Please read this...

In light of my disappointment written below, I found an excellent post that you can't miss. Read: THIS

What did your church do for orphan sunday?

I was disheartened to see that my church did nothing. I was also disheartened to see that out of 62 orphans that need to be sponsored in Africa (from an orphanage our church is supporting), not even half of them have been sponsored. At least 6 months have gone by since this was brought up to the congregation.

How can we be so selfish? How can we just walk by, or ignore the plight of the orphan all around us? This disturbs me to the core, and I often wonder how christians can justify this? Tbey can easily afford $5 a day at a coffee shop, but can't "commit" to helping an orphan. A child with nothing, no hope, no sense of unconditional love, often abused and mistreated. How can we as christains ignore this? The Bible speaks about caring for orphans at least 85 times. I see the church's being more concerned with their programs around fellowship, and sports, and small groups, and fun and entertainment, all the while ignoring the hurting all around them and all over the world. It's not right.

And I know this is not to blame the church, because I am the church, we, are all the church. It is up to us to reach out the hurting, the widows, the sick, the homeless, and the orphans. Unfortunately, with my church, I tried to present something along this line, to express my passion for the orphan, and how we as a church, all must take part in caring for them. My attempt was shut down, and not understood. Believe me, if it would have been accepted with enthusiasm and understanding, I would have been the first one up there today, presenting something about orphan sunday. It seems this particular church doesn't get it...and it's okay to ignore the mandate, and instead raise millions to build a church building, while also promoting entertainment and fun all the time. It's hard to take part in that, when I know what is happening around the world, having been there, and knowing it to be true. I have seen, felt, experienced, and touched the plight of the orphan, and I will never be the same. I cannot stand back and say nothing, do nothing, and even pretend to tolerate the church doing nothing. I will be praying...as I know that I cannot just be silent on this issue any longer. We, as the body of Christ need to pull together, in unity, to do what needs to be done to care for the orphan.

Reckless Abandon

Adeye, at No Greater Joy Mom, wrote a post you have to read...I wish I could have written it this well...go HERE

The date is set!

To celebrate National adoption day, families in our area who's adoption falls in Novemeber are given the option to finalize in the courts on this day. Since it falls on a Sat. all of us will be finalizing our adoption on NOVEMBER 21st 2011! We had the option of finalizing the week before, but it would have been just us, and the National adoption day for finalization is a big celebration with a party, etc. There will be around 9 other families finalizing their adoptions that day as well. We thought that was perfect, because finalizing our adoption of this precious one is nothing short of a celebration and a miracle!!! We cannot wait!!!

He's here!!!

Yes, our 3rd. foster baby is now here. He arrived monday afternoon. After lots of prayer and discussion, it just felt right to take him. I don't really know much about his case yet. They are saying he may be fast tracked for adoption, however, he also has some native american blood that could put a halt to all of that. Only time will tell, as this case sorts itself out.

As of now, we are just enjoying him. He is a gorgeous baby. So cute, pudgy, plump, with big sparkly brown eyes and a curly cue on top of his head. He smiles and gigggles and will be 5 months old in a few days. What a blessing!

Another call...

Lord,
You are a great and mighty God! I am so blessed with a house full of smiles and giggles and silliness every single day. You have given me so much...and I know that much is required of me. God, it is hard. I know you never said it would be easy. So, I pray, and I lean on you, Lord, for guidance and strength, but sadly, not always enough. You have taught me so much through my children, God. Thank you for them. Fostering has been such a hands on real way to show your love directly to these children you have entrusted to me. Only, I fail often. I strive to be more and more like you every day...and I am humbled and on my knees asking for more of you, so you will flow through me to the little lambs I am attempting to shepherd. This high calling of motherhood is such an amazing gift. I try my best to give it my all...but need your help, as daily tasks can sometimes be overwhelming. I often wonder how I could do it without you. I couldn't. Each of my children have their own special stories, and the more I think about it, the more I realize without a doubt that each one of their little lives is a MIRACLE. From my two oldest being tiny preemies, they are survivors. My youngest two started out lives by being assaulted with drugs and toxins within the womb. Lord, you were right there protecting them all. Thank you Jesus!!

And now, another little one has been brought to our attention. A 5 mo. old baby boy. Father, I know just the other day I found myself saying out loud that I would love a baby boy. Were you preparing me for this call? Or am I stretched too thin already? I never expected a call..as our foster license is full. Only you know the plans you have for this baby and for my family. God I ask that as we take the next couple days to seek your will...that you will make it overwhelmingly clear what it is you would have us do. We wouldn't be able to do this without total reliance on you. I pray this little life will be set permanantly in the family you have chosen for him soon...whether it's ours or another. I pray, if it is us...we would be able to quickly open our hearts and home. If it is not, I pray the door would close and he would safely settle into his new loving home and family. We leave it all up to you!

Amen.

"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families." - Psalm 68:5-6

Blogger Blues & Great News!

I haven't been blogging much lately, because my blog has been messed up for a very long time. Since blogger made changes some months back, I am no longer able to leave comments. I have contacted blogger for help, but the info they gave me didn't fix it. So...on to better news!!!

Our sweet, adorable, precious foster daughter will be legally OURS very, very soon! I got word this week that all the paperwork is done, and I just need to wait for the adoption support people to call, then if all goes well, our attorney will be ready to get us in for a final hearing to officially adopt miss LexiLou! It should all be final somewhere around the beginning of November! November 5th we will also be celebrating our FOUR year adoption anniversary of Lilyann. Adoption has blessed us so much, it's hard to put it into words. More on that soon, but for now, enjoy the picture above of my little sweetie, who will finally, and miraculously be ours within weeks! Blessings!