tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85140383960685816212024-03-13T15:48:14.322-07:00Hidden TreasuresAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-53631375820797540512014-08-13T16:18:00.004-07:002014-08-13T16:24:04.301-07:00 Precious. Adored. Loved.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I look forward to the day I can show V every single blog post, comment and message throughout this journey. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To show him just how loved and adored he truly is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Due to his age we are racing against the clock to get him home and working hard to raise the funds needed to complete his adoption. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And I starting praying about a fundraiser that could also be a tangible gift to him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A gift that would allow others to plant precious seeds</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> To encourage his precious heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Strengthen his soul.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And from that prayer this beautiful idea was born.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dBKTOq0Zo2w/U-voF4qOXrI/AAAAAAAAAjg/i3HDceZpsnc/s1600/20140813_174816%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dBKTOq0Zo2w/U-voF4qOXrI/AAAAAAAAAjg/i3HDceZpsnc/s1600/20140813_174816%2B(1).jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So how does this fundraiser work?</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. There are cards numbered 1-100</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each number on the cards represents a $ amount. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You sponsor a # card.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Example: #5 = $5 donation toward bringing V Home!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And this is where it gets so very special. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can include a special message, quote or verse for V.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I will translate and print your message and place them on the back of your # card.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One day very soon, these precious cards will placed in V's hands. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And a boy who once had no hope, no future, no family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Will begin to see just how </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Precious, loved and adored he truly is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To sponsor a card for V you can visit our families You Caring page here:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.youcaring.com/adoption-fundraiser/smith-family-adoption-/213194">http://www.youcaring.com/adoption-fundraiser/smith-family-adoption-/213194</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can then pick your # card and place your corresponding donation and then in the comment section state your card # and leave your message, quote or verse you want to share with V!</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you so much for loving and investing in our boys life in such a powerful way! God Bless you sweet friends!</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Love, </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Smith Family</em></span></div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-24157451849297968832014-08-11T15:08:00.001-07:002014-08-11T15:17:13.638-07:00Glorious Unfolding...So many of you have asked how our journey to V began and so I wanted to share this beautiful glorious story from the beginning...<br />
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I have a few friends that hosted last year and I remember stalking their pages watching their beautiful stories unfold and tucked it in my heart that someday we too would be able to open own homes in such a way.</div>
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Then this past April, God resurfaced this calling through another precious friend of mine who was preparing to host this summer. I read her posts. God spoke. </div>
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I dismissed it.</div>
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Our house is too small. Now is not a good time to add another kiddo to our clan.</div>
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Not right now God. Maybe later.</div>
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God persisted. Drawing me back in. Calling me upon the waters.</div>
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I cried out HOW? How can we do this right now? We are two weeks away from closing on our house. What if something happens and we don't get this house? I just can't make a commitment like that and not be able to follow through with it. </div>
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Not right now God. Maybe later.</div>
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God persisted. Drawing me back in. Calling me upon the waters.</div>
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For days I wrestled with this decision. </div>
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I finally decided to mention it to Adam. I spent years "convincing" him of my crazy God ideas. Sometimes He follows but most of the time I get the "look" :-) </div>
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And I just knew this time I would get the "look" and honestly it was one of the first times I wanted it. Because then I would have him validate what I was feeling and we would be off the hook to step out in this right now. </div>
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So I presented the hosting video to my husband. And waited. Waited for that famous "look"</div>
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And I waited. </div>
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But the "look" didn't come. </div>
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He then turns to me and says " How do we sign up to do this?"</div>
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Whaaaat?! The one time I want you to say not right now. You say YES.</div>
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Ah God seriously has a sense of humor my friends :-)<br />
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I start praying " Ok, God. I don't understand how this is suppose to work. Nothing makes sense right now. Nothing is in order for this work. Please onfirm this.<br />
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And 10 minutes later I am scrolling through my facebook newsfeed and see this quote...<br />
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" God does not call you based on your circumstances right now. He calls you based on where He knows you will be AFTER you obey Him" <br />
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And that was it. I knew it was TIME. Time to step out of the boat and start walking toward Him.<br />
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I filled out the application and began searching through the photo listings of the children praying over which one God was calling our family too. <br />
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Our first choice was a sibling group. A girl and boy. But after talking with their previous host family God made it clear those were not the children we were to host. And so we kept praying and looking...<br />
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Our initial choice was to host a girl. It just made sense considering our daughters are the older ones. And it just seemed like the more "comfortable" option.<br />
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But then...<br />
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I seen V. My heart skipped a beat. I knew God was up to something. <br />
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I read his profile over and over again. And then showed my husband. His response was a " I am not sure about a teenage boy" <br />
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And then the fear crept in... A 15 year old boy living under the same roof as my 13 year old daughter for 5 weeks?! <br />
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We had fears and concerns as would any parents. We knew V was ours but in that moment our faith was colliding with our fears. <br />
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And we brought all of those fears before God and asked Him to help us trust Him and He began to remind us that He would be with us, to have courage even when doesn't make sense, and to not let the fear of the unknown keep us from stepping out and to trust Him with every detail of this journey.<br />
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And so we gave Him our YES again!<br />
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And made the decision to place V on HOLD! Oh the joy that was to come from that decision!! :)<br />
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And over the next two months we watched God show up BIG time. We raised the funds needed to host him in TWO weeks. We closed on our house ( after waiting 13 years to own our first home) a MONTH before V arrived. And God provided us with a new van a WEEK before we picked him up! <br />
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Seriously yall. God was in EVERY. SINGLE. DETAIL. of this journey.<br />
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And little did we know THIS moment right here was only just the BEGINNING of this Glorious Unfolding...<br />
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" A boy who once had no hope, no future, no family. Now has ALL of that and more!" <br />
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V changed our lives in so many ways. From the moment I seen his precious face I knew God had sought this boy out and flew him across the world and placed him in my arms. He was my son. And I was his momma! We will forever be changed because of this incredible experience. And we just stand in awe of all the things God has done and continues to do in our lives as we take the steps to bring our boy home FOREVER. And may God's glory continue to shine through this beautiful story that is still unfolding! <br />
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Throughout our journey, I have gotten so many messages asking about how YOU too can host a child. Oh what a BLESSING to be apart of not just V's life and story but also to now advocate for so many other orphans looking to be hosted and possibly find their forever families!<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">NEW HORIZONS ORPHAN HOSTING PROGRAM:</span></strong><br />
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<strong>What is hosting?</strong> <br />
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Christian families (like you!) can invite an orphaned child from Latvia, Ukraine, and the Philippines to become a member of your family for a period of time. We offer orphan hosting programs twice a year. 5-6 weeks in the summer (Late June – Early Aug.) and 4-5 weeks over Christmas Holidays (Mid Dec. – Mid. Jan.). Being included as a member of a family and receiving unconditional love gives an orphan HOPE for a better future. Learning they do have a Father, the same Father in heaven who loves us all, gives an orphan the promise they are never alone.<br />
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<strong>How much does it cost to host a child?</strong> <br />
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To host a child from Ukraine or Latvia, the actual cost of their travel and program expenses is $2950. (This covers the child's airfare, passports, visa, insurance etc)<br />
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<strong>How do I find out more info about hosting??</strong><br />
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NHFC website: <a href="http://www.newhorizonsforchildren.org/">http://www.newhorizonsforchildren.org/</a><br />
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NHFC facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Orphanhosting">https://www.facebook.com/Orphanhosting</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> * WINTER HOSTING is now OPEN!!*</span><br />
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Go here for more details: <a href="http://www.newhorizonsforchildren.org/orphan-hosting/view-available-kids-here/">http://www.newhorizonsforchildren.org/orphan-hosting/view-available-kids-here/</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>YES its scary. YES you will be walking on some DEEP waters. But follow HIM into deep waters friends. I promise you He is there waiting to give you a life beyond anything you could ever imagine. He is faithful. So very FAITHFUL. Amen</em>.</span><br />
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~Amanda<br />
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-55417793870576702932014-08-04T05:32:00.000-07:002014-08-04T05:32:33.831-07:00There is PAIN. But there is PEACE<b>3 days</b>.<br />
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Since I seen my boy's precious face.<br />
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Since I have spoken him.<br />
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3 days is a LONG time ya'll. Especially when for 5 weeks he was glued to my side. And now he is halfway across the world with no way to contact him<br />
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. Oh my heart :-(<br />
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I did finally hear from someone that V is safe at camp. Which I am so happy about. But that also means that the Wifi is very bad if any. And it may be next month before I hear from my boy. :-(<br />
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My heart is aching.<br />
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I miss His voice. His laughter. His smile.<br />
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We all do.<br />
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So many tears I shed daily. Pleading with God to bring him back home soon.<br />
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Morgan wraps herself in his blanket and sleeps in his bed every night now. My poor girl. She is missing her best friend :-(<br />
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Me and Adam have not slept much the past few days. I wake up every time I hear the ding on my phone.<br />
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Praying its a message from our boy.<br />
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Our hearts have been ripped out our of chests and now lives halfway across the world. And we are grieving.<br />
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Trying to find our new normal. While desperately missing the old one.<br />
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Life just isn't the same without our boy.<br />
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And we are doing everything we can to bring him back HOME forever.<br />
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I have immersed myself in the adoption paperwork and fundraising. Using my broken heart as the driving force to bring my boy HOME.<br />
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We have three planned this month so far.<br />
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1. Garage Sale- August 9th<br />
2. 31 Bingo Night-TBT<br />
3. Parents Night Out- August 23rd<br />
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We have also had numerous friends offer to host fundraisers for us!<br />
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Currently running online fundraisers<br />
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Chole and Isabel Jewelry :. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/699924943420056/">https://www.facebook.com/events/699924943420056/</a> ( My precious friend has offered to donate ALL commission and personally match money raised!)<br />
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If you have a fundraiser idea or would like to host a fundraiser for us PLEASE let me know!!<br />
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You can also donate online via our You Caring page: <a href="http://www.youcaring.com/adoption-fundraiser/smith-family-adoption-/213194/update/199676">http://www.youcaring.com/adoption-fundraiser/smith-family-adoption-/213194/update/199676</a><br />
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Due to V's age we are having to moving very quickly with paperwork and raise the first half of the funds very quickly!<br />
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And God is so FAITHFUL. He just continues to overwhelm us and pour out His blessings upon our family.<br />
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He loves V more than we can ever imagine. And I have watched him pursue and love on my boy through us in such amazing and incredible ways.<br />
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There is PAIN.. But there is PEACE.<br />
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I know my God. I know His promises.And I have seen His faithfulness.<br />
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And because of that I am clinging to the promise that my boy WILL come HOME.<br />
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FOREVER.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBk5ayjeDZs/U998qbnvIcI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/O1_sTcVBpHM/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBk5ayjeDZs/U998qbnvIcI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/O1_sTcVBpHM/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">"God’s plan from the start</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">For this world and your heart</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Has been to show His glory and His grace</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Forever revealing the depth and the beauty of</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">His unfailing Love</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">And the story has only begun"</span><br />
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-33424791957426139242014-08-02T15:14:00.001-07:002014-08-04T04:31:32.486-07:00Tears. Laughter. Miracle.<span class="userContent"><br />
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<span class="userContent"><em>"A family that never opens their heart up is never heartbroken. A family that never opens their home up will never miss them when they leave. A family that never embraces life's risks never fully lives."</em></span></div>
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<span class="userContent">The car ride to Charlotte was one of the quickest car rides of my life. Never before has that ride went by so quick. </span></div>
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<span class="userContent">I wanted time to stand still. I wasn't ready to let my boy go. </span></div>
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Making eye contact in the mirror. Seeing that precious face smile back at me. Oh my heart. <br />
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How can I ever let him go?<br />
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Arriving at the airport was so very hard. :-( <br />
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Oh the bond he shares. With each of our children. He is their BROTHER. There is no denying that. <br />
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We got into the airport and V started chatting with some of his buddies. And we chatted with some other host families. <br />
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We then checked in his luggage and waited. <br />
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And I just watched him. His smile, His laughter. His precious soul. Oh my boy. How momma loves you. <br />
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We then heard "5 minute warning"... <br />
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And I lost it. The tears. Oh the tears.<br />
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V comes running over and starts hugging us over and over and kept saying " No cry momma. No cry" <br />
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I told him that I loved him, that he was so very special to us and that we were going to miss him so much. That we were his family always and that momma was going to come for him. I was going to fight for him. And bring him home forever. <br />
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I then seen my boy that was trying to so very hard to be strong and wouldn't allow himself to cry, Fight back tears. And I just hugged him tight. And told him it was all going to be ok. <br />
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They then called for him to get in line and he gets halfway and then turns around and comes running back to hug us one last time. And said " I love and miss you family" <br />
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As I watched him walk away, I felt a piece of my heart go with him. There is no words to describe what that feels like. It was seriously the hardest thing I have had to do in my life. I wanted to run after him. But I couldn't. I had to let him go.<br />
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We then watch him walk through security and he waves and smiles at us. And then he was gone. <br />
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Oh the tears. So many tears. <br />
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We had to stay at the airport until his flight took off. I just sat down and cried and started pleading with God to let me see my boy one more time. Just one more time. <br />
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I watched to see that orange shirt and black hat to come back around that corner. Pleading. Waiting. <br />
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Flight delayed. Praise you Jesus!<br />
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And then there he was! Looking for us. I jumped up and ran back to the banister. It was hard to be separated by practically a hallway and not be able to run to him! ;-( But he was smiling and waving.<br />
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And then threw his arms up in the air and yelled " I love you my family!! " And we started blowing kisses back and forth. And he starts making hearts in the air. And saying " I love you momma" with his lips. Making all of us smile and laugh.<br />
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Oh my sweet precious boy how momma loves you! <br />
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And then he was gone....<br />
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But it was just what my heart needed. V was not going to leave as long as he knew we were upset. He was going to bring laughter and joy to our hearts before he left. And that he did. Oh how I love him so. <br />
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I was ready to go...But God wasn't finished with this night ;-)<br />
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I began chatting with another host mom and she was asking what our next step was in this process. And I told her the first thing we need to do is file the form on the US side to keep him from aging out and that we needed to file in before he turns 16 which is the end of this month. And that we were just going to use all our savings to pay for it. Because I wanted it done. I couldn't risk not seeing my son again. <br />
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And she asks how much we need. She then says oh I can take care of that. I will write you a check right now. <br />
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Ya'll. This momma hit that floor in the middle of the airport and just bawled like a baby! In that moment it wasn't about money. <br />
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It was my God showing up and whispering to my broken heart...<br />
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<em><strong>"V is coming back. I WILL bring your son HOME to you!"</strong></em> <br />
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So overwhelmed by God's faithfulness and goodness. V is so very much loved and my heart just swells with joy knowing that. A boy who once had no hope, no future, no family. Now has all of that and more. <br />
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Oh my goodness. God sure writes the BEST stories!! And this is only the beginning of this GLORIOUS UNFOLDING!! Amen.<br />
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If you would like to help support our journey of bringing V home forever you can do so here:<br />
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<a href="http://www.youcaring.com/adoption-fundraiser/smith-family-adoption-/213194">http://www.youcaring.com/adoption-fundraiser/smith-family-adoption-/213194</a><br />
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We are so very thankful for each and every one of you for your love, encouragement and support. I wish I could hug every one of you! From the bottom of our hearts thank you for loving on our family and our boy!!<br />
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Love, <br />
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Smith Family<br />
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</span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-90170003029424211832014-07-16T14:01:00.001-07:002014-07-16T14:22:36.933-07:00I choose to be grateful<div dir="ltr">
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"You have a decision to make. You can be angry for the time you missed or grateful for the time you had"</div>
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A hundred times I have watched this movie.<br />
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Every single time God speaks a new message.<br />
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This was mine in this season. My heart hurts. God spoke.<br />
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Newborn smell. Middle of the night feedings. Cuddles. <br />
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First tooth. First steps. First Word.<br />
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Big hugs. Snuggles. Holding my hand.<br />
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When I look at my boy. My heart aches. I have missed so much of his life.<br />
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I wasn't there to rock him at night, to stare into his little eyes and have him wrap his little finger around mine.<br />
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<i>God was there</i>.<br />
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I wasn't there when he got his first tooth or took his first steps. <br />
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<i>God was there</i>.<br />
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I wasn't there to take care of him when he got his first boo boo.<br />
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<i>God was there</i>.<br />
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I didn't get to tuck him in a night and tell him how much I loved him.<br />
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<i>God did</i>.<br />
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As much as it breaks my heart to know that I have missed out on so much of my boys life. So much that I will never get back. Never know.<br />
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I am grateful that Jesus has ALWAYS been there. Always loving my boy FOR me. <br />
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Preparing his precious heart to receive me as his Momma someday.<br />
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And now...<br />
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I have been incredibly BLESSED to watch him love on my boy THROUGH me.<br />
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I get to be the one who...<br />
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watches him read God's word.<br />
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rubs head<br />
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watches him ride his bike</div>
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learns about his interests.</div>
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gets his hugs.<br />
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I had a decision to make. Be angry for the time I have missed with my boy or be grateful for the time I do have with him.<br />
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And I am choosing to be GRATEFUL. So very grateful.<br />
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So many firsts yet to be experienced with him. So many hugs left to give. So many memories waiting to be made.<br />
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And I am grateful.<br />
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So very grateful. That this precious boy now calls me...<br />
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MOM.<br />
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"A child born to another woman calls me Mom. The depth of the tragedy and the magnitude of the privilege are not lost on me"<br />
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-36293271825799344632014-07-10T06:51:00.003-07:002014-07-10T06:51:44.044-07:00Where do we go from here...<div dir="ltr">
So many of you have been following our hosting journey of V and have prayed, supported and encouraged us during this journey and words can not express how THANKFUL we are for each of you. This boy is in our home this summer because of YOU! And we are so grateful.</div>
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V has been apart of our family now for TWO weeks. He fits so well in our family. Its like he was always suppose to be here. I really can't imagine life without him here : (</div>
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We have had SO much fun these last two weeks ( I promise I will do a recap post soon full of pictures! ) laughing until our stomachs hurt, learning new things, late night translating chats, dealing with hard stuff, shedding tears, and lots of hugs.</div>
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I have never felt Gods presence in my life as much as I have the last two weeks. He IS here. On this journey WITH us.</div>
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Every.Single.Detail. </div>
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It is so incredible to watch God love someone so deeply through you. It takes my breath away. </div>
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I knew before I even met V, he was my SON and after I seen him coming down that escalator I seriously thought my heart would leap out my chest.</div>
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There was no denying it. God had sought out my boy, flew him across the ocean and placed him right in my arms. He was my boy and I was his momma!</div>
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And so a new journey has begun. The journey of bringing V home FOREVER. We don't want just 5 weeks out of the summer with our boy. </div>
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We want EVERY summer. EVERY fall. EVERY winter. EVERY spring. EVERY day. EVERY minute.</div>
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We don't ever want to have to say goodbye again.</div>
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The journey to bring V home is a little different because of his age. V will turn 16 the end of August. Which means he will age out on the US side at that time.</div>
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Because of that we get to ask V if he wants our family to adopt and will do this sometime next week along with our adoption agency and a translator.</div>
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If he says YES we have to file a specific form to keep him from aging out. And this form will need to be filed two weeks before his birthday(which is the end of August)</div>
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So how can you pray for our family as we begin this new journey?</div>
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*Pray for V and his heart for the rest of our hosting experience and as he considers joining our family FOREVER.</div>
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*Pray for us, that God would continue to love our boy through us whatever it takes.</div>
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*Pray for the funds to file the form to keep V from aging out. It is $890 to file this form and it would be due around the 2nd week in August.</div>
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*Please pray for spiritual protection for our family. We can't storm the gates of hell for our boy and not expect a fight. The battle is REAL but the God of Angel Armies goes BEFORE us, BEHIND us and stands BESIDE us. He's got us covered!</div>
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There are MANY more steps we will take in this journey and these mark the beginning. </div>
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But it's TIME. </div>
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TIME to bring our boy home FOREVER!!<br /></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-52199718313456910342014-07-08T20:52:00.000-07:002014-07-08T21:14:37.666-07:00All of me...<div dir="ltr">
I have went back and forth on whether to blog about our hosting experience. So many friends asking if I would so they could follow along. </div>
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<br /></div>
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And my biggest drawback was keeping up with it everyday. I do good to get photos and short summary on Facebook everyday. </div>
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<br /></div>
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And then today happened. And I felt God nudging me to share more in detail of this beautiful story. ALL of it. </div>
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It was one of the first tough days we have had in our hosting V. It wasn't a horrible day. Just a lot of uncomfortable stretching for us both. </div>
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Testing. Resistance. Withdraw.</div>
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That was pretty much the pattern with V today. He tested my limits. I stayed firm in my word. He resisted it and withdrew. </div>
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And I was getting mentally and physically exhausted and I had to constantly ask God to put myself in his shoes...</div>
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What if I...</div>
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Was in a new country. Surrounded by people speaking a foreign language at me and around me all day. Leaving all my friends and freedoms. Learning what it means to live in a family. Feeling loved and accepted for the first time.</div>
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<b>BATTLE</b>.</div>
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That's what my boy is feeling. He's struggling between clinging to all he's ever known and this embracing this NEW love. NEW hope. NEW acceptance. NEW life.</div>
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And the battle is raging inside my precious boys heart. And there are just no words to describe how much it breaks my heart to see him struggle.</div>
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I so desperately want to be his mom. To be there for him when he needs me. To comfort him when he's upset. To understand him when he speaks to me. </div>
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And I ran to the foot of the cross with that ache and desperation and cried out to God...</div>
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"I don't want you to make this easier. Its not suppose to be easy. Just love my boy through me, whatever it takes."</div>
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And then my boy walks in and sees me crying..."Momma, no cry." And he sat down with me and gave me a hug."</div>
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We then spent the next hour translating back and forth.</div>
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Every.Single. Word. completely orchestrated by God.</div>
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He told me he loved me and that he wanted me to be his mother because I was so good to him and the others. He said that he wanted to take English courses when he goes back to Ukraine so that we can talk together without translate. </div>
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He then made me dinner-fish and vegetables and made my vegetables into the shape of a heart.<br />
<br />
Oh my sweet precious boy. I will fight for you. Always. I am not afraid of the dark hard places. We will go through them TOGETHER. You are my SON.And I am your MOTHER. I will storm the gates of hell for you. Because you are WORTH it. So very worth it.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/50ygAc2qP5A" width="560"></iframe>
I translated the lyrics to this song for him tonight and told him it was our families song to him. It was the first time I have seen tears in his eyes. </div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-84943319497011153002014-06-17T07:59:00.000-07:002014-06-18T07:11:54.779-07:00Ready. Set. Aim.<div dir="ltr">
"This will be one of those experiences true friends will rise and fake ones fall"</div>
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9 days from picking up our boy and THIS is the message I see in my inbox this morning from someone I thought was a friend...<br />
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<i>"I understand that you are trying to follow God's plan for your family, but I don't feel like it is my responsibility to financially support your family's hope of adoption because you didn't have the funds. It was honestly one thing to me to be raising the hosting funds, but then the requests for gift cards for groceries and entertainment felt a bit over the line to me"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Her response was completely out of the blue, as I had sent her a message just checking in to see how she was doing.)</span></i></div>
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Ready. Set. Aim. The enemy's darts are flying. I should have expected it. Satan is NOT happy. And is trying to bring me down fast. </div>
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And I did shed some tears. It hurt. Really hurt. </div>
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For someone to sum up this whole journey as a means to beg for money, shattered my heart into.</div>
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Maybe you have felt that way by my posts lately? If so, I am sorry. I promise you we are doing our part to get our boy home!</div>
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But I also know the beauty in the body of Christ. Because I have seen it and have been so very blessed to be apart of it.</div>
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I have used my finances and talents to help bring children HOME to their forever families and there are no words to describe how it feels to see them, hug and play with them and know that God use ME to be apart of that story. </div>
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<br />
I have never once felt my adoptive friends were begging for my money. But rather God was begging me not to miss the BLESSING in being apart of their story. </div>
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The reality is adoption is expensive. And we can't do it alone.- Even though I have thought of selling a kidney to pay for it ;)</div>
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But it goes so far beyond finances. We need YOU. We need your prayers, encouragement, support. </div>
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Because we want V to know that it wasn't just our family that showed up at the gates of hell 'and fought for him to have a home and a family...</div>
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It was the LOVE of an entire of body of Christ. </div>
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Amen?</div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-57413994321257711492014-06-12T16:37:00.000-07:002014-06-12T17:01:06.501-07:00Smith Family- Party of SEVEN!<br />
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Most of you know we are hosting a 15 year old boy from the Ukraine this summer. And so many of you linked arms with us to help us get him here and words can not express how truly grateful we are for you! <br />
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In just TWO weeks. I will see my precious boy face to face. I will get to hug him. Laugh with him. Teach him new things. Get to know him. <br />
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In just two weeks, my boy will travel across the world to be apart of our byfamily for the summer. Its an honor that I can't quite put into words.<br />
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Its been an amazing journey this far. And I know the best is yet to come!<br />
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The events that have taken place the last few months to get us here so that he could be apart of our family THIS summer leave me speechless. Only God could have orchestrated THAT. <br />
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We were led to V THIS summer...<b>Only God.</b><br />
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We bought a house THIS summer. (After waiting for 13 years)... <b>Only God.</b><br />
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We found out the day we closed on our house that V was available for adoption... <b>Only God.)</b><br />
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Seriously. God is AMAZING. Trust Him friends. He is so very faithful.<br />
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When we signed up to host " V" we found out that his birthday is the end of August which means he will " age" out of the system. Which means that this summer was his LAST chance to family<br />
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And God picked us. I am still trying to figure out why. ;) I like to think it's because He knew we were crazy enough to say Yes! Its surely not because we have it all together. Not hardly. <br />
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But this precious boy needs a home. A family. A place to belong. A place to become who he was created to be.<br />
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And so we said YES not just to hosting him for the summer...<br />
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We are saying YES to our boy FOREVER!!! :-D<br />
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Yep. The water is DEEP out here y'all. But I can see Jesus and He just keeps on whispering to keep our eyes on Him and to keep on walking. So here we go!! :-D<br />
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Now y'all know I hate asking for money. Seriously I would rather have my teeth pulled than start another fundraiser. </div>
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But because V will age out the end of August we have to start our home study NOW to put him on "hold". So time is not our friend right now : / <br />
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So we really do need the support of our family and friends right now more than ever!! <br />
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Here is the breakdown of our fees needed ASAP!<br />
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Home study: $1400<br />
Agency Contract Fees $4950<br />
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It seems like a big HUGE mountain. And I am trying my best not to get discouraged because I know my God is FAITHFUL! <br />
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God loves V more than I ever could and wants nothing more than to place him in a forever family. Believing that today!<br />
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And we need our friends and family to PLEASE share our journey, support us pray for us and link arms with us in this time more than ever!!<br />
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<br />
Yep. Welcome....Smith Family- Party of 7 :-D<br />
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Sure am glad I bought that picnic table #seats8 Hmm ;)<br />
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Donate to our Adoption Fund here:<br />
<br /></div>
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="RKZLBF4NDMC98" />
<input alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />
</form>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-7072380846706471552014-01-28T06:49:00.000-08:002014-01-28T07:43:23.132-08:00Embracing a NEW Season...<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">When God first called me to this thing called homeschooling,
My oldest daughter Morgan was 5 and she was in Kindergarten at a local public
school.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> I ignored that call for the entire year because I was
certain it was just NOT for me. But God is so patient and kept persuing my
heart until I finally said “Ok, if you want me to homeschool then YOU are going
to have to change my heart and give me a desire to do this because its
just<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>not there.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">He
answered that prayer and I <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>began
homeschooling Morgan and then began to homeschool her sister and two
brothers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">It has been an adventure like no other. Ups and downs,
struggles, triumpths, life lessons, joy, frustration, impatience, giggles, and
so much more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Homeschooling has taught me what it means to live my life
dependant upon my God because without Him there is no way I could do this day
in and day out. I am no supermom, I don’t have a magical cape hanging my closet and most days everything
does not get done. I fail and ask forgiveness daily. I am so thankful His mercy is
new every morning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> I honestly had no idea what I was signing up for when I finally said
Yes to that call. But I remember making a</span><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> promise to God, A promise that I didn't fully understand at the time...</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promised Him that
I would homeschool my children until He called me to do otherwise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">And in MY plans that would be until they graduated high
school. I wrote those plans in my heart and carried them around with me and committed
to them. I was in this for the long haul and was happy and content with those
plans. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Then something shifted. A restlessness began down in my spirit. And a new season started to emerge. </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The Lord began reminding me that “In
their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps”
and MY plans weren’t HIS plans in this season of our lives. </span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">This girl of mine. She is so full of spunk, energy, and she
lights up a room the minute she walks into it. Everyone loves her and wants to
be around her. For the past 13 years of her life I have helped her learn new
things, cried with her when she has struggled and laughed with her until our sides hurt. I have stood helpless by her hospital bed as she fought for life. I have watched as she learns
how to love God and love other people. I have watched her grow into such a
beautiful young woman so full of life and love to give. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I have also began to watch her struggle with finding her own way,
standing in her own faith, discovering who she is in this world and what things interest her
and what makes her come alive. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
seen this little girl of mine turn into a woman right before my very eyes. And
as a mother that is both a scary and beautiful time. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> I am so thankful for this beautiful gift of being able
to really SEE my children. And hear their hearts cry. To be able to dig
deep and make tough decisions and to step aside and allow God to use them in
this world for His purposes and His glory.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">And today began that new journey for Morgan...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
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</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l9d6WEb5-dg/UufC68Y8dTI/AAAAAAAAAeU/pFJF9Xu71qY/s1600/201401280946.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l9d6WEb5-dg/UufC68Y8dTI/AAAAAAAAAeU/pFJF9Xu71qY/s1600/201401280946.PNG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Words can’t describe how my heart feels in this moment. It
was so easy to say I trusted God with my children when I know where they are
and what they doing 99% of the time. But now? In this moment as I prepare to watch her
walk through those doors into the unknown…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mind and heart is
full of so many emotions and questions. Is she going to be ok? How will she
deal with peer pressure? Will she make the right decisions? Will she choose the
right friends? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">And the answer I received from heaven was a hard one for my momma heart to bear.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><em>"<strong>Morgan will make mistakes, she will fail and she will do
the wrong thing sometimes. But as her mother you have to learn to give her
that choice. You have to give her the room to grow and learn to make those hard
choices and find HER faith in the midst of them.<o:p></o:p></strong></em></span></div>
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day and now I need you to allow me to use her for my glory and
purposes even when it hurts and doesn’t make sense to you. I need you to trust
me..”<o:p></o:p></strong></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Oh my heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I know God has such incredible plans for Morgan. He has a mission
for her behind those doors and it is in this moment that I am truly learning
what it means to fully trust Him to guide her, protect her, love her and use
her for His glory and purposes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">And as I look back on this beautiful journey, I am so honored to have had the privilege of homeschooling Morgan for the past 7 years and even more blessed that I get to be this incredible young woman's mother. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">And I am ready to embrace this new season of our lives that are sure to be full of new things, challenges, struggles, heartache, laughter and growth. And through it all this one thing will remain...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Bradley Hand ITC;"><strong>Never once did we ever walk alone </strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Just as He was before, He will be Faithful to protect her, guide her, help her and
love her on this new journey. Never once will he leave her or allow her to walk
on her own. He is her Abba Father. And His plans are ALWAYS good. So very good. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>* We have also applied for Maddie and Mason to attend SCA in the fall. And will know in March if they have been accepted. Please keep our family in your prayers as we adjust to so many new changes. My heart is breaking. But I am constanly being reminded that God is so very faithful and HIS plans are good.*</div>
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-46042377213328398982013-12-03T15:32:00.000-08:002013-12-03T15:35:20.176-08:00Smith Family 25 Days of Christmas-Day 2<br />
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" Today, little ones allow my words to become REAL and PERSONAL in someone's life."<br />
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And packed inside these 5 little photo albums is scriptures personalized with each persons name. This is my favorite so far and I think we will continue to do this. There is just nothing more powerful than speaking God's word over someone so personally. <br />
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And if you would please keep these five special beautiful people in your prayers that they will come to know the Lord in a new and personal way. <br />
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~Smith Family<br />
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-21674167581397840622013-12-02T07:00:00.000-08:002013-12-02T15:24:33.372-08:00"Smith Family 25 Days of Christmas"-Day 1We are technically a day behind since yesterday was Dec 1st but a sick toddler kept us from venturing out. So today will be our Day One and we know that God will be faithful to double up the blessings for someone ;) <br />
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And in case you missed my message about how all this came to be you can read it <a href="http://www.look4hiddentreasures.blogspot.com/2013/12/finding-jesus-at-christmas-time.html"><span style="color: red;"><strong>HERE</strong></span></a><br />
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Today's Message:<br />
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"Today little ones, let's go warm up someone's body, heart and soul!" Love, Jesus<br />
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We began praying throughout the day about who we were to give to give this special gift too. And then we learned of a family a street over from us that had lost their one year old granddaughter a month ago( Her dad accidentally ran over her) So sad and heartbreaking! <br />
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We knew immediately this was the family we were to bless today. Maddie quietly laid the package against their mailbox and ran back to the car. <br />
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And if you would please join us in praying for this precious family. I can not even begin to imagine what this family must be going through. :( <br />
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~Amanda<br />
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-7588893192902806252013-12-01T21:10:00.001-08:002013-12-01T21:15:05.837-08:00Finding Jesus at Christmas TimeI was on a mission....<br />
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I put my shoes and was getting ready to head out the door when my kids yelled out; "Mom! Where are you going?"<br />
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To which I replied "I am going to find Jesus!" Yea. That got me a few weird looks to say the least;-)<br />
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Our beloved Jesus statue( that we have had for years) had broken and I really wanted to replace it and thought for sure I could find a replacement especially this time of year. Right? <br />
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I pulled into the first store....<br />
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I thought for sure this store would have what I was looking for. I mean it has Christmas in the name of the store. I begin to walk through aisle after aisle. I found tons of santas, snowmen, decorations, lights and the list continues. But NO Jesus, not even a glimpse of Him. <br />
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And then went to 3 more stores only to be disappointed again. NO Jesus, NOTHING. Not even a glimpse. <br />
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My last stop was a Christian book store. SURELY Jesus will be here! An employee approached me and asked if I needed help and I told him what happened to our statue and asked if they had another one. He then looked at me as though I had two heads and said "Oh my. I don't think we have anything like that. <br />
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Sigh.<br />
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Jesus was no where to be found and it broke my heart. Christmas is all about HIM and yet it seems He has been completely pushed out and REPLACED.. How are others suppose to come to know the TRUE wonder of Christmas when there is not even a glimpse of Him anywhere to be found? <br />
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And it was in that moment that God began to breath something beautiful in my heart.<br />
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Christmas is not about STUFF. It's about <strong>PEOPLE</strong>. It's about <strong>COMMUNITY</strong>.<br />
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It's about<strong> BEING</strong> Jesus to those around us.<br />
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Because it's not about us<strong> FINDING</strong> Him. <br />
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It's about Him <strong>SEEKING</strong> us..<br />
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And He desires to do that through you and me.<br />
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And through that the<br />
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"<span style="font-size: large;">Smith Family 25 days of Christmas</span>" was born.<br />
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It's not a new concept really. But rather one I think we all need to be reminded of.<br />
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Every day we will do something that is blessing to someone else. Something that brings Jesus into someone's life. <br />
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Simple things. Random Things.<br />
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Things that will make even a small difference in the lives of those around us as so many are desperate for even just a glimpse of Him.<br />
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And to make this really come alive for my children. I decided to print out a photo of Jesus and attach His message of what He wanted us to do TOGETHER for the day. <br />
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And our prayer this Christmas season is that this will create a ripple effect in the lives around us and instead of Jesus having to be searched for or replaced. He will instead live out His presence through us...<br />
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Through these little acts of kindness and sharing His love and as we are faithful in the little things... <br />
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His presence will begin to draw others toward Him and they too will receive the TRUE meaning of <strong>CHRIST</strong>mas....<br />
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"<em>For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. " Isaiah 9:6</em><br />
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-9566212858037433472013-02-20T15:28:00.001-08:002013-02-20T16:09:05.167-08:00Wobbly Faith. BIG God.<span style="font-family: Bradley Hand ITC;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have struggled. I have prayed. I have cried. I have
prayed. I have wrestled. I have prayed. I have knocked. I have prayed. All in
the name of ministry. No one told me stepping out in this radical calling would
be so hard and take everything I have. Oh the passion that consumes my soul.
The lives of so many young girls hang in the balance. They need<strong> hope</strong>. They need
<strong>healing</strong>. They need<strong> Jesus</strong>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">And I wanted to know WHY. Why aren’t these visions you gave
me happening? Why are other ministries growing while I feel like I am
constantly taking two steps forward only to fall again. Why Lord?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">And through that still small voice I heard the Lord speak.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <strong><em>“Amanda,
how old is Broken Within? (It will be a year old next month Lord, so 11 months?)
“Right, and what is an 11 month old able to do? Are they able to walk? Run?
Speak? Some do, yes. But most are just learning to walk. Most wobble as they
take those first few steps. They see the prize on the other side and they want
with everything inside them to get to that goal, and so they stand and take a
few wobbly steps only to fall again. But they get back up and try again with so
much excitement you think they would burst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sure there is frustration in not being able to run and get to the prize
quicker. But the process of learning to walk is sometimes more important than
the goal. <o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>And the same is true with you my child. I notice every wobbly
step of faith you take. And I beam with proudness. I know that you want to
start running and someday you will be able too. But right now allow me to help
you learn to walk in this calling. Allow me to hold your hand and lead you to
where you need to go. Allow yourself and this ministry to mature in My timing
and trust that I birthed this ministry inside of you and I will bring it to
completion.</em></strong> "<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ah. What a sweet and precious moment with My Jesus. I am
sure people on the highway thought I was crazy with tears streaming down my
face. I didn’t care. My Jesus was there. He was real. He hadn’t forgotten me.
He hadn’t overlooked me. He hadn’t ignored my pleas. He wasn’t mad at me for
doubting. He had come. He had spoken right into the depths of my soul. And I
was ever so grateful. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Lord has done such incredible things through Broken
Within these past 11 months and I have literally watched this baby of mine grow.
There have been times of sheer exhaustion. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Times of wishing someone else would lighten my
load. So I could just rest. Times of rushing through those precious “baby”
moments to get to the bigger stuff. Oh but how I yearn to cherish the “in the
moment” with my “toddler”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">By watching God’s love encourage so many young girls.
Seeing real and authentic friendships being born. Allowing God’s hope and
healing transform lives. It’s not about me or the things I have done or will do
in this ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s about <strong>JESUS</strong>. It’s all about <strong>Him.</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;">And there is also <strong>YOU</strong>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have known from
the time God “conceived” BWM in my soul. That this ministry was never to be a
one woman show. That I could never do the things God was calling me to do
alone. I needed like-minded women to link arms with me and God has been so
faithful to send those women my way. BWM has welcomed writers, mentors and prayer
partners on our team. And what a treasure you are to me. Thank you for your
willingness to serve and make a difference in the lives of precious young
girls. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">But I also know that not everyone is called to write, speak,
mentor or pray for this ministry but I do believe that everyone has a place in
this beautiful community and I want to give you an opportunity to invest if you
feel called to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Up to this point I have avoided asking for financial help
for Broken Within projects. Until the Lord made it clear it’s not about money.
It’s about linking arms and giving YOU your place in this ministry. And It’s
about Real lives. Lives of precious young girls who so desperately need the
healing and hope of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">And in this season of Broken Within there are two (wobbly)
steps of faith the Lord is calling me to.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><strong>1<sup>st</sup>: To step out and start a Teen MOPS program
in the Triad. This will be the first Teen MOPS program in the Triad and the
second in the state of NC. The need is so great and as a former Teen Mom it is
an honor to step out and pour into the lives of these precious young moms and
encourage and equip them to take their place as mothers who pour into their
children with the love of Jesus. But in order to do that they first have to be
poured into. It will take a team of passionate women to run this program. But
the first step I need to take is to purchase the curriculum and pay for the charter
fee.</strong></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">2<sup>nd</sup> To attend the She Speaks Conference in July.
I have known about this conference for a few years, but never felt called to
attend until this year. This is a season of growth for me and this ministry.
There is so much I have yet to learn about this calling. So much to learn about
investing, teaching, speaking and writing so that I can be better equipped to
pour into the precious young girls God places in my life. It would be such an
honor and blessing to attend this conference and receive all that God has in
store for me as I sit in His presence.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><strong>And to be able to take those first steps toward these two
callings. I will need to raise a total of </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">$ 1,324. <o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;">$400 for the Teen MOPS curriculum and charter
fee.<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;">$ 925 for the She Speaks Conference( Includes
Hotel, Pre Conference/Conference materials and Meals) <o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><strong> ( You can learn more about these ministries in the links below.)</strong></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Teen MOPS Program: </span></strong><a href="http://www.mops.org/page.php?pageid=85"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.mops.org/page.php?pageid=85</span></strong></a></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><strong><span style="font-size: large;">She Speaks Conference: </span></strong><a href="http://shespeaksconference.com/shespeaks/"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">http://shespeaksconference.com/shespeaks/</span></strong></a></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you would like to link arms with me and invest in Broken
Within in this way you can do so here:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<input alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" type="image" /><br /><o:p><br />
</o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;">
</span><br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="WP8JR9UGLBD56" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />
</span></form>
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;">
</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">And know that <strong>YOU</strong> are so incredibly vital to me and the
lives of so many young girls that will be blessed by your gift. I can’t even begin
to describe the impact your gift will have in this ministry and from the bottom
of my heart; I want to say <strong>THANK YOU</strong> for choosing to join the BWM team in this
way! May God bless you!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">~Amanda</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-35114089184525369992013-02-15T18:08:00.003-08:002013-02-15T18:09:31.651-08:00Back at it again!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SPCjbgVRqpo/UR7qGHE5H_I/AAAAAAAAAaY/sPELOVpWACg/s1600/Color+Spot+Postcard+5x7+preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SPCjbgVRqpo/UR7qGHE5H_I/AAAAAAAAAaY/sPELOVpWACg/s400/Color+Spot+Postcard+5x7+preview.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After much prayer and seeking a way to raise money for future Broken Within projects.The season has come for me to use what’s in my hand ( My camera ) and begin to use my gift of photography to bless others!! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yea! AND I am SO excited to announce that I now have the opportunity to do both Weekday and Saturday appointments!! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which means my session price will be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">DRASTICALLY </b>reduced!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Sessions are now available from 8-11:30am M-F and 8-1pm (Saturdays) <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NEW </b>Session Prices:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">$35 ( 30 min session)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">$65 ( 1 hr session)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Please see my website for session details and to book your session!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://www.amandasmithphotos.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">www.amandasmithphotos.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am SO looking forward to seeing all your smiling faces again soon!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-39628569899482626542012-12-14T16:06:00.001-08:002012-12-14T20:35:48.179-08:00It's only Friday...<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I tried to make sense of what happened today. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were so innocent, so young and their lives
were taken for no reason.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cried out to God.
WHY? Why do these things happen? It just doesn’t make sense. There is no reason
for things like this to happen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">And through His still small voice I heard Him say. But what
if there was a reason? What if there is more to this story than just the
tragedy of today? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">The disciples knew tragedy well. On that dark Friday they
mourned the death of not just their friend but their Savior. Jesus had told
them He would return, but in that moment of tragedy they too were consumed in
their grief. I am sure they had the same questions we are asking. Why? Why put an
innocent man to death? There is just no reason for all of this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh but there was a
reason. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God Himself watched
His own Son be murdered on that cross, because He knew something the disciples
didn’t know. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sunday was coming. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">He knew the ending. He knew how the whole story would be
played out. He knew that even though we may mourn for a while, Joy comes in the
morning. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">As we all mourn today over the lives of those precious
children whose lives were taken. May we be reminded that their Sunday has come.
They are dancing on the streets of heaven today. Walking hand and hand with
their Savior. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">May we lift our heads up to that same God who grieved His own
innocent Son’s death and be reminded that He knows how this story will play
out, even when we don’t. Let us not dwell on this Friday’s tragedy but live in
a time of ceaseless prayer for God’s ultimate Christmas gift to be delivered to
those who need it most tonight. God came down all those years ago to save a
world in desperate need of a Savior.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-90600177228949529312012-03-26T19:45:00.011-07:002012-03-27T09:25:15.209-07:00Date with God...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PA5HeIEz4zQ/T3HorUBGCQI/AAAAAAAAAW4/FnnL3iq5qEA/s1600/230317_183985254986383_183985164986392_471000_48996_a.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 125px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PA5HeIEz4zQ/T3HorUBGCQI/AAAAAAAAAW4/FnnL3iq5qEA/s400/230317_183985254986383_183985164986392_471000_48996_a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724612432169928962" border="0" /></a><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->This retreat was created for moms who have been called to Adopt, Are in the process of Adoption or have already adopted…So I went into this weekend thinking ok, I am going to learn how to be a Adoptive mom and how to best take care of the children God places in our family. And I did learn A LOT about adoption. Things I am still processing and I am sure will be future blog posts;-)...But what I wanted to share with you is what God really had in mind when He called me to this retreat…<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><br />And my prayer is that His presence is so powerfully felt through this post that you too are drawn in to be apart of this incredible experience...<br /><br /><br />When I walked into this lodge, the presence of God was so powerfully felt, I knew that there was more to this weekend than just to learn about Adoption...And so I followed Him...<br /><br />I followed Him into worship and watched as all 450 women around me disappeared and it was just my Jesus and Me... And I worshiped my King from a place of raw intimate love, a love that I never really experience before. It came from a place in my heart that was so raw, so vulnerable, and so broken. But that had been hidden and locked away... And as I allowed Him access to those places of my heart, He poured out His love upon my soul in such overwhelming amounts that it literally took my breath away...<br /><br /><br />I followed Him into the conversations of the moms around me, and watched how He hand picked every single woman I would come in contact with to inspire, challenge, encourage and comfort me.<br /><br />I followed Him as we walked around this amazing lake together and He spoke to me throughout nature. Reminding me of who He was and how creative He is and how much He cares about each and every detail of His Creations...<br /><br /><br />I followed Him in so many ways over the course of this weekend, but there is one time, that I didn't follow Him, but instead He waited for me to arrive...<br /><br /><br />There was this special event called a "Date with God" and you signed up for your special time and then show up for your "date"...And so I eagerly went not knowing what to expect...<br /><br />And I will never forget what I experienced as I walked into that room... There He stood waiting anxiously for me to arrive...My Beautiful King...And He took me by my arm and escorted me into His presence and His love...<br /><br />He first led me to the painting station and He asked me to paint the image that He sees when He looks at me, I painted a sun and a bride dressed in white...He then lead me to the station where there was tons of pillows and I just crawled up in His lap and just rested...I allowed Him for the first time in a long time to hold me, rock me, comfort me, sing over me, caress my hair and wipe away my tears. In that moment there was no agenda, no responsibilities. All my other titles disappeared and I was just His child and He was my Daddy. He began to show me that He brought me to this retreat to uncover all those locked away hurts...The hurts of isolation, abandonment, anger, bitterness, fear and neglect...And that He wasn't uncovering all this to bring about more pain, but to remind me what it felt like to be an orphan child in desperate need of someone to Adopt me...<br /><br />And He was my daddy who loved me so much that He went to the gates of Hell to bring me into His family not because of what I could do for Him but because of this incredible love He has for me and couldn't fathom the thought of ever living without me...<br /><br />He IS my Beautiful King, My Daddy, and the Father to the Fatherless, and oh how I love Him so...</p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5-vjd6LJFi0" allowfullscreen="" width="560" frameborder="0" height="315"></iframe><p class="MsoNormal">* Sweet friends, PLEASE don't skip over listening to this song! It is so beautiful, so intimate, so powerful, And I promise, you don't want to miss it!*<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-35749203996465932942011-10-02T18:30:00.000-07:002011-10-03T16:54:48.659-07:00Redeemed. Restored. Remade.As I celebrated my 30th birthday, God took me on a journey back through my twenties and just how much of a blessing it is to be in this new season of my life!<br /><br /><br />And it started with being...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>REDEEMED:</strong><br /><br />God redeemed so much of the mess I made out of my twenties. Satan knew I had a tremendous calling on my life to minister to so many and so he stopped at nothing to destroy it. From numerous affairs, eating disorders, bitterness, depression, anxiety and anger. Much of my twenties were spent as the prodigal child. Running from the God who loved me and finding pleasure in my own selfish desires. But God never gave up on me, He ALWAYS knew where to find me and pursued me with an everlasting love and heard my cry and pulled me up out of that slimy pit and gave my feet a firm place to stand!<br /><br /><br /><br />Now that I was out of the pit it was time to be...<br /><br /><br /><strong>RESTORED: </strong><br /><br />And praise His name I am out and the pit is no longer my home! But the gunk from the pit, still covered me from head to toe and it was going to take some time to remove it, just as it takes months even years to restore an old car to its original state, so was the same with me. And so I began the long process of Restoration:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DzqcrYMEw3g/TokQ1YvhXzI/AAAAAAAAAQM/IwSE6vlrK60/s1600/Holga076.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 315px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659072916128620338" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DzqcrYMEw3g/TokQ1YvhXzI/AAAAAAAAAQM/IwSE6vlrK60/s320/Holga076.jpg" /></a><br /><br />· 1.) Make a strategy of how to do it and how to start. Always have a plan before you start. <strong>* God had a strategy alright! HIS WORD and He wooed me back into His love letter and showed me His AMAZING plan for my life!</strong><br /><br /><br />2. Start with the engine. Try to remove most parts and replace them with little parts. Keep as many parts of the engine as possible. Devote a day or two of cleaning the engine.<br />*<strong> God started with my engine..My heart, He began to remove what didn't need to be there anymore( the rust of bitterness and anger and the dents of loneliness, depression, anxiety) and even though the sanding and hammering was painful at times it was worth it as He began to replace those defects with Himself(Love,Joy,Peace,Long suffering,Kindness,Goodness,Faithfulness,Gentleness,Self-control)</strong><br /><br />Until I was….<br /><br /><strong><br />REMADE:</strong><br /><br />3.Give style to your car. Get inside, clean it out, try a new radio, steering wheel, and maybe even clutch or transmission if you need.<br /><br />·<strong> God gave me a radio alright! He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. He has remade me and my life in SO many ways I don’t even know where to begin! Am I perfect? Hardly! But the one who IS perfect dwells inside me and that gives me a promise until the day when I will be completely REMADE into the image of Christ. And until then, my life will forever be dedicated to the lover of my soul and the amazing calling He has placed on my life so that many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him!</strong><br /><br />Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus Philippians 3:13–14<br /><br />And with that I say HELLO 30s!! Its gonna one AWESOME ride with the Lord!! <br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XrYvum2Gdoo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lun8sTSVsVc/TokUZv19jhI/AAAAAAAAAQs/85a-2-6QKB4/s1600/Happy%2BBirthday1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659076839339822610" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lun8sTSVsVc/TokUZv19jhI/AAAAAAAAAQs/85a-2-6QKB4/s320/Happy%2BBirthday1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt4Z87zrfR0/TokUogJjsWI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/XLsfu3TVuw0/s1600/Happy%2BBirthday%2B3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659077092825084258" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt4Z87zrfR0/TokUogJjsWI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/XLsfu3TVuw0/s320/Happy%2BBirthday%2B3.jpg" /></a></p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-27268521373416203712011-09-12T19:06:00.000-07:002011-09-12T19:47:57.959-07:00"Portable Brain"If you are like me then your life is a collection of crazy blessed chaos and its hard to find time to "think" let alone process those thoughts! And I kept getting lost in doing what needed to be done, that when God would speak to my heart about an idea for homeschooling, emails, ministry, writing etc. I would make sure to make a mental note to remember to get to it and then realize a few days later that I had forgot what I was suppose to do! Uggh! Anyone else??...<br /><br /><br />I also began to realize that the closer I get to 30( which is only 12 days, 288 hours, 17280 minutes and 1036800 seconds away) But hey who's counting?!;-) That my brain just isn't retaining info like it used to..Gotta love aging!;-)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I was going to bed with my mind racing with thoughts, ideas, plans, etc and finding it hard to fall asleep!...Oh how I needed a "dumping" place for all these thoughts!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And this is when my "Portable Brain" was invented...<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--FjBQ0rCjLM/Tm7AKRcisbI/AAAAAAAAAPM/ZMEX2v90Vd8/s1600/life1%2B008.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651665865110892978" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--FjBQ0rCjLM/Tm7AKRcisbI/AAAAAAAAAPM/ZMEX2v90Vd8/s320/life1%2B008.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iDkWEe_W5yg/Tm7AXHhU4BI/AAAAAAAAAPU/P99hg8ZG6nI/s1600/life1%2B005.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651666085784903698" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iDkWEe_W5yg/Tm7AXHhU4BI/AAAAAAAAAPU/P99hg8ZG6nI/s320/life1%2B005.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />* <strong>Sketch Book: </strong>Of course I decorated the cover! Because well my portable brain has to reflect the real one, and the real one surely isn't boring!...I gotta AMEN to that from the hubby! hehe;-)<br /><br /><br /><strong>* Tabs: </strong>Which so far are labeled with the different categories Homeschooling, Adoption, Writing, Ministries)<br /><br /><br /><strong>* Post it Notes: </strong>When the Lord brings a thought, idea etc to my mind, I can write it down on a post it note, so I won't forget!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ahhhhhhhhhh, Its in the little things that true blessings are found!! And I swear I heard a THANK YOU from my "real" brain..hehe!;-)Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-92199737637169143482011-09-10T19:11:00.000-07:002011-09-12T21:22:04.040-07:00Marathon in the Kitchen;-)I completed my first marathon today! It wasn't your typical running marathon though( even though the way my feet and back ache it sure feels like it ha!)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I completed my first KITCHEN MARATHON...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B3xyGc5XEF0/TmwakURxrOI/AAAAAAAAAO0/GzjR_0_B-dU/s1600/pics3%2B064.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650920843664010466" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B3xyGc5XEF0/TmwakURxrOI/AAAAAAAAAO0/GzjR_0_B-dU/s320/pics3%2B064.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8LgWXXewvU/TmwbUCS7XVI/AAAAAAAAAO8/B-t16cFSNvI/s1600/pics3%2B065.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650921663470722386" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8LgWXXewvU/TmwbUCS7XVI/AAAAAAAAAO8/B-t16cFSNvI/s320/pics3%2B065.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And the Menu includes:<br /><br /><strong>Breakfast:</strong><br /><br />* Chocolate Chip Pancakes<br /><br />* French Toast Sticks<br /><br />* Apple Coffee Cake<br /><br />* Cinamon Raisin Muffins<br /><br />* Chocolate Pumpkin Bread<br /><br />* Oatmeal Bake<br /><br /><strong>Lunch:</strong><br /><br />* Pizza Snackers<br /><br />* Italian Chicken Strips<br /><br />* Make-Ahead Sandwiches<br /><br />* Italian Chicken Roll-Ups<br /><br />* Cheesey Crisps<br /><br />*Pizza Meat Loaf Cups<br /><br /><strong>Dinner:</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>* </strong>Double Meatloaf<br /><br />* Turkey Meatball Soup<br /><br />* Southwestern Casserole<br /><br />* Slow-Cooked Chunky Chili<br /><br />* Veggie Lasagna<br /><br />* Breaded Chicken Patties<br /><br />* Sloppy Joes<br /><br />Oh and can't forget the Oatmeal Cookies!:-)<br /><br /><br />And it only took me 8 hours to complete it all!;-) </p><br /><br /><br /><p>I wanted to make 2 weeks worth of food( breakfasts, lunches and dinners) first, because I knew that is about all my freezer could hold!;-)<br /><br /><br />I found a awesome cookbook called Taste of Home Freezer Pleasers: </p><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JgSdP9Wv7pA/Tm7YKQ4d6pI/AAAAAAAAAPc/wUehXmOW7HE/s1600/51zeMCXzE8L__SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651692253238651538" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JgSdP9Wv7pA/Tm7YKQ4d6pI/AAAAAAAAAPc/wUehXmOW7HE/s320/51zeMCXzE8L__SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /><br />And it is AWESOME because almost all of the recipes are double! So I was cranking out two meals per recipe! THATS how I got finished in 8 hours;-) AND I had a few recipes going at the same time..It was pure craziness but SOOOO WORTH IT!!!:-)<br /><br /></p>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-40236956032296195622010-07-22T17:34:00.000-07:002010-07-22T18:07:04.965-07:00Hands on Bible Review!:)<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7EbGWKvYpw0/TEjkk4pHruI/AAAAAAAAAOA/MyBS2OpTwVU/s1600/Hands-onBible.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 258px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496894667536969442" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7EbGWKvYpw0/TEjkk4pHruI/AAAAAAAAAOA/MyBS2OpTwVU/s400/Hands-onBible.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>I am SO stoked to be asked by Tyndale House to review the new Hands on Bible, as we are definitely a hands on learning family and I just knew my kids would LOVE it and boy was I right! The minute we received it in the mail, they were eagerly flipping through it with excitement!:) We started using the Daily Reading Plan( found on their AMAZING website) for our morning Bible Lesson and I LOVED how it teaches kids how to find passages in the Bible and makes learning the Bible fun for them, my kiddos had a blast looking up the verses I was teaching and reading the interesting facts that went with them!!:)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>We then used it that night for our Family Devotion Time and once again used the AMAZING website for ideas! Our lesson was based on Genesis 9:8-17 which talks about how the rainbow was and is-God's sign of the covenant He made with all life on earth. And so we made Rainbow Raindrop Promises to God to help us remember that God keeps His promises and to ask Him to help us keep ours:) We had SO much fun doing these and the hands on approach through this Bible ROCKS:)!!<br /><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7EbGWKvYpw0/TEjp48P3lrI/AAAAAAAAAOY/x-kUtFdxS58/s1600/IMG_2872.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496900509660321458" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7EbGWKvYpw0/TEjp48P3lrI/AAAAAAAAAOY/x-kUtFdxS58/s320/IMG_2872.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>I love how this hands on approach makes the Bible come alive for not only my children but also myself! I even want to use this Bible for my own personal devotion time!;) I can't recommend this bible enough, it is such a BLESSING and we are SO excited to have it in our lives now!!:) </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div>Be sure to check out the website(<a href="http://www.myhandsonbible.com/">http://www.myhandsonbible.com/</a>) which is jam packed with Reading Plans, Family Devotions, Songs and a Parents Forum! LOVE it!<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div>Product Info:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>List Price: 19.99<br />ISBN: 978-1-4143-3769-2<br />Trim Size: 5 1/2 x 8 1/2<br />Binding: Softcover<br />Release: July 2010<br /><br /><br />List Price: 24.99<br />ISBN: 978-1-4143-3768-5<br />Trim Size: 5 1/2 x 8 1/2<br />Binding: Hardcover<br />Release: July 2010 </div></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-56781505985098262132010-06-04T05:17:00.000-07:002010-06-04T05:46:05.991-07:00Mirror Mirror<span style="font-family:verdana;"><em><strong>"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30 </strong></em></span>
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<br /></strong></em></span><span style="font-family:verdana;">It seems all to often the mirror's image is what we allow to define us as women. We wake up every morning and allow our days to be set by who the mirror tells us we are. We twist and turn, inspecting every inch and crevice of our bodies, examining it through a magnifying glass we created on our own. I carried that magnifying glass all to often in my life and I am still at times tempted to take it out. I bought into the lie that physical beauty is what determines your worth. That what the mirror portrayed of me was more important than anything else. And because of that I struggled many years with a distorted body image that led to countless years of eating disorders and depression over trying to keep the taunting voices happy. It was a long exhausting road and it got me nowhere..But then I realized that's the trap satan doesn't want you to figure out, you believe that if you get to a certain number, then you will finally be happy and will finally have the worth you have been seeking. But the the vicious cycle continues..Because as long as you are placing your worth in anything other than Jesus, then it will never be enough. Jesus didn't create us to allow things such as that to define our worth..He knew they would fade..But what about the beauty that truly radiates, the beauty that shines from within? </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">
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<br />I have met many people in my life that were physically gorgeous, but all to often I would realize that something was missing, I was constantly looking for that inner beauty, something that kept me captivated. And all to often I just couldn't find it..why?.. Because inner beauty isn't the same as that which lies on the outside..Physical beauty can't go inward, but inner beauty..Christ's beauty can radiate from the inside out..What Christ puts on the inside of a woman desiring to be made whole in Him, radiates outward and she becomes a image of TRUE beauty. She becomes the COMPLETE package..When we begin to realize our worth is in Him and learn to accept the woman He created us to be, we realize that it doesn't matter if we can do sit ups, run a mile or fit in those skinny jeans;) We begin to see that those things don't define us anymore nor do they own us..
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<br />It is certainly not wrong to want to be physically fit, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and should be treated as such, and I for one love being physically active and enjoy keeping my body in shape.. But the Lord began teaching me, it all lies in our focus..If we choose to focus all our energy on the physical then that's what we will have to settle for..an empty shell..But if we begin to focus on the inner part of ourselves and allow God to teach us who He says we are and allow Him to clothe us His heavenly garments, that's when the complete transformation takes place.. When the real beauty will radiate! That's when you are able to lift your head up and walk confidence because you know that no matter what may linger on the outside..You are confident in WHO lingers on the inside and well that kind of beauty girlfriend is the REAL thing and it just doesn't get any better than that!:)</span>
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<br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I want you to take some time and answer these questions..
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<br /><em>Does your focus on your appearance take your eyes off the Lord?
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<br />Are you more focused on your weight, clothes, or makeup than you are on God?</em>
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<br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">If you answered yes.. Spend time with God and ask Him to allow you to look in His mirror and see the beauty He sees in you and wants to do through you..You might just be surprised at what you see;)
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<br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Music always plays a big part in the way the Lord speaks to me and as I was writing this the Lord laid this song on my heart and it goes perfect with this message and I wanted to share.. </span>
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-76307339728054722042010-03-08T09:15:00.000-08:002010-03-08T10:03:39.667-08:00Something Heavenly...For a long time I have known God was calling me to something huge, something beyond myself, and I knew it had to do with telling my story. When I applied for the BLAST mentorship program with Shannon Ethridge, I had no idea that I would be chosen to embark on such an incredible journey. But indeed the time has come and so I take a hold of my Jesus’ hand and follow Him... While waiting for this program to start, God began revealing some things to me, and well honestly it wasn’t really what I was expecting...He gently took my face in His hands and whispered to my heart<br /><br /> “Its time my child that you get to the nitty gritty, you have to lay everything out table, it’s has to be all or nothing.” I sat in silence after I heard those words come from the heart and core of my Heavenly Daddy. Because you see I knew what they meant...I knew this journey wasn’t going to be an easy one, and well I have a feeling it’s going to hurt for awhile. He began to show me that it was time to go back…back down memory lane...it was time to sift, dig, uncover, and process things that I have endured but more importantly it was time that I heal from them. That in order to effectively be the writer, speaker and Life Coach that He created me to be, I had to allow Him to take me through the walls of my heart that I for so long guarded as “off limits” to everyone including… Him... The dark secrets my of heart’s chambers, once hidden and buried from life’s past...were now going to be exposed...I was sure they were safe there..I am a new person now...I am not her anymore...Is this really necessary? Do I really have to go back? And I heard Him say...<br /> <br />“Yes child...there is no other way... What you see now is only just the beginning...You think you are not her anymore...but apart of you still clings to her because its all you have ever known, all you have given yourself permission to be, and what you have allowed others make you believe you deserve. She indeed will always be a part of you, but in order to move on into the future I have planned for you, you have to understand who she was and how she made you into who you are today even through the grief, shame and guilt...Its time you take a hold of that inner child, teenager, and wounded woman and allow her to teach you things about yourself that only she can.”… <br /><br />So here I sit, one hand griping the phone receiver, one about to dial the numbers, I take a deep breath and make the call to Restoration Place Ministries and allow the journey of counseling begin, it’s not going to be easy, in fact I am pretty sure this will be the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, but God has made it clear it is necessary in this process, in my healing, in my transformation…This has proved to be much more than just a writing/speaking program, it has become the beginning of a something beautiful, and one day all of heaven will watch in excitment.. as I walk out on that ledge and lift my head high with confidence, spread my wings of beauty as I watch the chains of my past crumble to the ground and for the first time I will be able to shout with joy..I am <strong>FREE</strong>!!<br /><br /><br />” But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31<br /><br />This song has never touched my life and heart as much as it does right now, and through the chaos of emotions I choose to surrender because I know that my Daddy is up to something oh so Heavenly!!<br /><br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Zqp1JfEl27o&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Zqp1JfEl27o&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-59144911637191959942009-10-20T17:03:00.000-07:002009-10-20T17:12:12.627-07:00I surrender All...<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" 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<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My mind drifts to the hymn when I hear those words, I am sure many of us have sung it but I wonder how many of us have sung it and actually stopped to realize the words that were actually being spoken from our lips and what exactly was taking place once those lyrics reached God’s heart, does He in return look back at us and say are you really surrendering all? …I am sure this goes for all of us. There is always some part of our lives that we just can’t give it all to God and trust Him to have control of it. But what I felt the need to talk about in this entry is..Children..The average family in America today has a family consisting of 4 to 5 members and that’s including the parents. Now most of you would say 3 kids that’s enough for 2 parents to handle who needs anymore..I have three kids and for awhile I couldn’t have agreed with you more..There was a time that I would hear others reply ahh we have enough children we are done..Or people using contraceptives to make sure they don’t become pregnant..</p><p class="MsoNormal"> And honestly I never thought twice about the comments or decisions. That was until God began to give me His heart on this…and honestly now when I heart those comments I cringe, because its almost as if we have placed ourselves in a position to say ok God I trust you with everything but the kid part...that<span style=""> </span>part I get to choose and call the shots ok? Do we seriously think that flies in heaven? Does God really look down and say with a smile oh ok I didn’t really need that part of your life anyway.. When God asks us to surrender all..I am going to take a leap here and say I think He means ALL.. ..I know I can already hear the reasons of why this part of our lives just has to be off limits to the surrendering part..Trust me I get it..As a woman we desire “me” time whether that be hanging out with a girlfriend for coffee, a new outfit or a hobby that we really enjoying doing..And of course we can’t forget our desire to keep up our womanly figures;)..We don’t want to sacrifice “our” time. I totally hear you ladies, and when God began calling my heart on this, trust me He heard a few whines or two..Or three ha;) But I knew without a doubt what He was speaking to my heart was the truth and I had to make a choice to listen and obey and to decide to follow Him or the voices of the world on this.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"> The voices of the world have made us believe that children are a curse and the more you have the worse things will be, you’ll never be able to take care of them (how many times have we said oh we just can’t “afford” another child) As Christians I believe we are doing God an injustice and totally disobeying Him when we buy into that lie. We are staring God in the face and saying I don’t want anymore children because you know I just don’t trust that you will provide for their needs…hmm that makes it sting when we hear it that way huh? So what exactly does God say about this? In Genesis 9:7 “As for you be fruitful and multiply, populate the earth abundantly and multiply in it.” Psalm 127:3-5 “ Behold children are a gift of the Lord , the fruit of the womb is a reward like arrows in the head of a warrior , so are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man, whose quiver is full of them, they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate”…God chooses to reward us with children..Not curse us..So why don’t we accept it that way?
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<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"> Take a breath this is gonna hurt….But maybe because we live in a selfish society were its all about us and “our” time and meeting “our” needs? We think our standards are God standards, that to answer this call our lives then we have to have tons of money...did we forget who Jesus parents were? That we have to provide them with a huge house.umm did we forget where Jesus was born and where He slept? That children just cost to much( clothes, toys, extracurricular activities etc)But is it really the children who cost too much or is it us the parents who have bought into this false image of what a family really looks like..Jesus didn’t come to give us the American dream..He came to give us Life..And to help us build a legacy and I believe that starts through our children..And if we all really took the time to simplify our lives and allow God to teach us how to raise our children we would began to realize that they really are a reward and a blessing. I think of the TLC family the Duggars when I see a family who has answered this call on their lives..Isn’t it amazing how so many of us will tune into their show watch it and then turn it off and never for a second think that God is calling us to make the same commitment to Him??..They are no different than the next family who steps up and takes a step of faith and says God I commit to you how many children we are to have, God didn’t just call the Duggars folks..He has called all of us who belong to Him to commit this part of our lives to Him..God desires to find faithful people of this day. And when He does there is no stopping His hand upon their lives!..But it requires us taking that first step of faith and trusting God with the rest….”Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1</p><p class="MsoNormal">
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<br />As for me and my family we will serve the Lord and we choose to commit and surrender this part of our lives to Him..anyone else ready to join us and choose to do the same?:)
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514038396068581621.post-83484649774256146512009-07-11T20:00:00.001-07:002009-07-11T21:19:31.335-07:00Here I am Lord..SEND ME!!!<span style="font-size:130%;">THE PROBLEM:</span><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mCPY6n8t-R8&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mCPY6n8t-R8&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">WHY ITS IMPORTANT:</span><br /><br /><br />What GOD thinks about orphans:<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">God calls us to be instruments of justice for orphans...</span><br /><br />Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother; and do not oppress the widow or the orphan, the stranger or the poor. (Zechariah 7:9b-10b)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">God calls us to love and to care for orphans...</span><br /><br />Learn to do good; Seek justice, reprove the ruthless, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. (Isaiah 1:17)<br /><br />Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (James 1:27)<br /><br />When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not go over it again; it shall be for the alien, for the orphan, and for the widow. (Deuteronomy 24:21)<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />God blesses those who are obedient to care for the needs of orphans...</span><br /><br />When you reap your harvest in your field and have forgotten a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the alien, for the orphan, and for the widow, in order that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. (Deuteronomy 24:19)<br /><br />For when the ear heard, it called me blessed, and when the eye saw, it gave witness of me, because I delivered the poor who cried for help, and the orphan who had no helper. The blessing of the one ready to perish came upon me, and I made the widow's heart sing for joy. (Job 29:11-13)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">THE PLAN OF ACTION:<br /></span><br />God has placed a piece of Uganda in my heart and I long for there with everything inside me, I don't just want to go, I HAVE to go or this aching in my heart will surely consume me!! The Lord has opened that door for me to travel to Uganda this fall (Sept 26th -October 5th 09)with an AMAZING organization that has a heart to reclaim hope for orphans... Carolines Promise (http://www.carolinespromise4u.org/index.htm) We will be ministering to the orphans and widows there through various resources (including food, children's activities, medical assistance etc)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">*Prayers!!<br /> Not only for me but for the many orphans and widows not just in Uganda but all over the world! God moves when His children PRAY!!<br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">* Become a child sponsor, you can make a HUGE difference the life of a child by becoming a sponsor..visit these websites for more information<br /><br />http://www.hopechest.org/<br /><br />http://www.compassion.com/default.htm<br /><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">* Partner with me financially as I take my step into the mission field of Uganda!!<br /><br />Click the button below to donate towards my trip to Uganda!! Your donations are so greatly appreciated and May the Lord Bless you as you give!!<br /></span><br /><form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post"><br /><input name="cmd" value="_s-xclick" type="hidden"><br /><input name="hosted_button_id" value="6737408" type="hidden"><br /><input src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" type="image" border="0"><br /><img alt="" src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br /></form>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17764721837496617670noreply@blogger.com0