Sunday, January 31, 2010

Miracle 2

Ok, I know this isn't going to sound like a miracle but if you have ever adopted or had a home study, this will make perfect sense.

So at our meeting with the social worker, she handed us a STACK of papers! It was a little overwhelming but oddly enough not as much as I thought it was going to be. Josh and I rarely get time alone with so many coming in and out of the house and of course a feisty little 2 year old wanting to crawl all over us. But that night we had about 3 hours just to ourselves. Emma went to bed early and I looked at Josh and said, "why don't we just look at these papers." He agreed and within 2 hours we had almost every paper filled out!

We agreed on so many of the issues and if you know me and Josh, us agreeing on a lot is a miracle in itself! HA! But it was as if the Lord was in this to make us talk through things in our lives and why we feel strongly about certain things. One of my favorite things in the world is hearing why Josh feels a certain way about a tender subject. His perspective is so awesome sometimes and I just sat and listened and was even converted on some things that I had my mind set to. Now if you know me well you will be saying THAT is the miracle. HA!

So we have a few more sheets to fill out (our physical and Emma's physical, and fingerprints) but other than that and photocopying some documents...we are done! Whoo hoo!

Here is a little video taken today with Emma just for your viewing pleasure.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Miracle 1

If you have not read the book "Release the Power of Prayer" by George Mueller then you need to find a copy and dive right in. I recently bought a new copy and it's also under a new name simply called "The autobiography of George Mueller."

All this book does is give account after account of situations that George Mueller faced and how God met the need every time there was one. George Mueller started documented the provision of the Lord when he started his first orphanage in Europe. When there was a need, he didn't publicize it, ask friends for advice or handouts, or even do a fundraiser. HA! He simply prayed. He would gather his staff and present the need to them. And, they, a corporate body of believers would pray to God over that specific need. After reading this book, which basically is journal entries, I truly understand the meaning of why Jesus prayed "give us this day our daily bread." There are needs every day and the Lord is the Bread of Life.

In saying that, I would like to, from this moment on, give account of what HAS ALREADY been provided for us in the cause of our adoption. Josh and I are right in the middle of promise. Right in the middle of our rainbow and we are wanting to see God's Hand move on behalf of this child and not our own glory.

So with that said, Josh and I are going to approach the Lord with needs and watch as His provision comes forth. Then I will document it so that all may be built up in the holy faith in our Savior! So here is documentation number one.

Sometimes provision can come from the most unlikely of places. But nonetheless, to God be the glory! We needed to pay $100 today for our first interview with our social worker. We went to the meeting and completely connected with our social worker. What a gentle hearted, kind woman she is. When it was time to go, she said, "Well that will be $100 and you can pay at the window on the way out." As we walked out of the room, Josh said to write a check and then just get what we "need to survive" at the grocery store. I chuckled a little and then wrote the check. After dropping him off at the house I headed to get groceries. We were out of almost every staple you can think of! So I pulled my list and calculator out ready to defeat this daunting task ahead of me. (By the way, we haven't sold our house in MS yet, so 2 mortgage payments are pushing us to the max on the faith train. That's why we are budgeting so heavily. Just in case.)

As I am pushing the cart to the check out, I get a phone call from someone that I have not heard from in a very long time. Our last meeting wasn't the best and we hadn't spoken in a long time but none of that seemed to matter. There were bigger issues than our feelings. A life was more important than who was right and who was wrong, who said what and who did what. Both ends of the phone line were searching for God in a situation. And both knew that He is our source. This person proceeded to tell me that they had been praying and told God that they wanted to sow $100 as a sacrificial offering to the Lord because they needed a job. When this person found out we were starting our home study, they knew that this was supposed to be sown into us. So they asked God to bless it and the same day, the phone rang with a man offering this person an amazing job! Praise my Jesus who supplies all our need! It was hilarious because this person said just take my debit card number. HA! They were excited and anxious to get this seed in the ground. And to that I say...That seed will forever be known as the "first fruits." Because that was the first seed sown into this child's life, I believe a harvest will come forth to this person that will bring life to THEM! You sow into life, you reap life.

So there you have it. God is faithful. Not only did Josh and I have our first payment paid, but God provided a job to another person, thus showing His delight in all His children. What a mighty God we serve.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Now is the time!

Well, Josh and I have kept it pretty close to our hearts and yet have been dropping not-so-subtle hints...it's out there now.

We are adopting!

We could not be more excited about this journey we are about to take on an amazing road of understanding our own redemption and rescue. My heart burns with the thought of helping a child understand their destiny and know this King of Kings. Since I was a little girl, I have always told my mom that I wanted to help orphans. I have always been moved with compassion for those who had no choice, were rejected, or left alone. I am stirred by those who have the courage to release the responsibility of caring for a child of their DNA into another person's life because they can not give this baby what he/she will need. They are truly remarkable and selfless people to give the gift of life to another family. I am broken down by the small life and the endless wonders this child will discover of their Lord and Savior. I want to help orphans. And now, I get the honor and responsibility of caring for one. Thank you Jesus.

Josh and I have talked about adoption since we were first married and we both knew the time would be right when we BOTH felt the desire. I had always carried the passion a little more than Josh. Don't worry. I can see most of you smile when you read this statement. I am too. But Josh actually came to me and said "It's time Alice." And so...it's time.

Here is the breakdown of what we are getting in to:
*We have our first meeting this Friday to start our homestudy. That will take hopefully a month. It will cost $1000.
*We are adopting domestic - It's hilarious because Josh and I thought that if we adopt from another country we were doing this gigantic, noble deed. But the fact is...a kid is a kid. They ALL need love. No overseas adoption is more important than any other.
*We are not specifying an ethnicity but we would like a girl.
*The domestic adoption is going to run anywhere from $5000-12,000. We officially have no money put away yet. This should be fun!
*We are planning on doing an adoption benefit/fundraiser and will apply for grants.

The fact comes down to this. When we were wanting our first child, we were in the same boat. And God said, "I will provide for you. Look to Me." Nothing has changed with our second child. We know God is our source. We also know that many of you are not in a position to adopt a child but your heart is still moved with compassion for orphans, the fatherless. So to that I say, by supporting a family that IS adopting, you too play a HUGE role in the life and redemption of this child's destiny!

If you would like to give toward our homestudy, or the actual adoption, please visit joshandalice.com. We would also love to hear from you! Comment below or visit our site, or drop us an email. Forward this link on to all of our friends.

Monday, January 25, 2010




Thank you for all the prayers that you said for Emma. She is feeling MUCH better and is totally recovered. She was feeling so well that she got the High School Musical toy that my mom bought her and was dancing all over the house singing the song. That toy is the LOUDEST thing I have ever heard! And there is no volume level...HA! But we didn't mind. We were just glad to see her dance again.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Emma's Diagnosis

Thank you Dr. MELBEL! HA! After a text to Melissa and then a confirmation call from Children's Mercy Hospital, Emma has been diagnosed with Roseola. We have the rash now so that means that we are on the mend. Thank You Jesus that it is nothing too serious. God is Good!

ROSEOLA:

A roseola rash or roseola infantum is a very common skin rash affecting infants and younger children.

Therefore, it is commonly referred to as an infant rash or child rash. More specifically, the target age group for this skin condition is 6 months to 2 years. It may occur during the two to four year range as well, but almost never after four years of age.

The condition is caused by a virus and is considered a fairly harmless or mild illness. Actually, it is two viruses of the herpes family that cause the infant rash, although these viruses only produce the child rash and no other symptoms commonly associated with the herpes virus such as cold sores. Because it is viral, this health problem is contagious.

The main symptom of a roseola rash is a rosy-pink rash, usually flat but sometimes raised, that does not itch and is present on the entire body of the infant or child. This includes the face and neck areas, although the rash usually starts on the abdomen and back and then spreads to the extremities. A white ring might be present around some of the rash patches. This infant rash lasts from 24 to 48 hours on average. Another symptom that a child with roseola will experience includes the sudden appearance of a high fever (over 39.4 degrees Celsius or 103 degree Fahrenheit). This fever usually lasts for 48 to 72 hours, but can last longer. The roseola rash appears after the fever suddenly breaks. Other symptoms associated with roseola may include stomach related problems such as diarrhea or vomiting and possibly a sore throat and other symptoms that typically accompany a high fever such as lethargy and loss of appetite.

The treatment for this child rash is one of simply relieving the symptoms while the body fights off the virus. Relief includes managing the fever with acetaminophen or other non-aspirin medication to reduce fever. Lukewarm baths to cool the body temperature can also help. If the fever cannot be managed, then medical attention is required. Rest and plenty of fluids are also recommended. The actual infant rash does not need any specific treatment because it generally does not itch or produce much discomfort. Keeping the affected child comfortable and ensuring the child does not overheat usually helps to address any problems. The rash will disappear on its own. If the roseola persists for more than a couple of days or if the child simply does not seem to be getting better after a few days, then once again contact a medical professional to discuss your child’s condition.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Monday, January 18, 2010

Sweet Emma needs your prayers

After an exhausting weekend...Emma, Josh, and I hit the road, KC bound on Sunday night after the final service at CLH. About 1am, my eyes couldn't take anymore driving so we pulled over in Blytheville, AK and got a hotel room.

We noticed that Emma had been very quiet on the ride and not her usual talkative self. But we just figured she was tired. So we got in the room and set our alarm clocks for 530am.

At 5am I woke up to the hottest child I have ever felt! Emma was burning up! She has had fevers before the this one was a doozy. I immediately woke up Josh and sent him to the car for her Tylenol. I then got ice water in her cup and tried to get her to drink some. Daddy got the medicine and we both felt it best to shut off alarm clocks and let the baby sleep as long as she wanted. At 10am she was up and ready to watch Barney, we headed home.

Her fever is still going, though not as strong as it was. Please pray that this breaks quickly and our sweet Emma feels better. Til then, mommy is just going to hold her.

Friday, January 15, 2010

What a great day!

So today is a day of great promises fulfilled and new beginnings. After 9 LONG months, our house in Jackson is finally rented out! YAY! But that is only one thing that happened today. Here is the story.

Josh and I were faced with a huge dilemma this month. We were having to carry 2 mortgages and pay all of our other bills as well as recover from moving expenses and Christmas travel last month. It was crazy and our faith was pushed to the max! By the time our KC rent was due, we were coming up short. As Josh went down to his shop to work and I was left sitting on the couch, my heart was needing a little lift. I sat on the couch and began to talk outloud to myself. I began reminding myself of all the times God has come through for us. All the situations that seemed hopeless but ended up full of promise. I recounted time after time that we were NEVER forsaken or forgotten. Within 1 hour of finishing, my faith was built up and my phone rang. It was a phone call that took my breath away. The person on the other end said they wanted to bless me and Josh with a monetary gift. The amount was exactly what we needed to pay our rent!

So then after I told Josh the news, it was like he physically looked different. A stress had been lifted from his shoulders. He said, "Alice, we have got to get rid of this house in Jackson. I don't know if I can take this every month." Got it! I have a NEW mission. Get the house sold or rented. So I posted our home on Craigs List and said a prayer. The post went on a midnight and at 6am this morning, the phone started ringing....YAY! I had 5 phone calls, 2 emails, and a text message. The second person to look at the home was a police officer/single dad. He called and said the amount was great, the place is great, and he needed to move in before the end of the month so was ready to pay for February! And get this...he played on the CLC Softball team! HA! God is so awesome!

So we are moving toward promises being completed and fulfilled. I love living for Jesus.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Morning Worship

So for the past couple mornings, Emma and I have been sitting in my bed and playing Fernando Ortega's song "Give Me Jesus." We have been doing dance hand motions too. It's so awesome to watch her sing and copy what I do with my hands. But the best part is when, for a moment, her eyes break from my gestures and she begins to wave her arms on her own with her little face in the looking up.

Capture her gaze Jesus. I pray her eyes never look away! May her heart be captivated by Your wonder and glory and majesty oh my King. You're beautiful.


Tuesday, January 12, 2010

My traveling buddy today!

My sweet Emma and I set out on the road today with one goal in mind...BUY BUY BUY! HA! Our house is in need of a few serious purchases and we set out with a budget and the list of items. Emma put on her sunglasses and said, "Come on mommy. Let's go bye bye." My gosh I love her!

Is that a rash?

Ok so I'm officially completely broken out in painful hives...AGAIN! The last time this happened was my first bout with hives. I had never had them before. I was completely certain that they were due to the amount of stress that I under at the time...which was telling my whole family and pastor that we were resigning and moving to Kansas City. Ummmm, Yeah! That's stressful.

But as far as now goes, I don't feel stressed out at all but for some reason I thought I had dry skin and was just scratching away. Then my neck started whelping up and once again... painful hives everywhere.

So just say a little prayer that we can figure out what is causing this and that they will go away. We can't afford a doctor visit now so Jesus just needs to intervene! Come on Lord!

Monday, January 11, 2010


What a precious little angel. She has gotten her first haircut everyone. I know you probably can't tell but a whole 2 inches came off the back! WOW! Go Emma.

She was up and ready for church this morning. When we got there, her class was full so Emma got to sit in on the "big church" as we call it. I think she loved it! HA!

Afterward, we enjoyed homemade quesadillas and then played until nap. When she woke up, Isabella Wilson had come to play with her! YAY! Jessica and Jared popped over to play games. Awesome night! We learned a new game called Settlers. Ok, we are hooked! It was great. Then we introduced Mario Cart Wii to the Wilsons just before they left.

I'd say this night was just what we needed. Now Emma is snoozing and Mommy and Daddy are hitting the hay. Love.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Lost or Seneic

I was able to venture out by myself today, which is a rather rare thing. Not that I don't drive, but I usually have a little person in the back demanding "Juice", "Pappy", or "Mickey Mouse!" My outings are scheduled around her naps and with it being so cold lately and Emma just getting over a serious "whatever that was", I have become a hermit the past week. So when I pulled out of the driveway this afternoon I was overwhelmed with the possibilities of where I might end up. True, I had some certain destinations, returning a lamp to Bed Bath and Beyond, and the bank, but other than that I was FREE! Free to rome as I wanted.

So I chose a few places on my iphone's GPS and set out. This is what I found out...

There are multiple streets with the same name! I got so lost from one place to another and my GPS sent me there! I had to call the places and one lady laughed at me and said, "ma'am you are so far away I don't even know where you are!" HA!

Well all was not lost though. In my misguided directions, I found my Jazzercise class and a Jenny Craig office (I'm on Jenny Craig in case you didn't know). So it was a good thing after all.

But it got me thinking...being in a new city with no clue as to what you are doing or where you are going. I thought about new Christians just grafted in to the faith. It's very much like being moved to a new city. The excitement and newness of everything. The sights that you have never seen and the unexplored roads and destinations that this new place has to offer can be exhilarating! You even get a great iphone with a GPS on it to guide the way...it's called the Bible.

As cheesy as that may sound, here is the realization I found today. Without proper instruction on how to use the phone, or without help from people who actually live in this new city, I would have been completely lost! I thought about new believers in this aspect. I thought about how excitement can fade to frustration when they lose their way or don't understand which way they are needing to go. I thought about the clerk that laughed at me instead of graciously guided me in my ignorance. Oh how many times have I done this to a new believer? Laughed, pointed, avoided, or even become frustrated when I should have taken the hand and guided.

So, thank you Kansas City. Through your snow filled streets and subzero temperatures, the Lord melted away some of the icy parts of my heart.

"Amazing Grace. How sweet the sound. That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was blind, but now, I see." Thank you sweet Jesus for Your Grace.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Here Come the Scotts

When Josh decided to start a blog, I got so excited. He has so much knowledge but an even better understanding of the Word of God. I look forward to learning and gleaning from his blog. However, if you ask my mom what has been a habit of mine throughout the past 10-15 years, she will tell you writing. I have had a journal for as long as I can remember and even though I did not instantly embrace the whole blog idea, I am on board now with a purpose.

I have seen blogs turn into this rant of opinions, gossip, and people trying to prove a point. I want to solely bring delight to my readers and update those who are partners with us on the happenings and heartbeat of the Scotts. So you might catch a photo or get a couple sentences about our daily activity. Then again, you could get the thought that is passionately stirring our household at the time.

I will post prayer requests and physical needs. I will make sure to keep updated pictures on here of Emma because I know that is what you really are concerned about anyway...HA! So stayed tune to what exciting things are about to transpire. I have so much to tell you and I can't wait to share the events of our life with you.

May God Bless You and Keep You...
Alice