School's in full force! Soccer season is over, football starts tomorrow night. Swimming lessons & AWANA Programs started a few weeks ago for both Eddie and Henry. I work in Eddie's class every Monday morning for about an hour. It's nice to see the kids in the classroom setting and do more one on one with them. I do have to say, I'm not a morning person & Monday's are not my most pleasant! What on earth was I thinking when I signed up for this?? Well, I must not be too much of a grump because the teacher hasn't talked to me yet!
Dave and I are in the process of becoming FOSTER PARENTS!!!!!!!!!!!! We have one more class and then the home study. we have always talked about adopting "someday". We decided this is something we can do as a family until we are ready to adopt. We can be the loving stable home for the kids who need it. We didn't have a particular age in mind but a few social workers suggested keeping our kids' birth orders. Eddie says he's ok with someone older, but I think he might change his mind after a few weeks. (If not sooner!) So, now we are thinking ages 6 & under. We thought about keeping the birth order & saying 3 & under but that will close the door on so many. We will just trust our Father to entrust us with a child that we can be the most influential with. He knows what we will be able to handle better than we do. I have been adding touches to the bedroom of our soon to be kiddos. I want it to be perfect but it's hard to decide what to do for a boy or girl who could be 6 or could be a few weeks old. I think it will be fun if they are old enough to give me some input too. Eddie thinks it's too girly b/c it's so many bright colors (too many colors he thinks-like a rainbow.) There are no rainbows-except the one on the picture Eddie painted. I had each of the boys pain a canvas to hang in the room that we will let the kids keep when they move on to their "forever home" I figure we'll do it each time we have a new child come into the home.
We are involved in a group at our church that is an orphan prayer group. This is in the works of just getting started & I can't wait to see what it will evolve into. There are couples who are adopting either domestic or international, there are foster parents, there are a couple of people who go to Africa each year to work with the orphans & they are going to bridge the gap from Grand Rapids to Zambia. We also want others to get involved as prayer partners, babysitters, mentors. The couple who started the group presented their dream to the board and our board not only backed us all but set up a fund (we're not sure yet what we will need the fund for but it's there!) Our Father is so incredible! As we are in the beginning stages of reaching out to the children and bringing them into light, we are all getting attacked from satan. Our husbands have felt it from work. we've all felt it in finances. The mothers have felt it in battles with the kids. One of the girls in our group said "we have not laughed in our home for the longest time" satan is trying to bring us down, but this is something he can't defeat! We are standing firm in our faith. We are bringing love and hope to the most vulnerable. Dave and I pray that through the children that come into our home we can build a bond with their mothers and get involved in their communities. We can't wait for our children to be a part of this. We want them to realize how important to be Jesus to everyone we meet. This will start by the people we bring into our home.
Father thank you for this opportunity and for all the wonderful support we have!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Heavy heart
Now that summer is over :( I'm back in more of a routine :) I have been hosting W.A.R. home parties over the summer. I have sold about 14 or 15 goats in the last 3 months! I get so very excited about the goats. I am just happy people open their homes to hear about human trafficking and get involved even if they weren't to purchase anything (which has never happened!)
Today I volunteered with a friend from The Hope Project. http://www.missionhopeproject.org/ This is a safe house opening in West Michigan that will house girls ages 12-17 who have been rescued from sex trafficking right here. So, today Amanda & I passed out almost 600 fliers in downtown Grand Rapids (this is the 4th day they've been down there-all together passed out 2,000 fliers) We hit up alot of the visitors for Artprize http://www.artprize.org/home I would say about 90% of the people we talked with were interested (or at least pretended to be) in what we were talking about. We weren't selling anything or asking for any money-just bringing awareness. Out of that 90%, 25% wanted more info to get involved or were already involved in anti trafficking, and another 25% had to be told repeatedly that this IS happening right here in Grand Rapids. It's not just a "big city" problem.
However, I had a FEW people that were down right rude. Sure, they probably thought I wanted money, or was selling something obnoxious, but they seemed upset I had even taken 15 seconds of their day. Here were some of the responses "Not interested", "Doesn't effect me", "there's more important things", "yeah right, like people really sell girls around here", "trafficking happens b/c of all those religious people" (I don't even think that last one makes sense-maybe they didn't know what trafficking even was) But I think the looks people gave were most disturbing. I know a few out of almost 600 for the day shouldn't bother me, but for some reason they do. AND I tend to let it fester to the point of bitterness toward these "ignorant people" That is SO not the way my heart/attitude should be responding. I just need to be praising my Father for the people who have a heart for this and needed the info they received. I need to be praising HIM for the safe house for the victims. I need to be praising HIM for the freedom to even go out and pass out this info and bring awareness that maybe could help someone.
Bitterness is something I have always struggled with. As far back as I can remember, if there were something said about me or someone who just didn't like me, I could never just let it go. I would agonize over what could I have done to deserve the rumors/dislike from someone? And if I didn't think someone had a good reason for not wanting to become friends, I grew bitter towards them. If someone hurts me, I hold a grudge even IF they've asked for forgiveness. That grudge turns into bitterness. When I have bitterness in my heart there's just a little less room for the Love of Jesus I am supposed to be portraying throughout my life everyday. It is flat out SIN. I can blame it on insecurities, I can blame it on just being human. But I just need to step up and take the blame. No one is causing me to become bitter. I am responsible for my own heart and my own bitterness issues. I need to let go. I need to surrender all to HIM. I need fall on my face. Honestly who am I? When bitterness creeps into my heart who am I? Certainly NOT who my Father wants me to be. Certainly NOT a loving sister. I am too busy focusing on "whose done me wrong" to worry about anyone else. I become so selfish. My bitterness turns me into a selfish pity party. That is NOT who I want to be at all.
Father, forgive me. Take my heart that is full of my selfishness, bitterness, my filthy SIN. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness and renewal, but I know you are a gracious, healer. Heal me LORD. Wash my filthiness in the blood of the cross. Purify me. I want people to see YOU when I look into their eyes. I want people to see YOU in my day to day routine. I praise you for being so faithful when I am not. Lord, it IS my desire to follow YOU and I get so discouraged when I take the focus off you and put it where it doesn't belong. Carry me back to the foot of the cross. I am too stubborn sometimes to follow you there. Just carry me Father.
And, Father, hold these precious girls. Protect them form the preditors. Let someone show these girls their true worth & they have value in you. Protect the volunteers and residents of The Hope Project. Thank you Lord for new beginings every day. Thank you for your promises and protection, your provision and HOPE.
Today I volunteered with a friend from The Hope Project. http://www.missionhopeproject.org/ This is a safe house opening in West Michigan that will house girls ages 12-17 who have been rescued from sex trafficking right here. So, today Amanda & I passed out almost 600 fliers in downtown Grand Rapids (this is the 4th day they've been down there-all together passed out 2,000 fliers) We hit up alot of the visitors for Artprize http://www.artprize.org/home I would say about 90% of the people we talked with were interested (or at least pretended to be) in what we were talking about. We weren't selling anything or asking for any money-just bringing awareness. Out of that 90%, 25% wanted more info to get involved or were already involved in anti trafficking, and another 25% had to be told repeatedly that this IS happening right here in Grand Rapids. It's not just a "big city" problem.
However, I had a FEW people that were down right rude. Sure, they probably thought I wanted money, or was selling something obnoxious, but they seemed upset I had even taken 15 seconds of their day. Here were some of the responses "Not interested", "Doesn't effect me", "there's more important things", "yeah right, like people really sell girls around here", "trafficking happens b/c of all those religious people" (I don't even think that last one makes sense-maybe they didn't know what trafficking even was) But I think the looks people gave were most disturbing. I know a few out of almost 600 for the day shouldn't bother me, but for some reason they do. AND I tend to let it fester to the point of bitterness toward these "ignorant people" That is SO not the way my heart/attitude should be responding. I just need to be praising my Father for the people who have a heart for this and needed the info they received. I need to be praising HIM for the safe house for the victims. I need to be praising HIM for the freedom to even go out and pass out this info and bring awareness that maybe could help someone.
Bitterness is something I have always struggled with. As far back as I can remember, if there were something said about me or someone who just didn't like me, I could never just let it go. I would agonize over what could I have done to deserve the rumors/dislike from someone? And if I didn't think someone had a good reason for not wanting to become friends, I grew bitter towards them. If someone hurts me, I hold a grudge even IF they've asked for forgiveness. That grudge turns into bitterness. When I have bitterness in my heart there's just a little less room for the Love of Jesus I am supposed to be portraying throughout my life everyday. It is flat out SIN. I can blame it on insecurities, I can blame it on just being human. But I just need to step up and take the blame. No one is causing me to become bitter. I am responsible for my own heart and my own bitterness issues. I need to let go. I need to surrender all to HIM. I need fall on my face. Honestly who am I? When bitterness creeps into my heart who am I? Certainly NOT who my Father wants me to be. Certainly NOT a loving sister. I am too busy focusing on "whose done me wrong" to worry about anyone else. I become so selfish. My bitterness turns me into a selfish pity party. That is NOT who I want to be at all.
Father, forgive me. Take my heart that is full of my selfishness, bitterness, my filthy SIN. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness and renewal, but I know you are a gracious, healer. Heal me LORD. Wash my filthiness in the blood of the cross. Purify me. I want people to see YOU when I look into their eyes. I want people to see YOU in my day to day routine. I praise you for being so faithful when I am not. Lord, it IS my desire to follow YOU and I get so discouraged when I take the focus off you and put it where it doesn't belong. Carry me back to the foot of the cross. I am too stubborn sometimes to follow you there. Just carry me Father.
And, Father, hold these precious girls. Protect them form the preditors. Let someone show these girls their true worth & they have value in you. Protect the volunteers and residents of The Hope Project. Thank you Lord for new beginings every day. Thank you for your promises and protection, your provision and HOPE.
Friday, July 24, 2009
I'm learning so much......
The more I learn about trafficking, the more my heart breaks. My mom and I attended W.A.R's day of prayer on July 11. There were about 200 people at the event in a banquet room of a beautiful golf course. We were able to hear from W.A.R. staff and a lady from homeland security. Here are just a few statistics I learned from homeland security:
In 2009 a man was arrested for selling 89 children in Detroit Michigan.
Atlanta, Georgia has 300 children for sale each month.
Los Angeles, California has 3000 children for sale a month!
Florida residents sold a 14 year old at a sleepover for $300,000 on craig's list.
Middle class neighborhood girls start recruiting other young girls for prostitution.
"Oral Sex is the New Goodnight Kiss": Leigha, 15 says:'The youngest girl I recruited was 10. I didn't care. I'd just bring in all these stupid little girls.'
The sex industry has grown so much in the US that MSNBC started hosting" Sex Slavery in the Suburbs"
The average age of entering prostitution in the US is 12 years old!
There are about 100,000 prostitutes in the US between the ages of 9 & 19.
The face of USA trafficking is underage...beginning in the cradle. Even here in my home state of Michigan!
Live feeds are the hottest trend for pedophiles. This includes infant bondage. Horrors beyond what anyone could even dream up!
A man in California posted a live feed of a rape of a 6 month old baby.
This is an outcry! This is in the land of the free. Why are we letting our children fall into this? We have become immune to the sex abuse here. How many times do we turn on the news to hear of a parent beating or molesting their own children? Or teachers? Why on earth was the case of Mary Kay Letournea glamorized? This was a teacher who had a baby with her 13 year old student and after being released from jail they later married. This is awful! Why do we allow predators to marry their victims and go on with a "normal life".
When I first got involved with W.A.R. my heart was so heavy for the young girls in Asia. It still is. But now it is also breaking for our children who suffer in silence. Even when we hear about abuse in the media, it's so common we almost just shake our heads & say "what a shame" For now all I can do is get on my knees and pray. I know prayer is so powerful and I beg you to join whenever & wherever you can. Pray for the precious helpless children suffering all over the world. Not only are their lives at risk of being trafficked, but they will be likely to repeat the cycle when they grow up.
Thank you Lord for precious children. Hold them safely in your arms...........
In 2009 a man was arrested for selling 89 children in Detroit Michigan.
Atlanta, Georgia has 300 children for sale each month.
Los Angeles, California has 3000 children for sale a month!
Florida residents sold a 14 year old at a sleepover for $300,000 on craig's list.
Middle class neighborhood girls start recruiting other young girls for prostitution.
"Oral Sex is the New Goodnight Kiss": Leigha, 15 says:'The youngest girl I recruited was 10. I didn't care. I'd just bring in all these stupid little girls.'
The sex industry has grown so much in the US that MSNBC started hosting" Sex Slavery in the Suburbs"
The average age of entering prostitution in the US is 12 years old!
There are about 100,000 prostitutes in the US between the ages of 9 & 19.
The face of USA trafficking is underage...beginning in the cradle. Even here in my home state of Michigan!
Live feeds are the hottest trend for pedophiles. This includes infant bondage. Horrors beyond what anyone could even dream up!
A man in California posted a live feed of a rape of a 6 month old baby.
This is an outcry! This is in the land of the free. Why are we letting our children fall into this? We have become immune to the sex abuse here. How many times do we turn on the news to hear of a parent beating or molesting their own children? Or teachers? Why on earth was the case of Mary Kay Letournea glamorized? This was a teacher who had a baby with her 13 year old student and after being released from jail they later married. This is awful! Why do we allow predators to marry their victims and go on with a "normal life".
When I first got involved with W.A.R. my heart was so heavy for the young girls in Asia. It still is. But now it is also breaking for our children who suffer in silence. Even when we hear about abuse in the media, it's so common we almost just shake our heads & say "what a shame" For now all I can do is get on my knees and pray. I know prayer is so powerful and I beg you to join whenever & wherever you can. Pray for the precious helpless children suffering all over the world. Not only are their lives at risk of being trafficked, but they will be likely to repeat the cycle when they grow up.
Thank you Lord for precious children. Hold them safely in your arms...........
Monday, June 29, 2009
Here's to the good times and the hard times......
Had another jewelry party at my sister's house. We raised over $1900! Thank you for women who love to shop & not only do they walk away with something beautiful, they also support the rescued girl who made the precious piece they bought. My heart was so heavy the day of the party. I had just gotten an email re: a precious friend who is being persecuted for her faith and ministry. I felt so distracted I was sure it was going to be a flop. God is so faithful though and the girls weren't there to hear me, but to support a great cause. We were also able to sell a few more goats!
Saturday I was able to catch up with a precious consultant who also went on the circle tour this past February. It was great. Even though it was just for like 45 minutes in the mall parking lot, it was so good to see her and be encouraged by her. She has such a heart for wounded women. She also does photography & donates a portion of her earnings to Women At Risk. I just get so excited to hear different stories of women all over using creative ways to support W.A.R.
Yesterday was a beautiful day. I was able to go to an open house for a girl who went on the Circle Tour. There were several girls from the trip there and 2 ladies from Bangkok! I was so thankful to see them again and spend a few precious moments catching up with these beautiful ladies! But my heart is still heavy. I had a bit to catch up with Becky (she is the founder & president of Women @ Risk & also lead our circle tour) She was encouraging when it came to our dear friend. Our friend is strong & she is not afraid. Becky said going into missions is like a Cop choosing to be a Cop. There is a known risk involved but the passion is greater than the fear of that risk. Of course I have heard stories about persecuted and threatened missionaries, but have never had a friend face these same threats. I know God is in control. I also know there may come a day when we all may have to face persecution for our beliefs. I love my sister and know she is safer in Gods hands than anywhere else. It's still hard.
Dave and I are taking the first few steps in the next chapter of our life. I found out in the 45 minutes spent in the mall parking lot that my friend is starting the same chapter!! We spent sever giddy minutes laughing about this and about our friend's reactions! We are ready though. We are excited and ready.
So here's to the good time. The hard times and the times to come. And we place them all in our Father's loving hands.
Had another jewelry party at my sister's house. We raised over $1900! Thank you for women who love to shop & not only do they walk away with something beautiful, they also support the rescued girl who made the precious piece they bought. My heart was so heavy the day of the party. I had just gotten an email re: a precious friend who is being persecuted for her faith and ministry. I felt so distracted I was sure it was going to be a flop. God is so faithful though and the girls weren't there to hear me, but to support a great cause. We were also able to sell a few more goats!
Saturday I was able to catch up with a precious consultant who also went on the circle tour this past February. It was great. Even though it was just for like 45 minutes in the mall parking lot, it was so good to see her and be encouraged by her. She has such a heart for wounded women. She also does photography & donates a portion of her earnings to Women At Risk. I just get so excited to hear different stories of women all over using creative ways to support W.A.R.
Yesterday was a beautiful day. I was able to go to an open house for a girl who went on the Circle Tour. There were several girls from the trip there and 2 ladies from Bangkok! I was so thankful to see them again and spend a few precious moments catching up with these beautiful ladies! But my heart is still heavy. I had a bit to catch up with Becky (she is the founder & president of Women @ Risk & also lead our circle tour) She was encouraging when it came to our dear friend. Our friend is strong & she is not afraid. Becky said going into missions is like a Cop choosing to be a Cop. There is a known risk involved but the passion is greater than the fear of that risk. Of course I have heard stories about persecuted and threatened missionaries, but have never had a friend face these same threats. I know God is in control. I also know there may come a day when we all may have to face persecution for our beliefs. I love my sister and know she is safer in Gods hands than anywhere else. It's still hard.
Dave and I are taking the first few steps in the next chapter of our life. I found out in the 45 minutes spent in the mall parking lot that my friend is starting the same chapter!! We spent sever giddy minutes laughing about this and about our friend's reactions! We are ready though. We are excited and ready.
So here's to the good time. The hard times and the times to come. And we place them all in our Father's loving hands.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Jewelry Consultant
I am now a Volunteer Jewelry Consultant for Women At Risk. I officially went through our "training day" last week. I have done a party for my Grandma's church, assisted Becky McDonald at a home party and just hosted my own home party on Monday night. I had a great turn out! We were crammed in my little house. We had a great time! We cried tears of pain for the victims. We were filled with Hope that only comes from our Father! And we shared in LOTS of Laughter over some of the silly things from the W.A.R. chest and the goat project! I sold 8 goats that night!! We now have goats out there named hope, love, joy, gammy, yaya, otis, papa, & dad. The girls had just as much fun naming the goats as we had pigging out over all the food! I am so thankful for this ministry. I am thankful for the bond I share with my sisters in this ministry! I am thankful for the opportunity this ministry brings to give hope to the wounded & lost & to share Christ with everyone. I do NOT like public speaking, but somehow this has come with such ease & comfort. It's such an incredible cause that so many long to learn more about & do what they can to help. I am excited for my next party next week! What girl doesn't love girl time, food, fellowship, jewelry, supporting a great cause?? I absolutely LOVE what I am doing! It doesn't feel like volunteer work (although lifting these huge heavy tubes is more of a workout than I have ever done!!) It just feels great to love what I am doing and know it is something with a great meaning! Thank you Father for giving me this opportunity!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The POWER of PRAYER
I have been learning different ways to pray. I just the love the fact that I can come to my Father so intimately. Depending on my mood & request I come to Him in different ways.
Praying the names of God:
El Elyon: The God most High
El Roi: The God who sees
El Shaddai: The All Sufficient One
Yahweh (Adonai): The LORD
Jehovah-Jireh: The LORD will provide
Jehovah-Rapha: The LORD who heals
Jehovah Mekoddishkem: the LORD who sanctifies you
Jehovah-shalom: The LORD is peace
Jehovah Shammah: The LORD is There
......Of course there are so many names & you can google different ways to pray (I only have 30 of them & their meanings)........
Biblical Virtues to Pray for your Kids
Salvation, Growth in Grace, Love, Honesty & Integrity,Self-control, Love for God's Word, Justice, Mercy, Respect (for self & others & authority), Biblical Self-esteem, Faithfulness, Courage, Purity, Kindness, Generosity, Peace-loving, Joy, Perseverance, Humility, Compassion, responsibility, Faith, Contentment, a Servants heart, Hope, Prayerfulness.........
Alphabet Prayers:
A. He is All-sufficient, Almighty, Awesome
B. He is Beautiful,
C. He is Comfort, Counsellor, Creator........
......
Z.
Praying the Attributes of God:
Holy, Sovereign, Loving, Gracious, Alpha & Omega, King of Kings, The Bread of Life, Merciful, Faithful, Wise, Lamb of God......................
Praying the Armor of God & Warfare prayers.
Praying Scripture
(thank you Becky McDonald who gave me the guides to prayer on our women's' retreat October 2007. Also, The Power of a Praying Parent & Power of a Praying Wife (by Stormie Omartian) are great books & I just finished Becoming a Women of Prayer by Cynthia Heald)
So, I wrote this post because I have been agonizing for a while over the chicken farm in Cambodia. This is a village in Cambodia that is basically one big brothel. I'd seen a special on Dateline & heard Oprah talk about it over a year ago or so. It's called the chicken farm b/c you can pluck a child like you could pluck a chicken there. No consequences. There are girls you can buy time with as young as 5 years old. This is a big attraction for pedophiles from all over the world to come visit.
On Saturday, July 11 Women At Risk is holding a day of prayer specifically for the Chicken farm. For those of you who would like to go, call W.A.R's office & reserve a spot. If you can not make it, please join in prayer from where ever you are.
These are little clips of the children who are caught in this tragedy.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/4037134#4037134
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azBVHFGzHkU&feature=related
Unfortunately when I was looking for pics & videos to show I stumbled across a horrific site. This was disgusting & vulgar. It was a how to guide for picking up kids in Cambodia. He told the best & worst places to go & even rated the girls on looks & performance. It was all I could do to not throw my computer out the window. I was so sick to my stomach that I have this ache in my heart even more than ever for these precious victims! I feel like I can't get low enough on my face before God as I cry out for help for these victims all over the world! How can we allow this to happen to our children??? This is a plea to pray! I am begging you to get on your knees & pray for traffic victims all over the world-even here in America! There are so many children being forced into sex slavery every day here! I believe in the Power of Prayer! We need to be an army of prayer warriors!
Praying the names of God:
El Elyon: The God most High
El Roi: The God who sees
El Shaddai: The All Sufficient One
Yahweh (Adonai): The LORD
Jehovah-Jireh: The LORD will provide
Jehovah-Rapha: The LORD who heals
Jehovah Mekoddishkem: the LORD who sanctifies you
Jehovah-shalom: The LORD is peace
Jehovah Shammah: The LORD is There
......Of course there are so many names & you can google different ways to pray (I only have 30 of them & their meanings)........
Biblical Virtues to Pray for your Kids
Salvation, Growth in Grace, Love, Honesty & Integrity,Self-control, Love for God's Word, Justice, Mercy, Respect (for self & others & authority), Biblical Self-esteem, Faithfulness, Courage, Purity, Kindness, Generosity, Peace-loving, Joy, Perseverance, Humility, Compassion, responsibility, Faith, Contentment, a Servants heart, Hope, Prayerfulness.........
Alphabet Prayers:
A. He is All-sufficient, Almighty, Awesome
B. He is Beautiful,
C. He is Comfort, Counsellor, Creator........
......
Z.
Praying the Attributes of God:
Holy, Sovereign, Loving, Gracious, Alpha & Omega, King of Kings, The Bread of Life, Merciful, Faithful, Wise, Lamb of God......................
Praying the Armor of God & Warfare prayers.
Praying Scripture
(thank you Becky McDonald who gave me the guides to prayer on our women's' retreat October 2007. Also, The Power of a Praying Parent & Power of a Praying Wife (by Stormie Omartian) are great books & I just finished Becoming a Women of Prayer by Cynthia Heald)
So, I wrote this post because I have been agonizing for a while over the chicken farm in Cambodia. This is a village in Cambodia that is basically one big brothel. I'd seen a special on Dateline & heard Oprah talk about it over a year ago or so. It's called the chicken farm b/c you can pluck a child like you could pluck a chicken there. No consequences. There are girls you can buy time with as young as 5 years old. This is a big attraction for pedophiles from all over the world to come visit.
On Saturday, July 11 Women At Risk is holding a day of prayer specifically for the Chicken farm. For those of you who would like to go, call W.A.R's office & reserve a spot. If you can not make it, please join in prayer from where ever you are.
These are little clips of the children who are caught in this tragedy.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/4037134#4037134
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azBVHFGzHkU&feature=related
Unfortunately when I was looking for pics & videos to show I stumbled across a horrific site. This was disgusting & vulgar. It was a how to guide for picking up kids in Cambodia. He told the best & worst places to go & even rated the girls on looks & performance. It was all I could do to not throw my computer out the window. I was so sick to my stomach that I have this ache in my heart even more than ever for these precious victims! I feel like I can't get low enough on my face before God as I cry out for help for these victims all over the world! How can we allow this to happen to our children??? This is a plea to pray! I am begging you to get on your knees & pray for traffic victims all over the world-even here in America! There are so many children being forced into sex slavery every day here! I believe in the Power of Prayer! We need to be an army of prayer warriors!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
this past month
this has been a VERY crazy month! my oldest graduated from his young fives, my youngest turned 3. he has officially been potty trained through the night now for almost a month!!he still thinks it's hilarious to pull his pants down, get on the coffee table & "sprinkle" our living room. (yes he gets spanked, yes i have since rented a rug dr to thoroughly clean the carpet) he has also become a dirt eater. this is very recent so for his 3 yr check up his dr ran a full lab on his blood b/c eating dirt is a sign of anemia or lead poisoning. his iron was a little low, not enough that he ought to eat dirt as a supplement. i think he's just a bit crazy & driving me there with him! but the trick that about pushed me over the edge was when he painted himself & our walls with lipstick then tried to clean his hands on the carpet. i was outside planting & he had to stay inside (punishment for eating sand out of the sandbox) i was only out for about 15 minutes & he made a disaster of a mess!
soccer season is quickly coming to an end for eddie. then it's golf lessons! he is very excited about this! he went to avalanche bay with friends over the weekend (an indoor water park) and learned how to surf! he is excited for summer for sure!
i finished training today to be a jewelry consultant for women at risk. i have worked one party and assisted becky at another party. i will be hosting my first party next week and consulting another the following. it was a great day. we learned so much more about the ministry background and a breakdown of the money that the jewelry brings in. here is something i learned today:
90% of the profits made on the jewelry goes directly to the girls. the other 10% is for handling & administration costs. of that 90% here is how it works: the girls get paid for working 8 hrs a day. they earn as much working on the jewelry as a male college graduate earns. they get paid to work for 8 hrs a day however they only work for 4 hours a day. the other 4 hours are spent in counselling, praise & worship, education, on the job training. the safehouses provide healthcare for the girls & their children, education for the girls & their children, food for them. this is just an incredible program! so, if you love jewelry you should think about hosting a party! it's fun & the products are beautiful! OR if jewelry is not your thing, you can purchase a GOAT! yes, you can buy a goat for $50 for someone in africa or nepal. this gives the women a bigger status and helps provide for her family. you will be able to name the goat & get a certificate about your goat. this is a great project for families-save your change & buy a goat & name it after your family!!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
there will be a day
Troubled soul don’t lose your heart
Cause joy and peace he brings
And the beauty that’s in store
Outweighs the hurt of life’s sting
I can’t wait until that day where the very one I’ve lived for always will wipe away the sorrow that I’ve faced
To touch the scars that rescued me from a life of shame and misery this is why this is why I sing….
There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face There will be a day, He’ll wipe away the stains, He’ll wipe away the tears, He’ll wipe away the tears…..there will be a day.
(from there will be a day by jeremy camp)
last friday my friend lost her mom. she was out for her daily walk and was hit by a car. i did not know her but i know she was an incredible woman just by her legacy.
i went to visitation sunday and was about 15 minutes early and the home was already packed! christina was doing well. she is so precious! her concerns were not for herself or her family. she said we'll be fine. we know my mom is fine. she was worried about the lady who hit her mom. that's where all of her concern was focused. no bitterness, just love for this woman.
Lord, we don't know how much time we have here, but thank you for every precious minute we have with our loved ones. I pray to leave a legacy like jan. Comfort both families involved in this tragedy. use it to bring glory to you alone. thank you for HOPE!
Cause joy and peace he brings
And the beauty that’s in store
Outweighs the hurt of life’s sting
I can’t wait until that day where the very one I’ve lived for always will wipe away the sorrow that I’ve faced
To touch the scars that rescued me from a life of shame and misery this is why this is why I sing….
There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face There will be a day, He’ll wipe away the stains, He’ll wipe away the tears, He’ll wipe away the tears…..there will be a day.
(from there will be a day by jeremy camp)
last friday my friend lost her mom. she was out for her daily walk and was hit by a car. i did not know her but i know she was an incredible woman just by her legacy.
i went to visitation sunday and was about 15 minutes early and the home was already packed! christina was doing well. she is so precious! her concerns were not for herself or her family. she said we'll be fine. we know my mom is fine. she was worried about the lady who hit her mom. that's where all of her concern was focused. no bitterness, just love for this woman.
Lord, we don't know how much time we have here, but thank you for every precious minute we have with our loved ones. I pray to leave a legacy like jan. Comfort both families involved in this tragedy. use it to bring glory to you alone. thank you for HOPE!
Monday, April 13, 2009
God's faithfulness
The wind blows, and we are gone— as though we had never been here. But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! (Psalm 103:16-18)
Our God is so good. He is so faithful! This has been a wonderful weekend. We celebrated Good Friday-the ultimate sacrifice that our precious Jesus gave-HIS OWN LIFE FOR OURS!!!
We were going over this again Saturday in preparation for RESURRECTION Sunday with our precious boys. Eddison (will be 6 in July) and Henry (will be 3 next month). Dave was finished talking and after a moment of silence Eddison said "Dad, I have been ready for like 600 years to ask Jesus to come in my heart and thank Him for taking my sins and mom keeps putting me off." A LITTLE exaggerated to say the least. He HAS asked me several times if he can ask Jesus in his heart. This started around Christmas. We were in the car and he said he was ready. I was so excited and said "Let's talk about this with Dad. He would LOVE to be a part of this special decision with us!" So, Dave got home from work and asked Eddison about it and he said he wasn't ready. For a minute I was disappointed and then relieved that I didn't rush him through this right away when he first asked. I figured, when he is REALLY ready, he will be ready when Dave is around too. I didn't want it to be a now or never moment. Several other times would come up-in the grocery store, at a restaurant, during craft time......but a few hours later when Dave would get home Eddison decided he didn't want to talk about it after all. We have been praying though and our Father is so faithful. Eddison took this precious step on Saturday night. We told him we were happier that night than when he was even born!
Understand therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and constantly loves those who love him and obey his commands. (Deuteronomy 7:9)
Our boy made the life changing decision to lay his life down and give it up to our Father to be his Lord & Savior. He said he wants to do what Jesus commands and he wants to make Jesus happy. I knew God would bring our boys to Him in His time. They are, after all, HIS children He has entrusted to us while we are here on earth. What an honor. Thank you Lord!
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4:7-10)
We told Eddison we were so proud of him! Henry kept hugging him saying he was proud & he was ready to have Jesus in his heart too (yes, I think he is too young so we just told him in a while when he gets bigger he can give his life to Jesus) He hugged his big brother and said "I hear your heart beat. I can hear Jesus talking in there. "
But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. (Deuteronomy 5:10)
We are reaping the rewards of God's promises! Thank you Father for sending your Son! Thank you Jesus for loving us so much you suffered and died in our place. Thank you for NEW LIFE!!!!
Our God is so good. He is so faithful! This has been a wonderful weekend. We celebrated Good Friday-the ultimate sacrifice that our precious Jesus gave-HIS OWN LIFE FOR OURS!!!
We were going over this again Saturday in preparation for RESURRECTION Sunday with our precious boys. Eddison (will be 6 in July) and Henry (will be 3 next month). Dave was finished talking and after a moment of silence Eddison said "Dad, I have been ready for like 600 years to ask Jesus to come in my heart and thank Him for taking my sins and mom keeps putting me off." A LITTLE exaggerated to say the least. He HAS asked me several times if he can ask Jesus in his heart. This started around Christmas. We were in the car and he said he was ready. I was so excited and said "Let's talk about this with Dad. He would LOVE to be a part of this special decision with us!" So, Dave got home from work and asked Eddison about it and he said he wasn't ready. For a minute I was disappointed and then relieved that I didn't rush him through this right away when he first asked. I figured, when he is REALLY ready, he will be ready when Dave is around too. I didn't want it to be a now or never moment. Several other times would come up-in the grocery store, at a restaurant, during craft time......but a few hours later when Dave would get home Eddison decided he didn't want to talk about it after all. We have been praying though and our Father is so faithful. Eddison took this precious step on Saturday night. We told him we were happier that night than when he was even born!
Understand therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and constantly loves those who love him and obey his commands. (Deuteronomy 7:9)
Our boy made the life changing decision to lay his life down and give it up to our Father to be his Lord & Savior. He said he wants to do what Jesus commands and he wants to make Jesus happy. I knew God would bring our boys to Him in His time. They are, after all, HIS children He has entrusted to us while we are here on earth. What an honor. Thank you Lord!
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4:7-10)
We told Eddison we were so proud of him! Henry kept hugging him saying he was proud & he was ready to have Jesus in his heart too (yes, I think he is too young so we just told him in a while when he gets bigger he can give his life to Jesus) He hugged his big brother and said "I hear your heart beat. I can hear Jesus talking in there. "
But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. (Deuteronomy 5:10)
We are reaping the rewards of God's promises! Thank you Father for sending your Son! Thank you Jesus for loving us so much you suffered and died in our place. Thank you for NEW LIFE!!!!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
the waiting game....
My lesson from (Beth Moore's) Esther this week is on waiting. When is it the right time? When is it time to wait? When is it the time right for me or someone else?? It's a great study and this is a great lesson for me. I CANNOT wait for anything-ever. I can NEVER wait for presents. Dave has never surprised me with a gift b/c I bug him so bad he caves in so I'll leave him alone. I'm not good at waiting on answers, appointments....anything. I have NO patience and struggle with the "wait and see" game.
When Dave and I were just married we were landlords of a real cute (and OLD) duplex. we had the kitchen remodeled. when we tore down the walls we found old treasures! Someone in the house must have had a drinking problem and tried to hide the whiskey bottles behind the kitchen cabinets. We found bottles from 1930 (one of them had mouse bones in it so we left that in the wall) we found a program from Grandville prom in the 50's and old cards. most of the stuff had been chewed a bit by mice (??) we kept one whiskey bottle & put the rest in a box with some of our own little memories for the next person who tears down the wall. These treasures were so fun to discover b/c they were from so long ago. If we had torn into a wall that was only a year old, we would not have found anything too unique. It would not have been the right time.
There is something I have been struggling with for a while now and God (and Dave) keep telling me to wait. BUT I DON'T WANT TO WAIT!! I'm too used to living in a world of fast food, my internet compatible cell phone, instant messaging, express lanes. Who waits for anything anymore? Lord, I need patience. I need to focus on God's timing b/c He has the best plan for me in store. It's obvious He is telling me to wait-for who or what? I'm not sure. I'm also not good with subtle so I will need the answer on a neon billboard saying "IT'S TIME!"
Ok, Lord. I'm putting this struggle in Your hands for you to open and prepare for me when we are ALL ready! I won't put it behind a wall, just in my open hand for you to take (and take care of my heart.....)
When Dave and I were just married we were landlords of a real cute (and OLD) duplex. we had the kitchen remodeled. when we tore down the walls we found old treasures! Someone in the house must have had a drinking problem and tried to hide the whiskey bottles behind the kitchen cabinets. We found bottles from 1930 (one of them had mouse bones in it so we left that in the wall) we found a program from Grandville prom in the 50's and old cards. most of the stuff had been chewed a bit by mice (??) we kept one whiskey bottle & put the rest in a box with some of our own little memories for the next person who tears down the wall. These treasures were so fun to discover b/c they were from so long ago. If we had torn into a wall that was only a year old, we would not have found anything too unique. It would not have been the right time.
There is something I have been struggling with for a while now and God (and Dave) keep telling me to wait. BUT I DON'T WANT TO WAIT!! I'm too used to living in a world of fast food, my internet compatible cell phone, instant messaging, express lanes. Who waits for anything anymore? Lord, I need patience. I need to focus on God's timing b/c He has the best plan for me in store. It's obvious He is telling me to wait-for who or what? I'm not sure. I'm also not good with subtle so I will need the answer on a neon billboard saying "IT'S TIME!"
Ok, Lord. I'm putting this struggle in Your hands for you to open and prepare for me when we are ALL ready! I won't put it behind a wall, just in my open hand for you to take (and take care of my heart.....)
Monday, March 30, 2009
Beautiful ONE I adore, my soul belongs to YOU!
Oh Abba Father! You are so beautiful! You are the GOD who sees, the GOD who hears, the GOD who provides!! I have no words right now. I am in awe. Thank you for my beautiful family. They bring me so much love and happiness! Thank you for the beautiful sunshine! I am looking forward to going to work and playing with the beautiful flowers you create! (and the delicious tomatoes!) Right now I am here praising you for answered prayer! Thank you for answering our prayers above and beyond what we even asked for!!
My dearest friend (we have been best friends for 25 years-since the first day of kindergarten!) is a wonderful mom. She has a darling 2 1/2 year old daughter (who we have betrothed to my 2 1/2 yr old son) We have been praying for another sibling for Presley. Not only did God answer with a big o' YES-but TWINS!!!!! I am so excited for her! I can't wait to be an aunt to TWINS!! My Tuesday prayer group prayed for her for just 2 weeks before we heard the good news that she was expecting. Then another 2 weeks we prayed that the baby would look good for the ultra sound & that's when we heard this exciting news! All I can say is thank you Father! thank you for my dear friend! I love her. and thank you for these precious babes you have blessed her with! I have always believed in the power of prayer. I was amazed at how fast & abundantly our prayers were answered!
My dearest friend (we have been best friends for 25 years-since the first day of kindergarten!) is a wonderful mom. She has a darling 2 1/2 year old daughter (who we have betrothed to my 2 1/2 yr old son) We have been praying for another sibling for Presley. Not only did God answer with a big o' YES-but TWINS!!!!! I am so excited for her! I can't wait to be an aunt to TWINS!! My Tuesday prayer group prayed for her for just 2 weeks before we heard the good news that she was expecting. Then another 2 weeks we prayed that the baby would look good for the ultra sound & that's when we heard this exciting news! All I can say is thank you Father! thank you for my dear friend! I love her. and thank you for these precious babes you have blessed her with! I have always believed in the power of prayer. I was amazed at how fast & abundantly our prayers were answered!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Beautiful Bangkok
Bimala and IBimala runs Higher Ground Cafe in Nepal. Her husband is a pastor. They hire women who are at risk to work in the bakery. When the government decides to shut off the power, the women make beautiful jewelry. She fiercely fights for the Nepali women, and she has such a big tender heart. I love her!
Jane, Ruth & IJane is a nurse. Ruth runs Divine Inspiration. She teaches cake decorating. She went to Nepal to teach Bimala's women how to decorate cakes before moving to Cambodia to start her ministry. Both women are form Australia and are moving to Cambodia. Ruth will teach girls how to bake & decorate cakes and Jane will teach them health issues and run a clinic for a while for at risk and rescued girls. They are both wild and sweet. I love these girls as well!
Here is Ruth giving a brief on her ministry while we were in Bangkok
Here we are praying over Bimala, Ruth & Jane before sending them to Nepal & Cambodia. This was an incredible, emotional and powerful time spent together.
Here is our group!
Dani & LizLiz is Dani's cousin who lives in Bangkok with her family. They work with trafficked & at risk girls. Becky says she hopes Liz will take over W.A.R. someday. She would be great at it! She is so sincere and an absolute riot! This was before the banquet we threw for the rescued women! These are such beautiful girls (who will probably break many hearts when they go to college!) I love them too!
Here I am decorating the tables for the banquet. The theme was you Are the Bride of Christ. We decorated like a wedding reception. It was absolutely beautiful!
Here was the cake & Ice Sculptures (which were melting so fast!) The cake was pretty tasty-especially after eating jelly fish & chicken feet soup & whatever else we were eating!
The decorated tables
a precious girl playing music in the market
in the market
i wanted to taste these yummy looking treats so bad but we were told we probably better not eat anything from the market
we called this the Hobby Lobby corner. It was full of craft supplies
Some TukTuks lined up down an alley 
the streets of Bangkok
Holy water at the Buddhist center
This man was releasing birds-this is how their prayers are sent up to the spirits
so many elephants at the Buddhist center
here was the Buddha/Hindu god. It's kind of a mix between the two
dancers at the buddhist center and a man praying with them
This is a statue of the king on one of the sidewalks. There were pictures of the King all over the place. There is also Buddha shrines all over too where people leave flowers & food & drinks & offerings for the gods
a river boat
so many masks all over. they were so ornate but odd looking
yard workers
more of the city
here is the night market of PatPong. everything was so vulgar. The left side of the picture was the "night market" that appeals to so many tourists. This is set up in the middle of the road. On the sidewalks are the bars & brothels.
Some more of PatPong and the night market again. The yellow "menus" the girls are holding in their hands are price lists of what you would like to do with the bar girls. There are pictures and descriptions and prices on these "menus" and they shove them in your face as you walk by wanting you to buy a service or a girl
creepy lucifer "disco" it really felt like we were in hell on these streets. it was so hot, we could hardly breath b/c of the heat, the horrors we saw & the evil oppression we felt.
again the night market on the streets of PatPong.
a street vendor
a beautiful dancer on our dinner cruise
my dinner on the cruise
some beautiful buildings we saw on the dinner cruise
Beautiful Bangkok
i loved the hot pink taxis!
one of the malls
a tuk tuk
this was a god house. they hoped the spirits would live in these godhouses & hopefully not in the hotels and homes
they beleived the pointy things on the roof would poke the evil spirit's in the butt so they could not sit on their roofs very long
a little garden at our hotel
bangkok
even Ronald McDonald was proper in his bowing. my receipt from McDonalds said "McThai" 
Jeannie is one of the jewlery designers for W.A.R. here she is working in the store witht he girls who own this bead store
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Open Arms for Asia
This is an incredible ministry. Tom, an incredible guy from our church (http://www.crossroads-bible.org/) is running this program with his family in India. On Tuesday we are going to see Slum Dog Millionaire @ Knapps corner (tickets are $15/each.- that is the cost of the movie ticket, a bucket of popcorn & pop) all proceeds will go to Open Arms for Asia http://www.openarmsforasia.org/
"There is no one like our God! Greater things are still to come, greater things will still be done in this city....."
God is the God of Grand Rapids, Bangkok, and INDIA!!
"There is no one like our God! Greater things are still to come, greater things will still be done in this city....."
God is the God of Grand Rapids, Bangkok, and INDIA!!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
God answered prayer
my neighborhood prayer group has been praying very specifically for the last 2 weeks and God has answered our prayers!!! We are VERY excited and thankful for this blessing.
i have been a little busier than i usually am this time of year. on top of working in the greenhouses, i have my neighborhood prayer tuesday mornings, my Esther Bible study tuesday nights, my neighborhood Bible study every other wednesday morning & on the opposite weeks i babysit at mars hill for the moms inc., i have my parenting study wednesday nights, i'm on the committee for women's retreat (which is going down this weekend!) and now i am volunteering at w.a.r.! i am excited about this b/c i can't shop or donate much right now with dave's job up in the air, but any thing i can do to help i am exited about! hopefully this summer when my schedule slows down more i can put in more hours :) this weekend was my first volunteering opportunity (stuffing 500 envelopes) and i even had eddison help-he thought it was real fun! he has such a heart for these women already & he is not even 6. his eyes always get all teary & he asks "why do people hurt these women? tell them you have a son who is 5 and he loves them." he is such a tender heart and i absolutely love him! thank you Lord for my precious boy (i pray henry will mellow out a bit too????)
thank you Father for the beautiful sunshine today, answered prayer & the heart of my 5 year old!
i have been a little busier than i usually am this time of year. on top of working in the greenhouses, i have my neighborhood prayer tuesday mornings, my Esther Bible study tuesday nights, my neighborhood Bible study every other wednesday morning & on the opposite weeks i babysit at mars hill for the moms inc., i have my parenting study wednesday nights, i'm on the committee for women's retreat (which is going down this weekend!) and now i am volunteering at w.a.r.! i am excited about this b/c i can't shop or donate much right now with dave's job up in the air, but any thing i can do to help i am exited about! hopefully this summer when my schedule slows down more i can put in more hours :) this weekend was my first volunteering opportunity (stuffing 500 envelopes) and i even had eddison help-he thought it was real fun! he has such a heart for these women already & he is not even 6. his eyes always get all teary & he asks "why do people hurt these women? tell them you have a son who is 5 and he loves them." he is such a tender heart and i absolutely love him! thank you Lord for my precious boy (i pray henry will mellow out a bit too????)
thank you Father for the beautiful sunshine today, answered prayer & the heart of my 5 year old!
Friday, March 13, 2009
HOOKERS FOR JESUS
So i couldn't sleep last night & was flipping through the channels & heard "blah blah blah "hookers for Jesus". I stopped & it was some Nightline story on a former prostitute in Las Vegas. Her name is Annie. She had been convicted by the Holy Spirit, turned her life around-BUT COULD NOT FIND A CHURCH WHO WOULD ACCEPT HER! Oh how sad!
I just kept thinking about what Becky asked us in Bangkok "How would we feel if a night girl came into our church & sat in our pews? Would we accept them? How would we feel having them around our husbands?"
Annie started a "hookers for Jesus" program to reach out to girls on the strip in Vegas, invite them to church & turn their lives around. Here is a link to the story (it's kind of lengthy-sorry) but it moved me & it was so excited seeing the girls pray before outreach! What touched me most was her last comment:
For Lobert, bringing these women of the night off the street and into church is her life's calling. "They are still daughters. They are still sisters. They are human. They are real. They are not some rejected tramp or some rejected leper that can't be loved."
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Nightline/Story?id=7061434&page=1
We can still be Jesus' eyes here to all the people we see. They ALL need LOVE!!
Again-the story is kind of a long one, but it broke my heart to hear of the struggle Annie had to go through just to be loved and accepted.
I just kept thinking about what Becky asked us in Bangkok "How would we feel if a night girl came into our church & sat in our pews? Would we accept them? How would we feel having them around our husbands?"
Annie started a "hookers for Jesus" program to reach out to girls on the strip in Vegas, invite them to church & turn their lives around. Here is a link to the story (it's kind of lengthy-sorry) but it moved me & it was so excited seeing the girls pray before outreach! What touched me most was her last comment:
For Lobert, bringing these women of the night off the street and into church is her life's calling. "They are still daughters. They are still sisters. They are human. They are real. They are not some rejected tramp or some rejected leper that can't be loved."
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Nightline/Story?id=7061434&page=1
We can still be Jesus' eyes here to all the people we see. They ALL need LOVE!!
Again-the story is kind of a long one, but it broke my heart to hear of the struggle Annie had to go through just to be loved and accepted.
Monday, March 9, 2009
this might make your stomach turn...
here is a bit of what we experienced in PatPong. This is wikipedia's description of the red light district http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patpong. This link talks more about the sex trafficking. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostitution_in_Thailand. Note how it grew in popularity (visiting US soldiers) and how much $USD Thai brings in from this industry. We are as much of a problem "supporting" these businesses as the traffickers are by "selling" the girls. The description IS graphic....
Saturday, March 7, 2009
It was Dave's birthady this week (love you babe) I just can't even tell anyone how much I love him. I used to be so insecure, even a little down-ok sometimes I was VERY down and no one could get me out of that funk. Then Dave came along. We have been friends my whole life (just a littel added bonus!) He makes me feel so beautiful, loved, special, needed, strong, confident. He is my best friend. I could not have come up with a better husband on my own. He is totally a gift from God. Thank you Father, for allowing my to spend my life with my best friend. He is more than I could have ever hoped for! Not only is he great, but he makes me want to be a better person & he makes me feel like a better person. Thank you!
I love this song by Newsong & Natalie Grant (when God made you)
It’s always been a mystery to me
How two hearts can come together
And love can last forever
But now that I have found you, I believe
That a miracle has come
When God sends the perfect one
Now gone are all my questions about why
And I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life
Chorus:
I wonder what God was thinking
When He created you I wonder if
He knew everything I would need
Because He made all my dreams come true
When God made you
He must have been thinking about me
I promise that wherever you may go
Wherever life may lead you
With all my heart
I’ll be there too
From this moment on
I want you to know
I’ll let nothing come between us
And I will love the ones you love
Bridge:
He made the sun He made the moon
To harmonize in perfect tune
One Can’t move without the other
They just have to be together
And that is why I know it’s true
You’re for me and I’m for you
‘Cause my world just Can’t be right
Without you in my life
Tag chorus:
He must have heard every prayer I’ve been praying
Yes He knew everything I would need
When God made you When dreams come true
When God made you He must have been thinking about me
I love you Dave!
Friday, March 6, 2009
so random..........
so i realized my header was WAY too long. i started thinking of a single word or little phrase to "name" this blog (which was ONLY going to be about my trip...but apparently i am kind of liking the bloggy word thingy for now-until summer. then we'll see...)
so i tried to come up with something cutesy & that rhymed. i could be the stoner corner (only b/c of the last name) but that just didn't seem very appropriate. then i liked the word kaleidoscope (more for the meaning) "continually changing patterns, shapes & colors". i feel that's a pretty accurate description of myself. how else do you describe sinner saved by grace, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend.......? who i am usually depends on who i am with. if i'm with my family, i tend to lean on them & be the "daughter"-usually in need of some reassuring words (especially when it comes to dave's job lately-will he have one or won't he??? ever changing) when i'm with my boys i'm mother, supporter, teacher, nurse, chauffeur, housekeeper, etc...... so, i feel like a kaleidoscope :) but then i settled on adoration. not because i think i am good at it, but it's something i hope to accomplish (but usually fail) daily. "act of paying honor as to God, worship, fervent & devoted love". i'd love to say i bring glory to God in all i do. i'd love to say you can see His love through me in the smallest of things, but you probably won't when you look at me. i fail daily. i usually know a "better way" than God's way. i'm so thankful for His grace! i don't follow Him like i should. instead of leaving me face down in the dust or saying "told you so" He picks me up and carries me. so, i don't follow Him daily, He carries me daily. so adoration is something i would love to accomplish daily
on another note..i have mentioned before that i have been following a blog bring the rain (http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/) i have not read it since i have been home so was quick catching up on her posts last night. this is an incredible woman who has gone through an unimaginable tragedy. she has so many followers and so many leave comments (so many that i don't read them but i am sure they are very nice) it seems that someone was tearing her down with their comments. here is a grieving mother who started this blog that has touched so many and someone is kicking her while she is down. it was so heartbreaking. why do we do that? why do we spit out such hurtful words, and often to people who are already hurting? we had friends go through a serious accident several years ago, and while people are maybe trying to say something kind, they'd say something hurtful or stupid. i just love chuck swindoll and have had this in my Bible since i was a sr in high school:
"The longer I live, the more I
realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to
me, is more important than facts. It is more
important than the past, than education, than
money, than circumstances, than failures, than
successes, than what other people say or think or
do. It is more important than appearance,
giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a
company, a church, or home. The remarkable
thing is that we have a choice every day regarding
the attitude we embrace for that day. We cannot
change our past. Nor can we change the fact that
people will act a certain way. We also cannot
change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is
play on the one string we have, and that is our
attitude. I am convinced that life is 10 percent
what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to
it. And so it is with you - we are in charge of our
attitudes." (From Improving Your Serve)
our true attitudes are reflected in our speech. what spills out of our mouths is what's really in our hearts. so we tend to say hurtful bitter things b/c there must be pain & bitterness somewhere in our hearts (i don't know how to relate this to saying stupid things-i often say really dumb things too) Matt 12:34 Jesus says "for out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" we can look at peter. he said some really stupid things, and even denied Jesus. yet, Jesus forgave and loved him unconditionally. it still hurts when we hear cruel things.
so i tried to come up with something cutesy & that rhymed. i could be the stoner corner (only b/c of the last name) but that just didn't seem very appropriate. then i liked the word kaleidoscope (more for the meaning) "continually changing patterns, shapes & colors". i feel that's a pretty accurate description of myself. how else do you describe sinner saved by grace, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend.......? who i am usually depends on who i am with. if i'm with my family, i tend to lean on them & be the "daughter"-usually in need of some reassuring words (especially when it comes to dave's job lately-will he have one or won't he??? ever changing) when i'm with my boys i'm mother, supporter, teacher, nurse, chauffeur, housekeeper, etc...... so, i feel like a kaleidoscope :) but then i settled on adoration. not because i think i am good at it, but it's something i hope to accomplish (but usually fail) daily. "act of paying honor as to God, worship, fervent & devoted love". i'd love to say i bring glory to God in all i do. i'd love to say you can see His love through me in the smallest of things, but you probably won't when you look at me. i fail daily. i usually know a "better way" than God's way. i'm so thankful for His grace! i don't follow Him like i should. instead of leaving me face down in the dust or saying "told you so" He picks me up and carries me. so, i don't follow Him daily, He carries me daily. so adoration is something i would love to accomplish daily
on another note..i have mentioned before that i have been following a blog bring the rain (http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/) i have not read it since i have been home so was quick catching up on her posts last night. this is an incredible woman who has gone through an unimaginable tragedy. she has so many followers and so many leave comments (so many that i don't read them but i am sure they are very nice) it seems that someone was tearing her down with their comments. here is a grieving mother who started this blog that has touched so many and someone is kicking her while she is down. it was so heartbreaking. why do we do that? why do we spit out such hurtful words, and often to people who are already hurting? we had friends go through a serious accident several years ago, and while people are maybe trying to say something kind, they'd say something hurtful or stupid. i just love chuck swindoll and have had this in my Bible since i was a sr in high school:
"The longer I live, the more I
realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to
me, is more important than facts. It is more
important than the past, than education, than
money, than circumstances, than failures, than
successes, than what other people say or think or
do. It is more important than appearance,
giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a
company, a church, or home. The remarkable
thing is that we have a choice every day regarding
the attitude we embrace for that day. We cannot
change our past. Nor can we change the fact that
people will act a certain way. We also cannot
change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is
play on the one string we have, and that is our
attitude. I am convinced that life is 10 percent
what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to
it. And so it is with you - we are in charge of our
attitudes." (From Improving Your Serve)
our true attitudes are reflected in our speech. what spills out of our mouths is what's really in our hearts. so we tend to say hurtful bitter things b/c there must be pain & bitterness somewhere in our hearts (i don't know how to relate this to saying stupid things-i often say really dumb things too) Matt 12:34 Jesus says "for out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" we can look at peter. he said some really stupid things, and even denied Jesus. yet, Jesus forgave and loved him unconditionally. it still hurts when we hear cruel things.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
crafts...........
i LOVE taking junk & turning it into my little treasures. actually i just love doing my own little crafts. i have a couple obsessions: glue & paint. you can make anything new with these :)
these are my magnet boards. they're made from old cookie sheets. i screwed an empty soup can to the one board for a pen holder
my "cork board" made from a cookie sheet & wine corks
while we were in thailand, we were talking about sanctuaries. how we are sanctuaries and we need our own sanctuaries. i had taken our spare room & turned it into my own little retreat this past summer. of course it had to be the girliest room in the house since it was "mine". so i picked out a soothing color of blue (inspired by a tiffany box) and my favorite crate & barrel quilt & came up with my own little retreat. i had an old little dresser that used to be my parents and painted it a pale yellow (i really like the shabby chic looks...) plus threw in a desk we found on the side of the road for free (to hold all my craft supplies!) so, i thought i'd post a few pics of my fav crafts lately involving glue, paint & my craft/sanctuary room :)
these are my magnet boards. they're made from old cookie sheets. i screwed an empty soup can to the one board for a pen holder
my "cork board" made from a cookie sheet & wine corks
here is my mom's old dresser repainted a pale yellow
this is the desk we found on the side of the road for free. it works great to store my craft supplies and i put some of my favorite art projects from eddie under the glass top (i'd like to repaint this a fun color this summer.....maybe an orangey color??)
below is my "blessing box" it's covered w/pics of the boys & inside are index cards with verses on them (by category) that i pray over my boys.
below is my recipe box. i found this plain box @ target a few years ago and once i got into my glue phase, glued pics of the boys all over it (ones of them & food of course!) and gotta love the rub on letters!
and below i have my hand stamped charms. i was busy with these around christmas. i had alot of people order them for friends and family (these are just 2 pictures, but i also have star charms that i put initials on & copper charms & all different shapes & sizes in silver & copper) i've kinda burned myself out on these though and haven't been making as much. i enjoy it once in a while, but usually i get too gung ho into a craft & do it so much i get sick of it (unless it involves glue!!)
so....these are my fun things i like to do in my little sanctuary & a few pics of my sanctuary :) i know, these have nothing to do with my trip or anything, but thought i'd share anyway (plus i've had crafts on my mind since i am in charge for our women's retreat coming up....)
hope everyone is enjoying the gorgeous SUNSHINE!!!!!!!!!!!!
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