The Greatest Gift of All ~ Part 3

Be sure to read Part 1 HERE and Part 2 HERE before reading Part 3. Thank you!

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You would think after receiving the ultimate gift from their father, the childrens' lives would go smoothly and everything would be good. But this was not so. Although both children accepted the same perfect gift each used it differently in their lives. Neither entirely understood the benefits of such a great gift for it was beyond what they could imagine.

The daughter took her father's words to heart. She knew how much he loved her, she knew how much she loved and missed him, and she knew she wanted her father's ways to continue. By living a life like her father, she knew many others around her would be touched and blessed. Changing her way of living was not an easy task. She found that controlling her tongue as well as her negative thoughts to be two of the most difficult challenges. She would also have to get out of her comfort zone and reach out to others. But she pressed on. She wanted her life to be a tribute back to her dad, a thank you for loving her beyond measure. She would imagine her father looking down upon her with a smile on his face with every good step she made. She did what she did not because she felt she had to for her father, but because she wanted to and because of the love she felt for him. Her heart had changed... it had grown. She learned that doing good was not the easiest route to take but somehow it was definitely the most rewarding. Yes, she faced trials from time to time, sometimes she wondered if she was going to survive the struggling and suffering, but she would refocus her mind on the positive, on her father, what he would have done in her situation. Her father's letters gave her great hope and inspiration during the difficult times. After patience and endurance through the battles in her life she was always able to overcome them and feel more powerful than before. She grew thankful for the difficult times because looking back, she could see that through the journey she was learning new and important lessons. She was becoming a better and stronger person. She was feeling freer from struggles that would have previously made her feel miserable long term.

People around her were always watching. Some were quick to cast judgement on her. They didn't take the time to get to know her, but then there were others who were drawn to her, one's that didn't even know why their paths joined hers but in time they were touched by her. They learned new things about themselves through her kind words and actions. They were drawn to her for the good and it made them want to be better... for themselves and for others. She was also encouraged by them. There was an indescribable strength through the positive actions.

The brother was going through life completely different. He said he accepted his fathers final gift at the same time his sister did, but the acceptance did not make it into his heart. The acceptance of the gift only made it in his mind. He went on with his life saying many things his father did and did some good deeds but he remained focused on his own works. He was still driven by worldly things... money, his company, his own desires of things he wanted and wanted to do. He couldn't see the power that his father was giving him through his final gift. He didn't allow his heart to be open for change. His mind was always racing on what he thought he needed to do next. This was quite the opposite from his sister. She would allow her mind to rest on her father and his ways and words and allow them to guide her. But the son, he was guiding himself which made for very difficult times and he continued to grow weaker. It felt like he was always fighting against someone or something. He didn't realize that the biggest battle was going on inside himself. He did things because he thought he had to. He didn't see any use for controlling his tongue and controlling his own mind was not even a thought. To him life was just going to happen, he didn't see how he could have any impact on it for the good. Even though his father was on his thoughts from time to time, he remained in his own works and because of this he could not truly prosper in any area of his life.

The sister saw how her brother was struggling. She could see the war that was going on within himself. She tried to make him see that the ways of their father and the love for him had to be embedded in their hearts. She tried to get her brother to read their father's letters but he always responded that he didn't have time for that. This hurt her for she knew how life could change for the better for him if he just took the time and put his focus on their father, his ways and words, and allow his mind and heart to be renewed. But the sister knew that she could not push him, that if she did it would only drive him farther away. So she went about her day, focusing on the good, focusing on her father and what she could do for someone else. Because of showing great love, the daughter felt so full, so happy and blessed in return. She couldn't think of living life any differently. She wanted the same for everyone around her. She wanted everyone to feel loved. She realized that EVERYONE had been given this amazing gift. The ultimate gift was given a very long time ago and it is passed down to each generation. The daughter wants everyone to know the great power that dwells within each believer. She knows by watching her brother and others around her that there is a choice to accept this great gift... not just to accept it through mind and word but in the heart. By truly accepting the great power and love, it completely changes a person. It makes them live for the good, it makes them do good, it makes them love in a new way, it makes them see life so differently... there is no longer a darkness but light and hope in all situations. The sister does not know what any given day will bring, but she is certain that good will come from it. She prays that one day her brother will experience this light... because there is no greater gift!

The End.

Initially I didn't know there was going to be a part three. But I felt it laid on my heart that many people aren't realizing the amazing gift that dwells within them. This power is just waiting and wanting to be used. God gave US, you and me who believe in Him, the Holy Spirit to dwell within for a purpose. It isn't meant to sit in us and do nothing until the day we die. We are meant to be transformed, to do good and amazing things right now in this life. The Bible is filled with so many letters explaining how it is best to live our life. It tells us how to overcome evil that we will experience. It explains a good part of God's will for us. I have never been so excited to learn... it is like discovering the best kept secrets, but the crazy part is it shouldn't be a secret. We are meant to share the good exciting news, but somehow Satan has such a strong hold on this world, so many people aren't hearing/learning the so called secrets to living a better life! Jesus came to Earth to show us by His actions the ways we should go. We are suppose to learn from what he did and said. Sure we can believe in Him and believe that he died on the cross for our sins to save us and have eternal life, but I feel that there is so much more that is not being taught, even in many churches. Jesus died, so we could be given the Holy Spirit to dwell in us, so we can be the hands and feet of Christ. Jesus paid the ultimate price so we are able to overcome Satan's evil doings! We should be thanking God for His amazing gift by loving Him and doing the good that He showed us to do. He wants us to pray continually for guidance, and if we really are being true to His ways, He will answer our prayers, He will be glad to guide us, He will show us His great love. I am certain of this. So long I didn't make the time for Him. I didn't make the time for a relationship with Him. I didn't realize what I was missing and through that journey I learned that I was really hurting myself for not taking the time to get to know Him. I didn't realize it at the time, but I was allowing Satan into my life and even allowing him to work through me. And although my journey has been a rough one, I am so thankful for it, because God has drawn me closer to Him by experiencing those difficult times. I now know that God was after my attention the whole time. He loves me and He loves you. He is OUR Father who wants the best for us. We just need to give Him our time, our focus and allow Him to work through us. Our Father has a great plan for us. Are we willing to let Him move us?

The Greatest Gift of All ~ Part 2

Make sure to first read Part 1 HERE.

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Once back home, the children tried to go about their busy days as usual. They were hoping that their filled work schedules would take some of the pain away. Oh how their hearts were aching. They had never felt a pain like this before. They found themselves unable to focus on anything other than their father. Not keeping in better contact with their dad while he was alive was tormenting their minds. Why, they wondered, did they put all their focus and attention on their jobs, money, material things? What was their purpose? Someone that meant so much to them, someone who went above and beyond for them was now gone. They were feeling miserable for how they treated their father and now they couldn't see a good purpose in anything they were doing. Everything was feeling meaningless. People around them could tell a difference in their attitudes and it was impacting everyone around them. Relationships, their businesses, everything it seemed, was starting to suffer. Eventually the children decided to head back to their childhood home to see if there was any hope of finding closure to this heartbreaking situation they found themselves in.

When they arrived at their father's home they remembered the gift he mentioned before his death. They really didn't think they could accept another gift from him. They felt so unworthy of it. With thoughts of their father on their mind and knowing he really wanted them to have this last gift, they decided to go see what exactly it was. When they went upstairs they found on their father's bed a smallish box, neatly wrapped with a letter on top. They opened the letter and read...

To my dearest children, this is for YOU ~

I know my death came as a shock to you, but I expected it. Although you won't be able to understand right now my passing is for the best. You see, out of bad things come good so don't focus on the bad but look forward to the good that is coming because it will. There are a few things I want to share with you that I couldn't before. You see, before I never had your full attention.

I want you to know how much I love you... each of you, so very, very much. I thought about you well before you were born. My heart was bursting when I saw you come into the world for the first time. You were perfect! You are wonderfully made and capable of so much!

The purpose of your life was never simply to survive. You were meant to live life fully, to truly thrive. A life of good; able to enjoy all the gifts I have given you from the beginning. Now, you are given choices to make. You are given free will over your own lives. I never once told you growing up that you had to do things my way and no other. I strongly urged you in certain directions for your safety but the end choice was always yours. If you chose wrongly there would be consequences. Because I love you, I want to warn you, if you choose to follow the ways of the world, you are likely never to feel complete. There will be great hurt on many different levels. But I am happy to tell you there is another option for you. Would you like to live a life where you felt free, at peace and filled every day? Could you accept a gift like this?

Now if you feel bad about any actions you have done in regard to me or have done something else that you think is so unworthy of deserving such a gift, I tell you, for peace of mind, please ask for forgiveness and know then that you are truly forgiven. I love you with my whole heart. I could never stop loving you; you, who I loved before you were even born. I've watched you grow. I know you so well. You are a part of me. There is nothing you could do that could stop me from loving you. Trust me!

My earthly gifts did not move you. At least they did not move your heart. Your heart was left unchanged. Since my death, you realized a pain you had never known, your heart felt something. Your heart is changing, renewing and growing. You now are seeing me much more clearly then when I was with you in person. I have given you ALL I have and ALL this I give you will be more then you can ever imagine.

As you know, my heart was filled with love, joy, kindness and truth. This is your inheritance. My gift goes beyond any "natural" gift. There is no limit and it cannot be contained. It is freely available for you and it is meant to be passed down to your children and their children, for generations to come. With this great gift you will be able to overcome life's trials. You will be brought to difficult situations but with my gift, planted in you, you will be able to overcome these trials! Children, trust me! A good heart conquers all evil! All you need to do is place your faith in me.

By excepting my most precious gift, you will lack nothing. For my heart will join yours and work together with you to do what you have seen me do and even greater things than these. There are no boundaries to the good you are able to do. With me, in you, all things are possible. Have faith in ME! Keep your focus on ME! Speak words that come from me, these are words of life. If you happen to make a mistake and lose focus, it is okay. My love for you is too great. I will never give up on you, so do not give up on me due to your own mistakes. Ask for forgiveness and keep pressing forward.

In the box, I have left you many more letters to reveal to you more of my good and perfect ways. Read them, but know that the most important thing is that I am always with you. I am in you. I love YOU!

So children, I hope you now know deep within your soul how much you mean to me. I hope you know I want the best for you and your children to come. I pray you will accept my gift; that you will open your heart fully and allow me to guide your steps. You will then live an abundant life of blessing and you will impact many around you. This will make me proud!

I will be with YOU ALWAYS! With all my love ~ your Father

With tears streaming down their faces, the children were changed forever. They accepted the perfect gift from their father. They were filled with great hope for having a purpose filled life. They were ready to share the good; to share the love with others.

To be continued...

Part 3 HERE.

Love lettering done by my daughter, Kaelyn age7.

The only way I can describe this story is that the Holy Spirit wrote it through me. I pray it will bring you closer to Him. He has certainly made a huge difference in my life. For so long, I didn't have time for Him. When I thought I really knew Him I didn't. He wasn't IN my heart. I finally realized how much he loves me and ALL his children. He so wants to be a part of our life. He wants us to turn to Him first for every situation we find ourselves in. He wants us to speak His words. He wants us to love like Him. He wants the best for us. What he desires most is for us to KNOW Him and love Him! If we are hoping for prayers and desires to be fulfilled, are we wanting these gifts without having a relationship with the one who gives them? I have cried, because I am guilty of this. I am thankful for the trials I have gone through because I can now see Him much more clearly. I have a new love in my heart... it is for Jesus who showed me how to live, who took my place as a sinner on the cross, who freed me from Satan.

I pray that I will keep my focus on you Lord and that you will work through me the rest of my life, no matter how undeserving I am. Thank you God for leaving us so many letters (in the Bible) to encourage us and reveal your ways to us! God, thank you for loving me with your whole heart. I love you!

The Greatest Gift of All! ~ Part 1 Do you have it?

There once was a wise man. Although he was very rich, he had a good heart. Unlike most prosperous people around him he was always thinking of others' needs before his own. He loved giving gifts, especially unexpected gifts. He enjoyed giving the most to his children, a son and a daughter. Even though the man had so much, he did not believe in simply spoiling his children. He wanted his gifts to be special, exciting, well thought out and with a special purpose in mind. The children adored their father growing up. He was a giver, not only of gifts but of his time and love.

When the son and daughter grew older they moved many miles away to go to school. They started careers and became very focused on growing their own companies. They wanted everything their father had and more. They became so busy with their own lives that contact with their father was gradually being pushed to the side. His calls weren't being returned. His letters were left unanswered. Sometimes his letters weren't even being read. He didn't want to force his relationship with them. He loved them and wanted them to be happy with whatever choices they made. But his heart did ache for them terribly. He would do anything for his children! He started to wonder if he was on their heart any more.

The children continued on with their busy lifestyles... work, dinners, meetings, parties, keeping up their homes, and so forth. One day the father decided to surprise them with investing a huge sum of money into their new careers. His thought was that it would take away any financial strain from them and it would be a great seed that would continue to grow and the wealth could eventually be shared with others. The son and daughter were thrilled with the generous gift from their father, but they remained captivated in their busy lifestyles and didn't even get around to thanking their father. The thought would pop into their minds every so often that they needed to call him and thank him but the moment never seemed right, time was passing so quickly, this and that had to be done first. Just too much had to be done. The father's heart was hurting. His children who he loved so much wouldn't acknowledge him. He had done so much for them. He had what seemed to be everything, everything that could be theirs one day, but they were so focused on their own daily lives that they couldn't see the end picture. The father was hoping that the children would look back on their childhood and remember his actions, to learn from it and walk in his ways. For his life was good. Very good. He was rich in so many ways.

Not long after, the children received another letter in the mail from their father. It stated that he felt like he wouldn't be around much longer but he had a really wonderful gift he wanted to give them. It was something they couldn't get anywhere else. Something that would change their lives forever.
The children were stunned to get such a letter. What was wrong with their father? He had always been a strong and healthy man. They decided they needed to tie up loose ends at work and then the next day they would fly home to be with their dad.

Once they arrived home, they learned the devastating news; their father had passed away the night before in his sleep. What did he die from they asked? They were told, "His heart just stopped." They were also told that their father had left them a gift upstairs and he wanted to be sure they got it. The children were so stunned and heartbroken from the loss of their father that they didn't believe they could accept one more gift from their dad and returned home without seeing what was in store for them.

As time went by, thoughts of their father invaded their minds. They had so many good memories of him. He was always full of laughter, helping them and everyone else around them, he saw the good in every situation... he was a remarkable man. No one was like their dad. They started to realize for the first time in their lives that no one who received gifts from their dad deserved to. He never once wanted anything in return. His delight came in the giving. His heart was better than gold.

Will the children go back to their childhood home and see what the last gift was that their father left them?

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Part 2 can be found HERE.

You are so loved! {NEW Art}

{You Are So Loved Art Print}

The giving of flowers primarily shows an act of love. Valentines day and funerals come to mind when I think of moments when flowers are often given, although any time can be special, whether a particular reason or not. It is a caring gesture from one to another.

Love one another. God's greatest commands. If only people of this world followed that one command. Just think how life would be so different. Sometimes it is hard to love others... difference of opinions, jealousy, hurtful words and actions. Someone's negativity can greatly affect us and cause us to react. What reaction do we generally lean towards showing? Is it kindness in return after we have been hurt or is it revenge or even shutting out the other person so we aren't hurt again? I wish I could say I respond in love and kindness just as my heavenly father would and wants us to. But often times it isn't. I am trying to become better at this. I've been slowly reading my way through the New Testament in the Bible. I love how God has given us a life's manual. When we take the time to read His book, learn from His teachings and show it through our own actions life becomes better and full of new meaning. At least that is what I find to be true. Life and situations around me are viewed so differently... better now that the Word is such an important part of my life.

My pencil drawing/charcoal painting, You Are So Loved, was inspired by Him. He blesses the earth with such beauty. It is truly amazing how a simple seed can be planted and it grows into something so beautiful and then can be given to another through a loving action or simply enjoyed where it grows. To me the book of John is one of God's greatest love letters to us. Jesus healing others, comforting others even though he knows what lies ahead for himself. He only did good yet was extremely mistreated. He showed love but was not loved in return. Yet he still died on the cross for each one of us to take away our sins. We are so not worthy of such a sacrifice. When it sinks into our mind of what He did for us because He loves us so much you can't help but want to become a better person and follow His word.

Last weekend we took our daughter to see the new movie Cinderella. It doesn't have quite as a happy feel as the older animated one but it does a great job in showing kindness even when one may not "deserve" it. The big part that stuck out at me was towards the end when Cinderella was leaving the wicked step mother with the prince and Cinderella turned and looked at her and said, "I forgive you." Powerful. For everything Cinderella had put up with you would think she would have reacted with revenge, but she reacted in love. Such a great lesson for young and old alike. ♥

God is Good...

Always.

{image via google}

We were given the opportunity to see God's Not Dead last night. (Thanks mom and dad!) It was filled with great points about faith and evolution. I encourage all believers and non-believers to go see the movie if you get the chance. During the beginning I was thinking it was rather depressing and didn't really see why people thought the movie was so great. But the depressing part came from the people who didn't believe. They have no hope for the future and many are just plain evil... not thinking of anyone but themselves and their own happiness. It just seems to me that life with God is so much brighter, even if you are going through something bad, you at least have hope for better things to come; the living word is filled with encouragement and direction.

Have you seen the movie? If so what are your thoughts about it?

Heavy Heart

I was planning on posting some art this week as it has been far too long but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Something else has been on my mind. Early this week we received news of my husband's aunt passing away. My heart sunk. She had just found out her cancer had spread and was given six months to live. Only a couple days after getting the news she was gone. When we heard she had six months I still had hope. Hope that God would cure her here on earth. I've seen a friend given no hope from doctors and God healed her so I was very hopeful. Maybe too hopeful as I have seen several loved ones lose their fight to cancer. My heart aches for the girls who lost their mom, the husband who lost his wife, the mom who lost her daughter, the young grandkids who lost their grandma... and though it is so sad I have to look at the brighter side. She is no longer in pain. She has gone home to the Lord.

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,

and death shall be no more,

neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore,

for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21:4

For those left behind...

"I will strengthen you, I will help you,

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Death can really make you look differently at life... what is really important. Our time here is short.

Our Path {Health & Inspiration}

I found this passage from Our Daily Bread to be inspiring...

Interruptions are nothing new. Rarely does a day go by as planned.
Life is filled with inconveniences. Our plans are constantly thwarted by forces beyond our control.
What we cannot see, however is the other side of inconvenience. We think it has no purpose other than to discourage us, make life more difficult, and thwart our plans. However, inconvenience could be God's way of protecting us from some unseen danger, or it could be an opportunity to demonstrate God's grace and forgiveness. It might be the start of something even better than we had planned. Or it could be a test to see how we respond to adversity. Whatever it is, even though we may not know God's reason, we can be assured of His motive~to make us more like Jesus and to further His kingdom on earth.
To say that God's followers throughout history have been "inconvenienced" would be an understatement. But God had a purpose. Knowing this, we can thank Him, being confident that He is giving us an opportunity to redeem time (Eph. 5:16,20). ~Julie Ackerman Link

Such powerful words, and so true. Through time I have been witnessing God working in my own life. He really does answer prayers. It most likely won't be done when you want it to and it might not even be the way you were expecting or hoping for but He will answer. Through my crazy health journey, there have been some very low points but I can see now how He was pulling me closer to Him through the struggles and even protecting me in other ways. I know He has been guiding me while I work hard at putting the pieces to the health puzzle together. It definitely has not been an easy course, but the healing is happening and I couldn't be more thankful or excited! God is so powerful! I highly recommend leaning on Him for guidance above all else. Lots more to share about this in the future!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Online Auction Going on Now!

{Auction item from Enduring Arts}

If you follow me on twitter you probably already know about this online auction that is going on, but I wanted to get it posted on here as well. Again this year I am donating a print of choice to the highest bidder in the Ekubo Auction. They are raising money for the Children's Home in Uganda. Auction ends this Sunday night, November 24th at 11:59 pm (EST).
Sorry I didn't spread the word on the blog earlier... so much going on. For one I've been seeing my share of doctors this week. My sweetheart of a dad sat with me for several hours yesterday while going through more health tests and we were both busy reading for a good part of it. At first I wasn't sure what to bring with since one of the tests took 3+ hours alone. Well the one thing I had and knew would keep me busy for a long time was the Bible, and it gave me wonderful words for this post...

"If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor,

he too will cry out and not be answered." Proverbs 21:13

 

There are so many wonderful items in the auction. You can bid by leaving a comment. Sometimes the comment area may not show up if you are on Google Chrome or a Smart phone so try switching over to Internet Explorer and maybe try hitting refresh. Go check it out, you might get a really good deal on an item and you might find something that would make a great gift for the holidays.

Go HERE to check out the items!

Do not be discouraged...

Have I not commanded you?

Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified;

Do not be discouraged; for the Lord your God

will be with you wherever you may go.

Joshua 1:9

 

Sometimes I find it hard not to get discouraged. I suppose everyone has that feeling at some point.

As I go through more doctor visits and several more tests once again, I just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other, trusting and knowing that God is by my side through this crazy journey. He gives me the strength to keep going. He provides and cares for the birds, bugs and plants, he will do the same for his children... he will take care of me.

Monday's Message

 

So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

 

I am depending on these words... for Him to strengthen me and help me. I am very hopeful that we (me and Him) can get my health turned back around. I am leaning on God to help because I cannot do it alone. Due to my gut being in bad condition, I can no longer eat dairy, wheat, gluten, oats, rice, corn, fructose, sugar of any kind, anything processed, nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes...) plus more. I had given up most of it quite awhile ago, but oats and rice have been hard. I started a new meal plan today, I am excited and hopeful for good things to come. It will take time and I know it won't be easy. One of my prayers is to get better and then help others going through a similar situation to regain their health as well. That is what God wants us to do, help others.

 

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”
―  Hippocrates

Establishing Our Steps

Last week some energy returned (thank you God!), so I cleaned out a few areas in the house to move my art studio/print shop to a bigger space. As I was going through things I came across several little papers where I had written bible verses. It is funny how verses hit you differently depending on what you are experiencing at the time. This was one of my favorites I came across...

In their hearts humans plan their course,

but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9

 

Our little family had a good, exciting weekend... we couldn't have planned it better ourselves. :)

Struggling {Health & Faith}

 My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  2 Corinthians 12:9-10

 

We all have struggles and weaknesses in this imperfect world. There is no way around them. Each person deals with these difficulties differently. Do you turn to the Lord or do you push against Him? For me, God's word is sometimes the only thing I have to give me hope. I'll be totally honest and say I have been very weak lately. My health has been dwindling for awhile now and it is scary. No matter how hard I try and fight it doesn't seem like enough. The only place I can turn to for encouragement is the Bible. I know I have grown so much in the Word since first being diagnosed with Graves Disease, and for that I am thankful. It is crazy to think that some need struggles in their life to make them focus on the Lord. I have always been a believer but I hadn't been one to really study the Word. As my health continues to spiral down I often wonder why? Why God can you not help me get better? We have been attending a new church and I find myself hanging on to so much that is said. One Sunday they showed a video of some of the church's youth kids and they were talking about things that were important to them. I won't forget that one of the girls said that she welcomed brokenness, so she could get to know the Lord better and become closer to Him. Wow! Those words coming from a young girl were so powerful! I can't say I have ever looked forward to difficulties in my life. I want things to go smoothly and easily... who doesn't? But then who will really grow in Christ? Hardships are like a test; do we get mad at God and turn our backs on Him for allowing such awful things to happen to us or loved ones, or do we choose it to be a learning experience and hold on to the hope of His promise that better things are coming, that He is here for us and loving us through the entire journey?

 

 Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord

Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.  Romans 5:1-5

 

It is so hard to rejoice during times of suffering, but I know there is so much growth that is happening because of it. I am working on focusing on the hope. The hope keeps me going.

 

What helps you get through struggles in your life?

True Love {adoption}

It is pretty amazing all the connections that can be made through technology today. You never know whose path is going to cross yours. A total stranger can have a huge impact on your life. Are you willing to allow others to touch your heart whether it be on-line or off-line? We can be taught so much if we are just open to it.

I recently had the pleasure of getting to know a little about Whitney Runyon via the internet. She shared photos she took from a recent adoption she was blessed to witness and document. Here are a few of her shots...

You can see a lot more of the journey HERE.

The moments that Whitney captured made me cry... they really did. She captured so much love from this family. And the little boy... he is finally home and you can see how happy he is. ♥ Doesn't it look like he has always been with them? What a perfect fit... God is so good. He joined this family together through adoption.

I want to give this mom and dad a hug for opening their hearts to a little one that needed a home... needed a family... needed to be loved. You can get a glimpse into the family's life HERE. I especially love this post. Their blog is bound to make you smile. :)

The Eicher's family went through Reese's Rainbow adoption agency.

And guess what, Whitney is looking for more families to work with and share their stories! If you are interested send her an email at wrunyonphotography@gmail.com . To see more of her photography go HERE.

Breaks My Heart...

From the speaker I heard last weekend...

PLEASE READ and SHARE the information!!!

RescueHer... have you heard of it?

Have you ever heard a story that touched your heart in a certain way that you had to do something because of the information you took in? Well, this was certainly one of those moments for me and I have to share the story with all of you.

RescueHer is about human trafficking. I've seen it in a movie before, you try to tell yourself its a movie, its not real, but your heart knows better... I knew when I saw the movie that it is very real and happening today... what a nightmare. I had no idea what I could do though, especially since I just saw it in a movie, so I just tried to push it out of my mind. Well last Saturday a lady came to our church and shared a story with us...

A man was going to India, while he was there he heard of an auction going on. He figured he'd get a van to fit his treasures in and brought $5000 to spend. (you would think you could get some beautiful furniture for that!) When he got to the destination of the auction and the auctioneer said "and our first item up for bid"... up walked a girl on the stage. Girl, after girl, after girl. This man who thought he was buying actual items was now praying to God and asking Him what to do, which girls should I buy. He only had $5000. So he felt led to buy the youngest girls. Girls started for a $100. He ended up buying girls for $500. When he was about out of money he decided to go "check out." Then one of the last girls up for auction was in the back and when she was called to the stage, the good man noticed that she was struggling very much to get to the stage... she had just been beaten, bleeding, bad leg, barely moving. The good man was going to head to help her out but the translator said "No! If he were to help her, no man would bid on her and she would be immediately killed behind the stage when the auction was over." When her bidding started the auctioneer smirked and started her off in mere cents. No one bid. The good man spoke up and said I'll pay $500! He was asked why in the world would he pay $500 when he could have her for $1? He said she's worth just as much as every other girl and wanted her to know she was just as worthy. So the man got his girls and took them to a doctor and then to a safe home.
How horrible is that that these innocent girls live in this kind of nightmare on a daily basis? Can you just walk away from a story like that... ignore that you ever read or heard it??? What can we do to help? Well there are organizations out there to help these individuals who are trafficked. This is where Rescue Her comes in.

From RescueHer site:
"The horrible things that are happening everyday in this holocaust we call Human Trafficking are hard to imagine. Little children being sold for sex; some as young as 4 years old. Every 30 seconds another child is captured. 32 billion dollars every year is made off the bodies of young girls & women in sex trafficking...

There are many amazing programs and ministries around the world that are rescuing children from the horrors of trafficking. But they need funds to keep going and to take care of the children they rescue. They need food, education, psychological help etc. We are raising money through ZOE coffee and our other initiatives and sending it directly to help these children. Our desire is to raise a TON of money from people all around the world that CARE and shower these ministries with all the money they need to rescue as many as they can!"

Please check out RescueHer's website and the about us HERE. A couple of the ministries they donate to is SHE Rescue Homes and Sower of Seeds. Look into the other ministries as well and support the one that tugs at your heart.

RescueHer does sell a few things to raise money (if you LOVE coffee join their club), but really do we need more things??? I say give as much as you can, go without a treat for a day, think of someone else who really needs your help before buying more things for yourself. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the little extras we are fortunate enough to be spoiled with, but please share a little, give someone else hope. Everyone deserves a safe environment and I believe God has us here to do our part. Anyway, think about it...donate a few bucks if you can. If everyone put in $2 it would help! Thanks so much for reading!!!

Have a blessed weekend!