The Unrescued

Today was an "at home" church day for the Arnold family. Libi had decided to party in her crib once again from 3-6 AM. That girl knows how to have a good time, she just has not figured out the best timing for that with her mama! Anyway, it had divine purpose today.

Our family really needed to regroup. You know those times when your just running on a short fuse with one another? When you just find that everyone is a little edgy???

The Lord had spoken deeply to my heart through a program on Moody radio last week and I felt Him prompting me to share it with my family. So we came together as a family this morning and listened to the program. I saw the Lord use this so powerfully in our living room and I wanted to offer you the opportunity to bring it to yours.

The link: http://www.moodyradio.org/brd_ProgramDetail.aspx?id=24704

click "listen now" in the upper right hand corner

God has so stirred our hearts for the orphans, but this program took me into the world of the abandoned unlike anything ever had before. It is an interview with a gentleman, Rob Mitchell, who grew up in an orphanage from age 3 until he entered adulthood. He has written a book sharing his testimony.

the link to his book: http://www.castawaykid.com/

I implore each of you to take time to listen to it and let us know your thoughts.

As for the Arnold's and our thoughts...we are thankful. Thankful that God has chosen us to be His children. Thankful that He is Rescuer. Thankful that He has allowed us to be a part of "rescuing". Thankful that He will once again place a life preserver in our hands and give us the privilege to rescue.

143 MILLION ORPHANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
500 THOUSAND IN FOSTER CARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hopeless, Helpless Who will rescue them????????????

these are a few of their faces....

Easter Seals Photo Shoot

Libi had her second photo shoot for Easter Seals. There will be a calendar coming out for 2009 that I will be asking each of you to purchase! It will feature our little angel with many others. Easter Seals has been such a HUGE blessing to us. Libi loves her therapists and God has used them to encourage great progress in her development. We thought we would give you a chance to view the gallery of pictures that are truly artwork. Thank you to Channel, who donated her time and talent to benefit Easter Seals and ultimately these precious angels! Just follow the link below and use aarnold as the passcode... and then "enter gallery"

http://www.yrmsproofs.com/pickpic/gallery/photo.php?id=32755

What's happening?

We were home for a few short days and headed north to visit more family. It was a crazy few weeks, but so worth it to visit with family. It is amazing to me how "adaptable" Libi is these days. She is so secure. She never stresses out on us any more. I am so thankful that God has bonded us together.

Libi went to her pediatrician and the final report from that visit...she is SHORT...even for an Asian. I am thankful for this. I have been teased my whole life for being the short one. Could I have a child that will not exceed my height at the age of 10?? She is gaining lbs more rapidly than inches, so we have tweaked her diet a bit.

She continues to have her daddy right where she wants him. I took the two of them with me the other night to get some groceries and they had their little "kissy-love" fest all through the store. I told them next time they could stay home, because they were no help to me at all! It was a distraction to everyone trying to shop!!

School will start on Monday and I am not looking forward to the boys heading out the door, but I am looking forward to some routine around here. Libi will continue to meet with her therapists and her sessions with mommy will grow more intense.

We continue to be amazed that our wonderful Father choose to bless us with such a sweet gift of love. I know most might think I say this because I am her mama, but she is the sweetest little girl I have ever met! She is truly SUGAR!!

I close this post with James 1. I LOVE this chapter of God's word. These verses have taken hold of my heart since the Lord has gifted us with Libi Faith...

James 1
17 Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens.He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

Home from Atlanta/2008 Olympics-Beijing

Okay, first thing first. I am crazy proud for my little girl and her incredible home country of China. They have blown me away by their investment in making this the most incredible summer games the world has ever seen. As we tuned in to see the opening ceremonies I was once again touched by the rich culture of this wonderful country. It is so fun to "revisit" this country via the Olympics. So, the Arnold home will be cheering for 2 countries this Olympics...Go USA!!! Go CHINA!!!

We are recouping and unpacking from a great trip down to Georgia. We have not always had the privilege of having our family live within a day drive of us. What a great time we had together,

Yesterday I was pushed to the brink of my physical capabilities. I climbed a mountain. Yes, I climbed a mountain! AND...I have no pictures of myself at the top to prove it. Anyway, we had a very fun day at Stone Mountain. It was a tad too warm for my personal climbing experience. I really do not like to sweat and the sweating that was going on was PROFUSE and UGLY!

We took a ride on the ducks. It was a very interesting experience for all. Libi was not sure what to think of all the "quacking" that was taking place. If you are not sure what a "ride on the ducks" is, I will summarize. It is a ride on a vehicle that can operate on both land and in water. Enough said, we had fun! We were "quacking up"...

It was a beautiful day. You can't help being in a place like that and not think of our Marvelous Creator. On the drive home today I wanted to soak in each rolling hill and "fresh" pieces of scenery that I don't very often get to see. It was sad to come home and think of getting back to all the demands of life, but I am looking forward to falling into my bed tonight and having a couple more weeks of summer.

Crazy fun in Atlanta

Just an update...
The kids and I drove down to Atlanta last Saturday. We made it here just fine. It was a lot of fun being on the open road with my kids. I must admit I felt like I had conquered the world when pulling into the driveway of my in laws.

We have been having a lot of fun. Brad flew into Atlanta on Wednesday to join us and drive back with us on Sunday. This is our first official vacation with Libi. She has been a dream! She is sleeping great, which makes a vacation very fun for mom. She also enjoys the pool. She goes all the way under the water, gives the best pucker kisses in the pool, throws the tennis ball wicked far!

I have not been very good about taking pictures. I hope to get some more before we head out. As you will see from what I have posted the Arnold's have learned to fly...to soar bean bags in a single bound...some of us better than others.

It has been so nice to be with family. It will be sad to leave them here. Libi has grown to love each of them so much, especially the dog!

We all needed time to be with family and kick back and have fun...

I will post again soon.

Psalm 116:7 Let my soul be at rest again,
for the Lord has been good to me.