Monday, November 8, 2010
Mid Atlantic Orphan Summit Thoughts
Man! What a weekend!
I am still processing, and don't have all my notes with me to make a real recap, but have to say God truly showed up!
I have never been to an orphan summit so I don't know what to compare it to, but there was some serious Holy Spirit involvement.
I am so so glad D came along!! Ladies if you have a chance to go to one, and can bring your man...DO IT! Having the guys there to represent, as well as hear all the info given truly changes lives!
Carolyn's husband and D were at the Project HOPEFUL table with us all weekend. They are real men with a true heart for the orphan and a love for their kids. They drew in a bunch of people and truly made a difference in some lives. :)
D is totally sold out now, he was wrecked at this weekend. I prayed that would be what would happen. I prayed he would see the face of Jesus, and see why it is that this tugs me so much. He does. He had some scales removed from his eyes, let me tell you!! It was a true joy to be there with him and experience this with him. We learned a ton together… and I needed his shoulder more than once for my own tears. I am not sure I have cried more in a 24hr period than I did at this conference. In a good way!
I got to meet Tom Davis and have a great conversation with him. Also Andy Lehman, great heart, and really great guys. Eileen Mestas killed it!!! She was phenomenal!!
Susan Hillis knocked our socks off with her AIDS/HIV statistics and information. Still trying to process that one, but let me tell you folks, the outlook isn’t pretty if we do not do SOMEthing about this crisis. It’s not just about adopting children with HIV, or even adoption in general, but if the church does not step up and do something about this crisis, we will be in a hurting…
Meredith Andrews was an amazing worship leader!!! She truly touched us, and even though her voice was leaving her, she was AWESOME!
Met some amazing women and men all passionate about the same thing, children, orphans, widows ….making a change.
We learned about the impact of Micro loans and how they can make a true difference. So many holistic ways to help end this crisis… not just adoption, not just foster care… but truly making a difference to care for the ones Jesus loved the most.
There are also a bunch of really BIG opportunities that came from it. Lots of great connections, and some big decisions to be made!! Can’t share most of them because they are still in the works and still being developed…but it’s truly exciting…and scary at the same time.
So that’s all I have for now… more soon …
I am still processing, and don't have all my notes with me to make a real recap, but have to say God truly showed up!
I have never been to an orphan summit so I don't know what to compare it to, but there was some serious Holy Spirit involvement.
I am so so glad D came along!! Ladies if you have a chance to go to one, and can bring your man...DO IT! Having the guys there to represent, as well as hear all the info given truly changes lives!
Carolyn's husband and D were at the Project HOPEFUL table with us all weekend. They are real men with a true heart for the orphan and a love for their kids. They drew in a bunch of people and truly made a difference in some lives. :)
D is totally sold out now, he was wrecked at this weekend. I prayed that would be what would happen. I prayed he would see the face of Jesus, and see why it is that this tugs me so much. He does. He had some scales removed from his eyes, let me tell you!! It was a true joy to be there with him and experience this with him. We learned a ton together… and I needed his shoulder more than once for my own tears. I am not sure I have cried more in a 24hr period than I did at this conference. In a good way!
I got to meet Tom Davis and have a great conversation with him. Also Andy Lehman, great heart, and really great guys. Eileen Mestas killed it!!! She was phenomenal!!
Susan Hillis knocked our socks off with her AIDS/HIV statistics and information. Still trying to process that one, but let me tell you folks, the outlook isn’t pretty if we do not do SOMEthing about this crisis. It’s not just about adopting children with HIV, or even adoption in general, but if the church does not step up and do something about this crisis, we will be in a hurting…
Meredith Andrews was an amazing worship leader!!! She truly touched us, and even though her voice was leaving her, she was AWESOME!
Met some amazing women and men all passionate about the same thing, children, orphans, widows ….making a change.
We learned about the impact of Micro loans and how they can make a true difference. So many holistic ways to help end this crisis… not just adoption, not just foster care… but truly making a difference to care for the ones Jesus loved the most.
There are also a bunch of really BIG opportunities that came from it. Lots of great connections, and some big decisions to be made!! Can’t share most of them because they are still in the works and still being developed…but it’s truly exciting…and scary at the same time.
So that’s all I have for now… more soon …
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Marketable?
What exactly does that mean? What does it mean to have a person be ‘marketable’? Doesn’t have a great connotation. (Especially if you have read the book Priceless)
This is what the dictionary says the meaning of ‘Marketable’ is:
–adjective
1.
readily salable.
2.
of or pertaining to selling or buying
This past Saturday I spent the day listening to a very well known, prominent, modeling school/company, try to sell themselves to parents and young ladies alike. They had called my S to ask her to come to a seminar and then participate in a private interview to see if she has what it takes to be a model. Since this has been a dream of hers for years, I agreed to take her.
I will be honest, it was pretty impressive, the presenter was persuasive in trying to convince us of the value of their company in training girls to be proud of who they are no matter what…that it’s not about looks. She is good at what she does!
Then came the personal interview. Again, the lady was a good. She had great things to say and really liked S. We were told that we would get a call on Monday to let us know if she were chosen to pay a CRAZY amount of money for her to attend the training school and then perhaps be a model for them.
We left…me wondering what in the world had just happened, and S crazy excited to see a dream possibly come true.
Monday came, and we got the call. She was indeed chosen. S had all the qualities they were looking for, and then some. The woman said all the right things, stroked my momma ego and then spoke to S, who immediately began hooting and hollering around the room. Her dream to become a model was within her grasp! (Grandma had agreed to pay her school fee) We were both excited… how as a mom do you not get caught up in the excitement of your child? Even if there are major alarms going off in your head?
So, due to the alarms, I went online and did some research. )Since it’s something I do well…lol) Said company had enough ugliness about it, that I felt it wasn’t the thing for us to do. I prayed a lot about it, and felt at peace about not pursuing this for S. I knew she would not be happy, even perhaps throw a fit, but felt this wasn’t the route for her to go.
When we sat down and spoke about it, she was actually much calmer than I had anticipated. The woman from the company called me on Tuesday night asking why I had not sent S’s acceptance info and payment in that day as directed. I kindly thanked her for her time, but said we would not be pursuing this avenue at this time. She went into sales woman mode…OF COURSE!
I listened to what she had to say, I wanted S (who was listening to my end) to know that I wasn’t just blowing off her dream. Two things confirmed my suspicions: 1. “You want to know that your daughter is marketable. She is.” 2. “If you don’t choose to do this right now she will never be offered a place in our company again.”
The first one though kind of got my panties in a bunch.
My daughter is not ‘marketable’.
She is a living, breathing, beautiful, amazing young woman. She is a princess, a daughter of the most high God.
The thing that had me pause and try to consider this from all angles for her, was her statement to me as to why she wants to pursue modeling. She wants to “Be a role model for young women. To show them that you do not have to be perfect to be beautiful” In a world that sees perfection in beauty, this would be a wonderful refreshing change.
As I was on the phone with the modeling agency recruiter a phone call came in to S. She was asked to come in for a second interview at Old Navy! Yippee!!! A job she would be perfect for, and a place I can get discounts…lol I told her it was ‘God calling’ to answer her prayer of getting a job, and showing her that He was going to provide for her.
So we will not be marketing our daughter on the modeling front at this time… but will be helping her find ways to be the role model she already is, to others.
P.S. Talk to ya when I get back from the conference! Can't WAIT!! :)
This is what the dictionary says the meaning of ‘Marketable’ is:
–adjective
1.
readily salable.
2.
of or pertaining to selling or buying
This past Saturday I spent the day listening to a very well known, prominent, modeling school/company, try to sell themselves to parents and young ladies alike. They had called my S to ask her to come to a seminar and then participate in a private interview to see if she has what it takes to be a model. Since this has been a dream of hers for years, I agreed to take her.
I will be honest, it was pretty impressive, the presenter was persuasive in trying to convince us of the value of their company in training girls to be proud of who they are no matter what…that it’s not about looks. She is good at what she does!
Then came the personal interview. Again, the lady was a good. She had great things to say and really liked S. We were told that we would get a call on Monday to let us know if she were chosen to pay a CRAZY amount of money for her to attend the training school and then perhaps be a model for them.
We left…me wondering what in the world had just happened, and S crazy excited to see a dream possibly come true.
Monday came, and we got the call. She was indeed chosen. S had all the qualities they were looking for, and then some. The woman said all the right things, stroked my momma ego and then spoke to S, who immediately began hooting and hollering around the room. Her dream to become a model was within her grasp! (Grandma had agreed to pay her school fee) We were both excited… how as a mom do you not get caught up in the excitement of your child? Even if there are major alarms going off in your head?
So, due to the alarms, I went online and did some research. )Since it’s something I do well…lol) Said company had enough ugliness about it, that I felt it wasn’t the thing for us to do. I prayed a lot about it, and felt at peace about not pursuing this for S. I knew she would not be happy, even perhaps throw a fit, but felt this wasn’t the route for her to go.
When we sat down and spoke about it, she was actually much calmer than I had anticipated. The woman from the company called me on Tuesday night asking why I had not sent S’s acceptance info and payment in that day as directed. I kindly thanked her for her time, but said we would not be pursuing this avenue at this time. She went into sales woman mode…OF COURSE!
I listened to what she had to say, I wanted S (who was listening to my end) to know that I wasn’t just blowing off her dream. Two things confirmed my suspicions: 1. “You want to know that your daughter is marketable. She is.” 2. “If you don’t choose to do this right now she will never be offered a place in our company again.”
The first one though kind of got my panties in a bunch.
My daughter is not ‘marketable’.
She is a living, breathing, beautiful, amazing young woman. She is a princess, a daughter of the most high God.
The thing that had me pause and try to consider this from all angles for her, was her statement to me as to why she wants to pursue modeling. She wants to “Be a role model for young women. To show them that you do not have to be perfect to be beautiful” In a world that sees perfection in beauty, this would be a wonderful refreshing change.
As I was on the phone with the modeling agency recruiter a phone call came in to S. She was asked to come in for a second interview at Old Navy! Yippee!!! A job she would be perfect for, and a place I can get discounts…lol I told her it was ‘God calling’ to answer her prayer of getting a job, and showing her that He was going to provide for her.
So we will not be marketing our daughter on the modeling front at this time… but will be helping her find ways to be the role model she already is, to others.
P.S. Talk to ya when I get back from the conference! Can't WAIT!! :)
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Proud Momma Moment
All those sticky buns and donuts and my boy chooses fruit... so cool! :)So the elementary schools in this area have something called the citizen of the month. Each month it’s a different citizenship quality, the month of October was Diligence.
My E-man was chosen to be the Citizen of Diligence! :) It’s a pretty big honor because only 1 child per class can be chosen. Per month and there are only 9 months.
The kids get a special breakfast, a ceremony, certificates and a yard sign for parents to put in their yard.
I could not help but burst with pride at the thought of my littlest dude getting this award. He has blossomed over the past couple of months in amazing ways. He’s spelling words, working on phonics, and he can now count to 20! Which is huge because over the summer he got to 11 and was done, now he can count to 20 and actually just continue on.
Times like this I think of the tiny little guy in ET that was so close to death. I think of his family in ET that is missing out on this… and the family already gone home to Jesus that know. I felt like we were all there together this morning beaming at him.
He was so proud and so happy.
I am not sure he knew exactly what it all meant, but he knew he was a getting an award for being something pretty amazing.
Now I realize in the scheme of things this isn’t life changing…but for me it’s another amazing notch in God’s belt. A win for Him and the miracle of E, a huge loss for Mr Ugly.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Halloween Weekend Fun
What fun we had this weekend!
Friday night we took the boys to their school for the fall festival. There were a ton of kids and lots of lines. It was mostly fun, but that kind of atmosphere sets N into a sensory tizzy, so we have alot of re-directing to do. It's such a hard spot to try to contain without suppressing his fun....and ours.
I think it was a success and the boys slept really well that night!
Saturday dawned early, D and I ran in the Wicked 10k race down at the oceanfront...lol oh my goodness, it was a not so comedy of errors. The morning was beautiful, we were feeling good, it was cool and sunny and there were lots of people.
As our corral was moving to the front I felt the urge for the portapotty...but chalked it up to race nerves so just pushed through it. MISTAKE! By the time I got about 6 blocks I was really feeling it... and of course no potty in site. D is urging me forward trying to get me to keep up. And to risk tmi here... I am no longer a spring chicken and can I just say the 'control' is not what it once was...LOL I kept telling him to go ahead I would walk my way to where I knew there was a potty on the course... 2 1/2 miles later... there it was! Never been so happy to see a portapotty in my life...LOL
Then I was feeling great and took off... passing people feeling good... then OUCH who knew you could get a cramp in your Gluteous???!!! Well ya'll let me tell you... You can! So there I am gluteous cramp on the right and new weird foot pain on the left. Seriously... I was pretty annoyed at this point. I mean heck I have been to the gym at least 4 days a week for the last 4 months or so... what is my body doing??!!
I felt worse on this 6 mile run than in the 13 miler in March and I was in worse shape then.
I did hobble myself over the finish line and fall into my waiting, perfectly happy and not sore husband's arms...lol
That afternoon was spent with S at a modeling interview...we will see if she gets accepted tonight. Prayers for doors to either open or close. She is good with either, although she's always wanted to model.
Saturday night was a party with our friends. It was fun to be out with my hubby and just hanging out with friends.
Sunday church and trick-or-treating were beautiful and special. My boys LOVE dressing up and running around. By the time we were done collecting candy N says "Momma, my feet have run out of batteries". Man could I relate!!!
This week is a short one... we will be in PA on Friday for the Mid-Atlantic Orphan Summit. There still time to sign up! Please join us!!!
Hope your weekend was fun and cramp free! :)
Friday night we took the boys to their school for the fall festival. There were a ton of kids and lots of lines. It was mostly fun, but that kind of atmosphere sets N into a sensory tizzy, so we have alot of re-directing to do. It's such a hard spot to try to contain without suppressing his fun....and ours.
I think it was a success and the boys slept really well that night!
Saturday dawned early, D and I ran in the Wicked 10k race down at the oceanfront...lol oh my goodness, it was a not so comedy of errors. The morning was beautiful, we were feeling good, it was cool and sunny and there were lots of people.
As our corral was moving to the front I felt the urge for the portapotty...but chalked it up to race nerves so just pushed through it. MISTAKE! By the time I got about 6 blocks I was really feeling it... and of course no potty in site. D is urging me forward trying to get me to keep up. And to risk tmi here... I am no longer a spring chicken and can I just say the 'control' is not what it once was...LOL I kept telling him to go ahead I would walk my way to where I knew there was a potty on the course... 2 1/2 miles later... there it was! Never been so happy to see a portapotty in my life...LOL
Then I was feeling great and took off... passing people feeling good... then OUCH who knew you could get a cramp in your Gluteous???!!! Well ya'll let me tell you... You can! So there I am gluteous cramp on the right and new weird foot pain on the left. Seriously... I was pretty annoyed at this point. I mean heck I have been to the gym at least 4 days a week for the last 4 months or so... what is my body doing??!!
I felt worse on this 6 mile run than in the 13 miler in March and I was in worse shape then.
I did hobble myself over the finish line and fall into my waiting, perfectly happy and not sore husband's arms...lol
That afternoon was spent with S at a modeling interview...we will see if she gets accepted tonight. Prayers for doors to either open or close. She is good with either, although she's always wanted to model.
Saturday night was a party with our friends. It was fun to be out with my hubby and just hanging out with friends.
Sunday church and trick-or-treating were beautiful and special. My boys LOVE dressing up and running around. By the time we were done collecting candy N says "Momma, my feet have run out of batteries". Man could I relate!!!
This week is a short one... we will be in PA on Friday for the Mid-Atlantic Orphan Summit. There still time to sign up! Please join us!!!
Hope your weekend was fun and cramp free! :)
Friday, October 29, 2010
Longing....
There are days like today that the longing in my heart and arms for another child become almost overwhelming… you would think that at the age of 40 I would be thinking of my empty nest.
Dreaming about the time I could spend with my hottie hubby all alone…day dreaming about sleeping in again and not having snotty boys, and cleaning up the mess around the toilet that little boys make…lol
But I am not… I long for more of that. Which is really rather ironic, because N has started his routine of acting out again. Seems a bit strange to me that the more he does that the more I want more children. Now do not get me wrong, I don’t want them to replace him!!!! I just seem to want them more… wonder if he senses that desire and it sets him off… (hhhmmm love blogging, sometimes I give myself things to think about.)
Today I was looking at pics from our mission trip in April and saw so many beautiful little faces that I fell in love with while there. Then got to go their family blogs and see so many of them home and happy and so very beautiful. I also saw the faces that are still waiting for a mom and dad to come get them and give them the love they deserve.
This waiting until January to even start the process is killing me… I thought that I would feel better knowing that at least we would be starting, but it’s almost made it worse.
So while I long for the children that are still waiting for us… I will go home and love on the ones that are already there.
Dreaming about the time I could spend with my hottie hubby all alone…day dreaming about sleeping in again and not having snotty boys, and cleaning up the mess around the toilet that little boys make…lol
But I am not… I long for more of that. Which is really rather ironic, because N has started his routine of acting out again. Seems a bit strange to me that the more he does that the more I want more children. Now do not get me wrong, I don’t want them to replace him!!!! I just seem to want them more… wonder if he senses that desire and it sets him off… (hhhmmm love blogging, sometimes I give myself things to think about.)
Today I was looking at pics from our mission trip in April and saw so many beautiful little faces that I fell in love with while there. Then got to go their family blogs and see so many of them home and happy and so very beautiful. I also saw the faces that are still waiting for a mom and dad to come get them and give them the love they deserve.
This waiting until January to even start the process is killing me… I thought that I would feel better knowing that at least we would be starting, but it’s almost made it worse.
So while I long for the children that are still waiting for us… I will go home and love on the ones that are already there.
China Kidz A Christmas Project
If you are like me you have already begun listening to your Christmas music...yes I have! :) And thinking about what this Christmas may bring. This Christmas you can help babies in China stay warm.
Check out this post and see what you can do to help!
Keep a child warm this winter!
Check out this post and see what you can do to help!
Keep a child warm this winter!
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