tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23301668607667161042024-03-14T02:39:41.914-07:00One+One+One=HopeOne person, One passion, One Savior!Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02626751897340931935noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330166860766716104.post-36934767788464946552011-07-24T13:42:00.000-07:002011-07-24T13:42:43.126-07:00Hello everyone! I hope you've had a wonderful day of worship and rest. Again, I'm sorry that I have been very present this past week. This week I will be pretty sporadic in blogland, as well. Things are pretty hectic!<br />
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I have been reading the most amazing book by Beth Guckenberger, co-founder of <a href="http://www.back2backministries.org/">Back2Back Ministies</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmBXK-RA3S_WPpgS_7a24I0MfAEqBYrvUIfJnUxCbwKebl8TAfxGoKJM14mTp8DCudrgxo2lniqAX_pkSGmRJ0ZsTfAWWFgPd4_i5hwmfkl4zGZz2IbeNDBadH5AuztYqRavju-ZmNdY/s1600/reckless+faith.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmBXK-RA3S_WPpgS_7a24I0MfAEqBYrvUIfJnUxCbwKebl8TAfxGoKJM14mTp8DCudrgxo2lniqAX_pkSGmRJ0ZsTfAWWFgPd4_i5hwmfkl4zGZz2IbeNDBadH5AuztYqRavju-ZmNdY/s1600/reckless+faith.bmp" t$="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left">Have you read Reckless Faith? If not, you must! It's full of stories of God's grace, examples of His fiathfulness and protection for the orphan, and how we can live our life with abandon. I can't say enough good about it! </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I was reading from it yesterday, and wanted to share an excerpt that describes an orphans world beautifullly. It is tragic, but needed to be said and shared. I hope you'll read on!</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">"<em>Later that same fall, while hosting a team from the States, I try to explain...'We need help with the children's hearts. <span style="color: red;">There is nothing for the gospel to be planted in</span>. We don't just need to cultivate the soil; we need to add soil so the seed has someplace to take root.'</em></div><div align="left"><em>...I grab a piece of paper and begin.</em></div><div align="left"> '<em>Imagine that this piece of paper is the heart of an orphan. Every one of them has been <span style="background-color: white; color: cyan;">abandoned</span> or <span style="color: lime;">abused</span>. There is no exception. For some, they don't remember the day they were dropped off; they just slowly grow up with the realization that they lived differently than other children....</em></div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div align="left"><em>For others, however, they do remember the moment they were left behind, and usually it starts with a lie. They are told they are going to a fair or a carnival, so they skip off the bus or jump out of the taxi and run toward the other children...Then sometimes later on that night, it hits them....</em></div><div align="left"><em>'Whenever that first moment of abuse or abandonment happens, <span style="color: purple;">it's like ripping a heart in half</span>.' I rip the paper, 'Then, after that first trip, more start coming.</em></div><div align="left"><em>'You are the orphan kid in school [<span style="color: magenta;">rip</span>]. You aren't invited to someone's birthday part [<span style="color: orange;">rip</span>]. You don't feel good and no one cares [<span style="color: blue;">rip</span>]. It's your birthday and no one remembers [<span style="color: #990000;">rip</span>]. It's visitation day and no one comes to visit [<span style="color: #351c75;">rip</span>]. It's visitation day and someone comes to visit, but they only end up walking away [<span style="color: #274e13;">rip</span>].</em></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllOwUuCLH40l0jU4VhTyXqcIPb31Vt4S_UtDemw0kFQIiWNN9zbQkIk8J3IjSmzxMWEEQov5djkzumfWOrBhUHmpkem4ERdlnurs-zDWxb9JiS4iWsqnmMM0UOIzANrf5RaKbBRKKTg0/s1600/orphans+2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllOwUuCLH40l0jU4VhTyXqcIPb31Vt4S_UtDemw0kFQIiWNN9zbQkIk8J3IjSmzxMWEEQov5djkzumfWOrBhUHmpkem4ERdlnurs-zDWxb9JiS4iWsqnmMM0UOIzANrf5RaKbBRKKTg0/s1600/orphans+2.bmp" t$="true" /></a></div><br />
'<em>You don't play sports or go to school plays because there isn't anyone to pay the fees or cheer you on or pick you up [<span style="color: yellow;">rip</span>]...</em><br />
<em>'With each rip the heart gets smaller and smaller and harder and harder, so it's no wonder that when I told that girl, 'God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life,' she gave me a look that said, 'Great plan. I don't wany anything to do with a God who had this in mind.'"</em><br />
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</div><div align="left">I hope that you've read this with an open heart and open mind. All of these orphans carry burdens their little hearts and bodies were never intended to bear. I hope this excerpt will awaken your spirit and call you into action. Have a blessed week, everyone!</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02626751897340931935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330166860766716104.post-22075191508757936272011-07-21T20:14:00.000-07:002011-07-21T20:14:00.852-07:00Sorry ya'll, it's been one crazy, busy, no-time-to-blog kind of week! I'm tired out of my mind, but I wanted to leave a little note that <span style="color: blue;">Thursdays for a Change</span><span style="color: black;"> will have to be put on hold this week. What a way to start out, huh?! Oh well, you can't stop life when it hits you!</span><br />
By the way...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrEVMs7jhREkToYktGVQ0UydbMvItBDa_vjlq9NDDsoRbOJROrbB6hgwkapkiDgngKA9Jgfz3XrNmVGtpcOgxacL4axdIjlYqt3_dFzQMc5FnHA2L2_w-yRIx-IpwyGj6-Ns77RaFhuo/s1600/SANY2763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrEVMs7jhREkToYktGVQ0UydbMvItBDa_vjlq9NDDsoRbOJROrbB6hgwkapkiDgngKA9Jgfz3XrNmVGtpcOgxacL4axdIjlYqt3_dFzQMc5FnHA2L2_w-yRIx-IpwyGj6-Ns77RaFhuo/s320/SANY2763.JPG" t$="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> how are your buckets coming? I hope that you're saving up some dough for orphans, and that you're able to teach your family in friends about orphan care during the challenge. Night all!Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02626751897340931935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330166860766716104.post-42938463550992430582011-07-17T14:42:00.000-07:002011-07-17T14:42:22.605-07:00Be a Rebel<span lang="EN"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7_Y_h7FCP1yee1pfYKuDIeqnMSY7tvXq_MwjoE-Q4Z3HoCf0iZx-fQ4_bleyNf56Br9Ykhx_DwTUodhDdO_of0UoyaYpbzZpq985eUoY-byOwWpsYzLgHNJliAHJP3v6n9NJRont1KQ/s1600/orphan.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7_Y_h7FCP1yee1pfYKuDIeqnMSY7tvXq_MwjoE-Q4Z3HoCf0iZx-fQ4_bleyNf56Br9Ykhx_DwTUodhDdO_of0UoyaYpbzZpq985eUoY-byOwWpsYzLgHNJliAHJP3v6n9NJRont1KQ/s1600/orphan.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>My husband had a student in our church come up to him and ask about a song he'd just heard. It was by a Christian rap artist named LeCrae, and in it he speaks of Jesus being a rebel. The student said, "I'm not sure about this song. I mean, he calls Jesus a rebel! What do you think about that?" My husband's response? "Well, yeah, Jesus was a rebel! Maybe the greatest rebel ever! He changed everything! He stepped in and called their way of living into question. He said if you wanna live this life, you've got to lose it!"<br />
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It reminded me of how, as imitators of Christ, we should have that same character. When people look at us, as Christians, they should not see the status quo. They should take one look at us, how we run our lives and our families, where we put our money and energy, and think that we're just weird. It's not commonplace to put the desires of others before your own. It's not popular to forego the material wants of this world and instead pursue with passion the things of God. But hey, <span style="background-color: white; color: cyan;">isn't it what we're called to do?</span><br />
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<em><strong><span style="color: purple;">"Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is, destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal. If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me. Then you'll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment's notice. The Father wil honor and reward anyone who serves me." John 12:24-26, The Message</span></strong></em><br />
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<span style="color: black;">The call to orphan care is not for the faint at heart. It is not normal to yearn and desire for a child who is not your own. The ladies in your social club most likely will not understand if you choose to wage war against poverty and disease in order to defend the orphan in their distress.(James 1:27). It is not common to pack yours bags and go to a foreign country in order to give aid to those less fortunate. There very well may be people within your church who do not understand. </span><span style="color: black;">This call may not be popular, but it is necessary. After all, we are called to live with abandon for Christ's sake. We are called to go against the grain; to be rebels for God's glory.</span><br />
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God’s position on orphan care is clear. Orphan care is not merely charity; it's Gospel. He wants us, as Christians, to have a part in it. Adoption and orphan care are not suggestions of how to go about ministering, they are mandates for Christ’s church. They spur us to join Christ in advocating for the helpless and abandoned, and beckon us to give ourselves away in order to bless another. One of the most selfless things we can do is open our hearts and homes to a child. It involves putting our wants to the wayside, and truly becoming the hands and feet of the church. <span lang="EN">When we reach out to children that are not our flesh and blood, may not look like us, talk like us, or be the same color as us, it slaps Satan in the face! The very notion that we would love outside of ourselves goes against everything the world has to say about Christians. It's <span style="color: lime;">weird.</span></span><br />
The Bible says we should be set apart. The end of James 1:27 states true religion is to <em>"keep oneself from being polluted by the world"</em>, and the world knows this. A watching world is waiting to see if we will live out the hope we proclaim in Christ Jesus. Our unbelieving neighbors are watching us intently to see if we practice what we preach.<em> </em><span style="color: magenta;">Let's show them just how reckless we can be</span>. <br />
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Are you ready to be a rebel?Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02626751897340931935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330166860766716104.post-86115428978079655362011-07-16T19:33:00.000-07:002011-07-16T19:33:49.905-07:00Weekend Fun and a Little Life LessonWith one child away, we decided to go have some fun. We did a little school shopping, some fish-watching (the baby loves aquariums!), and some general meandering. A great Saturday; lazily going about enjoying the day with our first-born.<br />
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Part of that fun involved going to a brand new Christian bookstore in our area. <br />
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Now there is something you need to understand. We love books in my house!<br />
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My husband is a pastor. Before surrendering to the call, he was a journalism major. Writing and reading is what he does - it's what he loves. I wrote several books while in grade school (What? You've never heard of them?!) and used to proof read youth members' school papers for them. My oldest will be in first grade this year, but reads on a third grade level. And she can't read books fast enough to satisfy her hunger. She reads to my youngest daily. <br />
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So you can understand how exciting it was for us to peruse the aisles of this grand bookstore, milling through all of the titles and looking for the perfect book. When all was said and done, we found ourselves having to put book after book back because there was just no way we could afford all of them! We walked out of the store with at least one book for all of us. As soon as my daughter got into the car she began to read her book. By the time we got to our next destination, she had finished it! As she put it down to look for another, she said, "Mama, I loved that book. And I didn't realize it was a true story! I just love how that lost baby found her mommy".<br />
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<span style="color: lime;">What?!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Oh, the joy that filled my heart when I realized that my baby had read about the miracle of adoption!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEBgI9vx2P9IUyeSVhTYO9GXuelsN8lo8Oh8oROGrbt-CiJjDQbwakjtEtzdGKwET8cs9cct6yMC2f4c6sllVZpQGgVB5bDGoSHJFGeaw8f7wUx04zvLSxkCd7fXtdcgQAW6UV6jV_No/s1600/SANY2761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEBgI9vx2P9IUyeSVhTYO9GXuelsN8lo8Oh8oROGrbt-CiJjDQbwakjtEtzdGKwET8cs9cct6yMC2f4c6sllVZpQGgVB5bDGoSHJFGeaw8f7wUx04zvLSxkCd7fXtdcgQAW6UV6jV_No/s320/SANY2761.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Has your child read it?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left">It's so cute, and good, and wonderful! It's written by Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman, founders of <a href="http://www.showhope.org/">Show Hope</a> and adoptive parents to three Asian princesses. And it's illustrated by Jim Chapman, who is Mary Beth's brother and whose family has also been blessed through adoption. You should pick it up today.</div><div align="left">And if you are looking for a phenomenal read, look no further than <span style="color: magenta;">Choosing to SEE"</span><span style="color: black;">, Mary Beth's chronicle of how God's path for them led to adoption, and the heartache of loosing their precious daughter, Maria. It is a tear-jerker, eye-opener for sure!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bNbV0bfxu8ZZkFUsHf7sDr7JC3ZPrzlQCQfosxrQ0KGlpCZv6a6NdrT9ZFmksbUS90bLH98nGcXFmdlsZQS-vqcz0OeNTM5TBmqABO-l596JOjwnZZegUw0ZxRrj5SgNVFMx9E1ys38/s1600/choosing+to+see.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bNbV0bfxu8ZZkFUsHf7sDr7JC3ZPrzlQCQfosxrQ0KGlpCZv6a6NdrT9ZFmksbUS90bLH98nGcXFmdlsZQS-vqcz0OeNTM5TBmqABO-l596JOjwnZZegUw0ZxRrj5SgNVFMx9E1ys38/s1600/choosing+to+see.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left">Although my daughter knows my heart for adoption, she does not yet fully understand it. Her book opened her eyes to the world of an orphan, and gave us an opportunity to talk openly about what we can do to change it. What a blessing! </div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02626751897340931935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330166860766716104.post-47404884745954520292011-07-14T21:05:00.000-07:002011-07-16T22:27:10.358-07:00Thursday For A ChangeWhat are Thursdays good for, anyway? I mean, there they sit, sandwiched between the mundane existence of workdays Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday's "bring on the party" celebration. Poor Thursday, though; it doesn't even get a cool nickname! At least it didn't until now!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29acw2A7sGSz2K8DQhnnfeAx_-fUbzGH2uIoQYROKNFo1-ZR7ijB0j31qmaKtsCsJfgSJHEwh3hXXWYHX24usw35o0ljsZYLVDplL4Dsiy8deAYXEs5lG-aQ4SoId9FWtfxg7_Begj5Q/s1600/thursday.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29acw2A7sGSz2K8DQhnnfeAx_-fUbzGH2uIoQYROKNFo1-ZR7ijB0j31qmaKtsCsJfgSJHEwh3hXXWYHX24usw35o0ljsZYLVDplL4Dsiy8deAYXEs5lG-aQ4SoId9FWtfxg7_Begj5Q/s1600/thursday.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left">Welcome to <span style="color: blue;">Thursdays For a </span><span style="color: blue;">Change</span><span style="color: black;">! Since we all need something to look forward to on Thursday, I would like to begin a weekly challenge; using our creative efforts to benefit the world around us. For the very first Thursday challenge, I'm making </span><span style="color: purple;">Buckets For Change</span><span style="color: black;">. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Grab a bucket, pail, jar, or whatever other container you have handy. I just happened to find some adorable bright, cheery buckets at Target in the Dollar Spot. Next, you'll wanna decorate your bucket. I'm gonna leave this one up to you because, </span><span style="color: red;">#1</span><span style="color: black;">- I wanna see your amazing craftiness, and </span><span style="color: orange;">#2</span><span style="color: black;">- I'm still pretty new to this blog stuff, and didn't think to make step by step tutorial pictures; ha! I used simple black rub on transfers, but you may use fabrics, stickers, glitter - whatever you'd like! Here are some examples of the fabulousness:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZccDb8K1oIPWlXyzCTlmtVtyapOreC3iKj-T6MquGO9HuVMbPEVPE3F1y2VrVgLM_J9lgHrUmwie2AsjlEX1TFJxYektAUllSs5qnksu6Ldd9Y4GEMqYZ7HMVmYO5-HkMuBm8NZiIvPU/s1600/bucket+3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZccDb8K1oIPWlXyzCTlmtVtyapOreC3iKj-T6MquGO9HuVMbPEVPE3F1y2VrVgLM_J9lgHrUmwie2AsjlEX1TFJxYektAUllSs5qnksu6Ldd9Y4GEMqYZ7HMVmYO5-HkMuBm8NZiIvPU/s1600/bucket+3.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You know you love that painted goodness!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOnj9Xg2WMx9Ecq2o52Ib5_ZBXXH3Hmkp9qoll9exg24-Y_r_KYdj7UndM4mUj4lSi_KbrG64qG7tgwewhwFvhz2QzRUC7Sz9UbqX9UjXTZwOaSg2bFIQcz8WqUw2shoyLeOypEu0Cx8/s1600/bucket.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOnj9Xg2WMx9Ecq2o52Ib5_ZBXXH3Hmkp9qoll9exg24-Y_r_KYdj7UndM4mUj4lSi_KbrG64qG7tgwewhwFvhz2QzRUC7Sz9UbqX9UjXTZwOaSg2bFIQcz8WqUw2shoyLeOypEu0Cx8/s1600/bucket.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The crisp black lettering makes this look soooo good!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCz1QiEL1xVys-u5NujqH1sp8b2PQS4EoIewfy5ZofHP_kBV426jTWA-FOP0LSdpq3N_Ta28Jv4mZNmD08wEoCtBsRbmv0nt_7IGssIJQsHBcrAoTrQw1pGIzdlKEfG39J-Q5Ww8IpXM/s1600/bucket+5.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCz1QiEL1xVys-u5NujqH1sp8b2PQS4EoIewfy5ZofHP_kBV426jTWA-FOP0LSdpq3N_Ta28Jv4mZNmD08wEoCtBsRbmv0nt_7IGssIJQsHBcrAoTrQw1pGIzdlKEfG39J-Q5Ww8IpXM/s1600/bucket+5.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This would be great if you're doing your bucket with your kids.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Uzofj-VLrCQpiy3uKN-3MFzilhFPlGKLHbJWjtbcoGRwnKyywxHUuMkZdXoagMjsa1DcsDF1CE6gXjK_fMbnlkVqqwYAMHXNIgAw7FiSXhf3oeK0w0tONySA90muliN6mTVq-hM1ckM/s1600/bucket+6.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Uzofj-VLrCQpiy3uKN-3MFzilhFPlGKLHbJWjtbcoGRwnKyywxHUuMkZdXoagMjsa1DcsDF1CE6gXjK_fMbnlkVqqwYAMHXNIgAw7FiSXhf3oeK0w0tONySA90muliN6mTVq-hM1ckM/s1600/bucket+6.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And this one? Well, you just can't look at it and be unhappy!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1gSUTXC5kh8PsSN8pd_h_GINLCGVs1bkS2JrhA-gXO1LDwZ4qciXZOZikzdf0NFCg2T8LOSZ_N1CSAQ7-8RXBA5-5RDOQgtPVrqfviCJ-sM9iYWw6jdp9Kb88kPfwl39umxfowAEW6Y/s1600/bucket+4.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1gSUTXC5kh8PsSN8pd_h_GINLCGVs1bkS2JrhA-gXO1LDwZ4qciXZOZikzdf0NFCg2T8LOSZ_N1CSAQ7-8RXBA5-5RDOQgtPVrqfviCJ-sM9iYWw6jdp9Kb88kPfwl39umxfowAEW6Y/s1600/bucket+4.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Scrappy happy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrEVMs7jhREkToYktGVQ0UydbMvItBDa_vjlq9NDDsoRbOJROrbB6hgwkapkiDgngKA9Jgfz3XrNmVGtpcOgxacL4axdIjlYqt3_dFzQMc5FnHA2L2_w-yRIx-IpwyGj6-Ns77RaFhuo/s1600/SANY2763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrEVMs7jhREkToYktGVQ0UydbMvItBDa_vjlq9NDDsoRbOJROrbB6hgwkapkiDgngKA9Jgfz3XrNmVGtpcOgxacL4axdIjlYqt3_dFzQMc5FnHA2L2_w-yRIx-IpwyGj6-Ns77RaFhuo/s320/SANY2763.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And this is mine!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left">The sky's the limit when it comes to these! Once you've decorated, set your bucket in a place of prominence within your home, workplace or church. Each time you see it, empty your loose change in the bucket. Encourage others to do it, as well. When people ask what the bucket's for, you can tell them <span style="color: #38761d;">"This is how I'm changing the world"</span><span style="color: black;">! Once you've completely filled your bucket, send the money to <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBUQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sparrow-fund.org%2Fhelp.html&ei=ibofTvz9JqW50AGXosi-Aw&usg=AFQjCNGS8BVbHqGmoGL3f_XLV__sU3u3UQ">The Sparrow Fund</a>, <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBUQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.showhope.org%2FDonate.aspx&ei=1LofTqmLIsr50gGE5d2sAw&usg=AFQjCNEUqz5Ylhp6MhuXbBvJ0pPk5Mk6uw">Show Hope</a>, <a href="http://www.holtinternational.org/gifts/catalogue.php">Holt International</a>, or an adoptive family/foster home in your area. So, are you ready to make a difference?</span></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02626751897340931935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330166860766716104.post-64629953322701016402011-07-13T20:07:00.000-07:002011-07-16T18:38:29.153-07:00Suffering produces HopeI have a friend. A wonderful man<strong> </strong>who is loved by all those around him. A happy guy who always has a joke for when you need a laugh. A big, teddy bear whom children flock to, and who always seems to have a neverending supply of <span style="color: purple;">lollipops</span>.<br />
<br />
My friend was in an accident about 2 months ago, and it left him with a broken collar bone, and several fractures in his back. In the blink of an eye, his future became very uncertain. All of the sudden his hopes and dreams shrank, and the biggest hope he and his family had for tomorrow was to see him walk again. Yet he <span style="color: magenta;">didn't loose that smile</span>.<br />
<br />
I tell you all this because I believe in small victories. Because I know that baby steps may be shaky and wobbly, and small, but they still will get you to your destination. And I can say this with renewed certainty, because <span style="color: blue;">my friend walked today</span>.<br />
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I wish you could have seen his face, captured in the photo I was shown. He was smiling the biggest smile I think I've ever seen. And the therapist had a smile that was just as big! They weren't just smiles, they were badges of <span style="color: magenta;">honor</span>. <br />
Medals.<br />
The hard-earned rewards of <span style="color: blue;">persistence</span>, <span style="color: orange;">courage</span>, and <span style="color: purple;">faith</span>. They were proudly displaying the <span style="color: #6aa84f;">laurels of hope</span>, and boy; did they look good!<br />
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His expression brought tears of joy to my eyes, and they reminded me, once again, that our hope is not found in the things of this world. Our hope is found in Christ alone. It is by His strength that this man was able to walk again, and it is through Him that we can call even our sufferings blessings! My buddy is a living example of this, and I pray that he uses each triumph, as well as every struggle, to glorify the One who<span style="color: magenta;"> makes all things new</span>.<br />
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<strong>Romans 5:2-5</strong> <em>Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.</em>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02626751897340931935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330166860766716104.post-40124114772868090672011-07-12T09:20:00.000-07:002011-07-16T18:39:11.349-07:00How Does ONE Person Make A Difference For The Millions?This question is daunting, I know. I've asked myself this same question a thousand times or more. It's the reason I started this blog.<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">To give hope to those who feel insignificant.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">To inspire those who wish to make a difference.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">To remind myself that it only takes one willing heart.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">One person can change the world for orphans. Oh, but I'm getting ahead of myself. We still haven't answered the question! As I've prayed and read and researched, one of the things that the Lord has told me over and over again is not to discouraged. Small measures may feel like tiny grains of sand in a giant ocean, but those grains add up, and soon you have a beach shore. With every measure, we are building the foundation on which millions of orphans can be saved from extreme poverty and maltreatment, sex trafficking, malnutrition and more. We CAN make a difference! Let me show you how!</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="color: red;">Pray for the millions of orphans who will not know the love of a father and mother tonight.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: orange;">Become a <a href="http://www.nationalcasa.org/">Court Appointed Special Advocate</a> for a child in foster care.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: lime;">Receive training to become a foster parent, or give respite care to foster parents in your area.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: cyan;">Host baby showers or "gotcha day" parties for expectant adoptive parents.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Host an Orphan Sunday event in your church or community. Go <a href="http://www.orphansunday.org/">here</a> to get more info. and for resources to share with your church/civic leaders.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Start a small group within your home and review materials concerning the plight of the fatherless. Consider <a href="http://www.orphansunday.org/resources/#bible_studies">looking here</a> or <a href="http://www.hopefororphans.org/Display.asp?Page=home">here</a> for materials.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75;">Host a 5K, garage sale, cupcake sale or other fundraiser for orphan care. There are many different organizations to support. <a href="http://www.showhope.org/">Show Hope</a> offers adooption grants and cares for special needs orphans. <a href="http://www.worldorphans.org/">World Orphans</a> and <a href="http://www.stellasvoice.org/">Stella's Voice</a> build suitable orphanages and offer much-needed care.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;">Support organizations that speak up for the less fortunate. These are numerous, but some of my favorites are WorldVision, Compassion International, Show Hope and Holt International.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Prayerfully consider welcoming an orphan into your home. </span></li>
</ul>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02626751897340931935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330166860766716104.post-87202140168172685682011-07-11T22:43:00.000-07:002011-07-14T19:41:13.836-07:00A Day Of Fun!Well, what do you do with two little girls who have been cooked up in the house recovering from strep? You take them out, silly! The girls and I (along with the hubs, poor soul!) were about to go stir crazy, so we took the opportunity today to get out and about. We decided go do something special.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No, we didn't cast any spells or whip up any brews, but we did see plenty of "eyes of newts"! We visited the Mississippi Natural Science Museum's frog exhibit! The girls had so much fun learning more about those slimy amphibians. Me? Well, I just enjoyed seeing my girls enjoy a new learning adventure. That's enough to make any mother's heart happy. :o)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4uRKIIiau_ut03GdLK5gSsf7wUB5yeMAP7XV9CMWz1-0_5YV3RjY07wXpo2KYeOCy6F3FaAAT4KW0AAGO1ibeX13w64yuuVQl3bZPSxFS0dfE6PyrA1ZbNh8AHBVW7psafOYSK_1Z1s/s1600/SANY2733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4uRKIIiau_ut03GdLK5gSsf7wUB5yeMAP7XV9CMWz1-0_5YV3RjY07wXpo2KYeOCy6F3FaAAT4KW0AAGO1ibeX13w64yuuVQl3bZPSxFS0dfE6PyrA1ZbNh8AHBVW7psafOYSK_1Z1s/s320/SANY2733.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzbz7ONmAhwBUXhTgYBPUNPeoUnO-P_xYTuZMB-1-3wohhbcU1UoR_0aOhjftHZBLSPnwjZygZXwuqyHDmfDQAxidJKHWhtt9fqRbvE5xHXOkzQobsFA66NvOISJLpFXM9YCOoqBFcCQ/s1600/SANY2734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzbz7ONmAhwBUXhTgYBPUNPeoUnO-P_xYTuZMB-1-3wohhbcU1UoR_0aOhjftHZBLSPnwjZygZXwuqyHDmfDQAxidJKHWhtt9fqRbvE5xHXOkzQobsFA66NvOISJLpFXM9YCOoqBFcCQ/s320/SANY2734.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Isn't that just the cutest, most excited little face you've ever seen?!? That little girl was so happy about seeing the little <span style="color: lime;">green</span> (and <span style="color: red;">red</span>, and <span style="color: #783f04;">brown</span>, and <span style="color: blue;">BLUE</span>!) critters she could hardly contain herself. And check out this toothless cutie's expression:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPegLjyqZGrIxznAAyYMr_mu4L3QveER-oKgmNY9jzs4HKlKcdiV33HniPyGOEucuhkepDqmDIZ3wr-YxPWIGEdEYIDeuH71IOBfSjgXaUt8tOLKFmZnqXPN-ITBbbReECtDWHWy8XYAc/s1600/SANY2737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPegLjyqZGrIxznAAyYMr_mu4L3QveER-oKgmNY9jzs4HKlKcdiV33HniPyGOEucuhkepDqmDIZ3wr-YxPWIGEdEYIDeuH71IOBfSjgXaUt8tOLKFmZnqXPN-ITBbbReECtDWHWy8XYAc/s320/SANY2737.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ha! Love it! She honestly didn't know which way to go first, she was so excited! If you live in the Jackson area and haven't visited the natural science museum, you really hafta go. They have so much to see and do! Like trying to jump as far as a frog:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vGuAgaMkY2yuov_0l0Gp4Sou-ROgtIvQLQTkjKRvNxH-ZGoL5EktGOmh2fEFgmiiSXK01JV9_xaLJmovRPx3nQBbouc_FiS71WZ8_1VWr_YFyWREp2MfUkU0LnneOzqvnxzUEjMxmlk/s1600/SANY2736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vGuAgaMkY2yuov_0l0Gp4Sou-ROgtIvQLQTkjKRvNxH-ZGoL5EktGOmh2fEFgmiiSXK01JV9_xaLJmovRPx3nQBbouc_FiS71WZ8_1VWr_YFyWREp2MfUkU0LnneOzqvnxzUEjMxmlk/s320/SANY2736.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">(Yes, that's me in a rare photo op, and I must think you're pretty special to let you see it!) When my youngest was just a wobbly toddler, we would bring her here and the hubs would make the turtles talk. She would walk off and then you'd hear "Mr. Charlie" the turtle holler for her to come back. She's always been such a sucker for it, and even though she pretty much knows better now, she still loves it! Here's a pic of Mr. Charlie. When you see him, tell him our wild bunch said hello!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UlruarhnD5Ij2Yj-731fGPtclbcMixWXk76w0meIXzBBPnMhFGG6CByzKpTk3WQYNEw6vwQVkRAZMXnbCe2a05tevj_-RnLQnFQChqQCpGhuW5uuaaOeY6XtTua4BTahYYpKufiW0js/s1600/SANY2741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UlruarhnD5Ij2Yj-731fGPtclbcMixWXk76w0meIXzBBPnMhFGG6CByzKpTk3WQYNEw6vwQVkRAZMXnbCe2a05tevj_-RnLQnFQChqQCpGhuW5uuaaOeY6XtTua4BTahYYpKufiW0js/s320/SANY2741.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, what did <span style="color: red;">YOU </span><span style="color: black;">do to make the day special?</span></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02626751897340931935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330166860766716104.post-54062075857043518902011-07-10T20:40:00.000-07:002011-07-16T18:39:45.464-07:00Shopping For A CauseI have some pretty amazing friends, if I may say so! One such buddy is the multi-talented Sharon over at <a href="http://sharonize.blogspot.com/">Sharona's Homelife</a>. If you don't believe me, you should see all of the amazing things she does! Fantastic mother of four, devoted wife, home childcare director extraordinare, etc., etc. Her list of accomplishments are pretty incredibly, but perhaps the one she is most excited about is the creation of Pinwheels and Polkadots, a handmade children's store whose entire proceeds go to help fund adoptions. She has toys, adorable animals, play sets, crayon rolls and bags that are just too precious to pass up! So why don't you stop by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pinwheels-and-Polka-Dots/140861879316130?ref=ts#!/pages/Pinwheels-and-Polka-Dots/140861879316130">here</a>, and feel confident that you're making a difference! (And if you're in the Jackson, MS area, you can check out some of her items at Traditions Children's Consignment, opening in Brandon July 18th.)<br />
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Won't you stop by Pinwheele and Polkadots and help make a difference?Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02626751897340931935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330166860766716104.post-38237844984561177612011-07-09T20:11:00.000-07:002011-07-16T18:40:15.188-07:00<span lang="EN">At this moment, there are <span style="color: red;">147 million orphans</span> worldwide. <br />
That’s 4 million more than just 6 months ago. <br />
Right now, as we sit in this heated room, with cushioned chairs, nice clothes and full bellies, a child in<span style="color: orange;"> </span><span style="color: black;">Uganda</span> cares for his dying mother, a <span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Russian </span></span>orphan ceases to cry as he realizes his cries will not be answered, an <span style="color: black;">Ethiopian girl lives in a landfill, spending her days foraging for food and scraps to sell, and an American orphan suffers</span> the consequences of his mother’s mistakes, wondering if anyone will ever simply love him for him. </span><strong><em></em></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1F0fV4OZQLqJip9FiNtwW5aY8f7FCXQII1VllfEzeeTCr3yzJYhWsDWM1-3j07Wlu7uiPcExA0BG0o1txhYcdpR59wgRrH4_nYMiT9sqJ_QauQi8TW7GWA-j3mS0su1TVCgMmMgx6v7E/s1600/orphan+of+the+world.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1F0fV4OZQLqJip9FiNtwW5aY8f7FCXQII1VllfEzeeTCr3yzJYhWsDWM1-3j07Wlu7uiPcExA0BG0o1txhYcdpR59wgRrH4_nYMiT9sqJ_QauQi8TW7GWA-j3mS0su1TVCgMmMgx6v7E/s1600/orphan+of+the+world.bmp" /></a></div>Psalms 68:6 says that God sets the lonely in families. About 2 years ago, the Lord began to reveal to us his heart for the orphan and his plan for us concerning adoption. <br />
I find as I speak to others that the reason more Christians are not broken for orphan care is because most of them don’t know anything about it. So let me shed some light on the matter.<br />
Worldwide, 50% of the population live on less than $2 a day. In areas like Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, mothers relinquish their children to orphanages because they know this is the only hope they have at a prosperous future.<br />
<br />
Every 3 seconds a child under the age of 5 dies due to preventable illnesses and other poverty related issues. That totals 10 million children a year.<br />
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In the Ukraine and Russia, children age out of the orphan system at 16. They are given $16 dollars, the clothes on their back, and a ticket to the city of their birth. They know no one. 10-15% of these children commit suicide within 2 years of aging out. 60% of the girls are lured into prostitution. 70% of the boys become hardened criminals. <br />
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In America, one of the few countries with foster care, there are approx. 500,000 children in the foster care system.<br />
Approx. 120,000 U.S. children in foster care are waiting to be adopted. <br />
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A child is orphaned every 18 seconds. They are alone. Without hope. Wandering the streets, searching for food. They are beaten. They are bullied. They are harassed. And they are waiting for someone like you and me.<br />
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<em>“The Christian solution for this tragedy is to give orphan children the good news they really long to hear” -- The Gospel of Adoption. </em><span lang="EN"></span><br />
The Lord has sent us a message, and that message is that we are no longer to be silent. God is calling Christians like never before to speak up for the fatherless, and give them the hope they so desperately desire.Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02626751897340931935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2330166860766716104.post-8392514440516803632011-07-09T14:18:00.000-07:002011-07-09T14:18:35.864-07:00My First Ever Post!Hi there! I'm happy that you've come to visit! I have a small confession: I've never ever blogged before. Ever. So bear with me as I figure this whole blog world out. Nonetheless, I am excited to be able to share this journey with you, and increase awareness of the plight of the orphan. I hope you'll join with me on this journey. It's sure to be a lot of fun!Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02626751897340931935noreply@blogger.com0