Ice Bucket Challenge

I want to thank Todd and Marc for issuing me the challenge. Accepting the challenged sparked a healthy debate in our family. I’d like to share my conclusions on why I am participating.

There are many issues that deserve as much attention as ALS.  Juvenile Diabetes (former coworkers), Celiac Disease (my family), The Crisis in Iraq (Brothers and Sisters in Christ), The Ebola Virus Crisis (The world in General), <insert your hot issue here> are all issues that deserve our attention as much as ALS.  Please consider donating or being involved in positive solutions for all these issues.

The type of research matters to me (us).  I will be donating to John Paul II Medical Research Institute.  If you want an explanation, please see the following post.

I don’t issue the challenge lightly to others. David, Jannai, and Bryan, you all have the option ignore, support something else, or participate as others have done.  I will not take offense if you decline.  If you wish to discuss this “off-line” I’ll be happy to do so. If you accept, I look forward to seeing your video.

With that - Praise God for the blessing this will be to those struggling with ALS.  I pray that other issues also receive our same attention as a culture in the future.

Well, it is my time of the month again

For the last 4 months as we approach the middle of the month, my thoughts turn to baby K. Oh, how I miss her. Even now, tears are rolling down my cheeks, which is somewhat embarrassing while on the commuter train. 

Five months ago, she went to live with some extended family in another state. In another month she will be able to be adopted by them. The adoption process could take least another 6 months.

This month we'll be on vacation during the anniversary, celebrating a wedding. It will be a nice distraction. 

Tearing up on the train does of one benefit, no one sits with you. 

Doug

Cars for sale . . . . SOLD!

UPDATE - The Cars are now spoken for.  Thanks!


I have 2 cars that I'm trying to sell. I would like to sell them to a friend of a friend if possible for safety reasons.

Below are some pics and details of both cars. Both cars have had oil changes every 3000 to 5000 miles. 

2003 Pontiac Vibe, close to 146000 miles, $2000

Disclosure, it needs brakes and tires in the next month or 2. 

2007 Chevrolet Malibu Max, close to 85500 Miles, $4500

Disclosure, no pending maintenance. 

Wow a government study about something that works.

I'm currently sitting in a "training session" about a research project that is studying small groups & stephen ministry (coaching) services impacts on families dealing with substance abuse issues.

Wow, do we really need a federally funded government project to prove these "services" change people's lives?

They are not services, it is called community. Shame on us, church, for allowing the Government to continue to usurp our God given role. 

Check out Elin's Blog

Check out SummerFun.VarnerNet.com for updates on our summer adventures - as seen through Elin's eyes.  Should be a hoot.

Thanks to all our friends and family.

Thank you so much for praying for us. They are felt.

To our Medina friends, Weymouth Church friends, and LifeChange families - thank you for walking along side us intimately as we embarked on the journey into foster parenting. To the Jarvis family - you led by example, we felt your pain and joys and now we understand them. Wow, what emotions.

To our friday small group - also thanks for loving baby K! What beauty you showed her. You all had an impact in her life. I can't help but imagine that she has seen Christ through you.

To our LHS, CHS, GCC and Wheaton friends - thanks for following from afar and dealing with our cryptic Facebook posts and tweets. We hope to share the whole story with you soon.

To our co-workers - thanks for listening!

Finally, to the Varners and Stines - You both have done your Biblical jobs well, and helped instill in us a desire to hear God, listen and follow. You walked along side us as we went through training, got licensed, and received Baby K. You loved Baby K as your own relation and treated her as an equal. I'm awed at how you have loved her. Thank you for walking on this journey with us.

You all played a part in giving her a terrific start. Thank you.

Now, God we trust this little one to you. May her life be a blessing to You!

Doug, Emily, and Elinor

Good way to start off the new year

We got some terrific news regarding baby k. While we still expect her to leave in the next 2 weeks, she is going to be in an excellent position. We are excited that our prayers for her have been answered in such an awesome way.

The next 2 weeks will be rough as we prepare for her departure. But, we have hope and trust that she'll be raised in such a way that will keep her on a path to meet us in heaven.

Praise be to God!!!