Freedom

I know this controversial video has circulated the internet countless times since its production in 2007, but I also know that there are still countless people who are completely unaware of what orphans are treated like in many countries around the world.

Today, as we celebrate our freedom in America, I pray that more Believers will commit to helping set the captives FREE through the miracle of adoption. 

"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh, rather, serve one another humbly in love."

Galatians 5:13

I am so very grateful that God opened our eyes.  It is our job to set the captives free.  We must take responsiblity.  Freedom isn't free.  It comes with a great cost. 

There is no ransom too high.  Every orphan is worth it.

God has blessed America abundantly.  It is time we spread those blessings to all, not just give our leftovers and hand-me-downs, but give abundantly, as God has given so abundantly to us.

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is within the power of your hand to do so." 

Proverbs 3:27

Pictures (and videos) are worth 1,000 words.  These 2 Ukrainian boys have only been in our home for 6 days total.  They are LOVING their freedom here.  Thank you, God, for blessing our family so abundantly.  We pray You will use us to spread those blessings around the world.

(Note:  If you're viewing this via email, there are several videos that won't show up.  Visit the site at www.AllArePreciousInHisSight.blogspot.com)

Freedom to chase calves in the calf scramble at the 4th of July rodeo.

Freedom to eat rainbow freezes!

Freedom to rest your head in "Daddy's" lap whenever you're sleepy.

Freedom to swim and be silly.

(I know we have tons of pool video, but here's another example of freedom for you!)

Freedom to take a warm bubble bath. 

(Since it would be inappropriate to take pics of boys bathing, I snapped a shot of Vlad's rendition of "Lorraine" on the bathtub wall that he called me to see after he got out of the tub.  Before Vlad's bath, he asked, in English, "Mom, what is your name?"  Vlad (age 9, in Texas for only 5 days at the time of this photo) was so proud to show me that he gathered English letters in the bathtub, sounded them out, and spelled "Lorraine" as best as he phonetically could!  Remember, Vlad speaks Ukrainian and the Ukrainian alphabet is VERY different than our English alphabet.  Vlad is communicating in English better and better every day.  We're simply amazed with his level of confidence and intelligence!)

Freedom to ride a horse!

And freedom to ride a...

COW?!?  (It's just a "dummy" :-)

Freedom to do handstands in the arena.

Freedom to trust your "brother".

And freedom to have your "brother" trust you.

Freedom to feel what it's like to be a part of a real family.

(Mattie isn't present in this photo, as she is volunteering as a team servant leader at a summer camp this week.)

Freedom to stand in the road watching for the next float in the local parade.

Freedom to receive and freedom to give.

(Vlad collected the most candy at the parade, and this photo shows Vlad offering candy to his "brother", Asher.)

Freedom to love.

Freedom to celebrate our freedom.

(The banner on the front of this truck reminds us that we are one nation under God.)

Freedom.

Priceless.

No ransom is too high.

 “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

1 John 3:17-18