Grace. Mercy. Peace

All things LOVE~

2012-02-02T14:12:00.000-05:00

I think for the month of February.... I will share about LOVE. Maybe once or twice a week.

This is the LOVE month you know? So many talk of love for their spouse.... this for me is a hard one. As I have shared before... my sustaining longing is still what it is... a sustaining longing....

Reading over at Ann's blog... how she shares how her husband loves her... how they both LOVE... like Christ. I have to be careful.... as my situation is very different and God knows that. His grace is enough. My husband of 31 yrs .... dances with additions more then with me. His grace is enough.... my husband struggles with agoraphobia as Ann does... but copes in very different ways. His grace is enough. So my love.... clings to God... He is my LOVE. His grace is enough...

Just make our lives a living sacrifice and let the days makes us like gold, to arrive before His throne.
~ Ann Voskamp

How are you loving well this month... this year.... this life?

Sponsor a child today.. real LOVE that last a lifetime!
Grace~

Joy Dare...

2012-01-31T22:54:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the first day of Febuary. January is already gone. I am very excited about the start of the year. Lots of great things to come in 2012.

I am doing the Joy Dare with several of you. Counting our gifts with Ann Voskamp. Counting three a day....

Counting gifts .... changes lives... it has changed my life. My perspective on things.... makes me look at the gifts... see the gifts.

Sponsor a Compassion child today!
Grace~

Count it all Joy~

2012-01-29T16:54:00.000-05:00

Some weeks are just TOO busy! On the 19th we had a field trip and then went to the park. It was beautiful weather here... a taste of spring in January! Our Wyatt was swinging on a swing and one of the boys were pushing him and Wesley. He fell out, his hand hit a root and he was in a lot of pain. Although he didn't tell me til we were on the way home.... from that point on he wouldn't use it and the wrist area was a pit swollen.

After an ER trip.....

doctor visit and the orthopedic we now have a cast. The orthopedic said it was a growth plate fracture. We go back in three weeks.

I am thankful it is not summer ..... Thankful that it wasn't worse.... thankful for Wyatt who never complained and loved the time with me! He thought a treat from Sonic was awesome! That one on one time sure speaks volumes to them... even if it is "just a doctor's appt.!"

Thankful for our doctor who is amazing. He is such a gift to us. He always encourages and truly cares about us.
He loves God and loves us!

Sponsor a child today!
Grace~

My First Event~

2012-01-27T16:12:00.000-05:00

When I set my 2012 goals for this year... one goal was to work three Compassion events in 2012. I was notified that a concert was in a nearby town. I was really excited and nervous too. Alyssa went with me. I didn't think they would allow her to work the table because she is only 14.

When we arrived the line was wrapped around the building.... and people were still coming! Over 1000 people. It was a gospel sing. Not the music we listen to but that doesn't matter. The Compassion man who was there was excited to see us. He was great. He told us what to do. Alyssa didn't help behind the table but he did let us both do a packet pass. It was exciting and sobering at the time as so are not interested.

Seven children were sponsored! It was a great experience. We were both able to share and Alyssa brought pics of her sponsored children so she showed those to several who came up to look.

I am excited that God allowed me the gift of being a part of this event. Todd (Compassion guy) was very helpful and encouraging!

It was a small number of children sponsored but to those seven children it was the world!

Make a difference forever~ sponsor a child today!
Grace~

Such a little thing that is big!

2012-01-24T01:37:00.000-05:00

As most of you know we have six children... a half dozen. The other day I was sharing with a friend some tips about big families. My friend has a new blog hop over and welcome her to the blog world! She has 4 and they are closer together then my children.

We were talking about how it was so important to have one on one time with each of our kids. I was sharing how each one of my kiddos love spending time with me ALONE. It's such a small thing ... but it is so big to them.

Wesley is playing basketball and every Tuesday night we go to practice. Wesley tells me over and over how much he likes it when it is "just me and you, mom." Today Wyatt and I went to our doctor (Wyatt fell at the park and has to go to the orthopedic doctor tomorrow). After the appt. we went to Walmart and he was able to pick out some Legos to buy with his Christmas money. We went by Sonic and he wanted some tater tots, corn dog and a Slushy (not real healthy!). On the way home he said "mom, I love it when it is just us." I said "I know, Wyatt, I do too."

For all of you that have small children.... if they grow comfortable talking to you about anything now they will continue to talk as they grow older and into their teen years.

Our oldest two.... Michael 3 yrs old & Mandi 5 wks.

Now Michael is 26 & Mandi turned 23 yesterday!

Plus, these are the years that you will look back on.... and MISS! I look back at when Wesley & Wyatt were little... say 5 & 6 (or 3 & 4) and oh how I miss those times!

Wyatt & Wesley 2009

Mandi lives about an hour away, Mike & Amber live in Orlando, Dakota goes to a local college and is working so he isn't here much. Alyssa is 14, Wyatt will soon be 10 and Wesley 8. In just a few yrs they will all be doing school on their own and not need me much at all. So I grab hold of each moment and I laugh with them... cuddle with them and try my best not to sweat the small stuff!

My little Indians! Alyssa 7, Wyatt 2 & Wes 1

WOW~ where does the time go? I just want to jump in this picture and hug them up!

I am reading Kisses from Katie .... and although things are VERY different and no challenge is my life is as hard as Katie's ... what she said really could relate to me....

"By God's grace, even in the hard moments, I knew that the job of being a mother was what God had created my heart for. We had our struggles but at the end of the day we were each in love with this new thing we called family..." ~ Katie Davis Kisses From Katie

Take time for the little things.... for it is the little things that matter the most.

Fun Times! Mandi, Wesley 5 & Wyatt 6 2008

Sponsor a child today!
Grace~

So many do not understand....

2012-01-21T10:31:00.000-05:00

Last June I became a Compassion Advocate and I thought that God would open doors for me to speak at MY church and other churches... for sponsorship. I thought that God would open doors for me to volunteer for events .. to work the table for sponsorship.

But that hasn't happened.

Little by little... God would bring young girls to me.. asking questions... wanting to sponsor. You know He never does it the way we plan. These girls just love Compassion. They love the children. They think so differently ....

They encourage my heart. So many do not understand... but these girls think differently then the normal girls their age. They love differently.... they are changing the world... one child at a time. God is working miracles in their life. A couple of them want to sponsor more and want to do more. Want to know a secret? None of these girls have an income.

They do understand....

Change a life forever~ sponsor a child!
Grace~

Special to my heart~

2012-01-19T20:50:00.000-05:00

These two little boys are brothers. Samuel & Giovanni. Samuel is in our Awana Sparks program. He is one of the children we gave a Jesus Story Book Bible too. Samuel loves coming to Sparks. He told Alyssa a few weeks ago when we started Awana after Christmas break... "I missed you!"

It is so important to remember that we may be the only Jesus some people see. I love these two little boys... and I want them to grow up and love Jesus.

They warm my heart and make me smile!

I added them to my Joy Dare... they are truly gifts from God!

Change a life forever... sponsor a child today!
Grace~

Again.. and again and again....

2012-01-17T07:51:00.000-05:00

The Children of the World International Choir came to a church about 1.5 hrs from home. Of course my Lysa and her friends begged to go so we loaded up... and off we went....

We love watching them worship....

These children are from Uganda, Nepal and the Philippines.

Lysa's friends.... so excited as we were on the way! Claire, Evie & Hannah....

After the concerts we were able to visit with them for a few minutes. We love talking and visiting. It really helps us to think of others and see other children from around the world. All four of these girls have Compassion children. Their hearts are so open to loving and serving others.

This is Claire... and Stephanie. You can read where I shared a blog post about Claire's heart. Also she blogs too. Claire sells her eggs so she can sponsor a child through Compassion.

My girls worshipping with the choir! Also Rina is one of the chaperones. She is the youngest ever. She is from Nepal. My girls LOVE her. She loves them too!

See..... Rina with the girls! She is so much fun!

Lysa & Rina... forever friends!

Change a life forever....
Grace~

You never know.....

2012-01-14T10:25:00.000-05:00

Last week I posted two children on my facebook page.....

This little girl named Karunya. She is 5 yrs old and from India.

and also....

Kevin

Kevin is 3. He is from Ecuador.

A few days later under my comments I received a comment from a friend that said her daughter sponsored Karunya! I was so excited! You know maybe a couple hundred of my friends saw the pictures of Karunya and Kevin.... but ONE... changed her life forever! How amazing is that! To God be the glory! Danielle is 15... these teenagers making a difference that will last a lifetime!

Oh and Kevin is not on the Compassion Sponsor page anymore... so we are hoping he is sponsored too!

Yes, 2012... has started off wonderful!

Make a difference in the life of a child today!
Grace~

My 2012 Reading List~

2012-01-12T18:39:00.000-05:00

Each year I have a bunch of books I want to read. I never accomplish all of them. I do love to read and so I am sharing my list.

Kisses From Katie~ by Katie Davis
5 Conversations You must have with your Sons~ Vicki Courtney
Radical Together~ David Platt
Love that Multiplies~ The Duggars
Give them Grace~ by Fitzpatrick & Thompson
Just a Minute~ by Wess Stafford
Hole in the Gospel~ by Richard Stern
Choosing to See~ Mary Beth Chapman

I also want to read One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp again.

I know I will read Kisses from Katie because the church we are visiting plans to start a book club and we will go on the 16th for a meet/greet and then have a month to read the book. I am excited because I think this will keep me committed to reading more!

What's on your reading list. Would love to hear what you have decided to read!

Sponsor a child today!
Grace~

Part 2~ Our Letter Writing Party!

2012-01-11T01:43:00.001-05:00

Went really well.....

Can't have a letter writing party without M & M's!

About 14 children in all.....

The boys were not real thrilled about writing but they did!

Two families wanted information about sponsorship! Another lady asked me questions today. God is faithful. We plan to do this again. Our theme this time was snowflakes/snowmen. I showed some of the older girls how to make an account online and the new letter writing tool!

One thing I realized is just how important it is to get together and do this. So many do not write. It is sad.... I truly believe they do not understand the impact of their letters. May God use me to show these sponsors how important it is to write... it tells them we love them!

Thank you to all who commented, gave me ideas! I am so thankful for each of you~

Make a difference today~ sponsor a child!
grace~

An Upcoming Compassion Letter Writing Party~

2012-01-08T08:05:00.000-05:00

This Monday I will hold our first Compassion Letter Writing Party. In our local home school group we have about 8 families who sponsor. I decided (with the help of Alyssa of course) to encourage them in their letter writing.

Please be praying for me. our PR person sent out an email/text to all members telling them about the party. Two families have texted me already... one asking about sponsorship and one asking if they can come and learn more!

We will use some of your ideas.... Jill's, Michelle's, and Yvonne's! We will do the winter theme. I think we will cut snowflakes out of coffee filters like Yvonne showed us. I have a friend who will be helping and we are looking for snowflake/snowman stickers. I love how Jill shared about her letter writing tips. I will also show them how to write online!

I can see how God is opening doors... in different ways then I thought. He is like that... He has my back.

This will have a part 2 .... to be aired after Monday! Thanks for your prayers. Oh and if you have any tips... please share!

Sponsor a child today!
Grace~

The Joy Dare.... want to join me?

2012-01-06T17:15:00.000-05:00

Back in 2007 I started counting my gifts... listing the things I am thankful for. Last year I read Ann Voskamp's book "One Thousand Gifts~ Dare to Live Fully." Counting my gifts these past 4 yrs have really changed the way I see life.... God.... and even the hard places.

It’s habits that can imprison you and it’s habits that can free you and when thanks to God becomes a habit, so joy in God becomes your life. ~ Ann Voskamp

This week Ann posted and asked us to take the Joy Dare with her.... count 1000 gifts in 2012! I am taking this dare. She is opening up her comments on her blog .. for a drawing. Let her know if you want to join this Joy Dare. You can print out January's Joy Dare.

One of the things she said... jumped out at me...

We never cease working on the the habit of good food, good exercise, good time management. Why ever lessen the habit of our grateful thanks to a good God? ~ Ann Voskamp

I would love for you to join me.. count gifts with me this year. So much to be thankful for....

Sponsor a child today... change a life forever!

Grace~

How my children blessed me!

2012-01-05T22:31:00.005-05:00

Chickens were given in honor of each one of us.... from Mike & Amber. This meant so very much. I am so thankful that they knew how much this would mean to me!

Michael and Amber gave chickens in honor of all of us! Amber painted these eggs with each of our names on them! On the other side it said "A chicken was given in honor of you."

Alyssa gave to the feed babies for survival in honor of me... a child will be fed for a month! Oh and I gave bibles in honor of my children! Also gave bibles in honor of Maureen (Kenyan LDP) and in memory of Dimmy and Dimmy's mom Jacquline.

Michael & Amber gave me hand made oven mits and pot holders from the Mercy House

So happy for all of my gifts. I am so blessed. My children know my heart... and how God has given me the desire to give more... it touches me so much to see that they are embracing this new way and changing lives!

God is faithful!

Grace~

More Blessed....

2012-01-03T23:51:00.001-05:00

This past Christmas Eve... 4 of my 6 children and I were involved in something we will never ever forget. I would like to share it with you.

It is called 7 Baskets for Christmas. It is a community wide project to give back to the needy. We gave out food boxes, coats, toys, bread, frozen chicken, fruit and water. Watching my little boys carry a case of water for others touched me deeply.

Here are the stats that the event coordinators sent out to all the volunteers. Just wanted to share... hope it doesn't sound like I am bragging... this was totally a God thing. So many willing to help...
Since we've had a little time to digest what happened this past Saturday in Coffee County, we'd like to share with you some numbers:
- 300+ volunteered
How much food was given?
- 1769 boxes of food - 1000 pounds of bread and cakes - 1000 lbs of vegetables & fruit - 900 cases of water- 320 10lb bags of leg quarters
How much was cooked? (nearly all food was donated by local businesses & churches!)
- 400 lbs of chicken- 30 pans of macaroni & cheese- 12 one-gallon cans of green beans
- 300 slices of HOMEMADE pound cake
How many did this feed?
- 250 shut-ins and 150 take-outs
What else was given?
- 1000+ toys- 350+ jackets- 500 ice cream cone tickets from Burger King- 25 Rocking 8 movie passes- 10- $20.00 Walmart gift cards- $50.00 Harvey's gift card
- 300+ pictures with Santa- $700 raised by cooking & selling 32 Boston butts and 30 turkey breasts
- $7000+ was donated for food & toys

One of our purposes for the Seven Baskets at Christmas community project was to bring churches together to glorify God in a mighty way. Another goal was to do our part to eradicate hunger in Coffee County. I believe a huge step was made in the right direction regarding both because churches came together to bless our less fortunate friends in Coffee County, and they were able to go to sleep without being hungry.
In 20 years of doing outreach ministry all over South Georgia, I have never seen a response of servants like I did for Seven Baskets. I was overwhelmed with the response of the community. I believe if God calls us to host Seven Baskets at Christmas again next year we will see an even greater amount of support and love.
Event Coordinator~ J. Polk

The local news even covered it. This little guy came up to me and said .... "I think they are interviewing people over there!"

Thanks for letting me share.... it will be something we never forget!

Grace~

Happy New Year... 2012!

2012-01-01T19:11:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

Can you believe it is 2012! Time really does go faster ... as I get older.. seems like it should still be 2008.. 2009... 2010...

So what are your goals for this year? Your word? Do you choose a word for the year? What's on your reading list?

I have been thinking about what I believe my word will be. It is such a given. For awhile though this word continues to come up. I think it does for everyone... it is simple but really not.

GRACE~

a favor rendered by one who need not do so....

God's unmerited favor=GRACE

This word continues to come up... over and over.... we have been visiting a church named Gracepointe, my son Mike (Michael) launched a church plant (w/ Rick Garrett) named Grace-Conway.... these two pics above ... one I bought this summer and one a friend gave me this Christmas. For months I have been listening to Shaun Groves sing "All is Grace." His grace is enough. His grace carries me over and over again... it is by HIS GRACE that I am HIS.

Eph. 4:7 Grace was given to each one of us according to the measures of Christ's gift.

2 Cor. 12:9 He said to me "My grace is enough for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness."

Eph. 2:8 For by grace you have been saved... through faith... it is the gift of God

So, remember Your people,
Remember Your children,
Remember Your promise, O God.

Your grace is enough.
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me ~ Matt Maher

All is Grace, All is Grace
All is Grace and Grace enough
All is Grace, All is Grace
All is Grace and Grace enough
For all of us~ For all of us ~ Shaun Groves

His Grace is enough~

For the New Year... sponsor a child.. change a life!
Grace~

As 2011 comes to a close....

2011-12-31T14:26:00.002-05:00

As 2011 comes to a close.... and tomorrow we welcome in a NEW YEAR.... I would like to share some of our pictures from 2011... like a year in review.

Also... as I prepare for 2012 I think about goals that I want to accomplish this coming year. I do not do resolutions so to speak. I always have a reading list.... and several things I want to set my mind on. Last year Alyssa and I committed to memorizing the book of Colossians. Ann Voskamp shared how memorizing two verses a week for the whole year would complete the book of Colossians. Well, to be honest ... I failed miserably. Alyssa did well.... she didn't memorize the whole book but over half. I plan to continue this goal into 2012.

Another accomplishment for this past year was to become a Compassion Advocate! As of June 2011 I am now a Compassion Advocate! Compassion has changed our life and I can not say enough great things about this organization. Sponsoring a child is life changing for you and for the child.

I did accomplish some of my reading list....
One Thousand Gifts ~ Ann Voskamp
Made to Crave ~ Lysa Terkeurst
Plan B~ Pete Wilson
Advent Conspiracy~

Less than I planned but this isn't about failure... ~ smile

So this coming week I will be sharing my reading list, some more great moments that happened this Christmas, and also MY WORD for 2012. You remember my word for 2011 is/was MERCY.

His mercy has carried me through this year.... through struggles... His mercy has allowed us to add to our Compassion family, His mercy... has helped me adjust to my oldest son Michael & Amber living in Florida, His mercy... allows me to let my older children fly... His mercy has shown me so many ways to reach out... I am so grateful for His mercy... Micah 6:8, Col. 1:2, 2 Peter 1:2, 1 Tim. 1:16.... and the one that this blog has been name after....

1 Tim. 1:2
To Timothy (Teena), my true child in the faith, grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Start the New Year right.... sponsor a child today!
Grace~

What will you remember about this Christmas?

2011-12-27T18:50:00.000-05:00

I saw this youtube video today over at Michelle's place~ Blogging from the Boonies. I love it. I love how they dance at the end... take a few minutes and watch.

Giving at Christmas is what it is all about.

Our "Christmas" here is over.... Mike & Amber left this afternoon, Dakota left earlier this morning with our church on the ski trip. I was reading over at Ann's place~ A Holy Experience about how her youngest girl asked "if tomorrow would be Christmas too?" Ann shares how she understands not wanting all this wonder to wander away... and she says to her daughter

"I'm thinking now that it is Christmas forever!"

It is Christmas forever ~ because Christ is always with us~ Ann Voskamp

Sponsor a child today!
Grace~

Christmas...... Come Let us Adore Him~

2011-12-25T19:47:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to take a minute and wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! I know the day is almost over.... and lots of us are with our families and not blogging. I am so thankful for you. I am so thankful for what God showed us this Christmas. I will be sharing soon.... I would love to hear how your Christmas went....

Just love listening to this little girl sing.

Merry Christmas. I love each one of you.

He has come.... Come let us Adore Him.

Jesus.... Happy Birthday, Jesus!

The best Christmas gift a child could receive... sponsor a child today!

grace

A wonderful Christmas gift... one that will change a life forever!

2011-12-19T08:21:00.000-05:00

Anna. She is 5 and from Brazil. Isn't she beautiful? Just click on her name and you can read more about her.

Wesley He is 6... and he is from Brazil too. Isn't he so cute!

YOU can be the one who changes their life forever.... it will forever change your life too!

It will change your life too!
Grace~

Such a little thing....

2011-12-18T08:39:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago.... for a surprise for Alyssa I went to the site See Your Impact ... she had given me $10 of her money to donate for a malaria net. I kept putting it off ... so one night while everyone was asleep I went to the site and made her an account and donated a net. The next day she saw an email thanking her.

Tonight she went to See Your Impact and under her profile was this little girl.....

Four year old Kadiatu lives in Sierra Leone.

Kadiatu extends her thanks to Lysa for the provision of bed net to help fight against the spread of malaria. She wants to be a nurse when she grows up and this bed net allows her the opportunity to grow up as a healthy young lady.

You know its the little things that make all the difference..... making cookies with our children and bringing them to the neighbors, taking blankets out to the trampoline and looking at the stars on a December night... talking about when the wise men saw the star... buying a net for a little girl in Sierra Leone.... the little things.... can make a BIG difference!

Make a difference today.... just a little thing....

Be a gift this Christmas... sponsor a child today!
Grace~

Its never perfect....

2011-12-17T01:02:00.000-05:00

We are reading each night from our Advent devotion. Lighting our Way of the Light Wreath~ Cradle to the Cross~ each night.

I find myself wanting everything to be perfect. You know the children listening and everyone quiet.... well, at our house its never perfect.

Sometimes they fall asleep during devotions.... Sometimes the dog barks or someone has to go to the bathroom... RIGHT NOW. I find myself fustrated but have to remind myself... that even with all the imperfections we are still making memories. Being real... before our children and with our children will bring some imperfections in... lots of them! Some we may want to forget but others we will cherish forever~

So as we do this life together.... imperfections come.... and it is when we can look beyond the imperfections and ENJOY them... each one... embrace them.....

and give thanks~

sponsor a child today!
Grace~

Doing it all Differently....

2011-12-15T08:40:00.000-05:00

I keep sharing with all of you how we are making some changes this year. To some of you they may seem small but for my family.... I know that this is the way God would have us make changes... I would like to share a few of them with you...

We are planning to help give out coats/toys/food to the needing .. on Christmas eve. This is a community wide project and my children will be helping too. I am very excited about this.

I shopped the Compassion Catalog and all my children will be honored by giving a gift to the least of these... I can not explain how good this felt to do!

I ordered several things from the Come Together Trading Company. I love this ministry. The founders are Compassion advocates. They are so kind and friendly. They have so much to choose from and all different prices. Knowing that my shopping will make a difference matters so much to me!

We have several neighbors that we will be taking "sweets" to and singing to them. We've been doing this for a few years.

Wyatt & Wesley had some money... from chores and both of them wanted to buy something for the other one. I tried to get them to only spend part of it but they didn't want to. I said "Wesley, Wyatt may not spend his money on you... " and he said "But its ok .. he is my brother and I want to get this for him."

All year long we put our extra change in a jar. At the end of the year we count it up and give it to our Compassion sponsor children as a family gift. Last year we gave to Ucok... our sponsored child from Indonesia. This year we will be giving to Jazzy's family (Alyssa's sponsored child) from the Philippines. We are really excited about this as Jazzy's mom lost her husband and is a single parent to 3.

What are some of things you will be doing this Christmas... to make a difference?

Thanks for allowing me to share~

Sponsor a child today!
Grace~

He is the LIght of the World

2011-12-14T08:54:00.000-05:00

I just love the white lights at Christmas. I love candles and just sitting and looking at the lights. The quietness and peacefulness of it all....

The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness shall not overcome it.... Jn 1

Doing it differently this Christmas.... spending less, giving more, loving all, worshipping fully.

Sponsor a child today.... be the gift for someone this Christmas!
Grace~

Let Your Shopping Change Lives!

2011-12-12T10:57:00.000-05:00

The other day I receive a small package of things I ordered from a great place.... I am so excited and thankful...

Come Together Trading Company is a place that allows your shopping to make a difference. Items sold are made by people living and working in unfair conditions across the world. Take a look at all their products. You can see where they come from... how they are made and how you are making a difference!

I just placed my 2nd order with them. The beads you see in the picture above were made in Kampala, Uganda. The smaller bracelets were made in Burkina Faso. I can't say enough good things about this company.

We are making a difference this Christmas... we are giving back... we are spending less, giving more and worshipping fully.

Make a difference today~ sponsor a child!
Grace~

Without Thankfulness ... peace can not be found.

2011-12-10T01:39:00.000-05:00

The last few days I have let little things creep in and steal my joy. I have let the stress steal my thankfulness. Without thankfulness.... peace can not be found.

I am not stressing over "Christmas stuff" but just silly stuff....

More time with Jesus... more time counting my gifts.... more time being quiet and still....

I am blessed, I can bless... imagine... I could let Him make me the gift! I could be the JOY ~ Ann Voskamp

Guest Post: from Maurine Owino~ Exec. Director of The Mercy House

2011-12-06T17:55:00.000-05:00

I asked Maurine if she would share with me how sponsorship changed her life.... she said YES!

Remember Maurine is the young lady our oldest daughter, Mandi met and spent time with in Kenya back in 2010. They are forever friends and we love her so much. She is one of the most grateful people I know. We have emailed, skyped and talked on the phone since Mandi returned home after 6 wks in Sept-Nov. 2010.

1. What was your age when you received your first sponsor?

Maurine:

7 years old my first sponsors were from Australia Mr. & Mrs. Bill and Louise, in high school I got other sponsors from Australia Mr. & Mrs. D & R Fechner. in LDP Mr. & Mrs. Rick and Roxanne Robinson from Oregon USA

2. What did the Compassion project offer you?

Maurine:

Christ as my personal savior this is so special to me, my first bible, first pair of brand new school uniform and pair of shoes from the store, balanced diet food, clothing, bedding, dishes, holistic curriculum that entails my spiritual, physical, social, economic and emotion life, attended camps and VBS in various churches and places in Kenya, love,compassion, a very dear family to me, nourished healthy body

3. Did you receive letters?

Maurine:

Yes so many letters in a year What did the letters say? the letters were the only way I could communicate with my beloved sponsors, the letters were so affectionate and I always thought they were close to me. the letters would always say; Maureen we love you so much, we pray for you everyday, we have your pictures on our refrigerator so that everytym we go there or walk in and out of the house we would see your beautiful face and smile. Maureen you are so beautiful. Poverty does not determine your future but shapes it, you have a very brighter future ahead and we are glad to be part of your life. my sponsors were the first people to tell me I am a beautiful girl and loved by God and them, they always shared bible verses with me and that's how I learnt to memorise verses because every verse they wrote I would memorise it the next day to share at home, sunday school, to friends and at the project. I got so many things from the projects that I cannot note them all. They are so so many blessings maybe if one sees me now can prove it and I thank the Almighty God for all that.

4. Who was the first person to tell you about Jesus?

Maurine:

At the compassion project, the social worker and teachers not forgeting my beloved sponsors who from the first time I received their letter it would always talk about Jesus so I was eager to learn more about this Jesus who was always doing wonders

5. What would you tell others about child sponsorship?

Maurine:

Child sponsorship is the noble act that one will never regret, it is more than being a millionaire, being famous, staying in a big house or driving a big car you know why because you are doing a very simple free thing that God has commanded us to do in James 1:27 taking care of the poor and widows, and by doing this you are sharing CHRIST'S HOPE with the less fortunate because for me I define poverty as tremendous lack of hope not lack of of material things so in sponsorship is not all about $ alone but all about passion, commitment and being obedient to God. On the other hand for the sponsored child it is a total life transformation a radical change occurs in the child's n her/his family life you know why whatever they receive at the project the fruits will be seen for years later when they will be serving back as christian servant leaders in their former communities and being the light in to the world proclaiming the goodness of God and their lives being a testimony and encouragement to others. To me I believe child sponsorshhip is not in vain, good products that can be seen are there and you know that all the glory goes back to God.

6. What is your work at the Mercy House?

Maurine:

I am the executive director of Mercy House in Kenya( Rehema House) a christian servant leader who is humbled to be part of transformation in our girls and their babies lives, it is also a holistic ministry and our main/core thing is to make Christ known in their lives, share christ's hope and promote life.

Maurine: For sure poverty did not determine my future but really shaped it I can prove that phrase by my beloved sponsors.

Thank you, Maurine for taking the time to share with all of us... what sponsorship and Compassion means to you and how it has forever changed your life.... We love you so very much!

Nakupenda!

Maurine & Mandi 2010

As Maurine shared ... you can forever change the life of a child. What an awesome Christmas gift that would be to someone today!

You can change the life of a child.. just like Maurine!

Grace~

Wanting more... but really less this Christmas...

2011-12-05T08:45:00.000-05:00

My heart feels so different this year....

I want our life to center around Jesus.... I want Him to be our CENTER... our all.

I am reading Advent Conspiracy... a friend loaned it to me.

~Spend less, give more, worship fully~

Another friend shared with me today... that at their church this morning the pastor invited everyone to give the shoes off their feet to those in need... they over filled a box! Then they took rice bowls to fill with change to give to orphans! Fill a bowl... feed an orphan for a month! He also asked them to take a card from the Advent Conspiracy Tree (an idea to do with your family).

I want so to break out of this so called "christian life" and I want to live Radical. Not many understand. Tired of going through the motions... year after year....

Are we even interested in being the hands and feet of Jesus?

Be the gift for a child in need... sponsor a child today!
Grace~

I Need a Silent Night~

2011-12-04T15:21:00.000-05:00

This song is on our Christmas cd this year. Wow, it speaks volumes. I could relate with some. I do have peace this Christmas season. I have a calming in my soul .. that I know only He can give. I am not stressing over it. I am soaking it in. Enjoying...

Take a few minutes and listen. It's so easy to get caught up in the chaos this time of year... but we don't want to miss JESUS.

Grace~

Encouragement comes in all Different Ways

2011-12-02T01:57:00.000-05:00

Yes, sharing about our black friday again....

When we were in Lifeway... looking at all the specials and getting the Jesus Story Book bible.. the line to check out began to wrap aroung the store. We were looking at the Veggie Tales, bibles, cds... and then we went to check out. Oh my.... what a long line!

Everyone was very nice. Several of us talked and shared about our specials. A grandmother was standing in front of me with two young girls that looked like twins. In just a few minutes the mom came up. She had the book "Hole in the Gospel" in her hand. I asked her where she found it and how much it was. She went and brought me one. It was only $6. We began to talk. It was a great encouragement to me! I love when God just gives us the little things that mean so much. We both shared about reading the book Radical. I asked her if she had read Ann Voskamp's book "One Thousand Gifts?" She said, "yes and she follows her blog."   I told her I did too. She shared how she had been over seas.... in a third world country. I shared about Compassion.... she said they sponsor from Compassion! It was a wonderful time of fellowship. I know the people standing around must of thought we knew each other for a long time!

God is so good. He gives us the desires of our hearts... the little things that mean so much. I know I have shared this before but in our "area" most haven't heard about Compassion and do not care much about it. Lots are living the American Dream...   and do not think about things on the other side of the world... or even the homeless man on the corner. I try not to judge because several years ago I didn't think about those things either.

It was so refreshing to visit with Michelle. Yes, that was her name. She took my name down and said she would look me up on facebook. I am waiting.

I am so thankful for so many of you in the blogsphere that encourage me...   may I be an encouragement to you too!

Change a life forever~ sponsor a child today!
Grace~

Advent~ I love this time of year.

2011-11-30T15:05:00.001-05:00

It is only Christ alone who can make Christmas~ Ann Voskamp

So many good Advent activities, books, devotionals out there.... I have collected a few through the years. I was reading over at Kristen's blog. Her blog post 30 Ways to make Christmas Meaningful is wonderful. Several of these we do.. and several I want to start. Plus she is having a give away!

Advent: a time of waiting and preparing for Jesus...

Jesus is the Light of the World

Our Cradle to the Cross Wreath made by Caleb Voskamp

I will be sharing more... all through this month about Advent.

May you prepare your hearts for Jesus' coming~

Make a difference~ sponsor a child today!

Grace~

Seeing the Bigger Picture~

2011-11-29T02:22:00.001-05:00

Our black Friday didn't have any fighting for a sale item..... or running fast to get to a sale item. I know that is how lots of people "do" black friday but for us.... that is not the norm. We wanted to buy several Jesus Story Book Bibles ... like I shared in my last post.

We had a great time.

At our last stop we went by Petsmart. We always like to go by there.... you see for about 2 years my children have wanted a Bearded Dragon. I am the animal person... and I think they are cute! On this day... they were half price. Alyssa and I kept looking at them. Alyssa kept saying "Mom, it can be an early Christmas present for the boys and me."   Well, we would have to buy the starter kit... and food, and a rock.... and dishes for food and water...

I just couldn't bring myself to spend the money....

We left... and as we were driving out of the busy, dark parking lot.... there was a man... standing on the corner... with a sign... that read...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS
TRYING TO SURVIVE

He didn't make eye contact......

as we drove away...   Alyssa said "we should do something...give him something."

I turned around...   told her to get a few dollars out of my purse. She asked about the extra food we had from our previous meal. All of this took maybe 3-4 minutes...

I drove up to the place where the man was standing just a few minutes earlier...

He was gone.

I said "where is he?"

We looked all around, we drove around several times... looking for him.

We didn't see him anywhere.

As we drove away....

We just looked at one another. A little stunned. She said, "we missed our chance." We were quiet... both thinking....

After about 30 minutes... she said "you know that money we would of spent on a bearded dragon... we could save more then 10 lives by buying a net to fight malaria." I shook my head ... "yes."

I wonder where that man is....   wonder if he is cold tonight as the temps drop down to 38 and it is wet and soggy.

I wonder if it was "Jesus" reminding us of what's really important.

Sponsor a child... change a life forever~
Grace~

This new way of seeing things...

2011-11-27T02:40:00.001-05:00

To be honest ... I am struggling some with this NEW way of LIFE for me... for us. First let me explain a little.

I do not share many details about our personal life. Every now and then I do but I realize that God's grace is sufficient and as Maureen says ... "this far I have come and this far the Lord has brought me."

Our lifestyle is not of wealth... at least not materially. My husband was in the military for several years. He is disabled with a back injury and severe agorphobia. We have always been a one income family. We both believe children are a gift from God. We are convicted to home school our children. We have really struggled through the years financially. Our home is a very modest one... needing much repair. We buy used, we do hand me downs.... and we buy generic products.

For years we have bought less and have given more. We have centered this time of year around what it is really all about. We usually do an Advent Unit Study. We take the whole month of December and part of January and it all centers around Jesus. I love this time of year.

Alyssa and I did do the black friday thing. I know several who do not like this day... the chaos and spending, spending, spending. Again, we do it different. It was fun. We had a great time. The main reason we went was for these....

Lifeway had the Jesus Story Book Bibles on sale for $5. Several of the kids we work with on Wednesday do not have a bible. Several only come to the children's program on Wednesday. We love the JSBB. We also bought this ...

This new way of thinking.... new perspective ... has changed the way I see life. It is hard to sort through.... to put into words. God continues to show me... I am so thankful for the peace that comes from this.

Last week I asked Wyatt & Wesley...

"What about on your birthday if we just give each other gifts but we do not give any gifts to you?" Wyatt said, "But its MY birthday... why would you get gifts?"

good question.

grace=free gift from God~

Make a difference today and forever~ sponsor a child today!
Grace~

More Thanskgiving... Life style not just a day~

2011-11-22T16:59:00.001-05:00

This morning when I woke up... it was to a nice gift. Ann Voskamp from Holy Experience is giving a free app to "One Thousand Gifts." Not the book... but the Thankful list. It is a way for you to make a list on your smart phone and read little snippets of GRACE, JOY, MERCY, PEACE, THANKSGIVING

Here's a few snippets~

"Wherever you are be fully there."

"When you are in need of a miracle, always remember, thanksgiving-the Eucharist-always precedes the miracles."

"Grace is to be given, just as Jesus did in his last meal. He did not receive grace but he gave it for us."

"It takes 20 minutes for your mind to know that your stomach is full. How long does it take your soul to know your life is full?"

"We can't expect joy all the time but look for it in everything."

Because Thanksgiving is more than holiday– It’s the Way to Wake up to Really, Fully Living~Ann Voskamp

So visit Ann and get the free app. I love it already! Thanks, Ann.

Give a gift that last a lifetime~ sponsor a child today!
Grace~

Thankful~

2011-11-22T00:54:00.000-05:00

We had a busy weekend... and start of the week. Today I took Dakota to the dentist for a consult about his wisdom teeth. We went to a nearby city. Much bigger than we have here. So afterward we went shopping. It was just Mandi, Dakota, Alyssa and I. The little boys were home with Dad. We had a good time. My favorite stop was at Hobby Lobby! They had all their Christmas things half off! I found lots of little things to send to our sponsored children!

So since we have already celebrated Thanksgiving last Thursday with Mike/Amber this Thursday I plan to do a "Thankful party" with the kids and us. If you have any ideas, activities or games please leave me a comment or two! The menu will be "finger foods." We will play some games and do a craft I think.... watch some special movies... and just be together. I would love for you to share!

One of many pics we took this past week. All our children & daughter in law Amber. They were laughing at the puppy.

We are still so excited about EDWIN being sponsored! God continues to encourage me. These young girls continue to come into my life. Another one of Alyssa's friends has been praying about sponsoring and looking at the children that need sponsors! Also another teen (and her mom) is asking questions and plan to sponsor!

God is faithful.

Thankful for so many things....

Sponsor a child today, change a life forever!
Grace~

Just have to share! EDWIN is sponsored!!

2011-11-19T01:07:00.000-05:00

GOD IS FAITHFUL. He hears our prayers!   Hez left me a comment saying that she saw on Our Compassion that Edwin was sponsored!

We are so very happy.... so thankful. The BEST Thanksgiving gift ever! Now we will be able to see how Edwin is through Our Compassion.

Oh, Edwin we love you ....   Edwin I know that Stephanie will love you too... she will write to you and your life will be forever changed.

Wow...   God is so great!

You can change a life too! Sponsor today!
Grace~

A Week Early

2011-11-18T15:31:00.000-05:00

Our Thanksgiving came a week early.... Michael and Amber couldn't make it for Thanksgiving but made it this week!

This is the first time since June that we have all been together. Life continues to change.... and we just try to go with it. Sometimes it is hard for me but I am so thankful we were all here together. It was crazy and loud but so much fun. They played board games, wii, jumped on the trampoline... even had pillow fights on the trampoline!

One of the things we do each Thanksgiving ~ I buy a flat twin sheet and we put it on our table... and everyone gets to draw on it. Amber likes to draw and so she does great work! We write "HAPPY THANKSGIVING." We have about 3-4 sheets with different hand prints, signatures, verses, pictures... maybe one day i will make a quilt out of them.

Of course Alyssa added our sponsored children~

Amber added my sister and her two cats.

A great visit.... I am so thankful for my family. I am sure I will be posting several pictures in the coming weeks. God is faithful.

I am so thankful for Mike & Amber. I love them dearly.

God continues to show me His grace, mercy and peace~

Be a Blessing to someone today!

Grace~

Girls with hearts for Compassion

2011-11-15T17:43:00.002-05:00

All of you know that my daughter Alyssa loves Compassion as much as I do. She started a blog back in August. She shares all about her two sponsored children Jazzy Rain and Regita.

Her friend Claire also sponsors Channu, Alicia and Maganga. Claire started her blog a few weeks after Alyssa. Claire loves Compassion!

Almost a week ago... Alyssa & Claire's friend Hannah started a blog. Hannah sponsors a little boy named Dipok. She loves getting together with these girls and she loves Compassion.

Last but not least .... just this weekend Evie... Claire's younger sister made a blog. She sponsors a little boy named Simon.

These four girls sponsor children from the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Tanzania, El Salvador, Bangladesh.

These girls... encourage me so much. They are the next generation.... they are making a difference in the life of these children. They are being "Jesus" to them. We can learn so much from them... they are not selfish. They are loving, kind and giving. They will get together and talk about sponsoring MORE! None of these girls work yet. They range in age from 10-14. They wait anxiously for the mail... and they write to their kids atleast once a month.. sometimes more. When they receive any updates or letters they call all the others! They bring all their letters and Compassion stuff to the park and show each other.

God is faithful. I am so thankful... for my girls... Alyssa, Claire, Hannah & Evie... you are changing the world .. one child at a time! I love you much~

**also, thank you for praying with me for Edwin. Still waiting....

You can make a difference today.... sponsor a child!
Grace~

He is so heavy on my heart.....

2011-11-12T23:38:00.023-05:00

As we looked at all the Ecuadorian children.... we saw the cutest, sweetest little boy. He looked so little... younger then 6. He has been waiting for more than 6 months. Alyssa and I have been praying that Dakota would decide to sponsor. He is our 18 yr old. Dakota listens as we read the letters we receive from Ucok, Bethlem, Jazzy or Regita. He is working and going to college. A few days ago he mentioned he was thinking of sponsoring.

Edwin~ 6yrs old from Ecuador

But we showed Dakota and we even asked him.... he said he had thought of it. I really want him to sponsor Edwin. I can not force him.... this is truly something someone has to decide on their own. God has to be in it.
So I am asking you to look at Edwin and share with all your friends/family. He makes me smile every time I see his picture!

Sponsor a child today!
Grace~

We can all do Something~

2011-11-12T10:36:00.000-05:00

As the Compassion Bloggers flew to Ecuador... Alyssa and I started looking at the pictures of the children from Ecuador needing sponsors! So many with little red hearts.... waiting and waiting....

We decided that we would pick three each and pray for them... that they would be sponsored.

We picked:

Alyssa's pick~ Kathrine, Jhary, & Carlos
My picks~ Mateo, Marcel, & Michael

As we went back to the website ..... we could not find any of them! I know that doesn't always mean they were sponsored but... we hope they were.

Now we pick three more....

Alyssa's picks~ Melany, Abigail, & Jazeel. She will show pics of these on her blog. Please take a look. All three of them have been waiting longer then 6 months!

My picks~ Edwin (which I have a special prayer request for and maybe God will answer and I will be able to share with you.), Josue, & John.

Josue 14 yrs old

John 12 (13 on the 23rd)

All of these children that we are praying for have been waiting 6 months. If you would like to sponsor one of these boys.... click on the their names to learn more about them! I will share more about Edwin ... and share his picture with you soon.

Grace~ Teena
A Wonderful Christmas present to a child... sponsor a child today!

Letting us come along with them....

2011-11-11T13:27:00.000-05:00

Its amazing to me how Compassion allows us to come along with them to places we would never be able to go.... well... maybe some day.

This week the Compassion Bloggers are in Ecuador! I can't hardly even read without tears coming to my eyes. I do love reading Ann's best. They rip up my heart. I also love to read Shaun's blog posts. Several of the other bloggers are funny and amazing too! Please take a few minutes and read some of the posts. I promise you they will speak to you...

When I read Ann's post about the Farmer and his first day in Ecuador... I thought.... this is so good. The best....

but then I read yesterday's post .... about her daughter's sponsored child.... and ...

oh my.... oh my....

wow.. it will really put things into perspective.

Take a few minutes and read some of Ann's, Shaun's... or the other bloggers post.

Here is a video clip of one of the days in Ecuador. Please pause the music at the bottom.

Will you sponsor a child today.... please look at the beautiful children ... waiting for YOU. Like Lidia was waiting for HOPE.

So many with little red hearts which means they have been waiting for more then 6 months! Lidia waited 3 years...

I can not tell you how much these post have just broken my heart this week. It makes it all more real.May God break our hearts for the poor and needy.

“Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.” Ezekiel 16:49

Grace~ Teena
Be the HOPE in a child's life today...

The Winner is.....

2011-11-08T16:41:00.001-05:00

Drum roll please..................

Hez!

....

Thank you for your comments! I appreciate knowing someone is reading. Hez, please send me your address and I will send you your free book! My new email is teenabrowneyedgirl4@gmail.com

Don't forget to follow the Compassion Bloggers. They are now in Quito... in Ecuador! Pray for them!

I haven't forgotten ... I will share with you what God has led Alyssa and I to do... as we follow the bloggers!

Grace~ Teena

Give a forever gift for Christmas... sponsor a child!

Follow the Bloggers to Ecuador!

2011-11-05T16:39:00.001-04:00

I love when Compassion Bloggers take a trip... and allow us to come along with them. Yes, through our computers... but it allows us to see a glimpse of what poverty looks like.

Kelly, Amanda, Ann, Sophie, Melanie along with Shaun Groves, Keely and Patricia will be traveling to Ecuador this coming week. Take some time and follow them... let yourself peek into a different place in the world... let God open your heart to make a difference in the life of a child today. Pray for these as they go.... pray as several of these bloggers will be meeting their sponsored child! I am excited for them... and for us as we follow along this coming week.

In the next post I will share with you what Alyssa and I will be doing .... praying that God does a great work in Ecuador.

also if you haven't left a comment to win my drawing... please do so below.

Grace~ Teena
Change a life today~

Hope Lives~ Book Give away~

2011-11-04T16:05:00.001-04:00

Hope Lives~ Journey of Restoration Devotional Book

Compassion changes everything..... the way you view yourself, the world and even Jesus. This five week exploration of compassion touches the head and the heart.

How you can win.... leave a comment sharing about your sponsored child, share this on fb, share on your blog..... or sponsor a child today! Everything gets one entry but if you sponsor a child today you get 10!

I do have two sweet children that are waiting on you to change their life forever...

Amit Singh

He is 11 years old and from India. Isn't he so sweet. I can see his smile.... just a bit. Wouldn't it be a wonderful Christmas present for him to find out he has a sponsor?!

Nabukalu Robinah

She is 16 yrs old. She is from Uganda. I look at the sadness in her face. I wonder if she has been sponsored before or maybe she never received any letters telling her how precious and special she is. Telling her how much God loves her. Yes, an awesome Christmas gift would be for Nabukalu to find out she has a sponsor!

Can't wait to read all the comments. I love hearing from each one of you. May God give you His grace and peace this weekend.

I will pick the winner on Tuesday November 8th. The day I was married 31 yrs ago.

Grace~ Teena

Change the world, one child at a time...

When Life doesn't turn out the way you thought it would...

2011-11-03T19:36:00.000-04:00

Been reading lots lately. I like to read. I do not have a lot of quiet moments to sit and read... I like it to be somewhat quiet. So I tend to read snippets but the past week or so I have been reading more. At the beginning of every year I list my reading list for the year. There is one problem ... I continue to add more books during the year! Needless to say I am far from finished and will take several with me right into 2012!

A while back I received Kisses from Katie in the mail. Alyssa quickly stole it and she is reading it now. I will read it too....

I am finishing up Plan B by Pete Wilson. It is a great book (one of those added during the year). A friend shared how it ministered to her after one of our friends lost their sixteen year old daughter in a car wreck. I would like to share a "snippet" or two with you...

"if you try to overcome your Plan B, your problem, your junk, your sin, on your own, it will beat you. Surrender your will, humble yourself, as scary as that is, and then another kind of life becomes possible." ~ Plan B pg 133

"It's amazing the bright light God allows our lives to become when we give Him all we have in the midst of the darkness." ~ Plan B pg 120

"My greatest fear fro my life and for yours is that we'll just get busy and distracted and settle for a mediocre, unexamined life. It's that we'll just settle into life as usual and never become the persons God intended for us to be." ~Plan B pg195

Just a few snippets.

Sometimes life doesn't turn out the way we thought it would.... this book really helped me see that God works in our Plan B lives. God never leaves you. "What ever your challenge, you will get through this. Because no matter how things look God is with you." ~Pete Wilson

Grace~ Teena
Sponsor a child today~ change the life of a child forever

Our Trip... to See the Choir...

2011-10-31T17:47:00.001-04:00

On the 13th we went to see the Children of the World. We saw the choir for the first time in 2009. As I have shared before it changed our life. Although we do not sponsor through World Help. We do love seeing the children. We have built relatiionships with some of the 2009-2010 children and chaperones. God has continued to allow us to keep in touch with them. Whether through someone we know going to the Philippines, Nepal or Uganda. We have sent gifts, cards... stickers.

Last year Alyssa and I went to see the 2010-2011 team but just missed "our" kids too much. This year the COTW will not be near our area much at all. We decided to invite three of Alyssa's friends to go with us on the 13th. These girls have never seen the COTW. The girls... Claire , Hannah and Claire's sister Evie sponsor children through Compassion. I knew that it would allow them to see a "glimpse" of children from around the world.

on the way....

COTW 2011-2012 East Team

Claire, Alyssa & Evie w/ some of the kids~

Alyssa, Claire, Hannah & Evie with three of the filippino girls~

This is Rina.. she is a chaperone. She is only 17. She was so nice and loving to the girls.

Making friends~

Of course the girls loved it. It was a long day as it was about 3 hrs from our house. Not sure if we will see them again. Most of the concerts this year are atleast 5 hrs away.

For so many years ... as sad as it is... I only thought of America. I didn't think about poverty. That seems so weird/strange to me now. God has really changed my heart. I believe it started when I picked up Ucok's packet at a Student Life tour... after I heard David Platt speak on behalf of Compassion. I believe God continued to change my heart as we met that first group of kids back in 2009.

The team this year has a new theme. The Overflow.

In the first words of the first song it said "Thank you for MERCY, God!"

I love when God reaffirms His love for me... for us. He gives us the desires of our hearts... He lets us know He has us right where He wants us.

Thank you for MERCY, God...

Grace~ Teena
Change the world one child at a time...

Weekends are for making memories~

2011-10-29T17:56:00.001-04:00

Hope all of you enjoy your weekend. May you make memories with your family....

So thankful for all of you. I had a tooth pulled yesterday. It went well but today its really hurting.

May God give you His grace. mercy. and peace as you spend time with your family.

Grace~ Teena
Change a life forever...

A process....

2011-10-28T19:46:00.002-04:00

I was talking with several moms and they were sharing about struggling with anger. It has really made me think. I believe I have struggled through the years with anger. I think as a mom of half a dozen... life is usually crazy. A good crazy. I love having my six... and would of loved to have more. Yes, I know... crazy but love love love being a mom. I still miss having a baby in the house. God is faithful though and He chose for us to have six.

April 2011. My children and dil Amber.

Through the years I would stress over school work, or house work, or bigger things.... money problems... marriage problems.

I would stress over my dh not being the person "I" thought he should be. Or that he wasn't doing exactly what I thought he should do.

Stress caused anger .... in me.

When I was sharing with several moms I realized that most of those things do not cause me to be angry anymore. I realized I am not angry.

I have realized that giving up my rights .... has brought peace... which in turn pushed out the anger. Not sure I realized this before.

I have realized for the past several years that I am at peace with those things that have stressed me.

God has taught me that being angry ... robs me of joy in my life. God has also shown me that if I am angry ... how can that be JESUS to my children... my dh... my friends.. family.

I know I share often how counting my gifts has changed my life. It has though. Writing down what I am thankful for turns my focus on the positive instead of the negative. Even thanking Him in the hard times. I started my Thankful List... in 2007. Looking back I can see how these past four years I have trusted God... giving thanks and resting in Him. Peace.

The only way to get rid of darkness is to fill the space with Light~ Sarah Malley

Grace~ Teena

Make a difference in the life of a child~

2011-10-24T19:19:00.001-04:00

This past weekend we went camping. It was very cold (for us in South Georgia). We go each spring and fall with several families. This is something we have done for years. My older children have great memories of our camping trips! We roast marshmellows, make smores... the kids play "Capture the Flag" and "Sardines." Do you know those games?

on the trail....

Boys... with sticks...

Girls...

This is not a great picture... but what I like about it ... is you can see Alyssa and my notebooks of our Compassion kids letters. Alyssa just finished showing all the girls her letters ... Compassion goes everywhere we go...

One of the best things about this camping trip was that a friend shared how her 15 yr old daughter wants to sponsor a child. How she is willing to work for the money to be able to sponsor. YAY! Also, I talked to another friend last night at church and her family plans to sponsor but her husband wants information on the integrity of Compassion. So I will bring them that information this Wednesday.

Hope you enjoy your weekend. Make memories... time goes so fast.... seems like yesterday my three oldest 26, 22, 18.... were 10, 6, and 2... now they all are 26, 22, 18, 14, 9, 8. Wow.

Grace~ Teena
Sponsor a child today!

Mercy House...

2011-10-19T16:13:00.001-04:00

So many things this past year have played such a significant part in where I am today. The MERCY HOUSE KENYA is one of the main things that has impacted me/us. As I have shared before Mandi spent 6 wks in Kenya this time last year. During that time she met Maureen a Compassion LDP. I didn't realize the impact all this would make in MY life. I mean it was Mandi who went to Kenya.. not me.

I had followed Kristen Welch from We are that Family during her trip to Kenya with Compassion and how she met Maureen and how after returning from Kenya that God was giving her a vision about starting a maturity home in Kenya for pregnant unwed girls. It was amazing how God connected the dots and allowed Mandi & Maureen to meet. I have shared over the past year about Maureen.... most of you know the stories.

Right now Maureen is in Tanzania speaking on behalf of Compassion and LDP. God continues to bless this organization and I am so thankful to be a part of it.

This past week I ordered a few MERCY HOUSE bracelets. They came in the mail and I just LOVE them.

Remember my word for this year is MERCY.

I am so excited about Mercy House. They now have five girls... and one baby so far! God working miracles! Please take a minute and read all about Mercy House. Maybe you would like some bracelets or you can look around on their site. Please pray for the Mercy House, pray for Maureen as she leads these girls... I am so thankful that God has brought the MH, Kristen, Maureen (her nephew Dimmy) into my life. I love them dearly. God has blessed me so much by Maureen... she is one of the most grateful/thankful people I know. Her love for Jesus is amazing.

Grace~ Teena
Change the life of a child.... forever

The Isaiah Challenge

2011-10-17T16:43:00.000-04:00

The Isaiah Callenge is based on Isaiah 58.

Release, Relieve, Revive

58: is a Christ-centered global initiative to end extreme poverty. The name comes from Isaiah 58 where God desires that his people carry out a True Fast, one that cares for the poor and the oppressed.

Compassion International is a partner.....

One of the ways we as a family chose to raise awareness and help to relieve children from preventable disease... is through the BITE BACK campaign. To help the fight against Malaria. On Friday we received our net in the mail.

For $10 you can save the life of a child. Your $10 provides a net for a child in a malaria infected area. The net covers the child's bed.

Alyssa and I will ask our friends, family and neighbors to give $10 and save a life. Yes, that is Alyssa under the net... Wyatt and Wesley helping to hold it up.

Remember, malaria is a preventable disease. Remember this is so real to me as Maureen's sister Jacquline died last May with malaria.

$10 ... not much at all but makes a LIFE SAVING difference.

Grace~ Teena

Make a difference in the life of a child forever!

Just take a few minutes and be blessed.

2011-10-13T23:15:00.000-04:00

Yes I know ... I keep showing all of you video clips of Shaun Groves. Lately my words do not come out right. Shaun on the other hand has just the right words. He says it so well....

Just take a few minutes and listen to his testimony. It is less then 4 minutes. Let me know what you think.

You have a purpose in this world....

Will you be the HOPE for someone today?

Grace~Teena
Bring Hope to someone today!

A letter from our little boy on a special day!

2011-10-11T18:31:00.001-04:00

Yes, when Alyssa brought the mail in.... A LETTER FROM UCOK! YAY! It's been a few months and so we were so excited. We all gathered around.

His mentor wrote for him...

a couple of things that really touched my heart.

My family and I thank you very much for the reply letter. I am glad and proud to have you and the family and photo too.

Thanks for paying attention to me and loving us.

I always tell him that we are praying for his family. I tell him to give his family love from us.

Today is a very special day because 2 yrs ago tonight we met a Children's Choir. It has literally changed our life. It has changed the way we see the world. We will never be the same nor do we want to be. We will always remember them. Never forget their names or faces. We still pray for them each night. We laugh when we think about all the funny things they said to us. We cry when we ask God to keep them safe and healthy.

I believe I am an Compassion Advocate today... because we met these 15 children and it allowed me to see a glimpse of the mission field. Plus Mandi's time in Kenya... being in contact with Maureen (Compassion LDP Kenya)... God knew. Dimmy in my life, Kristen Welch being so open and speaking into my life, following Kristen as she went to Kenya, reading as Ann met her sponsored child, Jill as she encouraged me that I can do this, Michelle as she gave great ideas and helps.... and Shaun with his life changing music. Its amazing as I think back on these past two years. God is faithful. I am so thankful for everyone one of you!

We love you and miss you, Neybel, Aljane, Jackie, Venus, Aldrin, Arnel, Marvin, Evah, Jamira, Esther, Zam, Zahara, Pashi, Ashish & Thomas!

Grace~ Teena
You can receive a letter too!

How she loves....

2011-10-10T14:58:00.002-04:00

An amazing story.... when Katie was 18 she went to Uganda on a short term mission trip. She was class president, home coming queen.... but for her Christmas vacation she felt pulled to go to Uganda to work in an orphanage.

She is the founder of Amazima Ministries. Katie is almost 23 years old now. She lives in Uganda and is mama to 13 orphan girls.

I can't wait to read her book! Alyssa wants to read it too. I listened to an interview she did, watched a clip of her tell part of her story. She was at Catalyst in Atlanta this weekend. On the 15th of October she will speak at The Church of Brook Hills (David Platt/pastor) in Birmingham, Alabama. I wish I would of went to Catalyst. I had an opportunity to work a table for Compassion. Atlanta is a three hour drive ... maybe next year I will go!

Hopefully Katie's book will come in the mail later this week. I think Alyssa and I may fight over it! Maybe we will read it together.

I share these things.... and so much about Compassion because that is where our heart is. God has called us all to help the widows and the poor. Lately... I feel I am speaking to the wind as many are not interested. God continues to walk with me on this journey. Several friends online always encourage. I am so thankful for my two cheerleaders that are in my life... ready to listen anytime! Thanks, Alyssa & Claire. I love you. You encourage me daily.

Kisses from Katie would be a great gift for someone... or a book you might want to read and pass on. I am sure I will share more as I read it!

Grace~ Teena
You can make a difference too!

Grace.Grace.Grace

2011-10-08T22:54:00.001-04:00

All is Grace....

May you know His grace....

I am so thankful for Shaun Groves, his love for Compassion International, his love for God and his new cd Third World Symphony.

Grace~Teena
Someone is waiting for YOU!

My birthday weekend plus some unexpected surprises!

2011-10-07T14:29:00.000-04:00

This past weekend we went to Orlando. Yes, it was my 50th birthday. We went to Aquatica.. Sea World's waterpark. My sister gives us passes. She suprised me with this...

Brownie cake with frosting... it was awesome!

She also gave me a Scentsy candle. I love candles!

Mike & Amber gave me this... my words! Can you believe it?

GRACE. MERCY

We are not real big on gifts for the older kids or adults. Maybe because I was turning 50? I felt like each one gave me a gift that they knew I would love! Pictures, candles and my words for this year! How special is that.

Another great surpise... we found out that my uncle.. was visiting from Colorado. He is my Dad's brother. Two years younger than my Dad. We honestly didn't think we would ever see him again as he will be 85 on Christmas eve. We saw him back in 2009 and my Dakota, Alyssa and little boys!" A spur of the moment trip He is not in good health. My cousin had a fish fry and we all went. He talked to Wyatt & Wesley and told them that they were like my Dad and him. Wyatt was 5 when my Dad died and Wesley 4. This was so good for them.

It was a great weekend. On Sunday we went to Grace Conway. It was wonderful. I am so thankful. God is doing amazing things with this new church plant.

I am sure I will share more... my cousin did get some more pics of my little boys with my Uncle. Thank you for letting me share... the special moments in my life. I want to be real... so I share what is on my heart.

Grace~ Teena

Change the world... one child at a time!

We can all do something!

2011-10-06T12:44:00.001-04:00

I am sure by now all of you know how much I love Compassion International. How much WE love Compassion international. We sponsor a little boy from Indonesia and a we correspondent with a girl from Ethiopia. My Alyssa sponsors a little girl from the Philippines and correspondence with a little girl from Indonesia. My Mandi sponsors a little girl from Tanzania. My Michael (and Amber) sponsor Emmanuel from Africa.

I would love to sponsor more. I often think about what we could cut out/eliminate from our budget so that we could sponsor another....

My husband is in support of the children we sponsor. He does tell me ... no more. Although when I couldn't find a sponsor for one of the packets I had... he said "well, I could sponsor him." haha... seeing their faces just melts our hearts.

My point is ... sometimes when you are wanting to do more... Compassion makes a way for you to do more... even if you can not sponsor or sponsor another one...

In January of this year... Alyssa and I decided that we would go to the Compassion Sponsorship page, pick a place and pick two names a piece from the list of children. We would pray for them for a week. Then we would go back and look through all the children and see if the ones we picked were gone.

Guess what?! MOST of the time... they were! One time an older child was still there.... so we kept on praying. The next time she was gone! I know that doesn't always mean they were sponsored ... but a lot of time it does!

Some of the children we prayed for...
Jane from Philippines
Giovanna from Brazil
Franciso from Guatemala
Erymen from Togo (my birthday)
Reina from Honduras
Zahara from Uganda
Purity from Kenya
Marilyn from DR
Yasman from Brazil
Kwasi from Uganda
Daniel from Honduras
Ron from the Philippines
Antonio from Brazil
Dan from the Philippines
Isayna from the DR
Mariel from the Philippines

You can also speak to your church or youth group about Compassion. You could do a Compassion Sunday. Or you could speak about the Bite Back Campaign.. to help fight Malaria.

You can make a comittment to write your child atleast once a month... or twice a month. With Compassion's new online way of writing it is fast, easy and amazing. You can even unload up to three pictures.

Just some ways to make a difference.

Hope it encourages you. Compassion is a wonderful organization that I am so thankful to be a part of.

Grace~ Teena
Make a difference today!

My surprise from the kids....

2011-09-30T07:30:00.001-04:00

My birthday gift from Mandi.

She's been taking pictures for a long time.... You can see more of her stuff here. I just love it. She arranged them into a collage. These were just a few.

Fifty years ago today... I was born. Yes.. I am 50. A little hard for me. 50. Wow. But God is faithful. I am grateful for LIFE.Today is also my Mom's birthday. She would of been 89. I was born on her 39th birthday. I weighed 4lbs 11oz. I was born two months early... I have an older sister. I have been married for almost 31 yrs. My youngest is 8 and my oldest is 26.

God has blessed me more than I could ever imagine. I am thankful for His love...

for His GRACE. MERCY. PEACE.

Grace~ Teena
Change the world .. one child at a time~

Priceless Photography all rights reserved.

Really puts things in perspective...

2011-09-26T09:46:00.001-04:00

please pause the music at the bottom of this page before watching...

Mom on a Mission shared this a while back on her blog. Please take a few minutes and watch. It is a hard watch... sad. May we never forget. I am so thankful for Compassion where I know that our sponsored children are loved, cared for... and told about JESUS. This is so real to me.... as I shared about Mandi meeting Maureen in my last post. Maureen shared with me... with ME... that when she lived in the slum they would go for a week without eating and that they would dig in the trash for their food. I am so thankful that someone chose to sponsor Maureen... now her life is forever changed... and NOW Maureen is changing the life of her sponsored children!

Would love to hear your thoughts.

Grace~Teena

For all of you who prayed... One Year Update.

2011-09-25T00:55:00.001-04:00

saying goodbye....

One year ago today.... I hugged and said goodbye to my oldest daugther Mandi. She was flying to Kenya for 6 wks. So many of you prayed and followed my blog for updates.

Mandi with the children in the slum.

Mandi & Maureen...

Mandi & Dimmy

God connected the dots then... and He continues to connect the dots. So much came from her trip to Kenya. She met and spent time with Compassion LDP, Maureen Owino who is now the Exc. director of The Mercy House.

She was able to visit a Compassion Project and see first hand what happens....

This past year she has processed... and readjusted and processed some more.... she has struggled and wondered what God has for her. She has been angry, sad, stressed, fustrated.... she doesn't want to forget what she saw in Africa... but then sometimes she does.

She allowed our family (especially me) to "come" to Africa with her. We now chat with Maureen on fb. We have talked to her on the phone... she calls me "Aunty." Maureen was raised in the slum. She was sponsored at age 7. Compassion changed Maureen's life. God allowed Mandi to connect with Maureen... He also joned us with her. We were also able to connect with Dimmy. Maureen's nephew (he is sitting with Mandi in the pic above) Dimmy was not able to be sponsored because in Kenya only one child per family is allowed to be sponsored. So many are waiting for sponsorship in Kenya. God connected us to Dimmy. It was amazing. We wrote him letters and sent him a package. We were able to see him smile! Dimmy went to be with Jesus in April. He died from a preventable disease. I will continue to share about Dimmy so others can see that they really can change a child's life.

When Mandi returned I knew .... I wanted to do something more. That is when I believe God was leading me to become an Advocate.

The other day Alyssa said "Lots of things would be different if Mandi wouldn't of went to Africa."

Very very different.

I am so thankful God allowed/used Mandi in Kenya.

Maureen and her have a forever friendship!

Since returning home ...

She graduated with a degree in Early Childhood. She is mentoring a group of girls, helping with their drama teams, working and this coming week she will be moving into her own place! She is very excited. We are excited for her. It is about 45 mins from home. It is closer to her job. Some days she still questions and wonders ... but God continues to connect the dots!

I am so proud of her. I can remember leaving the airport a year ago... excited, scared... and wondering what God would do...

I am so thankful He allowed Mandi to let us peek into Africa with her. It has changed my life.

Grace~ Teena

To the world you may just be one person but to ONE PERSON you may be the world!

A Vision becomes Reality...

2011-09-23T19:59:00.000-04:00

A year ago this past June my oldest son Michael and his wife Amber moved to Orlando. On the 11th our great friend Rick Garrett and our son with a few others launched Grace Conway. I am so proud. Michael married Amber almost 4 yrs ago. God is faithful. I remember the days when he was reading to me on the couch as Wyatt and Wesley did this week.... remember make memories .. these days will soon be gone.

yes, Michael is leading worship.

They meet in an elementary school in the Orlando area.

We have prayed and waited... God is faithful... I am so thankful!

My Alyssa posted about Grace Conway on her blog... about her brother. So you can click on the link and read how she sees it all....

Crazy about Compassion: Joy on a sad day!: Today my oldest brother Mike launched a church in Conway, Fl. He will be the worship leader and our long time friend Mr. Rick will be the pa...

Grace~Teena

Love Days When it Just Happens...

2011-09-22T07:56:00.000-04:00

We were suppose to go to the park today but the rain came. So we stayed home. I missed getting together with the other moms and letting the kids visit. The boys usually do their seat work first and then maybe a small break, lunch and we do our Heart of Dakota, reading and extra stuff either after lunch or during lunch.

I love when learning just happens though... it is great. We were reading about rodents & weasels. I asked Alyssa to bring the container of Ranger Rick & My Big Back Yard out of the school room. These were Dakota's and Alyssa's when they were young. My Wyatt & Wesley LOVED them! They sat in the floor ... looking, reading, cutting and drawing.

This is where Alyssa reads her science and history. She loves it.

We are also reading "Little House in the Big Woods." I am using the Praire Primer for extra activities, questions... today we made butter! Just a simple little thing.. not like back in the old days. The boys were so surprised. Laura helped ma churn the butter.

We also looked up Square dancing and jigging. Yes, the internet/google is so helpful. I shared with them how my Dad loved to do the jitter bug. They though that was so funny.

Love days when it just happens.... learning.

Grace,

Teena

Sponsor a child today!

Shaun Groves - Third World Symphony

2011-09-20T15:56:00.000-04:00

I know I have shared about Shaun Groves' new cd Third World Symphony but please take a few minutes and listen to his heart. Especially all of you who LOVE LOVE LOVE Compassion International.. this will touch you in a big way. Again, it isn't about the money... it is about what God has for each of us ... what life is all about.... what really matters.

Thank you, Shaun for giving of yourself. Thank you for showing all of us Jesus.

Grace~Teena
YOU can make a difference in the life of a child TODAY!

Cool breeze... yankee candles and moods change!

2011-09-19T09:36:00.000-04:00

The boys found me after my walk.... it was chilly here in South Georgia. As soon as the weather changes we all start acting "strange." The kids start talking about "FALL" and how everything feels great. They wanted to go on a walk so I walked with them too! My first walk was VERY quiet and my second walk was very LOUD. We tried to find the red headed woodpecker that I saw... but he was gone.

Our dog Skip always goes on my walk with me. We have a new puppy... one of Skip's puppies. Isn't this the cutest pic? They look just a like!

My younger boys ... Wyatt 9 & Wesley 8 beg for the older kids to JUMP with them. Most of the time the older "kids" are working, in college or moved to Orlando. This was a special treat for them... but it only lasted for a few minutes. Well, it was fun while it lasted!

I took out our fall decorations. My fall yankee candles.

Here are some of the comments from my children when the smells took over the house....

"I love this time of year!"~ Wes

"It smells like Christmas!"~ Alyssa

"Oh I love this time of year, the smells and wearing my leather jacket."~ Dakota

"This is my favorite year of the month!"~ Wes (yes.. he did)

"I love all this fall stuff, mom."~ Wyatt

I said...

"Time for pumpkin bread!"

How's the weather in your part of the world?

Grace~ Teena
You are only one person but to one person you could be the world.

So blessed. What a gift!

2011-09-18T09:04:00.000-04:00

I received this in the mail on Saturday. It came at just the right time... just when I needed a word. You know how God does that sometimes! I love it! Shaun Groves new cd "Third World Symphony."

It was released on Aug. 30th. Shaun Groves traveled around visiting different bloggers and allowing them to interview him. He stopped in at Ann Voskamp. He played "All is Grace" sitting in the field at Ann's house. He also visited with Kristen Welch, Compassion International, Michael W. Smith, Ree Drummond, Angie Smith, Incourage and lots more. The lyrics and music just soothe and wash over me.

Hope you will enjoy it.

Grace~ Teena

Change the world one child at a time!

A New Way! How exciting!

2011-09-17T16:04:00.000-04:00

A new way to write your child.... I just wrote our sponsored children! It is so amazing. Compassion International makes it so easy. It really is about relationship.... it is life changing.

This is what Jill shared on her blog. So just click on her link and it will walk you through the steps! We picked out paper with a soccer ball on it for our Ucok... and we were able to include three pictures!

Compassion makes it so easy to stay in touch with your sponsored children! Let me know what you think?

Compassion Family: Internet Sponsor Letter – A New Letter Writing Too...: Greetings US Sponsors! My name is Taylor Holmes and my official title at Compassion is Senior Web Product Manager for IT. Right, I have n...

Grace~Teena
Sponsor a child today!

Five Minute Friday~

2011-09-16T15:51:00.000-04:00

About a year ago.... I first read about Gitzengirl.... she has encouraged me and so many of us. When I think of her I think of ....

JOY

She has brought so much JOY to so many. She is the picture of JOY. She chooses JOY daily... in the midst of very hard circumstances. She will soon... see JESUS.

JOY~ you know we all learned it when we were young.... JESUS, OTHERS, YOURSELF... that's what Sara/Gitzengirl lives... Jesus, others, yourself.

Thank you, Sara... Gitzengirl for showing all of us TRUE JOY. We love you.

Grace~ Teena
Make a difference... one child at a time!

My new name.... how God showed me.

2011-09-12T07:48:00.000-04:00

I have been thinking about this new name for my blog....

This week has been one of the most difficult in a long time....

I was hiding out in the barn one morning.... everyone was asleep and I had my bible with me.

Just finished reading in Malachi. I read through one book at a time....

I was thinking about where I should read next. I flipped through and decided I would read Timothy.

I Tim. 1:2~ To Timothy (Teena), my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

I know this may seem silly to some... but to me... it was from God. I have been asking Him for grace... mercy... peace... when He gives me grace and mercy... then peace comes.

act justly, love mercy, walk humbly.... with our God.

His mercy is new each morning.....

Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. Ps 86:6

Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy! Ps. 55:2

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:2

GRACE, MERCY & PEACE

Grace~ Teena
Change the world one child at a time!

Yesterday was 3 yrs and 6 months!

2011-09-09T16:20:00.000-04:00

Apr. 2011

Three and a half years ago yesterday... we sponsored this little boy! His name is Ucok. He is from Indonesia. He has changed our life.... and we have forever changed his!

Oct. 2009

Little did I know when I picked up his packet off the Compassion table... that day in March of 2008 how he would be the start of a whole new way of life for us. Oh at first it was just a few letters a year and we sent him a few letters a year.... but as time went on ... God kept drawing me to Compassion International. He allowed us to meet a group of children from around the word.... children from impoverished places... some from orphanages. God showed us how these children who do not have much are so much more grateful then... me.... then most of us.

Through the years .... we have received lots of letters. We love receiving letters and sending letters to Ucok. We love him so much and some day I hope to be able to go to Indonesia and meet him!

Our Compassion family has expanded. I am now an Advocate. We have added a correspondent child, Betlhem who is from Ethiopia. My oldest son and his wife sponsor a child, Emmanuel, my oldest daughter Mandi sponsors Neema from Tanzania. Just recently my youngest daughter Alyssa sponsored Jazzy Rain from the Philippines.. and just last week she received a correspondent child, Regita from Indonesia... just like our Ucok.

The other day a friend emailed me and said

"I am seeing that Compassion is not just something you do... it is becoming who you are."

In Jesus name....

YOU can be that change for ONE child.... through YOU one child will forever be changed!

Grace~ Teena

You can save a life today!

A Taste of Fall....

2011-09-08T20:51:00.000-04:00

The last few days here... it has been a bit cooler.... well quite a bit cooler for South Georgia!

When I walk in the morning ... its been around 60.

It's funny to me how the coolness in the air... makes it all different.

Two birds in the tree were jumping back and forth playing.....

My little rat terrier Skip was running and jumping.... so full of spunk.

Wesley met me at the road .... waving big! He said "it is freezing out here!"

The kids wanted to do school on the deck.... ok... but we have to do school... not just ENJOY the weather!

Wanting to take a break to jump on the trampoline!

Air conditioner off..... and it was wonderful.

Our new addition... this is Snoopy. He was about 2-3 wks old here.

I think it is just a taste of FALL.... its suppose to get back up in the 90's this coming week.

Grace~ Teena

Change the world... one child at a time!

Pour down like Rain...

2011-09-06T21:23:00.002-04:00

For any of you just needing .....

To be still and know....

rest in His holiness

(please pause the music at the bottom of this blog)

Grace~Teena
Change the life of a child today!

As I think about all of you...

2011-09-04T18:56:00.000-04:00

I sit here.... alone... as everyone sleeps. It is quiet. Thinking about this place... and how God continues to grow me and stretch me.

So many of you have influenced me so very much over the past few years. As I think about it... I can see where God has connected the dots. It's so cool to me how He does that over and over and over....

In this cyberspace place... where we visit with our computer screens and talk with our fingers.... most of you I have not met face to face but I still call you friends.

As I started reading over at Ann's place... and counting my gifts. As she spoke words into my life and I started seeing things from a gratitude/thankful perspective... I started changing from the inside out.

As my oldest daughter flew to the other side of the world.... and Kristen helped me connect the dots so that Compassion graduate and Mercy House exc. director, Maureen Owino could meet her. How Mandi spent 3 wks with Maureen and now Maureen speaks volumes into my life... showing me gratitude/thankfulness even from a third world country... where she grew up in the slums.

As Jill & Michelle shared their stories about the children from all over the world that they love so much... and my heart filled.... as I wanted to do more...

So many of you have encouraged, helped, prayed and loved me. I am so thankful... even though we haven't met face to face.. I hope to one day. If not here on earth then in heaven. Even though we haven't met face to face... you are my dear friends and I love you.

---------------------------

I blogged this a few days ago. It is no longer quiet... things are pretty LOUD. Its been a difficult few days. Trying to keep things real.... but also wise in my words. Please pray for us. We are readjusting to husband being home. It has been a wonderful time of relaxing. We just enjoyed quiet days & nights. Lots of good memories made with my kids. Talking late at night with my older kids. Things are a lot more high stressed when huband is home. His grace is enough. I am so thankful for His mercy and grace~

Grace~ Teena
Change the world... one child at a time

Compassion Family: Guest Post – Hannah Beam

2011-09-01T16:57:00.000-04:00

I read this over at Compassion Family. I just have to share .. it is worth it. I can not say enough about how this will change YOUR family... and the life of a child.

Compassion is NOT about the money.... just read.... I love this WHOLE story!

Compassion Family: Guest Post – Hannah Beam: Hannah is a junior in high school and enjoys reaching other teens to change the world through blogging and advocating Compassion Internation...

Grace~Teena
One child at a time....

Two waiting.... maybe today?

2011-08-30T14:36:00.001-04:00

You could be the one..... to change their life forever. You may be thinking.... oh but how do I know that the money gets to the child? Or how do I know that he/she really get my letters? Or what all does my $38 a month actually do for the child? You can read all about it at Compassion. Please keep reading...

This is Jared. He has a birthday this month... what a wonderful gift that would be for him to hear that he has been sponsored! He will turn 7 on Sept. 25, 20011. He is from Nicaraqua.

This is Susi. She is from Ethiopia. Isn't she cute? She is 4 yrs old. Susi is in an aids-affected area.

Through the past year Compassion has become more and more real to me. I have shared before ... but I feel led to share again and again. When my oldest daughter Mandi went to Kenya last September she met Maureen a Compassion LDP graduate. It was amazing. We all fell in love with Maureen. While Mandi was there she was able to meet Maureen's nephew Dimmy. Dimmy was 8 yrs old... I have shared his story here before. You see Dimmy was NOT a sponsored child. Dimmy went to be with Jesus in April of this year. In Kenya because the need for sponsors is so great ... only one child per family is allowed. Child sponsorship through Compassion International REALLY does change the life of the child.

I always want to share Dimmy's story.... so that even though he was NOT in the Compassion program he is still helping me speak out on behalf of Compassion... in Jesus name. He told Maureen "someone in America loves me now too!" We loved him dearly. We miss him. We will see him one day face to face... when we see Jesus. Here is a letter that Maureen emailed me. Dimmy wrote it after receiving a package we sent him.

YOU could be that life changing person for Susi or Jared. It will change your life too. It is amazing. My kids talk about our sponsored children daily, we talk about helping others... serving.... we are being changed daily.

his letter to me~

Dimmy with his package from us.

Even if you can not sponsor right now.... or maybe your parents, husband, wife.... are not in agreement... there is plenty you can do. You can go to the Compassion sponsorship page and pick a few children to pray for... after a week or so... go peek and see if they are gone! Alyssa and I did this for several months. You can put all your change in a jar and give a one time gift to the unsponsored childrens fund.

Thank you for allowing me to share my heart.

Grace~

Teena

Make a difference.... today

A Little Longer...

2011-08-29T22:17:00.001-04:00

My husband has been in Maine for the past 6 weeks. He was scheduled to come home tomorrow. Due to hurricane Irene all trains have been halted and they rescheduled for this coming Saturday.

We have enjoyed our time.... he has enjoyed his time with his aunt and uncle. The kids and I have just relaxed and enjoyed a slower pace... less tv.... more pool time.

Still thinking about changing the name of my blog. God has shown me so much. He gives me His strength and mercy. My word for this year is MERCY. He calls me to trust.

I have been reading Plan B by Pete Wilson.

One of the quotes in the book said this....

when going through trials, hard times...

"I would tell them to take a step back from the chaos. We can't see clearly when we're in the middle of it. Take a deep breath. Let the wind blow across your face. Whatever your challenge, you will get through this. Because no matter how things look, God is with you."

Wow. powerful. needed.

Several weeks ago I took this pic.

Dakota & Wesley 9 yrs apart they weighed the same at birth... exactly 7lbs 7oz and 19"

Dakota is our 3rd born and Wesley our 6th.

I noticed they were matching... so I wanted a picture. Some say they look a like?

Grace~ Teena

Change a life forever... sponsor a child today!

She is 14 today!

2011-08-27T11:23:00.000-04:00

She is our 2nd born daughter. Our 4th born.... our petite little girl. She shares a birthday with my sister! Who is also petite. My sister called her Peewee!

1 yr. 17lbs 8oz ~ our tiny girl

almost 4. Still tiny 29lbs. Full of life...

She was a tiny thing but she was a fire cracker as my Dad would say. Wide open. I remember the night I came home from the hospital... about 6 months after this pic was taken. She was so excited. Michael was a senior in high school. He was video taping... she kept saying "I need my light on, I need my light on!!" So he walked to her room and turned her light on. She said in a very loud voice "THANK YOU, SWEETIE!"

Alyssa & Wyatt 6 yrs old & 20 mons. 2003

She loved being a big sister.... but she was only around 35lbs at 6 yrs old.

Our flower girl... Mike & Amber's wedding 2007

Alyssa with COTW International Choir. March 2010

Fall Fun 2010~ 13 yrs old

God has truly blessed us. She is very secure. Her love for people and her service to others amazes me. She teaches me daily how to love Jesus by loving others.

Alyssa & Dakota Apr. 2011

They are a lot alike.... he is very protective of her. That warms my heart.

Alyssa & Jazzy Rain... her first sponsored child from Compassion International. She is so in love with Jazzy... and with Compassion. I told her she is my jr. Advocate. She is now 14 and she can join Our Compassion! She's been waiting.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALYSSA! I love you. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Your faith amazes me. You are the apple of my eye... God has great plans for you.

We all love you....

Dad, Mom, Mike, Amber, Mandi, Dakota, Wyatt & Wesley...

Sponsor a child today... change their life forever...

My New Look~

2011-08-26T20:35:00.000-04:00

Wanting things simple. Changing things up. Seriously thinking of changing my blog title. I know I have been "At His Feet" for years.... but like I said I want to change things up.

So... would you still follow?

Is that too weird?

Any ideas?

Thinking of some....

For His glory

Love. Joy. Mercy

Any others you can think of.. feel free to share. I really like "Love. Joy. Mercy." Those words just mean so much to me... as I am sure they do you.

I tried to load a picture behind my title but ... it was too big and I can't figure it out. Here is couple I really like.

These pics were taken by Mandi my oldest daughter... Priceless Photography.

Grace~ Teena
Life changing ... for the child and for YOU! Sponsor a child today.

How it continues to change us....

2011-08-24T00:31:00.001-04:00

God has called us to be a people who spend our lives for the sake of His glory among the needy outside our gates ~ David Platt~Radical.

Our Alyssa started a blog this past weekend! It is called Crazy about Compassion. Stop by if you have a minute. She is so in love with Compassion....

God is so amazing....

Also this past few days... Alyssa's friend Claire who we shared about in the last post... started a blog too! Claire's blog is called All for Jesus. Claire is also in love with Compassion.

I heard Alyssa on the phone today with Claire saying "oh yes, I want to be an Advocate too... I wonder how old we have to be?" Don't you just love it.

Oh .... and Alyssa sent Compassion an email request for a correspondent child. Yesterday when Alyssa checked her account... this beautiful sweet little girl was there! She started screaming "I have one, I have one!"

Sweet Regita

I love seeing these girls be so passionate about releasing children from poverty. About wanting to make a difference. I am so thankful Compassion is in my life...

Grace~ Teena
Be changed forever ... sponsor a child today!

To think like Claire!

2011-08-19T18:48:00.001-04:00

It touches my heart when I hear about other people falling in love with Compassion International... I want to share with you about Alyssa's friend Claire.

Claire is 12. Last spring Claire sponsored her first child through Compassion International. Channu a little girl from India. Claire sells her chicken eggs to help pay for the sponsorship of Channu. That's pretty cool in and of itself.

Last night I received this message from Claire....

Hey Mrs. Teena, I asked Mama yesterday if she would sponsor another child (because i can't.. if i could i would!!) anyways.. she said its different here ( bills.. etc. ) (but why is it that we have enough to afford to go out to eat 3 or 4 times a week??) and that those people don't have to worry about that stuff (except the fact that they HAVE NOTHING TO EAT)... and she said no. A few hours later, i asked mama if i could think of something that would save enough money by doing or not doing certin things, during the month. She said if i could than she would sponsor another child... so if you think of anything, please tell me. (: thanks

First let me say that Claire's family sponsors two children already.... and Alyssa begs me all the time to sponsor more. So I do understand Claire's mom. I also understand Claire. We have so much in America and are so blessed. I often tell myself we could ... get rid of this or that... and then we can sponsor MORE.

The love Claire has for these children touches my heart deep. I have shared that we live in a rural area and not many here even know what Compassion International is. Alyssa and I are always sharing and talking ... but to see the love that Claire has for this organization... makes me realize that God is bigger than I can ever imagine.

Claire & Channu

I shared with her some of the blogs I read to help encourage me... on this Compassion Journey. I told her about Jill from Compassion Family and about Michelle from Blogging from the Boonies. She isn't 14 yet so she can not join Our Compassion. She has already been reading over at Jill's place. I guess you can tell how excited she is...

thats not the end of the story though...

I asked her if she knew about Compassion correspondence program. She told me she signed up for that but wasn't sure what else she was suppose to do. Within an hour I received another message from her... telling me she had checked her account and there was a correspondent child added...

here is that message

OMGoodness!!! Mrs Teena God is GREAT!!! I just checked on "My Sponsorships" and I have had a correspondence child since 2 whole days ago!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Im so happy!! YAY YAY YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And She is 11 years old!!! From El Salvador!!! Her name is Alicia!!!! Please tell Alyssa!!!

Can you feel the love? I can not stress to you enough how sponsoring a child doesn't just change the life of the child... it will change the life of YOUR child.. it will change YOUR life.

If you want to change the life of a child (and yours) forever just click the link below my name.

Thank you, Claire for letting me share your story. I am so proud of you. We love you.

Grace~ Teena
Change a life.. one child at a time.

Our First Day in pictures

2011-08-16T23:59:00.000-04:00

Our Dakota's first day of college

My 4th & 3rd grade students

Ready for school... I decided this year to organize their books in lockers. That way they can carry these around as they read on their beds, or swing or MY bed....

Our 8th grader

Boys working on math....

our calender & chore charts

after school.... our P.E... our recess ... fun!

It was a great day... so thankful for this gift of teaching my children.

Grace~ Teena

Make a difference in the life of a child TODAY... click here.

As we start our 21st year....

2011-08-14T01:03:00.000-04:00

I have been getting everything ready... as we kick off a new school year this coming Monday. Cleaning and decluttering my school room/dining room. I like changing things up....

It never gets old or boring... I love it. Twenty one years ago... we started home school with Michael in 1st grade. Michael is now 26.. married to Amber ... and they live in Orlando. Lots of memories...

This coming Monday... my third born.... Dakota will walk into our local college and for the first time in his life... I will not be his teacher.

I am excited... Excited for Dakota... excited to start another year.

My students this year will be ...

Alyssa 8th
Wyatt 4th
Wesley 3rd

This morning when I was in the pool... I was thinking about how it will be when I only have one student left. To me that will be a sad day. Maybe by the time it arrives I will be ready to "retire?" Today though I was sad. I love home schooling. God gave me the desires of my heart... even before I knew they were my desires! Looking back I can see how this lifestyle fits right into our life.

We love home schooling.... we are not the "curriculum in a box" that we first started with. We use a hodge podge of different things.

A quote I read today really spoke to me. It was from chapter 5 of Dr. Wess Stafford book "Too Small to Ignore.

"Young people simply were not made to be the fulfillment machines of adult wishes. They need time to breathe, to imagine, to wonder, and simply to relax. This is not to condone laziness or inactivity in front of a television for hours on end. But a key part of growing up needs to be living at a reasonable pace."

That is so true... I want to read with them, walk with them... talk about Jesus together.... go on nature walks... have our picnics in the woods...

So on Monday we will start our 21st year..... pray for us. How about you ...

Grace~ Teena
Make a difference... sponsor a child today... click here.

She waited and waited... then the day arrived!

2011-08-11T02:19:00.002-04:00

On June 13, 2011 our 13 yr old looked at the Compassion sponsor a child page for the 10,000 times (jk, not quite that many) for a child to sponsor. This night though she found .... this precious little girl that jumped off the page at her. Jazzy Rain.... from the Philippines.

About a week later she received Jazzy's packet. It told all about her ... and that she lives with her mom, brother and sister. Alyssa continued to check the mail every day for her first letter. She grew more and more impatient. After about a month... we called Compassion and they said it sometimes takes several months. So she continued to check... and wait....

On August 1, 2011 ... 6 wks after sponsoring Jazzy Rain.... her first letter came in the mail!

It was written by Jazzy's mom... Alyssa was so very excited. We sat together .. just her and I and read the letter. Jazzy's mom thanked Alyssa for sponsoring her daughter. She said she was a widow and had two other children. She said Jazzy's favorite color was pink and yellow, her best friend are Zinnia, Dyka, and Angel. She asked about Alyssa... and how old she was. Jazzy did write her favorite bible verse...

Isaiah 6:36... Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty.. the earth is full of His glory. That verse already means so much to Alyssa... it was God's affirmation to her!

After Alyssa and I read Jazzy's letter we called everyone in the room and read it to them. Everyone liked hearing about Jazzy Rain. After a few minutes Dakota (18) said... "you know what is really cool about Compassion? They focus on how important it is to write letters to your child... not the money." God continues to change our family... one child at a time!

Alyssa has already mailed 3 letters to Jazzy Rain... she loves her so much. I am so thankful God has connected them together.

~We love you, Jazzy Rain~

Thanks for letting me share....
Change the world... one child at a time... click here to see who is waiting!

A week of sickness...

2011-08-05T13:04:00.001-04:00

Its been a hard week. You know when our kids are sick... our job as mom and nurse can get really stressful at times.

Long story... Wesley has RAD (reactive airway disease) so for years I have been using these ' Lil Critters Immune C plus Zinc & Echinacea' as soon as I hear a cough or seeing a cold coming on I can start these and it will really help. If I feel a scratchy throat I will take some of these and it really helps. We have tried others when these were out of stock and nothing compares. We have been out of them for over a month and I with summer I just didn't think about it....

So Wesley started coughing.... and ran some fever. By Saturday (30th) he was laboring to breath. We ended up in the ER. Not a good experience. Breathing treatments and antiboidic... and lots of motrin. Wyatt started too but he doesn't struggle like Wesley does... on Monday we ended up at our trustworthy christian doctor. He said croup. Things seem to be improving but on Tuesday night Wyatt started complaining about his ears hurting...

So yesterday we made another trip to our doctor. Just Wyatt and me. They love alone time with mom... even when they are sick! The pain on Wednesday night was horrible for him. I felt so bad. It started with one ear and then it was both. Dr. Reese said he has infection in both ears (inner ear) and they are bulging and one has some blood. He changed his antiboidic and talked about referring him to an ENT if it wasn't better in 10 days. Talked about it may rupture...

I would like to tell you he is better but ... he isn't. He is still hurting. I have to keep motrin in him. When we were at the pharmacy they informed me they did not have the liquid antiboidic and would have to order it. We tried another pharmacy but they didn't have it either... (can you feel my stress rising?). They gave us a few pills... (he hadn't tried swallowing pills yet) and said I could pick up the rest today. We live at least 23 miles from anywhere. He did swallow the first pill last night... but the second pill he could not swallow even after trying several times.

So I will go this afternoon to pick up the new antiboidic. Hopefully tomorrow we will stay home ALL DAY.

Been rearranging our school room/dining room. Trying to organize and plan my school year. I started it this week but then had to stop.. so it is really a mess in there... but first things first.

Sorry so long... just wanted to share why I haven't posted and also to ask you to pray that Wyatt's ears will heal and both boys (and the rest of us) will be well.

Grace~ Teena
Change a life forever sponsor a child today!

Grace Finds Hope

2011-08-01T00:22:00.001-04:00

Take a minute and watch this... Alyssa and I watched it tonight for the first time. The house was quiet... as we listened. We thought of the children that God led us to... they know we love them. They have HOPE.... We love you.... Ucok, Betlhem, Jazzy Rain and Neema.

Be Hope for a child... find your Grace today! Take a look at who is waiting for YOU.

For His glory~
Teena

Things are a little different around here~

2011-07-24T09:30:00.001-04:00

Every year or so my husband takes a trip to Maine to visit his Aunt and Uncle. His parents and mine are now gone ... he doesn't have a lot of extended family left. My mil (dh's mom) was french canadian. She was a small frame, funny woman... with an awesome accent. My little boys never met "Nana." Her and my fil moved to Maine (from Florida) when our 4th child, Alyssa was 18 months old. We didn't see Nana & Papa much after they moved to Maine. My husband would visit but we were not able to. When I was pregnant with Wyatt (2001) Nana came to visit. That was her last visit here. After she died in Apr. 2003... my fil moved here in 2004. He was here (had a little place not far from our home) til he died in Apr. 2006. He spent lots of time with Wyatt, Wesley & Alyssa... our three older children spent time with him also but the three youngest did lots with Papa Ernest. It was hard at times.... but I now am so very thankful for the time he had with his grandchildren.

The Aunt that my husband is visiting in Maine is his mom's (Nana) sister. So every year or so.... he goes to visit them and stays for a long visit. He did not go in 2010 but did in 2009.

So this past Monday.... my dh left for Maine.

He will stay for atleast a month. We spend time getting ready to start school, having friends over... I am going to paint my bathroom. We know he enjoys his time with his aunt and uncle and we enjoy our time doing some special things too.

Bye, Dad.... have fun in Maine!

Grace~ Teena
Change the world one child at a time... sponsor a child today!

Testing the waters.... our new normal.

2011-07-21T15:14:00.000-04:00

Would you take a few minutes and let me know that you stopped by....

Haven't heard from anyone in a little bit. Wondering about this blog....    I talk lots about Compassion now so I have lost some. I guess talking less about the details of our life...   more on how God is doing a work in me... to reach out more.

Kind of weird to me too.   I am realizing that this new way of life is even impacting our daily life...   not JUST the blog world.

So if you are here for the first time... will you let me know? Or if you are a regular lurker....   or if you are a regular commenter.   Yes, I know this may seem strange to some.

Like I said....    new waters for me... just testing them.

grace~
Teena
Change the World~ One child at a time~ sponosor a child today!

God continues to take me out of my comfort zone....

2011-07-17T19:57:00.001-04:00

Yes, I know it is Justin Bieber... take a minute and watch. God continues to show me that He wants me to speak out on behalf of the children. We can change a life ... one child at a time in Jesus name.

Please consider sponsoring a child.... if you would like to please click HERE. Let me know what you think of the video.

** this video is not a Compassion endorsed video. Just a video that Alyssa and I were watching and I wanted to share with you~

Do we buy into the lie.....

2011-07-16T22:33:00.001-04:00

As Americans I think we often buy into the lie... that LIFE is suppose to be easy...

or that if LIFE is hard then it is not God's will....

"I have touched it: this, the hard eucharisteo, the hard discipline to lean into the ugly and whisper thanks to transfigure it into Beauty, the hard discipline to give thanks for all things at all times because He is all good. The hard discipline to number the griefs as grace... God chooses to prune and purify to make me fullest, wholest whole. All is grace only because all can transfigure." ~ God in the Moment by Ann Voskamp

God has continued to grow me... stretch me in ways that I would not have chosen. His ways are not my ways. God is showing me how through the hard places He is refining me ...

I think for so many years I wanted things to be easy.... but it is through the refining and hard places that He grows me ....

He gives me grace.... He shows me that I can totally trust Him... even in the hard places.

Wesley is 8... where does the time go?

2011-07-16T01:57:00.000-04:00

Our youngest... Wesley turned 8 onThursday. Wow... time goes so very fast. When he blew out the candle he picked it up and said .... we can throw this away now cause we will never need it again! Wow.... 6 children and I will never have a 7 yr old... 6 yr old.... 5 yr old... and so on... again....

Have I told you lately... to grab hold of the moment? Make a memory...   time goes so fast... it will be gone too soon!

Thursday was also 4 yrs ago that my Dad went to be with Jesus. The day Wesley turned 4. Half of Wesley's life was lived with my Dad in it... and now half without him. Lots of dates in July....

For the past several years I have struggled with Wesley's birthday and my Dad's death date being the same. But I have come to realize that I am so thankful that God joined them this way. I know that may sound strange but I am.

God is faithful...   His ways are not our ways...

Happy Birthday, Wesley! We love you....

Almost 4 yrs later... Happy Birthday, Dad.

2011-07-09T01:41:00.001-04:00

My Dad would of been 87 yesterday... its been almost 4 yrs since he went to be with Jesus.

Emory J. Graham
July 8, 1924- July 14, 2007

My status on facebook was... "Happy Birthday, Dad. I miss you."

My Dad would go to the corner every Friday night and listen to the Bluegrass/gospel music. He loved music, guitars and loved to listen to his friends sing and play bluegrass music. He had some great friends at the corner.

One of the comments under that status was ... "Gerald will sing a song in honor of your Dad tonight at the corner parking lot."

Here's the song~

House of Gold
People steal, they cheat and lie
For wealth and what it will buy
Don't they know on the judgement day
Gold and silver will melt away

I'd rather be in a deep, dark grave
And know that my poor soul was saved
Than to live in this world in a house of gold
And deny my God and lose my soul

What good is gold and silver, too
If your heart's not good and true
Sinner hear me when I say
Fall down upon your knees and pray

I'd rather be in a deep, dark grave
And know that my poor soul was saved
Than to live in this world in a house of gold
And deny my God and lose my soul
And deny my God and lose my soul

God is faithful. My Dad didn't talk about his faith that much. The week before he died he told my two cousins that he had made everything right with his Maker and he knew where he was going. So almost four years later... God reminds me... I love when Jesus just gives me an extra measure of grace... or just a God moment. It is always at just the right time.

That comment said... "your Dad always liked him to sing that song."

Happy Birthday, Dad. I miss you. We miss you.

Plans change...

2011-07-06T23:53:00.001-04:00

We found out last week that my aunt passed away. She was almost 92. She lived on the opposite corner of the house I grew up in since I was 11. We had planned to go to Orlando around the middle of July. Well our plans changed and we left on Thursday, June 30th. It was a wonderful tribute to her life... we were able to see lots of my cousins and extended family. It is surreal as most of my aunts/uncles have passed. My Dad's generation. I have one uncle (in Colorado) and one aunt (atlanta) still living. It feels so weird. Its like we are moving into our parents position and our older children moving into our positions. New season... changes.

When we went to the funeral this past week we were able to visit with Mike/Amber and my sister.

We visited a spring on Saturday.

On Sunday we worshipped at Grace Orlando. The pastor was out of town and Rick (our x youth pastor who moved to Orlando to church plant with our son Mike) was preaching Sunday morning. I found out that Mike (our son) was leading worship! The worship leader and his wife just had their first child. Rick was preaching and Mike leading worship. So cool... that we were able to be a part of this as we have watched this whole journey come to be... sGod is good.

Rick preached on relationships. How we are to show love. Eph. 5. It spoke to my heart. God sees the bigger picture. We are called to trust.

I am so excited to see all that God is doing... Grace Conway will launch as a branch off of Grace Orlando in Sept. Rick will pastor and Michael will be the worship pastor. Please pray for this new chapter in the lives of my oldest son and his wife, Amber and also our dear friend Rick and his wife Christie and their two children.

Thank you for letting me share....

grace & peace...

Aren't they cute?

2011-07-01T16:35:00.001-04:00

Genesis from Honduras. She is almost 6.

Shui from India. He will be 7 in September.

Both of these children need sponsors. We sponsored our first child Ucok from Indonesia in March 2008. Ucok was only 3. We have watched him grow. He just turned 7. Compassion is so amazing... as we receive letters and we write to him. It has changed his life.... but as I have said before ... it has changed ours. For only $38 a month... you can become a sponsor! It is a wonderful amazing experience. If you are willing to open your heart to Genesis or Shui please let me know. If you would like to look at more children... please click here.

Christian child sponsorship makes a world of difference.... Share your love and support with a child in need. Become a friend, exchange letters, photos and prayers. Change a life forever.

And the Winner is......

2011-06-28T23:02:00.001-04:00

drum roll please.......

                                        MELISSA!!

You have won my very first drawing.... I have your copy of "Too Small To Ignore!" Since we live near each other... you will have your book soon!     Hope you enjoy it!

Thanks for all of your comments. I really appreciate each one of you....   I want to especially thank Jill and Michelle two Compassion Advocates who have encouraged me so much, helped me, and walked beside me as I started this journey.

Congrats, Melissa.

It's Official... I am now a Compassion Advocate & Here's a Give Away for you!

2011-06-23T19:02:00.003-04:00

..... I am very excited but also very scared. I keep asking myself ... How can I do this? I know that "I" can't only God can. I know that it is God who will touch people to sponsor a child.... but I have two child packets wating to be sponsored. Waiting for their lives to be forever changed. How do I just trust and not worry?

Compassion International is a child sponsorship organization that releases children from poverty in Jesus name.... and so much more. The integrity of Compassion is amazing. I am still learning... what I have learned in the last few weeks through interviews and paperwork is so incredible. I am honored to speak out on behalf of the children....   I am honored to be a part of the Advocate Network. I am so thankful for the Advocates who have encouraged and helped me along the way... and continue to help me!

Please enter my first giveway...   here are the ways to enter. You can enter multiple times. Just leave separate comment. My little boys will draw a name on the 27th. I can't wait to hear from you!

1. just leave a comment
2. if you sponsor a child from Compassion please let me know.
3. if you do not sponsor a child from Compassion but hope to in the future.
4. if you would like to sponsor one of the children that I have a packet for.. you will receive 5 entries for       that! How awesome that would be!
5.you share if Compassion International is new to you.

In the area we live... not many know about Compassion International. I would love for you to share...  it will encourage me as I share to lots who have never heard of Compassion International.

This book will encourage you to turn your good, loving intentions into strategic actions and empower you to help change the world–and the future–forever: one child at a time.

Please pray for me... as I start this journey. I will end with some of what I read today in my Compassion training stuff....

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Prov. 31:8-9

Our first born....

2011-06-22T23:58:00.002-04:00

.... turned 26 today. Michael was born 26 yrs ago in Lemoore, California. He weighed in at 9lbs 4oz and was 22" long. After 19 hrs of labor Michael was born my c-sectiion.

yes a dolphin swim...

Summer of 2004... he spent it in Oregon.

Michael & Amber's wedding Nov. 2007

Where did the time go? Seems like yesterday he was Wes' age. Happy Birthday, Michael! We are so proud of you...

We love you much~

grace~

Father's Day... and a graduation.

2011-06-19T20:34:00.029-04:00

Father's Day is always hard for me.... well for the past 4 yrs. This year seems to be more emotional for me and I am just not sure why. My Dad went to be with Jesus in July 2007. I still miss him. I guess most would think that after 4 yrs.... I should be "over" it. I think what is the hardest is my kids not having grandparents. Wesley turned 4 the day Dad died. Wes will be 8 next month. So my Dad's been gone half of Wesley's life.

Wesley with my Dad~ 2005

Alyssa with my Dad~ 2001

This past week Mike and Amber surprised the kids with a visit. They came in on Wednesday and stayed for a couple days. It was fun. Mandi graduated from the tech. college and so on Friday we went to the graduation and then to Cracker Barrel.

It was great all of us being together.... a little chaotic at times .. but that is nothing new... the times we are all together are less and less.. so I am thankful for the few days we had to all be together.

Hope each of you had a great Father's Day weekend.

Grace and peace~

Alyssa sponsored her first child....

2011-06-11T01:52:00.000-04:00

Introducing JAZZY RAIN! She is 7 yrs old...from the Philippines!

Alyssa has wanted a child of her own for a long time. We have prayed .... asking God to lead us to the one He had for us. We both have a peace that Jazzy is the one. Alyssa is so excited. At this time Alyssa doesn't have an income because she is only 13. But she wants to be responsible for praying, writing and building the relationship with Jazzy.

Please pray for Alyssa as she starts this journey with her first sponsored child. One of the things she asked me tonight was ... "will we know if our sponsored child accepts Jesus?"

God is faithful.

Jamira.... is still on our hearts. She will be forever. You know it isn't the $38 a month... its the deep love we have for these children. Its the children knowing that we love them..... Jamira knows we do. Soon... very soon Jazzy Rain will know we do too!

Celebrate with us! Welcome our new child.... Jazzzzzzyyyy!

Releasing children from poverty in Jesus name....

Peace...

2011-06-09T23:47:00.000-04:00

God is good.

Thank you for praying for me. All of you have been quiet... but I do appreciate your prayers.

We did say our goodbye to JAMIRA. We cried some. We know she will always know we love her. Talking to Maureen the other day and sharing with her.. she said "oh I have a friend visiting Uganda ... maybe she can go by and see Jamira."     Plus some other friends may go to Uganda in the future. So often we think it will never happen but God is bigger than we can ever imagine. Again... thank you for praying.

My vertigo is some better... still hanging on .....

Update on my process with becoming an Advocate. On Monday I had a phone interview and it was so encouraging. Compassion is amazing. I am so excited.

We keep looking at the children from the Philippines. We want to sponsor another child. Our Mandi sponsors Neema from Tanzania. Alyssa wants to have a child of her own. I keep looking at an older girl from El Salvador. It is so hard .....   I want them all.

We went over to some friends on Tuesday....   my boys love their home. It is pretty cool. How's your summer going? It is pretty hot here.... We will go pick tomatoes next week. I love the fruit this time of year. Watermelon, cantelope, peaches.... fresh tomatoes... oh wait that is a veggie! We love cucumbers... squash .We have some tomatoes on our plants. But we do not plant lots... we have a tomatoe patch we go and pick at each year. Oh and yesterday we had some blueberries!

My boys in our friends home.

Let me hear from you....

Something really interesting....

2011-06-06T16:50:00.002-04:00

The United States compared to Africa. Do you know the size of Africa?   This really shocked me.

Take a look at this link... its pretty cool.

We are pretty small compared to Africa. So often we think North America is so big....

something to think about....

Grace & peace~

So unsettled...

2011-06-05T17:06:00.000-04:00

Do you ever feel like so many things are coming at you.... not bad necessarily... but just stuff.

We are finishing up school.... but that's not it...

We are without a pastor... our pastor resigned after six years... our church is in transition... but that's not it.

I have struggled with vertigo for over a month...  but that's not it...

Then there is my sustaining longing.... some days it seems unbearable. God continues to give me His grace... it may not be the way I think it should be... but His grace is sufficient. So really... that's not it...

I have read/followed the Compassion Bloggers this week as they traveled to the Philippines. My heart has been touched, ripped open as I have watched and read the stories of their experiences. My heart is so pulled. I want so much to make a diffference. I am struggling as I look at the pictures of all the children in the Philippines. Alyssa and I sort of picked Jhel and Mercy. You know my word for this year is MERCY. As we went back last night to check... both are gone. Sponsored? I am suppose to be happy right? Jhel was waiting for longer than 6 months...   so why am I not jumping up and down?   See so unsettled.

I do have something on my heart.... not sure how much to share here...   looks like we will be stopping our sponsorship of Jamira. She is an 11 yr old girl from Uganda. She is not with Compassion. My heart is so sad. She does know we love her. It is just so hard.

I normally hold it together. That's the last thing my Dad said to me... "Hold it together...." I think I am more of a see my glass half full instead of half empty person...   guess I am just having a down day.

I wrote letters to our sponsored children yesterday. I decided to send them a picture of me... holding their pictures.

.. ..oh one more thing.... tomorrow at 11:30am I will have a phone interview with a Compassion representative... it is part of my application process to become a Compassion Advocate. I am nervous. Not so much for the interview but that I will be able to DO this that I believe God has called me to. Doubt is slipping in...

So today I share part of my heart... long... but some of what is on my heart.

GRACE... GRACE.... HIS GRACE...