Still Waiting

I'm sorry I've taken so long to update our blog.  Matt and I are still praying and listening for God.  We have begun to investigate some different adoption routes (like foster parenting).  We listen closely for direction; He still says to wait and be patient.

We do not know what God's plan is for our family.  It's tough to be patient and faithful when you long for something this badly.  I feel restless many days, but my love for God has not changed.  He is the most spectacular thing I know.  He deserves all my trust because He has proven Himself to me countless times.

I love Jesus very much.

Concert and Prayers

Matt and I thoroughly enjoyed our time of worship with everyone at the concert.  But to be honest, I must also admit that my heart is broken.  Our concert did not produce the attendance we had hoped for or expected.  Many have opinions as to why.  Well-inteneded as they are, I am much too vulnerable to hear them.  I do not want to believe anything that is not true.  Matt and I need to hear directly from our God.  Is He teaching us something?  Did we miss something?  Did we do nothing wrong and this is just part of His plan? 

I am very broken right now and cannot offer much at this point.  All I know right now is this:

1.      The artists (Jimmy Needham & Kimber Rising) were INCREDIBLE.  They performed as if we had 10,000 in attendance.  They offered MUCH encouragement to Matt and I.  Our lives are blessed because of them.  I pray that God drastically grows their ventures, because they truly love and serve our LORD. 
2.      Those who came were EXTREMELY generous. And it was obvious that they had a blast and left blessed. I hope you know how very grateful we are for your support and encouragement.

There is not one doubt in my mind that Matt and I are adopting. We aren’t adopting out of compulsion but because we desperately want to!  I am devastated right now, and I’m afraid.  I have no idea what God is trying to tell Matt and I … I have no idea how we will pay for this adoption. 

Right now, we are standing still and waiting for God to tell us something.  In the meantime, I've been praying and reading His Word.  Still, nothing fascinates or comforts me like Bible study.  I am thankful that I hear Him when I read my Bible.

Will you please pray for us?

Will I not equip you?

I just got back from Manhattan where I sat for the CFE exam (Certified Fraud Examiner).  I've been studying for this certification for a few months now and am pleased to report that I am officially a CFE!

Now my energy is again focused on promoting our benefit concert.  The auditorium will seat 1400 people.  We have done everything we can think of to promote the event (emailing hundreds of local pastors and ministry leaders, Facebooking, interviewing, soliciting sponsors, and etc.) But what if our efforts are not enough?  What if only a few hundred people come?  Our community has been so supportive, yet fears still manage to creep in.

I have no idea how God will provide the money we need to finish our adoption.  The journey ahead is so exciting, but very scary.  Sometimes, I feel perfectly peaceful, other times I feel like I've gone crazy.  I often find myself begging God to grow my faith.  It's shameful considering how faithful He has been to Matt and I.  God says the most comforting things to me.  A few days ago, He asked me a series of questions:  Tiffany, have I not called you to adopt?  Do I not have a child planned for you and Matt?  Do you think that I will not equip you and Matt with everything you need?

Wow!  God will equip us... He is equipping us.  I don't know how He will pull this off, but I am reminded of His faithfulness.  I love Him so much.

I want the BJHS auditorium filled to capacity, but not becuase our adoption depends on it.  This is why:  I know that God is coming to our concert... I mean, the most famous person there has ever been is coming to our concert!!  His name is, Jesus; and I'm telling you, He wouldn't miss this concert for anything!  God is going to have a blast becuase we are all gathered in one place, at one time, to worship Him!  And He deserves all of our praise. 

Our adoption is in His hands.  Our concert is in His hands too.

Benefit Concert Opener - KIMBER RISING!!!

I am so thrilled to tell you that KIMBER RISING will be opening for JIMMY NEEDHAM.

http://www.kimberrising.com/

Sisters, Amanda and Brianna Wilcox and Emille Crawford have performed over 300 concerts and toured with the likes of Todd Agnew, Building 429 and 33Miles. They’ve also opened for Mandisa, Natalie Grant, LeCrae, David Crowder Band, among other respected artists.

Be prepared to hear STUNNING harmonies!!!  It was really hard for me to choose the right video to entice you, but I settled on this one because I LOVE them a capella style.  This impromptu performance is not their studio version, but I want you to hear them sing with no instrunment other than the one God gave them!

Introducing Kimber's Rising's origianl song, Soon

"Hold on just a little bit longer
Even though the longing in your heart gets stronger
Soon now, it's gonna be soon now, yeah."

Lord,
You know the longing in my heart better than anyone.  We just want to love the child You planned for us.  Sometimes I let anxiety overwhelm me... and then Your peace comes flooding in.  Thank you so much for giving us Jimmy Needham and Kimber Rising.  Their support, everyone's support, is an answer to prayer.  I can hold on just a little bit longer because You will unite us with our little ones soon.  You are so good to Matt and I.

I Love you,
Tiff 



Benefit Concert with JIMMY NEEDHAM!

Please go to our Benefit Concert tab to learn more about our fundraiser with Christian recording artist, JIMMY NEEDHAM!!!!

One of my favorites! Unfailing Love

Benefit Concert: Jimmy Needham!!!!!

I am THRILLED to announce that Christian singer/songwriter, JIMMY NEEDHAM, is performing at a benefit concert to support our adoption!  Matt and I consider this such a miracle and an answer to prayer.  I am such a HUGE fan of his!  His style of music is very unique to him.  Many of you are very familiar with Jimmy Needham, as you hear his music on Christian stations all day long.  Those of you who are not yet familiar, I am CERTAIN you will become an instant fan!
 
The concert will be on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8th at Bob Jones High School Auditorium.  I will share more details as they are solidified.
 
HELP Marketing:
I am preparing a promo video (roughly 2-2.5 minutes).  I should have it completed by Sept 5th.   Also, I am designing some flyers.  I am going to attempt to get some local radio stations involved
 
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
1.)    Please pray for our event.  Pray that we are stuffed to capacity (1400 guests).  Pray that God will use Jimmy Needham’s music to draw people closer to Him. 
2.)    Attend our event  J
3.)    Pass out flyers & show promo:  If you live within 100 miles of Huntsville AL, and are willing, will you please email me your contact info?  I would like to email (or mail) you our concert flyer and our promo video.  You could share this information with your church, workplace, friends, and families. 
 
Email me at PittmanAdoption@gmail.com
Please include:  Name, email, phone number, and mailing address.  Also, let me know if you prefer to receive the information by mail, email, or both.
 
4.)    Email me with any marketing ideas you may have (perhaps you have some contacts that would be interested in helping us market our event)
5.)    SPONSORS:  We would welcome any person or business who is willing to help us sponsor this event.  We would also be proud to express our appreciation for our sponsors at the concert.  Please email me if you are interested.
6.)    IF YOU HAVE ADOPTED, please email me a picture of your family.  I would like to use these “success stories” in our slide show.
 
Final Thoughts:
Right now, we are thinking that the concert will be a non-ticketed event.  It will likely begin at 7:30 or 8pm, with doors opening one hour prior.  Our church will be accepting donations on our behalf at the door, therefore donations will be tax deductible (our church will pay our adoption agency directly).  Lastly, we have contacted another artist to be the “opening act.”  I will let you know more if this person is able to join us (say a prayer, please). 
 
Finally, GOD IS GOOD!  I am overwhelmed by His faithfulness to us.

Defender

I’ve been reading about the plight of Russia’s orphans… the reviews are mixed.  Some of these children’s circumstances are horrific, others seem to be at least adequately cared for.  BUT, regardless of the level of care, these children have nothing that belongs to them.  Even the clothing they wear does not belong to them, much less a mommy or daddy to call their own.

I don’t know who God is giving us… I don’t even know if we are getting a boy or a girl.  Maybe He will give us one of each!  :)  I desperately want to hold them and tell them that Matt and I belong to them, forever.  In the meantime, I pray.  I pray that God protects them.  I pray that He gives them pleasant dreams.  I pray that He makes them unafraid; I hope He whispers the most comforting words to them.  I hope He tells them that we are coming.

There is a BEAUTIFUL song by singer/songwriter, Chris McClarney, called, Defender.   This song echoes everything I know to be true about God.  When I am afraid or worried, I can lay my cares at His feet and fix my eyes on Him.  All the hopes Matt and I have for our little one are hidden in Him; and He is our Little One’s Defender.

I hope you will take time to listen to Chris McClarney (lyrics are pasted below)!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ouFAuaQhnU



Resting in Your promise
I will rest within the knowledge that You care
I put my trust in You
Deep within the darkness
Though my enemies surround I will not fear
I put my trust in You

And when I don't know what to do
I will fix my eyes on You

You’re our defender
I hide my hope in You
You are the loving arms my broken heart can run to
I will remember
That there is nothing You can't do
For You are God, You are good
And I surrender
You're our defender

You are strong when I am weakest
You're the peace that passes everything I see
I put my trust in You
I'm surrendering completely
Laying all my cares here at Your feet
I put my trust in You

A mighty fortress is our God
I will not fear, I will not fear
Safe and secure here in Your love
I will not fear, I will not fear