Have you ever felt like you were or have actually been on holy ground or in a sacred place? I know from growing up in church that I was told a million times, "This is God's house." But I mean really understood what that meant, like Moses' experience in Exodus 3:5, “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” I think I finally got a glimpse.
On October 8th, we finally were able to have our homestudy done. Life leading up to it and since has been the most chaotic I've ever seen it. However, for 5 and half short hours, there was peace. This is nothing short of miraculous especially if you've been around my husband's cell phone on a Monday morning, no less. We were asked every-single-question-you-can-imagine. No, really. Let's pause here for a minute. Think of a question(no, question is too icky or intimate, I'll wait while you think of something) Yep, we were asked that too. Then, we took a tour of the house, every nook and cranny, even the closets(including the teenager's, gas masks and all). For 5 and half hours, we worked so great as a family unit. During the joint portion of the homestudy with Harley and I, we finished each others sentences, laughed, and remained quite while the other voiced their ideas. Complete and utter harmony and respect. It was family utopia, here, People! Our children where somewhat left to their own watching as we completed this section. They played, laughed, and pretty well contained themselves for a couple of hours. We broke for lunch and everyone agreed on sandwiches and chips for a quick bite. No one complained that they wanted that piece of bread or that last juice box. And when it was over, we started with the questions again.
And then, it was over. In the weeks that have followed this glorious event of family harmony it feels like the wheels have come off the tracks. I have found myself on more than one occasion humming Ozzy's Crazy Train. Here's a glimpse at a certain situation: We had a family meltdown so severe last Sunday we could not even make it to church to serve our teenage small groups. It was the perfect storm, really. My phone was broken and couldn't dial out or text. Harley and I weren't seeing eye-to-eye(to put it lightly) on a situation, a certain child-that-shall-remain-nameless had tested beyond what is sensical and on top of all of that my sister's dog was lost! That's right, we couldn't even muster up the fake smiles, we all need to get through church some Sundays--I know y'all have done this too, we're going for total transparency, here) so we just didn't show up. NOT COOL! Whoa! We are all in need of a time out! My otherwise, calm, harmonious family is stressed to the max! Consequently, in my journey to put down the perfection scepter(forgive me, its Avenger central around here), I start to panic wondering if my answers were lies or if we weren't really ourselves and then the Holy Spirit prompts me with God's Word like Genesis 28:15, " I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” This reminds me that he sees our hearts and our affliction and pain for the fatherless. It also reminds me that this is his work for his glory and his work is holy. So, those 5 hours weren't fake or false. They were a gift of God's peace and they were his holy work, set apart for his will to be accomplished in us.
Finally, we appreciate every prayer offered up for us during this wait. It is obvious our family needs protection, because every single thing that could be attacked to stop us, has been attacked. Everything from health(remember my pneumonia right before our required respite and one our boys needing a daily medication), financial scares and battles, family disharmony, to behavior problems and childhood troubles. All of this to get through the homestudy and wait some more. We will let you know when we get through to the next phase.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Proud to Be...
Folks, it is no secret if you follow me much on Twitter or see me on Facebook much, that my political views are conservative. I was called a nerd by my darling husband during the Republican National Convention! Well, I was giving air punches out during Senator Marco Rubio's speech. 1-2-PUNCH! For real! This week its the democrats turn to air punch have a chai latte and blog on their Mac from the campus coffeehouse. And as I try to listen and keep an open-mind, my mind is just flooded with scripture. I have a twisted and complex mind! My brain pendulum swings from chasing after my earthly freedom to reliquishing it all for an eternal one.
I sit and listen to the news media, staunch Dems, and celebs refer to President Obama as a Savior or even more sacreligious, a "Black Jesus." (Thank you, Spike Lee for clearing up any lingering doubt on your theology.) Part of me realizes four years isn't enough time to undue the damage of the last 40 years or more, but I have faith enough to know the Barack Obama couldn't do in a lifetime what Jesus was able to do in 3 days!
I sit and listen toconservative news outlets Fox News, hard-core conservatives and Republicans, and Clint Eastwood and worry we are headed for doom. That the America my children become adults will not be the "land of the free," but the land of what-can-I-get-for-free? It is in this sphere where Obama is referred to as The Antichrist and a Muslim extremist, etc. All of these messages bring on fear. Some of them have valid points, while others are completely obsurd. I was really unnerved about the state of country and where we are headed to next and that is when Romans 13:1 popped into my head: (AMP) "Let every person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God’s appointment." Umm, did y'all get that? Friends, we are supposed to follow the law. But check out that second half: there is no authority except from God, with his approval stamp and seal and His Divine Appointment! And when fear rises or proganda floods my email inbox I realize my security is not of this world, in my shelter or my bank account. I claim promises found in Isaiah 54:17 But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord.
Moreover, what I realize from the times we live and the smallness the world has become is that we cannot simple have agree-to-disagree conversations anymore. Everyone's thumb is on The Button, ready to blow up anything in their path of disagreement. My nature, too, is to fight. I was taught in a sermon this weekend while visiting my hometown that when Pilate questioned Jesus about being a king the way Jesus answered him. In John 18:36, this is what Jesus said, "My kingdom," said Jesus, "doesn't consist of what you see around you. If it did, my followers would fight so that I wouldn't be handed over to the Jews. But I'm not that kind of king, not the world's kind of king." Whoa! Good readers, our fate as believers in a victorious God is not in the hands of whomever is president of the United States of America. I know, it is easy to get caught up in all of it. Things are changing, some for the better, others not, but we are shown in God's word it cannot last. IT WILL pass away. The only thing that stands forever is God's Word. Reference Isaiah 40:8. We are Americans, it is our right to vote, so do it, but do it with civility, and please, if you call yourself a Christ follower with compassion for others' opinions. (Yes, I am talking to myself) Most of all, join with me in prayer over our great nation, for whomever is in office and join me in being a voice for the underserved and unloved everywhere.
I sit and listen to the news media, staunch Dems, and celebs refer to President Obama as a Savior or even more sacreligious, a "Black Jesus." (Thank you, Spike Lee for clearing up any lingering doubt on your theology.) Part of me realizes four years isn't enough time to undue the damage of the last 40 years or more, but I have faith enough to know the Barack Obama couldn't do in a lifetime what Jesus was able to do in 3 days!
I sit and listen to
Moreover, what I realize from the times we live and the smallness the world has become is that we cannot simple have agree-to-disagree conversations anymore. Everyone's thumb is on The Button, ready to blow up anything in their path of disagreement. My nature, too, is to fight. I was taught in a sermon this weekend while visiting my hometown that when Pilate questioned Jesus about being a king the way Jesus answered him. In John 18:36, this is what Jesus said, "My kingdom," said Jesus, "doesn't consist of what you see around you. If it did, my followers would fight so that I wouldn't be handed over to the Jews. But I'm not that kind of king, not the world's kind of king." Whoa! Good readers, our fate as believers in a victorious God is not in the hands of whomever is president of the United States of America. I know, it is easy to get caught up in all of it. Things are changing, some for the better, others not, but we are shown in God's word it cannot last. IT WILL pass away. The only thing that stands forever is God's Word. Reference Isaiah 40:8. We are Americans, it is our right to vote, so do it, but do it with civility, and please, if you call yourself a Christ follower with compassion for others' opinions. (Yes, I am talking to myself) Most of all, join with me in prayer over our great nation, for whomever is in office and join me in being a voice for the underserved and unloved everywhere.
Monday, August 27, 2012
To Run or Not to Run, That is the Question
Over the last two weeks, my friend and I prayed about running a half marathon to raise awareness of and money for the injustices of the world and specifically human sex trafficking. It was an exciting experiment for sure. We committed to pray until August 24th because that is exactly six months until the race, and I love a hard deadline! God doesn't really work that way, but I think He's given us some mercy here to set a time frame for ourselves. He knows us! (See Psalm 139 for reference) This is what the last two weeks of prayer looked like:
Day 1- August 9- verse of the day: 1 Peter 2:24 (MSG) He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you're named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.
Day 2- August 10- verse of the day: Isaiah 40:30-31 (MSG) For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles. They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind.
Found out through Traffick911 that a major motion picture starring Matthew McConaughey and Gina Gershon will portray McConaughey as a corrupt Texas sheriff and a family(Gina Gershon as the step-mother) trades a young "virginal" girl for sex to him as a "financial retainer"
Day 3- August 11- verse of the day: Mark 12:30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.
Day 4- August 12- don't have a verse of the day. spent the day caring for my sick child and enjoying every moment spent with my family. They are precious to me and I am so blessed to live loved, happy and safe. My children are so blessed to live loved, happy and safe. I want all children to know a mother's love and to be safely tucked in at night. I spend so much time worrying about the evilness in the world and how I can help put a end to it. I spend a lot of time worrying if I will ever become a mother to an adoptive child and if I am cut out for that kind of responsibility, but today, I just felt love and loved.
Day 5- August 13- verse of the day: 1 John 3:18 Contemporary English Version (CEV) Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it.
Pretty sure, God is saying, "Run the race, and be sure to RUN YOUR RACE!"
Going to sign up for the Disney Princess Half Marathon! Not just running a race, but raising money and awareness to fight human trafficking!
Day 6-August 14- verse of the day: Psalm 48:14 (NLT) For that is what God is like. He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die.
Did it! Signed up! So excited to run a half marathon, but even more excited to help victims of domestic minor sex trafficking be rescued!
Day 7-August 15-verse of the day: Psalm 62:8 (NLT) O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.
In questioning why violence happens against these sweet, innocent babies, I know that the God over all hears my prayers and hears my hearts desire to help those who are helping those victims. It is desire to love the orphan and care for the poor and only in Him can I find the strength it takes to do it!
Day 8- August 16-verse of the day: Philippians 4:8 (NLT) And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Day 9-August 17-verse of the day: Isaiah 43:1 (NLT) But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.
Day 10-August 18-verse of the day: Psalm 91:1 (NLT) Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Day 11-August 19-verse of the day: Psalm 37:7 (NLT) Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
Day 12-August 20-verse of the day: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NLT) 7 even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. 8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
This verse is so strong for me! Today there has been plenty of fear. Fear about trying to run 13.1 miles, fear about leaving my kids for that weekend, fear about getting involved with such a scary subject and fear of doing nothing at all! But God's grace is enough and it is all I need. Running was tough this week, but in my weakness I am crying out to Him to help me push through for his glory and his mission!
Day 13-August 21-verse of the day: 1 Kings 8:23 (NLT) and prayed: Lord God of Israel, no other god in heaven or on earth is like you! You never forget the agreement you made with your people, and you are loyal to anyone who faithfully obeys your teachings.
Day 14-August 22- verse of the day: Romans 8:1-2 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power[a] of the life-giving Spirit has freed you[b] from the power of sin that leads to death.
Day 15-August 23- verse of the day: Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Day 16-August 24-verse of the day: Psalm 139:1-6 (NLT) O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. 3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. 4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. 5 You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!
Harley and I decided to start a non-profit to help those organization on the front lines rescuing and restoring victims of sex trafficking. It is being set up now! Over the next six months, our team hopes to raise enough money to help build a safe house that is so desperately needed! We are going to be using our skills and interest to bring hope to those fighting domestic minor sex trafficking and victims effected by it. Be on the lookout for more information!!
Day 1- August 9- verse of the day: 1 Peter 2:24 (MSG) He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you're named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.
Day 2- August 10- verse of the day: Isaiah 40:30-31 (MSG) For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles. They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind.
Found out through Traffick911 that a major motion picture starring Matthew McConaughey and Gina Gershon will portray McConaughey as a corrupt Texas sheriff and a family(Gina Gershon as the step-mother) trades a young "virginal" girl for sex to him as a "financial retainer"
Day 3- August 11- verse of the day: Mark 12:30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.
Day 4- August 12- don't have a verse of the day. spent the day caring for my sick child and enjoying every moment spent with my family. They are precious to me and I am so blessed to live loved, happy and safe. My children are so blessed to live loved, happy and safe. I want all children to know a mother's love and to be safely tucked in at night. I spend so much time worrying about the evilness in the world and how I can help put a end to it. I spend a lot of time worrying if I will ever become a mother to an adoptive child and if I am cut out for that kind of responsibility, but today, I just felt love and loved.
Day 5- August 13- verse of the day: 1 John 3:18 Contemporary English Version (CEV) Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it.
Pretty sure, God is saying, "Run the race, and be sure to RUN YOUR RACE!"
Going to sign up for the Disney Princess Half Marathon! Not just running a race, but raising money and awareness to fight human trafficking!
Day 6-August 14- verse of the day: Psalm 48:14 (NLT) For that is what God is like. He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die.
Did it! Signed up! So excited to run a half marathon, but even more excited to help victims of domestic minor sex trafficking be rescued!
Day 7-August 15-verse of the day: Psalm 62:8 (NLT) O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.
In questioning why violence happens against these sweet, innocent babies, I know that the God over all hears my prayers and hears my hearts desire to help those who are helping those victims. It is desire to love the orphan and care for the poor and only in Him can I find the strength it takes to do it!
Day 8- August 16-verse of the day: Philippians 4:8 (NLT) And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Day 9-August 17-verse of the day: Isaiah 43:1 (NLT) But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.
Day 10-August 18-verse of the day: Psalm 91:1 (NLT) Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Day 11-August 19-verse of the day: Psalm 37:7 (NLT) Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
Day 12-August 20-verse of the day: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NLT) 7 even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. 8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
This verse is so strong for me! Today there has been plenty of fear. Fear about trying to run 13.1 miles, fear about leaving my kids for that weekend, fear about getting involved with such a scary subject and fear of doing nothing at all! But God's grace is enough and it is all I need. Running was tough this week, but in my weakness I am crying out to Him to help me push through for his glory and his mission!
Day 13-August 21-verse of the day: 1 Kings 8:23 (NLT) and prayed: Lord God of Israel, no other god in heaven or on earth is like you! You never forget the agreement you made with your people, and you are loyal to anyone who faithfully obeys your teachings.
Day 14-August 22- verse of the day: Romans 8:1-2 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power[a] of the life-giving Spirit has freed you[b] from the power of sin that leads to death.
Day 15-August 23- verse of the day: Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Day 16-August 24-verse of the day: Psalm 139:1-6 (NLT) O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. 3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. 4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. 5 You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!
Harley and I decided to start a non-profit to help those organization on the front lines rescuing and restoring victims of sex trafficking. It is being set up now! Over the next six months, our team hopes to raise enough money to help build a safe house that is so desperately needed! We are going to be using our skills and interest to bring hope to those fighting domestic minor sex trafficking and victims effected by it. Be on the lookout for more information!!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Understanding the Slow, Steady Work of the Rain
At church we've been talking to the kids about an EPIC adventure in relation to trusting Jesus. Well, let me tell you, dear friends, it has been an EPIC summer for The Jeanises. I have relished every heartfelt moment. It is almost like my mind is taking photographs and storing them in the memory bank to hold on to forever every second of every day in these 3 months. Most of the time I sit in the midst of it thinking: 'this is the last time my summer could look like this.' That maybe next summer could look a whole lot different!
Likewise, I felt that I have been watching the whole thing unfold (think, out of body mode), like everything is in slow motion. It seems like God has been molding us and stretching us for his plans continually. It has been in the moments where we least expect it, too. Before we left on vacation in July, our agency was ramped up for us to finish our paperwork and inspections, because they were ready to go. So, before we left we completed everything. And let me tell you, folks, it wasn't just me either, Harley was working hard right along side me to finish our list! Then, the line went silent. Nothing, nada, zippo! No phone calls, no emails, NOTHING! We've since become pesky enough that we've been emailed. We desperately want to have our home study scheduled, but have heard nothing as of today except it's will happen eventually. I could blame this on a lot of things- state budget cuts, making our agency short staffed; people who don't work as quickly or efficiently as we do(or would like them to); or maybe our schedule not permitting us to get things done sooner. All which could spiralus me in to anxiety. However, I believe that God is ever so gently and patiently waiting for us me to realize He is in ALL of the plan, not just the stuff I can't handle. He is orchestrating this story. Our job is to trust and follow in faith.
Truly, he won't quit, either. He hasn't let up for one second trying to get me to see he is teaching me. The more anxious I become, the more he pours into me with messages like Proverbs 3:5-6
Likewise, I felt that I have been watching the whole thing unfold (think, out of body mode), like everything is in slow motion. It seems like God has been molding us and stretching us for his plans continually. It has been in the moments where we least expect it, too. Before we left on vacation in July, our agency was ramped up for us to finish our paperwork and inspections, because they were ready to go. So, before we left we completed everything. And let me tell you, folks, it wasn't just me either, Harley was working hard right along side me to finish our list! Then, the line went silent. Nothing, nada, zippo! No phone calls, no emails, NOTHING! We've since become pesky enough that we've been emailed. We desperately want to have our home study scheduled, but have heard nothing as of today except it's will happen eventually. I could blame this on a lot of things- state budget cuts, making our agency short staffed; people who don't work as quickly or efficiently as we do(or would like them to); or maybe our schedule not permitting us to get things done sooner. All which could spiral
Truly, he won't quit, either. He hasn't let up for one second trying to get me to see he is teaching me. The more anxious I become, the more he pours into me with messages like Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Every time, I am directed to His Word(through coporate worship or quiet time) I am led straight to scripture reminding me to trust Him and quit trying to make my own sense of things. I am constantly encouraged to "fix my eyes on Jesus," look at his life, his examples of trust and obedience.
In fact, I was so anxious the other day I was trying to find a scripture in my iPhone App, You Version, and I came across the verse of the day, which I am sure only applied to me that day, that I think no matter what you are going through, that no matter what your field looks like, where ever you are serving or being led, this can and does apply to us all: James 5:7-8(The Message)
7-8Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master's Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time.
The troublesome spot for me is slow. I tend to think slow process, slow moving, but God is saying, "No, un-uh, slow, not as a pace, but slow in the moments where you, Sweet Daughter, want to rush through and get to the goal, but I have things to teach you and show before you get there. Quit trying to forge ahead as you always do and wait on Me."
Some other ways He is "letting the rain do its slow but sure work": 1.)sitting on the sidewalk during 1st two days in a row for 20 minutes while our youngest threw a tantrum about going to the beach. ( this might be a common occurrence for a child that has faced trauma and does not have words to express themselves any other way, IT WAS NOT SOMETHING WE EXPECT FROM OUR LOVED, SAFE, WELL-ADJUSTED CHILD). Through our training, we are changing the way we parent and so we hunkered down and worked it out. Later, when things were calm again, we asked him why he was scared of the beach. His answer was simple, "Shocks!" (Sharks, for those who need translation!) His tantrum was induced by fear! This was a huge learning moment as we are anticipating things like this with an child who has been hurt. We probably looked crazy to those passing by, but it was a chance to grow for us. 2.) While visiting with my sister this summer, we dreamed of going to Disney at Christmas. We got on the Internet to price it out and once we figured out it was crazy expensive, I handed the laptop over to my beautiful, 10 year old, niece. In the next moment, she was in tears. She had googled the average weight of a ten year old girl. And while she is a bit heavier than an average ten year old girl(she's probably much taller, too). she is no where close to obese. Sadly, when she realized she didn't make the mark, she felt horrible about herself. And even more upsetting, she judge herself based on the standards of our culture. Through encouraging her to be healthy above skinny and telling her how beautiful she truly is(outwardly and inwardly), and looking at this girl with the most gorgeous blue eyes, thick brown hair and a heart of compassion that surpasses her years, I realized that helping my daughter see how beautiful she is because of who and who's she is, not what she looks like, is going to be a huge mountain in this American culture that is obsessed with skinny and outward beauty. 3.) Thankful for family. Hard times, good times, and all the stuff in between. All of it has made us who we are today and for that I would trade any of the experiences we have had. 4.) My running. I am training for another 5K race. It's not like I am trying win against anyone. I am trying to win against who I was in the last one. I am thankful for these moments that are about me and for me and that I am going the distance and in those moments praising God who has blessed me so richly and for being able to take time out of my crazy day to push my body to be healthier and more overall ready for the tasks at hand. It reminds every time I step onto that pavement or the treadmill that I am running a race far above any 5K or marathon and that it takes endurance and it takes time to be ready for the Big Day!
So, in conclusion of this EPIC summer, I want to say we a training and we are preparing for the big day and we are clinging to God's Word with hope from scriptures like Philippians 4:6-8 6 Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.
8 Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.
We know He is making us ready and giving us hope. Join us as we pray!
The troublesome spot for me is slow. I tend to think slow process, slow moving, but God is saying, "No, un-uh, slow, not as a pace, but slow in the moments where you, Sweet Daughter, want to rush through and get to the goal, but I have things to teach you and show before you get there. Quit trying to forge ahead as you always do and wait on Me."
Some other ways He is "letting the rain do its slow but sure work": 1.)sitting on the sidewalk during 1st two days in a row for 20 minutes while our youngest threw a tantrum about going to the beach. ( this might be a common occurrence for a child that has faced trauma and does not have words to express themselves any other way, IT WAS NOT SOMETHING WE EXPECT FROM OUR LOVED, SAFE, WELL-ADJUSTED CHILD). Through our training, we are changing the way we parent and so we hunkered down and worked it out. Later, when things were calm again, we asked him why he was scared of the beach. His answer was simple, "Shocks!" (Sharks, for those who need translation!) His tantrum was induced by fear! This was a huge learning moment as we are anticipating things like this with an child who has been hurt. We probably looked crazy to those passing by, but it was a chance to grow for us. 2.) While visiting with my sister this summer, we dreamed of going to Disney at Christmas. We got on the Internet to price it out and once we figured out it was crazy expensive, I handed the laptop over to my beautiful, 10 year old, niece. In the next moment, she was in tears. She had googled the average weight of a ten year old girl. And while she is a bit heavier than an average ten year old girl(she's probably much taller, too). she is no where close to obese. Sadly, when she realized she didn't make the mark, she felt horrible about herself. And even more upsetting, she judge herself based on the standards of our culture. Through encouraging her to be healthy above skinny and telling her how beautiful she truly is(outwardly and inwardly), and looking at this girl with the most gorgeous blue eyes, thick brown hair and a heart of compassion that surpasses her years, I realized that helping my daughter see how beautiful she is because of who and who's she is, not what she looks like, is going to be a huge mountain in this American culture that is obsessed with skinny and outward beauty. 3.) Thankful for family. Hard times, good times, and all the stuff in between. All of it has made us who we are today and for that I would trade any of the experiences we have had. 4.) My running. I am training for another 5K race. It's not like I am trying win against anyone. I am trying to win against who I was in the last one. I am thankful for these moments that are about me and for me and that I am going the distance and in those moments praising God who has blessed me so richly and for being able to take time out of my crazy day to push my body to be healthier and more overall ready for the tasks at hand. It reminds every time I step onto that pavement or the treadmill that I am running a race far above any 5K or marathon and that it takes endurance and it takes time to be ready for the Big Day!
So, in conclusion of this EPIC summer, I want to say we a training and we are preparing for the big day and we are clinging to God's Word with hope from scriptures like Philippians 4:6-8 6 Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.
8 Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.
We know He is making us ready and giving us hope. Join us as we pray!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Lazy, Crazy, Hazy Days of Summer
Summer has been so fun. Working on 3 new posts from all of the amazing things God is showing me this summer! Here are just a few of the fun times we have had:
Father's Day
Summer mani/pedi with Sister and Niece
Destin, with The Jeanise Family
Father's Day
Summer mani/pedi with Sister and Niece
A brand new Vitamix for my 33rd birthday!
Destin, with The Jeanise Family
My sweet little guy turns 3!
It's been jammed pack excitement, Folks! More to come, stay tuned...
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Thanksgiving came early this year
Yesterday I was at a meeting planning a women's event at our church. Our Women's Minister asked a simple question to the group, "what is something God is doing in your life?" The honest answer is I don't even know where to begin. In this season, I feel God might as well be sitting on me! The air is thick with Jesus. Everywhere I turn I see signs or messages he is revealing to me. This is not at all reflective of my spiritual maturity. There have been plenty of seasons (and more to come, I'm sure) when I wondered where was God! I'm just saying right now has us feeling very connected to Him and his will. We are depending on Him in every step we take. Nonetheless, for time sake and not being too obnoxious, I was able to tell of a very intimate and profound moment that has happened recently.
As many of you know, our family provided respite recently for a baby in foster care. I have to tell you that experience was so devine and so wonderful it was actually hard to believe and I actually kept waiting for something to go wrong! We even ended up with a extended stay due to unforseen circumstances. But sadly, the day came when she had to go. The morning after that sweet baby left our home I sat down in my comfy chair, with a hot cup of coffee, reflecting the time we spent that beautiful child. Although, there had been some tears beforehand, I have handled her leaving actually quite well. Again, this is only a testament to what my Jesus is doing in me. He gives wisdom and he gives "peace that surpasses understanding." It is not an observation of my ability. Anyway, it was in that moment, like many during that time with her, that I was overcome with a sense of prayer. However, in my prayer I began with putting my order in for another just like her: easy-going, sweet, happy, beautiful. It went something like this: "God, you are awesome, and she was great, I want a daughter just like that"...when I felt this powerful nudge that this was not the time for my will to impose on the miraculous event that had literally ushered me into the throne room of God. I know without a shadow of a doubt I had entered his gates and this moment was for thanksgiving ONLY! God knows me very well. He no doubt realizes my want list, and more importantly, commands my need list. Honestly, it was the first time in my life I think I really understood Psalm 100:4, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name." I am so grateful for this moment and a chance to worship Him with truly thankfulness in my heart!
In conclusion, we are literally weeks away from completing the adoption process. Some fears have been overcome, while others may remain forever. No matter what, God has not shown us we should not stop, so we press on.
As many of you know, our family provided respite recently for a baby in foster care. I have to tell you that experience was so devine and so wonderful it was actually hard to believe and I actually kept waiting for something to go wrong! We even ended up with a extended stay due to unforseen circumstances. But sadly, the day came when she had to go. The morning after that sweet baby left our home I sat down in my comfy chair, with a hot cup of coffee, reflecting the time we spent that beautiful child. Although, there had been some tears beforehand, I have handled her leaving actually quite well. Again, this is only a testament to what my Jesus is doing in me. He gives wisdom and he gives "peace that surpasses understanding." It is not an observation of my ability. Anyway, it was in that moment, like many during that time with her, that I was overcome with a sense of prayer. However, in my prayer I began with putting my order in for another just like her: easy-going, sweet, happy, beautiful. It went something like this: "God, you are awesome, and she was great, I want a daughter just like that"...when I felt this powerful nudge that this was not the time for my will to impose on the miraculous event that had literally ushered me into the throne room of God. I know without a shadow of a doubt I had entered his gates and this moment was for thanksgiving ONLY! God knows me very well. He no doubt realizes my want list, and more importantly, commands my need list. Honestly, it was the first time in my life I think I really understood Psalm 100:4, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name." I am so grateful for this moment and a chance to worship Him with truly thankfulness in my heart!
In conclusion, we are literally weeks away from completing the adoption process. Some fears have been overcome, while others may remain forever. No matter what, God has not shown us we should not stop, so we press on.
Friday, May 18, 2012
I HATE MY FAMILY!
Ok, so the title of this post is a bit harsh and totally untrue. However, this is exactly what Jesus tells us in Luke 14:26 “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple." Harley and I have been working on following Jesus' example so closely that our lives look transformed. Well, yesterday, that happened. Our agency emailed and then called with the most exciting request: wondering if we could provide respite to a foster family. It is a baby girl and it would be for 10 days! The most unfortunate part was the dates: falling right-smack-dab-in-the-middle of my beautiful niece's recital. Here was my most impossible choice: say no, to the very calling I think God, Himself has put on us OR disappoint my precious niece. Those options sent me in to a mini-panic attack! Now, you might be thinking, big deal, it's a recital, for a child. BUT, you would be wrong! I have never missed one. I was not only at the very first one, but I was am the make-up team. Even since moving away from them, I still make the trek every spring! She's my girl! My only girl! In a house full of men, it is my reminder that I am a girl who likes girly things, like ballet!
I will never forget the pride and joy I felt in my heart watching her skip across the stage!
The thought of disappointing her and her mom(my sister) is almost too much to bear. 1. because I love them and enjoy going. 2. because I am a people-pleaser and don't want anyone unhappy with me and my decisions. --this point make me miserable ALOT!(stomach aches, stress, crying, etc., but I am being molded to GET OVER IT!) And then there is number 3. I am a perfectionist. I can do everything and I have NEVER missed a single one(perfect track record)! In my mind, I can work it all out. I can serve my God and my people! In this case, I can't. Nothing can be equal to God. Nothing is equal to God.
Y'all, I know this verse seems to be in contradiction of everything Jesus. He is telling us to hate and hate those closest to us, while everywhere else in The Book he is telling us to love; love our enemies and those who hurt us. Hmmm, strange. To be clear, I don't think Jesus wants us to hate our family. I think he expects us to love them well. The point I believe he is trying to make is that NOTHING, not even something as important as our family should keep us from answering his call with a yes or hold us back from being the appointed ambassadors of his life-giving message!
This is how we roll!
The thought of disappointing her and her mom(my sister) is almost too much to bear. 1. because I love them and enjoy going. 2. because I am a people-pleaser and don't want anyone unhappy with me and my decisions. --this point make me miserable ALOT!(stomach aches, stress, crying, etc., but I am being molded to GET OVER IT!) And then there is number 3. I am a perfectionist. I can do everything and I have NEVER missed a single one(perfect track record)! In my mind, I can work it all out. I can serve my God and my people! In this case, I can't. Nothing can be equal to God. Nothing is equal to God.
Y'all, I know this verse seems to be in contradiction of everything Jesus. He is telling us to hate and hate those closest to us, while everywhere else in The Book he is telling us to love; love our enemies and those who hurt us. Hmmm, strange. To be clear, I don't think Jesus wants us to hate our family. I think he expects us to love them well. The point I believe he is trying to make is that NOTHING, not even something as important as our family should keep us from answering his call with a yes or hold us back from being the appointed ambassadors of his life-giving message!
This is from last year :)
So, with that thought my darling niece will have her dance recital without me this year. I know she is exactly where God wants her to be. She is growing in her talents, that one day she will use to bring more fame to the name of Jesus. And I will be growing in my talents as a mom, to prepare our home for loving the fatherless!
This is how we roll! Thursday, April 26, 2012
Freedom
I heard the most amazing, freeing thought this week... a conversation from my women's Bible study went like this: a parent was worrying about their newborn child's well-being and safety but felt the Lord respond with: Your child is invincible until the day I call her home. One of these dear, sweet ladies concluded that truth must apply to ourselves as well <<--that we are invincible until the Lord calls us home(Did I mention she is wise, too? I have good friends!). The more I've meditated on it this week the more I've realized it's not some pie-in-the-sky thought for living life with zest. It's not some dreamy idea to sike yourself out of fear. It is sound, biblical perspective.
Psalm 139:16 says, "You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
I think that is worth repeating: EVERY day of my life WAS recorded in God's book. EVERY moment was laid out BEFORE a single day had passed.
I should probably pause here and let y'all in on a little something. I am mildly obsessed with words like always, never, and every. You see, I ama bit very much a perfectionist. In fact, it's so bad, I think others should be like me and then wonder why I am so wildly disappointed when no one, including myself, can live up to those expectations! (This problem is a whole other blog entry!) Anyway, I am learning that only God Almighty, can be described in terms of ALWAYS, NEVER, and EVERY!! (I promise, Harley, I am learning! Love you!)
When I fill my thoughts with this perspective, I know every fiber of my being must press on toward that which God has called me and my family. We are getting there! Stay tuned...
Psalm 139:16 says, "You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
I think that is worth repeating: EVERY day of my life WAS recorded in God's book. EVERY moment was laid out BEFORE a single day had passed.
I should probably pause here and let y'all in on a little something. I am mildly obsessed with words like always, never, and every. You see, I am
So, with that being said, I think camping out on those words is a tad important. This above-mentioned conversation was centered on what holds us back from living out generous and compassionate lives, lives that recklessly abandon our comfort zones, put safety on the back burner, and make us restless with the status quo. Before one of your days came to be, they were known! The unfortunate part is we don't know how many days we are guaranteed. Our clocks are ticking! That begs to know, are you using your days to live out the purpose for which you were designed? Or are you making excuses? Are we taking the opportunities set before us to use our lives for an extremely high calling? Or are we telling ourselves we don't matter? It doesn't just happen, folks! We have to intentionally go for it! For this to happen I think two very significant things must be in place. 1.) You have to know where you are headed. You future must be decided. When you know where you're headed, don't you go with a little more confidence? We can be confident in our mission, but that happens only with faith in Christ Jesus. Romans 10:9,10 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. 2.) You must be where you are supposed to be. When we are aligned with God's will and purpose for our lives, it doesn't matter if it's safe or dangerous, because exactly what is supposed to happen is going to happen! Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
When I fill my thoughts with this perspective, I know every fiber of my being must press on toward that which God has called me and my family. We are getting there! Stay tuned...
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Adoption Update
Harley and I are well on our way to becoming adoptive parents. Our current stage is "fixing" some things on our turned in application. We are scheduling fingerprint appointments, health and fire inspections of our home, preparing for a homestudy and generally ready to welcome home our daughter(s). I use the plural because we have stated we are open to siblings, ages 3-11. Yay, girl power!! We've spent hours and hours in the first part of 2012 being "trained" and I 've realized that it is helpful and silly all the same time. For example, the sexual abuse class: helpful, loss and grief: helpful, supervision: silly. I mean, I have 3 kids at home...can we opt out on good faith that they are being watched properly and that is why I feel I would make a good adoptive parent in the first place!? Oh, well, what are you going to do? So, we did it! We have a case manager of sorts. Our agency, Arrow Family Ministries, calls them Ambassador Family Specialists. Our AFS's name is Lindsey, and she rocks! She checks in with me all the time. She calls if something is pertinent. I feel God has so richly blessed this union between the Jeanises and Arrow. We are in constant prayer over these desicions. We are starting to feel more confident to talk about it openly. We are telling everyone now instead of just the few who we think will understand. Which pretty well catches you up, Friends, and brings me to my point.
Typically, we don't blurt out: "We're adpopting!" However, our family dynamic and make-up draw many oberservations. 1. We have three children. 2. We have only boys. Many times people want to know if we are "done."(I assume they mean with child-bearing, and my body says, oh, yeah, YOU, Missy are DONE!) Or if we are going to "try" for a girl. (I don't even know what that means.) So, now that we are getting oh-so-very-close, we have started answering with: "well, actually, we've begun the process to adopt." A very normal response is "that I must love being a mom!?" And yes, while that is truealwaysmost days, it is not the reason we feel we must adopt. Another, repsonse is: "You, two are just such great people for doing that. You are just so good." Ummm, yeah, we are! Yeah, not so much!
Just to be clear, The Jeanise are decent folks. We have high moral standards. We try to be like Jesus. However, we are human. We are not perfect. And we are certainly not, good. The bible says it like this in the parable of the rich man in Luke 18: Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question: “Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother.
The rich guy answers that he has kept those since he was young. CHECK! BAM! Then, Jesus lays it out in verse 22: When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Gulp!) W-w-w-wh-what? I think the point Jesus was trying to make here is that all those actions in the commandments are important. They show others you are upstanding. But so true to character, Jesus is concerned with the heart of man! Following Jesus is hard. So far, since beginning this journey, people have thought we were insane or glorious; we lost friends and made new ones; we have family crisises and professional ones. Nothing has been easy. Our children have been left with their grandparents so we could go and "learn" how to become parents of children who have been hurt. We have cried, we have yelled, we have thought about quitting! Romans 3:10 reminds us that “No one is righteous— not even one." But God's precious nudging has been a constant the whole time.
Lastly, this journey is for his glory, not ours. This is his story and we feel so blessed to be included in it. We will keep you posted, Friends! Thanks for your prayers!
Typically, we don't blurt out: "We're adpopting!" However, our family dynamic and make-up draw many oberservations. 1. We have three children. 2. We have only boys. Many times people want to know if we are "done."(I assume they mean with child-bearing, and my body says, oh, yeah, YOU, Missy are DONE!) Or if we are going to "try" for a girl. (I don't even know what that means.) So, now that we are getting oh-so-very-close, we have started answering with: "well, actually, we've begun the process to adopt." A very normal response is "that I must love being a mom!?" And yes, while that is true
Just to be clear, The Jeanise are decent folks. We have high moral standards. We try to be like Jesus. However, we are human. We are not perfect. And we are certainly not, good. The bible says it like this in the parable of the rich man in Luke 18: Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question: “Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother.
The rich guy answers that he has kept those since he was young. CHECK! BAM! Then, Jesus lays it out in verse 22: When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Gulp!) W-w-w-wh-what? I think the point Jesus was trying to make here is that all those actions in the commandments are important. They show others you are upstanding. But so true to character, Jesus is concerned with the heart of man! Following Jesus is hard. So far, since beginning this journey, people have thought we were insane or glorious; we lost friends and made new ones; we have family crisises and professional ones. Nothing has been easy. Our children have been left with their grandparents so we could go and "learn" how to become parents of children who have been hurt. We have cried, we have yelled, we have thought about quitting! Romans 3:10 reminds us that “No one is righteous— not even one." But God's precious nudging has been a constant the whole time.
Lastly, this journey is for his glory, not ours. This is his story and we feel so blessed to be included in it. We will keep you posted, Friends! Thanks for your prayers!
Friday, March 23, 2012
Spring Cleaning
ALERT: My family and I are NOT celebrating Easter this year! Yeah, you read that right. No chocolate Easter bunnies or visits, no dying eggs, or Easter gift baskets! But before you put me on your church prayer list and start throwing holy water on me, hear me out! We are exchanging it for a festival! Instead of celebrating our cultural norms, that have so many secular, ungodly demands, we are focusing on a more biblical representation of the season that reflects who we are and who we want to be. In that spirit, we ARE celebrating Passover!
God has been stirring me for sometime regarding holidays and how our family celebrates them. Then, Jen Hatmaker's book, 7, came into my life and I could NOT ignore the engraved invitation from the Lord to learn more. She states it like this:
"Easter is a little name picked up from the Anglo-Saxon fertility goddess of spring, Eostre, who saved a frozen bird from the harsh winter by turning it into a magical rabbit who could lay eggs. Hence: 'Easter' bunnies and eggs."
This information confirmed that I am slave to pagan rituals and led by culture. Many of my holiday practices represents nothing of what I say I believe. As a side note, if you intend to continue dying Easter eggs with you babies and leaving carrots out for the Easter Bunny, more power to you and you will not receive any judgement from me. You don't have to delete me on Facebook! We will just be doing things differently.
Friends, you may be thinking, we've lost it. I mean, first, she's ditching the Christmas Tree and reindeer food and (gasp!) Santa. Now, the poor Jeanise children are not even going to have a chocolate bunny to eat that morning! It's OK, really! We will all survive with a little less sweets and egg dying around and bonus: our waistlines will thank us!
Here are a few reasons why we are celebrating Passover:
1. It is biblical. Passover is not just a Jewish holiday, but "a special festival to the Lord." (Exodus 12:14) Messianic Rabbi, Eric Carlson, puts it like this: "This Feast is directly related to and fulfilled by the Jewish Messiah, Messiah Yeshua! (Jesus Christ). John the Baptist refers to Yeshua as 'The Lamb', 'Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.' (John 1:29)." The people in Jesus' day understood this profound meaning in that description. Isaiah 53:7-10 provided them(and us, in retrospect) the foretelling of the "human lamb" that would suffer for us.
2. It acknowledges the redemptive blood atoned for our sins through sacrifice. God says only blood can atone for sin. (Leviticus 17:11) We believe it is through the Lord, Jesus Christ that we can be reconciled to God. Jesus identified himself as the Passover Lamb. (Matthew 26:17-28) (John 12:9-19)
3. It is part of who we are. (Romans 11:17)
Who knew? We, Christians, mere Gentiles, are grafted in. This is our identity. Jesus goes a step further in his suffering and dying for us. The outcome is not only for the forgiveness of our sins, but also, to bring us into inheritance with him. Ephesians 1:11: "Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan."
In conclusion, we are going to begin Passover with a traditional Seder(Jesus being the focused Passover Lamb). If you're interested you can find instructions here: http://www.zionsake.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=66. We are so excited and pray that the Lord would draw us closer to him during this precious time as we reflect on the lavish love of our Heavenly Father and the sacrifice of his Holy Son! It is already working! ;) Lastly, no matter how your family takes time to remember the love of Christ this spring, I hope it is a time filled with renewing and refreshing.
God has been stirring me for sometime regarding holidays and how our family celebrates them. Then, Jen Hatmaker's book, 7, came into my life and I could NOT ignore the engraved invitation from the Lord to learn more. She states it like this:
"Easter is a little name picked up from the Anglo-Saxon fertility goddess of spring, Eostre, who saved a frozen bird from the harsh winter by turning it into a magical rabbit who could lay eggs. Hence: 'Easter' bunnies and eggs."
This information confirmed that I am slave to pagan rituals and led by culture. Many of my holiday practices represents nothing of what I say I believe. As a side note, if you intend to continue dying Easter eggs with you babies and leaving carrots out for the Easter Bunny, more power to you and you will not receive any judgement from me. You don't have to delete me on Facebook! We will just be doing things differently.
Friends, you may be thinking, we've lost it. I mean, first, she's ditching the Christmas Tree and reindeer food and (gasp!) Santa. Now, the poor Jeanise children are not even going to have a chocolate bunny to eat that morning! It's OK, really! We will all survive with a little less sweets and egg dying around and bonus: our waistlines will thank us!
Here are a few reasons why we are celebrating Passover:
1. It is biblical. Passover is not just a Jewish holiday, but "a special festival to the Lord." (Exodus 12:14) Messianic Rabbi, Eric Carlson, puts it like this: "This Feast is directly related to and fulfilled by the Jewish Messiah, Messiah Yeshua! (Jesus Christ). John the Baptist refers to Yeshua as 'The Lamb', 'Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.' (John 1:29)." The people in Jesus' day understood this profound meaning in that description. Isaiah 53:7-10 provided them(and us, in retrospect) the foretelling of the "human lamb" that would suffer for us.
2. It acknowledges the redemptive blood atoned for our sins through sacrifice. God says only blood can atone for sin. (Leviticus 17:11) We believe it is through the Lord, Jesus Christ that we can be reconciled to God. Jesus identified himself as the Passover Lamb. (Matthew 26:17-28) (John 12:9-19)
3. It is part of who we are. (Romans 11:17)
Who knew? We, Christians, mere Gentiles, are grafted in. This is our identity. Jesus goes a step further in his suffering and dying for us. The outcome is not only for the forgiveness of our sins, but also, to bring us into inheritance with him. Ephesians 1:11: "Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan."
In conclusion, we are going to begin Passover with a traditional Seder(Jesus being the focused Passover Lamb). If you're interested you can find instructions here: http://www.zionsake.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=66. We are so excited and pray that the Lord would draw us closer to him during this precious time as we reflect on the lavish love of our Heavenly Father and the sacrifice of his Holy Son! It is already working! ;) Lastly, no matter how your family takes time to remember the love of Christ this spring, I hope it is a time filled with renewing and refreshing.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The Loving Things
It's February, the month of love. The stores are bursting at the seams with red and pink decorations. The jewelry commercials are literally on in every-other-one-increments. Normally, I boycott Valentine's Day. I think it's crap, to be completely candid. I think it just another way for big marketing to make people think they have to spend money. A way for those with to show up those without. It's disgusting. In addition, I don't like these holidays: mother's day/father's day; Saint Patrick's Day; or Halloween. I am pretty sure the Bible says, "honor your mother and father," not just the second Sundays of May and June. What the heck is St. Patrick's Day anyway? And really all year, I tell my children Stranger Danger, now tonight let's go get candy from them. Ick! Harley loves me and hates me for this. I know it sounds like I am a stick. in. the. mud. I know! It gets worse, I don't even do Easter Baskets for my kids! Uh, gasp, the horror! That's right folks, no Easter bunnies here! But, I digress!
As I normally try to avoid all things Cupid this month, today in my Bible Study reading God's Word, I got smacked right up side my head with a couple of very undeniable facts God is extremely clear on his idea of what is love. When put to that test, my grade was an epic fail! I don't love well. I love poorly. Very poorly, in fact. Even those that are easy to love, the ones I naturally love. I was seriously brought to tears in repentance.
Honestly, people, there is a whole world culture out there to tell us what love looks like, feels like, and it's all about what we are getting out of it! The world's idea of love is feeling and emotion and completely selfish. God's love is undeniably selfless and covered in humility. It is evident in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 when Paul writes, "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." I know if anyone has ever been to a wedding or in church for longer than 6 months they have probably heard these words before. However, I am hear to tell you it is a whole different ballgame when you put someones face in your mind and ask yourself questions regarding these statements.
Try it:
Picture someone(your spouse, your friend, your kids, your enemy, someone you just do not get along with)
Then ask yourself these questions:
1. Am I patient with this person?
2. Am I kind to this person?
3. Am I ever jealous of this person?
4. Am I ever boastful or proud around this person?
5. Am I ever rude to this person?
6. Do I ever demand my way?
7. Am I ever irritable with this person?
8. Do I ever hold grudges against this person?
9. Am I glad when this person fails?
10. Am I happy when this person is successful no matter the circumstance?
Now, remember, God's law is perfect. So, these are always and never situations! Oh my goodness, everyone of us should fail! Thankfully, everyday I can draw nearer to The One whose love is unfailing and is eternal and learn to love as I should! I hope these words stick with you as they have with me during this month of hearts and Cupid. They are life-changing and more useful than being a reading at wedding ceremony!
P.S. I was so traumatized by my failure to love like Christ that it took me awhile to even see past my failure. But Christ is full of mercy and grace. He doesn't long to see us linger in our failures. He wants repentance and to become our focus. It is how we going from a failing love to an enduring one! Happy Love Month!
As I normally try to avoid all things Cupid this month, today in my Bible Study reading God's Word, I got smacked right up side my head with a couple of very undeniable facts God is extremely clear on his idea of what is love. When put to that test, my grade was an epic fail! I don't love well. I love poorly. Very poorly, in fact. Even those that are easy to love, the ones I naturally love. I was seriously brought to tears in repentance.
Honestly, people, there is a whole world culture out there to tell us what love looks like, feels like, and it's all about what we are getting out of it! The world's idea of love is feeling and emotion and completely selfish. God's love is undeniably selfless and covered in humility. It is evident in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 when Paul writes, "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." I know if anyone has ever been to a wedding or in church for longer than 6 months they have probably heard these words before. However, I am hear to tell you it is a whole different ballgame when you put someones face in your mind and ask yourself questions regarding these statements.
Try it:
Picture someone(your spouse, your friend, your kids, your enemy, someone you just do not get along with)
Then ask yourself these questions:
1. Am I patient with this person?
2. Am I kind to this person?
3. Am I ever jealous of this person?
4. Am I ever boastful or proud around this person?
5. Am I ever rude to this person?
6. Do I ever demand my way?
7. Am I ever irritable with this person?
8. Do I ever hold grudges against this person?
9. Am I glad when this person fails?
10. Am I happy when this person is successful no matter the circumstance?
Now, remember, God's law is perfect. So, these are always and never situations! Oh my goodness, everyone of us should fail! Thankfully, everyday I can draw nearer to The One whose love is unfailing and is eternal and learn to love as I should! I hope these words stick with you as they have with me during this month of hearts and Cupid. They are life-changing and more useful than being a reading at wedding ceremony!
P.S. I was so traumatized by my failure to love like Christ that it took me awhile to even see past my failure. But Christ is full of mercy and grace. He doesn't long to see us linger in our failures. He wants repentance and to become our focus. It is how we going from a failing love to an enduring one! Happy Love Month!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Super Bowl Sunday
As many get ready to gather for some fun watching the pigskin, I cannot help but think of the many women and children who have been exploited this weekend. That's right, Super Bowl Sunday is one of the worst times for human trafficking victims. I am sick. I don't know what happened to me. For years, I've watched this game and enjoyed it and not worried someone was being hurt due to the hoopla surrounding it. I also thought prostitutes, by definition, could only be adult women who, by whatever the circumstance, chose their professions. Now, my eyes and ears don't seem to be my own anymore. And you know what dear reader? I am glad for it. As much as one would think it would be nice to turn a blind eye or a deaf ear, I think I am better off. Ignorance is not bliss; ignorance is death.
For awhile now, Micah 6:8 has been stuck in my head: "No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." I never realized when God opened my heart to the global orphan crisis that He would be opening my mind to the injustices of slavery. Growing up in modern times and white, slavery has never been more than something evil in a history book and a shameful existence in my ancestors' pasts. It did not really effect me. Before, it was simple, it is wrong and in the past. However, present-day me, realizes that there are more enslaved TODAY than any other time in history and it's growing! Moreover, I contribute to it in so many ways. For instance, much of American lifestyle comes at the expense of an impoverished person or people somewhere in an underdeveloped area of the world. How, you ask? They make our clothes, toys, food, uh, my Apple iPhone, iPad, and iPod. Ugh, seriously, those hurt! But, I am telling y'all, it is even over coffee. I know what you are thinking: Don't-even-start-messing-with-my-awesome-Nantucket-Blend! No, really, People, many suffer for us to enjoy our favorite coffee brands!
I know it seems impossible to stop. This is the 2nd largest crime industry behind drugs, after all. It is a 9.5 billion dollar a year money-maker. However, our God is BIG and He does BIG things! Luke 1:37 says, "For nothing is impossible with God." We have a great opportunity here to bring change. We need to educate ourselves on the subject and to become aware of the products we use. I am not trying to be a hypocrite here...I literally could send this message out from my iPhone or iPad! Ouch! I am saying we have to put behind us the days of being cattle-herded consumers and PAY ATTENTION!
With this in mind, I came across this great article http://theresurgence.com/2012/02/02/sex-trafficking-at-the-super-bowl Please, take the time to read it. It has some great information. It offers some great educational tips. Also, you can visit these websites if you are in need of commodities:
www.cometogethertrading.com
www.redearthtradingco.com
www.furnacehillscoffee.com/index
www.preemptivelove.org
www.noondaycollection.com
www.bethejoy.com
www.goodnewsgoods.com
www.theopenarmsshop.com
www.commonthreadz.org
www.globalgirlfriend.com
www.3seams.com
www.ravenandlily.com
www.tradeasone.com
www.thehungersite.org
www.funkyfishdesigns.com
Together we can make a difference! I don't really care who wins the Superbowl tonight, but I do pray, in The Hope, that the most vulnerable and most marginalized of the world are protected and safe tonight!
For awhile now, Micah 6:8 has been stuck in my head: "No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." I never realized when God opened my heart to the global orphan crisis that He would be opening my mind to the injustices of slavery. Growing up in modern times and white, slavery has never been more than something evil in a history book and a shameful existence in my ancestors' pasts. It did not really effect me. Before, it was simple, it is wrong and in the past. However, present-day me, realizes that there are more enslaved TODAY than any other time in history and it's growing! Moreover, I contribute to it in so many ways. For instance, much of American lifestyle comes at the expense of an impoverished person or people somewhere in an underdeveloped area of the world. How, you ask? They make our clothes, toys, food, uh, my Apple iPhone, iPad, and iPod. Ugh, seriously, those hurt! But, I am telling y'all, it is even over coffee. I know what you are thinking: Don't-even-start-messing-with-my-awesome-Nantucket-Blend! No, really, People, many suffer for us to enjoy our favorite coffee brands!
I know it seems impossible to stop. This is the 2nd largest crime industry behind drugs, after all. It is a 9.5 billion dollar a year money-maker. However, our God is BIG and He does BIG things! Luke 1:37 says, "For nothing is impossible with God." We have a great opportunity here to bring change. We need to educate ourselves on the subject and to become aware of the products we use. I am not trying to be a hypocrite here...I literally could send this message out from my iPhone or iPad! Ouch! I am saying we have to put behind us the days of being cattle-herded consumers and PAY ATTENTION!
With this in mind, I came across this great article http://theresurgence.com/2012/02/02/sex-trafficking-at-the-super-bowl Please, take the time to read it. It has some great information. It offers some great educational tips. Also, you can visit these websites if you are in need of commodities:
www.cometogethertrading.com
www.redearthtradingco.com
www.furnacehillscoffee.com/index
www.preemptivelove.org
www.noondaycollection.com
www.bethejoy.com
www.goodnewsgoods.com
www.theopenarmsshop.com
www.commonthreadz.org
www.globalgirlfriend.com
www.3seams.com
www.ravenandlily.com
www.tradeasone.com
www.thehungersite.org
www.funkyfishdesigns.com
Together we can make a difference! I don't really care who wins the Superbowl tonight, but I do pray, in The Hope, that the most vulnerable and most marginalized of the world are protected and safe tonight!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Strangers Among Us
As you know, we have spent the first days of 2012 not listening to the many presidential debates or tracking our list of new year resolutions, but hours in parenting training classes for fostering/adopting. While these classes have been a welcomed sign of where we are headed and relief for knowledge of how to handle certain situations, they have also brought me to my knees in face of fears. The perfectionist in me says, "You are going to fail." God keeps saying, "you will, if you don't let Me do this." The fear subsides, a bit.
At the end of 2011, we followed God's path seamlessly and easily to Arrow Family Ministries. We met with a guy named Michael, who we both liked(as a person and instructor). Michael is funny and cool guy and a foster/adoptive dad. He brought so much insight to the training information. The class group in training was awesome, too. Some, really great folks. Then, as I was getting ready for the next class, Michael messaged me that as of "this" morning he was no longer with Arrow. My first instinct was to scream and kick and whine like my two-year old toddler. My next thought was to freak out and think I was on a shinking ship and this was it, another door slamming shut in my face, but Michael/Arrow's teaching was "respond don't react." So, deep breath and you know what, People? God answered, "Keep going. Don't get to attached to anyone and keep your eyes on Me." Whoa! So, with that we attended our next several classes. They went great. As it turns out, we still have some contact with Michael and I think he will be a great example for us. God is so generous! Coincidentally, there have been some bumps for others(which totally freak me out), but Harley and I just keep saying 'that's not our lane, that's not our path.'
Likewise, Harley and I have had thousands of pillow talk discussions regarding adoption. In recent weeks, they have all been about our training and our vision of adoption. However, one night in this last month after all the children were nicely tucked in bed, he stayed up watching a total guy movie. I probably ruined it. I sat next to him on the couch and just cried. It felt good. We didn't have to say anything. I cried from the stress of the month(busy on an insane level), I cried for our children(those at home and those to come), I cried for the love the Father has shown me over and over again in my life(oh, how he must love me). Jesus is so patient with me, I am definitely a slow learner!
Moreover, in these training classes all the glamour and charity was stripped away. All we were left with was some babies from some terrible places who need US to be strong and capable of loving them through the hurt and healing. Honestly, without Jesus' lead, I don't know how you even consider adoption. It is more than charity. It is more than pity. It is more than wanting more kids or becoming a parent. It IS the gospel lived out through selflessness and sacrificial offerings of love, time and talent.
In addition, it is opening your home, your life to "the least of these," in essence, to strangers. The thought of a child being raised in our home who is not of our DNA is somewhat of a fear. Ok, it is a fear. I look at my biological kids and see my eyes, or Harley's sense of humor and I know where that comes from. Even not-so-great sides: I see my hot temper and Harley's stubbornness. What about the kids we will adopt? Whose personality will be coming out? Then, all of a sudden in my bible study last week it all made perfect peace and sense in my heart and my head! I read Leviticus 19:34, "The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God." Wow! What a promise! I get it! I understand the comparison of loving an insider or of loving one born to our family. I feel the comparison with my heart. The bond that I share with my sister, my children, my parents. I understand that I, too, was once a stranger, that I was separated from God through my sin and that in Christ I am his beloved daughter. I'm sure it won't be all easy and at times we will be tested, maybe even beyond what we think we can endure. But our God is so big, he knows our deepest anxieties and he answers them and calms them. I know there will be challenges to endure. I think God has been preparing me all along.
Dr. Russell Moore's book Adopted For Life: The Priority for Christian Families & Churches concludes like this:
"The reality, though, is that in most ways parenting is parenting, and growing up is growing up. It's always hard. Some unique challenges go along with adoption-challenges related to finding a sense of belonging, to discipline and discipleship, to answering questions about origins. Count these all as joy. They point all of us-not just kids who were adopted-to the gospel. The gospel welcomes us and receives us as loved children. The gospel disciplines us and prepares us for eternity as heirs. The gospels speaks truth to us and shows us our misery in Adam and our glory in Christ. The gospel shows us that we were born into death and then shows us, by free grace, that we're adopted for life."
Monday, January 2, 2012
2012 - The Year to Throw & Go!
Well, a new year has begun. The last week of the year has always been so intriguing to me. I love looking at news articles or watching shows or countdowns of the best and worst of the year. It is a look back over triumphs and fails. I think it is because I like looking in the rearview mirror. I camp out in the past and find some twisted comfort going over and over it. I considered having the subject of this blog be a farewell to the past year. I thought for a moment of the many things that happened to me and my family over the last year, and while some things I would like to forget, many amazing things happened too. However, my mind continued to drift excitedly to the horizon. To the future. To look forward.
Then, yesterday at church our Youth Minister delivered a most challenging sermon about getting off of the sidelines of life and living intentionally with God's purpose and pace in mind. Through Hebrews 12:1, he dared us to "throw and go." He called us to stop worrying about our past and "get in our lane." The one God wants us to be in! It is in this spirit, that we seek to offer our lives as living sacrifices to Jesus and love others. Interestingly enough, I was reminded of the scriptural basis for this line of thinking from another blogger's point of view based on Philippians 3:12-14: 12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,[d] but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Thus, we look ahead. As we do, we are filled with hope and joy of what our future might be. We press on to grow in our love of Christ and His existence in our lives. We press on to help others know His relevance in their lives, too. We press on to change the face of our family forever. FOREVER. With this in mind, we are currently filling out an application to adopt. There are many reasons you may be wondering, why? Well, for one thing, biological children are not an option anymore and we really desire more(with 3 already, sometimes we wonder why too!). Most importantly, we believe it is God's charge to us to care for orphans, We firmly believe Jesus is speaking of this in the Gospel of Matthew. chapter 25, verses 34-40:
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,[f] you were doing it to me!’
Sure, this can be done in many ways, through prayer, financial offerings and short term visits or events, but anyone who really knows Mr. & Mrs. Harley Jeanise knows we are an "all-in" kind of people! (Remember, we dated a solid three months before marriage.) We are confident we can offer no better "care of orphans" than to become parents of them. Likewise, there are 147 million orphans globally and we believe those aging out of systems become many of the victims of human sex trade, drugs/alcohol, suicide, or prison. Also, the thought of adoption was a vision we both could always see, and the "one day" idea became the 'why not now' one.
For sure, it is a lengthy process and a bit scary one, too. The idea and process has taught me so much about myself, my husband, and my faith in God. It is like the game where you are blind-folded and your Partner is calling out directions to you and you have to listen and follow exactly what is being said so you know where to go. Questions I ask myself daily, sometimes hourly, Do I trust God? No, do I REALLY trust God, really? Do I believe His heart for orphans is meant for someone like me? And truthfully, why would God pick someone like me, so imperfect and unequipped, to do such holy work? Do I really believe He opens and closes doors meant for us to walk through or do I just give that lip service because it makes me sound faithful? Does my husband really want this too or is he just being supportive? Will people think I am/We are crazy? What if the child/ren hate us or what if WE have a hard time adjusting? Just being honest here, people. As we decided to step into the world of orphans, some definite things we knew right away: we have a heart for domestic adoption and we feel drawn those in foster care. Since educating ourselves through conferences, books, and friends who had gone through the process, we are heartbroken to think a child at the tender age of 5 is considered "hard to place" because of their age. I am horrified at the thought of a child aging out of the foster care system and never having anyone step up and say, 'You are loved and you belong here.'
So, in closing, we ask that you pray for us in this journey. We, also, ask that you pray for our child/ren that we don't know yet. Also, if you are very observant you've noticed I say child/ren in stead of child and that is because we have inquired about a sibling group, two sisters, who are ages 10 and 6. Would you also pray for them? We don't know if the state will think we are the right match for them, but even if they don't become our daughters I know God had and has a purpose for them. They are the reason we are at this next step,which is actually Step 1. On Thursday, January 5th, we will attend orientation and then we can turn in our application and so on and so forth. We are excited and expectant of what God will do! We are grateful for what He has already done!
Then, yesterday at church our Youth Minister delivered a most challenging sermon about getting off of the sidelines of life and living intentionally with God's purpose and pace in mind. Through Hebrews 12:1, he dared us to "throw and go." He called us to stop worrying about our past and "get in our lane." The one God wants us to be in! It is in this spirit, that we seek to offer our lives as living sacrifices to Jesus and love others. Interestingly enough, I was reminded of the scriptural basis for this line of thinking from another blogger's point of view based on Philippians 3:12-14: 12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,[d] but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Thus, we look ahead. As we do, we are filled with hope and joy of what our future might be. We press on to grow in our love of Christ and His existence in our lives. We press on to help others know His relevance in their lives, too. We press on to change the face of our family forever. FOREVER. With this in mind, we are currently filling out an application to adopt. There are many reasons you may be wondering, why? Well, for one thing, biological children are not an option anymore and we really desire more(with 3 already, sometimes we wonder why too!). Most importantly, we believe it is God's charge to us to care for orphans, We firmly believe Jesus is speaking of this in the Gospel of Matthew. chapter 25, verses 34-40:
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,[f] you were doing it to me!’
Sure, this can be done in many ways, through prayer, financial offerings and short term visits or events, but anyone who really knows Mr. & Mrs. Harley Jeanise knows we are an "all-in" kind of people! (Remember, we dated a solid three months before marriage.) We are confident we can offer no better "care of orphans" than to become parents of them. Likewise, there are 147 million orphans globally and we believe those aging out of systems become many of the victims of human sex trade, drugs/alcohol, suicide, or prison. Also, the thought of adoption was a vision we both could always see, and the "one day" idea became the 'why not now' one.
For sure, it is a lengthy process and a bit scary one, too. The idea and process has taught me so much about myself, my husband, and my faith in God. It is like the game where you are blind-folded and your Partner is calling out directions to you and you have to listen and follow exactly what is being said so you know where to go. Questions I ask myself daily, sometimes hourly, Do I trust God? No, do I REALLY trust God, really? Do I believe His heart for orphans is meant for someone like me? And truthfully, why would God pick someone like me, so imperfect and unequipped, to do such holy work? Do I really believe He opens and closes doors meant for us to walk through or do I just give that lip service because it makes me sound faithful? Does my husband really want this too or is he just being supportive? Will people think I am/We are crazy? What if the child/ren hate us or what if WE have a hard time adjusting? Just being honest here, people. As we decided to step into the world of orphans, some definite things we knew right away: we have a heart for domestic adoption and we feel drawn those in foster care. Since educating ourselves through conferences, books, and friends who had gone through the process, we are heartbroken to think a child at the tender age of 5 is considered "hard to place" because of their age. I am horrified at the thought of a child aging out of the foster care system and never having anyone step up and say, 'You are loved and you belong here.'
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