I just finished reading "What Difference Do It Make?" (yes, that's what it's called - you have to read the book to understand the reason for the incorrect grammar). Incredible book! It's been a summer of great reading for me!! Through the many books I've read and also just through the prompting of the Holy Spirit I've been so inspired to get more involved in my community and make a difference.
Several months back I had heard on the radio about a ministry called Birthday Blessings. Their ministry brings birthday joy and support to homeless children and their families. They operate on the belief that every child's life deserves to be celebrated, regardless of circumstance. Which I whole-heartedly agree with!
I've decided that I'm going to start volunteering with their ministry one morning a week. If any of you are local and interested, I'd love to have you join me!
I love this quote -
I am only one, but still I am one.
I cannot do everything,
but still I can do something;
and because I cannot do everything,
I will not refuse to do the
something I can do.
What's the something you can do?
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Endurance
en·dur·ance n. The act, quality, or power of withstanding hardship or stress
When I think of endurance I always think of runners - those who keep on, even when every muscle in their body is saying STOP! I can't say I remember exactly what that's like - I was a runner in my younger days, but have lost the desire to be one now - but I do love those with endurance! I strive to be one with endurance.
The great thing for us as Christ-followers is that our "power" is coming from the one true, endless Source!
He never promised us that life would smooth-sailing, stress or hardship-free. He did, however, promise that He would be our source of never-ending strength - so that we can endure! And not just endure, but endure with gusto - endure victoriously!
When I think of endurance I always think of runners - those who keep on, even when every muscle in their body is saying STOP! I can't say I remember exactly what that's like - I was a runner in my younger days, but have lost the desire to be one now - but I do love those with endurance! I strive to be one with endurance.
The great thing for us as Christ-followers is that our "power" is coming from the one true, endless Source!
He never promised us that life would smooth-sailing, stress or hardship-free. He did, however, promise that He would be our source of never-ending strength - so that we can endure! And not just endure, but endure with gusto - endure victoriously!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Great Thought for Today...
Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter.
(Francis Chan)
(Francis Chan)
Friday, July 23, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
God Funds what He Favors and He Favors Adoption
I want to be as real as possible as I share our adoption journey, but I also am a pretty private gal so sharing some of the more personal aspects of this process will be a stretch for me (but I promise I'll do the best I can).
We believe that one of the ways God will make Himself most evident in our adoption will be by providing for us financially - by moving the mountain, so to speak, that stands between us and the child He has for us. One of the things that I love about the adoption blog world is reading about all the different ways that God has provided for families just like ours. It's encouraging, inspiring and reminds us again that this is God's story and it will be for God's glory!
The fact of the matter is that international adoption is a financially costly journey - we've known that from the start. One of the things that we're excited about is seeing how God will provide to bring one of His children home. We know He will. There isn't a doubt in our minds that God funds what He favors and He favors adoption!
So we are praying and skimping and saving and we're even getting a little bit creative! Pretty soon, we'll be unveiling our new Adoption T-Shirt! We want to give our family and friends a fun way to support our adoption and also get something pretty cool for yourselves in return. We're in the design/print stage right now, but we'll let you know as soon as they're ready. We hope you'll buy one for yourself and also pass along the opportunity to all your friends! We promise they'll be cool! (you know they'll have to be if Abbi's going to agree to wear it)
So...we'd love for you to pray with us - thanking God that His timing and provision are perfect and asking the Holy Spirit to give our family patience and wisdom as we wait on Him. And...we'd also like to ask you to save up for one of our Adoption T-Shirts and spread the word once they're available!
We can't wait to share with you how God moves this mountain - I'll try to do it as authentically and openly as possible. Like I said, this is God's story and we want it to be all for His glory!
We believe that one of the ways God will make Himself most evident in our adoption will be by providing for us financially - by moving the mountain, so to speak, that stands between us and the child He has for us. One of the things that I love about the adoption blog world is reading about all the different ways that God has provided for families just like ours. It's encouraging, inspiring and reminds us again that this is God's story and it will be for God's glory!
The fact of the matter is that international adoption is a financially costly journey - we've known that from the start. One of the things that we're excited about is seeing how God will provide to bring one of His children home. We know He will. There isn't a doubt in our minds that God funds what He favors and He favors adoption!
So we are praying and skimping and saving and we're even getting a little bit creative! Pretty soon, we'll be unveiling our new Adoption T-Shirt! We want to give our family and friends a fun way to support our adoption and also get something pretty cool for yourselves in return. We're in the design/print stage right now, but we'll let you know as soon as they're ready. We hope you'll buy one for yourself and also pass along the opportunity to all your friends! We promise they'll be cool! (you know they'll have to be if Abbi's going to agree to wear it)
So...we'd love for you to pray with us - thanking God that His timing and provision are perfect and asking the Holy Spirit to give our family patience and wisdom as we wait on Him. And...we'd also like to ask you to save up for one of our Adoption T-Shirts and spread the word once they're available!
We can't wait to share with you how God moves this mountain - I'll try to do it as authentically and openly as possible. Like I said, this is God's story and we want it to be all for His glory!
Monday, July 19, 2010
It's Official - She's a Teenager!
Happy 13th Birthday Averi!
Right now, our birthday girl is at Whisper Mountain on our church's middle school retreat, so we'll wait to start the "celebrating" until she gets home on Wednesday night - but I wanted to take a few minutes to rave about our sweet Averi Kristine!
Words that describe Averi: smart, funny, loyal, loving, innocent (or some might say gullible), responsible, kind and thoughtful - she believes the best in others, sticks close to those she loves and has a soft heart that God is molding for His glory! She's a true friend and absolutely beautiful inside and out! There are so many things I love about this girl - I want to be Averi when I grow up!
Happy Birthday Sweet Girl - We can't wait to see the plans God has for you as you grow into the young lady He's designed you to be!
We love you so much!
Monday, July 12, 2010
My Grandma
Elise Parker 1920-2010
When I think of my Grandma there are so many things that come to mind...
I think of all the times my cousin Sally and I used to spend at my Grandma and Grandpa's house - swimming in their pool, swinging on the hammock, being tickled and tucked into the twin beds - ready to spend the night. Christmas Eves spent waiting for Santa to make a visit, eating Grandma's trifle and watching old family slides. All those memories are vivid and priceless.
I think of how many times Grandma and Grandpa prayed for all of us -their kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.
I think of how stylish Grandma was - with her hair done, nails painted...her jewelry and high heels.
I think of how much she loved Grandpa and how much she's missed him since he's been gone - They were 2 peas in a pod and I know she's been hoping for this day ever since he passed away.
My Grandma went to Heaven this morning and I feel incredible joy that I'll see her again someday. Until then, I'm so thankful for sweet memories to hold onto!
When I think of my Grandma there are so many things that come to mind...
I think of all the times my cousin Sally and I used to spend at my Grandma and Grandpa's house - swimming in their pool, swinging on the hammock, being tickled and tucked into the twin beds - ready to spend the night. Christmas Eves spent waiting for Santa to make a visit, eating Grandma's trifle and watching old family slides. All those memories are vivid and priceless.
I think of how many times Grandma and Grandpa prayed for all of us -their kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.
I think of how stylish Grandma was - with her hair done, nails painted...her jewelry and high heels.
I think of how much she loved Grandpa and how much she's missed him since he's been gone - They were 2 peas in a pod and I know she's been hoping for this day ever since he passed away.
My Grandma went to Heaven this morning and I feel incredible joy that I'll see her again someday. Until then, I'm so thankful for sweet memories to hold onto!
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