tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17349780789734690552024-03-12T20:29:30.553-05:00Lifeline Children's Services, Inc.The Newell Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06190742244966007043noreply@blogger.comBlogger226125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-39536405315734717452012-08-14T10:08:00.000-05:002012-08-14T10:10:23.069-05:00The Lifeline Blog--New Website!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.lifelinechild.org/" target="_blank">Our new Lifeline blog website!</a></td></tr>
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We wanted to introduce you to the newly updated Lifeline blog! We will now begin posting all of our new blog entries to this website at this link <a href="http://blog.lifelinechild.org/" target="_blank">here</a>. You will find it easy to navigate, with six categories at the top: Adoption, Foster Care, (Un)Adopted, Faith & Encouragement, Equipping, and From the Director. You can use these categories to search older posts from this webiste. We are so excited to begin using this new blog as a tool to share stories of hope, encouragement, prayer needs, staff testimonies, views from adoptive and foster care families, and much more!Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-73381984881810233712012-07-19T14:00:00.000-05:002012-07-19T14:00:15.926-05:00New Taiwan Waiting Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtltfq4ZUg-ayEDiM-1zl1DwVVja2bQtxqAdWxrJ5iyescnxQ7Skjmch_Z10ebtTOY4r07pGcpdJyEbwsDODEVVBpJnItbi139Yr-vtp9Id3fKXVly_uqpC-SRsWchHIqugOjrUYzGACw/s1600/taiwan" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtltfq4ZUg-ayEDiM-1zl1DwVVja2bQtxqAdWxrJ5iyescnxQ7Skjmch_Z10ebtTOY4r07pGcpdJyEbwsDODEVVBpJnItbi139Yr-vtp9Id3fKXVly_uqpC-SRsWchHIqugOjrUYzGACw/s400/taiwan" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />We are excited to announce that we have several NEW children that have been added to our Taiwan Waiting Children list! Lifeline is currently searching for forever families for almost 50 waiting children who are available through our adoption program in Taiwan. New children have recently been added to the waiting children list! The children’s ages range from 1-13 years old and sibling groups are available.<br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TiCBlp1GE-v55pCJjtzmH6rnjYjKQCIK4BoFi1ulSIzZlQcyTBAIRr1jNlkg_0BUhJ8k4yzC4z_2W0KG3nAhRIxi2isGFvm-9vrGTly0F8rCwLDaWEwEFcUAWcdSBCiVQoybn5XBtV8/s1600/taiwan2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TiCBlp1GE-v55pCJjtzmH6rnjYjKQCIK4BoFi1ulSIzZlQcyTBAIRr1jNlkg_0BUhJ8k4yzC4z_2W0KG3nAhRIxi2isGFvm-9vrGTly0F8rCwLDaWEwEFcUAWcdSBCiVQoybn5XBtV8/s400/taiwan2" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you have questions or would like more information about our waiting children in Taiwan, please contact Morgan Cheek at <a href="mailto:Morgan.cheek@lifelinechild.org">Morgan.cheek@lifelinechild.org</a> for more information.Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-19486864916040002842012-07-12T14:56:00.002-05:002012-07-12T14:59:00.185-05:00Walk as children of the light..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My husband and I love to go backpacking together. We live in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, so our weekends are most often spend outdoors on a new exciting trail or beautiful mountain that we haven’t explored yet. I look forward to our time outdoors. I am constantly reminded of our God’s greatness and splendor when I look at the beauty He has created. I can’t look at the mountains without seeing Him. It is amazing to me that the same God that painted the skies is the same God that is with us every single moment of every single day. </div>
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The Lord is constantly teaching me and stretching me in new ways when we are hiking. Not only physically.. but spiritually.<strong> I love how scripture has so many examples of “walking” in Him.</strong> Ephesians 5:15-16 says, <em>“Look carefully then how you <strong>walk</strong>, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”</em> Psalm 119:105 states, <em>“Your word is a lamp to my <strong>feet</strong> and a light to my <strong>path</strong>.”</em> And Galatians 5:16 says, <em>“But I say, <strong>walk</strong> by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”</em><br />
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Constantly throughout his Word, we see examples and reminders that each step of our daily walk needs to be in the likeness of Christ and allowing Him to lead us. <strong>Walking in love</strong> (Ephesians 5:2) and setting our eyes on Him. We are to <strong>walk in His image</strong>, while also making the most of our time as the days slip away. And walk in a way where we are <strong>led by the Spirit</strong> and not our flesh. I love the imagery He paints. As we walk through the ups and downs of each day, we are to look to Him for our compass. As life throws us a split on our hiking trail, <strong>He is who we seek for direction</strong>. <br />
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This means that when we, as Lifeline Staff serving families, face difficult situations, we are to look to Him for wisdom. When we, as adoptive families, face a difficult delay, we are to trust Him who has all of our paths mapped out already. He is with us through every joy and every sorrow, walking alongside. <strong>The best hiking companion in life we could ever ask for.</strong> <br />
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“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. <strong>WALK</strong> as children of light.” {Ephesians 5:8}<br />
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</span><em>Briana Remkus, Administrative Assistant</em>Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-4919543334230883782012-07-11T15:01:00.001-05:002012-07-11T15:03:05.015-05:00The Heart Muscle<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have recently started an exercise program, and I am about 3
weeks into this new commitment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I became
a little over confident and pushed too hard last week and pulled a muscle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weekend was spent resting and icing the
sore spot and then it was time to try it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was extremely apprehensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
didn’t want to get hurt again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t
certain that I could trust the muscle to perform the way I wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The way I needed. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It occurred to me that the children who come into our care
may feel some of this same apprehension as their <strong>“heart”</strong> muscle has been
wounded by their past and the hard places where they have been. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are they afraid to trust that muscle again?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do they worry that it won’t hold up? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That it might hurt worse than before?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That it won’t provide what they need? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ykw8EVlJ9wJvxUd8Fi4nqeVe4wm9zAGDxXBKsJmQp0UAYSTadqaLjg4LTLzFBX7vXeEEElTja6263tNlnptDqkZN3BxU8JFAQiRkmV3MGFtfc0e2s1UaJs1Y1oBZ_Qai97tDhpb9Pbg/s1600/childheart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ykw8EVlJ9wJvxUd8Fi4nqeVe4wm9zAGDxXBKsJmQp0UAYSTadqaLjg4LTLzFBX7vXeEEElTja6263tNlnptDqkZN3BxU8JFAQiRkmV3MGFtfc0e2s1UaJs1Y1oBZ_Qai97tDhpb9Pbg/s320/childheart.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">After rest and recovery I did my work out yesterday, tentatively
at first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started slow. The muscle
worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was careful but I was able to trust
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe tomorrow I will be able to
trust it to go just a little further and work a little harder. <strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is my prayer for our children:</strong> that as
they heal and rest and recover that they will be able to allow their “heart”
muscle to trust a little more and go a little deeper in their relationships
with their foster, adoptive and birth parents.<br /><br /></span><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lynn Beckett, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">International Social Worker</span></em>Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-54410042464235827972012-07-09T14:27:00.000-05:002012-07-09T14:27:22.381-05:00Some thoughts..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><br /><span style="color: black;">One thing I understand is:<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Christ has saved me from
myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is always how I’ve
understood my salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand
that what happened on the cross that day gave way for true life, hope and
purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It saved me from the evil one
who seeks to kill, steal and destroy. <strong>There is power in Jesus’ name.</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="color: black;">One thing I’m seeing is:<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">People of the spirit are just
little pieces of Him walking around with skin on. God speaks to us through His
word but He also uses the people around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And what about those times when I’ve felt I have nothing to offer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That there is nothing in me that is capable
of returning the love and grace that I’ve been shown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can only pray that God will be able to use
what I’ve walked through for His glory someday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve all felt pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve all
dealt with things that we wouldn’t wish on anyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But to get to use those lessons to spur one
another on towards freedom from darkenss? Yes. That is it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong>That makes it all worthwhile.</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are in this human thing together.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="color: black;">One thing I’m learning is:<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">We must be <strong>careful</strong> on where our
<strong>worth</strong> is placed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe sometimes we
leave it places that we didn’t know we left it, and then when the boat is
rocked and our worth falls from that place, we crumble.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="color: black;">In the end:<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">…it comes back to <strong>identity</strong>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day, we are one step closer to knowing
the depth of His love for us. I pray that is the case.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="color: black;">Questions I have:<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Maybe understanding our identity
is just part of the <strong>journey</strong> to sanctification.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe it’s not something that clicks one day or maybe it is. Maybe it’s
different for everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am starting to
believe that if I truly lived as if I understood who God says I am, things
would look different in my life. Props to the folks who look like they have it
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t believe that I’ve
looked like that a day in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe
it’s ok to be an open book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find that
my problem is that I stay on chapter 2 of my open book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s hard for me to step forward into the
unknown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I really one of those folks
that sits in darkness just because the darkness is familiar?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does trust really look like then? There
comes a time when faith does require action and I feel l sit on the fence of
that.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="color: black;">What this is:</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">I know I know. What is this,
right? True confessions of the bookkeeper?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But these are the thoughts I have in this season of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I must believe that it is a season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the words of a sweet coworker, <strong>I will look
back on this time in my life and laugh because I will be able to see then what
God was up to.</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Man, I hope so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until then….. I’m pressing on and pressing in
with the help of some wonderful friends and family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know it’s worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe it’s worth it. <strong>HE is worth it.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="color: black;"><em>Lauri Mehaffey, Bookkeeper</em></span></span></div>Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-1710624437547927662012-07-06T10:36:00.000-05:002012-07-06T10:36:15.751-05:00Counting it a joy..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuFGXHjeMSkz-u6TPZzKn1GEfD2VIl6DJ2GWzWH2OdyHa1teP-lTC3-8ziEYcOI3uzDI9tL27BZleeRqAEKkbNN8k-e1QPyWsrbz1Rq8WxwRoQ6OqINEYG20q-P15yOPA8hoag4yQYcM/s1600/jessicablog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuFGXHjeMSkz-u6TPZzKn1GEfD2VIl6DJ2GWzWH2OdyHa1teP-lTC3-8ziEYcOI3uzDI9tL27BZleeRqAEKkbNN8k-e1QPyWsrbz1Rq8WxwRoQ6OqINEYG20q-P15yOPA8hoag4yQYcM/s400/jessicablog.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have the great joy of working with </span><a href="http://unadopted.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(un)adopted</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, a ministry
of Lifeline Children’s Services. The heart of (un)adopted is to care for orphaned
and vulnerable children internationally who may not be adopted because of age,
disability, circumstance, disease, or a myriad of other factors. Many of these
children age out of homes or government care, having never been prepared for
this transition to life alone. Even more tragically,<strong> many of them have never
heard the Gospel of Christ, the Good News of a Savior who loves them more than even
a family could, who has the power to redeem them and wash them clean.</strong> They’ve
never heard of a Father who loves them steadfastly. These children age out of
care and are put on the streets with nowhere to turn. A staggering majority of
them turn to prostitution, drugs, and a life of crime. The world would say they
are hopeless, even sometimes a burden to society. <strong>We say they are children created
by the same God who created you and me and are precious in His sight.</strong> We say
they are worth loving, visiting, caring for, praying over, laughing with,
hugging, and teaching. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Recently, I visited the Dominican Republic to spend time
with (un)adopted’s missionary family, the Little’s, who moved to the Dominican
Republic one year ago. God has opened incredible doors as the Little’s have
sought to care for “the least of these” in the Dominican Republic. The
Dominican Republic is a beautiful place, full of tropical sea air, beautiful beaches,
and vibrant color, but it’s also an incredibly dark place. Poverty abounds, and
children live on the streets. Prostitution is blatant, even among young
children. Few people find these children worthy of care, affection, and time, but
we find them beautiful and in great need of the love of Christ. During our
trip, we spent time with children who are living in great poverty and darkness
and are forced to grow up way too quickly. We loved these little ones, taught
them about Christ, laughed with them, hugged them, and prayed for them. We also
spent time in a home where eleven boys are being taught what it means to follow
Christ. These boys once lived on the streets, simply surviving. Now they are
being loved, have a family for the first time, and are being raised up as godly
men. The lives of these eleven boys are being transformed by the power of the
Gospel. <strong>The heart of (un)adopted is to reach these eleven boys and the many
other children like them.</strong> To teach, prepare, serve, and love them with the Gospel
of Christ. We have been shown great grace by our Savior, so we show great
grace. We have been shown the love of a Heavenly Father, so we show His love to
little girls and boys who the world deems unworthy. We praise God for the work
He is doing in the Dominican Republic in the lives of these eleven little boys
and in the lives of children still living on the streets. <strong>We count it all joy
to serve them.</strong> Seeing Him transform their hearts slowly as they learn to trust
and love is beautiful and humbling. It reminds us of the transformation God has
orchestrated in our own hearts. We pray that many of these children will be
counted among our brothers and sisters in eternity, where <strong><em>“The Lamb in the midst
of the throne will be their shepherd, and He will guide them to springs of
living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”</em> Revelation
7:17</strong> .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you would like to learn more about what God is doing
through (un)adopted, please email </span><a href="mailto:info@unadopted.org"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">info@unadopted.org</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">
or call (205)967.0811.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jessica Dixon, (un)adopted Assistant Coordinator</span></em>Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-2909586326871412602012-07-02T14:59:00.001-05:002012-07-02T15:00:05.862-05:00It's all about perspective...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2Ea0nBaiYa3PWyTYjQXoYS_r1iW0AKewBAv4t3hpLnYfI28_him37QWRpmzh5qO0OTOCQml8x-H0cYMrSpsJSxjYxoy-_LPYMAcrTB9KPLdH4k8df-_tP1lTok4F_7cFMexT5Yw7kkk/s1600/perspective.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2Ea0nBaiYa3PWyTYjQXoYS_r1iW0AKewBAv4t3hpLnYfI28_him37QWRpmzh5qO0OTOCQml8x-H0cYMrSpsJSxjYxoy-_LPYMAcrTB9KPLdH4k8df-_tP1lTok4F_7cFMexT5Yw7kkk/s400/perspective.jpg" width="298" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I ponder over the thoughts that Mary and Martha might
have had as their brother Lazarus was sick and near death, I can only imagine
their sense of urgency, heartache, and wonder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We read in John 11, the sisters sent to Jesus a message about their
brother’s health, believing that Jesus has power over sickness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surprisingly instead of coming quickly, Jesus
remained where He was for 2 days and meanwhile Lazarus past away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><em>Did Mary and Martha think Jesus forgot or
that Jesus was late?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did they plan for
the results to be different?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did the
sisters wonder why Jesus allowed Lazarus to die?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did they ask questions and demand
answers?</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I was in their shoes, I am
sure I would have these thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong>Don’t
these emotions sound familiar as we, adoptive families, wonder why we wait?</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> O</span>r question God’s timing in bringing our son
or daughter home?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wonder why this
step or that process is staying where it is for an extra 2 days, weeks, or
months.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">John 11 reminds me every time that it is ALL ABOUT
PERSPECTIVE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all about a
perspective that is not of this world and one we can only be given through
God’s grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <strong> </strong></span><strong>It is an eternal
perspective</strong>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is realizing that the
words Jesus spoke, <em>“This illness does not lead to death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is for the glory of God, so that the Son
of God may be glorified through it”</em> <em>(John 11:4)</em> must be central in our
lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <strong> </strong></span><strong>We must realize that the glory of
God is worth the journey we walk through adoption.</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><strong> </strong> </span>The moments where we wonder what is
happening, we must hold fast our confidence in the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s an eternal perspective that will carry
us through the times of uncertainty, change, and the burden of urgency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">We must know God’s character of love, goodness, and grace
and believe that he plans all things for our good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must walk each day in the light, as
scripture says, <em>“If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he
sees the light of this world.” (John 11:9)</em> <strong>Because at the end of our journey,
Jesus will prove his timing is always best.</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although the disciples and the sisters thought Jesus was late, He showed
himself faithful when He called Lazarus to come out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Be encouraged as you walk through along the path of your
adoption and remember that it’s all about perspective.. an eternal
perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A perspective that truly
believes God’s timing is never late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
adoption journey is full of emotions, hard decisions, uncertain answers, and
possible changes; however, <strong>we can humbly make it through as we rest in Christ</strong>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Logan Gibbons, International Adoption Specialist<o:p></o:p></span></em></div>Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-28566762096813373032012-06-25T13:10:00.000-05:002012-06-25T13:17:27.619-05:00ONE body of BELIEVERS...<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I
don’t have to tell you that there are so many children in need of love, care,
and attention in this world. One can be overwhelmed by the photos of so many
children in orphanages, on the streets, and in foster care. To hear the number 147
million orphans in the world is staggering & painful. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Several
years ago, God provided the opportunity for me to go on several missions trips
to various countries. Each of these countries were vastly beautiful with God’s
natural creation, yet just to look at the children close by was a stark
reminder of the poverty they lived in. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
I left the airport I was shocked at the site of children begging, their clothes
tattered and torn, and their little eyes so weary from the worries of
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite the fact that the
caregivers were trying their very hardest at what they knew to do, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was saddened by seeing babies lying in their
cribs day in and day out with very little attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These little ones were rocking back and
forth to soothe themselves most of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One caretaker told us that if we took a baby from a bed, to put them
back in the same bed as their names and birthdates were written on a little
piece of tape to each bed; otherwise they would not know who they were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their cloth diapers were only changed a few
times a day and were so thick that these little ones could not roll over or even
touch their toes. Bottles were propped and they were not held while they ate.
In the bottles was a mixture of pureed vegetables and potatoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With streams of tears running down my face
and a loss of what to do, I did at that moment the only thing I felt I could
do, I gently told each one of them, <strong>“Jesus loves you so much”.</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The
older children, ages 4 and 5, flocked to you like a magnet just wanting a smile
and some attention. If you sat down on the floor with them, they sat with you
and would not let you get up. When you did leave, they would bang their heads
on the floor crying at the top of their lungs. How my heart broke and once again,
tears streamed down my face for these precious forgotten children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">But…<strong>
they are not forgotten, no not a single child!!</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus our savior knows every detail of their heart and soul. He wants
the very best for them in a family and someone who will tell them on a daily,
moment-by-moment basis how much Christ loves them and wants a personal
relationship with them. He knows them not by a piece of tape with a name and
birthdate written on it,<strong> but he knows them as HIS child.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSp_R7VC-6q3foVTej73KKwkR12ZVWj1s_mmA9WZrWcqIGEbZ4QzZG1Qgk1uJ1DOtTKS6Mz7E0HExN6QrmibaSU_yaLJyMwRY6Uj1BZafMd91EzPZ1e0DhyphenhyphenzNGw5pD5McgOL10BmquY4/s1600/blog+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSp_R7VC-6q3foVTej73KKwkR12ZVWj1s_mmA9WZrWcqIGEbZ4QzZG1Qgk1uJ1DOtTKS6Mz7E0HExN6QrmibaSU_yaLJyMwRY6Uj1BZafMd91EzPZ1e0DhyphenhyphenzNGw5pD5McgOL10BmquY4/s1600/blog+pic.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Once
again we ask ourselves, how do we deal with the number of orphans in this
world?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do we feel like we can make a
difference? Anyone can make a difference even if you are 7 or 107 years old. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ALL believers are called to help! Each and
every one of us who have Christ as our Savior are united together into <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">one body of believers</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">1
Corinthians 12:20 says: <em>But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.
And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”: nor again the head
to the feet, “I have no need of you”.<br /><br /></em> Here at Lifeline we are also of one
body in Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We work together as a
team to help make a difference for as many of His precious children as we
can!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">So,
now the question is for you - Can you foster, or adopt, pray or give of your
resources, or time? <strong>We would love to talk with you about Lifeline and how you
can be a part of HIS hands and feet for HIS children.</strong> Please pray and give us a
call.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Angela
Beemer, Lifeline Children's Services of Kansas </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Administrative
Assistant<o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
<br />Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-46878127285628748082012-06-21T13:00:00.002-05:002012-06-21T13:01:59.232-05:00His Timing<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1lQ9ZjLqzm-HUbEeVoWZi0z-2uuf_seSG-7oS58XVB2J04TIerGPaiDTRaKcNuWNa0eiFDRSX2UdV9kzU9mD3NZVczMRn5_9SQAzX50HARvWe3gxZlRBPoY1QKkEu9c8QHXXMt7mhgk/s1600/clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1lQ9ZjLqzm-HUbEeVoWZi0z-2uuf_seSG-7oS58XVB2J04TIerGPaiDTRaKcNuWNa0eiFDRSX2UdV9kzU9mD3NZVczMRn5_9SQAzX50HARvWe3gxZlRBPoY1QKkEu9c8QHXXMt7mhgk/s1600/clock.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />My name is Lauren and I have recently joined the Lifeline
family. I am serving as a foster care recruiter and trainer for new foster
parents in Lee County, Alabama. I am so excited to have joined in with Lifeline
and that I am able to be a small part of witnessing Christian families serving
as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. Through God’s provision, we will be able
to witness these foster families making an eternal difference in the life of a
child by teaching these children God’s love for them. Although I am very
excited to have this opportunity, I should forewarn you that I am not a blogger
and that this is my first experience in blogging so bare with me. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been thinking of what I would like to share for
sometime now and I keep coming back to God’s timing. I have always thought of
myself as a very patient person. Through my many adventures to get to Lifeline,
I have begun to realize that I am not as patient as I thought I was. Before I
started with Lifeline, there was not a Lifeline ministry in Lee County. I previously
worked for the Department of Human Resources completing Child Abuse and Neglect
Assessments. This job was extremely hard, but very rewarding. There were many
times where I felt like I could not go another day, but I am well aware that
Jesus led me through those trials. In November, I left my position at the
Department of Human Resources and took a huge leap of faith. It was very scary,
but I felt that God was leading my path. I was no longer able to serve as the
mother and wife I wanted to be due to the stress I was experiencing at the
time. This is where I lead into God’s timing. He led me through two amazing
years at DHR that gave me so much experience and knowledge into Child Welfare.
When I left, I knew that I still wanted to work in Child Welfare in some way,
but I was not sure how this would look. I prayed constantly that God would find
me a place that would allow me to continue to serve children through social
work, but would allow me the time to be the mother I have to be. It is amazing
how God answers prayers. Almost immediately after leaving DHR, I was told at
church one Sunday that our church was working with Lifeline Children Services
to start a foster care ministry. At the time I thought this was very
interesting and that I might be able to volunteer, but never considered they
might be hiring. I should add that my family had recently moved to the area two
years before and had tried several churches to see which church God was calling
us to. Cornerstone Church was our first visit and even though we visited
several other churches, we always felt pulled back to Cornerstone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Shortly later, I was contacted by an employee of our church
and also a foster parent who I had previously placed children with, that
Lifeline was looking to hire a foster care worker and if I was interested, this
is the name and number that I should call. Wow! I was amazed and I think I sent
an email within the hour!
I knew that this was God’s plan for my life. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was hired within the next two months and have slowly
started making contacts in Lee County Churches to initiate our foster care
ministry. I am so happy to say that we start our very first foster care
training class this next Monday night. I feel that this is just the first of
many amazing things that the Lord is going to do in Lee County. We have amazing
support including a wonderful DHR team and an amazing family court Judge who is
very dedicated to seeing more Christian homes in our county. We are all
thrilled at what we will be able to do in the lives of our families here. It is
still amazing to me that God placed my family at the right church, knowing that
years later this would church would be called into an incredible foster care
ministry and that God would bless me with being a part of this ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong>I know that God has placed all of these
events to take place at the right time, His Timing!</strong> This gives me the knowledge
to realize that when something does not happen as I expect or want it to; it
does not mean that I should be discouraged or give up. It may simply mean that
it is not meant to happen at this time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>“To every thing there is a season and a time to every
purpose under the Heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1<o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>“But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord, in an
acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of
thy Salvation.” Psalm 69:13<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>
</em></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They
are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah
29:11<br /><br />Lauren Penton, Foster Care Social Worker<o:p></o:p></em></span>Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-63740510199280718502012-06-15T14:24:00.001-05:002012-06-15T14:25:22.801-05:00This is War<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Comfortable, peaceful, my own way I’ll
strive,<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Millions more walk around, not even
alive. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Little discomfort, always something
delightful to eat,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">While droves of children with mud pies,
no hope, surviving on the street.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There’s a war around me, am I ready to
fight?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Am I armed with God’s truth, His spirit,
His might?<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have <b>everything</b> I need to wage
this war,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Yet, so often waking, for <b><i>me</i></b>,
wanting “more.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">More acceptance, more security, more
comfort and relief,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Now brought to my knees reminded,<b><i>
“this</i></b> is war”, only the gospel brings peace.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fathers, the fatherless, many in
darkness so black,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Lost and unable to see the constant
attack.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When wartime is real, we do not even
open the door,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">before we hear the shots, the cries, and
people fall to the floor.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As believers we stand, with the power of
the King.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Ready to wage war, confident His glory,
He <b>will</b> bring.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fully armed Body, ready to march
forward,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Belt-breastplate-shield, helmet and
sword.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let’s look around us, without fear,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Fervently praying for those who’ve not
yet heard, to hear.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The battle we must fight, His
righteousness our sight,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The Savior has come, the war has been
won.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Body of Christ, stand ready to
fight,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Not against flesh and blood, but against
powers of the dark with hatred toward light.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let’s exhort one another to spend our
lives for God’s glory and fame,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Worthy of breathing, living, and
fighting, is<strong> No other Name.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Krisha Yanko, </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Development and Marketing Director<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Ephesians 6:10-18<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<em><span style="font-size: small;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">10 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Finally, be
strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. <sup>11 </sup>Put on the full
armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. <sup>12 </sup>For
our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against
the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the
spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. <sup>13 </sup>Therefore
put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be
able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. <sup>14 </sup>Stand
firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the
breastplate of righteousness in place, <sup>15 </sup>and with your feet
fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. <sup>16 </sup>In
addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish
all the flaming arrows of the evil one. <sup>17 </sup>Take the helmet of
salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">18 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">And pray in the
Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in
mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Philippians 1: 18-30<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <em> </em></span><em>Yes,
and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the
Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager
expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full
courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by
death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the
flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot
tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with
Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on
your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with
you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have
ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.<o:p></o:p></em></span></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Only
let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I
come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in
one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,
and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them
of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been
granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him
but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had
and now hear that I still have.</span></span></em>Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-31368340826930241042012-06-13T12:02:00.000-05:002012-06-13T12:02:04.733-05:00Love is just the skin of knowing..<br /><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Seven years ago, I married a guy I thought I knew well and
honestly, I had no idea the gift God gave me in him on that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has used my husband nearly every day since
that sweet day to stretch my heart in ways I never dreamed possible.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Eight months ago God gave us this little guy to stretch our hearts
in new and incredibly beautiful ways.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I love a quote from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Shack </i>that reads, "So many believe it is love that grows, <strong>but it is
knowing that grows and love simply expands to contain it</strong>. Love is just the skin
of knowing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><strong>"...Love
is just the skin of knowing."</strong> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more I
know my husband, and the more we get to know our son the MORE WE LOVE. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then I think of these words…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>"Love the Lord your God with ALL your Heart and with ALL your
soul and with ALL your mind and with ALL your strength."</em> Mark 12:30. Ouch.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with ALL your
heart."</em> Jeremiah 29:13. Ouch, again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>How can I love my God with ALL of me and not love His word and
thirst for time spent in fellowship with Him above ALL else?</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I confess this, that there are days when the urgent crowds out the
important, days when I get so wrapped up in parenting and working and serving; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and even times, if I am really being honest,
when I am just plain selfish. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then when my heart is pricked, I make time to sit and savor His
word and I read something like this, from Ephesians 1:3-14, <em>"Praise be to
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly
realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before
the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he
predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with
his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely
given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the
forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he
lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the
mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in
Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring
unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also
chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out
everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who
were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his
glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you also were included in
Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When
you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy
Spirit,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who is a deposit guaranteeing
our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the
praise of his glory."</em> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>His word, and time spent with Him, completely takes my breath away.</strong> I am reminded of the lyrics of a song: <em>“In the quiet, in the stillness, I know that You are God. In the secret of Your presence, I know there I am restored. When You call I won’t refuse! Each new day again I’ll choose! There is no one else for me, none but Jesus! Crucified to set me free, now I live to bring Him praise.”</em></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How can I not desire this time with Him in the same way I desire
time to fully know and be known by my sweet husband and little boy? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each morning, may I wake to look eagerly into
His face the way I do my child's.<strong> </strong>May I hunger for His love above my husband's
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong>May I always choose His voice over
a thousand others.</strong> May I search out the riches of God, may I eagerly learn to
know HIS WAY, and may I love Him more for it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<em>Lauren Strickland, South Alabama Social Worker</em>Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-62241400903160817902012-06-12T09:07:00.000-05:002012-06-12T09:10:08.205-05:00In Love and in Season<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Christians
are obligated to share the word of God with unbelievers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are times when we may find ourselves at
a loss for words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God will open the door
for each of us to minister to the hearts and minds of those who are hurting,
lost, and broken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In those times we have
to remember the words God spoke to Moses, <span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>"Now go, I will help you speak and will teach you what to say".</strong></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /><br /></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Each morning I ask God to direct
me in my speech.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
time at Lifeline Village has taught me the importance of speaking the right
word at the right time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roger Ray wrote
the below poem and<strong> the words remind me daily to speak in love and in season</strong>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> <br />
<em>Kesha Franklin, Lifeline Village Program Coordinator</em><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.glamour.com/sex-love-life/blogs/smitten/0211_friendships_women_drinking_coffee_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" id="il_fi" src="http://www.glamour.com/sex-love-life/blogs/smitten/0211_friendships_women_drinking_coffee_sm.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<h4 class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The Right Words<o:p></o:p></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Lord, give me the right words to say<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>To broken hearts that come my way<o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">To those who have been hurt before<o:p></o:p></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">That, I not hurt them any more<o:p></o:p></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>To those whose hearts have hardened up<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">To those who won't hold out their cup<o:p></o:p></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">That, Lord, You long to overflow<o:p></o:p></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">With love and mercy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lord, let me know<o:p></o:p></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>That I might have the words to say<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">That I might plant a seed today<o:p></o:p></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">That glory would be given to You<o:p></o:p></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Through all I say and all I do<o:p></o:p></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Lord, give me the right words to say<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">More hearts are breaking every day<o:p></o:p></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">They're out there crying in the night<o:p></o:p></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I long to help them see the light<o:p></o:p></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>But, fragile are those souls and weak<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">So this is why Your words I seek<o:p></o:p></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">And pray Thee give me words to say<o:p></o:p></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">That I, not one soul, turn away.</span></em>Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-26117411004273090752012-06-05T10:47:00.001-05:002012-06-05T10:47:49.197-05:00"Respectable" SinsLast week, I began reading a book
that I have read before but felt the need to reread. This book is called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Respectable Sins</i>. The premise of the
book is that all sin is a crime against God, but we have made certain sins
“respectable.” These sins include: jealousy, pride, over eating, envy, etc. Of
these four just mentioned, I am chiefly guilty, and I too have fallen prey to
the belief that they are <strong>“ok.”<o:p></o:p></strong><br />
<br />I live as though my sin only
affects me, and I have missed the glaring truth that MY SIN is what crucified
my Savior. Every time I tolerate these sins in myself, I “presume on God’s
grace.” I nullify all that he has done and essentially spit in His face along
with those that did that very thing while He was led to the cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p><br /></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRzoZApAgTWi0628da6UkNUQ9M9i9Nq4WoJ8GIn-bCV-GFaeIRh3uc_NEj_x44DrhBp2uu0nu0_SYSQ0YIqaWjw1e_Kbt08jwoUaZeEdwlqihRpkUQV3_M0MBZ5jRpduhR62giIiTSWg/s1600/image002.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRzoZApAgTWi0628da6UkNUQ9M9i9Nq4WoJ8GIn-bCV-GFaeIRh3uc_NEj_x44DrhBp2uu0nu0_SYSQ0YIqaWjw1e_Kbt08jwoUaZeEdwlqihRpkUQV3_M0MBZ5jRpduhR62giIiTSWg/s320/image002.png" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />I do not understand the
sufficiency of what Christ did for me on the cross. Romans 6:10 says, <em>“For the
death He died He died to sin, once for all, but the life He lives he live to
God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in
Christ Jesus.”</em><br /><strong>I LONG for a proper understanding
of Christ’s sufficiency!</strong> For as this understanding grows my tendency towards
sin, even the “respectable” ones, will diminish because I am seeking eternal
pleasure (Christ) over temporary pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My object of focus should not be my sin, but my Savior. <strong>He IS sufficient
to save, and His death paid the price for my life.</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the
tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you
have been healed.” (1 Peter 3:24-25) <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />I leave you with a quote from the
author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Respectable Sins</i>. May we
not see our sins as an island that affects only ourselves. May we recognize
that our sins spits in the face of a Savior that has set us free! <o:p></o:p><br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.2in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
“. . . as God is
holy, all holy, only holy, altogether holy, and always holy, so sin is sinful,
all sinful, only sinful, altogether sinful, and always sinful . . .Whether it
is large or small in our eyes, it is heinous in the sight of God. God forgives
our sin because of the shed blood of Christ, but He does not tolerate it.
Instead, every sin that we commit, even the subtle sin that we don’t even think
about, was laid upon Christ as he bore the curse of God in our place. And
herein lies chiefly the malignancy of sin. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Christ
suffered because of our sin</i>.” ~ Jerry Bridges<o:p></o:p></div>
<o:p> </o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned – every
one – to his own way; and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the LORD has
laid on Him the iniquity of us all</i>.” Isaiah 53:6 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em>Jessica Oetting, Administrative Assistant</em></div>Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-4757409335369009162012-05-30T12:19:00.000-05:002012-05-30T12:19:17.581-05:00Streams of Mercy...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0NXO9qx0nX7_qL62uwyYu9RV31B0tnzXY1SP3BVikcl8Gbo_FbgrYAPzi7775TVrXgIFfYSrhHR8_BdcObplVAe6rut1hAFSZjqdi6XTSwZKu2Uo4sAIyUM-ZFZNlYiQ2C5xbZ_swMc/s1600/blog+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0NXO9qx0nX7_qL62uwyYu9RV31B0tnzXY1SP3BVikcl8Gbo_FbgrYAPzi7775TVrXgIFfYSrhHR8_BdcObplVAe6rut1hAFSZjqdi6XTSwZKu2Uo4sAIyUM-ZFZNlYiQ2C5xbZ_swMc/s400/blog+pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>:Adopt: <o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>"to
choose to take as one's own; make one's own by selection; to take or receive
into any kind of new relationship." <o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>"to
affirm, embrace, seize, take over"<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><o:p><br /></o:p></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"> My name
is Hillary and I am currently working at Lifeline! I just joined the family a
few weeks ago and I am so happy to be blogging today!<br /> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A few
weeks ago I was asked to blog about my adoption story. So my prayer is that you
are encouraged and filled up with the Father’s love and affection for you as
you read what He has done in my life!<br /> </span></span><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At six
weeks old, I was adopted into a wonderful family. I have a wonderful mother,
father, and older brother. Through the years I have also gained a sister-in-law
and a niece and a nephew who is due in a few months! <o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
always knew I was adopted. My parents always told me I was adopted, and always
wanted me to know. They always told me I was theirs from the beginning and that
they never wanted to keep it from me. The funny thing is when I tell people I
am adopted, they look very surprised because I look a lot like my mom and dad!
Even my best friend in high school didn’t believe I was adopted!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I
grew up in an amazing and loving home. My family is very important to me and I
am so thankful that the Lord chose them to be my family. Through the Lord, I
have been blessed with a huge family on my dad’s side (30+ cousins!) and a
small, loving and caring family on my mom’s side. There was never a time in my
life that I didn’t feel loved by my family. My mom tells me stories of the
first day they brought me home from the agency. She told me of the many family
members and friends that came by the house the first day I was home. So it is
safe to say, I was loved from the moment my parents brought me home.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Again,
I went through life always knowing I was adopted. Though at a young age I
didn’t really understand what that meant. As I became older, I grew more and
more interested about my birth mom. We did not have much information on her
except we knew she was a young teenager when she became pregnant. When I was in
10<sup>th</sup> grade, I became even more interested in finding out who my
birth mother is. My English teacher in high school gave a persuasive writing
assignment one day in class. A topic that was listed was “Open v Closed
Adoption.” She approached me and said that she thought I would like to write on
this because she knew I was adopted. From there, I began researching about open
and closed adoption which led me to contacting my adoption agency to ask them
about these topics. A long story short, I finished the paper with a greater
knowledge on these topics but also with a new interest. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After
I finished the paper, I remember riding in the car with my mom and asking her
about possibly contacting my birth mom. At first, I was nervous because I
didn’t want to hurt my parents by asking them about my birth mom. But again, I
know the Lord chose them to be my parents for a reason. From the very
beginning, my parents have been 110% supportive. I know this process was
extremely hard for them. I knew it was going to be hard to somewhat, let me go and
find out “who I am.” While in the car, my mom told me that I had a letter that
my birth mother had written me. At the time I didn’t know that I had a letter,
so I was really anxious to read it. The agreement was that when I turned 18, I
would be able to read the letter.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So
fast forward a few years and it is my 18<sup>th</sup> birthday. My parents
handed me a handwritten letter that my birth mother had written 18 years ago.
At first I didn’t cry when I read it, but a few months later, I sat down by
myself and read the letter again and began to cry. I cried because my birth
mother told me how much she loved me and that she wanted the best for me. I
cried because I saw how a young teenager had to make such a grown-up decision.
Reading her letter made me realize that she had to give up a lot in order that
I could live and have a life she wanted me to have. I never had a doubt that my
birth mother didn’t love me. And through the letter, I began seeing not only
her heart but the Lord’s heart for me. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">I
will not leave you as orphans;</span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">I
will come to you.</span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><strong>-John
14:18</strong></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
letter sparked many thoughts about where I came from and what my birth mother
was like. When I turned 19, I was able to access my file at the adoption agency
and begin searching for my birth mother. It took a few months but when we found
her, I really wanted to communicate with her. Through the social worker at the
agency, my birth mother and I were able to communicate through emails. She told
me where she has been the past few years and what she was doing now. She even
sent me current pictures of her and her family. It was really neat being able
to see what she looks like and getting to see that she has a family of her own!
I was able to tell her about myself through emails, but I felt that I was
unable to communicate what I was feeling. I expressed to her that I really
would like to have a phone call with her and be able to talk verbally. So a few
months pass, and the time came for she and I to talk on the phone. I was nervous,
excited, along with other emotions. When she picked up the phone, it was
awkward at first, but then we began talking. One thing I will never forget from
the phone call is that Jen (my birth mom) told me that she never forgot about
me and that she always thought of me. I knew that she probably thought of me
but hearing her say that just made me stand back and realize the sacrifice she
made 20 years ago. I explained to her that I really wanted to talk on the phone
so that I could express how thankful I am. I was able to share with her what
the Lord had done in my life because of the choice she made 20 years ago. I
told her that I really wanted to meet her so I could thank her in person. I
will always remember that day and how I became even more thankful for God’s
sovereignty not only in my life, but in Jen’s life as well. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So
what does being adopted mean to me? Being adopted has added a lot to my life. I
probably wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for Jen’s decision. About two
years ago, the Lord really opened my eyes to what being adopted means. Going
back to the letter she wrote me, seeing how much she truly loved me, the Lord
opened my eyes to see that just like Jen, He too had given up so much for me to
live. He had given up His Son so that I could live and have the life He always
wanted me to have. He too faced the pain, of given up someone that He loved so
dearly so that other’s might live. He has dreams for me and plans for me that I
cannot even fathom. Though I was saved at age 13, I began to fall in love with
the Lord even more through this new journey in my life. As I tried to process
all of what the Lord was showing me, He revealed even more to me! He brought
these verses to my mind:<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>“For
you formed my inward parts; <o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>You
knitted me together in my<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Mother’s
womb.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>I
praise You, for I am fearfully and <o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>wonderfully
made.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Wonderful
are Your works;<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>My
soul knows it very well. <o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>My
frame was not hidden <o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>from
You,<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>when
I was made in the secret,<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>intricately
woven in the depths of <o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>the
earth.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Your
eyes saw my unformed <o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>substance;<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>in
Your book were written, every one<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Of
them,<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>The
days that were formed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for</i> me,<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>When
as yet there was none of them.”<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>-Psalm
139:13-16 (ESV)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Though I had heard and read this
verse many times in my life, this was the first time I began to actually see
this verse come alive. The Lord began reminding me that He had (and still has)
a plan for me even before I was thought of, even before He created the universe,
before all these things, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">He knew me.</b>
I began to cry thinking of how great the Father is! The days that are before me
now, “…were formed <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">for</b> me.” You and
I have a purpose here. I wasn’t some mistake in a teenager’s life and you
weren’t a mistake either. The Lord began to pour His thoughts into my mind and
tell me that He has a plan for my life. In the midst of graduating college,
trying to find a job, a place to live, in all the craziness, He, the Creator of
everything you and I see, has a plan not just for me, but for every single
person. He has a plan that is better than anything I can ever imagine. Knowing
that my future is in the hands of a Sovereign and Faithful God quieted my
anxious heart. My heart became so full of how He has orchestrated every single detail
in my life (big and small).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Being
adopted has opened so many doors in my life. I have been able to connect with
others around me, and tell them my story. I have also been given so many
opportunities in my life. I have been blessed with an amazing family and
friends. I have been able to go on several mission trips and most importantly,
I have been able to hear the gospel proclaimed throughout my life. Through
Jen’s self-less decision, and through the Lord’s renewing mercies, I have been
given “a hope and a future.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>For
[the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>spirit
of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear,<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>but
you have received the Spirit of adoption<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 17pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 24.0pt;">[the Spirit producing
sonship]</span></b><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>in
[the bliss of] which<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>we
cry, Abba (Father)! Father!<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>-Romans
8:15 (Amplified Bible)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Throughout
this journey, the Lord has given me a heart for the orphans in our world today.
He has also given me a burden for the young women who find themselves in a
crisis pregnancy or who have taken the route of abortion. The Lord opened my
eyes to see how these women need Him just as much as you and I do. Though I
rejoice that the Lord has saved me, I don’t need to just stop there. I need to,
as Psalm 107:2 says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story…” I need to
tell my story to as many that will hear. He has brought life into these bones
so that I may proclaim Him in all that I do. So, through our rejoicing, let us
also lift up a mighty roar to Heaven with our prayers for those who have yet to
know who Jesus is and proclaim Him as their Savior! Again, He has created us
for a higher purpose! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Many
asked me during the process of finding my birth mom, “What if she doesn’t want
to know anything about you?” or “What if she doesn’t want to talk to you?”
Though I had asked myself the same questions, the Lord calmed my fears with His
voice of Truth. He reminded me that even if Jen didn’t want to know anything
about me or didn’t want to have communication with me, it doesn’t matter. My
identity isn’t in what other people tell me. My identity is found in the
Father. He sees me as His child and calls me His beloved, and if all others
forsake me, He will remain the same. I have seen the gospel more clearly even
through these past few years. I have seen how my life, without Christ, is just
like the orphans we work with. I was hopeless, fatherless, and homeless. But
through the Lord’s Sovereign hand, I have been given hope, a family, and now, a
new name. What an amazing Father you and I have! <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">But
when the time arrived that set by God the Father,</span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">God
sent His Son, born among us of a woman,</span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">born
under the conditions of the law</span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">so
that He might redeem those of us who have been</span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">kidnapped
by the law.</span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">Thus
we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage.</span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">You
can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted</span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">as
His own children because God sent the Spirit of His Son</span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">into
our lives crying out, "Papa! Father!"</span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">Doesn't
that privilege of intimate conversation </span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">with
God make it plain that </span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">you
are not a salve,</span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">but
a child?</span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">And
if you are a child, you're </span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">also
an heir, with complete access to the inheritance.</span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>
</strong></span><div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"><strong>-Galatians
4:4-7 (The Message)</strong></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><br />Hillary Dickey, Administrative Assistant</o:p></div>Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-28720668611252795842012-05-18T12:34:00.001-05:002012-05-18T12:42:58.880-05:00Be Like Christ<img alt="Pinned Image" height="400" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache7.pinterest.com/upload/200128777161464427_X0cas6Ps_c.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
A couple of girls and I are studying Philippians
2:5-11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talk about convicting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
“Have this mind/attitude” v.5 says.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right before that, I read we should consider
others better than ourselves. And, look out for other’s interests besides my
own…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I need to read this
everyday-multiple times!) <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Oh, so the Philippians struggle with this like I do?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Then I read how Paul puts it in perspective…<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Jesus- He is God- knew He was God- but did not consider
equality with God something to be grasped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">è</span></span>God<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">è</span></span>Creator
of <u>ALL THINGS</u> -by Him, through Him, and for Him were <u>ALL THINGS</u> made-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in Him <u>ALL THINGS</u> hold
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was there when I was made
in the secret place (Ps.139:15).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He calmed
a raging storm, walked on water, fed thousands, healed diseases, cast out
demons, raised people from the dead, rendered a fig tree unfruitful, changed
water into wine, and forgave a lame man- a prostitute- an adulteress, etc.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
He could have used His power for personal benefit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ha, what would I do if I could have His
abilities for a day?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
But, no, He “made Himself <u>NOTHING</u>” or <u>emptied</u>
Himself taking the form of a bond-servant- which means [to completely and
absolutely assign <u>all personal rights over</u> to the authority and will <u>of
another person</u>].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(The Discovery
Bible pg. 542)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
He was born in the likeness of man… God to human… (ponder
THAT for a while…)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Then- <u>perfectly obedient</u> to the Father’s will-
obedient to die the death the Father chose for Him (beatings and floggings and
mockery of this innocent God/Man beforehand).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not only innocent, but <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Perfect,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gracious,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>Kind,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gentle…<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
He hung on a cross- cursed (Gal 3:13)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For hours<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>Forsaken by God-<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Weighted by the full brunt sin-<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mine<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yours<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone’s<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Hmm…“Have this mind/attitude”…<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider
others better than myself...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And,
look out for other’s interests as well besides my own…<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">If Jesus, God, could empty Himself and let go of All
His rights, surely, hmm, what…could…I?<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <br /><br /><em>Gina Linden, Domestic Adoption Social Worker</em></span></span>Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-49242962216571086052012-05-16T09:02:00.000-05:002012-05-16T09:02:13.212-05:00How Deep the Father's Love<img alt="Pinned Image" height="400" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache8.pinterest.com/upload/264093965619098705_3ojdc2Ev_c.jpg" width="327" /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>How deep the Fathers love for us <o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>How vast beyond all measure<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>That he should give his only son<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>
</em></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>To make a wretch his treasure. <o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love the words of this song and how they remind me of
my place before God. To know that the God of the universe sees me as his
treasure and asks for me to call him Father. How invigorating to know of his
love for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As a father myself it goes without saying I love my
children. The love I have for them is unconditional. When I explain it to them
and they ask why, I simply say " just cause." I love them just
because they are my child. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Being a father it means I not only get to love my
children but to lead my children. To lead them down the right paths to get them
to want what they need. So to it is with God, he is our father giving us his
Word to guide us and lead us. Showing us the most excellent path. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I think of adoption I think of it as God's invitation
to join an amazing journey, one that will challenge and teach us. One that will
remind us of his endless pursuit of our lives, and the unspeakable joy of
acceptance into his family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>To those considering adoption,</strong> will you accept the
invitation? The God of all love who has adopted you wants you to follow him
down this same path, mimicking his very actions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>For those who are adopting,</strong> take heart you have a
heavenly father who understands the struggle, the countless hours of wanting
your child to be home. The depths of a journey filled with many hurdles. He too
has walked the path and he is excited you are following his example as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>To those who have adopted,</strong> be reminded of your heavenly
fathers love for you. Just as you have accepted your child and love him/her so
to God has accepted you making you a co-heir with Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are his beloved sharing his name and his
inheritance. <br /><br /><strong>How great the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure.</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em>Geoffrey Ketcham, Manager or International Services</em></div>Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-19397382349782191892012-05-11T15:04:00.000-05:002012-05-11T15:33:32.696-05:00Will you do it?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_PPypzn0fOZpz6ImqLl7SqVptm2iGBF_KHjMdF_uRLkY-eArQA7cYhfPHH1JtzkJHMCK-QOhhsscGtUHERiKasrLel1ejAnSqpsHCMfc6ML9wzxTFyDq1Ngxg4pstWHx0Iwu0igQGEs/s1600/Littleboy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_PPypzn0fOZpz6ImqLl7SqVptm2iGBF_KHjMdF_uRLkY-eArQA7cYhfPHH1JtzkJHMCK-QOhhsscGtUHERiKasrLel1ejAnSqpsHCMfc6ML9wzxTFyDq1Ngxg4pstWHx0Iwu0igQGEs/s1600/Littleboy.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">God is always loving, pursuing, and speaking! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">And we, most of us anyway.. Are on the move, running and multitasking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Progressively it has become more difficult to slow down and listen to His still, quiet, Voice. The Voice that spoke creation into being. The Voice who proclaims, "This one belongs to me", when the Evil One comes as an accuser.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Distractions.. They are layered about everywhere. And in there midst of this confusing, often chaotic life, God has not abandoned us. He is here.. He is still loving, pursuing.. And speaking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">He whispers as if His Voice were in the wind. With love and truth He says, "I am the least of these.. Do you see me?" "I am the one on the street corner holding the sign and I wait in the line at the downtown mission.. Look through the clothes, the beard, the stench.. Thats me in there!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">I am the orphan who stands and looks at you with a dazed stare. Thats what hopelessness does to innocence." I mumble, "Daddy" as I walk toward you with my hand out.. Its only a whisper. "Do you hear me?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">In that glance.. This in this moment.. The distractions subside enough for you to hear me say, "Be still and know that I am God!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Will you do it?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
<em><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Dave Wood, International Director</span></em>Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-33066424660922034732012-05-04T11:27:00.000-05:002012-05-04T11:27:27.683-05:00Blessed Assurance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br />I recently finished reading<i> </i>Tullian Tchividjian’s<i> Do I Know God?</i>, and what a blessing it was. Like so many others, a recurring struggle in my life is one with doubt – doubt over whether or not I truly know God and have experienced his saving grace. I have agonized over the words of Matthew 7:21-23, praying that he would enable me to be faithful and that God would recognize me as one of His own on that coming day. Despite my doubt, I know that Christ himself desires for me to be certain of my standing with him, and I desire to experience that assurance. Tullian walks through scripture and describes how the examination of three areas of our lives can allow us to experience this certainty – <strong>our feelings toward God, our obedience of his law, and our belief in his promises and his character. <br /></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">When God adopts us into his eternal family, he gives us new hearts that begin to love what he loves and hate what he hates. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, <em>"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!"</em> Our feelings, loves, and desires speak volumes about where we stand with God, and our thoughts and emotions about God matter to God. <strong>What do my thoughts, feelings, and desires reveal about my relationship with him? What does my heart speak about God?</strong> <br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Jesus said that the children of God would be known by their good works. Good works have nothing to do with establishing a relationship with God, but they have everything to do with enjoying fellowship and community with him. Am I pursuing fellowship with God through the obedience of his laws? Am I studying his Word so that I know his laws? Am I able to speak the words of Psalm 119: <em>"I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word"?</em></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">God’s character itself leads us to certainty in our relationship with him. There are too many attributes of God to name, but some that come to mind are: <strong>infinite, infallible, immutable, compassionate, loving, merciful, holy.</strong> If we believe all of these things to be true, we have no choice but to trust in his many promises. He promises to save us from wrath through faith in Jesus. He promises that when we are adopted into his family, he will never, ever leave or forsake us. He promises that, through Christ, we are made holy and spotless in his eyes. <strong>What assurance these promises give!</strong> <br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">For all of us, it is my prayer that <strong>"you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."</strong> May we, the children of God, be filled with his fullness and rest in the assurance of his eternal, saving grace. <br /><br /><em>Casey Voorhees, Foster Care Social Worker</em></span>Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-473878602770132192012-05-03T14:52:00.000-05:002012-05-04T14:33:18.968-05:00Colombia Accreditation Status<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglruby4g8JPRNOfiqGesb2JWdT-yMv4K_ASIYfIWjpZsYxYVTaemJOVHjqDWz6a3YjDjUdrAFmVQ599mdw3zQ9iojBlUSvttE-VQvNMIAu4FOTVPD303kuJ3_KnLZ3MB1C16FIWhr-t68/s1600/colubmiachildren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglruby4g8JPRNOfiqGesb2JWdT-yMv4K_ASIYfIWjpZsYxYVTaemJOVHjqDWz6a3YjDjUdrAFmVQ599mdw3zQ9iojBlUSvttE-VQvNMIAu4FOTVPD303kuJ3_KnLZ3MB1C16FIWhr-t68/s400/colubmiachildren.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #333333;">Lifeline<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is more than excited to announce its newest program in Colombia!! This is going to be an amazing program. Colombia currently has over 11,000 children waiting for adoption, and Lifeline has what we believe to be the best on-the-ground team to assist in the adoption process and advocate for our families. We look forward to </span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">providing International Adoptions Services in Colombia. The resolution of accreditation is on its way at this time!</span><br /><br />Families adopting from</span> Colombia can adopt children with special characteristics. Children with special characteristics include: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1) older children, at least age 7 years old or older, </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2) sibling groups, and 3) children of all ages that have one or more medical or special needs.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Colombian adoption process takes<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> an estimated time of 18 to 24 months </b>for children with special characteristics. This is from the time your application is approved through the time of travel. Please remember that this is an estimated time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Colombia requires that those seeking to adopt be between<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> the ages of 25 and up </b>and Colombia requires that married applicants are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">married for a minimum of three years. Single women may also adopt from Colombia.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">When a family travels, the expected stay in-country is approximately 4-7 weeks</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">. Both parents must be willing and able to stay the entire time if necessary, but one parent may return to the states during the process after the first few weeks if approved. The length of in-country stay will depend on the originating city of the child. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">The estimated total cost of a Colombian adoption right now is around $27,600</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">. We have done our best to provide an all-inclusive figure for our families. We also assist in providing families with information on<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>scholarships and grant programs that are available. If families are concerned about the cost, they can also contact their accountant to get information on the Adoption Tax Credit.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Colombia is a great country to adopt from for the following reasons: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">It is a “Hague-certified” program; there is high quality orphanage care; they provide detailed medical and developmental information on available children; children who wait receive counseling and advocacy services; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>there is a well established government child welfare agency <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that oversees the “transition” process; and children are able to reside with the adoptive parents throughout the family’s stay in-country. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The country of Colombia has many children in need of loving, permanent homes. If God calls you to embark on this journey, it would be our joy to partner with you!</span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br /><strong><em>For more information, please contact Beth Stanley at </em></strong><a href="mailto:beth.stanley@lifelinechild.org"><strong><em>beth.stanley@lifelinechild.org</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZc1YCkKk7um2xZOYawPesjXgddvievIpTdVfF2oVQGNX2EJHhqYIwlp4S67QR6yUCS6mJSJafx8MojJ96SqUN0doXT3l9xk2gITeXqF5gnAgv83InpZbwGy3fQ4GwHe5q8b-8nECUvSg/s1600/twocolumbiachildren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZc1YCkKk7um2xZOYawPesjXgddvievIpTdVfF2oVQGNX2EJHhqYIwlp4S67QR6yUCS6mJSJafx8MojJ96SqUN0doXT3l9xk2gITeXqF5gnAgv83InpZbwGy3fQ4GwHe5q8b-8nECUvSg/s400/twocolumbiachildren.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-36866298838442735322012-04-30T13:42:00.001-05:002012-04-30T13:52:41.212-05:00Know the Shepherd's Voice<img alt="Pinned Image" height="266" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache2.pinterest.com/upload/226094843762323524_OcLZXdpQ_c.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lately, the Lord has been teaching me about seeking His presence. His presence should be the first thing I long for when I awake and the last thing I think about before I lay my head down at night. In today's busy world, full of crazy schedules, to do-lists, as well as great things, it can be difficult to press into His presence on a daily basis. </span><br />
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<em>In John 10:27, the Lord says, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." </em><br />
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He is teaching me how important His voice is in my life. I want to be a John 10:27 woman that <strong>KNOWS</strong> my Shepherd's voice. That recognizes and then obeys it. That can discern His voice out of the many voices we hear on a day to day basis. That hears it and tastes it and sees that it is good. <br />
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I pray today, that we take time to stop and seek His presence and His voice in our lives. Below is a song that paints a beautiful picture of this for me.<br />
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<em>Briana Gray Remkus, Administrative Assistant</em><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/GT1LWYVnBVw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-55189525613327092842012-04-26T12:08:00.000-05:002012-04-26T12:08:19.127-05:00In Faith and Obedience<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>“There is no way to peace along the way of safety. For peace must be dared, it is itself the great venture and can never be safe. Peace is the opposite of security… Peace means giving oneself completely to God’s commandment, wanting no security, but in faith and obedience laying the destiny of the nations in the hand of Almighty God, not trying to direct it for selfish purposes. Battles are won, not with weapons, but with God. They are won when the way leads to the cross.”</em> – Dietrich Bonhoeffer</span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lately, the Lord has been demonstrating His faithfulness in some drastically different ways than the ways that I typically anticipate. This is one of the truly amazing aspects of His character – <strong>that He does His will in His timing for His glory.</strong> We can truly rest in the fact that His ways are not our ways and that His thoughts are not our thoughts. He is increasingly more capable than I could ever be in anything. This is both humbling and exciting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As a social worker, it is my privilege to serve families in numerous capacities. I can honestly say that the Lord has given me a much stronger glimpse into His character and His purpose since having worked for this agency. I love that my ways are not the Lord’s. And I love that there is nothing I can do to thwart or control His overall purposes. At times, I find myself longing for the ability to learn God’s next move; however, it is in these moments when I find both the families I serve and myself truly trusting the Lord with all our hearts. <strong>And that is the purpose of it all, right?</strong> To trust the Lord as Lord over our lives, even with our families and with the future of these beautiful children we advocate for. </span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Not long ago, my small group and I intensely studied the life of Abraham and His role in God’s redemptive history. Genesis 15:6 makes the astonishing revelation that because Abraham believed, it was credited to Him as righteousness. This is not because of anything Abraham did or said or planned, but because He believed in the promises of the Lord. He trusted the Lord. This did not guarantee safety, money, health, or anything else. In fact, Abraham even had to move to a foreign land as a result. It simply meant He trusted the Lord’s covenant that was given, and because of this, the Lord viewed Abraham in right standing with Himself. </span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">What a crazy thought! That God blesses us with His presence and mercy when we trust His promises. <strong>When things in our lives begin to look insecure, we have security in the presence of the Lord. </strong>Above, I quoted Bonhoeffer. This is a man who believed peace to not be a feeling but a result of obedience in trusting the Lord’s will. He reminds us that the road to peace with God is not always the safest road by the world’s perspective. However, when we are trusting the Lord’s plan and not our own, we begin to really know the Lord for who He truly is. There is an element of risk to seeking the peace that comes from obeying the will of God. When we do, our lives point to the redemption found at the cross through Christ. Therefore, my encouragement to everyone is to hold firm to the promises of the Lord and have faith in all circumstances. <strong>If He has led you to this, He will surely carry you through in His faithfulness in order to bring Himself glory. The path may be different than we anticipate, but His purpose is infinitely better. </strong>It is simply our role to believe these promises as Abraham did and obey Him wholeheartedly. May the peace of the Lord be with you all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Beth Stanley, International Social Worker</em></span>Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-69538982590805198002012-04-20T09:43:00.000-05:002012-04-20T09:45:12.807-05:00Revive Me with Your Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="color: #232323;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits. </span><a href="http://bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?search=Psalm%205:%2011;&version=45;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #232323; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Psalm 5:11</span></span></a></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a recent book study, I was posed the question: “<i>Do you know the joy of living exactly the way He created you to live?</i>” The statement hit me with a twinge of guilt. It’s a bit of a tricky question, I am living exactly the <b>path</b> He ordained for me to live but am I living it the <b>way</b> he intended? <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="color: black;">The</span></span> way</span> he created me to live is directly linked to the joy I would receive from this approach. Our Father has blessed us immensely in making His true joy an attainable free gift at ALL times. Our greatest joy is not found in the situational activities going on in our lives. But as humans, we are foolish. We fall into the trap of choosing when to turn our joyfulness on and off based upon the surrounding circumstances. As a Christ follower, we are freely given comfort and strength along every bump in the road, take joy in that! The song below is one I’ve been playing on repeat lately<span style="color: #1f497d;">;</span> I encourage you to dwell in these lyrics. Our deserts are never without rivers, our dark is never without light, our wells are never dry.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"You revive me</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You revive me Lord</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And all my deserts are rivers of joy</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You are the treasure I could not afford</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So I'll spend myself till I'm empty and poor</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">All for You</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You revive me Lord</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lord I have seen Your goodness</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And I know the way You are</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Give me eyes to see You in the dark</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And You race shines a glory</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That I only know in part</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And there is still a longing </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A longing in my heart</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My soul is thirsty</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Only You can satisfy</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You are the well that never will run dry</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And i'll praise You for the blessing</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For calling me Your friend</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And in Your name I'm lifting</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm lifting up my hands </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm alive</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I’m alive</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You breathe on me</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You revive me"</span></i></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Anna Eidson, Administrative Coordinator</span></em></div>Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-11010759428163047002012-04-17T15:48:00.000-05:002012-04-18T09:21:26.247-05:00You will never be too old to want a family...<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I read the below blog post on the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption website several months ago. The words of this young women so moved me that I wanted to share it with our Lifeline family. If you are interested in our foster care program, please contact the office and ask to speak with someone in our Foster Care Department.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Amy Griner, Domestic Social Worker</span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em></em></span> <img alt="Pinned Image" height="255" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache9.pinterest.com/upload/165577723770154331_tyVQVbye_c.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You will never be too old to want a family... </span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After unpacking my belongings on Taylor University’s campus in 2004, I melted onto my twin-sized bed in relief; I was officially an adult. Starting that August day, I was financially and emotionally on my own. There would be no more moving homes, no more veiled threats, no more walking on already cracked eggshells around new people. Two days later, it hit me that the oft uttered “on my own” was a mere euphemism for the estimated 29,000 children who will age of foster care this year and will be “all alone.” I was paralyzed by the knowledge that there would be no one to check on my well-being, no financial safety net, and no one to help navigate various barriers in place on a college campus. That first year was terrifying. I was alone, depressed, broke, and furious that, at 18, the system just dumped me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While I could speak volumes on the aging out process and the system, this not a commentary about a foster care system under increasing pressure to find permanent homes for the hundreds of thousands of children in foster care.<strong> This is a post for the families.</strong> An ode of sorts for those who give with no ulterior motives, who never stop inviting people into their homes and their hearts, who never lock their refrigerators, and who endlessly and (some might say) recklessly pour into the lives of foster youth.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was a sophomore in college when I found my forever family; well past the age of “adoptability.” I had long given up on finding a family and was focused on just “making it” when I miraculously stumbled into a loud, boisterous, laughter-filled, caring, and passionate family. It started when I came home with my “sister” for Thanksgiving to escape the dull of the dorms. They were the craziest, loudest, biggest family I’d ever had the pleasure of hanging out with. I came back for Christmas, New Year, and Easter. Each year for every holiday, I was invited back. In 2009, I reached a milestone. Five years was the longest I had ever spent with any family in my life; after that, it was just icing on the cake.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I won’t lie and say that it was easy to come into a new family at 19. It was awkward at first. I spent most of my time during the holidays quietly devouring books so as not to disturb the family dynamics and so I wouldn’t mess things up. Eventually though, my cousins conned me into one of their silly games, my “sister” would flop dramatically on my lap, an Indianapolis Colts game would be on, or we would all just gather for a few moments to listen to Grandma and Grandpa talk or pray for the family. <strong>I wept over simple things like actually having a stocking at Christmas, and family members who spelled my name correctly.</strong> Our relationship functioned much like a call and response — and they always responded. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As time has gone on, things have also gotten “real.” As a family, we mourned the loss of close friends from Taylor, and later, the loss of our grandmother. I battled with my own trust issues and the wondered if I was “good enough” for my family. I often hid my struggles from them in an effort to prevent rejection. Eventually my own strength failed me: I reached out to the family who surrounded me with love, prayer, and grace as I battled through my first year of law school. They were beside me during the midnight calls, the times of self-doubt, and the two weeks that make up finals week.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>The value of my family comes from the extraordinary things they do that they believe to be ordinary.</strong> Like making dried apples, mixing homemade hot chocolate, giving me one of Grandma’s quilts, sculpting butter trees (don’t ask), talking all night, doing crossword puzzles, and eating grapefruit while watching “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” This year, I got to give Mother’s Day and Father’s Day gifts; and that is extraordinary. Most recently, while rushing out for work I glimpsed a letter in my mailbox from a member of my family letting me know that she thought I might like a nice note. Thank you Grandma S., I liked it very much. My family is not perfect, nor would they claim to be, but as many groups have stressed, <strong><i>you don’t have to be perfect, to be a family</i>.</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I write this blog to highlight a simple point: <b>You will never be too old to want a family</b>. My family is this wonderful, unexpected, hilarious, and compassionate gift from God and I feel honored to have them in my life. But it also saddens me that there are 107,000 other children waiting for their own imperfect family. Even more disheartening are the 29,000 children who will age out of foster care this year by stumbling into adulthood with little support.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>So to the families who have heeded the call and continually open their homes to my many brothers and sisters in foster care … thank you, and may you inspire the masses.</strong></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">By Sharde Armstong</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Sharde Armstrong</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, is currently a candidate for a Juris Doctor at New York University School of Law. She went to law school because of a belief that child welfare reform can often be accomplished via legislative and judicial action. Her interest in the foster care system stemmed from her own 12 years in foster care in Indiana and Michigan. After graduating from Taylor University in 2008 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology, she interned with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute and Senator John Kerry.)</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-5350036764251308462012-04-16T15:52:00.001-05:002012-04-16T15:52:55.529-05:00Galatians 6:2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been on Lifeline’s administrative team for a little over a month now. Coming from a secular job where I taught 4 year olds to working as an administrative assistant at a Christian organization has been quite an exciting change for me! I can not even begin to express how I felt the first time I heard that Lifeline started out their mornings with Bible study and prayer. What an amazing thing it is to study God’s word together and pray for one another! This reminds me of <strong>Galatians 6:2 where Paul says to</strong> <strong>“bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be completely honest, the first time that we prayed together and I heard the many burdens of the people around me I felt overwhelmed. I thought “There is so much need here, I can not bear this much!” But the Lord is faithful and through this time He was (and still is) teaching me that I am not to carry these burdens on my own. This is a reason why God has given us Christian brothers and sisters, to help lift us up in prayer. <strong>The Body of Christ is made to be the people of God who live in love, unity, compassion, and openness with one another. </strong>I believe that Lifeline strives to do these things. I consider myself extremely blessed to be able to bear the burdens of my brothers and sisters in corporate prayer on a daily basis.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Alyxis McLain, Administrative Assistant</em></span></div>Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734978078973469055.post-12908975480294578322012-04-13T09:44:00.001-05:002012-04-13T09:44:32.686-05:00His Plan Always Leads to Himself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My church family put together a devotional booklet to walk through together over the Lenten season leading up to Resurrection Sunday. I would like to quote from the devotion written by my friend, Jimmy Sampson: “The Lord’s plan is perfect. It is never detoured. It is never compromised. Most importantly, at the center of it all, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">His plan <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">always</i> leads to one thing – Himself</b>… He will always point us in only one direction, to Himself. How often do we look for other answers? How often do we seek other ways?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">How often do we try to understand the ways of the Lord? We crave comprehending what He is doing with us, and how, and why, and to what end... The simple answer is that He wills it and that He is using it to point to Christ – for our ultimate benefit and the benefit of others. Of course that is easy to say, but far more difficult to grasp and then to actually practice contentment with that answer. “Why are we going through this trial?” “Why is this bad thing happening to me?” Well, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">because Jesus wants you to know HIM more than He wants you to be happy</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Because <strong>He wants you to know </strong>ALL of Him and the joy that goes beyond temporal happiness and allows you to be at peace because you know the One who is the author of all things, holds all things in the palm of His hand, and has every finite detail under His masterful control. That joy that runs so deep that it remains steadfast when the happiness that is dependent on circumstances is rocked and tossed by the waves of tribulation. <strong>He wants you to know</strong> that when you come to the end of all things, He is enough. He is sufficient. How can you know His sufficiency, unless He permits you to come to the end of all things you cling to for comfort? <strong>He wants you to know</strong> Him as your Comforter. How can you know Him as Comforter and proclaim Him as that to others unless you have experienced Him as that yourself? If you have been comforted by Him in times of deep hurt and sorrow, what a testimony of His comfort you can be to others! <strong>He wants you to know</strong> Him as your Provider, but how can you know Him as such unless He permits you to lack and to need and to go without? A deeper knowledge of Himself and a greater intimacy in your relationship with our Lord is worth everything to Him… it matters more than anything else and He will stop at nothing to get that from you. Not because He needs it but because He made you and He knows it’s best for you and you need it! <strong>He created you to KNOW Him</strong> and as a result, you will never be completely, truly satisfied with anything else! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Again, “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">His plan is perfect, and it always points to Himself.</b>” Thank you, Lord that you are our answer to every question and that you are both our means and our end in every situation we face. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">May we, like Paul, have the chief aim of knowing CHRIST above all things and at all cost. There is nothing more valuable. That we may recognize, believe, and live this! May we welcome all things – trial and difficulty and joyous occasions – with open arms, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">whatever it takes</b> to push us one inch closer to His throne and into His presence! In Philippians 3:8-11, Paul says, “Indeed, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord</b>. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith – that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, that BY ANY MEANS POSSIBLE, I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” </span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Allison Fuqua, Foster Care Social Worker</span></em></div>Briana Gray Remkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07762915559196582468noreply@blogger.com2