I have always believed that the Lord would not call us into the ministry of parenting only to call us away from the children to minister elsewhere.
This pertains particularly to small children and for extended amounts of hours. My husband and children's needs must come first. If I forsake them, I have forsaken my most important ministry of all. ~Sue Christy (mentor, leader and mama to 7)
"It's never to late to be what you might have been."-george eliott
Proverbs 24:10 says, "If you faint in the day of adversity your strength is small."
We can love the world, or love God. If we love the world, there will be no room in our heart for the love of God. We cannot love both God, who is eternal, and the world, which is transitory. -- St. Augustine of Hippo
Hold everything earthly with a loose hand. -- Charles H. Spurgeon
A sensible thanksgiving for mercies received is a mighty prayer in
the Spirit of God. It prevails with Him unspeakably.--John Bunyan
"Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting."
~ Author Unknown ~
You say, "If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied." You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled.~Charles Haddon Spurgeon
"In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich."-- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
God who never gives up on us. He is not impatient, but long-suffering and committed to seeing His Son formed us, even when it seems impossible to us in the natural. Jenny G
If thou art willing to suffer no adversity, how wilt thou be the
friend of Christ? --Thomas à Kempis
Better to be occasionally cheated than perpetually suspicious.-Unknown
The will of God is never exactly what you expect it to be. It may seem to be much worse, but in the end it's going to be a lot better and a lot bigger. --Elisabeth Elliot
Try to please everybody, you won’t please anybody.
There is no time for nonsense fun and games, there is a dying world out there. If we don't teach them Jesus is real at a very young age, the enemy will teach them He isn't. I want my children to be a "consuming fire" not a little light. Penny Raine
May 9, 2008
May 7, 2008
History of Foster Care in the United States
History of Foster Care in the United States
Some of the earliest documentation of children being cared for in foster homes can be found in the Old Testament and in the Talmud. These references establish caring for dependent children as a duty under law. Early Christian church records also show children were boarded with "worthy widows" who were paid by collections from the congregation.
It was English Poor Law, however, that lead to development and eventual regulation of family foster care in the United States. In 1562, these laws allowed the placement of poor children into indentured service until they came of age. This practice was imported to the United States and was the beginning of placing children into homes. Even though indentured service permitted abuse and exploitation, it was a step forward from almshouses where children did not learn a trade and were exposed to horrendous surroundings and unsavory adults. Various forms of indenturing children persisted into the first decade of this century.
In 1636, less than thirty years after the founding of the Jamestown Colony, at the age of seven, BENJAMIN EATON became this nation's first foster child.
In 1853, Charles Loring Brace began the free foster home movement. A minister and director of the New York Children's Aid Society, Brace was concerned about the large number of immigrant children sleeping in the streets of New York. He devised a plan to provide them homes by advertising in the South and West for families willing to provide free homes for these children, whether for charitable reasons or whatever help these children could be to them. In many cases, these children were placed in circumstances similar to indenture. However, Brace's daring and creative action became the foundation for the foster care movement as it exists today.
As a result of the New York Children's Aid Society's placements, sectarian social agencies and state governments became involved in foster home placements. Three states led the movement. Massachusetts, prior to 1865, began paying board to families who took care of children too young to be indentured. Pennsylvania passed the first licensing law in 1885 which made it a misdemeanor to care for two or more unrelated children without a license. South Dakota began providing subsidies to the Children's Home Society after it was organized in 1893 for its public child care work.
During the early 1900's, social agencies began to supervise foster parents. Records were kept, children's individual needs were considered when placements were made, and the federal government began supporting state inspections of family foster homes. Services were provided to natural families to enable the child to return home and foster parents were now seen as part of a professional team working to find permanency for dependent children.
Some of the earliest documentation of children being cared for in foster homes can be found in the Old Testament and in the Talmud. These references establish caring for dependent children as a duty under law. Early Christian church records also show children were boarded with "worthy widows" who were paid by collections from the congregation.
It was English Poor Law, however, that lead to development and eventual regulation of family foster care in the United States. In 1562, these laws allowed the placement of poor children into indentured service until they came of age. This practice was imported to the United States and was the beginning of placing children into homes. Even though indentured service permitted abuse and exploitation, it was a step forward from almshouses where children did not learn a trade and were exposed to horrendous surroundings and unsavory adults. Various forms of indenturing children persisted into the first decade of this century.
In 1636, less than thirty years after the founding of the Jamestown Colony, at the age of seven, BENJAMIN EATON became this nation's first foster child.
In 1853, Charles Loring Brace began the free foster home movement. A minister and director of the New York Children's Aid Society, Brace was concerned about the large number of immigrant children sleeping in the streets of New York. He devised a plan to provide them homes by advertising in the South and West for families willing to provide free homes for these children, whether for charitable reasons or whatever help these children could be to them. In many cases, these children were placed in circumstances similar to indenture. However, Brace's daring and creative action became the foundation for the foster care movement as it exists today.
As a result of the New York Children's Aid Society's placements, sectarian social agencies and state governments became involved in foster home placements. Three states led the movement. Massachusetts, prior to 1865, began paying board to families who took care of children too young to be indentured. Pennsylvania passed the first licensing law in 1885 which made it a misdemeanor to care for two or more unrelated children without a license. South Dakota began providing subsidies to the Children's Home Society after it was organized in 1893 for its public child care work.
During the early 1900's, social agencies began to supervise foster parents. Records were kept, children's individual needs were considered when placements were made, and the federal government began supporting state inspections of family foster homes. Services were provided to natural families to enable the child to return home and foster parents were now seen as part of a professional team working to find permanency for dependent children.
Breast-Fed Children Smarter
Read this and be bLLLessed you made the "smarter" choice
Click here: Breast-Fed Children Smarter, Study Finds - AOL News
We have known for a long time that Breastfeeding makes smarter peoplebut it always feels good to see it in print from time to time so the WHOLE WORLD can be reminded
:-)
WASHINGTON, May 5 (Reuters) - A new study provides some of the best evidence to date that breast-feeding can make children smarter, an international team of researchers said on Monday. Children whose mothers breast-fed them longer and did not mix in baby formula scored higher on intelligence tests, the researchers in Canada and Belarus reported. About half the 14,000 babies were randomly assigned to a group in which prolonged and exclusive breast-feeding by the mother was encouraged at Belarussian hospitals and clinics. The mothers of the other babies received no special encouragement.
Those in the breast-feeding encouragement group were, on average, breast-fed longer than the others and were less likely to have been given formula in a bottle.
At 3 months, 73 percent of the babies in the breast-feeding encouragement group were breast-fed, compared to 60 percent of the other group. At 6 months, it was 50 percent versus 36 percent. In addition, the group given encouragement was far more likely to give their children only breast milk. The rate was seven times higher, for example, at 3 months.
The children were monitored for about 6 1/2 years. The children in the group where breast-feeding was encouraged scored about 5 percent higher in IQ tests and did better academically, the researchers found. Previous studies had indicated brain development and intelligence benefits for breast-fed children. But researchers have sought to determine whether it was the breast-feeding that did it, or that mothers who prefer to breast-feed their babies may differ from those who do not. The design of the study -- randomly assigning babies to two groups regardless of the mothers' characteristics -- was intended to eliminate the confusion.
'MOTHERS WHO BREAST-FEED ... ARE DIFFERENT' "Mothers who breast-feed or those who breast-feed longer or most exclusively are different from the mothers who don't," Dr. Michael Kramer of McGill University in Montreal and the Montreal Children's Hospital said in a telephone interview.
"They tend to be smarter. They tend to be more invested in their babies. They tend to interact with them more closely. They may be the kind of mothers who read to their kids more, who spend more time with their kids, who play with them more," added Kramer, who led the study published in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry.
The researchers measured the differences between the two groups using IQ tests administered by the children's pediatricians and by ratings by their teachers of their school performance in reading, writing, math and other subjects. Both sets of scores were significantly higher in the children from the breast-feeding promotion group. The study was launched in the mid-1990s. Kramer said the initial idea was to do it in the United States and Canada, but many hospitals in those countries by that time had begun strongly encouraging breast-feeding as a matter of routine. The situation was different in Belarus at the time, he said, with less routine encouragement for the practice. Kramer said how breast-feeding may make children more intelligent is unclear.
"It could even be that because breast-feeding takes longer, the mother is interacting more with the baby, talking with the baby, soothing the baby," he said. "It could be an emotional thing. It could be a physical thing. Or it could be a hormone or something else in the milk that's absorbed by the baby." Previous studies have shown babies whose mothers breast-fed them enjoy many health advantages over formula-fed babies. These include fewer ear, stomach or intestinal infections, digestive problems, skin diseases and allergies, and less risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that women who do not have health problems exclusively breast-feed their infants for at least the first six months, with it continuing at least through the first year as other foods are introduced. (Editing by Maggie Fox and Stacey Joyce)
A new hope
This is from the Medical Advocacy Team!
A new hope
“The best thing you can do for your child is to take them home and let them starve.” This is what a mother and father were told when they walked their sick infant several miles to a clinic for help.
In Haiti, a child with birth defects is treated like garbage, something to toss aside like trash. The country is one of the poorest in the world and many people practice voodoo. Parents either believe there is nothing that can be done for their child, or they believe their child is “cursed”.
Several children are now being saved by an organization that was recently founded called the Medical Advocacy Team under Remember International. Several volunteers arrange life-changing and often life-saving medical treatment to children who live in areas where such medical care is not available. It is our mission to provide these children with the highest possible level of care so that they can return to their home countries healthy and ready to live their lives to the fullest. We work together with many doctors and hospitals that donate medical care. With their help, and with the help of many other volunteers, we are able to change the lives of children around the world!
Last year, they helped host two girls, Helande and Christella from Haiti. Their parents brought them to Lori, a missionary nurse after trying many different hospitals and clinics. She sought the help from my friends and together they obtained medical visas and donated medical care for these girls. They both received care from a doctor in Texas and my friend Sarah and I escorted them back to their families in Haiti when they were healthy.
While driving to the airport with nurse Lori, she spoke of how amazed she was that strangers from another country would want to help these babies, the undesirable. She said she was surrounded by so much death and despair that she had almost no hope left. She was so thankful for the help and love that people so willingly gave those girls. Can you imagine how this gratitude spread through their village?
More children are being referred to the Medical Advocacy Team. When Jeremiah travels to Haiti in two weeks, they will be meeting Lori with a little 2-month-old boy, Alex. Alex has an encepholecele, a hole in the front of his skull in which his brain protrudes between his eye and nose. He will be coming home with us, and in several months he will be having surgery in Sacramento. Eventually he will be returning to his family in Haiti.
Here is an encouraging email from Nurse Lori the other day
I wanted you to know that this is the first child that I have seen with this condition. It's not because it doesn't happen around here. It happens, but the people think that it is a devil child. They think that the thing coming out of it's head is a horn. In our area, they have killed every child that has been born with this condition until now. I think that Alex's parents heard about us through Schnider's parents and just took a chance. It will be a monumental testament to God's Grace if Alex gets surgery and comes back here. If they can see that these children CAN be helped, grow up, and NOT turn into a devil....you, my wonderful friends, will save many lives for years to come!
Do not be disturbed
Our work here is brief but its reward is eternal. Do not be
disturbed by the clamor of the world, which passes away like a
shadow.
-- Clare of Assisi
disturbed by the clamor of the world, which passes away like a
shadow.
-- Clare of Assisi
May 5, 2008
QUOTES
Quote:
Quote:
"Children, my hope for the world is not because I'm confident that
our leaders have great solutions. It's certainly not because the
trends are moving in a hopeful direction. I have hope for the world
because I have hope in God.
"It doesn't matter how strong you are, how wealthy you are, how
powerful you are: if you don't have hope in God, you're doomed.
"But with hope in God, we can ACT decisively in faith that at least
God is in charge, and He will work everything to His glory."
~Jeff Meyers
?Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless.?-? Mother Teresa
?Always remember--great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us everyday.
Quote:
"Children, my hope for the world is not because I'm confident that
our leaders have great solutions. It's certainly not because the
trends are moving in a hopeful direction. I have hope for the world
because I have hope in God.
"It doesn't matter how strong you are, how wealthy you are, how
powerful you are: if you don't have hope in God, you're doomed.
"But with hope in God, we can ACT decisively in faith that at least
God is in charge, and He will work everything to His glory."
~Jeff Meyers
?Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless.?-? Mother Teresa
?Always remember--great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us everyday.
The Power of One
The Power of One
Featured Article:
The Power of One
by Elisabeth K. Corcoran
"I look at the enormity of the problem and I can't help but
think, 'What can one person do?'" It's occurred to me that
I used to think that way but I don't anymore. One person
can do much.
One person can pray with all she's got, begging God to
intervene in any situation, to pour out His power, to give
her wisdom to know what she can and should do. One person
can give of her time in a way that will be a sacrifice to
her and of great benefit to others. One person can give
money -- even a little bit of money -- and that money can
be added to what others have given and then multiplied when
God steps in.
One person can call attention to an issue that is usually
talked about in hushed tones -- making people aware of
something they may have had no idea about. One person can
enter into the darkness, carrying her little bit of light,
and shed great illumination where only dim shadows used to
dwell. One person can touch another person's life in small
ways -- with a kind word, a gentle touch, a moment of time
to listen and hold and cry with. One person can take her
gifts and pour them out into someone else's life, knowing
that freely has she received and freely should she give.
One person can take her hurt and ask Christ to turn it into
a blessing as she connects with the pain of another hurting
heart. One person can move into another person's life in
large ways -- with a shout against injustice, a rallying of
a group to do something of meaning, a hand reaching out to
draw someone out of her circumstances permanently.
Moms, we're told time and again that we as women have the
ability to set the tone of our home. That our daughters
will learn how to be women and mothers by watching and
modeling after us, and that our sons will grow up to look
for wives that mirror their mothers. We have been given not
just the ability, but the responsibility, to do great good.
One life at a time. In our home. And in our world.
This year - 2008 -- can be the year that we allow our "one
life" to do a world of good for someone else's life. What
can one person do in comparison to the vastness of our
world's problems? Each one of us can do much. We each have
so much to give. And we are called to do just that.
"Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father
means that we must care for those in their distress."
James 1:27
My challenge to myself and to each one of you is this: go
be a light in the dark in this New Year, ladies.
Featured Article:
The Power of One
by Elisabeth K. Corcoran
"I look at the enormity of the problem and I can't help but
think, 'What can one person do?'" It's occurred to me that
I used to think that way but I don't anymore. One person
can do much.
One person can pray with all she's got, begging God to
intervene in any situation, to pour out His power, to give
her wisdom to know what she can and should do. One person
can give of her time in a way that will be a sacrifice to
her and of great benefit to others. One person can give
money -- even a little bit of money -- and that money can
be added to what others have given and then multiplied when
God steps in.
One person can call attention to an issue that is usually
talked about in hushed tones -- making people aware of
something they may have had no idea about. One person can
enter into the darkness, carrying her little bit of light,
and shed great illumination where only dim shadows used to
dwell. One person can touch another person's life in small
ways -- with a kind word, a gentle touch, a moment of time
to listen and hold and cry with. One person can take her
gifts and pour them out into someone else's life, knowing
that freely has she received and freely should she give.
One person can take her hurt and ask Christ to turn it into
a blessing as she connects with the pain of another hurting
heart. One person can move into another person's life in
large ways -- with a shout against injustice, a rallying of
a group to do something of meaning, a hand reaching out to
draw someone out of her circumstances permanently.
Moms, we're told time and again that we as women have the
ability to set the tone of our home. That our daughters
will learn how to be women and mothers by watching and
modeling after us, and that our sons will grow up to look
for wives that mirror their mothers. We have been given not
just the ability, but the responsibility, to do great good.
One life at a time. In our home. And in our world.
This year - 2008 -- can be the year that we allow our "one
life" to do a world of good for someone else's life. What
can one person do in comparison to the vastness of our
world's problems? Each one of us can do much. We each have
so much to give. And we are called to do just that.
"Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father
means that we must care for those in their distress."
James 1:27
My challenge to myself and to each one of you is this: go
be a light in the dark in this New Year, ladies.
Are You Pregnant and Need Help?
HELP for pregnant women or girls that don't know what to do. Please, I beg of you, DON'T kill your babies. We and many other coupes like us would gladly love your babies/children. Here is an organization that can help. Or, we would be so honored to be considered to add your child/ren to our loving happy familt! :-) If you chose our family to adopt your child or children we can be reached at
BeautyForAshes4@roadrunner.com or in the comment section of this blog. We can give you our information. We don't care the color or sex. Or, Please read about this terrific organization ( The Project Cuddle™ ) that can help you. One mother that gave her baby life commented that " It finally feels like I did something good." (her baby was placed into the arms of a very loving couple)
____________________
Are you more than three months pregnant?
Do you need help telling your parents?
Have you avoided getting prenatal care?
Do you need shelter?
Will you be harmed if you tell anyone about your pregnancy?
Have you already faced your parents with a previous pregnancy?
Are you afraid of losing a child to "The System"?
Do you feel no love towards this baby?
If you answered yes to any of the above:
Call our toll-free phone number anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Or email us (all communication is confidential).
Don't be afraid about anyone finding out who you are. Every call is confidential. As soon as you call us, we'll immediately give you a private code that keeps you anonymous. No one will ever know you even phoned us.
English : 1-888-628-3353
Spanish : 1-888-483-2323
Email : info@projectcuddle.org
Call our toll-free number 24 hours a day.
What We Can Do For You
• Find you shelter and medical assistance
• Help you arrive at solutions that allow you to walk away with your head held high
• Help you plan a future for yourself of which you can be proud
• Help you get your GED
• Help you find a job
What We Won't Do
• Send an ambulance to your door
• Call social services to pick up your other kids
• Tell your parents (Unless you ask us to)
Contact Us
The Project Cuddle™ volunteers are always available to speak to you if you have any questions regarding your pregnancy or any challenges you may have.
If you or someone you know is hiding a pregnancy call our toll-free phone number anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
BeautyForAshes4@roadrunner.com or in the comment section of this blog. We can give you our information. We don't care the color or sex. Or, Please read about this terrific organization ( The Project Cuddle™ ) that can help you. One mother that gave her baby life commented that " It finally feels like I did something good." (her baby was placed into the arms of a very loving couple)
____________________
Are you more than three months pregnant?
Do you need help telling your parents?
Have you avoided getting prenatal care?
Do you need shelter?
Will you be harmed if you tell anyone about your pregnancy?
Have you already faced your parents with a previous pregnancy?
Are you afraid of losing a child to "The System"?
Do you feel no love towards this baby?
If you answered yes to any of the above:
Call our toll-free phone number anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Or email us (all communication is confidential).
Don't be afraid about anyone finding out who you are. Every call is confidential. As soon as you call us, we'll immediately give you a private code that keeps you anonymous. No one will ever know you even phoned us.
English : 1-888-628-3353
Spanish : 1-888-483-2323
Email : info@projectcuddle.org
Call our toll-free number 24 hours a day.
What We Can Do For You
• Find you shelter and medical assistance
• Help you arrive at solutions that allow you to walk away with your head held high
• Help you plan a future for yourself of which you can be proud
• Help you get your GED
• Help you find a job
What We Won't Do
• Send an ambulance to your door
• Call social services to pick up your other kids
• Tell your parents (Unless you ask us to)
Contact Us
The Project Cuddle™ volunteers are always available to speak to you if you have any questions regarding your pregnancy or any challenges you may have.
If you or someone you know is hiding a pregnancy call our toll-free phone number anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
May 4, 2008
A Tough Life for Stay-at-Home Moms?"
A Tough Life for Stay-at-Home Moms?"
an article by Dr. Laura on "A Tough Life for Stay-at-Home Moms?" Here's a snippet:
One of my recent callers came up with what I'm sure she thought was the singular most legitimate reason for not being a stay-at-home-mom: "... it's not all enjoyable." I kid you not, she actually said that, followed by, "... and I just don't seem to be able to do it well." She did say that being with the kids was fine, it was all the other stuff: housekeeping, shopping, cooking, and so forth - that were described as unrewarding and relentless and, well, just not enjoyable.
She also complained that she just couldn't do it all well. I asked her what part of putting dishes in the dishwasher and making sure the clothes got through the washer and dryer and back into drawers was too complicated for her? She laughed and said that she didn't know why it was hard for her to do it right - it just was. Mind you, this was all said with a tone that did not suggest she had great concern about doing any of it better.
Truth be told, whether coming from a man or a woman, this behavior is self-centered, and displays a character that knows little of honor, obligation and sacrifice. This is a mentality, rampant today, that speaks not of what "I can do for my family?" but only for "What will I get out of what I do for my family?"
Read the full article here: http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=34558
No one ever said that marriage, homemaking, and motherhood would be easy, but if this is what God has called us to and we seek to glorify Him in and through this calling, there will be more fulfillment and rewards than we can ever imagine. Sure, that doesn't mean there won't be lots of hard work and sacrifice involved, but isn't that what the Christian life is all about? Dying to self so that God might be exalted in and through our lives.
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." John 12:24
an article by Dr. Laura on "A Tough Life for Stay-at-Home Moms?" Here's a snippet:
One of my recent callers came up with what I'm sure she thought was the singular most legitimate reason for not being a stay-at-home-mom: "... it's not all enjoyable." I kid you not, she actually said that, followed by, "... and I just don't seem to be able to do it well." She did say that being with the kids was fine, it was all the other stuff: housekeeping, shopping, cooking, and so forth - that were described as unrewarding and relentless and, well, just not enjoyable.
She also complained that she just couldn't do it all well. I asked her what part of putting dishes in the dishwasher and making sure the clothes got through the washer and dryer and back into drawers was too complicated for her? She laughed and said that she didn't know why it was hard for her to do it right - it just was. Mind you, this was all said with a tone that did not suggest she had great concern about doing any of it better.
Truth be told, whether coming from a man or a woman, this behavior is self-centered, and displays a character that knows little of honor, obligation and sacrifice. This is a mentality, rampant today, that speaks not of what "I can do for my family?" but only for "What will I get out of what I do for my family?"
Read the full article here: http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=34558
No one ever said that marriage, homemaking, and motherhood would be easy, but if this is what God has called us to and we seek to glorify Him in and through this calling, there will be more fulfillment and rewards than we can ever imagine. Sure, that doesn't mean there won't be lots of hard work and sacrifice involved, but isn't that what the Christian life is all about? Dying to self so that God might be exalted in and through our lives.
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." John 12:24
May 2, 2008
Words worth living by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
Words worth living by
The words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbUtL_0vAJk
I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.
Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end
the long night of their captivity.
But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination.
One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.
In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are
insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation.
So we have come to cash this check — a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now.
This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.
Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to he sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.
It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning.
Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor
tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights.
The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.
But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.
We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.
The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to distrust of all white
people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.
We cannot walk
alone.
As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?"
We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never
be satisfied, as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We can never be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the
faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.
Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.
I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state
sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of
oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."
And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.
Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!
Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!
But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!
Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
And when this happens, When we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last!
free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"
--------------
The words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbUtL_0vAJk
I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.
Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end
the long night of their captivity.
But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination.
One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.
In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are
insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation.
So we have come to cash this check — a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now.
This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.
Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to he sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.
It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning.
Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor
tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights.
The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.
But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.
We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.
The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to distrust of all white
people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.
We cannot walk
alone.
As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?"
We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never
be satisfied, as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We can never be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the
faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.
Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.
I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state
sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of
oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."
And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.
Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!
Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!
But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!
Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
And when this happens, When we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last!
free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"
--------------
HOPE is in the arms of her family! Praise Jesus!
Can you read this without balling at the special thing God has done? I dare you. Kim and Todd share how it was to finally hold their adopted daughter Hope for the first time. I cry as I picture How sovereign our Lord is. He put this sweet darling little orphan that was left under a bridge as a baby into a FOREVER family that loves and adores her. Please thank the Lord for this marvelous deed! Grab a tissue! http://www.tmphillips.com/adoption/
May 2nd, 2008 Gotcha, bethel
How sweet it is! It’s 2:11am here and I woke up because my side was soaking wet from Hope’s pee! She usually sleeps in a crib but our hotel didn’t have any available so she is sleeping between Kim and I. This soaking is not surprising because the diapers we have for her are pretty thin/lame. The soaking was a little alarming for me personally though because it was my second soaking, and I was the one who got soaked the first and only other time when she was sitting on my lap earlier in the evening. Is it my destiny to be continuously soaking wet by Hope’s pee? I am just kidding around of course, but it’d be a small price to pay to be continue to be able to be near this sweet little gem of the orient.
We now have around 6GB of photos and video from our gotcha day, but I am going to have to leave you waiting in continued suspense because it’s dark and I don’t want to roust anyone by lurking around for my gear. So I will try to give a brief description and then head back to my cold wet side of the bed (with a towel down underneath me).
So we left with our guide and driver and went back through the city of Beijing again past the Square, marveling once again at the sea of Chinese humanity that was present there. Then we had about an hour drive into the countryside. We got a little lost toward the end and then wound up in what could best be described as Podunk China. We made it into a little villageish place and Guillamme met us and escorted us into their complex.
The minute we got out of the van I saw Hope in their entryway, and my heart jumped! I think we were all pretty nervous! We had hugs with Guillamme and Delphine at the van then we hurried in to greet Hope. Sarah was holding her and we all just went up and started to say hello. I can’t remember if Sarah gave her to Kim or if she just set her down, as I had said hello and then spent a few moments grabbing the recording gear. By the time I turned around to point my camera at her, Hope was at my feet and came up to me and I kneeled down and she came into my arms and we hugged! I am tearing up again just thinking about it. It wasn't long before we had all had a hug with her. It was an absolutely amazing moment!
They began to tell us that Hope had been acting out of character all day and and seemed to be a little down and to know that something was up. At the moment we came together she brightened and has been seeming to really enjoy herself and we all have been bonding like crazy!
Bethel is such an amazing place and I really can’t put words right now to how being in the midst of these children impacted my heart. If I have to try, I’d say I feel like I left that place wrecked with love for each one them. Over the course of our four or five hours we had there, we were able to tour their facilities, they sang us some songs and we shared a wonderful cake and watermelon together. We got to go outside and see their goats and chickens and dogs, and to see the new houses that are under construction. It was such a joy to have this time together with Bethel. Many of the kids had a hard time with Hope leaving and needed encouragement. For others it was obvious that it was extra hard for them, because they are aware of their own desire to be adopted. Our guide didn't rush us, and we almost even spent the night, but it didn't ultimately seem the right thing to do. They gave us a keepsake photo album that one of the Ayi’s put together of Hope’s time at Bethel, and a heart necklace for her for when she gets older, so she can be reminded of their love for her…
We got back to the hotel around 8pm and went right out to another Chinese restaurant called South Beach. It was really good food (I have more menu sample photos to share) and ambiance, and it was a very surreal experience to have Hope there with us. Our only minor problem so far has been the few times when Jonathan and Abigail start to fight over who gets to hold her next! It was neat because there was a piano player and violinist playing at the restaurant and it was obvious that Hope was enjoying their music! I held her and sang to her on the way back to the hotel, which was my first extended time of getting to hold her, and my heart continued to swell with affection toward her. She has such a sweet spirit and is very go with the flow. She got a little fussy at one point at dinner but Kimberly did a great job managing it. She was very cute playing with her rice! I got to sing and cuddle her to sleep tonight when she started to get upset, and that was highlight of my whole trip so far! Once she was calm we just lay there for a long time playing with her bottle, and then we fell asleep together.
May 2nd, 2008 Gotcha, bethel
How sweet it is! It’s 2:11am here and I woke up because my side was soaking wet from Hope’s pee! She usually sleeps in a crib but our hotel didn’t have any available so she is sleeping between Kim and I. This soaking is not surprising because the diapers we have for her are pretty thin/lame. The soaking was a little alarming for me personally though because it was my second soaking, and I was the one who got soaked the first and only other time when she was sitting on my lap earlier in the evening. Is it my destiny to be continuously soaking wet by Hope’s pee? I am just kidding around of course, but it’d be a small price to pay to be continue to be able to be near this sweet little gem of the orient.
We now have around 6GB of photos and video from our gotcha day, but I am going to have to leave you waiting in continued suspense because it’s dark and I don’t want to roust anyone by lurking around for my gear. So I will try to give a brief description and then head back to my cold wet side of the bed (with a towel down underneath me).
So we left with our guide and driver and went back through the city of Beijing again past the Square, marveling once again at the sea of Chinese humanity that was present there. Then we had about an hour drive into the countryside. We got a little lost toward the end and then wound up in what could best be described as Podunk China. We made it into a little villageish place and Guillamme met us and escorted us into their complex.
The minute we got out of the van I saw Hope in their entryway, and my heart jumped! I think we were all pretty nervous! We had hugs with Guillamme and Delphine at the van then we hurried in to greet Hope. Sarah was holding her and we all just went up and started to say hello. I can’t remember if Sarah gave her to Kim or if she just set her down, as I had said hello and then spent a few moments grabbing the recording gear. By the time I turned around to point my camera at her, Hope was at my feet and came up to me and I kneeled down and she came into my arms and we hugged! I am tearing up again just thinking about it. It wasn't long before we had all had a hug with her. It was an absolutely amazing moment!
They began to tell us that Hope had been acting out of character all day and and seemed to be a little down and to know that something was up. At the moment we came together she brightened and has been seeming to really enjoy herself and we all have been bonding like crazy!
Bethel is such an amazing place and I really can’t put words right now to how being in the midst of these children impacted my heart. If I have to try, I’d say I feel like I left that place wrecked with love for each one them. Over the course of our four or five hours we had there, we were able to tour their facilities, they sang us some songs and we shared a wonderful cake and watermelon together. We got to go outside and see their goats and chickens and dogs, and to see the new houses that are under construction. It was such a joy to have this time together with Bethel. Many of the kids had a hard time with Hope leaving and needed encouragement. For others it was obvious that it was extra hard for them, because they are aware of their own desire to be adopted. Our guide didn't rush us, and we almost even spent the night, but it didn't ultimately seem the right thing to do. They gave us a keepsake photo album that one of the Ayi’s put together of Hope’s time at Bethel, and a heart necklace for her for when she gets older, so she can be reminded of their love for her…
We got back to the hotel around 8pm and went right out to another Chinese restaurant called South Beach. It was really good food (I have more menu sample photos to share) and ambiance, and it was a very surreal experience to have Hope there with us. Our only minor problem so far has been the few times when Jonathan and Abigail start to fight over who gets to hold her next! It was neat because there was a piano player and violinist playing at the restaurant and it was obvious that Hope was enjoying their music! I held her and sang to her on the way back to the hotel, which was my first extended time of getting to hold her, and my heart continued to swell with affection toward her. She has such a sweet spirit and is very go with the flow. She got a little fussy at one point at dinner but Kimberly did a great job managing it. She was very cute playing with her rice! I got to sing and cuddle her to sleep tonight when she started to get upset, and that was highlight of my whole trip so far! Once she was calm we just lay there for a long time playing with her bottle, and then we fell asleep together.
We did a spirit filled Treasure hunt!
Ladies,
We did the coolest thing on Sunday! We did a treasure hunt for Jesus! My heart has been so convicted. I feel like if I were to die, many would come to my funeral saying how I did and this for Jesus and that I am godly, my kids would be like "WHO are they talking about?" I don't want my faith to be compartmentalized from the rest of my life. I want to share what I do WITH my children. They are the next generation and will need to experience that same resurrecting Holy Spirit that I do as they go out into the world preaching. However most ministries force you to work without your children while I wish to include them. I used to feel the same way, but now I have had sort of a paradigm shift. I want to do "family missions/ministry."
It is neat as we have been praying to do great works for Jesus together as a fam, when Kim ( now in China) mentioned that her Vineyard does a mission outreach that includes children! they WILL BEGIN FEEDING THE HOMELESS in Santa Ana AND other neat things as a family. I got to experience the TREASURE HUNT first hand last Sunday. We went to VCC (Vineyard in Aliso Viejo. ) At Sundays at 3:00 pm in the Prayer Room. We were a bit skeptical at first as we are Calvary Chapelites and they usually don't have this type of activity. :-) I remember thinking "GREAT God's not going to use us, were TOTALLY LATE (probably missed the move of the Holy Spirit! ;-) AND I didn't spend the day in fasting or praying or anything so there is NO WAY He'll use us. (like my works based legalism? ha-ha. There was soft music playing in the back and folks were quietly praying and trying to hear form the Lord. They then came over and laid hands on us (even the little toddler laid his chubby little hands on us to pray!) and prayed that the Lord would open up visions and a word of knowledge for us. Afterward they asked if anyone got anything to come and speak it into the mic. One little boy (6 years old) got up and said he saw "dark green benches and chairs that were empty." Another got up (ages 4 or 5) and saw "Rubio's", a mom came up and said she heard the verse. "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But desire fulfilled is a tree of life." Oddly enough, my hubby said that for some reason the name "Robert" came to him. He asked if anyone there was named Robert. I told him that "no, one of the men was named Joel, another named Rod, but not Robert. " We shared what Huatzin received and they said that that was pretty neat as usually they don't get names, they get pictures but not names. I got nothing. GOOSE EGG! ;-)
Anyhoo, we prayed again then headed off over to Rubio's, by the church. It was SO weird. SURE ENOUGH when we got there, there were DARK GREEN BENCHES. They were empty just like the boy saw it in his mind. I was nervous as I thought we'd be looking for a Robert, and didn't want to go up to tons of people asking if they needed prayed and BTW is their name Robert... Funny thing, a woman (Chris) comes up and she seemed very touched by all of our children. (8 total) She commented about how beautiful they were and asked what we were doing there. The Dad told her that we were just at church praying and God told us to come to Rubio's and we asked if she needed prayer. She said YES she did. Chris told us that she had many many many health issues, from pathogens in her body, immune issues, intestinal problems, spinal problems, many issues. ( I missed alot of what was being said. I am sure the Lord did even greater things that what is written here! We prayed with her. Then the dad said " I don't know if this means anything to you, but when were were at the church we saw all of these things and we also heard the name Robert. Do you happen to have a Robert or Roberto close to you? She started crying. She told us that the man that had caused her many health issues and had done horrible things to her, abused her, caused her to become displaced from her home, and that had robbed her was named Robert. ( I think he stole her identity or something of that nature) She prays for his Salvation. She had such a sad story of all the pain in her past, her broken home and difficult childhood. ( I am sorry if I am forgetting huge details, I was chasing after the kids quite a bit and wrangling the ones that got to impatient to stand still. Between my kids and the other families kids we took turns praying and watching kids. )
It was funny because if I wasn't there I wouldn't have believed it. She then questioned my son to see if we were for real. She asked where were just came from. He told her the church, she asked him what we were doing, he told her paying. I think she thought we somehow listened in on a phone call or maybe found out about her from some where else. She wanted to be sure it was totally a GOD thing! IT WAS! Anyhoo, I was in SHOCK! I couldn't believe the Lord used my hubby and such little kids! We got to pray and minister to her for about an hour or so.
This was our first time doing this and we were so blessed. I was nervous about having to approach a bunch of people and God was merciful to have HER approach US! Also, I should note, it was the CHILDREN that drew her to us! If we didn't have those children with us it is doubtful that she would have approached us. It confirmed to me that Gods desire WAS for me to minister WITH my children and to incorporate them in ALL that I do! AMEN! You are all more than welcome to join us. It was AWESOME! God is so good. He still moves and gives gifts and wants to see lives restored and CHANGED. He desires to use each of us, from mama and papa down to nursing babe! AMEN! Alida
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Philippians 3:7-11 "That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead."
May all who come behind us find us faithful." Soli Deo Gloria (For the Glory of God alone)
Alida-Domestic Diva, Proud Homemaking Homeschooling Kingdom building Wife to Huatzin The Noble Knight, Mother to 6 y.o. twins Elijah the Great & Canaan the Magnificent, Virtuous Princess Anaiah Grace (3), Josiah My little man of Valor (1)
We did the coolest thing on Sunday! We did a treasure hunt for Jesus! My heart has been so convicted. I feel like if I were to die, many would come to my funeral saying how I did and this for Jesus and that I am godly, my kids would be like "WHO are they talking about?" I don't want my faith to be compartmentalized from the rest of my life. I want to share what I do WITH my children. They are the next generation and will need to experience that same resurrecting Holy Spirit that I do as they go out into the world preaching. However most ministries force you to work without your children while I wish to include them. I used to feel the same way, but now I have had sort of a paradigm shift. I want to do "family missions/ministry."
It is neat as we have been praying to do great works for Jesus together as a fam, when Kim ( now in China) mentioned that her Vineyard does a mission outreach that includes children! they WILL BEGIN FEEDING THE HOMELESS in Santa Ana AND other neat things as a family. I got to experience the TREASURE HUNT first hand last Sunday. We went to VCC (Vineyard in Aliso Viejo. ) At Sundays at 3:00 pm in the Prayer Room. We were a bit skeptical at first as we are Calvary Chapelites and they usually don't have this type of activity. :-) I remember thinking "GREAT God's not going to use us, were TOTALLY LATE (probably missed the move of the Holy Spirit! ;-) AND I didn't spend the day in fasting or praying or anything so there is NO WAY He'll use us. (like my works based legalism? ha-ha. There was soft music playing in the back and folks were quietly praying and trying to hear form the Lord. They then came over and laid hands on us (even the little toddler laid his chubby little hands on us to pray!) and prayed that the Lord would open up visions and a word of knowledge for us. Afterward they asked if anyone got anything to come and speak it into the mic. One little boy (6 years old) got up and said he saw "dark green benches and chairs that were empty." Another got up (ages 4 or 5) and saw "Rubio's", a mom came up and said she heard the verse. "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But desire fulfilled is a tree of life." Oddly enough, my hubby said that for some reason the name "Robert" came to him. He asked if anyone there was named Robert. I told him that "no, one of the men was named Joel, another named Rod, but not Robert. " We shared what Huatzin received and they said that that was pretty neat as usually they don't get names, they get pictures but not names. I got nothing. GOOSE EGG! ;-)
Anyhoo, we prayed again then headed off over to Rubio's, by the church. It was SO weird. SURE ENOUGH when we got there, there were DARK GREEN BENCHES. They were empty just like the boy saw it in his mind. I was nervous as I thought we'd be looking for a Robert, and didn't want to go up to tons of people asking if they needed prayed and BTW is their name Robert... Funny thing, a woman (Chris) comes up and she seemed very touched by all of our children. (8 total) She commented about how beautiful they were and asked what we were doing there. The Dad told her that we were just at church praying and God told us to come to Rubio's and we asked if she needed prayer. She said YES she did. Chris told us that she had many many many health issues, from pathogens in her body, immune issues, intestinal problems, spinal problems, many issues. ( I missed alot of what was being said. I am sure the Lord did even greater things that what is written here! We prayed with her. Then the dad said " I don't know if this means anything to you, but when were were at the church we saw all of these things and we also heard the name Robert. Do you happen to have a Robert or Roberto close to you? She started crying. She told us that the man that had caused her many health issues and had done horrible things to her, abused her, caused her to become displaced from her home, and that had robbed her was named Robert. ( I think he stole her identity or something of that nature) She prays for his Salvation. She had such a sad story of all the pain in her past, her broken home and difficult childhood. ( I am sorry if I am forgetting huge details, I was chasing after the kids quite a bit and wrangling the ones that got to impatient to stand still. Between my kids and the other families kids we took turns praying and watching kids. )
It was funny because if I wasn't there I wouldn't have believed it. She then questioned my son to see if we were for real. She asked where were just came from. He told her the church, she asked him what we were doing, he told her paying. I think she thought we somehow listened in on a phone call or maybe found out about her from some where else. She wanted to be sure it was totally a GOD thing! IT WAS! Anyhoo, I was in SHOCK! I couldn't believe the Lord used my hubby and such little kids! We got to pray and minister to her for about an hour or so.
This was our first time doing this and we were so blessed. I was nervous about having to approach a bunch of people and God was merciful to have HER approach US! Also, I should note, it was the CHILDREN that drew her to us! If we didn't have those children with us it is doubtful that she would have approached us. It confirmed to me that Gods desire WAS for me to minister WITH my children and to incorporate them in ALL that I do! AMEN! You are all more than welcome to join us. It was AWESOME! God is so good. He still moves and gives gifts and wants to see lives restored and CHANGED. He desires to use each of us, from mama and papa down to nursing babe! AMEN! Alida
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Philippians 3:7-11 "That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead."
May all who come behind us find us faithful." Soli Deo Gloria (For the Glory of God alone)
Alida-Domestic Diva, Proud Homemaking Homeschooling Kingdom building Wife to Huatzin The Noble Knight, Mother to 6 y.o. twins Elijah the Great & Canaan the Magnificent, Virtuous Princess Anaiah Grace (3), Josiah My little man of Valor (1)
May 1, 2008
What Do You Do All Day?
What Do You Do All Day?
A man came home from work and found his three
children outside, still
in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty
food boxes and wrappers
strewn all around the front yard.
The door of his wife's car was open, as was
the front door to the house
and there was no sign of the dog. Proceeding
into the entry, he found
an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked
over, and the throw rug was
wadded against one wall.
In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a
cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and
various items of clothing.
In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink,
breakfast food was spilled on the
counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog
food was spilled on the floor,
a broken glass lay under the table, and a
small pile of sand was spread
by the back door.
He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over
toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was
worried
she might be ill, or that
something serious had happened.
He was met with a small trickle of water as it
made its way out the bathroom door.
As he peered inside he found wet towels,
scummy soap and more t oys
strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a
heap and toothpaste had been
smeared over the mirror and walls.
As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife
still curled up in the bed
in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up
at him, smiled, and asked how his day went.
He looked at her bewildered and asked, "What
happened here today?"
She again smiled and answered, "You know every
day when you come home
from work and you ask me what in the world I do all
day?"
"Yes," was his incredulous reply
She answered, "Well, today I didn't do it."
Priceless
A man came home from work and found his three
children outside, still
in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty
food boxes and wrappers
strewn all around the front yard.
The door of his wife's car was open, as was
the front door to the house
and there was no sign of the dog. Proceeding
into the entry, he found
an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked
over, and the throw rug was
wadded against one wall.
In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a
cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and
various items of clothing.
In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink,
breakfast food was spilled on the
counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog
food was spilled on the floor,
a broken glass lay under the table, and a
small pile of sand was spread
by the back door.
He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over
toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was
worried
she might be ill, or that
something serious had happened.
He was met with a small trickle of water as it
made its way out the bathroom door.
As he peered inside he found wet towels,
scummy soap and more t oys
strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a
heap and toothpaste had been
smeared over the mirror and walls.
As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife
still curled up in the bed
in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up
at him, smiled, and asked how his day went.
He looked at her bewildered and asked, "What
happened here today?"
She again smiled and answered, "You know every
day when you come home
from work and you ask me what in the world I do all
day?"
"Yes," was his incredulous reply
She answered, "Well, today I didn't do it."
Priceless
Faith lives in a broken heart
Now the church is not wood and stone, but the company of people
who believe in Christ.
-- Martin Luther
If we seek God for our own good and profit, we are not seeking
God.
-- Johannes एक्खार्ट
Faith lives in a broken heart. "He cried out with tears, Lord,
I believe." True faith is always in a heart bruised for sin.
Saving faith always grows in a heart humbled for sin, in a
weeping eye and a tearful conscience.
-- Thomas Watson
Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
-- Thomas Moore
As gold is purified in the furnace, so the faithful heart is
purified by sorrow.
-- Guarini
When you reach the end of your rope you will find the hem of His garment।
I would rather live my life as if there is a God, and die to find out there isn't,
than live my life as if there isn't, and die to find out thereis
who believe in Christ.
-- Martin Luther
If we seek God for our own good and profit, we are not seeking
God.
-- Johannes एक्खार्ट
Faith lives in a broken heart. "He cried out with tears, Lord,
I believe." True faith is always in a heart bruised for sin.
Saving faith always grows in a heart humbled for sin, in a
weeping eye and a tearful conscience.
-- Thomas Watson
Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
-- Thomas Moore
As gold is purified in the furnace, so the faithful heart is
purified by sorrow.
-- Guarini
When you reach the end of your rope you will find the hem of His garment।
I would rather live my life as if there is a God, and die to find out there isn't,
than live my life as if there isn't, and die to find out thereis
Atheism-Pull the Plug
Unless someone care's
Our Mighty Arrows
