tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2928749441620052982024-03-12T20:12:58.755-07:00Gather the LambsMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.comBlogger535125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-87777473451572132682015-06-09T21:14:00.000-07:002015-06-09T21:14:15.983-07:00Homeschooling...why?? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="highl">"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.</span> "For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have had this blog post stirring in my head for awhile now. I don't blog that much anymore. Life is full of lots of kids, lots of activities, and lots of chaos. This topic, though, is one that needs a voice. It's a misunderstood topic by many. Homeschooling. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I want to start out by saying Homeschooling is a privilege. It is by far one of the most important decisions you can make as a parent. It is not to be taken lightly. It is a blessing. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will be entering into my eleventh year as a homeschooling mama in the fall. I need also to say that homeschooling is hard. It is demanding. It is time consuming and can be frustrating. It can bring out the worst in us, and divide relationships. As I said, it is not to be taken lightly. It is a commitment like no other. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over the years, I have heard many questions. Questions like, "Why would you want to homeschool" "What does homeschooling look like?" "Do your kids have friends" "What about socialization?" My oldest daughter now hears questions and comments like: "What do you do all day?" "Do you stare at the walls, and watch t.v?" "I would love to be homeschooled so I don't have to do homework" "Do you have friends?" "Do you ever get out into the real world?" We answer these questions as simply and as honestly as we can with every person who inquires. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I must say there is one comment that sticks out in my mind more than any other though...when someone finds out that I homeschool my six children, the most common response is "I could never do that...you must be a really special person with a lot of patience!" To this, I haven't really come up with a great response yet, so I wanted to address that common misconception here...as it has been on my mind for months. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few months ago I was at a spa having my hair done and a massage...as I was lying on the bed getting the massage, the young girl started to ask questions and the topic of homeschooling my children came up again. And...once again, she said "Wow, I could never do that, you must be very patient and good at it!" This time, however, I responded differently. I blurted out, "No, I'm not. I'm not even good at it, and I am a VERY impatient person." She listened more intently and had more questions about the ins and outs, and rules and regulations of homeschooling. I shared even more that I really was being honest. I don't homeschool because I am exceedingly patient and sweet and filled with joy at the thought of teaching and being with my children every second of the day. I homeschool because I believe it is the right thing to do. I homeschool because as a Christian I want to lead my children back to the heart of Jesus every chance I get. I homeschool because I wanted it to be a lifestyle lived out, and I didn't want my children joining the masses staring at 4 walls in an institution. That just wasn't my vision for them, although I know many find it to be a positive experience. I homeschool also because my views do not line up with some of the liberal and secular teaching that goes on in public schools today. I homeschool because the opportunities homeschoolers have these days are off the charts. I homeschool because homeschooling can look any way you want it to and you can cultivate a love of learning within your child at a very, very young age, that I believe will last a lifetime. I homeschool because I really get to know my children and their giftings and talents and interests and I can build upon that and give them lots of ways to develop these areas. I homeschool because there is time to focus on those areas of interests and talents and develop them when you homeschool. I homeschool because our life is a lifestyle of learning, and my kids are learning just as much when they are helping me in the kitchen and helping Dad in the garden as they are doing assignments we give them. I could go on and on and on with a hundred more reasons why we homeschool...but just wanted to share some off the top of my head. I believe in this life, this way of living that just happens to involve home educating our children. Sometimes I even scratch my head these days and think, "why do so many people just think when their child turns 5 off to Kindergarten they go?" People don't even question that, or look at other options. They miss the opportunity by not looking into what home education could look like for them, or their child. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are so many more benefits that are flooding my mind as I type. My kids get to play outside all the time. They run and jump, climb trees, swim, make mud pies, pick berries in the garden and run their own little fruit stand out of their play house. They ride horses, gather eggs, bike ride and more. They get fresh air, they get dirty, play with bugs and worms in the dirt and they explore to their hearts content. They are happy. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reading begins very young in our family. If they are ready, they are reading at age 4. If not, at age 5. I have noticed that after they learn to read, they have a huge appetite for books...and they never stop. When my nearly 14 yr. old was around 7 or 8, I would have her write me stories, and she would bring me novels...I knew there was something there that needed nurturing and development. So at the age of 12, we helped her to take a class, write and publish her first novel. She is currently gearing up to write her second one. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mostly, though, I am so thankful that I can keep my kids home so that I can always point them to their savior. They learn and know who He is at a young age. He is their father, their healer, their savior, their friend. We take a lot of time to focus on this. We start our day with Bible time. We sing praise songs, we pray, read devotions they intently listen as the word of God is read to them. Kids are ready for this, they want to hear and know His word! They are hungry and thirsty for it! My job is to fill them up with it, and allow them to read, learn and grow in their relationship with him. I am so thankful that they don't have to deal with peer pressure, and bullying, school bus issues, and more. Not that their life is sheltered or deprived or that they are not learning to handle conflict. No, they have their share of battles and learning opportunities with each other and friends, so it's not that much different. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, did I just mention friends? Yes, my home educated children do have friends! Wonderful, amazing, great friends! They are well socialized with all ages! We are so blessed with the relationships we have cultivated in our lives and the people the Lord has put in our paths. My kids go to birthday parties, skating parties, picnics, play dates, outings, field trips, co-ops, Awana, sports camps, summer camps, vbs, horsemanship camps, 4-H, gymnastics, dance, music lessons, and sports of all kinds. We also have time to have friends over, go on camping trips, have BBQ's and more. Our family is just a typical family who's children happen to not attend the local public school. That's all. But, because we home educate, I feel my children have had (so far) an amazing and abundantly blessed experience. It's not all fun, they complain about having to do math, they sometimes argue, they sometimes whine, but they also jump up and down like it's Christmas when a new school book arrives in the mail! Home educated children really do love to learn, and that is one reason I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had for so many years. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is a Biblical basis for homeschooling, and there are many verses to back it up. Here are a few: Listen, my son, to your father's instruction, and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck. Proverbs 1:8-9 </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22: 6 </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="highl">Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.</span> For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are many many more verses you can use to help guide you in your current homeschooling adventure or your decision to home educate in the future. I especially like the one from Matthew above. We are in a fight for the minds and souls of our children. There is a battle raging out there whether you homeschool or not. I want my children to know that this path they are on, is Jesus's road. It's narrow, not wide and veering off in many directions. No, it is narrow and straight and if we stay on it, it leads to an abundant life. I don't know about you but my life has not been boring by staying on this path. It has taken me places I never thought I would go, and places I never dreamed of myself. It has been a wild, adventurous and blessed ride staying on the narrow path, walking with the Lord, and I desperately want that for my children. :)</span> </strong></span><br />
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<li class="list-group-item no-padding">13 <i class="fa fa-angle-right text-muted"></i> <a class="verse-anchor smooth-scroll" href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/proverbs/passage/?q=proverbs+1:8-9#8">1:8</a> - ver 8-9; <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?q=Pr+2:1">Pr 2:1</a> ; <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?q=pr+3:1">3:1</a> ; <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?q=pr+4:1">4:1</a> ; <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?q=pr+5:1">5:1</a> ; <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?q=pr+6:1">6:1</a> ; <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?q=pr+7:1">7:1</a> ; <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?q=pr+19:27">19:27</a> ; <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?q=pr+22:17">22:17</a> ; <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?q=pr+23:26-28">23:26-28</a> </li>
<li class="list-group-item no-padding">14 <i class="fa fa-angle-right text-muted"></i> <a class="verse-anchor smooth-scroll" href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/proverbs/passage/?q=proverbs+1:8-9#8">1:8</a> - <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?q=Jer+35:8">Jer 35:8</a> </li>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-33871051246188458372015-06-08T19:48:00.000-07:002015-06-08T19:51:31.687-07:00Mason Jar Madness! Meals in a Jar...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzpKTV8elSt2tJPldmt66dvTzgdxuWYPDKdw8r6qkMnEXLOHe2HACetZmfeuk8gwQVQt8p6OQxjiXWsJgbfOFTVqizj-IwDEVVJk5tUkmtL5UJr0V9hpfgfiAaFyP62HpOImOGDgcJow/s1600/11391129_1604233453174523_2475050431460766131_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzpKTV8elSt2tJPldmt66dvTzgdxuWYPDKdw8r6qkMnEXLOHe2HACetZmfeuk8gwQVQt8p6OQxjiXWsJgbfOFTVqizj-IwDEVVJk5tUkmtL5UJr0V9hpfgfiAaFyP62HpOImOGDgcJow/s320/11391129_1604233453174523_2475050431460766131_n.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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I shared a bit about what I have been up to with Thrive Life foods in my last blog post...wanted to share another one. Here is my breakfast and lunch today! For breakfast I had quick oats in a mason jar with Thrive freeze dried strawberries and blackberries, with some coconut added on top. Just add hot water and eat right out of the jar! For lunch it was Lasagna Soup Meal in a jar. Just add contents to 8 cups of boiling water. It's that simple, and that easy...I am loving the quick convenience of Thrive foods and making jar meals for my family. I know I am serving them healthy, amazing food because the quality of Thrive foods is excellent. It's pure food with locked in nutrients. It's the next best thing to harvesting straight from your own garden. (which we are doing a lot of this year...and saving that for another post). Tonight we had homemade Borscht, with freshly picked beets from the garden, and added Thrive ingredients-carrots, onions, and potato dices! This cut my time in the kitchen down quite well! If you are interested in stocking up your pantry with some Thrive ingredients, just click here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/We-were-made-to-Thrive/1584424598488742">https://www.facebook.com/pages/We-were-made-to-Thrive/1584424598488742</a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-71239789976781935592015-05-27T06:23:00.000-07:002015-05-27T06:23:08.839-07:00So much easier than making freezer meals! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2p3WYna_vbEfdPog5idiLoE3e4USP-Kelz5Ty8UvUezQoC1SmmXTNf1cBXpkTKn8Fwyyx50_gojMmNje2W9xm4Fr0jqPjK-kT10xYeEc14c8XfRro-5MzltpleLppRW43s_Fwzn6mSA/s1600/Thrive+meal+in+a+jar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2p3WYna_vbEfdPog5idiLoE3e4USP-Kelz5Ty8UvUezQoC1SmmXTNf1cBXpkTKn8Fwyyx50_gojMmNje2W9xm4Fr0jqPjK-kT10xYeEc14c8XfRro-5MzltpleLppRW43s_Fwzn6mSA/s320/Thrive+meal+in+a+jar.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
Last fall a friend of mine brought over some foods she thought our family might enjoy. Thrive Life freeze dried foods. They are pure foods, freeze dried, with no added preservatives, sugars or salt. I thought they were nice, but wasn't sure if we needed them. I then went to a jar meal class where I watched a woman put together a Taco soup Meal in a jar made with all Thrive foods. It was delicious! Then...something clicked. I realized that if I could put together these various jar meals to stock up on, that take minutes in comparison to making freezer meals, this could literally change my life! Dinner time can be stressful for me, always trying to put a hearty, healthy meal on the table. I'm not always prepared every day, and I hate that feeling of , "oh, no...it's 5pm, what am I gonna make for dinner??" So...I went on Pinterest, found tons of Thrive jar meal recipes that I liked, and placed my first Thrive Life order, and started making Jar meals, and stocking my pantry with them. So simple, so quick, no more last minute fast food trips, and my family is fed healthy wholesome meals!! I can't tell you how much Thrive really has helped our family and changed our lives! I also love that I no longer feel guilty if I am gone one evening and I don't have dinner prepared, leaving my husband to cook. He just grabs a jar meal out of the cupboard, adds water, and cooks it up! He also told me that he has been using Thrive veggies to add to his breakfast wraps he makes in the morning for himself before work. He loves Thrive too! And...the kids...you would think these foods are candy...and now I have healthy snacks all my kids enjoy from corn to peas, to yogurt bites and green beans...so far they love it all! I buy so much of it that I am now a consultant, because I thought, since I am going to be doing this long term, I might as well get a percentage back on my purchases! Also...for a later post, these foods last 25 years unopened, so I am finally able to start the long term food storage I have been wanting to do for years. Yay! This stuff is amazing. If you want some of this too...just get in touch, or click on my website below. You will love Thrive foods, I can guarantee it!<br />
<a href="https://www.thrivelife.com/weweremadetothrive">https://www.thrivelife.com/weweremadetothrive</a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-59350565446341315192014-12-30T21:45:00.000-08:002014-12-30T21:45:13.725-08:00Christmas Blessings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">So blessed this Christmas!!! We had three different family gatherings, went to the Nutcracker, the Journey to Bethlehem, and a Christmas play. We spent time with many friends and family. There was much laughter and lots of memories made. We also spent time at home with just family. We added a new puppy to the family for Christmas. It was a beautiful time for all of us. The only thing missing was snow. The photo above is that of our recent photo shoot near the orchard in the backyard in November. Two of my sweet daughters. I am so blessed. My miracles. My joy. Being their Mother is something I am thankful for daily. Lately I am obsessed with advocating for orphans. How can I stop? How can I not do my part to help them find families? This passion of mine just won't go away, so I spend time each evening on numerous facebook groups advocating for China's special needs orphans. Good news! Two of the ones I had advocated for are now matched with families! The way the system works for China now is that you can actually see lists of children on many agency lists, and you can ask to be approved to adopt them. It is so exciting to see so many being chosen, but heartbreaking to also see so many more for months on end that never end up with a family. I am determined to keep advocating...speaking for those that can't speak for themselves. Also...I just might turn this blog into an advocacy blog. Many exciting things are happening! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I LOVE this week every year! The week between Christmas and New Year. We sleep in, we don't do school. We play with all our new toys. We play with our animals. We go out. We catch a movie. We generally take the time to just be. And I wish we did this more often. If we had snow----like we should by now, we would also be out in it..sledding, building snowmen and then coming in for hot cocoa with marshmallows. The kids are dying for some snow to finally come our way. Since we don't have any yet, but do have cold temps, we have been snuggling up by the wood stove and the Christmas tree reading books and being cozy. That's what winter is to me, and I love it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">More updates soon!</span> </div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-54863201108487913662014-10-02T21:07:00.000-07:002014-10-02T21:07:14.336-07:00Check this out...<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was contacted by this website to share our story, so they featured it a few weeks ago. I love how this site shares positive, uplifting, and encouraging stories every week. You should check it out! If you haven't heard the story behind our family, why we adopt, and why I am so passionate about orphan care, Read</span><a href="http://realimprints.org/the-lord-and-his-wonderous-designs-orphans-and-adoption/"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> here</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">, for the whole story!</span> Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-62156679382002192052014-06-19T23:57:00.001-07:002014-06-20T17:12:54.923-07:00Orphan care and prayer...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Deep thoughts tonight as I remember this girl...and now, seven years later, see the beautiful, sweet, loving, amazing person she is. My daughter. It's hard to believe that is her in that crib. I see God's hand on her life and all He is doing in her, and it is not because of me, it is Him. She is thirsty for His word. She is an incredible gift. She is advancing God's kingdom already. She has dreams and passions. For the Lord. For the orphan. For the unsaved, and for the lost. So much wisdom and deep understanding at such a young age. I have seen this all come up out of her little soul so early on, I thought it was a phase years back, but her passions and her purpose just grow stronger. She is a radiant light for Jesus. She is mission minded. She has so much love to give, and if you just spend one day out with her...she gives that love to those around her in the most admirable ways. It is a gift, and something I do not possess, but I learn so much from her, and admire the person she is. I love her so much. She has dreams and aspirations, and none of them are for her gain, but for God and those she wants to bless. Incredible. I am not here to brag, just here to describe what can be uncovered in the life of an orphan turned daughter. The love she has to give, she shares freely with everyone. I can't wait to see all the Lord will make of her life, as she lives for Him. I am so excited to see it all unfold. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I saw something that brings me profound sadness. I visited a website of an adoption agency and clicked on a video of a little girl who is currently available for adoption in China. What I saw brought back memories of my first few days with my sweet Lilyann, pictured above. You see, neglect and institutionalization changes a child. It changes the brain. Connections are not made when they need to be. When nurturing doesn't come as it should, a baby goes through the normal cries from it's crib, no one shows up to help, and the baby actually goes through a rage cycle and then literally gives up when time and time again their cries bring nobody to their side...to feed them..to hold them...to cherish them. Neglect and attachment disorders set in. The metal cribs in the picture are the typical ones you see in many Chinese orphanages. They are bare. There are no toys. There is nothing soft to cuddle up to. The children begin visually zoning in on their hands as they move their fingers around in an attempt to find some sort of stimulation. It becomes their only means to stimulate, and occupy themselves in an environment of neglect. Then when someone comes along, and actually holds them, and attempts to play with them, there is no smile, and their hands go back up in front of their face...as they don't understand what someone giving them attention even means and their brain doesn't process it as it should. I saw this with my daughter those first weeks in China. I gulped down my fears each day as I heard the thoughts in my head saying "she may never snap out of this, then what??" Uncertainty. Unknowns. Yet, I knew in my heart the Lord brought us together. We brought her home. She still did not register our facial expressions at 16 months of age. Flat affect, hands in front of her eyes, tuned out to the world. Little by little, as we nurtured her, fed her, cared for her and played with her, she began to smile. Connections were being made in her brain. Healing was taking place. Caring for the orphan has been the most incredible experience ever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back to what I saw today. The little girl is close to four years old, I believe. She is more than precious, but appears fragile in every way. She is sad. It appears to be an extreme case of neglect. Hands trying to move in front of her face when others want to talk to her. Her own little world seems more comfortable to her, yet she tries to comply with what is asked of her. I so wanted to do anything I could to reach into that video, scoop up that little girl and hold her, love her, care for her, with the nurturing, affection, and attention she so desperately needs. She seems so lost and alone, and so sad. I hope and pray a mommy and daddy come for her soon. Please join me in praying for this little one who is on my heart tonight, and for the millions of other orphans out there who also need a mommy and daddy to come for them.</span> Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-91590606707963243732014-03-28T11:58:00.002-07:002014-03-28T12:01:20.298-07:00Never underestimate<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am sitting here today in total amazement, and gratitude. I have been home educating for approximately 10 years now! It has gone so fast, and for the most part, I still feel like a beginner. I only have a quick moment to write this today, but I wanted to talk about two things that are going on in our homeschool right now that completely have me floored! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am in the process of proof reading a novel that my 12 year old wrote this year and she is about to publish it! About three years ago I knew she was given a gift for writing when I gave her a simple story assignment and she brought me a novel! So this year we delved deep into the writing process and also had the opportunity to take a writing class with a few other students. As I sat here this morning proof reading her book, I not only smiled, and laughed during certain parts, but I cried too! This story drew me in! It had me on edge, and it really touched me. It is a combination of her life up to this point, her loves, and her struggles. It is very nicely written, and was so much fun to read! She is in the process of designing her cover, and I can't wait to hold the finished product in my hands! If she can write and publish a novel at the age of 12, I will never underestimate her ability to do anything again! The sky is the limit...and that is the beauty homeschooling has been, with the freedom to develop the gifts God has given my children. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">As a homeschooling momma, I have come to realize the enormous responsibility I have to train up my children in the ways of the Lord. Many times I know I fall short. I want our home, and our homeschool to be an environment of love, and growth, and nurture, and learning, and I want them to see Jesus in it all. We have our times of prayer, and I read them children's Bible books, and we sing praise songs, and we talk about the Lord. But, what really, sort of surprised me this week, is that one of my four year old daughters brought me the new Bible I recently gave to her. Somehow she opened it to the beginning of the book of Esther and asked me to start reading it. I do read straight from the Bible to them at times, but usually only bits and pieces, a scripture here, or a scripture there. This time I just started reading from the beginning of Esther. I was on the second page and I realized I now had three little girls gathered around me. I stopped...and asked them if they were ready for me to stop and read more tomorrow. They said no! They were engaged and interested, and wanted to know what would happen next...so I continued on. This has been going on every day this week. We are almost done with that book. They don't want me to stop, but I am usually the one that stops, and tells them we will read more tomorrow. They are soaking up God's word like sponges. I will never again underestimate them and their ability to learn, and understand, and take God's word into their little hearts. I have learned a lot this week. I will continue to feed them from the word of God in large portions and I will not deprive them again. I will listen to the holy spirit, and pray for them whenever possible. I will never again underestimate them!</span> Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-41559725988668668842014-03-23T13:28:00.002-07:002014-03-23T13:28:32.502-07:00I'm Here!!!!!!!!<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I am still here! I really hope to post to this blog again sometime soon...but not sure anyone even reads anymore, since I haven't been around! Sorry! I really hope to be back with some updates soon..!!! I will say I am still alive and well, still loving my sweet kids, still passionate about orphan care, fostering, adoption, and much more! God just keeps expanding my vision...and I hope to come back soon with a real update! Let me know if you still read, I would love to know who's out there! More soon.........</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-44025545552448309472013-07-01T13:59:00.000-07:002013-07-01T14:03:05.602-07:00Thoughts on biological families...As my children are growing, they are becoming more aware of their reality. They are adopted. They have other people out there that are related to them biologically. Because my family is so diverse, they all have very different stories. I am honest with my children, and try and give them information as they ask or as situations arise. I take into consideration their age, and I try to explain it age-appropriately. <br />
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We don't live in hugely populated area. Four of my adopted children who were adopted from foster care have bio parents that live right here. Close. Very, very close. We all basically live in the same little city. I have seen them when I have been out and about. I have not run into them when I have had the kids with me yet, but I am sure that day is coming. One of my adopted daughters has a biological mom, grandma and great grandma that all live only a few minutes from where we live. I have a semi-open adoption with the mom, however, she always wants her mom and grandma to be a part of it, and for the first visit after our adoption, I did allow them to come, as long as they went by my rules. They send gifts, they are in love with my daughter, and just weren't able to get their lives together enough to take care of her. I do have a place in my heart for this biological mom. She has had a very difficult, hard life, and addictions have taken the place of being able to parent. I have to walk a fine line while trying to keep my daughter informed, and in touch with her biological mother, and while also trying to maintain a healthy relationship between the two with boundaries. I still pray for her. I know that when the Lord brought my daughter into my life, He also gave me a burden for her biological mother. And so I pray, and we pray together for her. <br />
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My sweet little spirit from China has another very different story. China is a complicated place when it comes to children, babies, the one child policy, etc. I have told my Chinese daughter that we may not ever know who her tummy mommy is. She is still so young. She is happy that Jesus brought her and I together but also wishes she could see her biological mother one day. I can't tell her for sure that it won't ever happen, but it will be a miracle if it ever did. So many people still think that mother's give birth in china in private, then abandon their babies out in plain sight where they will be easily found, because they can't keep them due to the one child policy. The fact is, there are many, many other reasons why and how a child in China might be abandoned. The culture is very different there. Many married couples live with the husbands' parents. They make the call. Sometimes it is the grandparents that take the babies and abandon them, while the mother grieves. Sometimes it is a single mother that must abandon the baby since you must be married and apply to have a baby in China. If not, your child will not have an identity or be accepted. Other times it is the one child policy that drives the abandonment. There is no way to know in any situation when a Chinese baby is found without a note or any clues who's baby this was or where it came from. Awhile back I had an assessment done to find out if there were any leads on where our daughter could be from or if there were any clues to who left her. Based on the findings, and the location of where she was found, it was determined that it would be almost 100% impossible to know. I will have to break this info to her as she gets older and understands more about her birth country. There still could be clues in an orphanage file somewhere that has not yet been disclosed. Also, if it is God's will, I know that He can do anything and reveal her biological parents to us one day. Anything is possible, but from what I understand at this point in time, not very much is probable. This is one reason why I think going on a heritage tour is so important with a child adopted from china. They will gain a much greater understanding when they are there, and they will see many other children who have similar stories. <br />
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I don't know all the answers. I can't say I am doing it right all the time. All of their stories are so different. I don't know how they will feel when one has contact with a biological parent and another does not. That is a more difficult aspect when there are multiple adopted children in one family. I will continue to pray for wisdom and guidance as time goes on. <br />
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I will always reassure them that they are right where God, their heavenly father who loves them so much wants them to be. When I do, I see smiles and faces that look content and happy. With that, I am at peace, and I know I am right where I am supposed to be too, loving these precious kiddos the Lord has so graciously and generously given to me. Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-7791657225963147782013-06-23T15:44:00.001-07:002013-06-23T15:44:24.343-07:00Follow along on my daughter's new adventure! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSu6UN46AfI_3PGM800yDGtu_ytnN3toAVEc8gHJ3J77hW1gvIAAaw-yEHeJGAN9rpyvy_0zLqs3WMR7pmPoScYP35Us823gBy6FEcRCLoKn6r1EL3oA9xM2o3x_c2CKJG93jPLOTU7oY/s1600/Oscar-Wilde-Quote-Be-Yourself-Everyone-Else-Is-Already-Taken-PQ-016-2012-R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSu6UN46AfI_3PGM800yDGtu_ytnN3toAVEc8gHJ3J77hW1gvIAAaw-yEHeJGAN9rpyvy_0zLqs3WMR7pmPoScYP35Us823gBy6FEcRCLoKn6r1EL3oA9xM2o3x_c2CKJG93jPLOTU7oY/s320/Oscar-Wilde-Quote-Be-Yourself-Everyone-Else-Is-Already-Taken-PQ-016-2012-R.jpg" /></a></div>
My oldest daughter has a new horse! He has quite a story in his 8 short years! I am sure she will fill you in as she continues to journal her adventures with him. Miranda has the awesome opportunity to not only learn to ride him, but she gets to train him as well! I'm a bit of a nervous mommy about this new endeavor, however, horses are her passion, and we have decided to allow her to follow her dreams. Follow along on her adventure: click <a href="http://horsesmakemehappy9.blogspot.com/">here</a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-50770137027915334522013-06-21T18:05:00.000-07:002013-06-21T18:05:44.727-07:00Come and see my little lambs!!! <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Update! My blog sidebar is finally updated with my six little children, my little lambs, my blessings! Our adoptions all finalize next month. Whoo hoo! When I reflect on the beautiful children I have been given after opening my heart and home to international adoption, as well as the foster care system here in the USA, I am amazed at how lucky I really am. Every single one of these children have qualities I adore, and every single one of them are so precious. I am so blessed to be called mommy by all of them. My heart is full.</span> Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-50870434657994765972013-05-25T21:27:00.000-07:002013-05-25T21:32:41.234-07:00Update...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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We have three adoptions taking place in the next few weeks. It's hard to believe that all four children we have fostered have ended up needing a forever home. Each time a child came through my front door, there were so many unknowns, and so many questions, but each time, they were entering their forever home. It was hard to see it that way in the beginning. I still treated them all as if they were my own from the moment I met each one, and to think that God has given me all of these children and is allowing me to be their forever mama is one of the biggest blessings I could have ever imagined. God is so good, and we give Him all the thanks and praise for the precious children He has entrusted to us.</div>
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I have a big job ahead of me. Life can be so bittersweet. Lately, life has felt quite brutal. My heart has been so broken, and I have learned to trust the Lord more through that brokenness, which in turn has been a gift. The job of raising these six children is a task and an undertaking that I cannot do on my own on a daily basis. That is a fact. So many times I find myself relying on my own strength, and in frustration and brokenness I fall before the Lord and ask for help. It's the holy spirit I need on a daily basis to get me through, and to help me meet the needs of so many little lives, all needing mama at the same time. Draining? Yes, but that only makes room for God's spirit to fill me up with His so that I can do this not through my own ability, but His. I am a stubborn person. There are days I stop and wonder what in the world I thought I was doing, and why didn't I stop and allow the Lord to help me? Thankfully His mercies are new every morning, and I get another chance. I get another chance to nurture and love, and teach, and disciple each little heart that I have in my care. Thank you, Lord. </div>
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On the farm front, we have been busy. We have been raising lots of baby chicks this year, and gathering eggs, and working with the pony, who has been teaching me a lot. Not growing up a horse person, these last two years of having a horse have given me a quick and intense education. There is so much to learn when you own a horse. I've learned so much. Miranda has learned so much. Her love of horses has grown and grown. She has been taking riding lessons for over a year, and now she has grown out of her sweet little stubborn pony. A new horse will make it's debut here this week. Miranda is so excited. It's such a cool story how the Lord blessed us with this horse...and there will lots more learning going on. I will share more of that story later. We have a two litters of kittens with one mama cat who adopted one of the litters when the other mama cat disappeared. We found the kitties just in time. Life on a farm, even a small hobby farm like ours is a lot of work, and there is some heartache that comes along with it at times. Animal emergencies are no fun, and we have had our fair share lately. I am ready to sit back and relax for awhile, but that won't be happening. </div>
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It's hard to believe how fast this year has flown by. DH is working daily on the garden, and really hopes I do some canning this year. So in between taking care of all the kids and all the animals, I will be preparing and preserving the bountiful harvest we are always blessed with. Yes, farms are a lot of work, and sometimes I wish I had a tiny front and back yard that required no work, but I know that if that were the case, I would miss it all. As the kids grow, they will participate more and more so it will all balance out, I am sure. </div>
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Stay tuned for some updated photos of kids, critters, and much more! </div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-32898882424382844672013-04-28T22:27:00.000-07:002013-04-28T22:27:44.496-07:00Drugs...I am still in shock over something I witnessed in a store parking lot today. It has really affected, and saddened me. <br />
Today after church we needed to stop by a store to pick up a couple needed items. Usually I will run in while my husband waits with the kids in the car, but today he ran in, and I waited in the car with the kids. What unfolded before my eyes during this time was quite shocking and not something I was ready to see on a Sunday afternoon. There was a truck parked next to us, two spaces over and slightly forward. I wasn't really paying attention to anything, but saw two young, decent looking men come out of the store and get into a newer truck. One of my daughters even made a comment about one of their sunglasses, that is how close they were to us. All the kids then began playing in the back and I notice the passenger open his door and begin playing around with the bottom part of a cut off pop can. Okay, I watch the show Intervention, which shows real life drug users, so I immediately knew this was not good. He then closes his door and was bent over for the next 5 minutes at least. I am sitting there freaking out, knowing this guy probably has heroine or meth in his car. I am frozen for a second, completely stunned that this is happening right in front of my face on a beautiful sunday afternoon. I then see that the guy pulls down his sleeves that were pushed up. My husband then gets back in our vehicle, and I tell him what I am witnessing, we look over and see this guy pull down his visor, and look in the mirror while shooting a needle into his neck! Ugh. As we were driving away we did make a report. <br />
Years ago, in high school, or shortly after when I was looking into a career path to take, I was initially interested in becoming a drug and alcohol counselor, so these kind of things really bother me at a deep level. My main reason for doing this was to help people since drugs destroy lives. I think about these two guys today, and although I witnessed something illegal, and I hope that maybe my being there seeing this was for a reason, I am also sad for them. How sad that your every day clean cut, regular looking young men that you walk past in the store could actually be heading out to his truck to shoot up drugs in his neck. How sad that they are wasting their young lives away. How sad that for some reason they may have never found joy in the true simple pleasures in life. I thought, those guys could be up in the beautiful mountains we have around here. They could be out fishing, they could be golfing, working out, swimming, having a BBQ, going to church, spending quality time with friends, etc. But, no, they were doing serious drugs on a sunday afternoon in plain sight at a large store I frequent often. I know this kind of thing is happening everywhere, and right under our noses. I don't usually notice it like I did today. It was placed right in front of me, which was strange. I know it's all around us which is a sad thing. I believe God puts these things in front of us for a reason, and just like the prostitute I met a few months ago when helping with a homeless ministry who is now on my prayer list, I think I will add these two guys to the same list. God can and will do miracles, even in the midst of ugly situations like this, and I pray those guys have an encounter with God soon, one that will change them forever.. Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-46037423492687693482013-04-20T17:01:00.002-07:002013-04-20T17:01:46.064-07:00Spring update! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>It's time for a quick update! </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>Foster care: Baby Riah will be turning 2 next month! His bio mom lost parental rights months ago, his relatives stopped visits with him, and his bio dad, who never requests visits, and hasn't seen him in many many months signed relinquishment papers the other day. Laney and Austin (bio sibs) should be adopted soon as well, but I will need to clarify with the SW. Austin has been legally free since we got him a year and a half ago, but we have been waiting on the parents who have been filing appeal after appeal on Laney. They have lost all appeals, but we must wait it out. In the mean time they had another baby and were allowed to keep it! Stay tuned for some upcoming adoptions!!! </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>The Farm: Crazy times. Not much luck with our animals lately. Our banty chickens have been hatching out babies, but either the mother dies or the baby chicks die off one by one. We have saved three! We are also having a difficult time finding the eggs all of our hens are laying in random places around the farm. Let's just say our farming skills need some improving! We have recently nursed a sick pony back to health. During the process we bonded with her so much, and may end up keeping her, instead of selling her as I had planned. We also may be adding a new horse to the farm, as Miranda's horse riding instructor has her eye on one for her, so we are waiting to hear more about it. We went to our first horse show recently. It was fun watching the small ponies pulling the carts! The vet that recently evaluated our pony said she has a beautiful gait, is very sound, and would be awesome with a cart...who knows, you just might see me driving a pony cart in the future...lol! We have a litter of kittens due any day, and a new puppy will call this it's home in a few weeks when we are done putting up our new fence. Also...our little Nigerian dwarf goat is pregnant for the very first time, thanks to my friend Dalyn, and her goat over at </strong></span><a href="http://muckbootsnaprons.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>Muckboots N Aprons</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>. I just hope it all happens naturally, because as I said, my farming skills are not up to par, and I don't think I'm ready to deliver baby goats anytime soon! </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>Homeschooling: Homeschooling six kids is a huge task! The baby runs around causing havoc while the others attempt their studies, but I wouldn't have it any other way! All are making progress, and enjoying their daily lives, taking lots of time to play outside each day. They attend our homeschool co-op and will also be performing in a Homeschool Night of the arts talent show this upcoming week!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>Church: We continue to thank the Lord for blessing us with such an amazing church family. It has been a blessing and we are coming up on one year of attending. We are currently reading a book I highly recommend for anyone..."The emotionally Healthy Church". It's all about looking deep within ourselves, our families, our behavior, and where we are spiritually. We cannot be healthy spiritually if we are not healthy emotionally, and this has been an answer to prayer for me. What an excellent book, and I wish my husband and I would have read this years ago! </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>Stay tuned for more foster care updates, and pictures of all the new critters arriving in the upcoming weeks!</strong></span> Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-81755319948724578372013-04-05T13:48:00.001-07:002013-04-05T13:48:38.144-07:00Are you watching the TRIAL of the year? Ok, so I don't watch much t.v. You may catch me watching The Amazing Race once in awhile or HGTV sometimes,or the food network, but I just don't have much time for t.v. I hate crime t.v. shows, and will not watch them, and really, there's not much on that I feel is worthwhile. A couple years ago while driving in my car, I got hooked on listening to the Casey Anthony trial. You can read my reaction <a href="http://snowberryfarm.blogspot.com/2011/07/no-way.html">HERE</a> when the verdict came in. I was stunned, and completely disgusted with our justice system in this country.
So when the Jodi Arias trial began this year, I heard a bit about it, and watched some of it from the beginning. They are in the 4th month of the trial now and, although I don't like to admit, I am hooked! This real life death penalty case is fascinating, to say the least. This week a juror got kicked off. There has been so much drama with this trial. I really just wish it would end, and the verdict would come, but getting there has been highly interesting and entertaining, I am sure much better than any crime or court drama that is on t.v. could come up with! I love the prosecuting attorney, Juan Martinez. He is great to listen to. This case is obvious. She has admitted it, they have all the evidence that it was premeditated, yet the defense still has to give their side of the story. I am really looking forward to hearing the verdict, as long as it's not like the one I heard with the Casey Anthony case, I don't think I could handle that again. Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-45079613352238011652013-03-02T22:36:00.000-08:002013-03-08T10:25:56.609-08:00Church, it's a family affair! <b>I have not gathered my thoughts on this post, written a draft, or even thought this through yet, but once again I am compelled to write...the passion I feel about this topic is so strong I decided to sit down and write out my thoughts, so what you see is what you get. Church. Children. Familes. Worship. These are all important things, but how do they fit together? I have personal experience with what I am about to write about, and I also have done some research, read some books, and frankly, I am shocked and saddened about what I have found. We attended a church for 10 years where kids were allowed to stand with the adults in the sanctuary and sing, sing praises and songs to the Lord which was wonderful. One day, though, things changed. Kids were now escorted off to "children's church" from the moment we walked into the building, much like checking your coat or bags in until it was time to leave. I was not for this, as I had been noticing how much my older daughter was entering into the presence of the Lord and genuinely praising Him in worship and song. It was so beautiful to see. The pressure was on, however. All the kids were absent. My children felt left out. So, after a few months, we decided to try this new, "check your children in" when you get to church thing. We gave in, and let them run off with all the other children who's parents never seemed to question any of these changes as I had been. A few weeks went by, then a couple months, and I began to feel very uneasy. Something just didn't seem right. Never seeing your children at church and being a part of this segregated model did not feel right at all. We then decided to ask our oldest to come back into the sanctuary with us and during worship again. Of course, this wasn't met with the greatest of excitement, so we reluctantly agreed to just "two songs" then sent her on to her "children's church". What I observed after just three months of our daughter not being with us in worship was sad. No longer did she have that genuine spirit of worshipping God. No longer did she sing with the freedom and willingness to be completely focused and tuned in to entering into His presence. I knew right then and there that we had made a big mistake, and of course I had known it all along, but went along with the crowd, yes the culture of our church, and allowed her to be apart from her family and out of the church service.
Right at this time, I started seeing many things that were "red flags" regarding this church. There were many things being done that did not line up with what I know to be true in God's word, and many things that I could not ignore and I knew the Lord was leading us out of this congregation. We began our search for our new church home. I hoped it would only take a few months, and we would find the church we were meant to raise our children in and get settled. Sunday after sunday we tried new congregations. Amazingly, I saw the same model being carried out in almost every church I visited. Walk in the door, check your kids away to some classes and say good-bye, pick them up an hour later, and go home. Something was missing. Not seeing babies, toddlers, children of all ages in the services was sad. It seemed lonely, unlively, gloomy, without the children. Everywhere I went I would walk in and ask "Where did all the little children go?". At one very large, prominent church in our community I actually spent the first 20 minutes singing wonderful, lively, expressive christian praise music in a big, beautiful sanctuary, but as I sang I looked around and again wondered why it seemed so empty. Not one baby was being held in a momma's arms. Not one child was standing next to their parents looking up at them and gazing at the parent they love singing their heart out to the Lord. Not one. I decided to walk out, and find the children's area and do some observation. I ventured down some stairs, and saw what appeared to be a sort of pre-school class going on. Someone approached me and it was a man who identified himself as the children's ministry leader. I began by asking some simple questions. "Do the kids ever go into the sanctuary?" No. "Why?" He began to explain that thier model was highly effective and very structured. He felt that all ages should be in classrooms with their same age peers. All I could say was, "Wow". I wonder what Jesus would want, was my thought, and question. Would he want our children all tucked away, away from their parents, being fed treats, and video's and tons of entertainment, or would he want us to be expamples to them, training them up, bringing them into the sanctuary,teaching them reverence and showing them how to praise and worship Him in spirit and in truth? Would God want our kids being taught by others, or by us? What would be more pleasing to the Lord? This man then went on to tell me that junior high and high school students never even enter this church building. What??? I then heard him explain that on Wednesday nights and on Sundays they all meet together in a building out behind the church. I gave him a rather surprised look, and politely excused myself telling him that I was really hoping to find a church that recognizes the importance of families being "in church". So...off I went and the man wished me luck. Week after week, I ran into the same model in almost every church. I knew this was not what I was looking for, for my family. I began to get discouraged, feeling as though we had tapped out the church's in our area, and had no other options...and...to my dismay, I realized I had now spent almost two years looking for our new "home church". It was at this point that my husband and I came together in prayer once more, and shared with the Lord that we felt there was no other options, and that is when He gave us our answer and reminded me of a church we had not yet visited because a year earlier, when we checked, they were without a pastor- but now they had a new one. We attended and both felt this was our new church home, without even really knowing why. All I can say is that the holy spirit was speaking to me, and then as I listened to the pastor and also looked around, I saw some kids, and also found that they were encouraged to be in the sanctuary to sing and worship our Lord! When I spoke with the pastor he agreed and said something to the effect that if children aren't allowed to be in the church setting, how will they know how to "be" in church as they get older? I agreed. Finally...we were home. And, the Lord has blessed us beyond our imaginations for the last several months as we have been attending our new church. It took much longer than I wanted it to, to find our new church home. I hoped for an immediate answer. I hoped to find the perfect church. Of course, there is no perfect church, and in fact, the church is not all about the building. It is a place that we, as christians can gather together, fellowship, worship our Lord, and learn more about Him, but it is really a place to then be sent..out of...and into the World, to the neighbors, the city, the nation and the World....and if your church is not doing this...then I would start looking around and asking why..as this is the great commission of the Bible, to take his saving message to those that need it, everywhere. Another common theme I noticed at some church's is that they were very much focused on their neighborhood and their city but not beyond that. I found it a good thing to have a burden and a heart for the local lost, however, I think it is necessary to have a vision for the world...what if there are those in the congregation that have a longing and a vision to go on missions overseas, to work with orphans, or to minister in countries where the gospel is scarce or non existent? Those people could really use the back up, and encouragement of the church to be able to be sent out. There are those that really need the support of their chruch to do this. Would we in the church not support a family who felt called to adopt an orphan from overseas just because we thought they should only adopt an orphan from our city? No, we should be an encouragement and support to those that are called to all places, and also orphans everywhere. We are called to seek and to serve the lost, and the Lord could be leading each one of us in a different direction. To me, a healthy church is one who recognizes this, and is balanced in this way. A healthy church sees children as part of the whole picture, and seeks to raise them up in the ways of the Lord, equipping their parents to do the same.
God's timing is perfect. I can see that so clearly now. Yes, I was frustrated, sad, and discouraged when seeking a church where my children would be welcomed and actually encouraged to be in the church. Yes, it was hard and took much longer than I wanted it to...but I now know why. I had all this time to see what was going on in many different churches. There seems to be a strong pull toward this segregated model in many, many, many American church's today. In doing some online research, I even read about people who are being turned away when visiting new church's with newborn babies. They are being told that they cannot bring them in to the sanctuary! Many new moms are not comfortable with handing their newborns over to strangers, I know I would not have been! I often wonder if the church is going along with society and it's tendencies toward this, instead of looking closer into the word of God and how He would want us to raise our children in church. The majority of families are apart more than they should be, why keep them apart at church as well? I don't think the Lord said "send them away", "have other people teach them", and "keep them with their peers". There are examples of the older women teaching the younger ones, in the Bible. How can this ever happen if they are always apart? Something I love about our new church is that there are older people there, where our old church was mainly younger people and families. The older people delight in the little children. It is beautiful to watch. My children are getting such a rich environment of fellowship there, and it has nothing to do with them hanging out with their same age peers. Some may not agree with me, and may have been in the new cultural norm of the church for some time now. It may be working for you, but I encourage you to look into God's word, and seek to know what it is He would have you do with your own children, the ones He has entrusted to you to raise for His glory. They may seem happier because they are having "fun" in children's church, but ask yourself if this is really the way it is supposed to be. Maybe, just maybe there is another way that will provide a richness and blessing to their lives that they would never know unless you as the parent take the authority and initiative to look at what might be a better way...and most importantly, the way I look at it, what would be more pleasing to the Lord? Your answer lies in your response.
Train up a child in the way He should go, and when he is older he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6</b>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-59646055154965991022013-01-19T22:05:00.001-08:002013-01-19T22:05:03.988-08:00Red Thread Sessions 2012 Adoptive Families Video, We're in it! <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mbQ6WZ3UnZA" width="480"></iframe><br />
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-28087094902281011302013-01-06T19:44:00.002-08:002013-01-06T19:44:47.262-08:00Leavenworth, Washington <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have come to the conclusion that Leavenworth, WA. is one of the most magical places on earth. If you haven't heard of it, it's a little town that is built to look like a small bavarian village. It's amazing at Christmas. One of the Christmas presents we were treated to this year, was a Sleigh ride in Leavenworth, given to us by my brother and his wife this year. Yesterday they treated us to lunch, and then we went to the farm that provides the sleigh rides, complete with handmade sleighs, large draft horses, and jingle bells. The atmosphere was perfect with fluffy falling snowflakes as we rode around. It was amazingly beautiful, and we all enjoyed it so much. Afterward, we sipped hot cocoa in a tee-pee while warming up around a wood stove. We then went back to town where we walked around in the bavarian village. The kids went sledding, while I wandered in some adorable little shops. I never have enough time when I go to this town, and I have decided that in a few years, when the kids are bigger, I am going to take them all for a 4 day trip there around Christmas time. We will then have time to explore the entire village while taking in the sights and sounds of Christmas. Picture a Christmas town filled with bright twinkling lights everywhere you look, and music playing on every street corner, with horses and carriages wandering past, and happy people milling around. It is pure heaven in my estimation, and I just need more time there. Thankfully, I just booked a two night stay at my favorite bed and breakfast there for next December, and will have some of this time, but I am very much looking forward to a few more years down the road when I can take all the kids for a longer trip, where they can join in on the fun as well. Don't get me wrong, I am so excited to get away next year, but it's always fun to see the kids enjoying themselves as well. We are so thankful that we were given such a fun, meaningful gift, and most of all I love that we made some memories at one of my favorite places on earth. We are blessed! Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-39517290812249846812012-12-28T19:37:00.001-08:002012-12-29T22:50:59.516-08:00Russian Adoption Ban...You may have already heard. The president of russia signed today. Americans are now banned from adopting from russia. This greatly saddens my heart, having been to russia twice in my lifetime, both times visiting orphans in the orphanages there. I wonder if those making this law have ever stepped foot in one of their dismal, cold orphanages with crumbling walls, little heat, little electricity and water? I wonder if they are aware of the abuse at the hands of local drunken men these children are enduring? I wonder if they really know what goes on inside these "detsky doms"? <br />
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Their eyes...they haunt me. The loneliness, the brokenness, and the emptiness is something I am not accustomed to seeing here in this country. They are hungry, cold, and many lacking just basic love and nurturing. So many with attachment and other mental issues now, due to the lack of love, nurture and positive parental guidance. <br />
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Russia changed me, 12 years ago when I was there. I fell in love with this country, it's people, and especially, it's children. My heart broke into a million pieces as I witnessed...touched...experienced the great need and the plight of the orphan there. I was horrified, sadened and compelled to do something. The orphanage I stayed at for two weeks was in the back woods of a small town. These kids were the cast aways, I guess, the difficult ones, the challenging, some of the most damaged by all the unfortunate events of their young little lives. It was rough, and hard to see how they lived out each day. They didn't go to school. They survived. Life was all about survival, and surviving at the hands of sexual predators in the village became thier norm. <br />
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One thing I know is that if this ban holds, and it not soon overturned, we cannot lose hope. Our God is bigger than any government, and if Americans are meant to adopt from there again, it will re-open. When we adopted from there in 2001, things went smoothly, fees were minimal, and it was quick and easy. In the last few years it has been an incredibly strict and difficult process. I know some children have suffered at the hands of their american parents. I do not discount that, but I also know that most have lived a life full of love and acceptance, and now have a future. I understand that kids from russia can be very difficult, ours was, as he came out of that very place I speak of, and the damage was far more than anything we could treat on our own, or even with professionals involved. Although our son was not a disruption, I do understand when parents have to make that difficult decision, and in many cases it turns out to be for the best. I know many are alcohol affected, and damaged before birth, but they still need love. They deserve a chance to be chosen, and loved in a family of their own. I know other countries may still get to adopt, however, I read that a ban on all international adoption from there is in the works. <br />
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Another thing I know is this...if kids are not allowed to be adopted from there, they can still be loved and supported from here. Let me give you an example. When we went on our first mission trip to russian orphanages, we had a pastor from Florida on our team with us. When he returned home he simply told his church that there is a need and they adopted two orphanages. They go on approx. 2-3 trips a year to these orphanages to provide, love, supplies, food and nurturing to these children. There were also some teenagers on our mission trip who had already been there before, and they had sort of "adopted" certain children that they would check up on every time they visited. There are many organizations and ministries that work with the orphans of russia, and we can still "visit them in their distress". Hopefully these options will still be ways in which we can be hands on showing the love of Jesus these children so desperately need. <br />
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In the meantime, let's all keep praying, and hoping the russian orphans will be safe, loved and find families as soon as possible. Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-22680844487529125302012-12-12T18:37:00.002-08:002012-12-12T18:38:34.976-08:00Are you compelled? Just had to do a blog post on this date 12-12-12!!! There will not be another triple number date like this until Jan. 1, 3001!!! <br />
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I need to update this blog but with six kids have found that very hard these days. I will give an update regarding baby Riah. He is now 18 mos. old! He is doing a lot better, however, he is still a very intense child! He is attaching better, and talking up a storm! He seems to be on track developmentally. And...he will more than likely end up being a permanent member of our family. Despite all that we have tried to help him get placed with his bio. brother and great aunt and uncle, we have been told this is not going to be a possibility. It seems so odd, since the brother is doing great there, is well loved, and thriving, and these relatives are heartbroken because they want him so much.. God must have had another plan...and when I think back to the fact that the Lord had a put a little african american baby on my heart right before he came to us, I know God's hand is in this...it was me that tried to mess with it! Yes, a month or so before baby Riah came I had thought about looking into a possible domestic adoption of an african american child. I "knew" there was not a possibility of fostering to adopt an african american child in my area, because there are very few black people that live here! So you can imagine my surprise when I went to pick up this baby boy 14 months ago, and was handed this little chocolatey bundle! I was shocked, but immediately felt the Lord's hand in this as the Lord (and my husband) were the only two that knew my heart in this matter! <br />
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God is the one who sees and knows, so although it seems to make sense in my mind why He should be with his relatives, the Lord knows much more than I and there was abviously a reason he was sent here instead of there. Isn't it amazing that the Lord can send you the desire of your heart even before you present your requests to Him? I had not really intentionally prayed about this yet, and I definately was not yet thinking of taking another foster child at that time either! That is how much the Lord knows us! He knows everything, from every hair on our head to every thought that passes through our minds. And, sometimes these things come to pass even before we can get the words out in prayer. That is why our thought life is so important. It is like a prayer to God. Everything we think, act, do, pray is all known by the one who knows us best. Our thought life can be prayer and praise to the Lord every day. We should always be thinking, "Is this pleasing to the Lord"? I can think of so many other times the Lord has answered unspoken prayers in such specific ways all because He knows me and cares, and wants what is best for me. I wish that every christian and those that don't yet know the Lord could know this type of relationship with God. Once you see God working in your life this way, you are convinced that God is real, and God continues to reveal himself in your life all the time. So many people I know have not experienced that true presence of God, and I so wish that for everyone. The presence of the holy spirit is something that cannot be explained. I think you have to experience it. I have had so many amazing encounters with God, and following Him is the greatest desire of my heart. It is a challenge with six kids because my flesh is constantly driving me to act differently, and thankfully I have the Lord to guide me or I would be totally lost, and these kids, the precious ones He has entrusted to me...I have no idea where they would be! I am so thankful for Jesus. In fact, I am going through one of the hardest trials of my life right now, and although my tears flow, my hope is in Jesus, and I can find Joy even in the midst of extreme hardship and being completely misunderstood! I know my God will deliver me!!! <br />
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Sometimes blogging is good. It is good to share a testimony, share how the Lord is working in the lives of people who are caring for the fatherless. I would not trade this life for another. I have had the beautiful oppotunity in the last couple weeks to witness two new precious children join the families of friends of mine. They are two of the most adorable little girls I have ever seen. My heart is so full just thinking of it! I wish I had more room. I wish I had more time. There are so many little ones in need just in my little area of the country right now. I would love to welcome more, but the truth is, my arms are full. My two youngest children are both very very intense and needy little ones that need a lot of one on one attention. I am stretched...and because of that I am going to continue to stretch and reach out to others the best way I know how to assist others in opening their homes to babies and orphans in need. I can't stop. The need is too great...I thank the Lord that he has placed this passion within me, because it is one that I can't ignore, and I will continue to be disturbed by thoughts and images of children cold and alone, broken and abused and if that doesn't compell me to keep fighting for them, nothing will. My prayer is that it will compell you as well....and God will take it from there. <br />
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-18431691021913025082012-11-13T20:40:00.000-08:002012-11-13T20:40:42.749-08:00Blessed beyond measure...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today was my birthday. I didn't expect a thing, but I am ending this day feeling *blessed* beyond measure. My day started with my children working hard all morning on a secret brunch that I was only to enjoy in bed! Ahhh...then my six year old (an aspiring massage therapist and barista) proceeded to give me a great massage! Then, the afternoon was spent with them making gifts and wrapping, all hush hush, while I was given quiet time! No homeschooling, no chores, just time to myselfe while they worked like little elves getting ready for my "party"! Later on, when my DH got home, he cooked up a special meal in the kitchen that was fabulous (he's a much better cook than I), and I was treated to that as well as cake, ice-cream and some of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever seen. Not only that, I was surrounded by the cutest little kiddos ever, with the biggest smiles on their faces. They showered me with hugs and kisses, and tons of happy birthday wishes. I sit here now while DH and oldest daughter clean the kitchen, and I am feeling very humble, grateful, and blessed far beyond anything I deserve. God's blessings sometimes shower us when we least expect it, and His love shines so brightly we cannot deny it. My heart is full. Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-12815418072441728752012-11-06T22:45:00.000-08:002012-11-06T23:33:36.066-08:00It's over and a great article! I am on the verge of updating this way out of date blog! I will be doing that soon, but in the meantime, a friend sent me a thought provoking article I wanted to share. It has some great points about how we should vote as christians! I am so blessed to have some great christian friends that are so supportive and really know the Lord and see the issues that we face in our society today. The election seems to be over, and the results are just what I expected. Apparently, Obama was right, we are no longer a christian nation, because if we were, there is no way he could have gotten re-elected. On top of that, my state passed recreational marijuana use and gay marriage. So very sad, that we have strayed so far from God. My heart is grieved and I feel so ashamed for our country, and how we have turned so very far away from Him. So, the question addressed in this article is this, as a christian, is it a sin to vote for Obama and the democrats? Find out...<br />
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<a href="http://onenewsnow.com//perspectives/peter-heck/2012/10/29/is-it-a-sin-to-vote-for-obama-and-the-democrats" id="yui_3_7_2_17_1352265482769_60"><u><span style="color: blue;">http://onenewsnow.com//perspectives/peter-heck/2012/10/29/is-it-a-sin-to-vote-for-obama-and-the-democrats</span></u></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-45405044577327739822012-10-03T20:52:00.000-07:002012-10-03T20:52:38.236-07:00The story continues...It was another busy day here, and as I was out running errands all day long, my husband got a phone call from our adoption social worker. She stated that the bio mom (of our sibling set), called again, and this time she is stating that she and the bio father are BOTH willing to drop the appeals. That is hard to believe, but okay. This guy even appealed his relinquishment of his son when the state thought he was living with the aunt but was living with him, and he lost. He just doesn't back down. So, the adoption sw stated that she can't be the go between, and took the bio mother's number down and gave it to us (which I already have from the letter she sent us). Now, apparently it's back in our hands. We know what will happen. I will call and explain again that we will start visitations as soon as the appeals are dropped and the adoptions are final. They will ask for a visit with the son as soon as they drop their appeals and won't want to wait for the adoption. That is why we had the original meeting to begin with, so it would all be explained to them. Maybe, just maybe the bio dad is coming to his senses, but I won't know until I hear that he actually drops the appeal. I hate that we have to deal with all this now, but it's the way it has all worked out, and I have to believe it is for a reason. And, I was also told that bio mom is pregnant again. Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-45668771835795687912012-09-26T22:50:00.002-07:002012-09-26T22:50:56.960-07:00Dream! <strong>If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you will know I did a post on two very significant dreams I have had in my lifetime. I am talking the kind of dreams you have in your sleep, and wake up knowing you had an encounter with God! I had one when I was 15, and I am sorry, I don't have the time at the moment to find it and link to it here, and then I had another about 7 years ago. Both were so meaningful, spiritual and significant, and came at a time when I needed the comfort and power of God in my life so much, and these dreams were amazing, vivid, and gave me just the comfort and hope I needed at both times in my life. If you have the time, look through my posts, and you may find them!</strong><br />
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<strong>Well, the other night I had another dream. I can't say for sure that this one was like the other two. I didn't wake up knowing I had that God encounter, but I did wake up thinking, Wow, that was odd, and I did get the meaning of it immediately. It was significant, but not as in depth as my other dreams, so here it goes: </strong><br />
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<strong>I was in a barn, a large barn with two floors, somewhat like the barn we have now, but this one was huge, like a working dairy barn filled with cows or something, and there was a lot going on and I was one of the workers inside this barn. I was running around like a mad chicken with my head cut off. I am not exactly sure what I was doing, but I know how I felt. Out. of. control. I felt completely stressed out, angry, upset, and again, out of control. I was running through the barn, yelling, screaming about the cows, not being able to get everything done. I then realized I wasn't watching my children. Oh no! Where were they? I looked out the windows from the upper level of the barn, much like our barn, I ran from window to window looking for them. I was panicked, and feeling at a loss and so out of control. I was yelling for them with no answer. I ran downstairs, and out of the barn, and started running toward the orchard to look for them, and suddenly they all just came skipping out, happy and content, smiling, and giving me hugs, like they do every day. That's when I woke up. </strong><br />
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<strong>So, my evaluation of this dream is that I really needed to see it. I think it's a great rendition of how I often feel. Stressed, upset, and out of control, not being able to keep everything orderly, to control the behaviors they have, to get everything done (it all feels monumental, like the feeling you would get if you worked in a huge dairy barn and you were in charge of milking every cow, running the place, and also taking care of your family, homeschooling, cooking, cleaning, on top of it all) and feeling so much responsibility for all of them. Wow. It was hard to see this too. I don't want to look and feel that way. I want to rest in the knowledge that they are all okay, and that I can do my best and at the end of the day it may not all get done, and I may not have been able to control everything, but as long as I just remain calm, they will be fine. I think I often get very overwhlemed, and think that I just can't do it all, so I begin to turn into a mad woman who just needs to relax, and know that it will all be okay. They will all be all right. They will all come walking out of the orchard in peace and happiness. It's me who needs to change and rest in God's will, and just do the best I can. </strong><br />
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<strong>I never thought my dreams could teach me lessons, but they have, and now that I think about it, I think this one must have been another one from God, and I really needed it. Thanks, Lord. ;)</strong> Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292874944162005298.post-46337647804466165682012-09-19T21:44:00.001-07:002012-09-19T21:44:42.665-07:00It is sad...I remember four years ago, when the election was coming up, and I would come across a blog here and there where the author of the blog was a professing christian. I had not ever been very politically minded, but as I began to get older, and (hopefully) wiser, I began to realize that becoming politically minded was not really a choice, but more of a matter of duty, and making the best decision based upon my stance as a christian. So, I began to listen, read, study, and learn so that I would make better decisions as a christian when it came to voting on issues and leaders. To my amazement, I would notice that these professing christians were voting for our current president. My first reaction was that of surprise. I just didn't get it. As a christian, how do we vote "FOR" a leader who is against so many things that christianity is about. Then I realized they were compromising those matters of morality, for matters that they felt would effect them more prosperously, either materially or financially. I was saddened by that. In fact, in my mind it appears that they trusted in men over God. Wow. Wrapping my brain around that one was hard to swallow, and then when our citizens of America voted him into office I felt my heart sink. Have we lost our way? Have we lost sight of what is right, as christians? And then our president renounced us as a christian nation, and sadly, at one point I realized that this also, seems very true, because if we, people that state that we are followers of Christ, the living God, can vote someone into office that is strongly against those things that God is strongly for...how can we truly call ourselves a christian nation? To me, it's simple. I scratch my head at those christians who try and justify why they should vote this way. I have heard their reasons, their justifications, and let them speak their minds. I am still not moved. I am not convinced in any way. I have realized that as a christian we have to be radically transformed by the renewing of our minds every day. In no way can we just sit back and be lukewarm, as the word of God will tell us. We need to take a stand as christians, do the right thing. I pray that this year many people will be delivered out of darkness on this issue. I also pray that christians will seek Him, and seek His ways and not their own. I pray they would soften their hearts to hear God's truth. <br />
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Trust in the LORD
with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways
acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13786155586401067362noreply@blogger.com2