Tuesday, May 31, 2011

This is my temporary home

I've had a lot of people ask me lately how we are doing in the midst of all of the changes that have occurred in our lives lately. I have to admit that often in the past I have been guilty of finding security in the comforts this world has to offer. I think it's human nature really, yet silly just the same. We all know money doesn't equal security- and yet we live like it does anyway.

As we transition into full time missions almost all of our comforts have slowly been stripped away. We are living in a temporary home, with temporary living room furniture, temporary table, temporary dressers and a temporary computer desk.




 I fully admit it hasn't been easy, and yet it has been a powerful reminder that regardless of where today has each and every one of us, we all need to remember that whether we have temporary lawn furniture in our living room or the sturdy, beautiful, name brand stuff...

it's ALL temporary.

If you want security in something that will last forever I can tell you exactly where to get it. It comes with a life time guarantee and never changes. It's solid as a rock -and not a better quality can be found. It has been here since the beginning and will last through the end. 

It's all right here, just waiting for you to come pick it up and get this~ it's FREE. :) 




Thank you Lord for your word, because in the midst of all of the changes-we know what we have invested in you will last forever. :)


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Sunday, May 29, 2011

Happy Memorial Day and Ian

Memorial day is such a beautiful reminder of something that we take for granted way to often... the price that was paid for our freedom. I am so grateful for those who have and are serving our country. So grateful for those who paid the ultimate price.  Thank you doesn't even begin to cut it.

And as I reflect this Memorial Day weekend on the thankfulness of those who were willing to do whatever it takes for us to be free- I cannot help but to think of families like the Stewart's who too are also willing to do whatever it takes to bring their son home so that he too may be free- to grow and thrive and live the life that God intended for him to live- in a family where he is safe and loved.

Here is a picture Ian- isn't he precious beyond words?



Ian lives in an orphanage in Moscow and he happens to have Downs Syndrome. The Stewarts have done everything they can and worked their hardest to come up with the funds to bring Ian home, but time is running short they need your help.

Please be in prayer for Ian and for the Stewart family. If you'd like to know more about Ian and be a part of the miracle of bringing him home please check out his story here.



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Friday, May 27, 2011

 A couple of days ago I had the privilege of snapping a few shots of this beautiful family- The McBride's. I cannot even begin to tell you how precious this family is and what a huge influence and encouragement they have been in our lives and in our journey into the mission field. God is always so good about sending people into your lives just when you need them most. :) Through the ups and the downs Mitzi has been a huge encouragement to me because she knows first hand what goes into building your support team and how it feels to step out in faith and go whereever it is God calls you to go. The McBride's will be joining the amazing Lifesong team and heading to Zambia this upcoming September where they too will be serving orphans, teaching them about the love of Jesus and being His hands and feet to the people there. I am so excited for them and so happy for the children lives who will be changed through their work.
Will you guys do me a favor and stop by their blog and cheer them on as they too are selling it all and moving to where they can reach out to those who need them most.
We love you precious McBride family- thank you so much for all you have taught us!!




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Thursday, May 26, 2011

Hair and body products





Several of you have asked me what I use on my children's hair so I thought I'd share on here. Because there are so many different textures of hair I have found that it takes some time to figure out what works best on each one of my children.

Kaden's hair is very different from Havyns. Kaden always tells me his hair is 'pokey' and he likes it shaved bald. He is so cute- he will feel his head and say "Smooooth, just the way I like it". His hair is close to impossible to comb out and when I do it hurts him. So, we typically keep it shaved off. He has the most incredible deep black skin and it is beautiful and flawless. In the bath we don't use soap ever- we use Suave Sleek conditioner to wash his head with and his body. It smells great and it keeps his skin from getting ashy.

Carson's hair is a little softer than Kaden. I recently found out he is part Native American which explains that. I use Suave Sleek conditioner on him and not shampoo. I have found this also helps with his skin- which tends to be much dryer than my other two black children. He doesn't mind having his hair combed so we keep his hair a little longer.

When we were in Ethiopia adopted Havyn everyone would stop us and say "good hair". :) They were right- she has good hair. Her ringlets are amazing. Having said that, if she lays on it while sleeping or rubs against her car seat it can get a bit frizzy in the back. In the bath I also just use the same Suave Sleek conditioner on her and when getting her ready for the day I just spritz it down, comb it with a wide tooth comb, throw in some Carols Daughter Hair milk and then top it with Kinky Curly. The Kinky Curly is THE BEST to keep the ringlets in place. It is my favorite product of all. I have tried a lot of products at this point- and try to be economically smart but honestly I haven't found anything that works as good as these.The Carols Daughter Hair Milk is great too- but when I have run out before I have just put in more conditioner on her spritz hair and I think it works just as good.

For lotion I use the Vaseline Cocoa Butter on all of them. Hope that helps. :)

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Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Today is a gift, embrace it.



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Tuesday, May 24, 2011

To our Senders...

A friend told me the other day that she felt like she was doing so little towards our going to Guatemala by being a monthly supporter. I assured her right then and there that was not the case at all, but the Lord laid it on my heart to say this to all of you who have made a choice to partner with us...

Your part in sending is VITAL. In no way do we or does God consider your part 'little'. Plain and simply, we could not do our part in going without you all doing your part in sending.

And God intended it that way.

He didn't intend for His call to commission to every nation to be for or about only one couple who said yes to going. He called us all to be a part of it and each part is not viewed as small in His eyes.

Not a single one of us are supposed to "do it all" on our own. Neither you nor I. Yet all too often we fall for this lie. We believe that if we are not good enough, strong enough, rich enough, worthy enough, perfect enough, qualified enough then we shouldn't be doing it. That couldn't be further from the truth. Trust me, I am none of the above. It is because of those exact reasons- our NOT being good enough, worthy enough or qualified enough that we NEED Jesus.

His strength, His mercy, His goodness, His grace- which is exactly what He desires us to know- our need for Him. 

When we try to do it all on our own we miss out on the "relational part"- the very reason God created us. And then it becomes about US- our power, our smartness, our goodness, our abilities-- and not His.

Then, we miss out on the beauty of why God created the church- the body. He intended for the body to work together for the same purpose- His kingdom. And our job is to be our part of that body and exalt His name in ALL the earth. The Great commission.

Last Sunday Todd and I have the privilege of speaking at an amazing Jesus loving church. One of the things I feared most when God called us was having to speak publicly. I keep asking God for that gift but so far His answer has been 'no'. :) Yet in His goodness He has turned this experience into such a blessing I never imagined. We have been blown away by the support we have been given and blown away by witnessing God's people in action. And we have been blown away by the pastors and leader of these churches- their hearts for leading those to know Him on a personal level with everything they have. There is nothing more beautiful in my eyes. The pastor at the church we spoke at this past Sunday reminded us that God didn't come to this earth just to save us- He came for our salvation- which is ongoing. Not a one time event. God didn't save you so that He can do things for you- He saved you so that you can do things for Him. In other words- to serve... with our time, our resources and our abilities. And yet all too often we are only guilty of calling out to God in those moments when we need Him to do something for us.

So what I wanted to say to you senders is thank you. Thank you for consciously making a sacrifice to partner  with us on this journey and for serving God with what He has given you. Thank you for being a part of the body- not doing it all- but for doing what you can through prayer, sacrifice and willingness. Thank you for being willing to give knowing you may never receive anything back on this side of heaven. 


Our family is committed to praying for all of our supporters.Because we don't take this partnership lightly we care about each and every one of you. Many of you we have never met in person and only know your name but you have touched our hearts in ways you cannot even begin to know. But we know that God has put you in our lives for a purpose- the great commission and we are honored to be on His team along side of you. So thank you for the example you are to Todd and I, and to our children. We know you by name, and so does the Lord.

Thank you again.


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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

I think I forgot how much work it is to move.
And I know I didn't have a clue what all goes into moving internationally.:)
So needless to say, life at our house has been different lately.
But as we have said in the past, different is a good thing... it means change. And while change is often hard- it is taking us to the place that God intended for us to be. And so for now, we are taking it one day- sometimes one minute- at a time and trying to enjoy the journey.

The rental God provided for us to live in temporarily (rent free) is such a blessing- but squishy for a family our size. So, we are spending a lot of time outside where it isn't squishy at all. :) Behind our trailer is a beautiful wheat field that appears to go on forever. I couldn't resist but to take Havyns picture today next to it in her Ethiopian outfit. Seeing her standing there reminds me so much of her beautiful country and how God is a God of miracles.. how God can place people in our lives that were born a world apart and make us family.

We are so very thankful for those of you God has put in our lives, some who live miles and miles away, some who we may not meet on this side of heaven- but who are playing such a vital work in the lives of those we will come into contact with in Guatemala. We couldn't do this without you doing what you are doing. So thank you again for your partnership. We are so grateful you are in our lives.






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Friday, May 13, 2011

Quick update

This past week has been a whirlwind- we had limited Internet all last week as we moved into our temporary rental and then blogger was down. I missed you guys!!
I wish I had time to write a polished post and somehow try to find the words to tell you all how much we appreciate your support... but because we have another busy weekend ahead I am just going to jump on here and say it as it comes off the top of my head...

THANK YOU!!!!

Thank you so much for 'Backing us Blocks'. We are so beyond blessed by your prayers, support, words of encouragement, shared experiences and friendship. We cannot wait to get to know each and every one of you better and we are so grateful that you are on our team. If you signed up as a monthly supporter we will not have your contact information until the first support has been made and cleared- so I may not know who you are just yet. But as soon as we do you will be hearing from us and thanked properly. For now- thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We truly couldn't do our part in going without you doing your part in sending. I cannot wait to be able to tell you about the lives YOU change/touch through your sacrifice.

Lorraine- I cannot even begin to thank you enough for what you did for our family in starting this blitz... and what you did for the children in Guatemala... and what you did for God. You truly are the picture perfect example of living for Him in so many ways. Thank you for taking the pain you endured in loosing your beautiful daughter and caring on her legacy through reaching out to other orphans. I love you my sweet friend and because of the way you choose to live your life- I am forever changed. You inspire me to be so much more than I am and you give me the courage to keep moving forward. There are no words to say thank you enough.

And thank you to ALL of you who helped spread the word, put our badge on your blog, wrote posts and worked hard to help us be able to go. We appreciate you more than words can say.We are so blessed because God put you in our lives!!!

 Thank you again!!!


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Monday, May 9, 2011

Children like Victoria...

I wanted to introduce you to someone. Someone who I don’t want to be overlooked in this world.
Someone who I don’t want you to say you didn’t know about.
Someone who I don’t want you to just read about, then click the page and go on with your every day life.
Someone who needs you to know she exists.

I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you. John 14:18

I believe with all my heart that Jesus keeps his promises. To you, to me and to children like Victoria.

I believe that the very reason He went to the cross, was to take our place and to make a way for us to be adopted into His family- so that we wouldn’t be left as orphans- with no hope. Because we couldn’t do it on our own- and neither can Victoria.

Victoria is one of the newer babies that reside at Eagles Nest orphanage in Guatemala. Victoria is special not because she is missing part of her ear, not because she is having seizures and they don’t know why, not because she is one of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen- but because she is a child of God and her life matters just as much as mine- and just as much as yours.

Victoria’s story is one that has the finger prints of God written all over it because it is a story of hope. Hope for the future, hope for healing and hope of knowing the one who created her.

It is believed Victoria was most likely relinquished by her birth mother because of her special needs. Victoria is missing her left ear and has a partial right ear. After some testing it was discovered that she does have her ear canals but it is still not confirmed whether or not she can hear for sure, although observations suggests that she may not.
 
Victoria is tiny- weighing in at only 6.8 lbs at age 3 months. Yet despite her special needs, despite her having seizures-she is a fighter. She is beautiful, she has a purpose and she is a child of God.
 
The other day someone told me they would ‘love to help support the Lords mission work in Guatemala but their money was tied up in other things’. A few minutes later they were talking about the doggie day care they had put their pet into so it wouldn’t be lonely while they were at work. Now, don’t get me wrong- I love dogs and all. But I couldn’t help but to think that often times we have our priorities messed up. And the worst part is, we don’t even see it.

So I’d like to challenge you.

Challenge you to sit down and look over your checkbook. Nobody else has to know, nobody else has to see- just you and the Lord. And I want to challenge you to be really honest with yourself and be honest with God- because he already knows it anyway. Could you possibly give up eating out once a month and help be a sender instead? Could you forfeit having your nails done? Could you maybe give up a couple trips to Starbucks a week and instead bring hope to children like Victoria? I guarantee you if you invest in His kingdom the reward will be so much greater than any dinner out you have ever eaten. Bold on my part to ask this of you? Perhaps, but I know Victoria is so worth it.

My prayer for Victoria is that while she may not ever hear a word a say to her- she will HEAR the VOICE of God through our actions. Mine and yours. Some as goers and some as senders.
  
If you’d like to help us bring the love to Jesus to children like Victoria please consider partnering with us through prayer and financial support of just $25 a month.

Prov. 19:17 When you help the poor you are lending to the Lord--and he pays wonderful interest on your loan!

The above post was written by Amy.
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Everything below is from Lorraine Patterson at All Are Precious In His Sight.
Today is the last day for me to host the Back the Block Blitz, so you won't hear from me again after this post.  Thank you so much for allowing me to hijack Amy's blog, and thank you for backing the Blocks!

If you haven't any charity in your heart,
you have the worst kind of heart trouble. 
~Bob Hope

(Just in case you didn't know, this blitz is in memory of our 4-year-old daughter, Chrissie, who went to heaven on May 19, 2010, following open-heart surgery.)



I am so excited about the 33 pledges made thus far to "Back the Blocks"!  So grateful for all those who are praying, sharing, sending, supporting, encouraging, and backing the Blocks.  Many thanks to all who have made their pledges.  This is the last day of the blitz, so spread the word!

Regarding Bob Hope's quote above, I believe the very worst heart trouble is when we don't have Jesus living in our hearts.  That's a heart problem that affects your eternal life, but it's something that can be easily repaired.  Through the blood shed by our Savior, all we have to do is ask Him to take up full residence in our hearts in order to repair the very worst heart trouble.   If we have Jesus in our hearts, we should have MANY charities in our hearts as well.  One cannot be like Jesus without having charities in our hearts.  Yet, there are so many people who call themselves Christians who are not really living for Jesus.  My heart aches because not too long ago, I was that same "Christian", and oh how I was missing out on something I never realized.  Before God began His circumcision of my heart, I never really lived my life fully for Jesus.  I mean, I loved God and believed Jesus was His One and Only Son, but I didn't really KNOW Him, nor did my life reflect Him.  Today, I still have such a very long way to go, but I am so very grateful for the continual circumcision of my heart, and I pray more and more "Christians" will pray for God to circumcise their hearts as well.  This transformation is definitely not something I could do on my own, but our gracious Father is so very capable.  He is the best heart Surgeon available, and the results of a repaired heart by our Jehovah Rapha is priceless, beautiful, and so very worth it.

As I continue to read, review, and reflect upon all God did during Chrissie's 31-day battle after her open-heart surgery, I'm learning so much.  I thought that journey was supposed to be all about fixing Chrissie's heart, but that was only one piece of the puzzle.  God intended for that journey to be about fixing broken hearts of His treasured ones around the world.  God used Chrissie's battle to bring so many people closer to Him, to begin relationships with Him, to repair relationships with Him, and to renovate many hearts around the world, as our Jehovah Rapha performed open-heart surgery on thousands of people, through the testimony of one little girl, who was once a forgotten orphan.

My prayer right now, on the last day of the "Back the Blocks" Boss Your Heart Memorial Blitz, is that God would repair many more hearts for His glory.  I pray His children will be willing patients of our Jehovah Rapha's, allowing Him to renovate their hearts to be more like His.   I pray that God will examine every  heart and make it more like His.  I pray that the world will know by our actions (love is a verb) that He is the One who has shaped our hearts. 

I pray that today, after you read Amy's message above, that you will ask God to examine your heart (and your checkbook), so that all of our hearts may look and feel more like His on this very day.  Jehovah Rapha is able.  No heart repair is too difficult for Him. 

Please spread the word TODAY to help build the team to "Back the Blocks"!  Click HERE to make your pledge.  Be sure to click HERE to leave a comment after you make your pledge so I can update the tally/counter/ticker.  Let's see what God does on this last day of the official blitz to get 147 families to "Back the Blocks"!  Spread the word! 

Thank you, again, for putting up with me during this blitz, and thank you all for your support of the Block family!
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Saturday, May 7, 2011

27 Pledges, 120 To Go!






It's Lorraine again, from All Are Precious In His Sight.  Amy probably won't have internet access until Monday.  Yesterday, the Blocks moved into their temporary residence, and we're praying that God will quickly raise up an army of 147 supporters who will back the Blocks with a monthly pledge of $25 so they can get to Guatemala sooner rather than later.

The Boss Your Heart Memorial Blitz, in memory of our Princess Chrissie, will be focusing on helping the Blocks with the "Back the Blocks" blitz through Monday, May 9.  That means we just have 3 days to get 120 more commitments of people willing to "Back the Blocks" with a monthly pledge of $25.

Will you please help us find the remaining 120 supporters?  I have a feeling God's already got them picked up, we just have to spread the word so every ear can hear and every eye can see.  God will take care of the rest.

When our Chrissie was in the hospital last spring, God performed countless miracles.  Some of those miracles were so crazy and radical that sometimes we felt like we were in a dream.  But it wasn't a dream, it was real.  God still performs miracles daily, and we experienced miracle after miracle first-hand last spring at this same time, as we sat by our daughter's side, as she fought for her life following her open-heart surgery.  Even though God chose to take Chrissie Home to live with Him, after she battled for  her life for 31 days straight, God's miracles during that time should not be overlooked, questioned, or doubted.  God is alive and active, and He undoubtedly performs miracles today.

Raising up a total of 147 families to back the Blocks with an ongoing pledge of $25/month may not seem possible to some.  Some might think there's no way that we could get that many families to make that type of commitment, especially in just one week!  Well, I say let's all pray for God to show His mighty hand and raise up an army of 147 commitments by Monday, May 9!  God CAN do this.  We must be His hands and feet to spread the word, we must pray diligently, and we ourselves must be an example by making our pledge to "Back the Blocks". 

Oh what a party of rejoicing it will be when we see God's army of 147 fully chosen, committed, and marching alongside the Blocks, backing them financially, and praying them to Guatemala!  Please join His army today by backing the Blocks!  Click HERE to make your pledge today!  (Donations are tax-deductible.)

Don't forget, if you make a pledge, it's super important that you click HERE to let me (Lorraine) know that you pledged.  I am keeping a tally of the number of people who join the team to "Back the Blocks", but the only way for me to keep an accurate count is to have supporters leave me a comment over on my blog when they make a pledge.  Also, when you leave a comment over there, you'll be entered in a giveaway!  Fun!

Praying you'll all have a blessed weekend, and praying that God's team of people who are backing the Blocks will grow abundantly over the weekend so that we can rejoice in His miracles on Monday!  Spread the word!  Pray!  Give!

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."  ~2 Corinthians 6-8



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Friday, May 6, 2011

Manna (and a Back the Block update!)





This is Lorraine again from All Are Precious In His Sight.  Amy and her family are moving into their rental unit today, and I pray it will be for a VERY SHORT while that they will remain in this location.  I pray God will continue to lift up selfless people who are willing to pledge $25/month to the Blocks so they may get to Guatemala to serve Him!

I'm excited to announce that the Blocks now have 20 people (out of 147) who have joined the team to "Back the Blocks" by signing up HERE to give $25/month.  All glory to God for this sweet army He's building, now just keep praying and spreading the word so that His army will be made complete.  The Blocks still need 127 more families to join the team!  Be sure to leave a comment on THIS POST if you sign up to join the team so that I (Lorraine) can update the counter (plus you'll be entered in a giveaway!).  Don't forget to spread the word through Facebook, Twitter, blogs, email, etc.  We are so grateful for your help and support.  Thank you for backing the Blocks so they can get to Guatemala to serve for His glory!

Just 4 more days of the "Back the Blocks" blitz.  120 more pledges needed.  God can do this!  Keep praying and spreading the word!

Here's a post Amy wrote about the Manna Feeding program at Eagle's Nest orphanage where they'll be serving:

It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish. ~Mother Teresa

Someone was explaining to me the other day that at her house they just ‘don’t do’ left overs- and it stopped me dead in my tracks.

In the past this wouldn’t have affected me so deeply, but now that I know what I know- when I hear people turning our noses up at ‘left overs’ while there are people starving to death in other countries and in our own back yard- it pierces my heart.

And you know what- I am not okay with that. I am not okay with turning our back on hunger and turning up our nose at left- overs. I tend to take it personal- and so does God...

For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; Mathew 25:35


For a majority of the worlds population- food has nothing to do with like of taste and everything to do with survival. We are so accustom to having it our way here- spicy, mild, warm, chilled, and don't forget decorative. But for most people food= a blessing regardless of their preference in taste.

One of the things I am looking forward to most at Eagles Nest orphanage is the Manna Feeding program. Because someone else decided that hunger wasn’t okay with them either- and they did something about it.

There are many families in the community surrounding Eagles Nest that are struggling every day to provide for their families. Struggle to provide the necessities- like food and water.

The Manna feeding program was started to provide these struggling families children with one certain meal 5 days a week . They are invited to come, eat, and learn about who Jesus is. They are also asked to share in certain responsibilities such as sweeping and washing dishes- allowing them to feel a part of a community that does life together. And it is through those teachings, through their seeing the love of Christ and through feeling like they are a part of something- that are given the opportunity to know Him more.

Because one thing I know for sure- is that God cares about meeting all of our needs. He cares about our hunger; he cares about our hurts, he cares about our loneliness and he cares about our hearts. And because He cares- He invites us in, quenches our thirst, gives us a purpose and a place to belong-right in His loving arms, forever.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. John 6:35



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Thursday, May 5, 2011

Blog Hijack!

This is Lorraine Patterson from All Are Precious In His Sight.  I'm hijacking Amy's blog to update you on their missionary support/fundraising.

As Amy shared with you on Tuesday, we're doing a week-long "Back the Blocks" blitz over on my blog, in memory of our Princess Chrissie, who went to live with Jesus on May 19, 2010. 

As you know, the Blocks totally ROCK.  I don't have to tell you how awesome they are, what an inspiration they are, how much they love Jesus, how they've modeled that their lives are not their own, because you already know all of this.  I will simply say that I am so proud of the Blocks for joyfully and enthusiastically obeying God's call for their big ole Jesus lovin' family to move to Guatemala to serve hundreds of orphans every single day in His precious name.  I wanna be just like the Blocks when I grow up!

And, as you probably know, the Blocks NEED 147 families to "Back the Blocks" with a monthly pledge of just $25 in order for their family to move to Guatemala and serve as His missionaries there.  Praise God that 10 families have signed up in just two days of this blitz, but, really, folks, we can do better than this!!!  WAY better!  We waste $25/month on so many things that have no eternal value and do nothing to further His Kingdom.  I am so guilty of wasting money and not being as good of a steward as I should/could be.  I signed up to "Back the Blocks", and I'm asking you to do the same.  I know without a doubt that there are 147 people in this world who can spare just $25/month in order to bring the love of Jesus Christ to hundreds of orphans on a daily basis.  In fact, I bet there are 147 people who will read this message TODAY who could spare $25/month!  We just have to FIND those 147 families, get them to make their pledge, and then the Blocks can get to Guatemala and deliver His message of life, love, faith, hope, and redemption.  Can't ask for a better return on an investment!

Will you please help us find 147 families who will "Back the Blocks"?!? 

I KNOW without a doubt that God can do this.  I know without a doubt that He called the Blocks to serve in Guatemala.  God equips those He calls, and He gives all of us an opportunity to SEND the ones He calls.  We have the opportunity to help equip this family to serve Him.  God's probably not asking us to sell our homes and all of our belongings, to leave the comforts and conveniences of America to serve His children in Guatemala, like He has done with the Blocks, but I believe He is asking us to SEND the Blocks.  (Whew, we got the easy end of the deal, huh?!?)  God knows what He's doing by allowing some of us to be senders while He asks others to actually GO.  Right now, I feel very blessed (and grateful!) to be a sender of this incredible family!

Will you please join me by helping SEND the Blocks to Guatemala?  Click HERE to make your pledge of just $25/month, then go leave a comment on my blog by clicking HERE to let me know you're "Backing the Blocks" so that I can update the counter/ticker.  (It is very important that you leave a comment for me so that I can accurately tally the number of families God has lifted up to "Back the Blocks"!)  Oh, I have a giveaway on my blog, too, for those who leave a comment on THIS POST.  Once the Blocks reach 147 supporters, they'll be on their way to Guatemala!!!

After you make your pledge, be sure to spread the word (Facebook, Twitter, blog) about the need for SENDERS to help this precious family get to Guatemala, for His glory.  Let's rally around the Blocks, spread the word, and SEND them on their merry way to Guatemala before the end of May!!! 

Thank you for allowing me to hijack this blog, but don't worry, Amy will be back here soon! :-)





Grab this badge, put it on your blog, make it your Facebook profile picture, spread the word!

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Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Broken hearted...

Today we had to say good-bye to our sweet doggie Makela. She was 14 years old and seriously the best dog in the world. I spent the majority of the day hugging sobbing children and trying to comfort them in their loss. Never easy to say good-bye....

We love you Makela- thanks for being the best doggie ever.

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Tuesday, May 3, 2011

When your friends got your back :)

One of the greatest gifts the Lord gives us are our friends. We have been so blessed by the people God has brought into our lives on this crazy journey of faith.

My amazing friend Lorraine has a huge heart for orphans and the Lord and decided to do MORE about it. In memory of her precious daughter Chrissie (who went to dance with Jesus one year ago) she is hosting a blitz called "Back the Blocks" to help our family find 147 (God did that number not me) monthly sponsors at $25 a month so we can head to Guatemala to do His work.


Check out Lorraine's blog here and see for yourself just how incredible she is.

** UPDATE: and to make the deal even sweeter my ROCKIN friend Christi sweetened the deal... check out her blog here.







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Sunday, May 1, 2011

FOUR!!!!


Happy 4th Birthday Carson!!!

 I can't believe my baby boy is 4 years old already!! Not a day goes by that I don't thank the Lord that you are my child. Sometimes, I sit back and just watch you~ and I am reminded of what a miracle you are. I am reminded of the people in your life who were there before me, the ones who loved you, fought for you and poured themselves into you so that you are who you are today- a walking miracle.

And I am so very grateful.

And I am grateful for a system, that while not always perfect, saved your life.

 Because today you will wake up early with that beautiful smile that you share with me every.single.morning. You will know nothing but safety and love. You will know you are cherished, adored and wanted more than anything in this world. You will blow out your candles and giggle with your brother about how you are both four years old now...

and we will celebrate the miracle of you.

And I will stand back and watch you once again, relishing in the moment, and knowing without a doubt that you are one of this worlds greatest gifts.

Happy 4th Birthday Carson. I love you more than you will ever know and I am so very, very grateful you are my son.



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