Relaxing at the River

Being at my parent's home is completely relaxing. The Raisner girls and our boys all relished the restful evening to settle back and take it easy. Thank you Mom and Dad for allowing us to join you for twilight time!God provided a perfect evening to remind us of His goodness. Beautiful!Take me to the river...
Where the clear water flows...
Sisters unwind!
Who's that crazy driver?
Now, whose THAT crazy driver??
Flourishing Beauty...
A simple spread...
Grillin' Burgers and Hot Dogs...
Trampoline Toss...
Jumpin' Jelly Beans...
A little football game...
Some silly faces...
An incredible sunset...

Psalm 50:1 - The Mighty One, God the LORD,speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
Rest. O, sweet rest.

Safe from the Tornado

These are a few pictures from Amy's house after the tornado struck on Sunday night in High Point, NC. Thankfully, she and the girls were all here safe-and-sound. It was frightening waiting to hear if everyone was okay, but praying with the girls was a gift! All three of these photos are of Amy's house and their car. SCARY!

Their home endured minor damage but eh one next door and across the street were hit severely. God protected everyone and only a few injuries were sustained from this horrific storm. The power to their home was finally restored yesterday, Wednesday, before Amy and the girls headed back home to North Carolina.



Sara, Megan, Becca, Amy, and Andrew - I'm thankful you were with us! Wow!

Matthew 7:25 - And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.

A M-A-S-O-N Jar

This e-mail came to me today. It is from the mother of a child in one of my Thursday Connection classes. What a blessing from a 7th grader! Wow! I'm amazed! I love how God places His Heart within the hearts of the young!

"We read your blog the other day. We're praying for your adoption journey. Grace went and got all the charity money she had saved up from her allowance and is wanting to give it to you. She found a jar and it said "Mason" on it...mason jar. She put the money in it and said that would be the Beebe's jar since it had Mason's name on it. She was trying to figure ways to raise money. I cried reading the blog. What a precious commission God has given you! We are praying as to what we too can give. Blessings, Yvonne"

Yvonne and Grace, what an encouragement you are to us! Thank you!

Where was Mason Saturday?

Mason was not with us on Saturday for the Mega Yard Sale. He was competing in the State Competition for Science Olympiad. After progressing from Regionals, he has been reviewing college level textbooks and tests in preparation over the past few weeks.

He and his partner, Garrett, placed fourth in their main study event, Dynamic Planet, covering earthquakes and volcanoes. FOURTH IN STATE! Out of sixteen teams! Wow! We are so proud of him. He and Garrett have devoted themselves to studying and we are thankful that their efforts were rewarded!

Way to go Mason!

Braden's Original Artwork For Sale

Finally, on Saturday, Braden set up his table to sell his artwork. He had spent hours over the last two weeks creating pictures to sell at the Yard Sale.

Joyfully, a few shoppers perused his table and bought some of his drawings. Shhh...I think perhaps Mom may have handed a dollar or two to a few shoppers instructing them to stop at his table.

This couple cheerfully bought a biscuit and a picture...without any prodding. Thank you!

In total, Braden made $6.oo selling his artwork at $1.00 per picture. He informed me at the end of the day that he had spent $3.00 at the concession stand and place the other $3.00 in the donation bucket. Priceless, Braden! I love your heart!

Day Two Helpers - THANK YOU!

On Saturday, I'm in bed at 6:50 am. Suddenly, I'm awakened by people talking outside my bedroom window. Get up! Get up! The Yard Sale has started and people are already here! Imagine my surprise to find Heather and Paige here at 6:50 am ready to help! WOW! They are modeling their Yard Sale finds in the photo below. Ya-ya! Love the sequins!
This is what most men do at a Yard Sale...visit in the front yard. I LOVE IT! We are so blessed to have so many friends sharing this journey with us!

Kristie, Sydney, Heather, and Reid at 7:00 Sat. morning. Freezing! This picture HAD to be include to show that, YES, Reid did help!

Wendy x 2! Thank you so much for all of your help!

My sis, Wendy and me! God has shown HIS love through our sisterhood. My sis, Kelly, couldn't be with us during the sale, but she has also already helped tremendously on this journey! Thank you!

Janet and Kylie, back for Day Two! Always willing to give a helping hand! How are you liking those shoes?

Kristie, Kristy, and Tracie! FBCK friends ROCK! What an encouragement to have friends!

Waymaker friends came to encourage, support and shop! Sharon, Janis and Amanda, you were a sweet surprise today! Thank you so much for coming!

Concession Stand Crew - Day Two! They even delivered coffee refills to neighbors in the neighborhood! People on our street probably think we are C-R-A-Z-Y, but our family does add some excitement to Saturday mornings!

A line forming for the grilled burgers!

Grillin' Guys - Weston, Caleb, and Keenan entice the shoppers with the delicious smell of burgers and dogs on the grill! Yum!

Yard Sale Fashions for the younger generation - high heels, high heels, high heels!

Tyler, Paige, and Colby enjoying the day!

The fever to help is catching and this day was no exception. My friend Janis (pictured above) decided to offer her Beashund (Beagle/Dachshund mix) for adoption. Any funds from it would go for the adoption. Hannah was on her knees "begging" her Daddy to let her take it home. "Please, Daddy! P--l--e--a--s--e!"

If you know John, he pretends to be tough, but...Hannah convinced him!

Yes, they left the Yard Sale with the dog...for a trial run.

Sadly, the dog adoption didn't work out with their other dog, but I had to record it! Very sweet!

Reid and I both felt the greatest blessing from this was the friends who stepped out to help us. Our lives are richer because of our time with all of you. Your smiles, words, laughter, and JOY brought so much encouragement. We are grateful to all of you! Thank you! It's an honor to share this journey with you, and comforting to know you are praying for us.

I'm trying "piece" together the "puzzle" of how God is going to do this by keeping a list of everyone who has helped us bring our child HOME! If you've helped us and your name is not on the list on the right side of this blog, please let me know. You are a blessing! We are grateful for each of you!

From Rainy Disaster to Abundant Blessing

"ADOPTION FUNDRAISER at the Beebe house! Mega Yard Sale! ENORMOUS! You name it, we'll have it!" Yes, that's what all of the ads read for this Yard Sale. Can you believe how much STUFF people donated for us to sell? In the photo above, the right side of the driveway is lined with shoes! Probably 200 pairs!

You name it, we DID have it...even a faucet for the kitchen sink! Clothes, material, craft supplies, a fooz ball table, dresser, books, DVDs, toys, baby items, etc... Unbelievable!

Dishes, kitchen items, coats, wine racks, strollers, etc...

However, I was in a state of panic on Thursday as the rain started! This was the day we'd planned to set up outside! Ugh! We covered everything with tarps, but it looked like a huge monsoon hit Knoxville!

Therefore, everything remained in our garage and basement until Friday morning. My basement still smells like a thrift store from sorting all of the clothing! Overwhelmed by it all, I closed my eyes and imagined everything selling for a LOT of money to help us toward our adoption goal! Thursday night, our six year old prayed, "God please let us make a lot of money at the Yard Sale."

Imagine...PRAY...Ask God to bring the people and to SELL it! Help us, Lord!

What does God promise?

"The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." James 5:16

God brought the donations. God held off the rain. God brought the people. God sent His blessing!

The Total? Concessions $300, Yard Sale $2300, GRAND TOTAL $2600

Now our family and the O'Leary family are each $1300 closer to the total needed! Praising God for HIS provision!

There may be another Yard Sale in the future, so I'll keep you posted!

Livin' out scripture:

"And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;
and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need." Acts 2:44-45

Hot Coffee! Hot Dogs! Hot Nachos!

Meet the Concession Stand Crew! The boys even grilled hot dogs and hamburgers!
All of the kids took turns working. Although they ate nearly as much as they sold, today the grand total of their efforts was $103.00! Not bad! Mom's sausage biscuits and Maddie's Rice Krispie treats kept people coming back!

Yard Sale Fashions!

Spring Fashions - Yard Sale Style!
See the HOT looks for Spring and meet the Shopping Experts that will help you find the LOOK YOU LIKE!

Just a few of the "looks" we can help you put together...

Tyler will help you with "Tennessee Lawn Mowing Fashions!"

Kristie is the Christmas Sweater Expert!

Janet is funk, fun, and fabulous - all rolled into one! She will help you with head wear as well!

There is a look for you - come shop for it tomorrow!

Yard Sale Sweet Surprises!

James 1:17 says, "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."

God has been gracious and blessed this endeavor with some sweet surprises. Kevin Henderson (Pictured below) worked one summer with me in 1988. We served on Staff for ASP (Appalachia Service Project). We worked together in Harlan, KY to improve the living conditions of the impoverished people in the area.

Kevin came to town to visit his sister and the two of them stayed for several hours to help set up on Saturday. It was an insurmountable task, but with their help, everything was semi-organized before opening this morning. Thank you Kevin and Kathleen! Thank you for giving of yourselves to help bring our child HOME!
Ummm...Kevin, I don't think those will fit!

This afternoon, I turned around to see my aunt, Joy, and my cousin, John, standing in my driveway! They live in middle Tennessee and have not been to our home here in Knoxville. What an encouragement to be so loved! I couldn't believe they stopped to see us on this special day! Thank you! The boys were thrilled you bought some burgers and hot dogs! I think you were their best customers!

The Cat-in-the-Hat (a.k.a. my cousin, John) delivered some hats and Tyler and Sydney modeled them for the Sale!

Kristie and Sydney used the hats to stay warm on this FREEZING DAY!

My uncle, Kenny, made it into this shot! It was great to see them!

More sweet surprises from today were muffins for our breakfast, a dinner from friends, pizza for the workers, more deliveries of items to sell, homemade sausage biscuits by Mom, Rice Krispie treats by Maddie, and AMAZING FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO WERE WILLING TO WORK TIRELESSLY TODAY! WOW! We are truly blessed!

Mom and Maddie, I was deeply touched by your willingness to help make treats for today! You are a testimony to God's love for us. Thank you!

We had several "God stories" such as selling an expensive jogging stroller to a cross-country coach who had prayed specifically for God to help her find one she could afford. Such as...a couple matching the amount they were spending so each family would receive the same amount. Such as...Braden giving one of his toys to someone to make $.25 for the adoption. Such...as a $20.00 donation from a stranger. Such as...my cousin, Heather, bringing some pillows and selling them to a customer within two minutes. Such as...several people tucking money in my pocket or in the Africa bucket as a donation. Such as...a neighbor bringing over 5 bags of items because they were getting ready to donate them. Such as...turnign around to find several people shopping that just came to support us! Thank you! Such as...God only allowing the rain for a few moments this morning!

This afternoon as we were closing up, a lady pulled up and walked over to me carrying two boxes. I'd never met her, and assumed she was coming to shop. As she walked over, she introduced herself as Ann Little.

"I adopted a child from China last year, and I saw your post on Kids Club. I made these cookies for you to encourage you in your adoption!" Ann explained.

I looked into the box and saw beautiful cookies that had been hand wrapped and tied with a ribbon! Amazing that a stranger would serve others with such an act of love. Thank you, Ann! I'm blessed by your generosity and act of kindness.

Finally, Tory and Audrey came by with handmade goods for us to sell tomorrow. Tears flowed as I looked at the incredible potholders that Audrey had made in a rainbow of colors. The hand knitted hats by Tory made my heart melt. These two precious girls had spent the last two weeks making these gifts for this sale. What an honor to see the young lead us. Thank you!
Yes, every good and perfect gift comes from above. I'm constantly amazed by God's goodness in this journey.

Wondering about the total from today?????? Check in tomorrow, or come shop and perhaps I'll tell you! Yes, there is still A TON OF STUFF LEFT! Open at 7:00 am.

Yard Sale - ON!

My Dad was a football coach. Rough, tough. Nothing could take him down - or us, if we adopted his mentality.

"Where there's a will, there's a way..."

The rain today made it difficult, but many friends made it possible to at least semi-sort the treasures. The Yard Sale is ON for tomorrow. Please pray for us.

Pray for our strength and stamina! We are tired! T-I-R-E-D!

Thank you Mom, Janet, Melissa, Kristie, Kristy, Kristin, and kids who helped all day! Kevin and Kathleen Henderson surprised me by stopping by today! (Kevin and I worked together 20 years ago when I was on staff for Appalachia Service Project (ASP) in Harlan, KY. What a wonderful surprise!)

Thank you to everyone who helped by organizing, sorting, pricing, and covering with rain tarps a--l--l d---a---y l----o----n----g! You all were such a blessing! Thank you!

YARD SALE ON AS PLANNED

Please, please pray the weather forecast will change. There is a possibility of rain both Thursday and Friday. However, we are forging ahead and hoping God will deter the rain!

3/25 - Thursday - Drop Off and Set-Up
3/26 - Friday - MEGA YARD SALE
3/27 - Saturday - MEGA YARD SALE and Clean-Up

We would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your help with anything! All proceeds will help the O'Leary family and our family with adoption costs. Thank you all for everything! Please pray for God to send sunshine and, as our 6 year old prayed, "for the Yard Sale to make lots of money."

By the way, if you are looking for some unique artwork for your home, there will be plenty available for sale. Braden has been working non-stop creating artwork to sell! Come see his gallery! The kids will also have a concession stand, so come enjoy the snacks!

See you this weekend! You'll see the signs off of Oak Ridge Highway, next to Grace Baptist Church. Stoneridge Drive.

To Add or Not to Add - That is the Question

So, I've pondered...

Will people be offended? Will they run the other way? Will they think we're money hungry mongrels? Will they stop praying for us? And, of course the dreaded thought, What will people think when they see it? To add it, or not to add it, that is the question!

But it's done. Added to the blog. A "Donate" button. Yes, you can help us with the adoption via Paypal. I pray it's not offensive.

Today, my friend Kristie came over. Her family is several steps ahead of us in this process. She shared some of the costs we will incur that are not listed on the application. (Immunizations for the kids - $1200-ish, I-600 for Immigration - $830, Passports - $120 each for the kids, Airfare - Ummm...no telling! Be still, my racing heart!) After writing down these additional costs, she helped me add this "donate" button to our blog. Oh my!

Someone recently said to me, "Robin, you can't expect people to help you with this. You need to be able to do it on your own."

The words stung a bit, and as I examined my heart, I realized...Honestly, there isn't any part of me that expects people to help, but there is a HUGE part of me that HOPES people will! The financial cost is overwhelming for us to grasp. Yes, we hope for help, but we do not expect it. God's people are His hands and feet, right? In the past, when we have had friends adopting, we have wanted to be a part of it. The Lord has been gracious to provide encouragement through friends that feel the same way.


We believe this is God's child, and some of God's people might want to be a part of bringing him/her home. No matter what, God has called us to it, and we will bring this child home. Several people have blessed us in creative ways already to help with this adoption. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS ALREADY HELPED US! If everyone gave a little bit, it would help tremendously. So, by adding the "button," we're making it easy if you decide you might like to help by donating to the adoption fund. Seriously, we will need it.

We are trying to "fund raise" through various means. We are working hard right now, but know God will provide what is needed in His timing. I'm teaching Day Camps, we are having a Mega Yard Sale, and trying to think of other ideas. Do you have any suggestions?

Thank you for reading this post. Thank you for your encouragement. Thank you for praying.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

Brotherly Love

On Friday morning, the boys and I were having breakfast. We were a bit rushed because I was teaching another Day Camp to raise adoption funds. We were reading from the Bible about loving each other as brothers and brotherly love.

Braden immediately piped up, "And soon SISTERLY!"

It took a moment for his words to sink in. He was referring to our adoption and that soon the boys may have to love each other with SISTERLY love as well as BROTHERLY love! Too funny! I'm so thankful God is preparing their hearts to love another sibling!

Consumed Hearts

The Astronomy BLAST OFF camp went wonderfully well today. I was so thankful for my mom and the boys. It could not have happened without them. (I was thankful for Hannah's help too!) Thankfully, Mason, Franklin, and Weston lauched the rocket and had the Diet Coke explosion before the rain started! When I study or teach Astronomy I'm amazed by the magnitude of God's creation!

"The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge." Psalm 19:1-2

My friend, Kim, forwarded this to me today from the Pastor at Calvary Chapel, Aurora. As I read it, I wondered, "What would the world look like if our hearts were truly consumed with HIM?"

Read on...

Psalm 107:21-22 NKJV Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.

If you like to read, I'd encourage you to pick up any books you can find by Vance Havner. God uses him in a way to stir the soul, much like AW Tozer. Consider these words today as you seek to grow in grace:

"We need a heart warming.... The early Christians did not need a shot in the arm every Sunday to keep them going. They knew Jesus and they upset the world and worried the devil and gave wicked rulers insomnia and started something the jails couldn't lock up, fire couldn't burn, water couldn't drown, swords couldn't kill....

You may belittle experience and speak of the dangers of emotion, but we are suffering today from a species of Christianity as dry as dust, as cold as ice, as pale as a corpse, and as dead as King Tut. We are suffering, not from a lack of correct heads but of consumed hearts."

May our hearts be consumed with Jesus!

OFFICIALLY STARTED!

March 10, 2010 will go down in history as the day we "officially" started the ball rolling for adoption. Today we mailed our home study application and wired our first large sum to the adoption agency! As I wrote the number at the bank, it seemed like quite a bit of money, but I didn't even hesitate because I kept thinking this child is worth it! Any child would be! I wanted to take a picture to mark this day, but guess what? I can't find the camera. Imagine that?

Our close friends the OLearys are nearly at the end of the American side of the journey and they crossed a HUGE milestone today! God's given us a great gift by allowing us to walk alongside such precious friends. We are using the same two agencies they chose as well.

Thank you all for praying! One of my friends who adopted from Guatemala chose this verse for her adoption - "If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day." Habakkuk 2:3


Because I'd hoped to get all of this in the mail a few weeks ago, this promise seems fitting for today. Today, March 10th was God's chosen day for us to officially begin.


Hold on, precious little one, we're working toward coming to YOU!