tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30748699684401536142024-03-13T07:52:59.968-07:00Bonded by LoveSUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.comBlogger225125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-66573106184225060012011-12-13T08:28:00.000-08:002011-12-13T08:40:30.771-08:00Goodbye ChristmasI did not write the following( it is copied form ucg.org )but share many of the articles opinions. I used to enjoy Christmas very much BA (before adoption). Adoption opened my eyes to so many things. The worlds poverty and our great waste being one thing that forevered changed me. I also have a friend who is a Messianic Jew. He is a rabbi. He is gracious to answer my many questions regarding holidays. My kids are not thrilled with the lack of Christmas decor in our home and I might say, I do miss the brightness of the lights in this brown season. We most definitely are not finished with journey to rid ourselves of Christmas, we are only beginning and searching. Don't worry, those of you who are ardent celebrators of Christmas, I have no bull horn and will not be harassing anyone with a different view point. Please allow me the same courtesy. <br /> <br />1. Christmas is driven by commercialism.<br /> <br />It's not that difficult to recognize what really drives the holiday in our age. Cal Thomas, an American syndicated columnist who often writes from a Christian perspective, acknowledged uncomfortable truths about Christmas in a December 2003 column.<br /> <br />"I'm not sure it's worth keeping Christmas anymore," he began, lamenting that the holiday has become a "road show of reindeer, winter scenes, elves and the God substitute, Santa Claus, who serves as a front for merchants seeking to play on the guilt some parents bear for ignoring their kids the rest of the year."<br /> <br />He asks a great question: "Why participate any longer in this charade where the focal point of worship has shifted from a babe in a manger to a babe in the Victoria 's Secret window? . . . No room in the inn has been replaced by no room in the mall parking lot."<br /> <br />But perhaps his most insightful statement is this: "It's instructive how just one season away from lusting after material things can break the habit. It's something like liberation from an addiction or lifestyle choice. Being away from it can cause one to realize the behavior is neither missed nor needed for fulfillment and enjoyment."<br /> <br />Having said good-bye to the Christmas habit several decades ago, I couldn't have said it better myself!<br /> <br />2. Christmas is nowhere mentioned in the Bible.<br /> <br />This is rather obvious, but most people never give it a second thought. The books of the New Testament cover 30+ years of Jesus Christ's life, then another 30+ years of the early Church following His death and resurrection, but nowhere do we find any hint of a Christmas celebration or anything remotely like it.<br /> <br />Yes, the Bible does give us quite a few details of His birth—the angelic appearance to Mary and then Joseph, the conditions surrounding His birth in a stable in Bethlehem, the heavenly choir's performance for the shepherds in the fields outside the town. But nowhere in the Bible is there any record of anyone observing Christmas or any hint that God the Father or Jesus Christ expects us to do so.<br /> <br />3. Jesus wasn't born on or near Dec. 25.<br /> <br />Surprising but true! Remember those shepherds who were "living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night"? (Luke:2:8). December weather around Bethlehem is often miserably cold, wet and rainy. No shepherd in his right mind would have kept his flocks outside at night at that time of year!<br /> <br />The Interpreter's One-Volume Commentary says this passage argues "against the birth [of Christ] occurring on Dec. 25 since the weather would not have permitted" shepherds to be out in the fields with their flocks then.<br /> <br />And Celebrations: The Complete Book of American Holidays tells us that Luke's account of Christ's birth "suggests that Jesus may have been born in summer or early fall. Since December is cold and rainy in Judea, it is likely the shepherds would have sought shelter for their flocks at night" (p. 309) rather than keeping them outdoors.<br /> <br />Also, Luke:2:1-4 tells us that Jesus was born in Bethlehem because his parents came to that town to register in a Roman census. The Romans were well known as highly efficient administrators. It would have made no sense to have conducted a census in the dead of winter, when temperatures often dropped below freezing and traveling was difficult due to poor road conditions. Taking a census under such conditions would have been self-defeating!<br /> <br />4. The Christmas holiday is largely a recycled pagan celebration.<br /> <br />Again, surprising but true! Read it for yourself in just about any encyclopedia.<br /> <br />Consider the customs associated with Christmas. What do decorated evergreen trees, holly, mistletoe, yule logs, a jolly plump man in a fur-lined red suit, sleighs and flying reindeer have to do with the birth of Jesus Christ?<br /> <br />None of these things have anything to do with Him, but they have a lot to do with ancient pagan festivals. (Read the eye-opening details in our free booklet Holidays or Holy Days: Does It Matter Which Days We Keep?)<br /> <br />And what about the date of Dec. 25? How did it come to be assigned as the supposed date of Jesus Christ's birth? Historians Gerard and Patricia Del Re explain:<br /> <br />"The tradition of celebrating December 25 as Christ's birthday came to the Romans from Persia. Mithra, the Persian god of light and sacred contracts, was born out of a rock on December 25. Rome was famous for its flirtations with strange gods and cults, and in the third century the unchristian emperor Aurelian established the festival of Dies Invicti Solis, the Day of the Invincible Sun, on December 25.<br /> <br />"Mithra was an embodiment of the sun, so this period of its rebirth was a major day in Mithraism, which had become Rome's latest official religion . . . It is believed that the emperor Constantine adhered to Mithraism up to the time of his conversion to Christianity. He was probably instrumental in seeing that the major feast of his old religion was carried over to his new faith" (The Christmas Almanac, 1979, p. 17).<br /> <br />It's difficult to determine the first time anyone celebrated Dec. 25 as Christmas, but historians generally agree that it was sometime during the fourth century—some 300 years after Christ's death. And then a contrived date was chosen because it was already a popular pagan holiday celebrating the birth of the sun god!<br /> <br />Similarly, virtually all of the customs associated with Christmas are recycled from ancient pagan festivals honoring other gods.<br /> <br />5. God condemns using pagan customs to worship Him.<br /> <br />Since Christmas is supposedly a day to worship and celebrate God the Father and Jesus Christ, wouldn't it be a good idea to look into the Bible to see what it says about how we should worship God?<br /> <br />The answer is quite clear. God gives specific instruction about using pagan practices to worship Him—the exact thing Christmas does! Notice what He says in Deuteronomy:12:30-32: ". . . Do not inquire after their gods, saying, 'How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.' You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way . . . Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it" (emphasis added throughout).<br /> <br />And lest some think this is simply an Old Testament command that no longer applies, the apostle Paul makes the same point in 2 Corinthians 6, where he addresses whether unbiblical religious customs and practices have any place in the worship of God's people:<br /> <br />"What fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial [the devil and/or demons]? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God . . .<br /> <br />"Therefore 'Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.' 'I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.' Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians:6:14-18; 7:1).<br /> <br />Rather than relabeling pagan customs as Christian, or allowing members of the Church to continue their old pagan practices, the apostle Paul told them in no uncertain terms to leave behind all these forms of worship and worship God in true holiness as He commands. Jesus likewise says His true followers "must worship in spirit and truth" (John:4:24)—not revel in recycled pagan customs and symbolism.<br /> <br />6. Christmas is worshipping God in vain.<br /> <br />Since Christmas is a jumble of ancient pagan customs invented by men, and a holiday found nowhere in the Bible, does God honor or accept such worship?<br /> <br />Jesus provides the answer in His stern rebuke of the religious teachers of His day, men who had substituted human traditions and teachings for God's divine truths and commands: "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites . . . 'in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' . . . All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition" (Mark:7:6-9).<br /> <br />In the 17th century Christmas was actually outlawed in England and some parts of the American colonies because of its unbiblical and pagan origins. They knew something most people today have forgotten or have never known!<br /> <br />7. You can't put Christ back into something He was never in.<br /> <br />Some people admit the many problems with Christmas. But rather than face up to those problems, some assert that we should "put Christ back in Christmas."<br /> <br />However, it's impossible to "put Christ back in Christmas" since He never was in Christmas in the first place! He never so much as heard the word "Christmas" during His lifetime on earth, nor did His apostles after Him. You can search the Bible cover to cover but you won't find the words "Christmas," "Christmas tree," "mistletoe," "holly," "Santa Claus" or "flying reindeer."<br /> <br />Putting Christ back in Christmas may sound like a nice sentiment, but it's really only a misguided effort to try to justify a long-standing human tradition rather than what the Bible tells us we should do.<br /> <br />8. The Bible nowhere tells us to observe a holiday celebrating Jesus Christ's birth—but it clearly does tell us to commemorate His death. <br /><br />As noted earlier, the Bible nowhere mentions Christmas or tells us to celebrate Christ's birth.<br /> <br />This is not to say that the Bible doesn't tell us to commemorate a highly significant event in Jesus Christ's life on earth. It does—but that event is His death, not His birth.<br /> <br />Notice what the apostle Paul, conveying the instructions of Jesus Himself, tells Christians: "For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 'Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' <br /><br />"In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes . . . Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup" (1 Corinthians:11:23-28).<br /> <br />And yes, many believers do what they consider a form of this today in taking communion or "the Lord's supper." They fail to realize, however, the full significance of these acts, or that what Paul is actually describing here is the Passover — which is what Jesus Himself called this observance (Matthew:26:18-19; Mark:14:14-16; Luke:22:8-13, 15).<br /> <br />And many have no idea of the real date of Christ's death and the annual Passover observance, but that's an issue for another time. (Hint: It isn't "Good Friday" prior to Easter as so many mistakenly believe. See our booklet Holidays or Holy Days: Does It Matter Which Days We Keep? for details.) The point is: Jesus clearly expects His true followers to commemorate His death—not His birth—by observing the Passover.<br /> <br />9. Christmas obscures God's plan for mankind.<br /> <br />Passover, mentioned above, has enormous significance in God's plan for humanity. The Old Testament Passover, described in Exodus 12, was symbolic of Jesus Christ's future role and sacrifice. As the blood of the slain Passover lambs on the Israelites' houses spared them while the firstborn of the Egyptians were slain, so does Jesus Christ's sacrificial death on our behalf spare us from death— eternal death.<br /> <br />Paul alluded to this great truth when he wrote in 1 Corinthians:5:7 that "Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us." Similarly John the Baptist, speaking under divine inspiration, said of Jesus, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John:1:29).<br /> <br />Peter wrote that we are redeemed "with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter:1:19)—a clear reference to the Passover lambs (Exodus:12:5).<br /> <br />A central key to God's plan for humanity is Jesus Christ's sacrificial death on our behalf. He is "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation:13:8)—meaning His death for our sins was planned before the first human beings were ever created (1 Peter:1:18-20). Only through His death to pay the penalty for our sins can human beings receive God's gift of eternal life (John:3:14-17; Acts:4:12; 1 Corinthians:15:20-22).<br /> <br />Christmas, in contrast, teaches us none of this. Regrettably, because it is a hodgepodge of unbiblical customs and beliefs thrown together with a few elements of biblical truth, it only obscures the incredible purpose of Jesus Christ's coming—as well as why He must return to earth a second time! (For more details, request our free booklets Jesus Christ: The Real Story and The Gospel of the Kingdom.)<br /> <br />10. I'd rather celebrate the Holy Days Jesus Christ and the apostles observed.<br /> <br />God in His Word sets out many choices for us. Will we do things His way or our own? Will we worship Him as He tells us to, or expect Him to honor whatever religious practices we choose regardless of what His Word says?<br /> <br />It's always good to ask the question, What would Jesus do? The answer, from the Scriptures, is quite clear as to what Jesus did. Jesus didn't allow His followers the option of adopting pagan practices in their worship. He and the apostles plainly kept God's Holy Days and festivals that we find recorded in Leviticus 23.<br /> <br />As noted above, they kept the Passover (1 Corinthians:11:23-26). Scripture shows they also observed the Days of Unleavened Bread (Acts:20:6; 1 Corinthians:5:7-8). The New Testament Church itself was founded on the Feast of Pentecost (Acts:2:1), another biblical festival they clearly observed (Acts:20:16). They likewise kept the Day of Atonement (called "the Fast" in Acts:27:9) and the Feast of Tabernacles (John:7:2, 10).<br /> <br />Christmas, meanwhile, is totally missing from the biblical record.<br /> <br />Most people don't know that the Bible includes a whole list of festivals that God commanded, that Jesus Himself observed and that the apostles and early Church were still keeping decades after Christ's death and resurrection. And unlike Christmas, these reveal a great deal about Jesus Christ's role and mission.<br /> <br />Each one teaches us a vital lesson in what Jesus has done, is doing and will yet do in carrying out God's great plan for humankind. The differences between these and the tired old paganism and crass commercialism of Christmas is truly like the difference between day and night. Why not look into them for yourself?<br /> <br />I've given you my top 10 reasons for not celebrating Christmas. What do you suppose God thinks of your reasons for continuing to observe it? GNSUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-8098803671233804622011-04-16T11:57:00.000-07:002011-04-16T12:02:15.381-07:00Question<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1kHDyp7OSlJb58zaDmKiytUT4q-IzVWpWGXMfEeAOqSY3tbZp0Zi_GHAOdHl_eauWeIp-jMawota4YyAXDHdEmKHqur2HzrjsNh6TrpalWh-g_5thE5NtxjAsFTUh24t9VHqLwCfZwQu/s1600/easter+basket.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 260px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1kHDyp7OSlJb58zaDmKiytUT4q-IzVWpWGXMfEeAOqSY3tbZp0Zi_GHAOdHl_eauWeIp-jMawota4YyAXDHdEmKHqur2HzrjsNh6TrpalWh-g_5thE5NtxjAsFTUh24t9VHqLwCfZwQu/s400/easter+basket.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596258281230082546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDA9ZdgCh1YiWDz5w2B2pl5a47IFitzzEd8bLcnbZvgC5lg9HWqJzfylT_X5BQICOfHbMqd0fBxFbnN48q_H0NE58roYOQNY2zusAv4CULeDv_0LNQkJJy61fRcWz9Kdh-_xuDcr0vVod/s1600/easter-dresses1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDA9ZdgCh1YiWDz5w2B2pl5a47IFitzzEd8bLcnbZvgC5lg9HWqJzfylT_X5BQICOfHbMqd0fBxFbnN48q_H0NE58roYOQNY2zusAv4CULeDv_0LNQkJJy61fRcWz9Kdh-_xuDcr0vVod/s400/easter-dresses1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596258277307756978" /></a><br />Is this really how HE wants us to celebrate His Resurrection?SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-60734502324897548132011-03-31T18:00:00.000-07:002011-04-06T14:00:17.084-07:00Who's your Daddy?<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UL-uyjAYqXI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-32333848160730871772011-03-31T10:12:00.000-07:002011-03-31T10:12:03.119-07:00These Are Not Food, They’re Pretty Poisons « Jennifer Margulis<a href="http://mothering.com/jennifermargulis/health/these-are-not-food-theyre-pretty-poisons">These Are Not Food, They’re Pretty Poisons « Jennifer Margulis</a>SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-89228466050180873712011-03-21T05:21:00.001-07:002011-03-21T05:25:45.369-07:00Need a good book<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiyK-Q3OwF3wVtII7YjTvQcWVKswuUmrC_48uHk2EzlHdZg-ktBpOYGTuwqoJJSxOoXdbW4XfLl-1t6dTgxLi3Lfxe5wGEOrzO_g5hlZ07BERAXr4jU-_JoE-RkJYPDiTHEuzC5aUBGeX/s1600/March+2010+011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiyK-Q3OwF3wVtII7YjTvQcWVKswuUmrC_48uHk2EzlHdZg-ktBpOYGTuwqoJJSxOoXdbW4XfLl-1t6dTgxLi3Lfxe5wGEOrzO_g5hlZ07BERAXr4jU-_JoE-RkJYPDiTHEuzC5aUBGeX/s400/March+2010+011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586507953026038466" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxq6RbT1UtZSe6tNCv1pYb2RYkL9KZ6FhzR-yw77UfsfOGbh9DMqCtbM6oO9BY5JHV-GRHz_A1mdIGVkhriSMjic2h0HgDZP62XhnNtMomg475ytGgubZpOtU7f-QxhkQidZP45yxzd15m/s1600/March+2010+016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxq6RbT1UtZSe6tNCv1pYb2RYkL9KZ6FhzR-yw77UfsfOGbh9DMqCtbM6oO9BY5JHV-GRHz_A1mdIGVkhriSMjic2h0HgDZP62XhnNtMomg475ytGgubZpOtU7f-QxhkQidZP45yxzd15m/s400/March+2010+016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586507948815164066" /></a><br />It's time to purchase <strong>Orphanology</strong> a book co-authored by my brother. The book goes into great detail about the theology of adoption, shares adoption stories (including ours:) and gives tips to churches on how they can get it involved. It is sure to tug at your heart strings and inspire you.SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-84445012793450748652011-03-19T06:06:00.000-07:002011-03-19T06:06:37.886-07:00Rob BellI have read every boook by Rob Bell, until now. I don't know if I will read Love Wins or not. I DO know that he needs our prayers.<br /><br /><a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2011/03/15/msnbc-martin-bashirs-interview-with-rob-bell/">MSNBC: Martin Bashir&#8217;s Interview with Rob Bell</a>SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-88309035252158754362011-03-12T16:21:00.000-08:002011-03-12T16:31:00.890-08:00still here :-)Thought I should drop a line to the few of you who may think I've fallen off the face of the Earth. I'm still here. Actually, Ryan and I are in Charlotte, NC for the weekend. He is at a seminar and I am relaxing in the hotel. It's a beautiful hotel and I have enjoyed most of my day. I finished up three classes. I earned my Bachelors degree in Natural Healing and I am working toward my Doctorate. After doing some course work I went to shower, thinking I'd go down for lunch. Well there is no hair dryer. I also forgot to bring any underwear! LOL. So I showered and scrubbed my undies with bar soap and rinsed them out and went to dry them with the hair dryer....yeah that's right, no dryer. I hung them in a sunny spot to dry. Walking bo legged I ordered a pizza from room service. I briefly reflected on how few people in the world have the luxury of hair driers and washing machines. <br />I worked on the classes I'm teaching for our home school co-op. I am teaching two nutrition classes. I have discovered I hate teaching! LOL. Really, last time for me.<br />The kids are being watched by my Mom and Dad while we are gone and I miss them terribly. They are all busy with different things. Noah and Simon are on the middle school baseball team. Adam and Manny are on the middle school soccer team. Noah and Adam just finished the school play. They are taking guitar lessons as well, though we had to put them on hold for a few weeks. Beniam is playing indoor soccer. Outdoor Spring soccer begins for Mercy and Beniam in two weeks. Yep! I'm busy. But I LOVE my life.<br />I'll try to get back into the swing of blogging.<br />Until then....<br />XOXOSUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-31965605441162396352011-01-25T15:03:00.000-08:002011-01-25T15:05:46.778-08:00HE can work through us all!From our morning devotion time:<br /><br /><strong>Moses had a staff.<br />David had a sling.<br />Samson had a jawbone.<br />Rahab had a string.<br />Mary had some ointment.<br />Aaron had a rod.<br />Dorcas had a needle.<br />All were used by God.<br />~ Author Unknown</strong>SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-17149611763382414052011-01-24T09:06:00.001-08:002011-01-24T09:08:54.913-08:00I loved this so much I copied it! Thanks Amy. @buildingtheblocks.blogspot.com<br /><br />The battle rages on... <br /><br /> After writing my post on why we adopted a sweet reader left me a comment with a question. This morning during my quiet time with the Lord it popped back into my head. Her question is one I have asked myself a thousand times and one I think is so important for us to bring before the Lord.<br /><br />Here is what she said:<br /><br />"This explains my heart for our adoption as well. I too have lost my care about name brands, etc. However, I need advice on how to keep myself there. Maybe when we travel for court in March and actually visit Ethiopia it will be easier, but I am so selfish. I try so hard and I am easily sucked back in. Any suggestions to help?"<br /><br />First I want to say that I hope when I post on here that I do not ever come off as sounding like I have it all together. Because the truth is- I seriously do not. I struggle daily- actually by the minute- to live as Christ has taught us to through His word. And, most of the time- I fail. While over the past 10 year since I became a Christian I have grown and changed more than I ever though possible (just ask people who used to know me) I am still a work in progress- big time.<br /><br />I think one of the hardest things about being a Christian for me isn't believing- it's the peer pressure to conform to this world. Sometimes we do things and don't even realize that by doing them we are compromising our faith. I don't know if that's because it's just what we've always done it- or because everyone around us is doing it so we feel it must be right. Acceptance speaks volumes without us evening realizing it.<br /><br />Most things I write about on here are things I have struggled with and I write about them after the Lord has brought them to my attention. And then I share on here in hopes to help or encourage someone else along the way. One of my biggest struggles (if you couldn't tell by my writing about it a lot) is the desire to have things... only, I didn't even realize it a majority of my life. Most people wouldn't have known this about me- because we certainly didn't have a lot of money and I didn't purchase the best- but I wanted to. It was all about my heart condition. I coveted what others had- and thought I needed to have it too. I believed if I did- it would bring me happiness and make me successful.<br /><br />What a lie I had been sold.<br /><br />And even today I still struggle- I know the truth- and yet I still struggle. As I have mentioned on here in the past- I can literally walk into the mall, smell the air and my heart will start to beat faster. I will start feeling like I just have to have this and have to have that. When will I ever conquer that desire? Even after traveling to 2 third world countries and seeing the poverty there, even after having orphan after orphans face forever etched in my mind- I still struggle with greed. I still want things I don't need and covet things I cannot afford.<br /><br />Often times we will hear people defend their extravagant lifestyle by saying "But God wants us to have nice things." Absolutely. I am so not disagreeing with that. He loves us THAT much. He is so good. He wants us to enjoy the blessings he has given us. However, we must be very careful and truly examine our hearts over this. He wants us to have nice things- but if those things come before wanting Him, serving Him or our relation with Him- then they are wrong. If we cannot afford to give because we are working so hard to pay off our credit cards on those things we had to have-and if we cannot find the time to serve because we have to work over time to pay off that new car we felt we needed- then perhaps we are not putting God first...<br /><br />So how to do I stop myself from being sucked back in? I fight. I cling to Him and to what He teaches me daily through his word. I pull myself out of bed every single morning early and spend time with Him- asking Him for strength to live out His word. I ask Him to help me see things the way He see's them. I ask Him to point out the sins that I don't see in myself. Daily.<br /><br />Secondly, I don't go there. I hardly ever step into the mall anymore. (Can you blame me with nine kids? LOL Think maybe God knew this?) I know what my weaknesses are- and I am aware of them. And if I do have to 'shop' I pray before I go in and ask God to help me be thankful for the needs He has provided for- and to want nothing beyond those. Satan wants to suck us in. He wants us to want things more than we want God. He wants that big ol' house payment to be the reason that stops you from adopting. He wants to chain us to our possessions so that we cannot move to do God's work. <br /><br />I wish I could say it was easy- once our eyes are opened. I wish I could say that change will come over night. But it isn't always- as sad as that sounds. I wonder though if perhaps God allows us to struggle as a constant reminder of our need for a daily relationship with Him? When we continue to seek Him-to turn to Him- He will be right there waiting to give us more than we could have ever wanted- for eternity.SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-83333990192777954452010-12-29T10:47:00.001-08:002010-12-29T10:58:08.586-08:002011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPPauoSMqyWx3xeeyo1wJJU4fKgHfvpFKaiKvTmC6u3mgfk2WHovtB-tqqXaidn87_SVY9Kxkr1bPHj3sKdDiKxyibZCfXRzAPFi5qW5dHp3BfvzFWvY3VYqAKUE0AJm3fAxIOCS8Gnge/s1600/Christmas+2010+024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPPauoSMqyWx3xeeyo1wJJU4fKgHfvpFKaiKvTmC6u3mgfk2WHovtB-tqqXaidn87_SVY9Kxkr1bPHj3sKdDiKxyibZCfXRzAPFi5qW5dHp3BfvzFWvY3VYqAKUE0AJm3fAxIOCS8Gnge/s400/Christmas+2010+024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556179211821043522" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-dojEtz3yxLrzI6uQXoBaZKZiwT7i4CLqPGv2vt6mEloizoiSYT2QQNETxzEIXy1gmqWhDplNrMxo0Dj5n_GAZEuL5JZs4qPMym6xKOydmEhWMQCWq_uXAlfO2xaMptBl9g57PFumVuQ/s1600/Christmas+2010+023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-dojEtz3yxLrzI6uQXoBaZKZiwT7i4CLqPGv2vt6mEloizoiSYT2QQNETxzEIXy1gmqWhDplNrMxo0Dj5n_GAZEuL5JZs4qPMym6xKOydmEhWMQCWq_uXAlfO2xaMptBl9g57PFumVuQ/s400/Christmas+2010+023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556179203995747298" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicX0CGDqwVy4cjWYn8bHNNaGbOZZjbIrLvrTeNxiapTeQQq6xLc-IzAhSmetZsyLEgocNlKFjYaFexaYzNSVcDmd7P3zHokzRvW9BUM7MvwkCOvZlEiTIL9FA-fwk21QO9yOXn-CUJRMv-/s1600/Christmas+2010+013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicX0CGDqwVy4cjWYn8bHNNaGbOZZjbIrLvrTeNxiapTeQQq6xLc-IzAhSmetZsyLEgocNlKFjYaFexaYzNSVcDmd7P3zHokzRvW9BUM7MvwkCOvZlEiTIL9FA-fwk21QO9yOXn-CUJRMv-/s400/Christmas+2010+013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556179201291188530" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vveaLhQ8WXS108vooG6mH9QbuwDDvVvyOuvR_tRs46pfJMXHm5QnmAib4tlwP8kC8P6a2v7FSJwbN8_j8-By2pWwA0-gKATaeasZAqet9sAkl9KI4v7xodqyeKNhoc8WyKB0MprvhK4_/s1600/Christmas+2010+025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vveaLhQ8WXS108vooG6mH9QbuwDDvVvyOuvR_tRs46pfJMXHm5QnmAib4tlwP8kC8P6a2v7FSJwbN8_j8-By2pWwA0-gKATaeasZAqet9sAkl9KI4v7xodqyeKNhoc8WyKB0MprvhK4_/s400/Christmas+2010+025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556179195553030834" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpjfZMYjhnkbfPqL8Fu54ta6Nbe3_K9N1znXCmfKpRPiRU29iimC8s1sRpmtL4TUrfn1u1WhUDNiIi-xuqGeeW6r3oXjqadjEeXvY456RLUK9cQxt9ZPfx0rbtDfrH9SbZj0M6wprovgC/s1600/Christmas+2010+014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpjfZMYjhnkbfPqL8Fu54ta6Nbe3_K9N1znXCmfKpRPiRU29iimC8s1sRpmtL4TUrfn1u1WhUDNiIi-xuqGeeW6r3oXjqadjEeXvY456RLUK9cQxt9ZPfx0rbtDfrH9SbZj0M6wprovgC/s400/Christmas+2010+014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556179191176038386" /></a><br /> Happy New Year! From the Bond family<strong></strong>SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-23286012578290265152010-12-26T16:10:00.000-08:002010-12-26T16:45:29.249-08:00The difference a year makes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqymK1GNGzw3MUjWwNTywWmUkv1JFxcgfYEKRCYOU4cc73VPXWDvbU_K-DghyvnYWZ_m63PDq8ZRaL0qPTSiVIk1eN4o90GMu2Q2h8GODDWT-8m2xokz-9oujLjPqadyK_nztLR_XCVeG/s1600/Ethiopia+09+007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqymK1GNGzw3MUjWwNTywWmUkv1JFxcgfYEKRCYOU4cc73VPXWDvbU_K-DghyvnYWZ_m63PDq8ZRaL0qPTSiVIk1eN4o90GMu2Q2h8GODDWT-8m2xokz-9oujLjPqadyK_nztLR_XCVeG/s400/Ethiopia+09+007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555148045981595506" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlfeDNBJ4ZrtUA5uiv9sjh1WfsyWWiemDPjB8K7N3gJYg8TPJGWyCfZjXsxI61MpZSn-PiO_RCxLhkySk7xDPKhvvfappLM0sW0qSVRVTKMR5qulU842bgcCpzYYj1kcml3jllDfwSJvz/s1600/IMG_3646.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlfeDNBJ4ZrtUA5uiv9sjh1WfsyWWiemDPjB8K7N3gJYg8TPJGWyCfZjXsxI61MpZSn-PiO_RCxLhkySk7xDPKhvvfappLM0sW0qSVRVTKMR5qulU842bgcCpzYYj1kcml3jllDfwSJvz/s400/IMG_3646.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555153852407296466" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQeCzLRdfst44wkMuUv8NqqiAZp6VRD6hcM4J5X6nulc_JOv4WFKK9JVvHxB98KbitUS9RgJNQgD1UCZg9-Id-w7YHjyIO20AoSuxrRTLOzrL7E0XYhIZlBkNNt5CgaklBlNBTD647Kx2/s1600/IMG_3483.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQeCzLRdfst44wkMuUv8NqqiAZp6VRD6hcM4J5X6nulc_JOv4WFKK9JVvHxB98KbitUS9RgJNQgD1UCZg9-Id-w7YHjyIO20AoSuxrRTLOzrL7E0XYhIZlBkNNt5CgaklBlNBTD647Kx2/s400/IMG_3483.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555153850508840706" /></a><br /><br />One year ago yesterday Grace and Manny came home! Today I am reflecting on this past year together. It hasn't always been easy, but it has always been worth it.<br />One year ago....<br />They had no running water<br />They had no change of clothes<br />They had no bed save a palate on the the floor<br />They had no parents<br />They went without food often<br />They had no tv<br />They had no computer<br />They spoke no English<br />They had no one to tuck them in at night<br />Manny did not know Christ Jesus<br />Grace lived in fear<br /><br />They are now living with all their basic needs met. They are loved. They are thriving. Manny knows the Lord. Little by little Grace is grasping the meaning of her name and learning to live.<br />I am thankful for the difference this year has made, in their lives and mine.SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-25108584584056338282010-12-20T14:21:00.000-08:002010-12-20T14:23:08.247-08:00My favorite Christmas song...REALLY!<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zT9lKyi0dDM?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zT9lKyi0dDM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />Not only do I love this song, it is so fun to look at the guys in video that I was crushing on back in the day;)SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-62622855245499185162010-12-16T12:22:00.001-08:002010-12-16T13:02:05.209-08:00Tips on raising a large family<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7PCZSWlMWlydUT1oQB3SMKV4q1cHshadGZcoUgJMT-Is6w_zHdVzcYj8y-v8FPnY7JK0LdmTVt-R3q5LonMT5-fkEv-Og7Wl7KEQKjOYwtxeqk0EUA8leACyzbMksp_CbyaXInGhC_mm/s1600/IMG_3015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7PCZSWlMWlydUT1oQB3SMKV4q1cHshadGZcoUgJMT-Is6w_zHdVzcYj8y-v8FPnY7JK0LdmTVt-R3q5LonMT5-fkEv-Og7Wl7KEQKjOYwtxeqk0EUA8leACyzbMksp_CbyaXInGhC_mm/s400/IMG_3015.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551380499336020482" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvfJ3po3v8FZK6JXIifMOsmB3mHmrWgqpZb_pbzXgECh6Y6UAeCbxPayOJlvhrh0FTNaF5LDiITG-AoYYjIrMjM6S9OtwO7qM7OCKjBbZMPsdzjfUW2qyAo6aiNftv6xL5nSgMO_jaVaX/s1600/IMG_3657.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvfJ3po3v8FZK6JXIifMOsmB3mHmrWgqpZb_pbzXgECh6Y6UAeCbxPayOJlvhrh0FTNaF5LDiITG-AoYYjIrMjM6S9OtwO7qM7OCKjBbZMPsdzjfUW2qyAo6aiNftv6xL5nSgMO_jaVaX/s400/IMG_3657.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551380495701647314" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbw3ENFhii2NOKSBfGjqwX3Fub6tJyf4G8WGIMlV03NjK9q7W8QyXBELwk8eo2X_-3yjK2RweLZGE5kfMB3XC17tdbYebDmgOsh7vNdm1Bs7MSO43tkGRFkBFjDsd4kHUYFOFslTL6LC0/s1600/IMG_3027.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbw3ENFhii2NOKSBfGjqwX3Fub6tJyf4G8WGIMlV03NjK9q7W8QyXBELwk8eo2X_-3yjK2RweLZGE5kfMB3XC17tdbYebDmgOsh7vNdm1Bs7MSO43tkGRFkBFjDsd4kHUYFOFslTL6LC0/s400/IMG_3027.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551380486724775026" /></a><br />Someone emailed me and asked me to give some tips on raising a large family. So here goes! <br />So the pictures have nothing to do with raising a large family! I just love the pictures and thought I'd show you one of the most important things about raising a large family: Having Fun!<br />Most people like to ask me about the laundry. Our system is this: The kids bring the laundry down to me each morning (it is on a chore list). I wash the laundry and put it in baskets, one basket for each bedroom. The kids are then called to get their basket and they put away their own laundry. If you want the laundry put away properly then make sure each item of clothing has a clear and precise place to put it. <br />The second most popular question I get asked is about food! First, never skimp on nutrition. You are your child's teacher about health and wellness. Make the most of that. When going to the grocery make a list. I find that I save money if I use recipes and don't just make a list from my mind. I double all recipes. Plan your snacks and put those too on the list. We also are part of a CSA. For those who don't know what that is, it stands for community supported agriculture. We pay a set amount and then go weekly or biweekly depending on the season and pick up our goods. The farm is organic and close to our home. It is a very good value and I have found it to be beneficial to wait to pick up our veggies and then plan next weeks menu. What we don't buy: We NEVER buy candy, gummies or other such junk. I will on special occasions pick up a 2liter of soda, but I only do this on special occasions. People often too ask me about picky eaters...I have one picky eater. I do not cater to him. He eats what I serve. He must have one bite of everything, but then he is free to eat what he likes.<br />Clothing.....thrift stores, hand me downs, and clearance racks. Nuff said on that!<br />Christmas presents- two each and a stocking. The first year we did this I thought the kids would be disappointed. They didn't even notice. Children truly do most value their time with you. Which lead me to another FAQ....<br />How do you spend enough time with everyone? First of all, if you are homeschooling than you spend all day with your kids! We have tried different methods with this. We have had planned dates with the kids. We have tried special days of the week (where they pick dinner and get a fuss made over them). Though we have tried various things, it truly seems that the children's need for attention makes itself known without any planning. For example, sometimes you can tell by a child's behavior that they need some qt. After some time passes certain kids will like to do certain things with you that other kids do not and you will find that you are meeting their needs that way. I have one child who always goes shopping with me. I have one who enjoys going to library and so on an so forth.<br />Chores. We have tried various methods for this as well, but our current method is working the best. We have 7 children full-time so when Lauren is here then we alter the list the a bit. One child is responsible for cleaning the family room. This is all day, not a one time clean. They are manager of the area and keep everyone in check on picking up their shoes etc...No surprise, my son who is nicknamed The General is the family room cleaner. :) My teen daughter cleans the dishes at supper and cleans the kitchen daily. Manny cleans the bathrooms everyday. Beniam walks the dogs. Noah takes out the trash. Adam cleans the guest room and the computer room. Mercy is in chart of the entry way and the kitchen table. If you know Mercy she tries to be in charge of much more than that! :)<br />Activities. Many families I've talked to allow their children only one sport or activity. I think this is extremely wise, but we let our children play two sports each. Our kids mostly all play baseball and soccer. Activities can quickly become overwhelming. If I had known this a few years ago, we would be allowing one each as well.<br />Bible reading: This has changed a few times over the years. Right now though, I read the word with the homeschoolers and my husband reads the word to the 4 boys he drives to middle school each day. While they are waiting in line they read and pray together. Did I tell you how much I love my husband? ;) We have had regular reading times with dinner, at bedtime and in the morning. Our current system seems to work the most.<br />I am finding homeschooling to be so rewarding. It actually makes life a lot less hectic and quite a bit easier. I know that sounds crazy, but it is true. I wish and hope and PRAY that I'll eventually have all the kids here with me.<br />I hope I've addressed most of what my friend wanted to know. Feel free to chime in and give your tips! It takes a village afterall!SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-64628816352794086592010-12-12T06:17:00.000-08:002010-12-12T06:22:45.480-08:00RantingHappy X-mas! ;) <br /><br /> <br />Blessed are the entitled? <br /><br /> http://rachelheldevans.com/blessed-are-the-entitled<br /><br />Ever witness a kid digress into complete meltdown mode after his parents refused to buy him that new video game? <br /><br />“But I want it! It’s mine! Give it to me!” <br /><br />Entitlement can get ugly, especially around Christmastime.<br /><br />And the only thing more embarrassing than watching a little kid throw a fit is watching a grownup throw one.<br /><br /> “If you don’t play religious music at your store, we’ll boycott it!” <br /><br />“We demand that manger scenes be placed in front of all government buildings!” <br /><br />“How dare you say ‘happy holidays’ to me? I want to speak with the manager!”<br /><br /> “I want it! It’s mine! Give it to me!” <br /><br />I’m not sure when or why it happened, but in some circles, entitlement has been declared December's Christian virtue. Suddenly it’s not enough that Americans spend millions of dollars each year marking the birth of Jesus. Now we’ve got to have a “Merry Christmas” banner in front of every parade and an inflatable manger scene outside of every courthouse... or else we’ll make a big stink about it in the name of Jesus. Having opened the gift of the incarnation—of God with us—we’ve peered inside and shrieked, “This is not enough! Where are the accessories? We want more!” <br /><br />This is a strange way to honor Jesus, “who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped…but made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.” (Philippians 2:8) <br /><br />Jesus didn’t arrive with a parade. He arrived in a barn.<br /><br />Jesus wasn’t embraced by the government. He was crucified by it. <br /><br />Jesus didn’t demand that his face be etched into coins or his cross be carried like a banner into war. He asked that those who follow him be willing to humble themselves to the point of death, to serve rather than be served, to give rather than receive. <br /><br />What a tragedy that history’s greatest act of humility is being marked by petty acts of entitlement and pride. <br /><br />Don't tell anyone, but sometimes I wonder if the best thing that could happen to this country is for Christ to be taken out of Christmas—for Advent to be made distinct from all the consumerism of the holidays and for the name of Christ to be invoked in the context of shocking forgiveness, radical hospitality, and logic-defying love. The Incarnation survived the Roman Empire, not because it was common but because it was strange, not because it was forced on people but because it captivated people. <br /><br />Let’s celebrate the holidays, of course, but let’s live the incarnation. Let’s advocate for the poor, the forgotten, the lonely, and the lost. Let’s wage war against hunger and oppression and modern-day slavery. Let’s be the kind of people who get worked up on behalf of others rather than ourselves.SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-90079938836728832142010-12-10T13:24:00.000-08:002010-12-10T13:31:53.981-08:00Anniversary dates<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5avlk8tTOGjc6tHMgFg5uUnEoH3qtwg41CT44kJcZlhHaFcu12jipYZbPv575tp7LQj8LBXPgiDj18fkopoX-5vqJLvsiUc2oIfA1uuM3IoMYz3cshzn3MR8dKJKfe7XBUFHGVXmTQD5p/s1600/IMG_2522.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5avlk8tTOGjc6tHMgFg5uUnEoH3qtwg41CT44kJcZlhHaFcu12jipYZbPv575tp7LQj8LBXPgiDj18fkopoX-5vqJLvsiUc2oIfA1uuM3IoMYz3cshzn3MR8dKJKfe7XBUFHGVXmTQD5p/s400/IMG_2522.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549169279028661730" /></a><br />All our adoption anniversaries are close together. Mercy is November, Grace and Manny December, and Simon and Beniam January. Mercy just had her two year anniversary. Wow, how time flies. She is such a light. She has the most infectious giggle and the biggest eyes. Everyone loves her. I am so thankful to God for moving me to adopt her, our little girl. I can't imagine our lives without her and I can't imagine what her life would have become without us.<br />Shhhhh....she and I want a little baby girl in the house.SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-65725130272345847752010-12-09T09:20:00.000-08:002010-12-09T09:33:51.390-08:00The story of US<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsX8KFpvjSdfbdVzCQBS2tAu8XMoXtqbN7nShIsgnvFlA3KWX5iF49NoUnljTz9QD8a4VnV1anW5wAbRYj5R4VfhDikjuUYcL_0U6j3yRD9b339Y-dx9nYYAz-796fRPtuIVUQP1UZClDz/s1600/america.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 162px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsX8KFpvjSdfbdVzCQBS2tAu8XMoXtqbN7nShIsgnvFlA3KWX5iF49NoUnljTz9QD8a4VnV1anW5wAbRYj5R4VfhDikjuUYcL_0U6j3yRD9b339Y-dx9nYYAz-796fRPtuIVUQP1UZClDz/s400/america.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548733996168293778" /></a><br />We are watching the History channels <em></em>America the Story of Us<em></em>. I was told it is derived from Susan Wise Bauer's curriculum used by many home school families. It is really a great series. We finished one history book and half of another and I decided to change our pace with this series. The kids love it, though much of it is over their heads. I do a lot of narrating. <br />As we watched this morning, (from bed :) I began to wonder. So much is wrong with our history. Not just the US, but humankind. I used to read the Old Testament and wonder..."Are they just stupid? How can they not follow a God who works miracles right in front of them?" I watch our US history and see what we did to the Natives, the Chinese (during the building of the railroad), the Africans and again I wonder..."Were they just crazy? I mean, how could they not see what they were doing was not of God?" Look at our world today....the AIDs pandemic, human trafficking, orphans...what will they say of us? I know what they'll say. "What were they thinking? Why were they building bigger homes and driving bigger cars, and building bigger church buildings and spending millions on themselves, while Gods children are dying, are starving, are being sold." <br />I pray our generation gets busy reversing history.SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-89074752231712371702010-12-08T13:37:00.000-08:002010-12-08T13:39:40.723-08:00Another kind of orphan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAh6SAa0fLUi2RsHiRuhnSkTufO5wmNS2WulUPJKmHyZpZkcQOczwgmqxwM-q0ujfWmpgznhKXBVGIaKI_tfPXg_Tf9CK7wZzzjc6qYx-vhTKYrF8uvT_o1EqWxpMGIeORJ_FhziZbHo8/s1600/FHP.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAh6SAa0fLUi2RsHiRuhnSkTufO5wmNS2WulUPJKmHyZpZkcQOczwgmqxwM-q0ujfWmpgznhKXBVGIaKI_tfPXg_Tf9CK7wZzzjc6qYx-vhTKYrF8uvT_o1EqWxpMGIeORJ_FhziZbHo8/s400/FHP.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548429107726066242" /></a><br />Every wonder what happens to adult with disabilities after their parents die? They are often left alone and helpless. Join me as I pray about our family becoming a family home provider for one of these precious folks.SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-81900775158856617392010-12-04T17:56:00.000-08:002010-12-09T09:20:52.506-08:00"For it is in giving that we receive." St Francis of Assisi<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBSRGcAeui-C-XKQxja1oL17obfTi1EOf_M_42_rYFC2_MMVrV3j9jK6O1NQz9Q2Gj4gZe7sX1CA0V52Z0LezGm5dRMtdriNW7ZYITN2miCrhgKSeLRGm_o12i01_24rHynHnAqDfttR_/s1600/misc+2010+114.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBSRGcAeui-C-XKQxja1oL17obfTi1EOf_M_42_rYFC2_MMVrV3j9jK6O1NQz9Q2Gj4gZe7sX1CA0V52Z0LezGm5dRMtdriNW7ZYITN2miCrhgKSeLRGm_o12i01_24rHynHnAqDfttR_/s320/misc+2010+114.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547012026834602882" /></a><br />My small group organized a Christmas party for women in the housing project in our town. The kids helped me fix 30 of the 50 gift bags we would distribute. We passed out a few hundred dollars in gift cards (our church gave us a generous donation) Our grand prize was a new Certa mattress and box springs. The lady who won it did NOT have a bed. She began crying instantly, which set of a chain reaction and the whole room was weeping. God presence was made known to everyone there.<br /><br />We are quickly approaching the one year anniversary of my being a stay at home mom. I can say without any hesitation that it has been the best year of my life. I love being home and wish that life could always be as it is now, but things happen. Being that I'm an RN going back to work is only a phone call away and the pay is good. It's hard not to just run back to work when hard times come our way but I believe God wants us to wait out the storm. My flesh says go back to work but the spirit is strongly saying wait. Meanwhile the kids are expecting Christmas....God has always shown himself providential in our lives, yet sometimes I still fear.SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-81766976403639540012010-12-02T05:51:00.001-08:002010-12-02T05:51:57.731-08:00Orphanology, the book<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/16693904" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/16693904">Orphanology Interview</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user5188907">New Hope Publishers</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /><br />PS. Tony is my little brother:)SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-78482415543401447512010-11-28T17:28:00.000-08:002010-11-28T17:29:50.771-08:00Thanksgiving with my familyMy lovely Mom put this video together.<br /><br /><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4d6a41304e6a51784e6a673d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="303" alt="Click to play this Smilebox scrapbook" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4d6a41304e6a51784e6a673d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=google&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="46" alt="Create your own scrapbook - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td align="center">This <a href="http://www.smilebox.com/photo-albums/" target="_blank">free scrapbook</a> customized with Smilebox</td></tr></table>SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-5557924217858546552010-11-27T06:44:00.000-08:002010-11-27T06:45:11.263-08:00HIV<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VE9XnX7WRog?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VE9XnX7WRog?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-39102497944677187322010-11-22T12:16:00.000-08:002010-11-22T12:22:12.987-08:00Feeding a large family<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QP8aOPu2UTpiNFTcl3xMPo_T4mJzb3WWJfpX0SqrEEuL0hKT4GtXpZtnvVQfVy5Hu4VbVgOPjzUg2Q7HSuQFH56YfAYQcQF-xfJIgVgucPjCsvRaKkBoCvErCxd0Od0KaFe7zhYy-6Oh/s1600/Pasta.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QP8aOPu2UTpiNFTcl3xMPo_T4mJzb3WWJfpX0SqrEEuL0hKT4GtXpZtnvVQfVy5Hu4VbVgOPjzUg2Q7HSuQFH56YfAYQcQF-xfJIgVgucPjCsvRaKkBoCvErCxd0Od0KaFe7zhYy-6Oh/s320/Pasta.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542470708319117618" /></a><br />This week the menu was simple! Grace is cooking Ethiopian food for 30ish guests we will be having for dinner tomorrow. Since my kitchen is occupied I am just picking up some take out. Then Thursday it's off to my Momma's for Thanksgiving dinner. But lately it seems I've becomed bored with what I'm cooking. I'd love to hear some your favorite recipes. My kids favorite is a simple pasta dish. I use whole wheat pasta (any kind really). Then I put tomatoes, garlic, onion (and basil in the summer when it's growing in the backyard!) in the food processor. I toss it in the pasta and there you have a delicious dinner. Can you share some of your favorite cheap and easy dishes?SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-82941522895131714882010-11-14T17:30:00.000-08:002010-11-14T17:31:12.828-08:00My brother on adoption<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/16776999" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/16776999">Tony Merida - From Slavery To Sonship - Galatians 4:4-7</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/sebts">Southeastern Seminary</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-66919735209200726422010-11-10T05:35:00.000-08:002010-11-17T13:07:44.479-08:00Been a while....Ok, I've slacked on the blog. I intend to do better and I'm gonna start by posting someone elses blog that greatly touched me.<br /><br />~~~~~~<br /><br />It’s Orphan Awareness Month. Again. <br /><br />Another month set aside for the church to show orphan related videos, hear testimonies relevant to adoption and orphan care, and an opportunity to listen to sermons where orphans are [possibly] mentioned.<br /><br />I must confess. Many times I ask myself, “What’s the point of it?” “Is having another time set aside to create an awareness of the orphan crisis even worth the effort?” Is it? Will it make a profound difference?<br /><br />Perhaps I have become somewhat cynical, or weary of the battle that rages for the lives of millions of children, or frustrated that help seems so slow to come, or desperate to see more and more who are willing to go. I don’t know. I only know the sinking feeling that I feel each time I look into the faces of our four adopted children and remember the millions that are left behind. The ones who are literally without hope, without life.<br /><br /><br />We’re the Christians doggonit! We’re God’s beloved church. His beautiful bride. We’re the ones He has already commanded to take care of the orphans.<br /><br />Yet sadly, we wait.<br /><br />We wait for God to speak to us in an audible voice, telling us to “GO!”—sometimes He does that audible voice thing, you know.<br /><br />We wait for the perfect job to come along—orphan care demands a whole lot of money. <br /><br />We wait for the bills to be paid—can’t be taking on more than we can handle.<br /><br />We wait for the larger house—because adding children requires a large house.<br /><br />We wait for a few kids to leave the nest before we add more—can’t be having too many children in the home.<br /><br />We wait for confirmation with the perfect scripture to drop into our spirits as a sign that we need to act now.<br /><br />We wait...for someone else to go.<br /><br />We wait, we wait, we wait.<br /><br />And while we wait—they perish. The statistics are staggering. I can’t even look anymore.<br /><br />This is the horrendous reality...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtbXqim-QQY9tEZhM9Iq6sT3Bd-HqJqdbjRyDPpcCcaDSdFZRc5KPz3-SHCxTgd9yOt9Ef4yFe5a6kUgyqvUn54iyOjL41P4cV0bmNKQB6OeU6fGzBX7c5fPBHJwX-l5B4eBtJwjOtRYg/s1600/orphans+3.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtbXqim-QQY9tEZhM9Iq6sT3Bd-HqJqdbjRyDPpcCcaDSdFZRc5KPz3-SHCxTgd9yOt9Ef4yFe5a6kUgyqvUn54iyOjL41P4cV0bmNKQB6OeU6fGzBX7c5fPBHJwX-l5B4eBtJwjOtRYg/s320/orphans+3.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537915304086724610" /></a><br /><<br /><br />Why do we find every reason under heaven and earth why we should not go? The Bible is as clear as daylight—“care for the widows and the orphans.” <br /><br />It’s a lot like missions. My heart aches when I see how many churches don’t have a fabulous missions program. God’s Word says to “Go into ALL the world and make disciples of all men.” It’s a command! It’s non- negotiable. Taking care of the orphans is a command too. We’re commanded in His word to care for them—however that may look. <br /><br /><br />But still we wait for “the call” to come. Kind of like, “I am SO glad Mrs. Jenkins is called to lead children’s church, because that is DEFINITELY NOT my calling.<br /><br />Ouch!<br /><br />God hardly ever calls us to do things for Him when everything in our lives is just grand. He never calls us to walk on the water when our circumstances are sweet. When I look in the Bible, I see people doing things for the Lord in the midst of impossible circumstances. Tougher than what my circumstances have ever been in my entire life. Yet, they did it. In obedience. The Lord commanded them--and they went. They accepted the tough task that lay before them—come what may. They never asked the Lord for a re-commission. <br /><br />So why in the world do we? What makes us so different to the people God gave us to learn from in the Bible? <br /><br />Why are there so many uncared for orphans in the world when we’re commanded to care for them?<br /><br /><br />We would be wealthy if someone paid us every time we have been told that we were “called by God” to adopt our four children who have special needs. Or for the many people who have told us that “There is no way we could do what you do.”<br /><br />I disagree.<br /><br />You know what that does? It diminishes God’s sovereign power to do the impossible through each one of us, His people. Comments like that tell the Father, “Sorry God, but you don’t have enough power to give me the ability to parent a child who struggles in life.” “So sorry, God. Just go and call someone else.” “Oh God, and that mission field thing? There is no way I could ever do that!”<br /><br />That’s perilous ground to walk on.<br /><br />God’s power is absolutely made perfect in our weakness. When He commands us to do something, He equips us with everything we need to fulfill the calling with excellence. Even people like us--ordinary sinners saved by grace who are just average Joes. He does it for His glory! To make Himself famous in the earth. It has absolutely nothing to do with us. Everything God does is for His glory, not ours.<br /><br />I believe with all my heart that God is raising up an army of crazy people to do the ridiculous. Many believe we are living in the end times. We agree! We sense that more than ever God is looking for those who are willing to do the impossible. Just WILLING! God is seeking out those who will serve Him with reckless abandonment, no matter where that takes them or what He tells them to do in this life.<br /><br />Reckless abandon for the sake of His orphans...simply because they so desperately need US. Come what may. <br /><br />copied from: http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/2010/11/reckless-abandon.html<br /><br />Now my soap box: Why are we as a Christian community still serving ourselves? Why do we think we have to have a big spread to eat each time we come together in small groups? Why do we throw parties and invite each other only? Why? Why? We are the rich and there are beggars right outside our gates and still we serve ourselves. We are making our selves demi Gods. Now I am not saying Christians shouldn't encourage one another. We should. That is biblical. But we should be using our resources to feed and clothe the hungry and naked. We should be using our resources to finance the spread of the gospel around the world. We should be using our resources to help the widow and the orphan. WE should be using our resources to friend the foreign in our land. We should not use our resources for the glory of ourselves. <br />Off the soap box. I have a lot to learn I realize, both about what this means in my own life and how to speak it with a gentle tongue. <br />Until then...;)SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3074869968440153614.post-57862290543606681922010-09-15T16:31:00.000-07:002010-09-15T16:44:11.379-07:00I'm with the band<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9POukxKbk8Uj_XODrxIC19I-q3kniHfgQanoYKLUsDbhPZ3KsCqckgBsl7BfrmvN1d6-3d71XEWeHccAK7hpMMDkYZNASO_RIy5K579-qmpcvWv3xq8KGDqyOnKUWhb38mxVojihdfulW/s1600/IMG_2618.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9POukxKbk8Uj_XODrxIC19I-q3kniHfgQanoYKLUsDbhPZ3KsCqckgBsl7BfrmvN1d6-3d71XEWeHccAK7hpMMDkYZNASO_RIy5K579-qmpcvWv3xq8KGDqyOnKUWhb38mxVojihdfulW/s320/IMG_2618.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517290224769416530" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5Gq0nEqk8BIAcz9yRpap67js5QqhlY5Q58iB9SqogQuN4llOW9JiFy5YXdfod1wMoMogwNRd0zUNL8ytPpLhpo2Lr6JueKp71lNk1pbZ_RUOec_6QaENyfk_uUPEz9mPQDNn4DqIuqUe/s1600/IMG_3780.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5Gq0nEqk8BIAcz9yRpap67js5QqhlY5Q58iB9SqogQuN4llOW9JiFy5YXdfod1wMoMogwNRd0zUNL8ytPpLhpo2Lr6JueKp71lNk1pbZ_RUOec_6QaENyfk_uUPEz9mPQDNn4DqIuqUe/s320/IMG_3780.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517289162066045298" /></a><br />Noah and Adam are in the middle school band now at our church. Our middle school worship center is called the <em></em>Firehouse<em></em>, hence they are in the Firehouse band. Noah is singing and Adam is drumming. I'm proud of this accomplishment. They will be singing praises to The King in front of their peers. They also will be filling their minds with more and more praise songs! <br />... Aren't they too cute?SUNSHINEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01157628439249605664noreply@blogger.com8