Every Sunday after church we have lunch at my parents' house. Dad cooks, mom cleans up, and my kids and my brother's kids play the afternoon away. It has been this way every Sunday for the 11 years we have lived here. I love that my kids will grow up with memories of special days at Grandma and Grandpa's house. The plaque on the door of their house says, "Grandpa and Grandma's Place, always time for kids." And that is the truth. All 8 grandchildren love being there!
A couple of Sundays ago the weather was beautiful and the lemon tree in the backyard was loaded down with lemons, so the girls asked if they could pick some and make lemonade. They worked hard squeezing the gigantic lemons into a pitcher. Eventually they had made enough lemonade that they decided to have a lemonade stand. They made signs, got a "money box", set up a table and waited for customers. My parents live at the end of a cul-de-sac. (not many drive-bys).
The little girl from across the street was over for the afternoon and since she knows the neighbors she started going door to door selling the little cups of homemade lemonade. In her excitement, the neighbor girl told some folks that they were selling it for "the old people." She had $2 that somebody had donated - they didn't even want a cup of lemonade. Immediately, our girls (Lexie and my two nieces) said, "You can't do that. That is a lie. We weren't giving it to old people, we were going to split the money up." (I was standing just a few feet away so I had the privilege of listening to the whole conversation.) The neighbor girl is not being raised in a Christian home - she saw nothing wrong with telling people a "story" to get them to buy a drink. But our girls - oh how proud I am of them - they told her to take the money back. She didn't want to. So without a second thought our girls decided to really donate the money. They began chattering back and forth about ideas of who they could give the money to - how they could use it to bless "old people" or kids in the hospital. And just like that, it was decided. They would donate the money.
When it was all said and done they had raised $14.25. My nieces had raised $10 a few days earlier and Lexie wanted to give her $6 too. So now they had $30.00 to donate. (as I type this, Kenadie (who was at youth camp when this happened) just gave $5.00 too!) Grand total - $35.25!
A few days later my sister-in-law called the Children's Hospital here in town to ask about what they needed. She finally heard back from them today and guess what! They girls are going to be on the news tomorrow morning! We will be heading to IHOP where news crew will be to interview the girls. IHOP partners with The Children's Miracle Network by having Pancake Day. The serve free pancakes and ask that people would donate to The Children's Miracle Network after they eat. The timing of their lemonade stand and Pancake Day just happens to be perfect - no surprise to the Lord or to us! The girls will have a few minutes to share their story and then they will hand the money over right then and there! They are over the moon excited! They get to be on TV!!!!!
The best part of it all is that the Lord is rewarding them for doing the right thing. He is showing these girls at their tender ages that He is pleased with them and He delights in blessing them. They are learning the great truth - It is more blessed to give than to receive!
So, I wrote that last night...it is now Tuesday morning and we just got back from IHOP. The girls were interviewed live on one TV channel and recorded for another. They even got to be interviewed on a local radio station. And the whole family ate free pancakes!
The lady in charge of Children Hospital here in Bakersfield and I had the opportunity to talk a bit after the interviews were over. She marveled at the timing of it all and I was able to share that the Lord is always right on time! She said their $35 may as well be $3,500 - she is so blessed by their generosity and hopes that others will be inspired to give as well. It is a reminder that every dollar counts. No amount is too small. It makes me think about all those who have given to help families bring home a little one from another country. Or those who will pack a journey bag for a foster child or send a birthday card. Or those who sponsor children in far away lands. We can all make a difference. We can all be that little boy who shares his lunch with Jesus - and watch Him bless and multiply it.
I hope my girls always remember the day Jesus honored their honesty and desire to do what was right. I hope the lesson learned today is not "don't lie" but rather the Lord delights in blessing His children. He went above and beyond to show 4 little girls that He loves them and is pleased with them. As a mom, I am so blessed to have witnessed the whole discussion between the girls that day. I am so proud of them for doing what was right. And I love that the Lord blessed them the way He did today.
(a good mom would have remembered her camera and video camera...hopefully we can get a copy of the broadcast or find a link to it on their website)
To God be the glory, great things He has done!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
one year ago
Today is a special anniversary for us in the DeCarlo family. One year ago today we first snuggled our little guy. One year ago today I sat in my van talking to a woman who will always have a special place in my heart. Lacy, Levi's foster mom and I chatted about Levi as I sat in the parking lot of the fairgrounds in Visalia. My girls were inside watching a horse show and I was huddled up in my car (it was a cold, gray day). I remember Lacy telling me, "there's just something about him." At the time I didn't really understand what she meant. He was, after all, only 4 months old and I couldn't quite figure out how different could he really be from other 4 months old? It didn't take long at all for us to see that Levi has been blessed with an endearing personality. Everybody who knows him, and plenty of strangers too, are drawn to him. He's a flirt, and a ham and he loves laughing and making people laugh with him. There really is something about him!
I had stared at Levi's picture - the one my social worker sent to me - for a week, waiting for approval from the county to have him placed in our home. You see, as soon as his foster parents knew he was being moved to adoptions, they wanted him to be with his forever family as soon as possible. They knew how special everyday is with little ones - and they wanted him to have every opportunity to bond with his family. I am so thankful for their hearts. They loved him while he was with them and handed him over to us knowing that was best for him! How selfless. Such a beautiful example of sacrificial love.
Before Levi, the Whitbey family had loved a little girl for nearly a year. She was reunited with a family member. After Levi, they had another baby boy whom they loved and treasured for 6 months before handing him into the arms of his adoptive family. I love the Whitbeys for what they do for these little ones. They truly have the heart of Jesus. Fostering isn't easy. Loving a little one, knowing they won't be staying, must rip your heart out. And yet, this family continues to do the hard thing. Someone once told me, "It's never wrong to love a child." For a day, for a year, for life. Precious Whitbey family, the Lord is pleased with you - thank you for loving His little lambs.
I does my heart good to remember how faithful the Lord has been to us and to Levi through this journey - rejoice with me as I remind myself of His goodness!
~It was January 2010 when I began to feel the Lord prompting me again to foster/adopt.
~I prayed for 6 months that the Lord would add to our family through adoption
~I prayed that this would not just be "my thing" but that Dominic and I would be united
~We were finally certified in October 2010
(Looking back now, it is so cool for me to see the Lord's perfect timing - all those months I prayed were the exact months that Levi was being carried in his birth-mom's womb. He was conceived in January and born in October. While I didn't carry him in my womb - I carried him in my heart and in my prayers for those 9 months. Isn't that just the way the Lord works? Preparing us as He prepared Levi to enter the world!)
~My song while we waited was "Our God" by Chris Tomlin. Every time it came on the radio I prayed, I dreamed, and I prayed some more for our little one. Months later, at a Harvest Crusade I was blessed to hear Chris Tomlin perform it live while Levi clapped and danced in my arms. I was moved to tears as I held him, thinking about how perfectly the Lord had heard and answered all my prayers. The private ones, the fears, the doubts, the requests that he be protected from whatever he was being exposed to...And there he was, in my arms - every prayer answered beyond what I could ask or think!
~Tomorrow will be one year that Levi has been home with us. His foster parents brought him over at 4:00 in the afternoon - it was a Friday. We videotaped the car pulling up, Levi being taken out of the van, and the three of them walking up to the front door. We have video tapes of the girls' births - this was for us, his birth video! Such a treasured memory. Once inside, he snuggled up with Lexie and fell asleep. The next few months feel like a blur of bottles, burp clothes, sleepless nights and the best dimpled smile from a little boy we all love like crazy!
~October 21, 2010 - not only did we celebrate Levi's first birthday, we were doubly blessed to celebrate the finalization of his adoption. Just 8 short months after coming home, he was officially our son - forever. With all the rights of a natural born child. What a beautiful reminder of what has been done for us as children of God. That day in court, the judge repeatedly called Levi by his given name. I winced every time - didn't he know that we were changing his name? Should I speak up and say something? Over and over he referred to him by his "old" name. But then, at the very end, the judge said, "With my signature I declare that he is no longer (insert old name) but shall hence forth be known as Levi Joseph DeCarlo." And with that the courtroom erupted with cheers and claps!
Thank you, Lord for the new life you have given Levi. Thank you Lord that You have done the same for all those who know Jesus as Savior. You have given us a new name, an inheritance with your son Jesus, and brought us into your family!
Here are some pictures of Levi through the year! Our little man, how we love you.
I had stared at Levi's picture - the one my social worker sent to me - for a week, waiting for approval from the county to have him placed in our home. You see, as soon as his foster parents knew he was being moved to adoptions, they wanted him to be with his forever family as soon as possible. They knew how special everyday is with little ones - and they wanted him to have every opportunity to bond with his family. I am so thankful for their hearts. They loved him while he was with them and handed him over to us knowing that was best for him! How selfless. Such a beautiful example of sacrificial love.
Before Levi, the Whitbey family had loved a little girl for nearly a year. She was reunited with a family member. After Levi, they had another baby boy whom they loved and treasured for 6 months before handing him into the arms of his adoptive family. I love the Whitbeys for what they do for these little ones. They truly have the heart of Jesus. Fostering isn't easy. Loving a little one, knowing they won't be staying, must rip your heart out. And yet, this family continues to do the hard thing. Someone once told me, "It's never wrong to love a child." For a day, for a year, for life. Precious Whitbey family, the Lord is pleased with you - thank you for loving His little lambs.
I does my heart good to remember how faithful the Lord has been to us and to Levi through this journey - rejoice with me as I remind myself of His goodness!
~It was January 2010 when I began to feel the Lord prompting me again to foster/adopt.
~I prayed for 6 months that the Lord would add to our family through adoption
~I prayed that this would not just be "my thing" but that Dominic and I would be united
~We were finally certified in October 2010
(Looking back now, it is so cool for me to see the Lord's perfect timing - all those months I prayed were the exact months that Levi was being carried in his birth-mom's womb. He was conceived in January and born in October. While I didn't carry him in my womb - I carried him in my heart and in my prayers for those 9 months. Isn't that just the way the Lord works? Preparing us as He prepared Levi to enter the world!)
~My song while we waited was "Our God" by Chris Tomlin. Every time it came on the radio I prayed, I dreamed, and I prayed some more for our little one. Months later, at a Harvest Crusade I was blessed to hear Chris Tomlin perform it live while Levi clapped and danced in my arms. I was moved to tears as I held him, thinking about how perfectly the Lord had heard and answered all my prayers. The private ones, the fears, the doubts, the requests that he be protected from whatever he was being exposed to...And there he was, in my arms - every prayer answered beyond what I could ask or think!
~Tomorrow will be one year that Levi has been home with us. His foster parents brought him over at 4:00 in the afternoon - it was a Friday. We videotaped the car pulling up, Levi being taken out of the van, and the three of them walking up to the front door. We have video tapes of the girls' births - this was for us, his birth video! Such a treasured memory. Once inside, he snuggled up with Lexie and fell asleep. The next few months feel like a blur of bottles, burp clothes, sleepless nights and the best dimpled smile from a little boy we all love like crazy!
~October 21, 2010 - not only did we celebrate Levi's first birthday, we were doubly blessed to celebrate the finalization of his adoption. Just 8 short months after coming home, he was officially our son - forever. With all the rights of a natural born child. What a beautiful reminder of what has been done for us as children of God. That day in court, the judge repeatedly called Levi by his given name. I winced every time - didn't he know that we were changing his name? Should I speak up and say something? Over and over he referred to him by his "old" name. But then, at the very end, the judge said, "With my signature I declare that he is no longer (insert old name) but shall hence forth be known as Levi Joseph DeCarlo." And with that the courtroom erupted with cheers and claps!
Thank you, Lord for the new life you have given Levi. Thank you Lord that You have done the same for all those who know Jesus as Savior. You have given us a new name, an inheritance with your son Jesus, and brought us into your family!
Here are some pictures of Levi through the year! Our little man, how we love you.
The Lord has done great things for us and we are full of joy!
Psalms 126:3
Monday, February 20, 2012
an invitation
I have been thinking about this post for awhile. I have been thinking about our responsibility as Christians - our calling. I read so many blogs about adoption and the message is the same eye-opening, convicting, inspiring message on all of them. "God's heart is for the orphan! He instituted adoption! Our very identity is found in the fact that we are adopted into His family - co-heirs with Jesus." To all of this I say "AMEN!"
But then there is the feelings of guilt that all too often follow. If I know these things to be true - if I really believe and agree with them, why am I not doing more. Why isn't my house full of once orphaned-now adopted sons and daughters!?
This verse is used so many times on adoption blogs and while I know the intent, it can sadly bring condemnation.
Conviction is from the Lord. It is Him gently saying, "I have a better way, a better plan. This is not My best for you. Do it My way and see how blessed you'll be, child." Condemnation is not from Him. It is satan whispering, sometimes yelling, in our ear, "You are not good enough. You are not doing enough. Just look at "her", she is so much more godly than you." This is an easy place to go in the adoption world. Everywhere you look other families have adopted more children than you - kids with special needs, teenagers, the hard cases. We've adopted one -one, cute, easy baby boy with no special needs. Isn't there more we should do? There is definitely more we could do. Right?
I fully believe we as Christians are called, no commanded, to care for the orphan. I am completely convinced the orphan crisis is our problem. I do pray more Christians would step out in faith on this journey - but not out of some sense of false spirituality or fear of judgement. From a heart that says, "Lord, what do YOU want for our family? How can we follow you fully in this life? I want to take up my cross and deny myself because I know your way is so much better than mine. Break my heart with the things that break Your's." Lately I have come to realize that this verse is as much an invitation as it is a wake-up call. We will all stand before the Lord one day to give an account of our lives. I long to hear "Well done good and faithful servant" (don't you?) But more and more I am aware that He is saying to us, "Do you want more of Me? Do you want to be blessed beyond your wildest dreams? Do you want to experience a deeper walk with Me? Then follow Me. Seek first My kingdom! Act on what you know and what I am whispering in your heart."
As we have walked this journey the last year, we have been more blessed than we could have imagined. I can't begin to express in words how glad we are that we took that first scary step and then the next and then the next to find ourselves where we are today. The Lord has been reminding me lately that when we seek His will and follow Him when says, "this is the way, walk in it," it is the most exciting, best place to be. I wish I could adequately express how deeply blessed we are and how exciting it is to have a front row seat as He works and moves to accomplish His purposes in our lives. He is inviting us, all of us, to be His hands and feet and in the process to have our socks blessed off! That is exciting to me! I want that! Not out of some sense of guilt or condemnation, but because there is nowhere I would rather be than in the center of His will!
Yes, His heart is for the orphan. Adoption is His idea! And when we get on board with His plan its a wild, crazy, blessed ride!
Today, Lord, I say "yes" - I accept your invitation. Help me to know Your will and walk in Your ways.
But then there is the feelings of guilt that all too often follow. If I know these things to be true - if I really believe and agree with them, why am I not doing more. Why isn't my house full of once orphaned-now adopted sons and daughters!?
"Once our eyes are open we can not pretend we don't know what to do.
God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls,
knows what we know and holds us responsible to act." Proverbs 24:12
"There is therefore now no condemnation
for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1
I fully believe we as Christians are called, no commanded, to care for the orphan. I am completely convinced the orphan crisis is our problem. I do pray more Christians would step out in faith on this journey - but not out of some sense of false spirituality or fear of judgement. From a heart that says, "Lord, what do YOU want for our family? How can we follow you fully in this life? I want to take up my cross and deny myself because I know your way is so much better than mine. Break my heart with the things that break Your's." Lately I have come to realize that this verse is as much an invitation as it is a wake-up call. We will all stand before the Lord one day to give an account of our lives. I long to hear "Well done good and faithful servant" (don't you?) But more and more I am aware that He is saying to us, "Do you want more of Me? Do you want to be blessed beyond your wildest dreams? Do you want to experience a deeper walk with Me? Then follow Me. Seek first My kingdom! Act on what you know and what I am whispering in your heart."
As we have walked this journey the last year, we have been more blessed than we could have imagined. I can't begin to express in words how glad we are that we took that first scary step and then the next and then the next to find ourselves where we are today. The Lord has been reminding me lately that when we seek His will and follow Him when says, "this is the way, walk in it," it is the most exciting, best place to be. I wish I could adequately express how deeply blessed we are and how exciting it is to have a front row seat as He works and moves to accomplish His purposes in our lives. He is inviting us, all of us, to be His hands and feet and in the process to have our socks blessed off! That is exciting to me! I want that! Not out of some sense of guilt or condemnation, but because there is nowhere I would rather be than in the center of His will!
Yes, His heart is for the orphan. Adoption is His idea! And when we get on board with His plan its a wild, crazy, blessed ride!
Today, Lord, I say "yes" - I accept your invitation. Help me to know Your will and walk in Your ways.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
a new chapter
This weekend marks a new chapter for us as parents - we have entered the world of jr. high, youth group, winter camp, and we are just 2 short weeks away from Kenadie's 13th birthday. Exciting days are ahead, I'm sure!
Dominic and Kenadie are at Camp Sugar Pine near Yosemite for winter camp until tomorrow! I think Dominic was as excited as Kenadie to be going! He never went to youth camp as a teen, so he was really looking forward to the experience, and especially spending the weekend with Kenadie. Yesterday they left camp at went to Yosemite. (I think a family trip up there is in our future!) He loves the mountains - so he thoroughly enjoyed taking pictures of the beautiful scenery.
Dominic called this afternoon - it was great to hear that Kenadie is loving her first youth trip. I have been praying that the Lord would meet with her in a very real and personal way. She is tender and open to the voice of the Lord, so I trust that He is ministering to her heart while she is there.
This is the first of many youth trips, I'm sure. I just love that she is happy her dad is with her. He told me today that he has tried to give her her space - like not sitting by her at meals, but she chooses to sit with him. :) That blesses him, (and me!) Who said teens are too cool for their parents?
The rest of the gang and I have spent time with my parents - it has been a relaxing weekend, but I am ready for Dominic and Kenadie to be home.
So much more on my heart, but I will save that for another day. For tonight, I am praying for a revival in my own life and in the lives of Christians around the world. May we about the Father's business until He comes for His people!
He (Jesus) told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Luke 10:2
Dominic and Kenadie are at Camp Sugar Pine near Yosemite for winter camp until tomorrow! I think Dominic was as excited as Kenadie to be going! He never went to youth camp as a teen, so he was really looking forward to the experience, and especially spending the weekend with Kenadie. Yesterday they left camp at went to Yosemite. (I think a family trip up there is in our future!) He loves the mountains - so he thoroughly enjoyed taking pictures of the beautiful scenery.
Dominic called this afternoon - it was great to hear that Kenadie is loving her first youth trip. I have been praying that the Lord would meet with her in a very real and personal way. She is tender and open to the voice of the Lord, so I trust that He is ministering to her heart while she is there.
This is the first of many youth trips, I'm sure. I just love that she is happy her dad is with her. He told me today that he has tried to give her her space - like not sitting by her at meals, but she chooses to sit with him. :) That blesses him, (and me!) Who said teens are too cool for their parents?
The rest of the gang and I have spent time with my parents - it has been a relaxing weekend, but I am ready for Dominic and Kenadie to be home.
So much more on my heart, but I will save that for another day. For tonight, I am praying for a revival in my own life and in the lives of Christians around the world. May we about the Father's business until He comes for His people!
He (Jesus) told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Luke 10:2
By His grace and for His glory!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
love my boy
Just want to say,
LOVE THIS BOY!
(That's his "silly face!"
He does it on command -
so of course
Dominic and the girls are constantly telling him.
"Do your silly face!")
He is just so much fun!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
greater things are still to be done
Next week, I get to meet with the Director of Outreach for
Child Welfare Services and her staff.
This is an amazing opportunity!
I am thrilled beyond words to have this open door
to speak to those whose job it is to reach out to the community
on behalf of the children in foster care.
I will be asking them how we can help.
How can we bless and love on the
forgotten in Bakersfield?
I am thrilled to have already seen the hearts of God's people stirred to action!
I was rejoicing with Dominic last night
about those the Lord has already
raised up to be part of The Forgotten Initiative.
It is exciting to think about all
the Lord can and will do through His people!!
He is the God of this city -
greater things are yet to come
and greater things are still to be done in this city!
One family, who is in the process of adopting two little boys, has already
started talking about ways they can involve their teenage daughter and her
high school friends in packing journey bags for teens in foster care!
I LOVE that!
Watch this video (put together by Jami - our founder).
You will be inspired - I know I was.
I am so hoping that we will have the opportunity to re-decorate the rooms
that children and their parents meet in at their weekly visits.
It is desperately needed -
Here is a video of some room make-overs put together by other TFI advocates and many volunteers to bring a little sunshine to the visit and waiting rooms in other communities.
These are just a few of the many ways
we can be part of bringing the love of Jesus to the
Foster Care Community.
How can we not take the command to care for the fatherless seriously?
He loves every single child - the orphan, the foster child.
He created them - Jesus died for them!
On Tuesday at the end of our time with the MOPS group,
the leader, Lynn, read a letter. It is taken from scripture written
as a love letter from God to His children.
She said, "Look at that little boy's sweet face (speaking of Levi)
as I read this."
Friends, it was moving.
I will leave you with the words of our
Heavenly Father -
(As you read them, think of the many, many children, who,
through no fault of their own, find themselves in foster care)
My Child,
You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1
You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2
Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3
Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31
Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27
Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28
Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28
Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5
Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12
Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14
Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13
Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6
Psalm 71:6
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3
Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
Zephaniah 3:17
http://www.fathersloveletter.com/flltextenglish.html (to read the full letter)
To God be the Glory, great things He has done!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentine's Day
I can't think of a better way to have spent my morning than sharing our adoption story with a bunch of moms at a MOPS group here in town. Norma (our adoption social worker) invited me along and since I can't resist the opportunity to talk about adoption and foster care and TFI, I happily accepted! What a blessing. :)
As I thought about what I would say today I couldn't help but reflect on the love I have been given by my heavenly Father and how walking this adoption road has given me a clearer understanding of the how deep His love is for me. I thought about how much we all love Levi and how adopting him has given us many glimpses of God's heart for His children. I thought again about missing the blessing of loving Levi had we not obeyed God's call. I thought about how God's timing and plans are perfect - I pray I was able to adequately express these truths as I shared my heart.
I took Levi along, and while I don't expect him to always want to be on display as the cute adopted kid, he stole the show today! I held him for the majority of my talk and he waved, smiled, snuggled, and babbled. He loves my earrings - and if they are even remotely round he calls them "basketballs". (He says it adorably, too, by the way.) So, right in the middle of my presentation, he calls out "batem-ball". Of course, all the moms laughed and oohed and aahed. He's quite the ham - so he continued to talk and wave and coo at the baby in front of us - He enjoyed every minute of the attention! Love that boy!!
Afterwards, one mom came to me and said, "I want to do whatever I can to be part of The Forgotten Initiative. How can I help?" Praises! I love making these connections. I love seeing others' hearts stirred by the heart of the Lord. I love being a voice for the fatherless. Another lady asked if she could contact me because she and her husband are considering adoption and she has lots of questions. Love it! Yes, yes, yes! I love talking about adoption. I love knowing other Christians are stepping out and walking this road.
We don't usually do much for Valentine's Day. So, spending the morning talking about all the Lord has done for us this past year was the best possible way to celebrate this day of love!
Hope your day is blessed - hope you and yours find yourselves full of the love of the Lord!
To God be the glory, great things He has done!
As I thought about what I would say today I couldn't help but reflect on the love I have been given by my heavenly Father and how walking this adoption road has given me a clearer understanding of the how deep His love is for me. I thought about how much we all love Levi and how adopting him has given us many glimpses of God's heart for His children. I thought again about missing the blessing of loving Levi had we not obeyed God's call. I thought about how God's timing and plans are perfect - I pray I was able to adequately express these truths as I shared my heart.
I took Levi along, and while I don't expect him to always want to be on display as the cute adopted kid, he stole the show today! I held him for the majority of my talk and he waved, smiled, snuggled, and babbled. He loves my earrings - and if they are even remotely round he calls them "basketballs". (He says it adorably, too, by the way.) So, right in the middle of my presentation, he calls out "batem-ball". Of course, all the moms laughed and oohed and aahed. He's quite the ham - so he continued to talk and wave and coo at the baby in front of us - He enjoyed every minute of the attention! Love that boy!!
Afterwards, one mom came to me and said, "I want to do whatever I can to be part of The Forgotten Initiative. How can I help?" Praises! I love making these connections. I love seeing others' hearts stirred by the heart of the Lord. I love being a voice for the fatherless. Another lady asked if she could contact me because she and her husband are considering adoption and she has lots of questions. Love it! Yes, yes, yes! I love talking about adoption. I love knowing other Christians are stepping out and walking this road.
We don't usually do much for Valentine's Day. So, spending the morning talking about all the Lord has done for us this past year was the best possible way to celebrate this day of love!
Hope your day is blessed - hope you and yours find yourselves full of the love of the Lord!
To God be the glory, great things He has done!
Friday, February 10, 2012
more connections
Last week I was invited to a press conference with our adoption social worker. Norma is passionate about adoption and serves on several committees and boards here in Bakersfield. She is sweet and quiet, but boy does she have connections. Let me tell you, she is amazing.
The press conference was for Safely Surrender awareness - a program where birth mothers can surrender their newborn baby without fear of shame, blame, or names. Since 2006, 25 babies have been safely surrendered in Bakersfield. Anyways, Norma invited me to tag along so I could meet some important people. First, let me say, the press conference was moving and emotional. Several people shared personal stories and the mayor made a proclamation that February is Safe Surrender awareness month in Kern County.
Afterwards, I was introduced to quite a few people as "the west coast regional representative for The Forgotten Initiative." I have tried to explain to Norma that that title is Dominic's joke, not my actual title. In an effort to make me seem really important, that is what Dominic jokingly refers to me as. And Norma insisted on introducing me as such! (just a bit overstated) How embarrassing! At any rate, I was able to meet Antanette - she is the Director of outreach for the Department of Human Services Child Welfare Division. Talk about getting straight to the top! She was warm and pleasant and invited me to speak to her staff about the vision and ministry of TFI. Too cool! This is exactly who I needed to meet and exactly who I needed to talk to about TFI to begin advocating here in Bakersfield. You go, Norma!
Antanette's secretary called me 2 days later and I am scheduled to be at their staff meeting Wednesday morning February 22 at 9:30! With that in mind, and because it is so important, we are having our first Bakersfield TFI prayer meeting - Tuesday the 21st @ 7pm - at my house. Everything we do with The Forgotten Initiative must be led by and empowered by the Holy Spirit. If you can't be with us, please join in praying for the work the Lord wants to do through us in the foster care system in Bakersfield.
I really expected it to take several tries and lots of phone calls to get to talk to someone who could give me ways that the body of Christ could serve the foster care community here. I came away from the press conference rejoicing in the way the Lord worked (again) to open doors for this ministry. The timing of the press conference, my invitation to go, Norma's connections, and the welcome reception from Antanette are all more evidences of the Lord working behind the scenes to pave the way for TFI! Praises! His ways truly are higher than ours - and when He is at work, hang on and get ready to run!!
To God be the glory, great things He has done!
The press conference was for Safely Surrender awareness - a program where birth mothers can surrender their newborn baby without fear of shame, blame, or names. Since 2006, 25 babies have been safely surrendered in Bakersfield. Anyways, Norma invited me to tag along so I could meet some important people. First, let me say, the press conference was moving and emotional. Several people shared personal stories and the mayor made a proclamation that February is Safe Surrender awareness month in Kern County.
Afterwards, I was introduced to quite a few people as "the west coast regional representative for The Forgotten Initiative." I have tried to explain to Norma that that title is Dominic's joke, not my actual title. In an effort to make me seem really important, that is what Dominic jokingly refers to me as. And Norma insisted on introducing me as such! (just a bit overstated) How embarrassing! At any rate, I was able to meet Antanette - she is the Director of outreach for the Department of Human Services Child Welfare Division. Talk about getting straight to the top! She was warm and pleasant and invited me to speak to her staff about the vision and ministry of TFI. Too cool! This is exactly who I needed to meet and exactly who I needed to talk to about TFI to begin advocating here in Bakersfield. You go, Norma!
Antanette's secretary called me 2 days later and I am scheduled to be at their staff meeting Wednesday morning February 22 at 9:30! With that in mind, and because it is so important, we are having our first Bakersfield TFI prayer meeting - Tuesday the 21st @ 7pm - at my house. Everything we do with The Forgotten Initiative must be led by and empowered by the Holy Spirit. If you can't be with us, please join in praying for the work the Lord wants to do through us in the foster care system in Bakersfield.
I really expected it to take several tries and lots of phone calls to get to talk to someone who could give me ways that the body of Christ could serve the foster care community here. I came away from the press conference rejoicing in the way the Lord worked (again) to open doors for this ministry. The timing of the press conference, my invitation to go, Norma's connections, and the welcome reception from Antanette are all more evidences of the Lord working behind the scenes to pave the way for TFI! Praises! His ways truly are higher than ours - and when He is at work, hang on and get ready to run!!
To God be the glory, great things He has done!
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