Deep thoughts...

I really don't know where this post will go, I'm a little emotional right now, thinking about all I need and want to express...I really don't know if I can adequately put it all into words. 


I am... heartbroken...for what breaks the heart of God. My home is full...or is it? At least in my mind it seems...yet there are children every.single.day in this community that need us. I have 6. Yet, more need homes. Foster children and new born babies in all of our cities, and  babies and children in orphanages all over the world who get almost no stimulation daily, they need homes. Loving, christian homes.  I am only one. I want them all, but as one, I cannot take them all. 


I am... frustrated. Frustrated that the majority of people won't choose to see the need, and respond. Tonight a call came. An 8 yr. old girl living in a horrific situation needed somewhere to go. She was just removed, and scared, and yet, maybe, somewhat hopeful, and thankful that she was no longer there to be abused...yet I didn't have the space. Another friend got a call for two baby boys, and another sibling group of four needed a home tonight. All of these children need us. US. All of us. We are the hands, feet and heart of Jesus. What would He do? Would he pretend that this wasn't happening all around us in our own neighborhoods and communities? No, he would embrace them. We as christians need to lay our lives down for those that need us...especially innocent children. It's not about us and our comfort and our perfect little families anymore. It's about laying down our lives, sacrificially, and saying yes, yes, I will...for you Lord...because of all you've done for me and because it pleases you...and because you've asked me to.  


I am...responsible. Responsible to care, and to advocate for those children here in our own towns, and those around the world that need us. 


I am... confused. Why is it not that important to so many christians? Why do they look at us and say, "Wow, it takes a special person"? It really doesn't. It just takes an open heart and a willingness to lay down your life for another. Where is the church? 


There is a couple at our church that have started serving the homeless every sunday afternoon. I am so proud of them. They are meeting physical needs, providing clothing, blankets and food...and they are not leaving out the gospel, as they share the words of God's love for them. This is wonderful. People are stepping up, giving to the cause, helping out. We also jumped in on this as the Bible tells us to care for them. He also says to care for orphans, which is what the american foster child is. They are, essentially, homeless children.  For some reason or another, they have either been abandoned by their parents, or soon will be, or their parents can no longer care for them. Where is the emphasis on the importance of this? I don't see it, yet I see people jumping in to help the homeless adults without blinking an eye. Are children not just as important? Why isn't the church seeing this need...and encouraging each other in the need for christian families to step up and care for these precious children? 


I am...blessed. I cannot emphasize enough the blessings we have been so graciously given as we have cared for these children. We have been blessed with the gift of adoption, internationally, and here at home through the foster care system. We have new daughters and sons because we took the risk to care for the children around us that needed homes and families. I never would have believed the blessings could have been this BIG. I am in awe of how the Lord always gives us immeasurably more than we ever could have hoped or asked for. For that I am...forever grateful. Thank you, Jesus. 

Sweet baby boy....

Your name means "God is my light" and my prayer for you is that you know this truth to the fullest during your whole lifetime! You are precious in my sight and in God's eyes too. 


The first few months of your life have not been easy. It is not your fault, little one. You are a living miracle. It is not an accident that you are here. 


You have gradually changed over the short time you have been here. You are moving more now, and although your little muscles won't allow you to move the way you need to, you manage to find a way. 


You are smiling and giggling now...no more screaming fits all day long. This mama is SO happy! 


May God continue to guide us and shine his light before us on this journey, little one! 

A health tip I want to share!

A few years back, I lost 40 lbs. I did tons of research on health, and nutrition. One of the things that stuck with me is lemon water. Over the years, I have not kept up with this amazingly simple way to support your health. One of the main reasons drinking lemon water is so great is because it helps to keep your body in an alkaline state. An acidic state is not good, and many people drink a lot of coffee which is very acidic. Back when I did this research, I learned that keeping our body in a more alkaline state will keep us healthier and fight off harmful diseases in our body that could develop, like cancer. I just came across a great blog that is explaining this same thing read it here, then go get yourself a great big glass of fresh lemon water!!!

A gift

Lately I have been in awe of the gifts the Lord has blessed me with. My children. Six of them. Six amazing blessings.

This little guy who turns 4 this weekend was a surprise. He was never meant to come here, and become part of our family. From the beginning his aunt was adopting him, or so she said. We were always told she was in the process. Then the call came. Did we want him? He cannot be with her anymore. Laney's full biological bother. We were stunned. Overwhelmed. Anxious. Fearful, even. Who was this little boy we had never met? What was his story? What was his life experience up until now? We just weren't sure. We prayed, discussed and prayed some more. Then, he was never moved. We thought his aunt had pulled through. Then, the call came again, months later. Would we take him, and embrace him? A son for us. A little boy. But we are only used to girls and many other excuses filled our heads.

We knew. We had to take him. We wanted to take him. For him. For Laney. It was the right thing. A gift to both of them so they could be together. And now, over a month later, I look at this precious boy, and tears fill up my eyes. He is one of the sweetest souls I have ever met. And to think I could have said no and turned down this gift. Yes, gift. He is a gift. I feel so undeserving, having such little faith, and trust that the Lord knew exactly what He was doing. But, yet, every single day I wake up now to his sweet smile, and irresistable hugs. He is the gift, to me. And I am so eternally greatful that I have this opportunity to be his mommy. Thank you Lord, for another of your amazing surpises, and most amazing gifts.