Other than the sound of televisions and red lights buzzing above doorways to alert nurses, the hallways were silent. A few stragglers in wheelchairs awkwardly push themselves up and down and up and down, simply to escape the four tiny walls which make up the only home they know. One or two sit on benches--having endless conversations with the air. And another precious one rocks endlessly on a wooden rocking chair to self-soothe. This is their reality.
In the quiet of the night, I heard her. I made my way down the hallway to find where the sound was coming from. I opened her door to find her there—sitting in the corner of her room, hunched over, tears streaming down her delicate, time-worn face. I rushed over to help, not quite knowing what to do…other than love.
“Are you okay,” I asked (choking back tears myself). “I need to get to the bathroom, but I can’t get up. My legs hurt too much and my body won’t move,” she managed to say through her tears.
Ever so slowly, together we made our way to the bathrooms across the hallway—one agonizing step at a time. I held onto her frail 97-year-old body with all the gentleness and tenderness I could muster, guiding her every step of the way. Tears continued to pour down her beautiful face as she begged for mercy.
I ached. I felt completely helpless to take the agonizing, crippling pain away from her.
After what felt like forever, we reached the bathroom and my new friend was finally able to get some much needed relief. As I removed her disposable adult diaper and began to clean her up, tears continued to flow down both of our faces. My heart overflowed with thankfulness that I was able to simply love (when I had no idea how to physically care for her many needs).
Through this precious life, in that very moment, God began to break my heart for something which broke His in two. The eyes of my heart began to open to a desperate reality that I never really gave much thought to. The widow who lies alone in a facility all day, every day. The acutely aware lady with Down syndrome locked away in the Alzheimer’s unit of that same facility. The abandoned!
Gently and with absolute caution to not tear her already paper-thin skin, I continued wiping, cleaning and reassuring my tiny little friend that everything was fine and how much I truly loved helping her—how it was a joy to help her feel clean again.
From behind her sobs and pleas for help, she looked into my eyes. “Please, can you do me a favor?”
“Absolutely! Anything,” I said.
“Please can you pray with me that Jesus would take me home soon? I am ready to meet my Savior face-to-face. I am so tired of the constant pain. I am longing to see my husband again.”
My tears flowed freely as I promised to pray.
I never told her that I was a Christian. Never shared my faith. Sometimes no words are necessary. By our fruit they shall know us, the Bible tells us. (Matthew 7:16)
This week has been such a huge eye-opener for me. My heart has shattered into a million pieces as I have spent my evenings helping out at a long-term care facility. I shared on Facebook earlier in the week that I totally get it now. I really do! I get why the Lord put “widow” and “orphan” together in one passage of Scripture (James 1:27). I get why He commanded us to care for them both.
Both the orphan and the widow (many of them like children themselves) understand something that few of our hearts can fathom…abandonment. They know what it feels like to be left behind.
Sometimes I get so focused on the orphan and doing everything I possibly can to help them that I forget. I forget about the dear souls who live so near to me and who would love nothing more than a visit. I learned this week about the many, many who never, ever get one single visitor. Some have family members who live in other states, others have family who just could not be bothered, and then there are some who have outlived every single family member and will die alone. My sweet friend last night told me that she has outlived her siblings, her husband and his siblings, and even her own children. She has not one single person in the world who can visit her. Can you imagine? I simply cannot fathom living in the same tiny, dreary room for twelve long years and not having a single visitor. I too would be begging the Father to take me home.
I felt convicted, friends. Convicted that I so comfortably live in my four walls and so easily forget about the lost and the desperately lonely. Are we not commanded to visit the widow and the orphan? Some translations say to “care for” and to “look after.” While at the nursing home this week, I counted. I counted the number of visitors who came to visit the residents on the floor I was on. ONE! One person came the entire week.
Oh my!
I am guilty. Some days I feel so desperate when I read about all the heartache in the world and wish that we could take our family back out on the mission field. We miss those days. I wish that we could serve the Lord with all our hearts in some faraway land and make a profound difference—like just being anywhere but here will make me feel like I’m doing it, you know?
This week I needed a healthy dose of perspective, and I sure did get it. Yes, faraway lands need the body of Christ to come and share the Good News with them…but so do those who are locked up in long-term care facilities (or are stuck at home and unable to go out, or just plain hurting) right here on our doorstep. We don’t even need to travel five miles away to make a profound difference in the life of another human being. And let me tell you, they are so, so desperate for someone to come. I saw it with my own two eyes this week.
I get so tired of living in my little bubble. I go to church and get filled right up to overflowing each and every Sunday…and forget to pour it back out for the sake of someone who needs it. I am called (commanded!) to BE the hands and feet of Jesus on the earth. I am called to DO the hard things, love when I don't feel like it, give freely, and live sacrificially.
I am guilty of not fulfilling the greatest command Jesus gave us. I am tired of my petty excuses. Jesus said to love my neighbor…when I feel like it, and when I don’t, when I’m too tired to think about taking on one more burden, when I’m consumed with worry and concern over all the things going wrong in my own life, and when I feel like I’m running on empty and simply cannot give one more little piece of myself..."Love the Lord your God with all your heart…and love your neighbor as yourself.”
I fail. I get so caught up in my here and now existence. I forget that the reality of my concerns and my problems is that they truly are not all that bad...because just down the street is someone else who is in a far worse situation than I am in.
Thank you, my beautiful new friend, for ministering to my heart and for showing me, once again, what truly matters in this life.
I pray that I never forget!
January 28, 2012
January 26, 2012
a little girl with a huge heart
Update: The e-mail address for Lynsay at the bottom of this post was incorrect. Sorry for the error. It is now fixed.
Several years ago I met an incredible missionary family via my blog. Lynsay and her precious family of four had been living in Asia for a few years and I was so deeply touched by the impact they were having on the many children who found their way into their home. Shortly after I began following their journey, a very sweet little girl ended up in their care.
Oh my goodness! I cried many tears as I read about her daily struggles and the many obstacles which she faced. I felt such a connection to this sweet one. In many ways she reminded me of our Haven and what she could possibly have been like when she was little. Having a heart for children who are severely delayed, I was so moved by her story and often found myself wondering if a family would ever go and adopt this little lovie.
Recently Lynsay contacted me and told me that they have finally been given permission to find sweet Corrie a family! After years of prayer and trusting the Lord to make a way for Corrie to get all the medical attention she desperately needs, they have been given the green light to advocate for her. Paperwork is being put together and this precious little girl, who has absolutely zero hope of getting the medical attention she so urgently requires in her home country, is finally being given HOPE!
As with our darling little David, right now Corrie is not listed on any waiting child sites. Her adorable little face is not out there (yet!). Her family has no hope of finding her. Which brings me to you, the amazing people who read here. Corrie needs our help! Would you be willing to help Lynsay advocate for Corrie? We need as many people as possible to share her story wherever possible. It is the only way she will be found! Knowing her country and the way things work there, Corrie will have one shot at being adopted. This is her chance.
From Lynsay (who has cared for and cherished Corrie since she was just a baby):
Writing to describe Corrie in an email, for a blog post, seems almost impossible. I may be able to write eloquently on occasion, but finding words to describe this precious girl escape me, I think perhaps because there just are no words.
In one word she is amazing, but that doesn’t cover it.
If it was only me describing her as such I would expect you would think my words probably come from the heart of a mother who loves their children unconditionally, and you would be right, BUT it isn’t just me, there is a huge long list of people who would describe her as such, and I have that list.
Corrie’s history is complex and in places unknown. She came to us when she was approximately 10 months old. She had septicemia originating from a complicated kidney infection, she was near death and gasping when she arrived at the hospital. She was starving and weighed a mere 3kgs.
After 2 months in the hospital, and several month of rehabilitation at home she began gaining weight and growing. Still she had multiple complicated medical problems ongoing.
Corrie’s struggles and medical problems throughout the years have continued to cause problems. Many times it has been three steps forward, five backwards. She has struggled with illness and faced multiple surgeries to repair her imperforate anus.
Through it all she has kept her bright smile and infectious laughter. Everyone who meets her loves her as she never has anything but smiles for anyone she meets.
Her current medical situation is complicated. She is 3.5 years old and has severe delays. She is small, about the size of some of our 2 year olds. Her chromosome panel came back normal BUT every medical professional suspects a chromosomal problem. She appears at first glance to have either Down Syndrome OR Turner’s syndrome however her chromosomes are normal.
Her needs include physical therapy, rehab, ongoing support for her multiple medical needs including imperforate anus, and developmental and speech therapy. We do suspect she is deaf and have been trying to have this evaluated but it has been very difficult to get here.
Corrie needs a family, she deserves a family, and any family would be blessed to have her as their daughter. If we didn't live here, we would adopt her in a heartbeat, but she needs more than we can give. We can't give her the health care and therapy she needs here, it just isn't available. Our lives have been dramatically changed by this little girl.
Corrie's file is being prepared by her orphanage. Corrie needs a serious family, and she needs them ASAP. She doesn't have time to wait much longer here, preferably she needs a family who are close to being able to submit a dossier.
This is an urgent situation. Every day she is here and not getting the help she needs precious time is being wasted. Her doctors have all agreed wholeheartedly and have said she needs to get to America ASAP.
Please help Corrie to find her forever family!
UPDATE: The latest on how Corrie is doing...
"She is amazing and changing so much I tell you! Amazing to see. She is feeding herself (HUGE feat!) she is starting to sign. She signs that she loves me when she sees me then giggles because she thinks it is so cool. She says hello by giving someone a hug, but then she wants to come back to me, it isn't like she has no fear of people, that is just how she says hello! She is AWARE of everything going on around her!"
What a beautiful little girl who is so deserving of family (as is every child!). If anyone would like more information on Corrie and her adoption, please contact Lynsay at mspnews@gmail.com. Please can we ask that only those who are serious about adopting Corrie inquire at this time. Thanks.
Thank you so very much for helping to share Corrie's story wherever you can. I cannot even begin to tell you how much it means to me. Like our Haven, I believe with all my heart that Corrie is going to blossom and grow in leaps and bounds once she is home. I know that she will astound everyone with just how far she will come. All she needs is a loving family who is willing to GO.
Thank you for trusting and believing with us that Corrie WILL find a family.
~~~~~~~
Several years ago I met an incredible missionary family via my blog. Lynsay and her precious family of four had been living in Asia for a few years and I was so deeply touched by the impact they were having on the many children who found their way into their home. Shortly after I began following their journey, a very sweet little girl ended up in their care.
Oh my goodness! I cried many tears as I read about her daily struggles and the many obstacles which she faced. I felt such a connection to this sweet one. In many ways she reminded me of our Haven and what she could possibly have been like when she was little. Having a heart for children who are severely delayed, I was so moved by her story and often found myself wondering if a family would ever go and adopt this little lovie.
Recently Lynsay contacted me and told me that they have finally been given permission to find sweet Corrie a family! After years of prayer and trusting the Lord to make a way for Corrie to get all the medical attention she desperately needs, they have been given the green light to advocate for her. Paperwork is being put together and this precious little girl, who has absolutely zero hope of getting the medical attention she so urgently requires in her home country, is finally being given HOPE!
As with our darling little David, right now Corrie is not listed on any waiting child sites. Her adorable little face is not out there (yet!). Her family has no hope of finding her. Which brings me to you, the amazing people who read here. Corrie needs our help! Would you be willing to help Lynsay advocate for Corrie? We need as many people as possible to share her story wherever possible. It is the only way she will be found! Knowing her country and the way things work there, Corrie will have one shot at being adopted. This is her chance.
~~~~~~
From Lynsay (who has cared for and cherished Corrie since she was just a baby):
Writing to describe Corrie in an email, for a blog post, seems almost impossible. I may be able to write eloquently on occasion, but finding words to describe this precious girl escape me, I think perhaps because there just are no words.
In one word she is amazing, but that doesn’t cover it.
If it was only me describing her as such I would expect you would think my words probably come from the heart of a mother who loves their children unconditionally, and you would be right, BUT it isn’t just me, there is a huge long list of people who would describe her as such, and I have that list.
Corrie’s history is complex and in places unknown. She came to us when she was approximately 10 months old. She had septicemia originating from a complicated kidney infection, she was near death and gasping when she arrived at the hospital. She was starving and weighed a mere 3kgs.
After 2 months in the hospital, and several month of rehabilitation at home she began gaining weight and growing. Still she had multiple complicated medical problems ongoing.
Corrie’s struggles and medical problems throughout the years have continued to cause problems. Many times it has been three steps forward, five backwards. She has struggled with illness and faced multiple surgeries to repair her imperforate anus.
Through it all she has kept her bright smile and infectious laughter. Everyone who meets her loves her as she never has anything but smiles for anyone she meets.
Her current medical situation is complicated. She is 3.5 years old and has severe delays. She is small, about the size of some of our 2 year olds. Her chromosome panel came back normal BUT every medical professional suspects a chromosomal problem. She appears at first glance to have either Down Syndrome OR Turner’s syndrome however her chromosomes are normal.
Her needs include physical therapy, rehab, ongoing support for her multiple medical needs including imperforate anus, and developmental and speech therapy. We do suspect she is deaf and have been trying to have this evaluated but it has been very difficult to get here.
Corrie needs a family, she deserves a family, and any family would be blessed to have her as their daughter. If we didn't live here, we would adopt her in a heartbeat, but she needs more than we can give. We can't give her the health care and therapy she needs here, it just isn't available. Our lives have been dramatically changed by this little girl.
Corrie's file is being prepared by her orphanage. Corrie needs a serious family, and she needs them ASAP. She doesn't have time to wait much longer here, preferably she needs a family who are close to being able to submit a dossier.
This is an urgent situation. Every day she is here and not getting the help she needs precious time is being wasted. Her doctors have all agreed wholeheartedly and have said she needs to get to America ASAP.
Please help Corrie to find her forever family!
~~~~~~~
UPDATE: The latest on how Corrie is doing...
"She is amazing and changing so much I tell you! Amazing to see. She is feeding herself (HUGE feat!) she is starting to sign. She signs that she loves me when she sees me then giggles because she thinks it is so cool. She says hello by giving someone a hug, but then she wants to come back to me, it isn't like she has no fear of people, that is just how she says hello! She is AWARE of everything going on around her!"
What a beautiful little girl who is so deserving of family (as is every child!). If anyone would like more information on Corrie and her adoption, please contact Lynsay at mspnews@gmail.com. Please can we ask that only those who are serious about adopting Corrie inquire at this time. Thanks.
Thank you so very much for helping to share Corrie's story wherever you can. I cannot even begin to tell you how much it means to me. Like our Haven, I believe with all my heart that Corrie is going to blossom and grow in leaps and bounds once she is home. I know that she will astound everyone with just how far she will come. All she needs is a loving family who is willing to GO.
Thank you for trusting and believing with us that Corrie WILL find a family.
January 24, 2012
almost $1000 up for grabs!
Okay, friends. God truly is so, so good to care for the orphan. I sit here astounded at how He mobilizes His glorious army when there is a need. It really is true, you know...God calls one family to bring a child home, but He calls all of us to rally in support!
We can ALL do something to ensure that there is one less orphan in the world.
This morning I have two more amazing gift cards to add to this fundraiser to help 18 families who are working hard to bring their precious children home.
Up for grabs now are:
I have decided to extend the giveaway. You will have until February, 01 to enter.
How do you enter into the drawing for one of these gift cards? Easy! Click on the thumbnails below and read the stories--read about the children these families are rescuing and the urgent need they have for finances to complete their adoptions. Some of them are already in country and many are traveling very soon to adopt their children. Many of these sweet angels have profound special needs and are in desperate need of medical care. Find a family who touches your heart and make a minimum donation of $10 to that family (via the donation button on their blog). Then, come back here and leave me a comment on this post telling me which family you chose to help.
*** Please make sure you leave a comment to be included in the drawing.
WE NEED TO SPREAD THE WORD AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE! RECEIVE A FREE ENTRY WHEN YOU SHARE THIS LINK ON YOUR FACEBOOK OR BLOG! JUST BE SURE TO LEAVE ME A COMMENT LETTING ME KNOW THAT YOU SHARED.
We can ALL do something to ensure that there is one less orphan in the world.
This morning I have two more amazing gift cards to add to this fundraiser to help 18 families who are working hard to bring their precious children home.
Up for grabs now are:
A $200 Walmart gift card.
A $250 Walmart gift card.
A $250 Visa gift card.
A $250 Walmart gift card.
That's almost $1000 worth of gift cards to benefit children who are being rescued from situations our hearts cannot fathom. Awesome, huh?
I have decided to extend the giveaway. You will have until February, 01 to enter.
How do you enter into the drawing for one of these gift cards? Easy! Click on the thumbnails below and read the stories--read about the children these families are rescuing and the urgent need they have for finances to complete their adoptions. Some of them are already in country and many are traveling very soon to adopt their children. Many of these sweet angels have profound special needs and are in desperate need of medical care. Find a family who touches your heart and make a minimum donation of $10 to that family (via the donation button on their blog). Then, come back here and leave me a comment on this post telling me which family you chose to help.
*** Please make sure you leave a comment to be included in the drawing.
Please, go and sow seed on fertile soil...help save the life of a child by bringing them into a family!
January 23, 2012
tidbits and total randomness
It was so much fun reading all your questions here. Oh my! You guys are going to keep me busy for a very long time--I have tons to answer. It will be a joy!
One of the things a few people said was, "We want to know more about YOU!"
I thought about that this weekend. I guess that as much as I try to share here about my life, my family, my journey in the Lord, and my daily stuff, well, there is always so much more that you don't know about me. I always think there are so many more important things to share about than me and my not-so-very-interesting life all the time.
But since you asked, today I thought I would fill you in on a few extra, totally random, little tidbits about me and what makes me tick.
~~~ I HATE snakes. Like, really hate them! They were cursed to the ground for a reason as far as I'm concerned. I just see one and every single hair on my body stands up on end. Yuck. Spiders follow a close second.
~~~ Fast driving freaks me out.
~~~ I don't know about that growing old gracefully thing. How in the world do you even do that? I have no idea how I got to be this old this quickly. I feel like I was 18 just a few years ago...but the mirror is telling me a whole new story these days.
~~~ I have been a vegetarian for 24 years. It is just a way of life for me and I never even think about eating meat. I do cook it for my family, but much of what we eat is vegetarian. Many of you asked me to share what we eat, and I will absolutely begin to do that soon.
~~~ I will never do yoga. Period.
~~~ I absolutely love rain.
~~~ If I had to live my life all over and choose a career again...I'd be a mom.
~~~ I am as crazy about Anthony today as I was the day we married almost 15 years ago. I adore my husband. He still makes my knees go weak.
~~~ Integrity is so important to me. Our yes must always be yes.
~~~ I don't watch R-rated movies. If it's not good enough for a child to watch, then it's not good enough for me either.
~~~ I love getting into bed and having clean sheets. If I had time, I would wash our sheets every single day.
~~~ I absolutely HAVE to bath before I get into bed at night. Zero exceptions.
~~~ I fail more times than I can count. So thankful for God's grace and mercies which are new every morning.
~~~ I love hot tea with milk. Iced tea is positively awful.
~~~ For almost 15 years Anthony has made our bed every single morning. Works great for me. Rocking husband!
~~~ Cadbury's chocolate is just my thing.
~~~ I miss my family in South Africa something ridiculous. I have been gone for ten years, and it still does not get easier. Thankfully, God has been so gracious to allow me to see them every couple of years. For that I am so, so thankful.
~~~ Once upon a time I was a make up artist. I loved it. Giving busy moms tips on how to look the best they could for their husbands was so much fun--because I think it's important.
~~~ I'm obsessed about all things colorful. The colors of the walls in our home change frequently. Truth be told, I probably paint our walls more in one year than most people paint in a lifetime. Right now turquoise, orange and yellow are my colors of choice. My dear husband gave up a very long time ago. "Rather a paint fetish than diamonds," I tell him. Dude cannot argue with that.
~~~ I used to change my hair color just as much as the color of the wall in our homes. But then I got older (and maybe just a tad wiser too).
~~~ Artichokes are totally revolting.
~~~ This is the first year that I can vote 'cause I'm an American now. It's been rather interesting. I have never paid much attention to politics. I usually leave that to my hubby. But this year is so different--I have been taking it all in--watching, seeing what happens, and trying to make an educated decision about who I feel is the best man for the job of president. One thing I do not get is how nasty politics gets. Oh my word! That and how billions of dollars get spent on campaigning alone...when our desperate neighbors on the other side of the ocean are literally starving to death even as I write this. Those billions of dollars could feed hundreds of villages. To me, something seems so very wrong with it. One thing I do know is that my vote will never go to anyone who does not passionately protect the lives of unborn children!
~~~ Sometimes I look at pregnant moms and my heart longs for another baby in my womb. I feel sad that I can never experience the miracle of pregnancy again. But then I look at the seven beautiful blessings whom I have been loaned for such a temporary time here on this earth, and I feel so, so exceedingly blessed.
~~~ I have two tattoos.
~~~ A pet peeve? People who leave shopping carts in the middle of no man's land when the sign kindly says PLEASE RETURN YOUR CART HERE. I think it's inconsiderate. I teach my kids kids to always take the cart back--no matter how far away we are parked...simply because the store asked us to.
~~~ I so miss having a mom.
~~~ I couldn't have cared less about football a short while ago. But this season we have all fallen in love with Tim Tebow. Now I think I may possibly be a Broncos fan. My kids think it's hilarious that I didn't give the game two minutes of my time two months ago, but now I think I'm kinda liking it. Crazy how life changes. Although, if I had to choose, I'd still pick rugby any day.
~~~ I would absolutely love a country home. I'm beginning to think that I'll have to wait for heaven to get it though.
~~~ I lie in bed in the wee hours of the night thinking about what can be done to save the lives of more and more orphans.
~~~ Skiing is my worst! I tried it once and counted the minutes for it to be over. Spending hours on my butt in the snow was not my idea of fun. You can totally have it, thank you very much. Give me the beach any day.
~~~ I wanted two children. Anthony wanted four (I told him he was completely out of his mind!). Now we have seven. I guess God's ways are definitely not our ways. Whew!
~~~ I love bright pink, salad and Indian food (not together), my heated blanket, fleecy sheets, beautiful perfumes, sunflowers, sandals, brightly painted toenails, seeing children find their forever families, a neat home, good friends, sleeping in, cozy slippers, summer days, veggies on the grill, date nights with my love, and reading a wonderful novel. These are a few of my favorite things.
~~~ I have tasted and seen that the LORD is good.
There you have it. These are a few of the things that make me me.
Lots more answered questions to follow in the weeks to come.
One of the things a few people said was, "We want to know more about YOU!"
I thought about that this weekend. I guess that as much as I try to share here about my life, my family, my journey in the Lord, and my daily stuff, well, there is always so much more that you don't know about me. I always think there are so many more important things to share about than me and my not-so-very-interesting life all the time.
But since you asked, today I thought I would fill you in on a few extra, totally random, little tidbits about me and what makes me tick.
~~~ I HATE snakes. Like, really hate them! They were cursed to the ground for a reason as far as I'm concerned. I just see one and every single hair on my body stands up on end. Yuck. Spiders follow a close second.
~~~ Fast driving freaks me out.
~~~ I don't know about that growing old gracefully thing. How in the world do you even do that? I have no idea how I got to be this old this quickly. I feel like I was 18 just a few years ago...but the mirror is telling me a whole new story these days.
~~~ I have been a vegetarian for 24 years. It is just a way of life for me and I never even think about eating meat. I do cook it for my family, but much of what we eat is vegetarian. Many of you asked me to share what we eat, and I will absolutely begin to do that soon.
~~~ I will never do yoga. Period.
~~~ I absolutely love rain.
~~~ If I had to live my life all over and choose a career again...I'd be a mom.
~~~ I am as crazy about Anthony today as I was the day we married almost 15 years ago. I adore my husband. He still makes my knees go weak.
~~~ Integrity is so important to me. Our yes must always be yes.
~~~ I don't watch R-rated movies. If it's not good enough for a child to watch, then it's not good enough for me either.
~~~ I love getting into bed and having clean sheets. If I had time, I would wash our sheets every single day.
~~~ I absolutely HAVE to bath before I get into bed at night. Zero exceptions.
~~~ I fail more times than I can count. So thankful for God's grace and mercies which are new every morning.
~~~ I love hot tea with milk. Iced tea is positively awful.
~~~ For almost 15 years Anthony has made our bed every single morning. Works great for me. Rocking husband!
~~~ Cadbury's chocolate is just my thing.
~~~ I miss my family in South Africa something ridiculous. I have been gone for ten years, and it still does not get easier. Thankfully, God has been so gracious to allow me to see them every couple of years. For that I am so, so thankful.
~~~ Once upon a time I was a make up artist. I loved it. Giving busy moms tips on how to look the best they could for their husbands was so much fun--because I think it's important.
~~~ I'm obsessed about all things colorful. The colors of the walls in our home change frequently. Truth be told, I probably paint our walls more in one year than most people paint in a lifetime. Right now turquoise, orange and yellow are my colors of choice. My dear husband gave up a very long time ago. "Rather a paint fetish than diamonds," I tell him. Dude cannot argue with that.
~~~ I used to change my hair color just as much as the color of the wall in our homes. But then I got older (and maybe just a tad wiser too).
~~~ Artichokes are totally revolting.
~~~ This is the first year that I can vote 'cause I'm an American now. It's been rather interesting. I have never paid much attention to politics. I usually leave that to my hubby. But this year is so different--I have been taking it all in--watching, seeing what happens, and trying to make an educated decision about who I feel is the best man for the job of president. One thing I do not get is how nasty politics gets. Oh my word! That and how billions of dollars get spent on campaigning alone...when our desperate neighbors on the other side of the ocean are literally starving to death even as I write this. Those billions of dollars could feed hundreds of villages. To me, something seems so very wrong with it. One thing I do know is that my vote will never go to anyone who does not passionately protect the lives of unborn children!
~~~ Sometimes I look at pregnant moms and my heart longs for another baby in my womb. I feel sad that I can never experience the miracle of pregnancy again. But then I look at the seven beautiful blessings whom I have been loaned for such a temporary time here on this earth, and I feel so, so exceedingly blessed.
~~~ I have two tattoos.
~~~ A pet peeve? People who leave shopping carts in the middle of no man's land when the sign kindly says PLEASE RETURN YOUR CART HERE. I think it's inconsiderate. I teach my kids kids to always take the cart back--no matter how far away we are parked...simply because the store asked us to.
~~~ I so miss having a mom.
~~~ I couldn't have cared less about football a short while ago. But this season we have all fallen in love with Tim Tebow. Now I think I may possibly be a Broncos fan. My kids think it's hilarious that I didn't give the game two minutes of my time two months ago, but now I think I'm kinda liking it. Crazy how life changes. Although, if I had to choose, I'd still pick rugby any day.
~~~ I would absolutely love a country home. I'm beginning to think that I'll have to wait for heaven to get it though.
~~~ I lie in bed in the wee hours of the night thinking about what can be done to save the lives of more and more orphans.
~~~ Skiing is my worst! I tried it once and counted the minutes for it to be over. Spending hours on my butt in the snow was not my idea of fun. You can totally have it, thank you very much. Give me the beach any day.
~~~ I wanted two children. Anthony wanted four (I told him he was completely out of his mind!). Now we have seven. I guess God's ways are definitely not our ways. Whew!
~~~ I love bright pink, salad and Indian food (not together), my heated blanket, fleecy sheets, beautiful perfumes, sunflowers, sandals, brightly painted toenails, seeing children find their forever families, a neat home, good friends, sleeping in, cozy slippers, summer days, veggies on the grill, date nights with my love, and reading a wonderful novel. These are a few of my favorite things.
~~~ I have tasted and seen that the LORD is good.
There you have it. These are a few of the things that make me me.
Lots more answered questions to follow in the weeks to come.
January 21, 2012
do you have a story to share?
Next month Anthony will begin a series on his blog on a subject which is silently devastating more families and people than we could ever imagine. Internet sex. God has put it on my hubby's heart to address this issue and shine LIGHT into the ever-increasing darkness.
Perhaps one of you (or someone you know) has a story to share with Anthony?
From Anthony:
"In preparing for the series next month on internet sex, I am looking for stories from married people who have been devastated by this, either from falling into the sin themselves or from having a spouse who did.
If you would like to share how internet sex has destroyed (or nearly destroyed) your family, please send them to my email address at salem.private@yahoo.com. And know that all stories I publish would be posted as from "Anonymous."
Thank you for your help."
If you are a prayer warrior, please trust with us that God will give Anthony the right words to share and that many, many would be set free from this addiction that no one is willing to talk about. Thanks!
Perhaps one of you (or someone you know) has a story to share with Anthony?
From Anthony:
"In preparing for the series next month on internet sex, I am looking for stories from married people who have been devastated by this, either from falling into the sin themselves or from having a spouse who did.
If you would like to share how internet sex has destroyed (or nearly destroyed) your family, please send them to my email address at salem.private@yahoo.com. And know that all stories I publish would be posted as from "Anonymous."
Thank you for your help."
If you are a prayer warrior, please trust with us that God will give Anthony the right words to share and that many, many would be set free from this addiction that no one is willing to talk about. Thanks!
January 20, 2012
so I was wondering...
I am finally starting to see light at the end of the tunnel--I have one more week of crazy night school left. Hallelujah! Oh my goodness gracious...I have been s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d in the last few weeks. It's true, you know...we absolutely CAN do all things through Christ who gives us strength!
So now I can finally start thinking past this month and planning ahead (because I'm a planner!). I have so many things on my heart and lots to share with you all in the month of February. But I was wondering if there was something you guys would really like for me to share about? Anything you're curious about or are just dying (not really!) to know? Are there things I have touched on in the past which, perhaps, you would like me to share more on?
Special needs?
Adoption?
My faith?
Homeschooling?
Balancing life (and how I sometimes get it all wrong)?
My days and how we roll?
What I feed my family?
Budgeting for a large family on a dime?
Now's your chance to let me know. You are welcome to ask me anything at all. Just leave a comment with your question, and I will be sure to start answering them next month.
Happy Friday, everyone.
So now I can finally start thinking past this month and planning ahead (because I'm a planner!). I have so many things on my heart and lots to share with you all in the month of February. But I was wondering if there was something you guys would really like for me to share about? Anything you're curious about or are just dying (not really!) to know? Are there things I have touched on in the past which, perhaps, you would like me to share more on?
Special needs?
Adoption?
My faith?
Homeschooling?
Balancing life (and how I sometimes get it all wrong)?
My days and how we roll?
What I feed my family?
Budgeting for a large family on a dime?
Now's your chance to let me know. You are welcome to ask me anything at all. Just leave a comment with your question, and I will be sure to start answering them next month.
Happy Friday, everyone.
January 18, 2012
thank you!
How can I ever thank you all enough for your amazing love poured out on these sweet families who are fundraising? You guys are so wonderful and your hearts so huge.
I have made a few changes to the list of families on the Linky. There was an error on one family's details and the link was going to the wrong place, so I finally fixed it. Darling little Nellie's thumbnail now goes directly to her family's blog.
Please keep sharing! I know that these funds are such a huge blessing to each one of these precious families who are truly trusting the Lord for each and every dollar they need to rescue their children. Thank you for being the body of Christ.
Some of you have written to tell me that you donated and left a comment, but don't see the comment here on my blog. Please know that I get every comment you make, but there is an on going glitch with the commenting system--some comments go to Disqus (which is visible to readers) and others go to the original Blogger commenting system which you cannot see. I wish I could figure out how to fix the problem, but I'm clueless with this stuff.
Winners of the two $250 Walmart gift cards will be chosen next Wednesday--so there is still lots of time to donate.
If you make a donation to any family, please be sure to leave a comment on this post to be entered into the drawing for the gift cards. Thanks.
PLEASE KEEP SHARING, DONATING, AND BEING A BLESSING TO A FAMILY NEEDING A HELPING HAND!
I have made a few changes to the list of families on the Linky. There was an error on one family's details and the link was going to the wrong place, so I finally fixed it. Darling little Nellie's thumbnail now goes directly to her family's blog.
Please keep sharing! I know that these funds are such a huge blessing to each one of these precious families who are truly trusting the Lord for each and every dollar they need to rescue their children. Thank you for being the body of Christ.
Some of you have written to tell me that you donated and left a comment, but don't see the comment here on my blog. Please know that I get every comment you make, but there is an on going glitch with the commenting system--some comments go to Disqus (which is visible to readers) and others go to the original Blogger commenting system which you cannot see. I wish I could figure out how to fix the problem, but I'm clueless with this stuff.
Winners of the two $250 Walmart gift cards will be chosen next Wednesday--so there is still lots of time to donate.
If you make a donation to any family, please be sure to leave a comment on this post to be entered into the drawing for the gift cards. Thanks.
PLEASE KEEP SHARING, DONATING, AND BEING A BLESSING TO A FAMILY NEEDING A HELPING HAND!
January 17, 2012
TWO $250 gift cards up for grabs!
Thank you so much to all of you who have either donated or shared the link to help these precious families who are working SO hard to bring their sweet lovies home from faraway lands. I cannot even tell you how much I appreciate it.
This morning one amazing blog friend has donated another $250 Walmart gift card!
So now we have TWO $250 gift cards up for grabs to two people who donate to any one of the families listed on this post. Please be sure to leave a comment on THIS post to let me know that you have donated--winners will be chosen from the comments.
I believe with all my heart...
~~~ That every now and then we could all use a helping hand--someone to come alongside us and say, "I'm here to help you cross the finish line."
~~~ That the body of Christ is here to support, encourage, and cheer one another on as we walk the roads less traveled.
~~~ That we can ALL do something to help families who are stepping out in faith to bring their children home. You don't have to adopt to make a profound difference in the life of a child.
~~~ That God is more than able to multiply the seed we sow! The tiniest of seed becomes something glorious--for His glory.
~~~ That adoption fundraising is a community effort.
LET'S HELP RESCUE THESE CHILDREN!
"Give, and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over." Luke 6:38
*** Please keep sharing this link! Let's believe for an overflowing abundance of finances for these families. God is able! Also, if anyone else would like to contribute a gift card of any kind, that would be such a huge blessing. Just let me know at nogreaterjoymom@gmail.com.
Have a blessed day, friends.
This morning one amazing blog friend has donated another $250 Walmart gift card!
So now we have TWO $250 gift cards up for grabs to two people who donate to any one of the families listed on this post. Please be sure to leave a comment on THIS post to let me know that you have donated--winners will be chosen from the comments.
~~~ That the body of Christ is here to support, encourage, and cheer one another on as we walk the roads less traveled.
~~~ That God is more than able to multiply the seed we sow! The tiniest of seed becomes something glorious--for His glory.
*** Please keep sharing this link! Let's believe for an overflowing abundance of finances for these families. God is able! Also, if anyone else would like to contribute a gift card of any kind, that would be such a huge blessing. Just let me know at nogreaterjoymom@gmail.com.
Have a blessed day, friends.
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