Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Saturday, December 24, 2011

This year, Christmas for us looks a whole lot different than it ever has before.

While we may be lacking the abundance of lights, Santa everywhere we turn, the tinsel, the trimmings and the treats~ we have been given so much more.

This year looks not much at all about PRESENTS ...

and more about the PRESENCE of HIM... in the lives of those around us.







And we are so thankful.

Thankful for YOU.

 Because as I look into the eyes of child after child who's needs far exceed those that can be wrapped with a bow... I once again realize the depth of the gift of Him, and the gift of your partnership.

Thank you for sharing your lives with us.

May you experience His presence this year as you never have before- wrapped in the arms of your Savior.

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Friday, December 23, 2011

Tonight we had our Christmas play at church. I was so proud of all of the kids for how well they did.



We had singing and a bell choir, Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus. We had angels, wise men, a donkey, a cow, and a herd of sheep...



Yet while I was impressed with the play, I can't say the same for the sheep and a few wise men... as they were dropping like flies...



One after another...


After another...


But no worries, they woke up just in time to do their part and share the story of Jesus Birth... and they did us proud. :)


For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
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Want to be a part of a Christmas miracle?? Want to help kids like these HOPE?



For every $10 donation you give to help build an addition onto Eagles Nest Orphange in Guatemala you are entered to win either a cool PH/147 jersey and one of their HEART+ handprint beaded necklaces, a Funky Fish necklace, $100 gift card to Amazon, $100 gift card to TOMS, or a $100 gift card from the Apple Store! Awesome prizes donated by awesome people with big hearts!!

You can give here: http://www.eaglesnestint.org/Donate-to-the-Eagles-Nest_f08529.html

Oh and the best part- whatever you GIVE will be MATCHED up to $10,000.
We are currently at: $3,946.30!! PLEASE help us by giving and sharing.

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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Are you up for the challenge?

While most of the world was out searching the malls for the perfect Christmas gift for that hard to buy for person, this little girl and her 4 older siblings were surviving by filling their bellies with dirt. How does this happen...? Lord, please don't let us forget there is NOTHING we can purchase that is better than the GIFT we have already received in you.


So the challenge is on. Can you share just $10 of what the Lord has blessed you with? I challenge you to GIVE TEN and then TELL TEN people about the need- and then challenge them to do the same. Oh and the best part? Your donation will be matched up to $10,000! How is that for an awesome Christmas gift!?

Please donate to: http://www.eaglesnestint.org/index.php and please TELL TEN. Thanks for being part of the body of Christ. :)


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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Crazy wonderful week in pictures...

Getting ready for Christmas...


 

Kallan turns 15 years old...


Travis and Keegan arrive for the holidays and jumped right in to serve...



Found time to have a little fun...




Made some new friends...


Celebrated Aleigha's 8th Birthday...


And enjoyed every second of having all nine of our babies together again. :)



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Sunday, December 18, 2011

And this is exactly why I LOVE kids.

Okay seriously y'all, I HAD to share this. This is one of THE FUNNIEST thing I think I have ever seen. This is my amazing niece Maddie. She is 12 years old and the sweetest thing EVER. She made this video the other day all by herself just because she had nothing else to do. Go watch it- I guarantee you won't be sorry. ;) Ooh and watch it to the end- that is the best part!!!




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Saturday, December 17, 2011

Room

Yesterday we spent a good part of the day making room for these five new precious children in the children's home....

They were found eating dirt, doing everything they could to survive. The oldest little girl is nine, and it is obvious she has been the only mother figure in their lives. Today they were given a bath, a head treatment, a haircut, a couple of outfits, shoes and a whole lot of love. And as the days and weeks go on, they will be given a whole lot of Jesus.

I wish I could think of some way to explain to you the look I saw in their eyes. The look of fear-  and then the look of hope. I wish there was some way you could walk in their shoes for just one day so that you could fully understand. Because, my fear is, this is just another post. Just another story... and for some reason when it isn't ours story- we tend to not care as much.

The truth is, after the placement of these five in our children's home- we are full. We have three bedrooms and 32 children.



Simply put, there is no room for more.

So the next call, and the next call after that and the next call after that- will have to be turned away. Children who are just as important as these, children who are just as important as you and I.

I don't know about you, but I find this kind of ironic. Kind of ironic- especially this time of the year- that there is...

No room.

So often I have wondered if they had known who Jesus was if they still would have turned Him away? 

And then I question-aren't we still doing the same? 

Every day we wake up and fill our lives with stuff. Stuff that consumes our time, our thoughts and our wallets. We pack more and more into each day- chasing after more stuff- stuff that isn't at all about his Kingdom- but ours.

And pretty soon, our lives are full- too full for Him.

You and I were put on this earth to make more of Jesus. Not to obtain more for ourselves. And yet somehow, especially during the Christmas season, we have gotten that so turned around.I cannot help but wonder how many of those Inn keepers ever realized that they missed the chance to be a part of the greatest miracle they would have in their lifetime? And I cannot help but to wonder how we could do the same?

Today I am asking you to stop and ask the Lord how you might be able to help us make room for His children- and how we can make room for more of Him in our lives. Whether it be being a voice for those who have none, serving, giving, or praying- we need your help. They need your help.

If the Lord has laid it on your heart please help spread the word about our need here at Eagles Nest. Please pray that the Lord's perfect plan will be revealed and that every piece of it will fall into place. And if you are able to give financially you can give HERE. Thank you so much for being His hands and feet to these children and for helping us making room for more.

 
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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Happy Gotcha Day Carson!!!

I have loved you since the second I met you~ even before I knew God would allow me the privilege of being your mommy. Your beautiful smile, gentle spirit and compassionate heart touches everyone who meets you... and I couldn't imagine our lives without you in it. I am humbled and blessed to get to walk through this life by your side.

When I think about all you went through early on in life I stand in awe of our God- witnessing full proof He is a God of restoration and healing...

 I am also reminded of a very special lady who poured her heart and soul into loving you through the healing... and once again I am so very, very thankful for the gift of her presence in our lives...


(Carson and his precious foster mother 2 years ago on the day he entered our family forever)

Over the past two years we have watched you continue to grow, flourish and defeat the odds... and fit perfectly into our family just as the Lord knew you would...


























































And not a day has gone by that we have not thanked God for YOU.

Happy 2nd Gotcha Day Carson- we love you!!!
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