Saturday, March 28, 2009

Can you make a difference in the world?



I'm reposting a portion of my friend, Shawnda's post from her blog.  Just attended some of the Human Rights conference at University of Texas and the biggest thing i walked away with was ORDINARY people are who make a difference...so, here are a few steps to help us ordinary people get into action to fight against injustices...and this is just the beginning.

"The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed" Psalm 9:9,"He inclines His ear to do justice to the fatherless and oppressed so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more" Psalm 10:18, "who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free." Psalm 146:7

What does this mean for us?
Get to know ministries that are working for justice in human trafficking! They let us know how to help!!
Rescuing slaves around the world - IJM
Restoring women in Thailand that have been rescued from Brothels - NightLight (you can also buy very beautiful jewelry here!!)
Restoring child soldiers that have been rescued - World Vision
Restoring women in Cambodia that have been rescued - Hagar International
working to prevent, rescue, and restore internationally and nationally - Shared Hope International
Not for Sale Campaign

Monday, March 23, 2009

Happy Birthday NANA!!


Nana, We love you so much and wish you a happy birthday!! Sorry for the crazy birthday picture...the kiddos were trying to hold karis back from touching the camera...=) The kids say to tell you "happy birthday, nana" and "hope you like your birthday cake (?)!" "We love you!" The kids think you had a pink chocolate cake today....hope you did have some kind of birthday treat! We are so thankful for you! If it weren't for you....My life would not have Michael and these little ones would be none....thank you...We love you! Happy Birthday! Are you 21 yet?

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Fighting for the Next Generation: Passing on and Leaving behind






My children are currently going through new stages...all of them!...all at once!...my home has been quite full of activity...but not so sure it has been full of everything that I would want to pass along...I've never been in a place where all of them are going through a new stage and need me so much...

WesleyGrant is so creative and he constantly wants to create....he is also in a "complaining and arguing stage"...one of those alone, needs much attention!

Sally is a little lady indeed talking much and discovering ways to help me all over the house...love it! but it calls for attention....especially when she wants to pour water on the bathroom floor to clean it....and she has also discovered how to be cute and cry for everything she wants...needs my attention....my training!....oh dear!!

Karis still is quite dependant on me....but she is beginning independant with each new day...crawling everywhere and almost walking....she is mobile and has opinions now!...like screaming when anyone takes her favorite babydoll...gracious!

As each child has gone through a new stage, it requires more attention, more focus for me...it also exposes my weaknesses and i am reminded that this parenting thing is not about my strength, but His.

One of the things i discover and rediscover as we pass through new stages is what I want to pass along to them and what I want to leave behind. As God redeems my failures as a parent, He shows me the things so beautiful that can be passed along to the next generation! I thought I'd share some we've adopted in our home...not exhausting them of course....

Passing On- Family Traditions
Leaving behind- Individualism

Passing On-WorldView through the Gospel
Leaving Behind-WorldView through man-centeredness

Passing On-I love you
Leaving Behind-Silence/Assumption

Passing On-Failures are okay
Leaving Behind-You control everything

Passing On-Trust Jesus
Leaving Behind-Worry

Passing On-You are just like the Poor
Leaving Behind-There are no Poor

Passing On-I was wrong/Forgiveness
Leaving Behind-Anger & Bitterness

Passing On-World outside of America
Leaving Behind-World is America

Passing On-Security in Christ
Leaving Behind-Security in Money

Passing On-Others are first
Leaving Behind-Others are Second

Passing On-Acceptance of Suffering
Leaving Behind-Comfort is true life

Passing On-Courage is trusting YAWEH
Leaving Behind-Safety is in your hands

Passing On-We are sinners
Leaving Behind-We are good

Passing On-Jesus is way, truth & life
Leaving Behind-Your way is truth & life

I'd love for any of you to share something that you guys are passing on or leaving behind for the next generation....I'll post them all....

More later....


Sunday, March 15, 2009

Congratulations Theresa!!!


My friend Theresa just got engaged this week! We had a huge celebration at our home in honor of she and Ryan! She is the future Theresa KING!! yeah! Love you so much T! Old friends flew in and we all celebrated last night at Chez Zee's! Good times this weekend! SO thankful for friendships! especially ones that have lasted over 12 years!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Lots of fun around here....








So, life is always busy and always a story in our household....thought I'd give you a few pics of this last week....My friend Lauren and I love to cook, so we invited some newly married, almost married and almost engaged ladies to our home and showed them a few tricks! It was so much fun! We had stations for them all with the food prepped and recipe ready to instruct them. We walked around and showed them some secrets. We showed them how to make 3 different meals out of a Rotissarie chicken! Chicken enchiladas and salsa, Pesto Chicken salad and Coconut soup! They did a great job! Then we made Biscotti for dessert! As our food cooked, my friend Jenny Rose Ford taught them about hospitality and that it isn't about entertaining, but about the people you are serving. She is amazing and did a wonderful job! Man, it was so fun! We ended the night with questions and fun prizes for everyone!

And the next day Sally had a tea party with her friends while her brother was at school....fun stuff...it is still fun...but i'll stop there and continue later.....