Will You...

pray that God will stir the hearts of His people to care for orphans??

It was such a blessing this past January to visit the "orphan village" Christian Life Ministries has built for the children in Uganda. I love the community they have created.
They have built a village of homes where each home houses twelve children and a "mom". They are a family. They love each other. They are safe. They are happy.
Recently CLM has brought in hundreds of orphans to their village trusting in God to provide sponsors for them. (I love seeing people step out in faith and watching our mighty God provide in a way that only He can!!)The greatest need they face (other than getting sponsors) is buying bunkbeds for these children.

I am in the process of planning a "dessert get together" to raise money for bunkbeds and to raise awareness for the orphans.

a side note: I could really use some creative ideas and a name for this little get together... any suggestions? ;)

You guys know we are in the process of adopting our Ugandan children. I wish I could bring ALL the orphans home. But... since that is not going to happen, I want to support and help CLM do the best job they can do to help these children.

Will you... pray with me?

Happy

Resources

Have you ever stood at the edge of an idea... but been unable to move?? Or have you ever had that distinct feeling that the Lord was telling you to move forward in something... but you stood still in some sort of denial about what He was really saying?? Are you there now??

I stood at that edge... I knew the Lord was speaking to my heart about orphans. I wasn't sure if we were supposed to adopt children or sponsor children... or both... but I knew I should be DOING something.

While I was on the "edge"... I started researching... I started seeking information from like-minded individuals. It was a consuming process actually... clicking here, reading this, clicking there, reading some more, trying to find my way through a myriad of information... wanting that audible voice...

My hearts desire is to obey Him. To completely surrender to Him. But my flesh is weak. My brain is busy and distracted. Sometimes it takes me awhile to actually move.

While I was "standing"... I read several books, visited a number of websites and searched and searched the "blog world".

I thought I would share a few resources that the Lord used to speak into my heart. He is SO good that way!!

A few GREAT books to read...
"Red Letters" by Tom Davis
"Crazy Love" by Francis Chan
"The Art of Compassion" by a group of recording artists... the CD is great too.

Visit blogs...
a particular blog that moved my heart is Kisses From Katie, written by a young women who is passionately living her life for Christ.

Also, most of the blogs on my sidebar are written by families that have adopted. And if you click on theirs you will find a whole other list of bloggers who have adopted (or not) on their sidebars!

Visit the websites...
"Invisible Children" and "Children's HopeChest...

there are sooo many more resources...

but PLEASE... if you have a question... ask! Comment on a blog. There are so many wonderful families that would LOVE to answer your questions. If they don't know the answer they will help you find out where to get the answer!

Bloggers have been the most loving, helpful, encouraging, inspiring people I have had the privilege of communicating with... just ASK!

We are commanded to "walk in faith". If you are "standing"... I encourage you to take that first step in faith... He WILL direct your path.

Crazy Love

This... is one of THOSE books...

The kind that make you go "hmmm...." and then...
you start making excuses or making changes.

"Obsessed people are more concerned with obeying God than doing what is expected or fulfilling the status quo. A person who is obsessed with Jesus will do things that don't always make sense in terms of success or wealth on this earth. As Martin Luther put it, 'There are two days on my calendar: this day and that day.'"

So... What are you reading?

I AM Blessed!

Don't forget to count your blessings!!!

Why?

Katherine danced to this song at church on Palm Sunday.

It's beautiful... moving...

Field Trip

St. Peter's Middle School class had a blast on our East Texas field trip.

We stayed at Bailey's Bunkhouse in Palestine, Texas.
We visited Millard's Crossing in Nacogdoches, Texas.
It is an authentic 19th century village...

where the students were able to experience doing laundry, plowing, corn shucking and writing with a quill pen in an old-fashioned school house...

There was also a lovely little church with all it's country charm.
Back at the Bunkhouse...

our Headmaster taught the finer points of canoeing.

We enjoyed a train ride in Palestine, Texas...

with genuine boot stomping, pistol wearing, knife wielding cowboys!

It was a fun filled field trip with a great group of students!

An Orphan's Prayer

I am waiting... somewhere far, far away on the other side of the world.
I may not know who you are or what you look like,
But somehow deep in my heart I know you are out there.
That one day you will come and find me.
It's a long journey... and it takes alot of time...
I wish it could be easier.
But I know that the ones who come for me will not count the cost.
They will only see the joy of finding me.
For now I abide in the fields of the fatherless.
Day by day wondering why I was born here and not somewhere else?
Asking......Why my life couldn't have been different?
It is so lonely......

Even though I am surrounded by hundreds of other children,
I know that something is missing...
I know in my heart... I need a place to call home.
My arms long to be saved by a mother's love.
Gazing out the orphanage window, I offer out a prayer of hope,
"Oh God! please help them come quickly."

Even as I lay in the darkness each night, somehow I feel assured,
That no matter how lost I appear... I am not alone.
Holy hands guard my steps; sacred fingers wipe my tears, touching my lonely heart.
The One who made me, the God that knew me before I was born,
Hears me every time I call.
He whispers His promises in my ear.

But what I worry about most is that no one wants to look for me.
The fields are vast and there are so many scattered all over the earth.
I wonder... how one little child, so lost, can be found?
Yet HE calms my heart and tells me that HE will find you.
That HE will make sure that you hear His voice clearly.
He has promised me that HE will make a way through the fields,
That HE will personally cut a path, and lead you right to my orphanage door.

My prayer is...
When He speaks...... Please, Please don't forget to listen.........
When He calls don't be afraid to go
For I am waiting...... somewhere, far...far...away
On the other side of the world
To come home to you.

from "Small Blessings" an All God's Children International Publication