A M-A-S-O-N Jar

This e-mail came to me today. It is from the mother of a child in one of my Thursday Connection classes. What a blessing from a 7th grader! Wow! I'm amazed! I love how God places His Heart within the hearts of the young!

"We read your blog the other day. We're praying for your adoption journey. Grace went and got all the charity money she had saved up from her allowance and is wanting to give it to you. She found a jar and it said "Mason" on it...mason jar. She put the money in it and said that would be the Beebe's jar since it had Mason's name on it. She was trying to figure ways to raise money. I cried reading the blog. What a precious commission God has given you! We are praying as to what we too can give. Blessings, Yvonne"

Yvonne and Grace, what an encouragement you are to us! Thank you!

Where was Mason Saturday?

Mason was not with us on Saturday for the Mega Yard Sale. He was competing in the State Competition for Science Olympiad. After progressing from Regionals, he has been reviewing college level textbooks and tests in preparation over the past few weeks.

He and his partner, Garrett, placed fourth in their main study event, Dynamic Planet, covering earthquakes and volcanoes. FOURTH IN STATE! Out of sixteen teams! Wow! We are so proud of him. He and Garrett have devoted themselves to studying and we are thankful that their efforts were rewarded!

Way to go Mason!

Braden's Original Artwork For Sale

Finally, on Saturday, Braden set up his table to sell his artwork. He had spent hours over the last two weeks creating pictures to sell at the Yard Sale.

Joyfully, a few shoppers perused his table and bought some of his drawings. Shhh...I think perhaps Mom may have handed a dollar or two to a few shoppers instructing them to stop at his table.

This couple cheerfully bought a biscuit and a picture...without any prodding. Thank you!

In total, Braden made $6.oo selling his artwork at $1.00 per picture. He informed me at the end of the day that he had spent $3.00 at the concession stand and place the other $3.00 in the donation bucket. Priceless, Braden! I love your heart!

Day Two Helpers - THANK YOU!

On Saturday, I'm in bed at 6:50 am. Suddenly, I'm awakened by people talking outside my bedroom window. Get up! Get up! The Yard Sale has started and people are already here! Imagine my surprise to find Heather and Paige here at 6:50 am ready to help! WOW! They are modeling their Yard Sale finds in the photo below. Ya-ya! Love the sequins!
This is what most men do at a Yard Sale...visit in the front yard. I LOVE IT! We are so blessed to have so many friends sharing this journey with us!

Kristie, Sydney, Heather, and Reid at 7:00 Sat. morning. Freezing! This picture HAD to be include to show that, YES, Reid did help!

Wendy x 2! Thank you so much for all of your help!

My sis, Wendy and me! God has shown HIS love through our sisterhood. My sis, Kelly, couldn't be with us during the sale, but she has also already helped tremendously on this journey! Thank you!

Janet and Kylie, back for Day Two! Always willing to give a helping hand! How are you liking those shoes?

Kristie, Kristy, and Tracie! FBCK friends ROCK! What an encouragement to have friends!

Waymaker friends came to encourage, support and shop! Sharon, Janis and Amanda, you were a sweet surprise today! Thank you so much for coming!

Concession Stand Crew - Day Two! They even delivered coffee refills to neighbors in the neighborhood! People on our street probably think we are C-R-A-Z-Y, but our family does add some excitement to Saturday mornings!

A line forming for the grilled burgers!

Grillin' Guys - Weston, Caleb, and Keenan entice the shoppers with the delicious smell of burgers and dogs on the grill! Yum!

Yard Sale Fashions for the younger generation - high heels, high heels, high heels!

Tyler, Paige, and Colby enjoying the day!

The fever to help is catching and this day was no exception. My friend Janis (pictured above) decided to offer her Beashund (Beagle/Dachshund mix) for adoption. Any funds from it would go for the adoption. Hannah was on her knees "begging" her Daddy to let her take it home. "Please, Daddy! P--l--e--a--s--e!"

If you know John, he pretends to be tough, but...Hannah convinced him!

Yes, they left the Yard Sale with the dog...for a trial run.

Sadly, the dog adoption didn't work out with their other dog, but I had to record it! Very sweet!

Reid and I both felt the greatest blessing from this was the friends who stepped out to help us. Our lives are richer because of our time with all of you. Your smiles, words, laughter, and JOY brought so much encouragement. We are grateful to all of you! Thank you! It's an honor to share this journey with you, and comforting to know you are praying for us.

I'm trying "piece" together the "puzzle" of how God is going to do this by keeping a list of everyone who has helped us bring our child HOME! If you've helped us and your name is not on the list on the right side of this blog, please let me know. You are a blessing! We are grateful for each of you!

From Rainy Disaster to Abundant Blessing

"ADOPTION FUNDRAISER at the Beebe house! Mega Yard Sale! ENORMOUS! You name it, we'll have it!" Yes, that's what all of the ads read for this Yard Sale. Can you believe how much STUFF people donated for us to sell? In the photo above, the right side of the driveway is lined with shoes! Probably 200 pairs!

You name it, we DID have it...even a faucet for the kitchen sink! Clothes, material, craft supplies, a fooz ball table, dresser, books, DVDs, toys, baby items, etc... Unbelievable!

Dishes, kitchen items, coats, wine racks, strollers, etc...

However, I was in a state of panic on Thursday as the rain started! This was the day we'd planned to set up outside! Ugh! We covered everything with tarps, but it looked like a huge monsoon hit Knoxville!

Therefore, everything remained in our garage and basement until Friday morning. My basement still smells like a thrift store from sorting all of the clothing! Overwhelmed by it all, I closed my eyes and imagined everything selling for a LOT of money to help us toward our adoption goal! Thursday night, our six year old prayed, "God please let us make a lot of money at the Yard Sale."

Imagine...PRAY...Ask God to bring the people and to SELL it! Help us, Lord!

What does God promise?

"The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." James 5:16

God brought the donations. God held off the rain. God brought the people. God sent His blessing!

The Total? Concessions $300, Yard Sale $2300, GRAND TOTAL $2600

Now our family and the O'Leary family are each $1300 closer to the total needed! Praising God for HIS provision!

There may be another Yard Sale in the future, so I'll keep you posted!

Livin' out scripture:

"And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;
and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need." Acts 2:44-45

Hot Coffee! Hot Dogs! Hot Nachos!

Meet the Concession Stand Crew! The boys even grilled hot dogs and hamburgers!
All of the kids took turns working. Although they ate nearly as much as they sold, today the grand total of their efforts was $103.00! Not bad! Mom's sausage biscuits and Maddie's Rice Krispie treats kept people coming back!

Yard Sale Fashions!

Spring Fashions - Yard Sale Style!
See the HOT looks for Spring and meet the Shopping Experts that will help you find the LOOK YOU LIKE!

Just a few of the "looks" we can help you put together...

Tyler will help you with "Tennessee Lawn Mowing Fashions!"

Kristie is the Christmas Sweater Expert!

Janet is funk, fun, and fabulous - all rolled into one! She will help you with head wear as well!

There is a look for you - come shop for it tomorrow!

Yard Sale Sweet Surprises!

James 1:17 says, "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."

God has been gracious and blessed this endeavor with some sweet surprises. Kevin Henderson (Pictured below) worked one summer with me in 1988. We served on Staff for ASP (Appalachia Service Project). We worked together in Harlan, KY to improve the living conditions of the impoverished people in the area.

Kevin came to town to visit his sister and the two of them stayed for several hours to help set up on Saturday. It was an insurmountable task, but with their help, everything was semi-organized before opening this morning. Thank you Kevin and Kathleen! Thank you for giving of yourselves to help bring our child HOME!
Ummm...Kevin, I don't think those will fit!

This afternoon, I turned around to see my aunt, Joy, and my cousin, John, standing in my driveway! They live in middle Tennessee and have not been to our home here in Knoxville. What an encouragement to be so loved! I couldn't believe they stopped to see us on this special day! Thank you! The boys were thrilled you bought some burgers and hot dogs! I think you were their best customers!

The Cat-in-the-Hat (a.k.a. my cousin, John) delivered some hats and Tyler and Sydney modeled them for the Sale!

Kristie and Sydney used the hats to stay warm on this FREEZING DAY!

My uncle, Kenny, made it into this shot! It was great to see them!

More sweet surprises from today were muffins for our breakfast, a dinner from friends, pizza for the workers, more deliveries of items to sell, homemade sausage biscuits by Mom, Rice Krispie treats by Maddie, and AMAZING FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO WERE WILLING TO WORK TIRELESSLY TODAY! WOW! We are truly blessed!

Mom and Maddie, I was deeply touched by your willingness to help make treats for today! You are a testimony to God's love for us. Thank you!

We had several "God stories" such as selling an expensive jogging stroller to a cross-country coach who had prayed specifically for God to help her find one she could afford. Such as...a couple matching the amount they were spending so each family would receive the same amount. Such as...Braden giving one of his toys to someone to make $.25 for the adoption. Such...as a $20.00 donation from a stranger. Such as...my cousin, Heather, bringing some pillows and selling them to a customer within two minutes. Such as...several people tucking money in my pocket or in the Africa bucket as a donation. Such as...a neighbor bringing over 5 bags of items because they were getting ready to donate them. Such as...turnign around to find several people shopping that just came to support us! Thank you! Such as...God only allowing the rain for a few moments this morning!

This afternoon as we were closing up, a lady pulled up and walked over to me carrying two boxes. I'd never met her, and assumed she was coming to shop. As she walked over, she introduced herself as Ann Little.

"I adopted a child from China last year, and I saw your post on Kids Club. I made these cookies for you to encourage you in your adoption!" Ann explained.

I looked into the box and saw beautiful cookies that had been hand wrapped and tied with a ribbon! Amazing that a stranger would serve others with such an act of love. Thank you, Ann! I'm blessed by your generosity and act of kindness.

Finally, Tory and Audrey came by with handmade goods for us to sell tomorrow. Tears flowed as I looked at the incredible potholders that Audrey had made in a rainbow of colors. The hand knitted hats by Tory made my heart melt. These two precious girls had spent the last two weeks making these gifts for this sale. What an honor to see the young lead us. Thank you!
Yes, every good and perfect gift comes from above. I'm constantly amazed by God's goodness in this journey.

Wondering about the total from today?????? Check in tomorrow, or come shop and perhaps I'll tell you! Yes, there is still A TON OF STUFF LEFT! Open at 7:00 am.

Yard Sale - ON!

My Dad was a football coach. Rough, tough. Nothing could take him down - or us, if we adopted his mentality.

"Where there's a will, there's a way..."

The rain today made it difficult, but many friends made it possible to at least semi-sort the treasures. The Yard Sale is ON for tomorrow. Please pray for us.

Pray for our strength and stamina! We are tired! T-I-R-E-D!

Thank you Mom, Janet, Melissa, Kristie, Kristy, Kristin, and kids who helped all day! Kevin and Kathleen Henderson surprised me by stopping by today! (Kevin and I worked together 20 years ago when I was on staff for Appalachia Service Project (ASP) in Harlan, KY. What a wonderful surprise!)

Thank you to everyone who helped by organizing, sorting, pricing, and covering with rain tarps a--l--l d---a---y l----o----n----g! You all were such a blessing! Thank you!

YARD SALE ON AS PLANNED

Please, please pray the weather forecast will change. There is a possibility of rain both Thursday and Friday. However, we are forging ahead and hoping God will deter the rain!

3/25 - Thursday - Drop Off and Set-Up
3/26 - Friday - MEGA YARD SALE
3/27 - Saturday - MEGA YARD SALE and Clean-Up

We would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your help with anything! All proceeds will help the O'Leary family and our family with adoption costs. Thank you all for everything! Please pray for God to send sunshine and, as our 6 year old prayed, "for the Yard Sale to make lots of money."

By the way, if you are looking for some unique artwork for your home, there will be plenty available for sale. Braden has been working non-stop creating artwork to sell! Come see his gallery! The kids will also have a concession stand, so come enjoy the snacks!

See you this weekend! You'll see the signs off of Oak Ridge Highway, next to Grace Baptist Church. Stoneridge Drive.

To Add or Not to Add - That is the Question

So, I've pondered...

Will people be offended? Will they run the other way? Will they think we're money hungry mongrels? Will they stop praying for us? And, of course the dreaded thought, What will people think when they see it? To add it, or not to add it, that is the question!

But it's done. Added to the blog. A "Donate" button. Yes, you can help us with the adoption via Paypal. I pray it's not offensive.

Today, my friend Kristie came over. Her family is several steps ahead of us in this process. She shared some of the costs we will incur that are not listed on the application. (Immunizations for the kids - $1200-ish, I-600 for Immigration - $830, Passports - $120 each for the kids, Airfare - Ummm...no telling! Be still, my racing heart!) After writing down these additional costs, she helped me add this "donate" button to our blog. Oh my!

Someone recently said to me, "Robin, you can't expect people to help you with this. You need to be able to do it on your own."

The words stung a bit, and as I examined my heart, I realized...Honestly, there isn't any part of me that expects people to help, but there is a HUGE part of me that HOPES people will! The financial cost is overwhelming for us to grasp. Yes, we hope for help, but we do not expect it. God's people are His hands and feet, right? In the past, when we have had friends adopting, we have wanted to be a part of it. The Lord has been gracious to provide encouragement through friends that feel the same way.


We believe this is God's child, and some of God's people might want to be a part of bringing him/her home. No matter what, God has called us to it, and we will bring this child home. Several people have blessed us in creative ways already to help with this adoption. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS ALREADY HELPED US! If everyone gave a little bit, it would help tremendously. So, by adding the "button," we're making it easy if you decide you might like to help by donating to the adoption fund. Seriously, we will need it.

We are trying to "fund raise" through various means. We are working hard right now, but know God will provide what is needed in His timing. I'm teaching Day Camps, we are having a Mega Yard Sale, and trying to think of other ideas. Do you have any suggestions?

Thank you for reading this post. Thank you for your encouragement. Thank you for praying.

"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

Brotherly Love

On Friday morning, the boys and I were having breakfast. We were a bit rushed because I was teaching another Day Camp to raise adoption funds. We were reading from the Bible about loving each other as brothers and brotherly love.

Braden immediately piped up, "And soon SISTERLY!"

It took a moment for his words to sink in. He was referring to our adoption and that soon the boys may have to love each other with SISTERLY love as well as BROTHERLY love! Too funny! I'm so thankful God is preparing their hearts to love another sibling!

Consumed Hearts

The Astronomy BLAST OFF camp went wonderfully well today. I was so thankful for my mom and the boys. It could not have happened without them. (I was thankful for Hannah's help too!) Thankfully, Mason, Franklin, and Weston lauched the rocket and had the Diet Coke explosion before the rain started! When I study or teach Astronomy I'm amazed by the magnitude of God's creation!

"The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge." Psalm 19:1-2

My friend, Kim, forwarded this to me today from the Pastor at Calvary Chapel, Aurora. As I read it, I wondered, "What would the world look like if our hearts were truly consumed with HIM?"

Read on...

Psalm 107:21-22 NKJV Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.

If you like to read, I'd encourage you to pick up any books you can find by Vance Havner. God uses him in a way to stir the soul, much like AW Tozer. Consider these words today as you seek to grow in grace:

"We need a heart warming.... The early Christians did not need a shot in the arm every Sunday to keep them going. They knew Jesus and they upset the world and worried the devil and gave wicked rulers insomnia and started something the jails couldn't lock up, fire couldn't burn, water couldn't drown, swords couldn't kill....

You may belittle experience and speak of the dangers of emotion, but we are suffering today from a species of Christianity as dry as dust, as cold as ice, as pale as a corpse, and as dead as King Tut. We are suffering, not from a lack of correct heads but of consumed hearts."

May our hearts be consumed with Jesus!

OFFICIALLY STARTED!

March 10, 2010 will go down in history as the day we "officially" started the ball rolling for adoption. Today we mailed our home study application and wired our first large sum to the adoption agency! As I wrote the number at the bank, it seemed like quite a bit of money, but I didn't even hesitate because I kept thinking this child is worth it! Any child would be! I wanted to take a picture to mark this day, but guess what? I can't find the camera. Imagine that?

Our close friends the OLearys are nearly at the end of the American side of the journey and they crossed a HUGE milestone today! God's given us a great gift by allowing us to walk alongside such precious friends. We are using the same two agencies they chose as well.

Thank you all for praying! One of my friends who adopted from Guatemala chose this verse for her adoption - "If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day." Habakkuk 2:3


Because I'd hoped to get all of this in the mail a few weeks ago, this promise seems fitting for today. Today, March 10th was God's chosen day for us to officially begin.


Hold on, precious little one, we're working toward coming to YOU!

Tonight's the Night!

Reid's been hammering away at the keyboard since he came home. Could it be, could it possibly be??? If he finishes his autobiography then we can finally mail our homestudy application. Whoo--Hoo--Hoo!

In Reid's defense, he has NOT been dragging his feet. He's been working long hours and Saturdays. We will trust God's timing to be PERFECT!

We were at Water Angels yesterday, and Reid preached the entire sermon standing in a basket! (It was an illustration Amy shared about how we are to offer ALL of ourselves to God! There is no better offering we can give!) The service was very moving, many tears were shed -myself included! I'm so thankful that God does not see us as failures when we fail. Instead, He offers his abundant grace and mercy.

The boys played beautifully - for the glory of God. Weston had typed all of the slides and Braden was the technician in charge of changing the lyric slides for the songs. I noticed several times that God was not capitalized in the songs ("god") and numerous times, Braden had the wrong slide was on the screen. I stopped my critical spirit from focusing on all of my children's mistakes. Amazed that a nine year old would sit at a computer and create lyric slides for most of Friday afternoon, and our six year old, who is just beginning to read this year, would even attempt to take on the responsibility of working the computer. I sat in awe of their willingness to give of themselves. Perplexed that all four of the boys would spend hours practicing when most of their friends are playing outside - without a parent asking them to do so. Touched that Mason would spend time in prayer seeking God for the songs to sing that will move these precious people toward God. My heart attitude could learn much from their tender hearts!

When Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, for to such belongs the kingdom of God," Jesus obviously knew that the children would be leading the hearts of unwilling adults. (Yes, I'm talking to myself!)

Do I have a heart that offers ALL, willingly, sacrificially, with joy? Sadly, over this past weekend I've realized that my typical response is begrudging obedience. How offensive! I'm repulsed by my own heart condition that desires to serve, but, quite frankly, wants to serve when it is convenient. Forgive me, Lord. You know my sinful state. Help my heart to reflect you in ALL circumstances, at all times, in all degrees of stamina, in every relationship, in moments of physical pain, and in times of ease. You are my ALL in ALL.

Finally, we've been blessed recently by a few friends offering to help with the adoption costs. Their gifts have been an amazing blessing because these gifts have come from friends that I know are sacrificing in order to give. They are doing without in order to help bring our child home. These friends are also teaching me as I see their willingness to give sacrificially with JOY! I've been moved by their willingness to give in faith. Thank you!

Don't forget the Yard Sale is a few weeks away! Bring your stuff by on March 25th!

YEAH-RAH!! REID JUST CAME IN AND SAID HE'S DONE!! HOMESTUDY APPLICATION WILL BE MAILED TOMORROW!! THANK YOU FOR PRAYING!!

10:05 pm - (I must record this!) The boys just finished an amazing JAM session playing a song that Mason wrote today. The song has a strong drive conveying TRUTH! I think he titled it, "Hold On To Him." Wow! Not only am I amazed that these are my children, I'm was also convicted by the words Mason wrote in the song!

When I asked Mason what he was thinking of when he wrote the song, he said, 1.) Himself and his own failures. 2.) He's reading through the book of Job, so he was also thinking about Job. 3.) About the people at Water Angels!

I am sooooo thankful for Stephanie's ministry. God is doing so much in all of us through Water Angels. What a gift that our family is there worshipping and ministering together! I'm dumbfounded at the understanding my 13 year old son has about our sovereign God. Yes, Lord, Let your little children lead me... Let them lead me...

SAVE YOUR STUFF

HELP!

We are planning our first adoption fundraiser on March 26th & 27th. We are hoping to have a MEGA Yard Sale to help raise funds for our family and for the O'Leary family to adopt from Ghana, Africa. If you would be willing to donate some items, help with the sale, come shop, or simply pray - we would be extremely grateful. Start saving your stuff now!

The Yard Sale will be held at our home on Friday and Saturday. (E-mail for directions) Your help in any way would be a blessing. If you would like to donate items, you can bring them on Thursday, March 25th, or e-mail me if you need to arrange another time. Additional hands for set-up, clean-up and working the sale would also be appreciated.

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him" Psalm 28:7

My Thoughts Exactly

I found this poem posted on a blog. These exact thoughts have been on my mind. All the reasons not to adopt - not to do whatever God calls us to do... Thankfully, God is helping me take these thoughts captive to the obedience to Christ. It is a battle to choose to surrender and say, "Yes, Lord..."

Excuses

I've had my share of excuses in the past....
Too busy
Not enough money
Not enough time
Too young
Too old
Can't afford it
Already have 4 children
Not sure if it's God's will
Not sure
Can't afford it
What will others say?
What will others think?
People will think we are crazy
What if they are right?
Can't afford it.
What if it's hard on our other kids?
It's not the right time
Not sure if I would be good at it.
House is too small.
Can't afford it.
Not sure if I want to start all over again.
What would we drive?
What if it's to much work?
What if it's too hard?
Can't afford it.
Yet for every excuse God has the answer-
Him.
It's all about Him- period.
He must increase,
but I must decrease.
John 3:30
We limit God with our excuses.
We limit God with our fears.
We limit God by putting Him inside a box-
A box we have designed on our own.
But by doing this we are actually robbing ourselves-
robbing ourselves of the blessings.
Robbing ourselves of true joy
Robbing ourselves of truly living.
Because you see when we take 'us' out of the picture
Our worries,
Our fears,
Our excuses,
And we put God in the center of our lives
The possibilities are endless.
He has the way...
He IS the way...
And all you have to do is
stop making excuses and take that first step.
Stop listening to the world.
Stop being afraid of the what ifs-
And listen to the one who knows.
The one who has the answers.
The one who really matters.
The truth is
we don't have to be perfect
because He is.
We don't have to have all of the answers
because He already does.
We don't have to know how
because He will show us.
Each day you wait
is a day that they wait too...
The cost of your excuse is a lot higher than the cost of an adoption
because look at what it's costing them.
Stop making excuses.
They are waiting
And so is He...
To show you the way.

Found on : http://www.buildingtheblocks.blogspot.com/

God's churning up our hearts for so much right now. We are moving forward with adoption completely trusting God. No, it doesn't make sense. No, we can't afford it. Yes, our house is small. Yes, it feels overwhelming. No, I have no other answer than "YES!" Yes, we will do whatever he desires of us, trusting him with the uncertainties.

God's placing other questions in front of us as well. Please pray for us as we seek His Will for our family. Pray for us to know the way.

Finally, if you are living life with the false belief that everything is as wonderful as we experience it here in America, please take 10 minutes to watch this short video. It's a dose of perspective. You need to watch it until the end, but know you will not be the same after viewing.

Sam and Esther

(I just found out there is a follow-up to this video also. I haven't seen it, but plan to.)

"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?

⁷ Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

⁸ Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

Isaiah 58:6-8

For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

Revelation 3:17

Praising my Savior for rescuing me when I was wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Thank you, Jesus.

Blog Reading

Tonight I've been online reading some blogs about adoption. Yes, there are other people over the age of 40 who have heard the cries of the orphan and responded. We are not alone!

I've seen families of twelve, ten, eight, and on... I've seen families with many nationalities under one roof. I've seen blended families and it's all been beautiful.

Reid and I were talking at dinner this evening about everything God is currently stirring in our hearts. (It's overwhelming!!) We were reflecting on adoption, missions, and so much more... Eternity is our focus. God is speaking - "Teach us to number our days" (Psalm 90:12) for the time is short. Reid declared, "Our life is really our official short term mission trip!" (For those of you who have always wanted to go on a short term mission trip, realize you are currently on one!) Yes, my friends, it's true.

My question for myself is, "Am I living my life as if I'm on a mission trip? Am I living on mission?"

This week, I've felt honored to be a vessel of God in situations I didn't anticipate or expect. These moments came because I was willing to yield my life over to his plan. God was on the move! I felt His hand all over everything for about three hours on Friday. Praying with two complete strangers highlighted the afternoon. I'd expected to be praying with a homeless girl who jumped off the Henley Bridge to end her life on Wednesday, and instead God had me praying with a father in the waiting room and his son in his hospital room. Me, Lord? Yes, you, Robin!

On Sunday, I went to Water Angels (the homeless ministry where we are involved). The girl I'd planned to pray with on Friday sauntered into the parking lot as I arrived. Being ten minutes late was part of God's plan! Handing her the card I'd written for her at the hospital, I was overwhelmed with a sense of love for this homeless, scarred, abandoned child of God.

After the service, again God allowed me the opportunity to be His minister of hope. This same desperate girl kept trying to hold onto my arms as I was praying for her. Her hands kept sliding off, and I visualized the battle going on for her mind. She is trying to hold onto Jesus, but her hands will not cling. Friends, please pray for J if you can. She greatly needs prayer. I believe God has plans for her life, but she does need people fighting for her before the throne. Being in the midst of the helpless, hurting, homeless, and poor in this city makes me mourn for the sinful state of this world.

One of the blogs I read tonight contained this quote in the header...ponder it...

"Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, orphans, & all of the injustices in the world when He could do something about it ... BUT I'm afraid He might ask me the same question ..." -Anonymous