness of life, born again to a life lived for His glory.

"Grant unto me O Lord a zeal for Your glory. May knowing You Christ be more dear to me than vast treasure, worldly renown, or earthly success. May I die to self, and live unto you. May my life bear fruit that abides to eternity. I plead that you would cause Ezra to be born again and that His complete and utter passion in life would be know and proclaim Jesus Christ and Him crucified. May his daddy be a living example of this."  

A Man from Heaven: How would He spend His money?

A Man From Heaven: How would He spend His money?

Job security???

When to the bank today to make a deposit.

Didn't remember my 10 digit account number.

Apologized to the teller for my brain lapse and for causing her to do unnecessary busy work.

Her response:

No problem, sir. It's job security for me.

In a day in age when people grasp to job security tighter than almost anything, it seems kind of like grasping at straws if your job security is found in something as mundane as filling out a deposit slip for a customer.  She was very kind in helping me, which I did Appreciate!

But, don't be a cog in the system relying upon customers to forget their account numbers to ensure your job security.

A a great business book to consider reading is... Linchpin  by Seth Godin.

Wear a Helmet

Now that my kids are into the bike stage of life, this Blog Post meant a lot.

A fun idea

A family in our church has 3 girls who love our kids and have gotten behind us in our current adoption.

Next Saturday then are having an open house for families with small kids who want to drop them off for 3 or 4 hours to get a date night and whatever money they raise they are going to put it toward our current adoption.


We are so thankful for the countless people who have helped us and especially for some creative youngsters who are trying to help bring our son home!!!

Thanks Atha's!!!!

Funeral

I heard about this situation the other day, and here is the link to this family's blog. Today was the funeral for their daughter who died this past week in Ethiopia due to malnutrition. Their adoption had not been finalized yet.

http://adoptingforlife.blogspot.com/

Dr. Russell Moore

If you are new to the adoption/orphan care world, one name you will soon get acquainted with is Dr. Russell Moore, at least I hope you will. You will be strengthened and edified because of it.


* He is a thoughtful, humble, careful thinker/pastor/professor/etc...whose life and words are centered upon the Gospel.

* One of his books, Adopted for Life, is a landmark book connecting the Good News of the Gospel and Aodption, both in theology (our understanding of God's adopting love of us) and the life of someone who has adopted.

* One of his comments on his Facebook page today was...
         'Preaching a funeral Sunday for a baby girl in Ethiopia who died of malnutrition before her adoption process was finalized. Horrible'.

So sad.

Ezra's 4th Birthday and Gotcha Day

1st time holding Ezra in Ethiopia

1st picture of Ezra we received of Ezra in Dec. 2006

Dear Ezra,
  Today is September 1st and you turn 4 years old today.

It has been 3 years since the Lord graciously brought you into our family. We thank the Lord for how He has used you in our lives to make us more like Christ and how God has changed our world through you. We love that you are our firstborn son and are grateful that before the beginning of time God planned for you to be our son and us to be your father and mother. Our family would not be the same without you. Your deep belly laugh, your tender kisses to Camille, your extra juice energy level, your love for people make us smile and rejoice.
  We are amazed at the goodness of God over these past three years and have seen you go from a baby to toddler to full fledged boy. We love that you love to read, especially the Jesus Storybook Bible, love to act out David and Goliath, love to smile and laugh.

  We pray that you see your dad and mom joyously serious about their pursuit of the Lord Jesus Christ and magnifying Him in every way and centering their lives upon Him. We have no greater prayer and desire that you would grow to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. May your life be lived in light of eternity and may our home be a place for you to see your parents centered upon the most important reality of all of life - loving & living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I hope this birthday is a bit different than last year...seeing that you bit a kid. Oops. We'll laugh about it in about 15 years.

Ezra loves his bath time (2007)

Christmas 2008

August 2010

Ezra and Olivia