The other day I emailed the Pastor at church in charge of Missions asking about what all we have done for our missions activities. Our church goes to Mexico once a year to build a house for a homeless family, and once they built 2 churches. And then one year the High School youth group volunteered at an orphanage for a week. We also have a couple whom the church helps support the work they do, and they are now leaving for Cambodia to help run a school that teaches Missionaries. All good things, all GOD things. But I feel like we can do more.
We also have the Dream Center....every Saturday people go into neighborhoods, knock on doors, and say "Hey, do you need anything?" They mow lawns, run errands, pull weeds, haul away garbage, whatever the people need. Also, the children of the neighborhoods are invited every Saturday to a local middle school where we have been given use of the gym and cafeteria. There are youth groups meeting, crafts, food, games...things that these less fortunate children wouldn't normally get to experience. Another HUGE thing that came out of this was a Free Medical Clinic. It is so hard to get health care here in Oregon from the state if you don't have any other insurance. (I should know....my diabetic husband was denied when we had a monthly income of $600 to support a family of 4!!) Anyway....this is another FABULOUS thing our church is doing. I love it, and it makes me happy. A good thing, a GOD thing. :) But I feel like we can do more.
So today I have emailed the church again, but this time to talk about Amazima and 147MillionOrphans. PLEASE wish me luck and send prayers. I have this deep feeling in the very depths of me, that there is more I should be doing in some way. My next step is to see if I can get the our church to pay attention. I'll let you know how it goes!!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Rough day
Yesterday was a rough day. Today still is, too. Today's tears are being shed for yesterday.
Everyone who knows me knows I take and take and take, refusing to be defeated, insisting on smiling at the world and saying "I feel fabulous, thank you!". And then one day, it's too much. I crumble. I feel defeated. I hurt. And then the awful sinner in me lashes out. I hurt so bad that I lash out trying to hurt someone else as I do, so I don't feel alone in my pain.
What I forget during these times is that I am not alone in my pain. The Lord is there with me, he feels my pain, and even more than that He feels so much more pain because He feels the pain of all His children. I also forget that during these times, there is a battle going on for my soul. The devil is trying to win it over, and the Lord is using these times to draw me closer to Him. To find the strength to endure in Him. I am only human....I am too weak to do it on my own. I have two choices....I can remember that He is there and draw nearer to him, learning and growing, or I can give in to Satan. I gave in to Satan yesterday. I am ashamed. I lashed out in anger, I said hurtful things to those who love me, I was short-tempered with the kids, not giving them the patience they deserve from me. I feel like I was a terrible wife/mother yesterday. And I am struggling with it today. It is so hard to forgive myself....and it is hard to imagine that the Lord forgives me, but thankfully He does. Thankfully in my darkest hours when I have given up on myself, He hasn't. His love endures.
God's loyal love couldn't have run out,
his merciful love couldn't have dried up.
They're created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!
I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over).
He's all I've got left.
(Lamentations 3:22-24 - The Message)
Everyone who knows me knows I take and take and take, refusing to be defeated, insisting on smiling at the world and saying "I feel fabulous, thank you!". And then one day, it's too much. I crumble. I feel defeated. I hurt. And then the awful sinner in me lashes out. I hurt so bad that I lash out trying to hurt someone else as I do, so I don't feel alone in my pain.
What I forget during these times is that I am not alone in my pain. The Lord is there with me, he feels my pain, and even more than that He feels so much more pain because He feels the pain of all His children. I also forget that during these times, there is a battle going on for my soul. The devil is trying to win it over, and the Lord is using these times to draw me closer to Him. To find the strength to endure in Him. I am only human....I am too weak to do it on my own. I have two choices....I can remember that He is there and draw nearer to him, learning and growing, or I can give in to Satan. I gave in to Satan yesterday. I am ashamed. I lashed out in anger, I said hurtful things to those who love me, I was short-tempered with the kids, not giving them the patience they deserve from me. I feel like I was a terrible wife/mother yesterday. And I am struggling with it today. It is so hard to forgive myself....and it is hard to imagine that the Lord forgives me, but thankfully He does. Thankfully in my darkest hours when I have given up on myself, He hasn't. His love endures.
his merciful love couldn't have dried up.
They're created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!
I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over).
He's all I've got left.
(Lamentations 3:22-24 - The Message)
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Mocha Club
One of the websites I have been so excited about officially launched it's new site last night, and I am can't wait to shop! Family reading this.... chances are your Christmas gifts will come from here... ;)
Now, as I was clicking around on the new site and reading the "Read Me" section, they had ministries listed that are good ones to check out. The first one, AMAZINA.org is already one that I support and LOVE the things they are doing. There was another one on the list that caught my eye, too. It was the Mocha Club. Now, I am thinking it is my obsession with coffee that caused me to notice it, but either way I did. And I am glad I did!
It is an organization where you donate $7 a month (about the cost of 2 Mocha's) to support a project they are supporting in Africa. As soon as I saw they had one for Orphans/Vulnerable Children, I was sold. Of course I immediately signed up. Now this is where I ask for your help. If you think you'd be interested in helping out, PLEASE click the logo below and go join my team of people helping that I am trying to build. And if you AREN'T interested, could you help and just please pass the info on? Send someone else here to see if they may be interested. THANK YOU so much for your help!!
Now, as I was clicking around on the new site and reading the "Read Me" section, they had ministries listed that are good ones to check out. The first one, AMAZINA.org is already one that I support and LOVE the things they are doing. There was another one on the list that caught my eye, too. It was the Mocha Club. Now, I am thinking it is my obsession with coffee that caused me to notice it, but either way I did. And I am glad I did!
It is an organization where you donate $7 a month (about the cost of 2 Mocha's) to support a project they are supporting in Africa. As soon as I saw they had one for Orphans/Vulnerable Children, I was sold. Of course I immediately signed up. Now this is where I ask for your help. If you think you'd be interested in helping out, PLEASE click the logo below and go join my team of people helping that I am trying to build. And if you AREN'T interested, could you help and just please pass the info on? Send someone else here to see if they may be interested. THANK YOU so much for your help!!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Forgot what it was like....
Grandma Doris has been here visiting the last couple weeks. As a stay home mom with no car, I LOVE the company. :)
Well, I have had some Red Lobster gift cards for over a year, and we just don't get the chance to go out to eat often enough for me to be willing to take the kids there just yet. So we just keep holding on to the gift cards. However, Grandma decided that Mommy and Daddy were going to use them. So the other night, just my husband and I went out to dinner. It was nice, quiet, relaxing, and I kept watching everyone else's kids thinking...."Awww....I miss mine, we should of brought them." LOL...yep, that is my crazy mind for you! ;) However, it was fabulous to sit and have an adult conversation and enjoy a couple hours with just my husband. We haven't been out to dinner alone since probably about June of 2006. I had forgotten what it was like to not try to keep excessive amounts of food off the floor, try to keep active toddlers seated in their boosters, convince them that salt and pepper shakers aren't toys, and get them to consistently use their "inside voice". Oh, and be able to actually enjoy the appetizer, salad, and entree, without having to ask for a box as soon as the entrees come because that is one course too many for a 2yr and 3yr old. :)
Well, I have had some Red Lobster gift cards for over a year, and we just don't get the chance to go out to eat often enough for me to be willing to take the kids there just yet. So we just keep holding on to the gift cards. However, Grandma decided that Mommy and Daddy were going to use them. So the other night, just my husband and I went out to dinner. It was nice, quiet, relaxing, and I kept watching everyone else's kids thinking...."Awww....I miss mine, we should of brought them." LOL...yep, that is my crazy mind for you! ;) However, it was fabulous to sit and have an adult conversation and enjoy a couple hours with just my husband. We haven't been out to dinner alone since probably about June of 2006. I had forgotten what it was like to not try to keep excessive amounts of food off the floor, try to keep active toddlers seated in their boosters, convince them that salt and pepper shakers aren't toys, and get them to consistently use their "inside voice". Oh, and be able to actually enjoy the appetizer, salad, and entree, without having to ask for a box as soon as the entrees come because that is one course too many for a 2yr and 3yr old. :)
Friday, October 16, 2009
In the course of reading all the adoption blogs I am enjoying so much, I came across this family's blog. They have already adopted previously, but received a call from the adoption agency they used asking them if they wanted to adopt again in a "pilot" program they were launching. Well, if THEY call YOU, ASKING to adopt, I am thinking that is a HUGE sign that the Lord has plans for you to have another child! Since they weren't planning on adoption when they got the call, they are also working on fundraising.
Check out their adoption blog here....
Help Us Bring Our Child Home!
This with FABULOUS items handmade to help fundraise...
Denise's Creations
Help Us Bring Our Child Home!
This with FABULOUS items handmade to help fundraise...
Denise's Creations
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
I can't begin to comprehend.....
I am so baffled. I can't get my mind to stop trying to rationalize, and I just come up with nothing.
There are so many people who think that my passion about the orphan crisis is a sweet "stage" I am going through. They can't even begin to understand where I am coming from. I have always wanted to help children who need families my whole life, but until recently I had no idea how BIG of a problem it is. Now that I know what I know, I can't turn my head. I can't just say "Wow, that is so sad" and then walk away. I know I can't "fix" it, like I always try to do with every other problem that comes my way. This is definitely different. But just helping one orphan get food and healthcare, or better yet...a forever family to come home to, helps.
I look at my children, and my heart is overjoyed. They are loved...so very well loved. They are happy, they smile and laugh, and give out hugs and kisses constantly. They are tender spirits who love everyone and everything. They know that the person missing a leg is special, because God chose them to be that way to serve his purpose. They know that God loves everyone equally, and He made everyone different in different ways. Some ways you can see on the outside, and some ways you can't see. They are smart, and funny, and I could go on forever about them. They are well fed, well clothed, are played with, have warm comfortable beds to sleep in. They are truly blessed, and even more than that.....I am truly blessed to have them. They are the best gift from God ever.
But I also look at them and wonder....why? Why do my children deserve such love when there are millions of children who don't get that? Don't get me wrong...as a mother, of COURSE I think my children are special enough to get what they get. I wouldn't settle for anything less for them. But what makes it okay for all the orphans to not be treated the way all of God's children deserve to be treated? Why do so many people turn their heads? If I can help feed them, or help get them home to families, why would I not?? How can someone in good conscious hear the details of the orphan crisis, and then walk away? How can a parent do that? I don't understand. I can't begin to wrap my head around it.
It makes me cry that there are so many people who say "How sad", and then go on their merry little ways drinking their coffee and doing more shopping for cars they don't need, shoes they will never wear, books they will probably not even read. Why can't more people understand that if they bought one less cup of coffee a week, bought one less magazine a week, one less manicure a month, eat out once time less a month.....they would be helping.
Can people do more? Can I do more? Yes. Definitely. But something is better than nothing. And maybe, just maybe, doing something small will spark a desire to do more. In the meantime, while I struggle with trying to understand how so many people can not care, I will continue to spread the word. Hopefully I can get through to someone.
"....once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do.
God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls,
knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act."
Proverbs 24:12
There are so many people who think that my passion about the orphan crisis is a sweet "stage" I am going through. They can't even begin to understand where I am coming from. I have always wanted to help children who need families my whole life, but until recently I had no idea how BIG of a problem it is. Now that I know what I know, I can't turn my head. I can't just say "Wow, that is so sad" and then walk away. I know I can't "fix" it, like I always try to do with every other problem that comes my way. This is definitely different. But just helping one orphan get food and healthcare, or better yet...a forever family to come home to, helps.
I look at my children, and my heart is overjoyed. They are loved...so very well loved. They are happy, they smile and laugh, and give out hugs and kisses constantly. They are tender spirits who love everyone and everything. They know that the person missing a leg is special, because God chose them to be that way to serve his purpose. They know that God loves everyone equally, and He made everyone different in different ways. Some ways you can see on the outside, and some ways you can't see. They are smart, and funny, and I could go on forever about them. They are well fed, well clothed, are played with, have warm comfortable beds to sleep in. They are truly blessed, and even more than that.....I am truly blessed to have them. They are the best gift from God ever.
But I also look at them and wonder....why? Why do my children deserve such love when there are millions of children who don't get that? Don't get me wrong...as a mother, of COURSE I think my children are special enough to get what they get. I wouldn't settle for anything less for them. But what makes it okay for all the orphans to not be treated the way all of God's children deserve to be treated? Why do so many people turn their heads? If I can help feed them, or help get them home to families, why would I not?? How can someone in good conscious hear the details of the orphan crisis, and then walk away? How can a parent do that? I don't understand. I can't begin to wrap my head around it.
It makes me cry that there are so many people who say "How sad", and then go on their merry little ways drinking their coffee and doing more shopping for cars they don't need, shoes they will never wear, books they will probably not even read. Why can't more people understand that if they bought one less cup of coffee a week, bought one less magazine a week, one less manicure a month, eat out once time less a month.....they would be helping.
Can people do more? Can I do more? Yes. Definitely. But something is better than nothing. And maybe, just maybe, doing something small will spark a desire to do more. In the meantime, while I struggle with trying to understand how so many people can not care, I will continue to spread the word. Hopefully I can get through to someone.
God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls,
knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act."
Proverbs 24:12
Monday, October 12, 2009
Update
It has been a chaotic couple of days. Friday we left home to head to Tillamook, where hubby and I were taking a guide out fishing on Saturday. Grandma came along to watch the kids in the hotel while we were gone. It really was a ton of fun. It was just the three of us on the boat, and he was a super nice guy. We caught a couple beautiful Coho Salmon, one of them the biggest I had ever seen, (big enough we all thought it was a Chinook at the time), but they were wild and not hatchery so we couldn't keep them. Hubby hooked a couple Chinook that got off, hence is the nature of fishing. No fresh salmon to take home to eat, but at least it was fun. The weather was about as gorgeous as you could ask for in October on the Oregon Coast, and the Dramine worked. I didn't get seasick at all! :) I guess it helped that God was really helping a girl out....the ocean was about as flat as it gets that close to shore, even the guide commented how unusually calm the water was. :)
We just hung out in Tillamook after fishing, stayed one more night at the hotel, and headed home to watch some football and try to relax yesterday. Well, it ended up not being a very relaxing day, but hey....we all have those days, right? :)
On other fronts, last week I got some very discouraging feedback about a few things I had been working on. I'll give you more information in the future, but a prayer that God helps us to stay focused on the path He has chosen would be greatly appreciated.
Of course I can not make a post without mentioning the orphan crisis and pointing out another fabulous family trying to make an impact. They are trying to adopt from Ethiopia and are gathering funds to get their dossier ready to send off. At least head over there and take a look. Maybe even send someone you know to their blog to read about them. You never know who may be moved to help a family help an orphan come home to a loving forever family! And really, just helping ONE orphan makes a difference.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
147 Million Orphans
~Every day 5,760 more children become orphans.
~There are an estimated 14 Million AIDS orphans in Africa alone.
~Each YEAR 14,505,000 orphans age out of the system.
~Each DAY 38,493 orphans age out of system.
~Every SECOND 2.2 orphans age out without every having a forever family to love them the way they deserve.
"...once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our soul, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act."
Proverbs 24:12
Click on the logo below to check out this wonderful site to bring light to the orphan crisis. Their products help families fund their adoptions, and feed starving children in Uganda, Africa.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Help an Orphan!
Starting now, you will start to see a lot of stuff about orphans, the orphan crisis in the world, and links to blogs of families that are trying to adopt. I hope and pray that you will be just as moved by this as I have been. Anything helps. Prayers are needed, money to help fund adoptions, or feed orphans, or even just spreading the word.
This first blog I am linking to is the Walser family. They have just started out in their adoption journey and are selling absolutely adorable T-Shirts to try to raise the funds for their home study fee. Stop by and check their blog out!
This first blog I am linking to is the Walser family. They have just started out in their adoption journey and are selling absolutely adorable T-Shirts to try to raise the funds for their home study fee. Stop by and check their blog out!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Words to live by
Happy moments, praise God
Difficult moments, seek God
Quiet moments, worship God
Painful moments, trust God
Every moment, thank God
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Not merely coincidence....
I have had this "idea" swirling in my head for quite a while now. Going all the way back to when I was still just in high school. The last month or so, it has really been pressing on my mind and heart. I feel like I truly struggle at knowing what God wants me to do and that path He wants me to take. But I feel I may be close to figuring it out. I think maybe I am on the right path. A friend who got a special phone call which brought this feeling in my heart back to the forefront, a link to a blog to read, which lead to more blogs to read, which leave to "meeting" people, which leads to driving by a sign on a church yesterday that said...."Where God guides, He will provide." And it all ties in to the "idea" swirling, that I am trying to wrap my mind around, and put it into logical steps. Maybe, just maybe, this is possible and I haven't truly lost my mind. :)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
My children melt my heart!!
(This is a duplicate post from the kids' page....sorry, but I was so happy I had to share twice!)
For as long as I can remember, whenever the kids go to put clothes on that don't fit any longer, I take them and put them in a box. I then tell the children that those clothes are going to babies or younger children who don't have clothes that fit them, and really need some. As soon as I got busted taking toys from their room, I told them the same thing. They had so many toys and there were children in the world who didn't have any, so let's share our toys. When we were moving last year, I even sat toys out and asked the kids to pick out what toys they wanted to share with others and what ones they wanted to keep. And they probably willingly gave away more than half of what I was hoping to.
A few weeks ago, Jazmine even came with me when I took a few boxes of food, clothes, & toys to the Union Gospel Mission. She was so very excited to be giving to these children she always hears about. The absolute heartbreak on her face when she realized she couldn't personally hand them to the children broke my heart. I explained to her that the wonderful nice gentleman that we did give the things to will take good care of them and make sure the kids get everything. After a few minutes of talking, she was okay again, and couldn't stop talking about the nice man helping her to help the kids. (Absolutely melts my heart!!)
Yesterday, totally out of the blue, Jazmine and Isaac both started putting books and toys on my kitchen counter. Needless to say, I was confused. I asked why they were doing that, (because they know better...LOL) and Jazmine looked at me with those big blue eyes and said...."These are books and toys for other kids who don't have any." And Isaac said... "I am going to go get more books!" Pretty impressive for 2 and 3.
Now, I know I am not perfect, and some days I would tell you I don't think I am even that good of a mom, and God must of made his first mistake when he made me a mommy....but when those children were going through their room and putting toys on my counter for me to give away, it gave me goosebumps to think that maybe, just maybe, I am doing okay. :)
For as long as I can remember, whenever the kids go to put clothes on that don't fit any longer, I take them and put them in a box. I then tell the children that those clothes are going to babies or younger children who don't have clothes that fit them, and really need some. As soon as I got busted taking toys from their room, I told them the same thing. They had so many toys and there were children in the world who didn't have any, so let's share our toys. When we were moving last year, I even sat toys out and asked the kids to pick out what toys they wanted to share with others and what ones they wanted to keep. And they probably willingly gave away more than half of what I was hoping to.
A few weeks ago, Jazmine even came with me when I took a few boxes of food, clothes, & toys to the Union Gospel Mission. She was so very excited to be giving to these children she always hears about. The absolute heartbreak on her face when she realized she couldn't personally hand them to the children broke my heart. I explained to her that the wonderful nice gentleman that we did give the things to will take good care of them and make sure the kids get everything. After a few minutes of talking, she was okay again, and couldn't stop talking about the nice man helping her to help the kids. (Absolutely melts my heart!!)
Yesterday, totally out of the blue, Jazmine and Isaac both started putting books and toys on my kitchen counter. Needless to say, I was confused. I asked why they were doing that, (because they know better...LOL) and Jazmine looked at me with those big blue eyes and said...."These are books and toys for other kids who don't have any." And Isaac said... "I am going to go get more books!" Pretty impressive for 2 and 3.
Now, I know I am not perfect, and some days I would tell you I don't think I am even that good of a mom, and God must of made his first mistake when he made me a mommy....but when those children were going through their room and putting toys on my counter for me to give away, it gave me goosebumps to think that maybe, just maybe, I am doing okay. :)
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