I came across a thought provoking and action taking devotional – The devotional is written by Max Lucado and the title of this particular devotional is The Voice of Adventure. The verse that is chosen is: Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?”
Jesus says the options are clear. On one side there is the voice of safety. You can build a fire in the hearth, stay inside and stay warm and dry for what you don’t try, right? You can’t fall if you don’t take a stand, right? You can’t lose your balance if you never climb, right? So don’t try it. Take the safe route.
Or you can hear the voice of adventure – God’s adventure. Instead of building a fire in your hearth, build a fire in your heart. Follow God’s impulses. Adopt the child…make a difference.
Max Lucado mentions other things in this devotional that are considered following your heart, but his point is “Is there a fire in your heart? What can you do to step out into God’s adventure for your life?”
Below are some new waiting children from Taiwan – prayerfully consider if you or someone you know might be the perfect parent(s) for one of these precious children that are desperately seeking that someone to make a difference in their life!
Join me in prayer for these children and for a family for each of them!
Taiwan Waiting Children – Please pray for these children to find their forever family!
1.Ting – female – Date of Birth – December 21, 2008
22 months
This sweet little girl has a lot of potential and has already stolen my heart! She has almost the same name as my daughter adopted from Cathwel in August of 2007 and some of the same special needs as well. Ting has been diagnosed with infantile hemiplegia and unspecified developmental delays. Her birth mother was a substance addict but Ting was developing and learning to walk and talk. She suffered severe injury in the spring of 2010 through child abuse by her birth mother. Ting was hospitalized from May 2010 – July 8th 2010. She now resides at the Jonah House (Cathwel Services). She has made great progress since her hospitalization but she really needs a family to love her and to help her to grow and learn. Please contact me at stephanie.carpenter@lifelineadoption.org for more information regarding Ting – There are photos, video and documents available for any family that is interested in her possible adoption process.
2.Ya-Ling – female – Date of Birth – July 26, 2005
5 years
Ya-Ling is an adorable five-year-old who resides with a foster family until her adoptive family finds her. She has good physical health according to an exam dated November 2009. She was diagnosed as mild intellectual ability/developmental delay. She has had an unstable lifestyle until her current placement in foster care in February 2009. She receives speech therapy one a week. This precious little girl is in need of a family to call her own and to love her and care for her. There are photos, one video and many documents available for any family that is interested in her possible adoption. Please contact me at stephanie.carpenter@lifelineadoption.org
3.An-An – male – Date of Birth – September 29, 2005
5 years
This adorable little boy was born prematurely and has already been in three foster homes since his birth. His birth mother is an AIDS carrier and drug abuser. An-An was suspected of being an AIDS baby but after follow-up tests and the final test completed on February 1, 2007 it was with negative result. The Health Department closed his case regarding any AIDS. An-An has a brother that was adopted domestically and also a brother that was adopted by a Swedish family in 2009. An-An received laser treatment and follow-up for retinal detachment and now has normal result. He is wears glasses to correct his vision and receives speech therapy and cognitive therapy. In August of 2009 it was determined through a developmental assessment that he could attend a regular kindergarten and did not need extra training since that point. He needs his family to love him and care for him. If you might be interested in his adoption please contact stephanie.carpenter@lifelineadoption.org There are photos and documents available.
4.Po-Yen – male – Date of Birth – September 14, 2001
9 years
Po-Yen is a very adorable boy that needs to find a forever family. He is listed as a waiting child due to his age of 9-years-old. He has been diagnosed with ADHD and is taking Concerta every day. He has had a very sad life – His parents divorced and then his mother was incapable of raising him. He moved to stay with his birth father. His birth father was then placed in jail and Po-Yen stayed with a foster family. His birth father died and then his uncle became his legal guardian. He began to live with his uncle and family but the uncle has decided that he should be placed for international adoption since his family does not want him living with them. The uncle changed his mind once about the child being adopted but then threatened Po-An with having to move away if he did not behave. In March 2010 the uncle made a firm decision for adoption placement and hopes that he would find a family so he would have a stable and happy life. This young boy is very adorable and does well in school in spite of his dysfunctional life and living arrangements. There are photos and many documents available – please contact stephanie.carpenter@lifelineadoption.org for more information
Other children currently on waiting list for adoption from Taiwan –
Please contact stephanie.carpenter@lifelineadoption.org for more information on any of these children and to view photos and documents!
5.Yen – male – Date of Birth – September 15, 2007
3 years
Diagnosis of cerebral palsy – many photos and documents available! Please contact stephanie.carpenter@lifelineadoption.org
6.Tai – male – Date of Birth – January 13, 2002
8 years
Older child
7.Ling – female – Date of Birth – October 10, 2002
8 years
Older child; slight developmental delay; strabismus8.
8.Will – male – Date of Birth – November 29, 2004
5 years
hearing issues; wears hearing aid; living at Jonah House since 11.28.2005
9.Chih – male – Date of Birth – May 11, 2002
8 years
Older child
10.Jung –male – Date of Birth - March 25, 2003
7 years
Older child; epilepsy
11.Sibling group – Michael – male – Date of Birth – January 1, 2000
10 years
Older child; sibling group; Hep. C
Christopher – male – Date of Birth – May 28, 2005
5 years
Sibling group; Hep C
May the Lord bless you and keep you and may you follow the fire that the Lord lights in your heart for where He has called you to make a difference,
Stephanie Carpenter
International Adoption Specialist and very proud parent of 2 special needs daughters adopted via international adoption and waiting to travel for number 3 (Russia, Taiwan and Philippines)
Stephanie.carpenter@lifelineadoption.org
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
The Fountain of Youth: Our Children
At sunrise EVERY morning I wake to the words, “Daddy, it’s light time. Time to play”. And then later that night I hear the protest, “but Daddy, I can’t go to sleep; I’m not tired”. I often wonder how does my child have so much energy?
This weekend my son’s 4 year old friends who are twins had a pirate and princess themed birthday party. At the party was a giant inflatable pirate ship. The kids were having so much fun playing, and they played for hours in the hot sun. Many of the parents, including me, stood off to the side wondering, “How do our kids have so much energy?”
As the numbers of children began dwindling from the pirate ship, I began thinking about how much I miss my sons during the week and wanted to spend some time with them while they were playing. Pretty soon I was transformed from mild mannered Daddy to the evil Captain Hook, and I was being chased by Peter Pan and his band of Lost Boys (and Girls). A plastic sword fight ensued and the children squealed with glee.
As I ran by one of the other parents, being chased by a group of 4 year olds, he said, “Wow, you have a lot of energy”. I chuckled as I continued running from and then chasing my two sons and their friends, and I thought to myself, “Just thirty minutes ago I was standing on the sidelines desiring the energy of a four year old and now I have it”. I felt better that day than I have in a long time, and my children loved their time with Daddy (Captain Hook), and I loved my time with them.
I encourage you to step off the sidelines and join in play with your children. All too often I miss opportunities to bond with and teach my children while they are playing by sitting on the sidelines and watching. Psalm 127:3 tells us that children are a gift from the Lord. Let’s all as parents partake more purposefully in the gift that the Lord has given us. Children are so good at enjoying and being content in the smallest of things, and I believe that this is where much of their energy comes from. I believe that we too can have energy like our children when we delight and meaningfully participate in the time the Lord has given us with them. And not only are we blessed and strengthened, but our children are receiving the hope and future that was planned for them and spoken of in Jeremiah 29:11 by the very people God chose for them.
If you are a parent, I encourage you to play with your child today in a moment that you may have normally let pass by; get down in the floor with them, run around outside with them, slide down the slides at the playground with them, play video games with them, whatever their interest may be.
And whether you are already a parent or not, I encourage you to adopt a child today who is waiting for a Mommy and Daddy to play with them, waiting for Daddy to throw the football with them, waiting for Mommy to read their favorite book to them, waiting for someone to get down on their level, make eye contact with them, and tell them that they are special and loved. I encourage you to partake in the gift that God has given to us. A child is waiting for you today.
Daniel L. Taylor
Georgia State Director
This weekend my son’s 4 year old friends who are twins had a pirate and princess themed birthday party. At the party was a giant inflatable pirate ship. The kids were having so much fun playing, and they played for hours in the hot sun. Many of the parents, including me, stood off to the side wondering, “How do our kids have so much energy?”
As the numbers of children began dwindling from the pirate ship, I began thinking about how much I miss my sons during the week and wanted to spend some time with them while they were playing. Pretty soon I was transformed from mild mannered Daddy to the evil Captain Hook, and I was being chased by Peter Pan and his band of Lost Boys (and Girls). A plastic sword fight ensued and the children squealed with glee.
As I ran by one of the other parents, being chased by a group of 4 year olds, he said, “Wow, you have a lot of energy”. I chuckled as I continued running from and then chasing my two sons and their friends, and I thought to myself, “Just thirty minutes ago I was standing on the sidelines desiring the energy of a four year old and now I have it”. I felt better that day than I have in a long time, and my children loved their time with Daddy (Captain Hook), and I loved my time with them.
I encourage you to step off the sidelines and join in play with your children. All too often I miss opportunities to bond with and teach my children while they are playing by sitting on the sidelines and watching. Psalm 127:3 tells us that children are a gift from the Lord. Let’s all as parents partake more purposefully in the gift that the Lord has given us. Children are so good at enjoying and being content in the smallest of things, and I believe that this is where much of their energy comes from. I believe that we too can have energy like our children when we delight and meaningfully participate in the time the Lord has given us with them. And not only are we blessed and strengthened, but our children are receiving the hope and future that was planned for them and spoken of in Jeremiah 29:11 by the very people God chose for them.
If you are a parent, I encourage you to play with your child today in a moment that you may have normally let pass by; get down in the floor with them, run around outside with them, slide down the slides at the playground with them, play video games with them, whatever their interest may be.
And whether you are already a parent or not, I encourage you to adopt a child today who is waiting for a Mommy and Daddy to play with them, waiting for Daddy to throw the football with them, waiting for Mommy to read their favorite book to them, waiting for someone to get down on their level, make eye contact with them, and tell them that they are special and loved. I encourage you to partake in the gift that God has given to us. A child is waiting for you today.
Daniel L. Taylor
Georgia State Director
Thursday, September 23, 2010
The Call of a Prayer Warrior
A few weeks ago, a friend and I were talking about our dependence on God. In that conversation, she pointed out that throughout the Bible, God performed His greatest miracles in situations where there was no other way. For the Israelites, only when there was no food, did He provide manna. Only when there was no wine at the wedding, did He turn the water into wine. Only when the blind man had no sight, did he provide sight. And for us, only when we were dead in our sins, did He provide a rescue. I had never thought of it that way before, but this truth has been coming to mind more and more lately.
Recently, I have become aware of how often I ask myself the question, “How can I figure this out on my own?” or “What can I do the fix this situation?” Over and over again, the answer is NOTHING. As disheartening as that is to me, I am reminded of my Lord’s provision. His grace is sufficient for me. For His power is made perfect in my WEAKNESS. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. Coming to that realization has completely changed the way I approach prayer. It brings me to the end of myself and heightens my dependence on Him as the only true Provider.
Furthermore, this heightened sense of dependence on the Lord has restructured my view of myself and my role at work. I am not just a case worker or a birth mother counselor, I am a prayer warrior. Every day, I am given the opportunity to draw near to the throne room of God the Provider. I am able to bring before Him the needs of adoptive parents, birth mothers, and children around the world. This brings both peace and responsibility. Peace because I can rest in His plan and control over every situation. Responsibility because I am fighting for the lives of children- to free them from otherwise hopeless and broken situations.
In recent weeks, I have taken ownership of this new identity as a prayer warrior. I fight for the lives of the children that I serve. I fight for them to be adopted into families where they will be raised by a mom and a dad who love the Lord and who will teach them the saving grace of Jesus. If fight for the speedy completion of processes that are often out of our hands so that children can come home to their forever families.
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and freedom to the prisoners.”
Isaiah 61:1
Mallory Blackmon
South Alabama Case Worker
Recently, I have become aware of how often I ask myself the question, “How can I figure this out on my own?” or “What can I do the fix this situation?” Over and over again, the answer is NOTHING. As disheartening as that is to me, I am reminded of my Lord’s provision. His grace is sufficient for me. For His power is made perfect in my WEAKNESS. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. Coming to that realization has completely changed the way I approach prayer. It brings me to the end of myself and heightens my dependence on Him as the only true Provider.
Furthermore, this heightened sense of dependence on the Lord has restructured my view of myself and my role at work. I am not just a case worker or a birth mother counselor, I am a prayer warrior. Every day, I am given the opportunity to draw near to the throne room of God the Provider. I am able to bring before Him the needs of adoptive parents, birth mothers, and children around the world. This brings both peace and responsibility. Peace because I can rest in His plan and control over every situation. Responsibility because I am fighting for the lives of children- to free them from otherwise hopeless and broken situations.
In recent weeks, I have taken ownership of this new identity as a prayer warrior. I fight for the lives of the children that I serve. I fight for them to be adopted into families where they will be raised by a mom and a dad who love the Lord and who will teach them the saving grace of Jesus. If fight for the speedy completion of processes that are often out of our hands so that children can come home to their forever families.
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and freedom to the prisoners.”
Isaiah 61:1
Mallory Blackmon
South Alabama Case Worker
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Matthew 6:26
God is such a GREAT God . . . a God who chooses to meet us where we are, walk with us every day, and reveal Himself to us in such beautiful ways.
At the beach this weekend, I was enjoying the fresh sea air, my toes in the sand, and the water as far as my eyes could see. The beach always brings me to a place of peace and solitude and wonder and awe in our God. He is such a BIG God, and He formed the world with so much diversity and beauty. He forms US with such diversity and beauty.
He has moved me to love His children with a depth that only He could give. . . whether it be a precious newborn baby, a courageous birthmother, children waiting to be adopted so far away from here, our patiently waiting adoptive families, or the sweet community I have found in my coworkers. . . it ALL moves my heart, and I know it moves the heart of God as well.
Which brings me to the fish I almost stepped on . . . the broken-in-half, stinky fish on the shoreline. I thought to myself, 'how sad- some fisherman could have made some money on that little fish, if it had been caught in a net, or on a line. Nobody wants it now, this fish: laying on the shore, broken in half, dead.
Nobody will want to pick that up, or eat it, or even look at it more than once; it will probably just rot there.'
That little fish put a bit of a damper on my shoreline walk. I even took a picture of the fish so I could show my friends how sad it looked. Then I went to sit in the sand and journal and be still. . .
Until something caught the corner of my eye. A bird found the fish, and proudly carried it in its beak as it hopped along the shoreline. This bird was DELIGHTED in the fish. God reminded me, "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" (Matthew 6:26).
Of course. . . of course. What was stinky and useless and TRASH to the world was a TREASURE to that sweet bird. God CARES about that bird . .
. takes care of that bird. . . and He offers even more to US. More than stinky, broken-in-half fish washed up on the shoreline.
God reminded me of His children. This world is fallen and cold and
hard- and there are clients we meet or children we serve who have truly been cast away from the world- told they are unworthy, they are wrong, hopeless, they are not redeemable. . . that they are unforgivable, alone, and they are nothing. How humbling to be called to meet them in that place where the world has thrown them aside . . . what a joy to walk with them into the courts of His Kingdom.
His Kingdom, here on earth- His Kingdom of LOVE and TRUTH and forgiveness and wholeness and beauty and community. Life will not instantly become easy, but with God on our side, and people fighting for us, and realizing that GOD. DOES. TAKE. CARE. OF. US. . . that God CARES. . .
THIS Truth is what moved me from my little hometown of Hays, Kansas to Birmingham, Alabama. 1,000 miles away from home, to serve our Incredible God in a ministry that FIGHTS for His children, believes in His purpose and strives to share the heart of God as the heart of our ministry. . .
Thank You, God, for caring- for providing- and for being all You are.
Michelle Staab
Birthmother Counselor
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Choosing…
I just spoke with a woman who made a choice.
Because of this choice, she has been shunned by her friends.
People who do not even know this woman are talking about what she has done.
Even her own family has nearly disowned her.
This woman chose to begin a relationship with a man who was abusive.
Other choices led to her becoming pregnant.
But these choices,
These are not what has caused scorn and even rejection from those around her.
She discovered the little life living inside of her after she had already made the choice to walk away from this man.
And there, she found that she faced another choice.
And she chose life for her child.
After much consideration, and what she called destiny,
She chose an adoption plan for her child and found Lifeline.
It was this choice that eventually led to the chastisement she is now experiencing.
No one in her culture understands the decision she has made.
No one in her culture even cares to…
People would rather scratch their heads at her, speak against her character, or worse in her eyes–
Speak things about the choice she has made that are not even true.
This woman stared in the face of the life that she would welcome this child into, and said that this was not what she wanted for him… no matter how much love was there swarming inside her.
This was a decision she made.
It was no one else’s.
As if making this choice were not already, difficult enough…
People ask her how she could choose to “give her child away.”
People condemn her for not “struggling with her child.”
People attempt to make her feel guilty for the decision she has made.
These perspectives are those of people who do not understand the sacrifice:
One of great courage, for the benefit of her child and the children she is currently parenting.
What can be seen by just reading this small attempt to convey her story is that this woman possesses a great deal of strength; an attribute that life cultivated early on.
This has served her well throughout this journey.
And will continue to do so…
Zooming out for a moment, or maybe zooming in, the larger story is that God has been there all along.
His love, his presence, his commitment is the thread that is strung through all of these experiences; it is woven into the fabric of her life. And indeed, is the strength that until this point, she has known as her own.
This woman is coming to realize the reality of this and is pressing into God in a way she has not known.
I am convinced that as she chooses Him, He will deliver her into places she cannot even begin to ask for or imagine.
And so it is that as this woman chose to listen to The still small voice that gently guides her…
And as that led her to choose life and life in abundance for her child, what she did not know is that she was likewise being led to choose it for herself.
And so it is that this is what she has chosen:
Beauty for ashes,
Strength for fear,
Gladness for mourning,
Peace for despair.
O what a glorious God. Glory and honor and praise to Him, the One whose heart, whose very character is to make good on all things… if we let him. His heart is wholeness. His heart is restoration. May we choose this, and may we honor these women who have chosen this for their children and for themselves.
Please join me in believing God for wholeness in her life, that through the power of the Holy Spirit she would experience healing. Believe with me for her safety. Believe with me that relationships in her life would experience restoration and richness like they have not known, and that others would fall away, as God moves her forward. Believe with me that the adoption community/family in her area would begin surrounding her, that she would be strongly supported. Believe with me that the Holy Spirit would begin to open her to choosing community among the body of believers, and that his body would serve her and her family and that salvation would come to their house.
Believe with me for these things on behalf of all birth mothers.
Thank you so much for being the body with me in these things.
Hallelujah, that he has given us such access and authority in his Son…
God, pour out your goodness on the life of this courageous woman and on the lives of other courageous women like herself, that they would know and choose your character and that it may result in praise and glory…
Kara Leigh Pritchard
Birth Mother Counselor
Because of this choice, she has been shunned by her friends.
People who do not even know this woman are talking about what she has done.
Even her own family has nearly disowned her.
This woman chose to begin a relationship with a man who was abusive.
Other choices led to her becoming pregnant.
But these choices,
These are not what has caused scorn and even rejection from those around her.
She discovered the little life living inside of her after she had already made the choice to walk away from this man.
And there, she found that she faced another choice.
And she chose life for her child.
After much consideration, and what she called destiny,
She chose an adoption plan for her child and found Lifeline.
It was this choice that eventually led to the chastisement she is now experiencing.
No one in her culture understands the decision she has made.
No one in her culture even cares to…
People would rather scratch their heads at her, speak against her character, or worse in her eyes–
Speak things about the choice she has made that are not even true.
This woman stared in the face of the life that she would welcome this child into, and said that this was not what she wanted for him… no matter how much love was there swarming inside her.
This was a decision she made.
It was no one else’s.
As if making this choice were not already, difficult enough…
People ask her how she could choose to “give her child away.”
People condemn her for not “struggling with her child.”
People attempt to make her feel guilty for the decision she has made.
These perspectives are those of people who do not understand the sacrifice:
One of great courage, for the benefit of her child and the children she is currently parenting.
What can be seen by just reading this small attempt to convey her story is that this woman possesses a great deal of strength; an attribute that life cultivated early on.
This has served her well throughout this journey.
And will continue to do so…
Zooming out for a moment, or maybe zooming in, the larger story is that God has been there all along.
His love, his presence, his commitment is the thread that is strung through all of these experiences; it is woven into the fabric of her life. And indeed, is the strength that until this point, she has known as her own.
This woman is coming to realize the reality of this and is pressing into God in a way she has not known.
I am convinced that as she chooses Him, He will deliver her into places she cannot even begin to ask for or imagine.
And so it is that as this woman chose to listen to The still small voice that gently guides her…
And as that led her to choose life and life in abundance for her child, what she did not know is that she was likewise being led to choose it for herself.
And so it is that this is what she has chosen:
Beauty for ashes,
Strength for fear,
Gladness for mourning,
Peace for despair.
O what a glorious God. Glory and honor and praise to Him, the One whose heart, whose very character is to make good on all things… if we let him. His heart is wholeness. His heart is restoration. May we choose this, and may we honor these women who have chosen this for their children and for themselves.
Please join me in believing God for wholeness in her life, that through the power of the Holy Spirit she would experience healing. Believe with me for her safety. Believe with me that relationships in her life would experience restoration and richness like they have not known, and that others would fall away, as God moves her forward. Believe with me that the adoption community/family in her area would begin surrounding her, that she would be strongly supported. Believe with me that the Holy Spirit would begin to open her to choosing community among the body of believers, and that his body would serve her and her family and that salvation would come to their house.
Believe with me for these things on behalf of all birth mothers.
Thank you so much for being the body with me in these things.
Hallelujah, that he has given us such access and authority in his Son…
God, pour out your goodness on the life of this courageous woman and on the lives of other courageous women like herself, that they would know and choose your character and that it may result in praise and glory…
Kara Leigh Pritchard
Birth Mother Counselor
Monday, September 13, 2010
What a Weekend!
As I sat Friday night at the local high school football game, my heart was full of joy as I watched children from all over the world enjoying the game of the night. In the general area where I was sitting I saw children who were from China, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Honduras. It was amazing to think that these children at one time were in an orphanage and did not know the fun and excitement of a Friday night football game. They had smiles on their faces as they cheered for their team, enjoyed their favorite concessions and spent time with family and friends. Thank you God that you reminded me of your love for the orphan even at a football game.
As Saturday rolled around it got even better. I was checking e-mails for the day and discovered I had been sent a video of a potential child for one of our families. I had the honor of spending time with this sweet family as we watched a priceless video of their potential child. Smiles spread over their faces and tears glistened in their eyes as they watched this child interact and play. Thank you God that you reminded me once again that your timing is perfect.
As the day began on Sunday I wondered if I would see one of my favorite 3rd grade boys in my small group. He has been in my small group now on Sunday mornings for several months. He is a foster child and has quickly learned what Jesus’ did for us on the cross. He is eager to participate, answers questions accurately, and quickly volunteers to read scripture. I have seen him grow and change in so many ways over these last few months. He was there today with smiles and hugs to go around. He always brings joy to my heart. Thank you God that you reminded me of your faithfulness to children whose futures are uncertain.
I praise you Lord for the honor and privilege you have given me over the last eighteen years to work in this wonderful world of adoption uniting children with their forever families.
“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise will continually be in my mouth. My soul makes boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!” Psalm 34:1-3
Jana Lombardo
International Social Worker
As Saturday rolled around it got even better. I was checking e-mails for the day and discovered I had been sent a video of a potential child for one of our families. I had the honor of spending time with this sweet family as we watched a priceless video of their potential child. Smiles spread over their faces and tears glistened in their eyes as they watched this child interact and play. Thank you God that you reminded me once again that your timing is perfect.
As the day began on Sunday I wondered if I would see one of my favorite 3rd grade boys in my small group. He has been in my small group now on Sunday mornings for several months. He is a foster child and has quickly learned what Jesus’ did for us on the cross. He is eager to participate, answers questions accurately, and quickly volunteers to read scripture. I have seen him grow and change in so many ways over these last few months. He was there today with smiles and hugs to go around. He always brings joy to my heart. Thank you God that you reminded me of your faithfulness to children whose futures are uncertain.
I praise you Lord for the honor and privilege you have given me over the last eighteen years to work in this wonderful world of adoption uniting children with their forever families.
“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise will continually be in my mouth. My soul makes boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!” Psalm 34:1-3
Jana Lombardo
International Social Worker
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Reconciled to Him
This year our staff has been reading through the Bible and we are currently camping out amongst the major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel). These choice men were God’s spokesmen to expose sin, cry for repentance, and pronounce judgment, as well as to reveal salvation and the eventual restoration of his beloved people. Reading these scriptures God is once again reminding me that the world we live in is not unlike the time of these prophets. Just like the Israelites, we live in a world of people who are depraved! Our world is so full of sin. We are so full of sin. I am so full of sin. We trust in man-made idols, in our things, in ourselves-not God. We worship our man-made idols, our things, and ourselves. Sin always flows from a heart that neglects the worship of the one true God. Our world is made up of immoral people who are basically incapable of anything different………
But wait, there is hope! While these prophets are proclaiming judgment they also point to God’s new covenant that we can be reconciled to Him through his son, Jesus Christ. We can be saved and restored. That is the hope! Jesus is the hope! His word tells us that through Jesus, we can be rescued, forgiven, purified, and protected-forever! God’s word is teaching me to look not of the things of this world that will only disappoint and have no hope. I am to turn my eyes to the one and only one in whom there is hope-eternal hope!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
Joyfully His,
Renee Griffin, LBSW
Domestic Social Worker
Interim Care Coordinator
But wait, there is hope! While these prophets are proclaiming judgment they also point to God’s new covenant that we can be reconciled to Him through his son, Jesus Christ. We can be saved and restored. That is the hope! Jesus is the hope! His word tells us that through Jesus, we can be rescued, forgiven, purified, and protected-forever! God’s word is teaching me to look not of the things of this world that will only disappoint and have no hope. I am to turn my eyes to the one and only one in whom there is hope-eternal hope!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
Joyfully His,
Renee Griffin, LBSW
Domestic Social Worker
Interim Care Coordinator
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Opportunities to Learn More
Whether you have an interest in adoption or foster care, Lifeline is now offering many different ways for families to learn more about our ministry. Please make your plans to attend any, or all, of these upcoming events:
Foster Care Webinar – Monday, Sept. 13th 6:30pm
International & Domestic Adoption Webinar – Tuesday, Sept. 14th 6:30pm
Birmingham Information Meeting – Mtn. Brook Community Church – Thursday, Sept. 23rd 6:30pm
“Lunch with Lifeline” on Facebook – 1st Wed of each month (the next one will be Wed. Oct. 6th)
If you would like any additional information on how to register for one of these events, please call Deanna at 205.972.8482 or email Deanna.Crist@lifelineadoption.org
Foster Care Webinar – Monday, Sept. 13th 6:30pm
International & Domestic Adoption Webinar – Tuesday, Sept. 14th 6:30pm
Birmingham Information Meeting – Mtn. Brook Community Church – Thursday, Sept. 23rd 6:30pm
“Lunch with Lifeline” on Facebook – 1st Wed of each month (the next one will be Wed. Oct. 6th)
If you would like any additional information on how to register for one of these events, please call Deanna at 205.972.8482 or email Deanna.Crist@lifelineadoption.org
Friday, September 3, 2010
How One Day Can Change a Life
I did not know how much this day would change my life. Even after I went to sleep that night, I did not know how much it impacted me. But around 6 years later, this day would give me the strength to do something that I didn't know I had the strength to do. One day when I was 18 I walked into the kitchen, and my mom tells me she needed to tell me something. She proceeded to tell me that Lifeline called to tell her that my Birth Mother had contacted them and updated her contact information along with asked how I was doing. There are a few things that are vitally important about this: first, as an adopted child, it was good to hear that she was thinking of me. Second, my parents did not hide this information from me. They freely told me and shared with me, we talked about it. As adoptive parents my parents did a fantastic job of openness with me being adopted. There was no shame, awkwardness, or hiding in who I was and where I came from. Also a lot of adoptive parents probably wonder, will my adoptive child think about my birth mother all the time, feel like there is a piece missing, or feel like they do not belong. A lot of these questions only the adoptive parents themselves can help answer. How do you present the situation? How do you present your child being adopted to both others and the child herself? How do you talk about the birth mother? The person who sacrificed so that you could become parents? Adoptive parents need to have the security in the family that God brought together, to be open and transparent with their child. So the child can be open and transparent back. Growing up I prayed for my birth mother on a regular bases. I always knew she loved me that was never a question. My security in knowing this came from my parents’ security in talking to me about being adopted.
Two years ago (in 18 days) I walked into a room. Sitting in this room was a lady with the same eyes as me, the same nose as me, the same mannerisms, and the same love of Mexican food. Two years ago I met my birth mother, Tara. And I would not have had the strength to start the reunion process with out the conversation I had with my mom so many years ago. So, thank you mom and dad. Thank you for being secure in our relationship. You knew that God brought us together. And I was never afraid to talk to you about anything. And thank you Tara, for fighting your nerves and calling Lifeline, now 9 years ago to update your info. Thank you for the sacrifice you made 26 years ago. Thank you for loving me. And thank you for the relationship that we are building.
Twenty six years ago (in nineteen days) I was born. 26 years ago you made the greatest sacrifice of your life, all while making 2 parents dreams come true. Twenty six years later, I hope my life is all that you wanted, all that you dreamed it would be. A birth mother is never forgotten. Her sacrifice is appreciated and thought of every day.
Marie Collier
Administrative Assistant
Two years ago (in 18 days) I walked into a room. Sitting in this room was a lady with the same eyes as me, the same nose as me, the same mannerisms, and the same love of Mexican food. Two years ago I met my birth mother, Tara. And I would not have had the strength to start the reunion process with out the conversation I had with my mom so many years ago. So, thank you mom and dad. Thank you for being secure in our relationship. You knew that God brought us together. And I was never afraid to talk to you about anything. And thank you Tara, for fighting your nerves and calling Lifeline, now 9 years ago to update your info. Thank you for the sacrifice you made 26 years ago. Thank you for loving me. And thank you for the relationship that we are building.
Twenty six years ago (in nineteen days) I was born. 26 years ago you made the greatest sacrifice of your life, all while making 2 parents dreams come true. Twenty six years later, I hope my life is all that you wanted, all that you dreamed it would be. A birth mother is never forgotten. Her sacrifice is appreciated and thought of every day.
Marie Collier
Administrative Assistant
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Faithful Obedience
One of the biggest things I am learning currently is that God does not measure “success” on human terms. As my pastor recently put it, a believer’s focus/what God wants to see from His people is faithful obedience, not results. This is tough for me to swallow. You see, I like results because you can see them, measure them, talk about them, brag about them, compare them, etc. But Jesus is faithfully reminding me that results, especially on my terms, are not His ultimate desire. Therefore, here are some of the thoughts I have been mulling over as of late.
Being “effective” for God’s kingdom is not necessarily about sharing Jesus with the most people, or going on the most mission trips, or doing the most local service projects, or feeling like you are a part of changing the most lives. It isn’t necessarily about rejecting materialism or choosing a job that is clearly ministry, or in my specific case, about trying really hard to place the greatest number of orphan children in Christian homes. These things can be very good, but they shouldn’t be the end-all or only focus of a believer’s life. God does not evaluate effectiveness by numbers or results or victories, especially as we would define those things. A true follower of Jesus should instead and above all be focused on bringing Him glory, which can be done in a number of ways that do not seem the most “effective” or “efficient” to my finite, overly-logical mind. Glorifying the Lord may even mean laying down what I feel like is a talent or passion that He has given me to do something I would consider small, insignificant, and/or a waste of my time, simply because He has called me to do so. The point is that if God calls me to it, it doesn’t matter what it is or what is the outcome – what He desires to see from me and what I hope to learn to love to give Him is faithful obedience. I want to grow to trust His plan so much that I don’t bat an eye if what He asks me to do doesn’t make sense to me based on my human knowledge of Him and what I feel that He is trying to accomplish in His world. How dare I try to impose my limited understanding of a perfect God onto Him anyway!
Bringing glory to the Lord can occur through things that do not seem to me like they will directly advance God’s kingdom, such as going on a date with my sweet husband, spending personal time in the Word, encouraging a friend (who already knows Jesus) over lunch, giving something my best effort at work when no one will see or care. These are not “grand” as the world or even most Christians would define the word, yet they can be pure offerings of the heart – ways to follow, pursue, and reflect Jesus in each small moment, which is, after all, what walking with Him looks like. Taking each moment as it is gifted and choosing to use that moment to glorify the Lord through my heart, mind, body, words, and actions. Often what may seem like “the little things” to me, are ways I can choose Jesus over everything else, including what I am tempted to consider more “grand” and “successful” endeavors to be a witness for Him.
Allow your focus to be faithful obedience to the Lord today, regardless of what you presume the outcome of that obedience will be. Outcomes are God’s business! What freedom there is in following His lead and trusting His master plan – you cannot mess it up even if you tried really hard to do so! Out of your love and gratitude for the Lord and all He has already done for you, glorify Him by listening to, walking with, and obeying Him today and each new day you are given.
Allison Fuqua
International Social Worker
Being “effective” for God’s kingdom is not necessarily about sharing Jesus with the most people, or going on the most mission trips, or doing the most local service projects, or feeling like you are a part of changing the most lives. It isn’t necessarily about rejecting materialism or choosing a job that is clearly ministry, or in my specific case, about trying really hard to place the greatest number of orphan children in Christian homes. These things can be very good, but they shouldn’t be the end-all or only focus of a believer’s life. God does not evaluate effectiveness by numbers or results or victories, especially as we would define those things. A true follower of Jesus should instead and above all be focused on bringing Him glory, which can be done in a number of ways that do not seem the most “effective” or “efficient” to my finite, overly-logical mind. Glorifying the Lord may even mean laying down what I feel like is a talent or passion that He has given me to do something I would consider small, insignificant, and/or a waste of my time, simply because He has called me to do so. The point is that if God calls me to it, it doesn’t matter what it is or what is the outcome – what He desires to see from me and what I hope to learn to love to give Him is faithful obedience. I want to grow to trust His plan so much that I don’t bat an eye if what He asks me to do doesn’t make sense to me based on my human knowledge of Him and what I feel that He is trying to accomplish in His world. How dare I try to impose my limited understanding of a perfect God onto Him anyway!
Bringing glory to the Lord can occur through things that do not seem to me like they will directly advance God’s kingdom, such as going on a date with my sweet husband, spending personal time in the Word, encouraging a friend (who already knows Jesus) over lunch, giving something my best effort at work when no one will see or care. These are not “grand” as the world or even most Christians would define the word, yet they can be pure offerings of the heart – ways to follow, pursue, and reflect Jesus in each small moment, which is, after all, what walking with Him looks like. Taking each moment as it is gifted and choosing to use that moment to glorify the Lord through my heart, mind, body, words, and actions. Often what may seem like “the little things” to me, are ways I can choose Jesus over everything else, including what I am tempted to consider more “grand” and “successful” endeavors to be a witness for Him.
Allow your focus to be faithful obedience to the Lord today, regardless of what you presume the outcome of that obedience will be. Outcomes are God’s business! What freedom there is in following His lead and trusting His master plan – you cannot mess it up even if you tried really hard to do so! Out of your love and gratitude for the Lord and all He has already done for you, glorify Him by listening to, walking with, and obeying Him today and each new day you are given.
Allison Fuqua
International Social Worker
Monday, August 30, 2010
Finding Rest in Him
Psalm 62 teaches us about resting in God by waiting on him.
My soul finds rest in God alone;
My salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
He is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (1-2)
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
My hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
He is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
Pour out your hearts to him,
For God is our refuge. (5-8)
I just think about the opening statement “My soul finds rest in God alone”. The soul is compromised of the mind, the will, and the emotions. When we are trusting in God, all of these things-mind, will, and our emotions are submitted to him and waiting for his timing. We do not try to make anything happen in our own strength; we wait for God to move on our behalf.
When we wait on God we begin to develop an attitude that reflects Jesus in Luke 22:42, “Father if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” I know in my own life when the waiting is too difficult I want him to take my unrest and make the situation fit how I think best. However, I have found that it is much less frustrating if I ask God to give me the grace to endure it. We are sure to find great peace and enter into a supernatural rest when we are able to surrender. Life becomes much easier when we trust that God is in control and that he has our best interest at heart just like any good father. Whatever it is today that is causing you to not wait on his timing meditate on Psalm 62 and find rest in him.
Laura Armstrong
Foster Care Social Worker
My soul finds rest in God alone;
My salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
He is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (1-2)
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
My hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
He is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
Pour out your hearts to him,
For God is our refuge. (5-8)
I just think about the opening statement “My soul finds rest in God alone”. The soul is compromised of the mind, the will, and the emotions. When we are trusting in God, all of these things-mind, will, and our emotions are submitted to him and waiting for his timing. We do not try to make anything happen in our own strength; we wait for God to move on our behalf.
When we wait on God we begin to develop an attitude that reflects Jesus in Luke 22:42, “Father if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” I know in my own life when the waiting is too difficult I want him to take my unrest and make the situation fit how I think best. However, I have found that it is much less frustrating if I ask God to give me the grace to endure it. We are sure to find great peace and enter into a supernatural rest when we are able to surrender. Life becomes much easier when we trust that God is in control and that he has our best interest at heart just like any good father. Whatever it is today that is causing you to not wait on his timing meditate on Psalm 62 and find rest in him.
Laura Armstrong
Foster Care Social Worker
Friday, August 27, 2010
Ephesians 5 - “Living in the Light”
“Follow God’s example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him.”
Ephesians 5:1-2
Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”
Ephesians 5:14
Oswald Chambers Devotional for February 16 uses Ephesians 5 to talk about “The Inspiration of Spiritual Initiative”.
Not all initiative, the willingness to take the first step, is inspired by God. Someone may say to you, “Get up and get going! Take your reluctance by the throat and throw it overboard – just do what needs to be done!” That is what we mean by ordinary human initiative. But when the Spirit of God comes to us and says, in effect, “Get up and get going,” suddenly we find that the initiative is inspired.
We all have many dreams and aspirations when we are young, but soon or later we realize we have no power to accomplish them. We cannot do the things we long to do, so our tendency is to think of our dreams and aspirations as dead. But God comes and says to us, “Arise from the dead…” When God sends His inspiration, it comes to us with such miraculous power that we are able to “arise from the dead” and do the impossible. The remarkable thing about spiritual initiative is that the life and power comes after we “get up and get going. God does not give us overcoming life – He gives us life as we overcome. When the inspiration of God comes, and He says, “Arise from the dead…” we have to get ourselves up, God will not lift us up. Our Lord said to the man with the withered hand, “Stretch out your hand” (Matthew 12:13). As soon as the man did so, his hand was healed. But he had to take the initiative. If we will take the initiative to overcome, we will find that we have the inspiration of God, because he immediately gives us the power of life.
I share this devotional because it makes me think of the thoughts and dreams many of us have to adopt a child. We dream about holding our child in our arms but often times fear or other circumstances seem to stand in the way. I personally know that when the Lord comes in and says, “Get up and get going” that the impossible dream can and does become a reality. I share this devotional in the case that you are reading this right now and are in that place that seems impossible. Seek the Lord and take the initiative. Allow the Lord’s divine and miraculous power to come in and make the dream a reality. I personally know the difficulty of these decisions and the journey, but I also know that the Lord is able and will provide. I needed to take that step and reach out my hand to the Lord and to the child that the Lord had waiting for our family.
As I share these thoughts I also want to share about 4 new children that just arrived on my desk from Bulgaria. They desperately need a family and a home. If you are not their family please pray for them and pray for the Lord to bring their family quickly. They are waiting and I can only imagine how long that wait must feel for these precious children and the many more that long for a family.
Girl S (Age 4)
She is simply lagging behind and has no real neurological diagnosis. The orphanage workers think that if she would have a family to teach her and love her that she would be able to greatly make up for all the lagging behind. She likes contact with others and is so adorable.
Girl Y (Age 8)
She has a diagnosis of Down Syndrome but according to Toni she is doing quite well. She attends a mainstream preschool and is neat and orderly. She is attached to the other children and the staff. She easily forgives and adapts well to new environments.
Boy R (Age 5)
He has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome and really needs a family all his own to help him to progress. He is serious and rarely smiles. He can walk by holding onto a hand or the wall for support.
Boy M (Age 6)
He has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome, but seems to be a favorite of the orphanage staff. We have many photos and two videos for this adorable little guy. He loves to go outside for walks and he absolutely loves to cuddle with an adult.
If you have any interest in knowing more about any of these children that need a family or any of the other children listed on Lifeline’s Waiting Children lists please contact our office for more information (205-972-8496). If you just have questions about adoption or seem to be in that place of not knowing what direction to turn please contact us. We will be more than happy to talk with you and to pray with you. The Lord has a plan for your life and if we can help in any way please let us know. It would be an honor and a blessing.
In Christ’s love,
Stephanie Carpenter
International Adoption Specialist
Ephesians 5:1-2
Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”
Ephesians 5:14
Oswald Chambers Devotional for February 16 uses Ephesians 5 to talk about “The Inspiration of Spiritual Initiative”.
Not all initiative, the willingness to take the first step, is inspired by God. Someone may say to you, “Get up and get going! Take your reluctance by the throat and throw it overboard – just do what needs to be done!” That is what we mean by ordinary human initiative. But when the Spirit of God comes to us and says, in effect, “Get up and get going,” suddenly we find that the initiative is inspired.
We all have many dreams and aspirations when we are young, but soon or later we realize we have no power to accomplish them. We cannot do the things we long to do, so our tendency is to think of our dreams and aspirations as dead. But God comes and says to us, “Arise from the dead…” When God sends His inspiration, it comes to us with such miraculous power that we are able to “arise from the dead” and do the impossible. The remarkable thing about spiritual initiative is that the life and power comes after we “get up and get going. God does not give us overcoming life – He gives us life as we overcome. When the inspiration of God comes, and He says, “Arise from the dead…” we have to get ourselves up, God will not lift us up. Our Lord said to the man with the withered hand, “Stretch out your hand” (Matthew 12:13). As soon as the man did so, his hand was healed. But he had to take the initiative. If we will take the initiative to overcome, we will find that we have the inspiration of God, because he immediately gives us the power of life.
I share this devotional because it makes me think of the thoughts and dreams many of us have to adopt a child. We dream about holding our child in our arms but often times fear or other circumstances seem to stand in the way. I personally know that when the Lord comes in and says, “Get up and get going” that the impossible dream can and does become a reality. I share this devotional in the case that you are reading this right now and are in that place that seems impossible. Seek the Lord and take the initiative. Allow the Lord’s divine and miraculous power to come in and make the dream a reality. I personally know the difficulty of these decisions and the journey, but I also know that the Lord is able and will provide. I needed to take that step and reach out my hand to the Lord and to the child that the Lord had waiting for our family.
As I share these thoughts I also want to share about 4 new children that just arrived on my desk from Bulgaria. They desperately need a family and a home. If you are not their family please pray for them and pray for the Lord to bring their family quickly. They are waiting and I can only imagine how long that wait must feel for these precious children and the many more that long for a family.
Girl S (Age 4)
She is simply lagging behind and has no real neurological diagnosis. The orphanage workers think that if she would have a family to teach her and love her that she would be able to greatly make up for all the lagging behind. She likes contact with others and is so adorable.
Girl Y (Age 8)
She has a diagnosis of Down Syndrome but according to Toni she is doing quite well. She attends a mainstream preschool and is neat and orderly. She is attached to the other children and the staff. She easily forgives and adapts well to new environments.
Boy R (Age 5)
He has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome and really needs a family all his own to help him to progress. He is serious and rarely smiles. He can walk by holding onto a hand or the wall for support.
Boy M (Age 6)
He has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome, but seems to be a favorite of the orphanage staff. We have many photos and two videos for this adorable little guy. He loves to go outside for walks and he absolutely loves to cuddle with an adult.
If you have any interest in knowing more about any of these children that need a family or any of the other children listed on Lifeline’s Waiting Children lists please contact our office for more information (205-972-8496). If you just have questions about adoption or seem to be in that place of not knowing what direction to turn please contact us. We will be more than happy to talk with you and to pray with you. The Lord has a plan for your life and if we can help in any way please let us know. It would be an honor and a blessing.
In Christ’s love,
Stephanie Carpenter
International Adoption Specialist
Friday, August 20, 2010
A Note from the Director - It Doesn’t Make Cents (or Sense)
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.’ Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” 1 Corinthians 1:18-20Earlier this week a 23 year-old young man, a stand-out running back from the University of Alabama, and a current member of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers retired and walked away from the game of professional football. Reportedly, Glen Coffee walked away from a contract set to pay him upwards of $1 million over the next three years, not to mention a lucrative $828,000 signing bonus.
When interviewed by Matt Barrow’s a Reporter for the San Francisco Bee, Coffee said, “It was a struggle for a long time… football was no longer my dream. I found Christ in college (and) it changed my views on everything.” ESPN.com reporter Mike Sando commented on Coffee’s sudden retirement, “if he does have regrets years later, he will have missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
As believers so much of what we are called to do is seen as radical, crazy, insane, and even demented to the world in which we live. Everyone has an opinion, and most aren’t too shy to share it with you, especially when you’re a making a decision that seems like a radical abandonment.
Reading the Bible, we soon learn that a life devoted to Christ is a life that looks foolish to those who don’t know him. Isaiah was asked to prophesy to a people who would not listen or change their hearts. Hosea was asked to marry a harlot. Moses, slow in speech and despised, was asked to speak for and lead his people to a seemingly impossible task. The disciples were asked to lay down their nets, to leave their jobs and family and follow the Messiah. Jim Elliott was asked to go to Ecuador to a savage people whom later killed him, but received the Gospel in part to the faithfulness of his wife Elizabeth and their children. Glen Coffee was asked to leave football and millions of dollars. Countless numbers of families are called to rearrange their families, to travel to far off lands to graft orphaned children they’ve never seen into their families. Foolishness... Radical…
Meanwhile, the world exclaims, it doesn’t make cents – why throw away money, the American Dream, your life? The opinions and comments come from every direction urging you, pleading with you, to follow the path of the world. It can be deafening… I urge you brothers and sisters, listen to the still small voice of your Savior who pleads I have something so much better.
So the questions you must ask yourself are, “do you believe that Jesus is worth abandoning everything for? Do you believe him enough to obey him and to follow him wherever he leads, even when the crowds - and even your church - turn the other way?”
Adoption and orphan care are hard. They are life altering and life changing. Caring for orphans challenges your faith, yet strengthens your resolve and hope in your creator. Parents, friends, co-workers, and even those within your church will challenge you and question you on your commitment. It doesn’t make cents or sense at times, unless God calls you to it and then you have more cents and sense than ever.
In a recent article Dr. Russell Moore, the Dean of Students at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, likens adoption and orphan care to spiritual warfare. And the analogy is true. Satan does not want Christian involved in taking care of impressionable foster children who need stability, love, care, and Christ. Satan doesn’t want a radical Christian family impacting an orphan not only for today but for an eternity. Satan detests when Christians organize to spread throughout the world training orphans with life skills and the Gospel. It is a war, but we serve a victorious God.
“On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. In that day they will say, ‘Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.’” Isaiah 25:7-8
So the last question, since we are fighting a war, “Will you join the ranks?” We need families to help us rescue children from literally perishing at home and around the world through adoption and foster care. Any good army enlists many volunteers and we need people to stuff packets, answer phones, recruit families, mentor birthmothers and orphans, etc. And lastly every good army is well funded – can you share the resource of Heaven with Lifeline as we seek to eradicate the word “orphan.”
Partner with Lifeline today. Visit LifelineAdoption.org to donate to the cause, to apply to adopt, to sign up for a trip through our (un)adopted ministry and visit orphans in need, to apply to be a foster parents for a child in US foster care, or to volunteer in one of many ways for the sake of orphans.
Oh beloved, will you allow God to use you to impact the life of a child? Please do not hesitate to give Lifeline a call because we are here...
On behalf of the orphans.
Herbie Newell
Executive Director
Lifeline Children's Services
giving children a hope and a future
twitter: @hmnewell
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Worth the Wait
Ok, I’m just going to say it. I’m going to be confessional and admit it right here on this Christian blog.. I HATE WAITING!!! I know, I know.. that’s not very spiritual of me but it’s the truth! I mean is there anything more intolerable than having to stand around completely dependant on someone else to get you what you need? Sure, maybe its okay when you are a baby and don’t know any better. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons God allows us not to remember anything in those early years.. to keep us from blowing a gasket from all the waiting (think diapers)! Is anyone with me.. or am I the only one who struggles with waiting? And just so you know, I hate all forms of waiting. I will flat out tell you.. I think when I go to the grocery store there is a conspiracy against me. No matter what line I get into you can bet it will end up being the “slow” line. If you ever see me in a store just pick another register and watch how fast you will move.
I am going to say something else about waiting. I hope this will not offend anyone but as long as we are being honest I am going to get it all off of my chest. When I have to wait (often), the last thing I want to hear (often) is a spiritual pep talk about the virtues of patience. I know that patience is a virtue. I know that God is working these delays for my good and His Glory. I know God loves me and sees my circumstance. I get it, I really do. I’m even telling these things to myself while I wait three hours to get my car tags. But sometimes I just don’t want to hear the patience sermon from a well meaning friend (that I know suffers with road rage himself).
So, that’s what I have loved about all these “Adoption Reunions” Lifeline has been doing this month (St. Louis two weeks ago, Birmingham this past week, and Spokane, Washington this coming weekend). Wait a second.. What does patience have to do with our Adoption Reunions? Well, since you asked.. Imagine with me an Adoption Reunion in a large banquet room completely packed out with hundreds of adoptive families.. a good number of them are in the adoptive process, but most families have already been through the adoption process and they are home with their child or children. And today, these families have brought by the hundreds, their little joyful (full of energy).. adoptive kiddos. Each of these incredible, beautiful children are a billboard that says, “You will not wait forever” “After the wilderness.. the Promiseland” “I was worth every moment you had to wait” I love it! Because, like most of our families in the process, I need to SEE this truth much more than I need to hear it.
So thank you Lifeline families for bringing your adoptive kids to our Reunions the past two weeks (and for the hundreds who will be in Spokane this weekend). This past weekend I sat in awe watching and listening to your children smile, laugh, sing, shout, giggle, whisper in your ear, tug on your arm, and give you hugs and kisses. But I also realize, while all that was going on, your kids were quietly preaching a message to all of our families still in the process.. You won’t wait forever! After the wilderness.. the Promiseland! Your child will be worth every moment you had to wait! Thanks kids!!!
Rich blessings, peace, and yes.. patience to each of you. Joy is coming in the morning!
Dave Wood
International Director
I am going to say something else about waiting. I hope this will not offend anyone but as long as we are being honest I am going to get it all off of my chest. When I have to wait (often), the last thing I want to hear (often) is a spiritual pep talk about the virtues of patience. I know that patience is a virtue. I know that God is working these delays for my good and His Glory. I know God loves me and sees my circumstance. I get it, I really do. I’m even telling these things to myself while I wait three hours to get my car tags. But sometimes I just don’t want to hear the patience sermon from a well meaning friend (that I know suffers with road rage himself).
So, that’s what I have loved about all these “Adoption Reunions” Lifeline has been doing this month (St. Louis two weeks ago, Birmingham this past week, and Spokane, Washington this coming weekend). Wait a second.. What does patience have to do with our Adoption Reunions? Well, since you asked.. Imagine with me an Adoption Reunion in a large banquet room completely packed out with hundreds of adoptive families.. a good number of them are in the adoptive process, but most families have already been through the adoption process and they are home with their child or children. And today, these families have brought by the hundreds, their little joyful (full of energy).. adoptive kiddos. Each of these incredible, beautiful children are a billboard that says, “You will not wait forever” “After the wilderness.. the Promiseland” “I was worth every moment you had to wait” I love it! Because, like most of our families in the process, I need to SEE this truth much more than I need to hear it.
So thank you Lifeline families for bringing your adoptive kids to our Reunions the past two weeks (and for the hundreds who will be in Spokane this weekend). This past weekend I sat in awe watching and listening to your children smile, laugh, sing, shout, giggle, whisper in your ear, tug on your arm, and give you hugs and kisses. But I also realize, while all that was going on, your kids were quietly preaching a message to all of our families still in the process.. You won’t wait forever! After the wilderness.. the Promiseland! Your child will be worth every moment you had to wait! Thanks kids!!!
Rich blessings, peace, and yes.. patience to each of you. Joy is coming in the morning!
Dave Wood
International Director
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Daphne Welcomes Lifeline to the Area!
I am very proud and honored to be serving as Lifeline’s South Alabama Case Worker! Having grown up in the Daphne area, I am anxiously anticipating what God has in store for the people of the Eastern Shore! My family’s own adoption story provided me to opportunity to become acquainted with other adoptive families in the area growing up. I have grown to love and gain such joy from seeing a family built through adoption! It truly is my privilege to serve the Lord as He does His work here.
As the South Alabama Case Worker, I serve adoptive families (both international and domestic), I counsel birth mothers, and I even get to do a little marketing. As I submit to Him and strive to follow His guidance, I trust daily that the Lord is at work here; that this is His work and not my own. It is my heart’s desire to see families embrace our calling to care for orphans (James 1:27) and to proclaim liberty and freedom (Isaiah 61:1).
If you are in the area, I look forward to meeting you and joining you on your own adoption journey.
Be on the lookout for an information meeting at a local church!
Blessings,
Mallory Blackmon, LGSW
South Alabama Case Worker
As the South Alabama Case Worker, I serve adoptive families (both international and domestic), I counsel birth mothers, and I even get to do a little marketing. As I submit to Him and strive to follow His guidance, I trust daily that the Lord is at work here; that this is His work and not my own. It is my heart’s desire to see families embrace our calling to care for orphans (James 1:27) and to proclaim liberty and freedom (Isaiah 61:1).
If you are in the area, I look forward to meeting you and joining you on your own adoption journey.
Be on the lookout for an information meeting at a local church!
Blessings,
Mallory Blackmon, LGSW
South Alabama Case Worker
Monday, August 16, 2010
Beautiful Scars
‘Beautiful Scars” – Waiting Children that are available immediately
Please join me in prayer for children that need a family. There are so many children that are in need that I ask myself how will I choose a few children to specifically advocate for in this post. I just received a new sibling group to advocate for from Bulgaria and also some updated information on a precious little boy in Bulgaria.
I am also listing some information on a sibling group from Taiwan, a precious little boy from Taiwan and also a beautiful little girl that is waiting for her family in Taiwan! I have attached information only about these children. If you would like more information and/or photos please contact me and I will be blessed to provide that. If you would hear of anyone that might be sensing that Lord is calling them to adopt these precious children please pass along my email and/or phone number.
Please join me in prayer for them to find their forever families and for the Lord to draw their family to these children. I have seen the Lord move in mighty ways for His precious children. The Lord has moved in mighty ways to draw my husband and myself to our precious daughters and I have seen the Lord move in similar ways for many other families. The Lord loves these children more than I could ever know and/or understand.
I keep thinking about the song that Steven Curtis Chapman sings called, “ Beautiful Scars”. If you have never heard the song you need to listen to it and listen to it with a heart and ears focused on the precious orphans that desperately long for a family.
We can save them one child at a time - actually it is the Lord that saves them but He calls us to be the voice for the voiceless. I am humbled and honored to be the voice for these precious children! Join me in being their voice and in being their prayer warriors!
May the Lord bless you and your family!
In Christ,
Stephanie Carpenter
International Social Worker
stephanie.carpenter@lifelineadoption.org
Bulgaria
Sibling group
Girl: N #902, 6 years old
Boy: A #900, 5 years old
This sister and brother are available immediately for adoption from Bulgaria. They must be adopted together. They are a sweet sibling group that so deserves the love of a family all their own. Please pray for them to find their family.
N is six years old and is beautiful. She has dark brown hair and a smile to light up a room. She was born prematurely and was treated with oxygen for two days. She is physically developing normally and only lags behind mildly in her neuro-psychical development. She plays with other children and can understand concepts such as yesterday and tomorrow. She visibly corresponds to her calendar age. She has a well-developed imagination and participates in organized activities. She can care for herself with respect to getting dressed and using the bathroom. Her emotional tonus is positive. She can hold a pencil correctly and supports and helps another child. She is a lovely little girl. Please pray for her.
A is five years old and very adorable. He has dark brown hair and brown eyes. When he was born he had respiratory distress. He has been diagnosed with being prematurely born third degree; ROP (retinopathy of the prematurely born) – Atrophy of the optical nerve and Aberrant cord in the left chamber. He lags behind in his physical development and in his psycho-motor development. He does run well and can go up and down the stairs. He can throw and catch a ball. He can carry out one step instructions and can say his name and the names of the other children. He is able to stop inappropriate behavior with a reminder or two. He can express his emotions with the adequate expressions of the face. He falls asleep easily and his sleep is calm. He can care for himself and get dressed and use the bathroom. He shows interest in his environment. This little boy deserves the love of a family. Please pray for him.
Bulgaria
Boy: I # 626, 4 years old
Last updated June 28, 2010 from the Ministry of Justice in Sophia, Bulgaria
He is developing normally for a child his age. He is in good general condition. He was diagnosed in at birth with congenital hydrocephalus but according to his latest update he does not need additional medical care. He has speech that is consistent with his age. He seeks to rejoice in the presence of the adults close to him and he also enters into active connection and relation with them. He has interest in being with other children and this makes him happy. He has built up emotional-social relationship with those who are around him. He regularly goes to kindergarten. He is a sweet little boy that deserves a family to love him.
Taiwan- Waiting Child
Boy
Date of birth: November 29, 2004
Lived at the orphanage since November 28, 2005
Special need: hearing loss/ hearing aids
He is receiving speech therapy and it is believed that he will make great progress with teaching and learning. He loves going on outings and is thrilled when the caregiver gives him positive responses. He is potty trained. His favorite toys are blocks, cars and drawing. He sleeps well and likes all kinds of food. He attempts to play with his peer cooperatively.
We have medical records, history, and social history available for interested families.
Girl
Date of Birth: October 10, 2002
Six years old and soon turning seven
She is a beautiful little girl that needs a family to love her and cherish her. She is doing well but has a slight developmental delay. We have a short video available of her doing school work and she is just as cute as can be!
Taiwan- Waiting Child
Sibling group
Brothers – must be adopted together
Boy: date of Birth January 1, 2000 – 10 years old
Boy: date of Birth- May 28, 2005 – 5 years old
Special Need: Both brothers have been diagnosed with Hepatitis C
Sibling, older child
Brother 1 has been in a foster family since June 1, 2007. If he can’t fall asleep he plays with stuffed toys or reads to fall asleep. His schoolteachers say he is a trusted child and he is a good helper and responsible. He has a talent for assembling toys and fixing things. He is good at sports and he is good at basketball. The average of his schoolwork for the year was 87.2 out of 100.
Brother 2 has been in a foster family since November 17, 2006. He is a considerate child and likes to help others. He likes to help the teacher and classmates at school. He likes toy cars and those that make siren sounds. He likes to complete tasks on his own and asks for help if he is unable. His gross motor development is within normal development.
Please contact either myself at the above listed email address or feel free to call the Lifeline Children’s Services main number - 205.972.8479 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 205.972.8479 end_of_the_skype_highlighting for more information regarding these precious children or other children that are currently waiting!
Please join me in prayer for children that need a family. There are so many children that are in need that I ask myself how will I choose a few children to specifically advocate for in this post. I just received a new sibling group to advocate for from Bulgaria and also some updated information on a precious little boy in Bulgaria.
I am also listing some information on a sibling group from Taiwan, a precious little boy from Taiwan and also a beautiful little girl that is waiting for her family in Taiwan! I have attached information only about these children. If you would like more information and/or photos please contact me and I will be blessed to provide that. If you would hear of anyone that might be sensing that Lord is calling them to adopt these precious children please pass along my email and/or phone number.
Please join me in prayer for them to find their forever families and for the Lord to draw their family to these children. I have seen the Lord move in mighty ways for His precious children. The Lord has moved in mighty ways to draw my husband and myself to our precious daughters and I have seen the Lord move in similar ways for many other families. The Lord loves these children more than I could ever know and/or understand.
I keep thinking about the song that Steven Curtis Chapman sings called, “ Beautiful Scars”. If you have never heard the song you need to listen to it and listen to it with a heart and ears focused on the precious orphans that desperately long for a family.
We can save them one child at a time - actually it is the Lord that saves them but He calls us to be the voice for the voiceless. I am humbled and honored to be the voice for these precious children! Join me in being their voice and in being their prayer warriors!
May the Lord bless you and your family!
In Christ,
Stephanie Carpenter
International Social Worker
stephanie.carpenter@lifelineadoption.org
Bulgaria
Sibling group
Girl: N #902, 6 years old
Boy: A #900, 5 years old
This sister and brother are available immediately for adoption from Bulgaria. They must be adopted together. They are a sweet sibling group that so deserves the love of a family all their own. Please pray for them to find their family.
N is six years old and is beautiful. She has dark brown hair and a smile to light up a room. She was born prematurely and was treated with oxygen for two days. She is physically developing normally and only lags behind mildly in her neuro-psychical development. She plays with other children and can understand concepts such as yesterday and tomorrow. She visibly corresponds to her calendar age. She has a well-developed imagination and participates in organized activities. She can care for herself with respect to getting dressed and using the bathroom. Her emotional tonus is positive. She can hold a pencil correctly and supports and helps another child. She is a lovely little girl. Please pray for her.
A is five years old and very adorable. He has dark brown hair and brown eyes. When he was born he had respiratory distress. He has been diagnosed with being prematurely born third degree; ROP (retinopathy of the prematurely born) – Atrophy of the optical nerve and Aberrant cord in the left chamber. He lags behind in his physical development and in his psycho-motor development. He does run well and can go up and down the stairs. He can throw and catch a ball. He can carry out one step instructions and can say his name and the names of the other children. He is able to stop inappropriate behavior with a reminder or two. He can express his emotions with the adequate expressions of the face. He falls asleep easily and his sleep is calm. He can care for himself and get dressed and use the bathroom. He shows interest in his environment. This little boy deserves the love of a family. Please pray for him.
Bulgaria
Boy: I # 626, 4 years old
Last updated June 28, 2010 from the Ministry of Justice in Sophia, Bulgaria
He is developing normally for a child his age. He is in good general condition. He was diagnosed in at birth with congenital hydrocephalus but according to his latest update he does not need additional medical care. He has speech that is consistent with his age. He seeks to rejoice in the presence of the adults close to him and he also enters into active connection and relation with them. He has interest in being with other children and this makes him happy. He has built up emotional-social relationship with those who are around him. He regularly goes to kindergarten. He is a sweet little boy that deserves a family to love him.
Taiwan- Waiting Child
Boy
Date of birth: November 29, 2004
Lived at the orphanage since November 28, 2005
Special need: hearing loss/ hearing aids
He is receiving speech therapy and it is believed that he will make great progress with teaching and learning. He loves going on outings and is thrilled when the caregiver gives him positive responses. He is potty trained. His favorite toys are blocks, cars and drawing. He sleeps well and likes all kinds of food. He attempts to play with his peer cooperatively.
We have medical records, history, and social history available for interested families.
Girl
Date of Birth: October 10, 2002
Six years old and soon turning seven
She is a beautiful little girl that needs a family to love her and cherish her. She is doing well but has a slight developmental delay. We have a short video available of her doing school work and she is just as cute as can be!
Taiwan- Waiting Child
Sibling group
Brothers – must be adopted together
Boy: date of Birth January 1, 2000 – 10 years old
Boy: date of Birth- May 28, 2005 – 5 years old
Special Need: Both brothers have been diagnosed with Hepatitis C
Sibling, older child
Brother 1 has been in a foster family since June 1, 2007. If he can’t fall asleep he plays with stuffed toys or reads to fall asleep. His schoolteachers say he is a trusted child and he is a good helper and responsible. He has a talent for assembling toys and fixing things. He is good at sports and he is good at basketball. The average of his schoolwork for the year was 87.2 out of 100.
Brother 2 has been in a foster family since November 17, 2006. He is a considerate child and likes to help others. He likes to help the teacher and classmates at school. He likes toy cars and those that make siren sounds. He likes to complete tasks on his own and asks for help if he is unable. His gross motor development is within normal development.
Please contact either myself at the above listed email address or feel free to call the Lifeline Children’s Services main number - 205.972.8479 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 205.972.8479 end_of_the_skype_highlighting for more information regarding these precious children or other children that are currently waiting!
Imagine This...
It is a bright and sunny Friday morning, on a hot day in mid-August. You’ve just recently begun the third grade, at the school located in the city where you are from. Today begins like any other day…..
The alarm sounds at 6 am, you hit snooze, and roll over to catch a few more zzzzz’s. Mom comes in and announces that you’ll be late for school if you don’t get up. You look at the clock and notice that it is now 6:30 and the bus will be arriving shortly. You throw on your school clothes, pour a bowl of your favorite cereal, rushing to eat, not even sure if you are chewing before you swallow, brush your teeth, grab your book bag, and run out the door – just in time(!) to see the bus coming down your street. As the bus stops, and you walk up the steps to your regular seat, you see many familiar faces, and hear the noisy chatter. Once the bus arrives at school after completing its route, you walk to your classroom, put your books in the proper cubby hole, find your regular table, and sit in the same, blue, plastic chair. Time ticks away, and as the teacher explains how to do subtraction and how to find the main verb, your mind eagerly anticipates lunch and recess. It’s finally time for lunch – YEA! Pizza day – it’s your favorite! About an hour later, you get to have free day at recess – another favorite! It’s been a great day! As you play on the swings with your two best friends, you discuss the exciting weekend plans – high school football game tonight, then grandma’s house tomorrow. Your teacher calls for everyone to come back inside, same as always. You make your way back to your classroom, only today, the teacher asks that you visit the office instead of going back to class. You walk to the office, not sure what to expect. As you enter the office, you see a lady you’ve never seen before, smiling, waiting to greet you. She knows your name and has some of your belongings with her. The smile is now gone from her face as she begins telling you that she is a social worker, and that you won’t be going home today. You’ll be staying in a new home, with people you’ve never met. No seeing Mommy and Daddy. No football game tonight. No going to Grandma’s house tomorrow. Suddenly this day, which started out so good, and so normal, has just become a nightmare.
……Unfortunately, what you have just imagined, has actually been a reality for many children. Over 6,000 children are currently in foster care in the state of Alabama, and an estimated 600,000 nationwide. Children of all ages and ethnic groups are in great need of a loving, Christian family to provide a stable environment where they can grow and thrive. YOU can help make a difference in the life of a child by volunteering to be a foster parent, or respite relief. For more information, please contact Traci Newell at Lifeline Children’s Services: Traci.Newell@lifelineadoption.org
“Then the King will say………For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to eat, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:34-36, 40
Only By His Wounds,
Deanna Crist
Financial and Marketing Assistant
The alarm sounds at 6 am, you hit snooze, and roll over to catch a few more zzzzz’s. Mom comes in and announces that you’ll be late for school if you don’t get up. You look at the clock and notice that it is now 6:30 and the bus will be arriving shortly. You throw on your school clothes, pour a bowl of your favorite cereal, rushing to eat, not even sure if you are chewing before you swallow, brush your teeth, grab your book bag, and run out the door – just in time(!) to see the bus coming down your street. As the bus stops, and you walk up the steps to your regular seat, you see many familiar faces, and hear the noisy chatter. Once the bus arrives at school after completing its route, you walk to your classroom, put your books in the proper cubby hole, find your regular table, and sit in the same, blue, plastic chair. Time ticks away, and as the teacher explains how to do subtraction and how to find the main verb, your mind eagerly anticipates lunch and recess. It’s finally time for lunch – YEA! Pizza day – it’s your favorite! About an hour later, you get to have free day at recess – another favorite! It’s been a great day! As you play on the swings with your two best friends, you discuss the exciting weekend plans – high school football game tonight, then grandma’s house tomorrow. Your teacher calls for everyone to come back inside, same as always. You make your way back to your classroom, only today, the teacher asks that you visit the office instead of going back to class. You walk to the office, not sure what to expect. As you enter the office, you see a lady you’ve never seen before, smiling, waiting to greet you. She knows your name and has some of your belongings with her. The smile is now gone from her face as she begins telling you that she is a social worker, and that you won’t be going home today. You’ll be staying in a new home, with people you’ve never met. No seeing Mommy and Daddy. No football game tonight. No going to Grandma’s house tomorrow. Suddenly this day, which started out so good, and so normal, has just become a nightmare.
……Unfortunately, what you have just imagined, has actually been a reality for many children. Over 6,000 children are currently in foster care in the state of Alabama, and an estimated 600,000 nationwide. Children of all ages and ethnic groups are in great need of a loving, Christian family to provide a stable environment where they can grow and thrive. YOU can help make a difference in the life of a child by volunteering to be a foster parent, or respite relief. For more information, please contact Traci Newell at Lifeline Children’s Services: Traci.Newell@lifelineadoption.org
“Then the King will say………For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to eat, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:34-36, 40
Only By His Wounds,
Deanna Crist
Financial and Marketing Assistant
Thursday, August 12, 2010
A twenty dollar bill
My Tuesday afternoons this summer have been spent with a co-worker and friend instructing young girls in the basic elements of ballet. Ballet has been our “foot in the door” at the large inner-city housing complex where the classes have been held. Our primary goal has been to interweave our teaching with stories from the Bible – stories that emphasize our value in God’s eyes. My guess is many of the young ladies in the class are devalued and don’t truly understand their significance to their Creator and the world around them.
In an effort to teach the parable of the lost coin (Luke, chapter 15:8-10), I grabbed a $20 bill from my daughter’s “Monopoly” money and tucked it away in my pocket for a later illustration. Following class that day, as we sat to hear God’s word, I revealed the bill to the girls and surveyed their reactions. Upon inspection, they agreed that, if the money were real and lost, they would spend a great deal of time and energy searching for it. I then shared that God feels the same about us, and to Him, we are so much more valuable than a $20 bill (and the woman’s lost coin.) Following the story, we exchanged prayer requests. As we reached one of the last little girls in the circle, she said, “Tonight, tell your daughter that she is more important than a $20 bill.”
I was struck by her statement; how often I fail to tell my own children about their worth in my eyes. Yet as often as I fail my children, and ultimately my Father, He never ceases to gently remind me of His unfailing love for me. With all of my shortcomings, it is easy to lose sight of his overarching love. After all, this is the One who rejoiced with His angels in Glory when I came to know Him as my Savior and Lord (Luke, chapter 15:10).
That little girl in class did me a huge favor. In a poignant moment, she reminded me of how our own children need to hear of their worth. Foster care and adoption, at the very root of their existence, send a message to the birth parents in crisis and the children who are victimized or living in orphanages out of sight and mind - that they are of great worth. For those willing to invest their lives in a child and possibly his birth parents, the lost begin to understand their value. And it is from there that Christian parents can share the vast and unfailing love of their Creator, who searches for them with great diligence and rejoices when they are found.
Traci Newell
Education Coordinator
In an effort to teach the parable of the lost coin (Luke, chapter 15:8-10), I grabbed a $20 bill from my daughter’s “Monopoly” money and tucked it away in my pocket for a later illustration. Following class that day, as we sat to hear God’s word, I revealed the bill to the girls and surveyed their reactions. Upon inspection, they agreed that, if the money were real and lost, they would spend a great deal of time and energy searching for it. I then shared that God feels the same about us, and to Him, we are so much more valuable than a $20 bill (and the woman’s lost coin.) Following the story, we exchanged prayer requests. As we reached one of the last little girls in the circle, she said, “Tonight, tell your daughter that she is more important than a $20 bill.”
I was struck by her statement; how often I fail to tell my own children about their worth in my eyes. Yet as often as I fail my children, and ultimately my Father, He never ceases to gently remind me of His unfailing love for me. With all of my shortcomings, it is easy to lose sight of his overarching love. After all, this is the One who rejoiced with His angels in Glory when I came to know Him as my Savior and Lord (Luke, chapter 15:10).
That little girl in class did me a huge favor. In a poignant moment, she reminded me of how our own children need to hear of their worth. Foster care and adoption, at the very root of their existence, send a message to the birth parents in crisis and the children who are victimized or living in orphanages out of sight and mind - that they are of great worth. For those willing to invest their lives in a child and possibly his birth parents, the lost begin to understand their value. And it is from there that Christian parents can share the vast and unfailing love of their Creator, who searches for them with great diligence and rejoices when they are found.
Traci Newell
Education Coordinator
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Lessons learned as an international social worker.
1. God’s timing. God’s plan will trump our own. Every time. What a relief that is; we can rest easy that there is nothing that will mess His plan up. He never said it would be easy; only that it would be worth it!
2. Hopefulness. God promises us hope for the future and he promises to execute justice for the fatherless. That truth can never leave us discouraged!
3. God’s love for his children. While you wonder about the welfare of your child while you wait for your opportunity to be with them, you can be assured that He loves your child with a love that passes our understanding. In the palm of His hand is the best place for your child; whether that means a longer separation or a shorter one, He is giving the ones He loves His very best.
4. Preparation. Every day is a gift! Every single day in between today and the day that your child enters your family is a day to prepare your heart, mind, and home for a great change. Pray for your family and yourself that the Lord uses this day to make you more ready; a better mother or father for the child that will soon enter your home. Teach yourself and others that will be involved with your child about adoption. Prepare them to be the best big brother, big sister, aunt, uncle, or grandparent that they can be to their new family member!
5. Trusting Him. Will you choose to worry and fret and live in anxiety? God does not wonder what will come of your family and your children. Trusting Him is a much more peaceful option.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than good and the body more important than clothes? Look at the bird of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
Matthew 6:25-27
Claire Davis
International Social Worker
2. Hopefulness. God promises us hope for the future and he promises to execute justice for the fatherless. That truth can never leave us discouraged!
3. God’s love for his children. While you wonder about the welfare of your child while you wait for your opportunity to be with them, you can be assured that He loves your child with a love that passes our understanding. In the palm of His hand is the best place for your child; whether that means a longer separation or a shorter one, He is giving the ones He loves His very best.
4. Preparation. Every day is a gift! Every single day in between today and the day that your child enters your family is a day to prepare your heart, mind, and home for a great change. Pray for your family and yourself that the Lord uses this day to make you more ready; a better mother or father for the child that will soon enter your home. Teach yourself and others that will be involved with your child about adoption. Prepare them to be the best big brother, big sister, aunt, uncle, or grandparent that they can be to their new family member!
5. Trusting Him. Will you choose to worry and fret and live in anxiety? God does not wonder what will come of your family and your children. Trusting Him is a much more peaceful option.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than good and the body more important than clothes? Look at the bird of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
Matthew 6:25-27
Claire Davis
International Social Worker
Monday, August 9, 2010
Honesty, Openness, Acceptance
At some point in my adult life I realized these qualities were somewhat lacking within my family as I grew up. Because of this- other issues resulted. There were many reasons for this lacking, struggles within my parent’s family, their lack of a relationship with the One who is most open and accepting, their fears that kept them from seeking help to learn and grow, etc. It all boils down to the ultimate problem-sin. Adam and Eve both made choices that brought sin into the world from the beginning.
So, the good news for me, I’m happy to report: the Lord- the Lord is amazing in His openness, honesty, and acceptance. He is open. As the ultimate communicator, He communicated with us His plan (from before creation to the final ending), His person (Father, Lover, Healer, Provider, King, Counselor, Consuming Fire…), His abilities (creating, sustaining, healing, cleansing, teaching, correcting...), His character (kind, gentle, loving, powerful, holy, mighty, sovereign…), everything- EVERYTHING! He lets us know HIM. He is open with us. He is honest (sometimes painfully so) - Jesus (who is God) is the Truth… (John 14:6)- and God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19). I’m so thankful He is honest! He is accepting or approachable. When we acknowledge He alone is God and that we have blown it (one time/many times) and need to be made right from our wrongs, and believe Jesus is the only way. We put our trust in Him, we love Him, obeying His commands. He accepts us as we approach His throne of grace. We can freely ask questions, share our fears, and ask for help. David expressed himself- anger, sadness, fear, etc. Abraham talked to God and even kept asking for God to change His stipulations regarding Sodom and Gomorrah. The Lord accepted them- even though He knows they have their own imperfections (and they did have imperfections for sure). Then, Jesus accepted the Samaritan woman (John 4) and initiated a conversation with her. He accepted her where she was (so that He engaged in a conversation and did not ignore her) and did not leave her there. He accepted Mary who poured perfume on Jesus when she repented- and defended her. He didn't leave her there but forgave her (Luke 7:36-48).
Thankfully, although I may not have experienced the openness, honesty, and acceptance within my family, I have hope because my God, God almighty, all powerful, who made me, is open and honest with me. He warmly welcomes me to be open and honest with Him about my feelings, fears, questions, etc. By doing this, I show He is trustworthy to handle them and will not ignore me or mock me. Trusting fully isn’t always easy to do when you didn’t learn this from family. BUT, He IS trustworthy, personable and gentle, mighty and powerful at the same time. I hope you trust Him fully with all of you.
Gina Linden
Birthmother Counselor
So, the good news for me, I’m happy to report: the Lord- the Lord is amazing in His openness, honesty, and acceptance. He is open. As the ultimate communicator, He communicated with us His plan (from before creation to the final ending), His person (Father, Lover, Healer, Provider, King, Counselor, Consuming Fire…), His abilities (creating, sustaining, healing, cleansing, teaching, correcting...), His character (kind, gentle, loving, powerful, holy, mighty, sovereign…), everything- EVERYTHING! He lets us know HIM. He is open with us. He is honest (sometimes painfully so) - Jesus (who is God) is the Truth… (John 14:6)- and God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19). I’m so thankful He is honest! He is accepting or approachable. When we acknowledge He alone is God and that we have blown it (one time/many times) and need to be made right from our wrongs, and believe Jesus is the only way. We put our trust in Him, we love Him, obeying His commands. He accepts us as we approach His throne of grace. We can freely ask questions, share our fears, and ask for help. David expressed himself- anger, sadness, fear, etc. Abraham talked to God and even kept asking for God to change His stipulations regarding Sodom and Gomorrah. The Lord accepted them- even though He knows they have their own imperfections (and they did have imperfections for sure). Then, Jesus accepted the Samaritan woman (John 4) and initiated a conversation with her. He accepted her where she was (so that He engaged in a conversation and did not ignore her) and did not leave her there. He accepted Mary who poured perfume on Jesus when she repented- and defended her. He didn't leave her there but forgave her (Luke 7:36-48).
Thankfully, although I may not have experienced the openness, honesty, and acceptance within my family, I have hope because my God, God almighty, all powerful, who made me, is open and honest with me. He warmly welcomes me to be open and honest with Him about my feelings, fears, questions, etc. By doing this, I show He is trustworthy to handle them and will not ignore me or mock me. Trusting fully isn’t always easy to do when you didn’t learn this from family. BUT, He IS trustworthy, personable and gentle, mighty and powerful at the same time. I hope you trust Him fully with all of you.
Gina Linden
Birthmother Counselor
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
God is blessing Lifeline
When I think of Lifeline I smile. I smile because we are growing. I smile because we have been blessed with an incredible, experienced, dedicated staff of professional social workers. I smile because we have an army of volunteers just wanting to assist us in assisting our families. I smile because we are aggressively developing ministries to address the plight of the orphan. I smile because I have been looking at pictures today.. pictures of children who have hope and a future, children who have someone to comfort them when they skin a knee or have a tummy ache, children who now live in Christian homes! Sometimes I just want to say a thousand thanks!
There is so much to be grateful for.. Lifeline is effectively bringing more and more orphaned and fostered children home every year and our footprint in the adoption community continues to grow. We now offer nine International Programs and we are close to adding several more, giving qualified families greater opportunity and flexibility to grow their families and put a dent in the orphan population. But there is still so much more that could and should be done. For instance, I know that 83.7657% of statistics are irrelevant, but one stat that does get my attention is that over 60% of American families consider adoption, but less than 2% actually adopt a precious child. That is a tragedy! Why do so few interested couples complete an adoption? There are two primary reasons.. One, families do not get their questions answered (and adoption is full of unknowns). Second, families cannot handle the financial obligation of the actual cost of the adoption (adoptions can cost between $20,000 and $30,000). Lifeline is committed to the process of answering all the questions that prospective adoptive parents may have and also giving families the tools and resources to financially complete their adoption.
In coming days look for our agency to become more aggressive in our communication with families open to adoption. We want to exhaust every means to inform and educate families, to get their questions answered. We want to utilize every communication tool Steve Jobs can create (Co-founder of Apple and chief designer of the ipad.. but did you know he was adopted?). This past week we pulled off our first of hundreds of adoption webinars. With a goal to both inform and inspire we want to connect to more and more prospective adoptive families. We also want to creatively expand the way families can cover the cost of their adoption. Please check out our website at lifelineadoption.org to see the coming webinar schedule. Also be looking for a 24/7 Online Informational Meeting we will have on the web shortly, we want the information families need when they need it.
Blessings to all of you!
Dave Wood
International Director
There is so much to be grateful for.. Lifeline is effectively bringing more and more orphaned and fostered children home every year and our footprint in the adoption community continues to grow. We now offer nine International Programs and we are close to adding several more, giving qualified families greater opportunity and flexibility to grow their families and put a dent in the orphan population. But there is still so much more that could and should be done. For instance, I know that 83.7657% of statistics are irrelevant, but one stat that does get my attention is that over 60% of American families consider adoption, but less than 2% actually adopt a precious child. That is a tragedy! Why do so few interested couples complete an adoption? There are two primary reasons.. One, families do not get their questions answered (and adoption is full of unknowns). Second, families cannot handle the financial obligation of the actual cost of the adoption (adoptions can cost between $20,000 and $30,000). Lifeline is committed to the process of answering all the questions that prospective adoptive parents may have and also giving families the tools and resources to financially complete their adoption.
In coming days look for our agency to become more aggressive in our communication with families open to adoption. We want to exhaust every means to inform and educate families, to get their questions answered. We want to utilize every communication tool Steve Jobs can create (Co-founder of Apple and chief designer of the ipad.. but did you know he was adopted?). This past week we pulled off our first of hundreds of adoption webinars. With a goal to both inform and inspire we want to connect to more and more prospective adoptive families. We also want to creatively expand the way families can cover the cost of their adoption. Please check out our website at lifelineadoption.org to see the coming webinar schedule. Also be looking for a 24/7 Online Informational Meeting we will have on the web shortly, we want the information families need when they need it.
Blessings to all of you!
Dave Wood
International Director
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Remembering Haiti
Even before the devastating earthquake in January 2010, Haiti was considered one of the poorest countries in the world, and the poorest nation in the western hemisphere. Slavery, prostitution, abandonment to the street, malnutrition, and early death due to poor medical care, abuse, and prenatal neglect are among some of the horrifying conditions affecting the children of Haiti.
The 7.0 magnitude earthquake that shook the region on January 12, 2010 further devastated the condition of the island nation. An estimated three million people were affected by the quake. The Haitian Government reports that approximately 230,000 people were killed, 300,000 were injured, and 1,000,000 were made homeless. Millions were left in desperate need of basic physical necessities, and thousands of children were orphaned or abandoned.
July 2010 marked the 6 month anniversary of the devastating earthquake, and unfortunately, little has changed in Haiti. As much as 98% of the rubble from the quake remains un-cleared. Thousands of bodies still remain in the debris. The number of people in relief camps and tent cities remains approximately 1.6 million. Most of these camps have no electricity, running water, or sewage disposal. Crime in the camps is widespread, especially against women and girls. CNN recently reported, “it looks like the quake just happened yesterday,” and Imogen Wall, spokeswoman for the United Nations Office of Humanitarian Affairs in Haiti, predicts that six months from now Haiti may unfortunately look the same.
In light of this, I implore families not to forget Haiti, especially those considering international adoption. Precise qualifications and length of process time often deter prospective adoptive families from considering Haiti as a viable option. However, as program coordinator, I want to reiterate the feasibility of pursuing a Haitian adoption, especially for couples over the age of 35. I strongly encourage families to research this program, whether by checking out our website at www.lifelineadoption.org, emailing me at laura.hausen@lifelineadoption.org or calling me at (205) 972-8480. Haiti is, now more than ever, in such great need of loving families willing to accept orphaned and abandoned children into their homes.
Ultimately, my purpose in writing this is to remind readers of the seriousness of Haiti’s condition and the urgency we should still feel as believers to aid in this cause. My simple request is to please remember Haiti. Remember Haiti in your minds, hearts, and prayers. Remember Haiti in the giving of your time, money, and other resources. And please remember Haiti if you are a family looking to adopt a precious child in immense need of a loving Christian home.
Laura Hausen
International Social Worker
The 7.0 magnitude earthquake that shook the region on January 12, 2010 further devastated the condition of the island nation. An estimated three million people were affected by the quake. The Haitian Government reports that approximately 230,000 people were killed, 300,000 were injured, and 1,000,000 were made homeless. Millions were left in desperate need of basic physical necessities, and thousands of children were orphaned or abandoned.
July 2010 marked the 6 month anniversary of the devastating earthquake, and unfortunately, little has changed in Haiti. As much as 98% of the rubble from the quake remains un-cleared. Thousands of bodies still remain in the debris. The number of people in relief camps and tent cities remains approximately 1.6 million. Most of these camps have no electricity, running water, or sewage disposal. Crime in the camps is widespread, especially against women and girls. CNN recently reported, “it looks like the quake just happened yesterday,” and Imogen Wall, spokeswoman for the United Nations Office of Humanitarian Affairs in Haiti, predicts that six months from now Haiti may unfortunately look the same.
In light of this, I implore families not to forget Haiti, especially those considering international adoption. Precise qualifications and length of process time often deter prospective adoptive families from considering Haiti as a viable option. However, as program coordinator, I want to reiterate the feasibility of pursuing a Haitian adoption, especially for couples over the age of 35. I strongly encourage families to research this program, whether by checking out our website at www.lifelineadoption.org, emailing me at laura.hausen@lifelineadoption.org or calling me at (205) 972-8480. Haiti is, now more than ever, in such great need of loving families willing to accept orphaned and abandoned children into their homes.
Ultimately, my purpose in writing this is to remind readers of the seriousness of Haiti’s condition and the urgency we should still feel as believers to aid in this cause. My simple request is to please remember Haiti. Remember Haiti in your minds, hearts, and prayers. Remember Haiti in the giving of your time, money, and other resources. And please remember Haiti if you are a family looking to adopt a precious child in immense need of a loving Christian home.
Laura Hausen
International Social Worker
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Isaiah, Our Good, His Glory
Isaiah, a spokesman for God had an overwhelming job to do! What a period of history to proclaim the precepts of our Lord! But he did! Over and over he preached to kings and people that would not do what was right in the sight of God! Instead they worshipped idols and planned wars of greed to acquire more and more territories! Why did Isaiah keep on keeping on? Why preserve under these terrible circumstances? Good question! I believe he knew that, “From moon to new moon and from Sabbath to Sabbath all flesh shall come to worship before me, declares the Lord!” (Isaiah 66:23) Are we as determined as this major prophet to honor the declarations of God Almighty?
Now we know that God is sovereign and He reigns over all, but is our main purpose in life to share this gospel with every people group on the planet? “But the Lord will arise upon you and His glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to you light.” (Isaiah 60:2-3) In my lifetime I am ever so thankful that our Heavenly Father has allowed me to see adults and children glorifying God in the lives they live here on our Creator’s Earth! I love the name of our ministry, Lifeline! What a joy to see parents living out this name! Life is God’s breath in us and with a direct Line to the throne of grace! Thus Lifeline! One of my favorite moments of knowing God was in seeing a glimpse of Jesus in the face of an orphan in Eatern Europe. My heart soared and the confirmation of His power and love is hard to describe as I realized from this experience what Lifeline really means! The words of the prophet Isaiah speak loud and clear, “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off. Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:9-10) Certainly God has chosen Lifeline!
Thank you, Lifeline servants for adopting and giving foster care to the farthest corners of the earth. Never be dismayed for God will be with you and strengthen you each step of the adoption journey! I love the picture of our Savior and Lord holding us with His righteous right hand! What security and protection! Your faithfulness is like Isaiah’s when he said, “Here am I, send me.” Each day at Lifeline another call comes in that says. “Here am I send me. Help me to go!” Only through this willingness to adopt will children come to know the love and saving mercy of the cross and the parents who value eternity!
All praise and glory to our Lord for His great love and the saving of a remnant of people and for Isaiah as he preached to this generation and to us as we read the Word! “The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of the Lord stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8) Because of this prophet, we are better, we are good! Bringing God glory is our reason for being a Lifeline to precious children!
Donna Houston
Adoption Specialist
Now we know that God is sovereign and He reigns over all, but is our main purpose in life to share this gospel with every people group on the planet? “But the Lord will arise upon you and His glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to you light.” (Isaiah 60:2-3) In my lifetime I am ever so thankful that our Heavenly Father has allowed me to see adults and children glorifying God in the lives they live here on our Creator’s Earth! I love the name of our ministry, Lifeline! What a joy to see parents living out this name! Life is God’s breath in us and with a direct Line to the throne of grace! Thus Lifeline! One of my favorite moments of knowing God was in seeing a glimpse of Jesus in the face of an orphan in Eatern Europe. My heart soared and the confirmation of His power and love is hard to describe as I realized from this experience what Lifeline really means! The words of the prophet Isaiah speak loud and clear, “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off. Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:9-10) Certainly God has chosen Lifeline!
Thank you, Lifeline servants for adopting and giving foster care to the farthest corners of the earth. Never be dismayed for God will be with you and strengthen you each step of the adoption journey! I love the picture of our Savior and Lord holding us with His righteous right hand! What security and protection! Your faithfulness is like Isaiah’s when he said, “Here am I, send me.” Each day at Lifeline another call comes in that says. “Here am I send me. Help me to go!” Only through this willingness to adopt will children come to know the love and saving mercy of the cross and the parents who value eternity!
All praise and glory to our Lord for His great love and the saving of a remnant of people and for Isaiah as he preached to this generation and to us as we read the Word! “The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of the Lord stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8) Because of this prophet, we are better, we are good! Bringing God glory is our reason for being a Lifeline to precious children!
Donna Houston
Adoption Specialist
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Glory
Father, we long for your glory. It is only through you, we are able to do the work of your hands.
Glory
God you are magnificent,
Your truth ever sufficient.
Your glory reigns over all the lands,
Spreading your love through the work of your hands.
How can I express the grace on which I stand?
My words are few and my tears, unplanned.
Your honor is my hope, my purpose, my all.
Teach me to walk with urgency, towards the glory of your call.
The world needs You, Your spirit, Your son,
Show me to live as this sacrificial One.
Called to live a life pointing to You,
Undeserving of your attention, yet participating in what You do.
Your very spirit within me, directs my heart and soul,
Living a life for you, of which I want no control.
Place in me a love for the ones you love,
And break my heart for what breaks Yours above.
For His glory,
Lifeline Staff
Glory
God you are magnificent,
Your truth ever sufficient.
Your glory reigns over all the lands,
Spreading your love through the work of your hands.
How can I express the grace on which I stand?
My words are few and my tears, unplanned.
Your honor is my hope, my purpose, my all.
Teach me to walk with urgency, towards the glory of your call.
The world needs You, Your spirit, Your son,
Show me to live as this sacrificial One.
Called to live a life pointing to You,
Undeserving of your attention, yet participating in what You do.
Your very spirit within me, directs my heart and soul,
Living a life for you, of which I want no control.
Place in me a love for the ones you love,
And break my heart for what breaks Yours above.
For His glory,
Lifeline Staff
Thursday, July 22, 2010
A Living, Breathing Gospel Track
"We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."--Romans 8:22-23
I love going door to door with our son Jonathan, and telling folks about Jesus. He has become the perfect living breathing gospel track right there in my arms. Jonathan is such a people person. When he gets fussy we grab the car keys and go make some visits.
Adoption is the perfect ice breaker to lead into a gospel presentation. We love to spring board from Romans 8. It is one of the most cherished passages for adopting families. And worthy of repeating. Verse 15 says, "He has given us the Spirit of Adoption (or sonship)," and verse 23 says, "...we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." These two verses mean that God has adopted us into His family to be His children. What a display of amazing grace. Praise the Lord!
Here in North Alabama, there are churches everywhere. And thousands of people who say they "know God" are "spiritual" and some even pray. But our communities do not show the fruit or lifestyle of the Children of God. Therefore, when we go door to door, we want to be clear when we share the Gospel. When you tell others about Jesus, include that God is holy, man is sinful, and Jesus is the reconciler. Then ask the person "Who are you in God's eyes? An object of wrath or a child of blessing."
Here's how to find out. Verses 5-8 list characteristics of Christians and non-christians, and verse 14 (an uncommon question in gospel tracks today) goes straight to the heart: "because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." Who controls you?
I pray the Lord will prepare your heart to use the one in your arms to tell others about our Heavenly Father who has adopted His children.
Jennifer Daniel
North Alabama Case Worker
I love going door to door with our son Jonathan, and telling folks about Jesus. He has become the perfect living breathing gospel track right there in my arms. Jonathan is such a people person. When he gets fussy we grab the car keys and go make some visits.
Adoption is the perfect ice breaker to lead into a gospel presentation. We love to spring board from Romans 8. It is one of the most cherished passages for adopting families. And worthy of repeating. Verse 15 says, "He has given us the Spirit of Adoption (or sonship)," and verse 23 says, "...we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." These two verses mean that God has adopted us into His family to be His children. What a display of amazing grace. Praise the Lord!
Here in North Alabama, there are churches everywhere. And thousands of people who say they "know God" are "spiritual" and some even pray. But our communities do not show the fruit or lifestyle of the Children of God. Therefore, when we go door to door, we want to be clear when we share the Gospel. When you tell others about Jesus, include that God is holy, man is sinful, and Jesus is the reconciler. Then ask the person "Who are you in God's eyes? An object of wrath or a child of blessing."
Here's how to find out. Verses 5-8 list characteristics of Christians and non-christians, and verse 14 (an uncommon question in gospel tracks today) goes straight to the heart: "because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." Who controls you?
I pray the Lord will prepare your heart to use the one in your arms to tell others about our Heavenly Father who has adopted His children.
Jennifer Daniel
North Alabama Case Worker
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Lifeline of Georgia and You
Lifeline Children’s Services has now been in Georgia for over a year and half. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the families of Georgia, and God is doing a great work here. We are steadily growing and have strategically placed workers throughout the state to better serve you. We have workers and partners in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Rome, Savannah, Tyrone, and Valdosta. However, even with the addition of many workers throughout the state there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer and serve.
Lifeline, as much as we are an adoption agency, we are a ministry that focuses on serving and loving birth mothers. In Georgia, we need counselors and mentors who have a heart for loving, listening to, caring for, and serving women in crisis situations. If you have a little time and love to give and feel called to serve women in need, we have opportunities for you.
We also have volunteer opportunities for those who do not feel called to client services. For those of you who have worked in offices, you know how valuable volunteers can be. If you live near the Columbus area and would like to serve, there is plenty of work to be done to further the kingdom, and bring children home to their forever families. We would love to have you serve with us.
Although we have grown a lot in a little over a year, we need to grow more. We have numerous families adopting, but the orphan population is still estimated to be between 143,000,000 to 210,000,000 orphans. We want to get the message out to Christian families in every city in Georgia that Lifeline Children’s Services is here in Georgia, and we are passionate about impacting the lives of orphans here in Georgia and abroad. We can achieve this goal with your help. We need you to be a point person within your church and community. You can help by partnering with us to hold a presentation or informational meeting in your church or local business. We have all the tools, and we will conduct the meeting; but we need you as the local representative to steer the heart of your friends and family to the anguish of the orphan, to make your co-workers and community members aware of the severity of the orphan situation, and to inform everyone you know of the impact that they can make in the life of a little boy or girl who wants nothing more than for them to be their mommy and daddy.
And if you do not have the time to volunteer, we have other opportunities for you to change the plight of the orphaned worldwide. We are now helping children in the U.S. and ten international countries find mommies and daddies, but there are children in many other countries that we will be able to rescue if you will partner with us. There are orphans in nine additional countries that we striving to rescue in the near future, and your donations can bring them home. The fees that our families pay do not cover the entirety of the adoption cost; your gift enables them to bring children into their home where the children experience the love of a mommy and daddy, and you experience the blessing of playing an essential role in helping us make that happen.
But most importantly, the orphans worldwide need your prayers. Every day 5,760 more children become orphans. Every 15 seconds, another child in Africa becomes an AIDS orphan. Approximately 250,000 children are adopted annually, but, each year 14,505,000 children grow up as orphans and age out of the system by age sixteen. Each day 38,493 orphans age out with no family to belong to and no place to call home. In Russia and the Ukraine, studies have shown that 10%-15% of these children commit suicide before they reach age eighteen. These studies also show that 60% of the girls become prostitutes and 70% of the boys become hardened criminals (2008). Keep these children in your prayers. Ask for the Lord’s provision in their lives, and ask how He wants you to be a part of their provision.
As you pray for the children, also keep our workers in your prayers. Our workers work tireless, long hours fighting for the lives of fatherless and motherless children. Pray for their endurance and for their families.
In conclusion, thank you for all the support that you have given Lifeline as we have grown in Georgia. Pray sincerely about how you can impact the lives of orphaned children in Georgia and worldwide. I am eager to partner with you as we change the lives of orphaned children forever. If you are interested in serving or partnering with us, you can reach me directly at 706-571-3346 or at daniel.taylor@lifelineadion.org. God bless you and thank you for your prayers.
Sincerely,
Daniel Taylor
Georgia State Director
Lifeline, as much as we are an adoption agency, we are a ministry that focuses on serving and loving birth mothers. In Georgia, we need counselors and mentors who have a heart for loving, listening to, caring for, and serving women in crisis situations. If you have a little time and love to give and feel called to serve women in need, we have opportunities for you.
We also have volunteer opportunities for those who do not feel called to client services. For those of you who have worked in offices, you know how valuable volunteers can be. If you live near the Columbus area and would like to serve, there is plenty of work to be done to further the kingdom, and bring children home to their forever families. We would love to have you serve with us.
Although we have grown a lot in a little over a year, we need to grow more. We have numerous families adopting, but the orphan population is still estimated to be between 143,000,000 to 210,000,000 orphans. We want to get the message out to Christian families in every city in Georgia that Lifeline Children’s Services is here in Georgia, and we are passionate about impacting the lives of orphans here in Georgia and abroad. We can achieve this goal with your help. We need you to be a point person within your church and community. You can help by partnering with us to hold a presentation or informational meeting in your church or local business. We have all the tools, and we will conduct the meeting; but we need you as the local representative to steer the heart of your friends and family to the anguish of the orphan, to make your co-workers and community members aware of the severity of the orphan situation, and to inform everyone you know of the impact that they can make in the life of a little boy or girl who wants nothing more than for them to be their mommy and daddy.
And if you do not have the time to volunteer, we have other opportunities for you to change the plight of the orphaned worldwide. We are now helping children in the U.S. and ten international countries find mommies and daddies, but there are children in many other countries that we will be able to rescue if you will partner with us. There are orphans in nine additional countries that we striving to rescue in the near future, and your donations can bring them home. The fees that our families pay do not cover the entirety of the adoption cost; your gift enables them to bring children into their home where the children experience the love of a mommy and daddy, and you experience the blessing of playing an essential role in helping us make that happen.
But most importantly, the orphans worldwide need your prayers. Every day 5,760 more children become orphans. Every 15 seconds, another child in Africa becomes an AIDS orphan. Approximately 250,000 children are adopted annually, but, each year 14,505,000 children grow up as orphans and age out of the system by age sixteen. Each day 38,493 orphans age out with no family to belong to and no place to call home. In Russia and the Ukraine, studies have shown that 10%-15% of these children commit suicide before they reach age eighteen. These studies also show that 60% of the girls become prostitutes and 70% of the boys become hardened criminals (2008). Keep these children in your prayers. Ask for the Lord’s provision in their lives, and ask how He wants you to be a part of their provision.
As you pray for the children, also keep our workers in your prayers. Our workers work tireless, long hours fighting for the lives of fatherless and motherless children. Pray for their endurance and for their families.
In conclusion, thank you for all the support that you have given Lifeline as we have grown in Georgia. Pray sincerely about how you can impact the lives of orphaned children in Georgia and worldwide. I am eager to partner with you as we change the lives of orphaned children forever. If you are interested in serving or partnering with us, you can reach me directly at 706-571-3346 or at daniel.taylor@lifelineadion.org. God bless you and thank you for your prayers.
Sincerely,
Daniel Taylor
Georgia State Director
The Concept of Divine Control
The following is the July 16th entry in Oswald Chamber's Devotional:
“…how much more will your Father who is in Heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:11
Jesus is laying down the rules of conduct in this passage for those people who have His Spirit. He urges us to keep our minds filled with the concept of God’s control over everything, which means that a disciple must maintain an attitude of perfect trust and an eagerness to ask and to seek.
Fill your mind with the thought that God is there. And once your mind is truly filled with that thought, when you experience difficulties it will be as easy as breathing for you to remember, “My Heavenly Father know all about this!” This will be no effort at all, but will be a natural thing for you when difficulties and uncertainties arise. Before you formed this concept of divine control so powerfully in your mind, you used to go from person to person seeking help, but now you go to God about it. Jesus is laying down the rules of conduct for those people who have His Spirit, and it works on the following principle--God is my Father, He loves me, and I will never think of anything that he will forget, so why should I worry?
Jesus said there are times when God cannot lift the darkness from you, but you should trust Him. At times God will appear like an unkind friend, but He is not; he will appear like an unnatural father, but He is not; He will appear like an unjust judge, but He is not. Keep the thought that the mind of God is behind all things strong and growing. Not even the smallest detail of life happens unless God’s will is behind it. Therefore, you can rest in perfect confidence in Him. Prayer is not only asking, but is an attitude of the mind which produces the atmosphere in which asking is perfectly natural. “Ask, and it will be given to you…”
I wanted to share this devotional with you because the Lord spoke directly to my worries about our adoption of Christina and all that must be done to bring her home! I just want to love her and hold her, but for now I have a stack of paperwork--seriously--almost 6 inches thick that must be done for us to finally bring her home! I woke up thinking about all the things that needed to get done today and decided I better get out of bed and spend time with the Lord! I opened up my Oswald Chambers Devotions long before the sun was up and the first words I read were – “The Concept of Divine Control”. I just wept tears of amazement of how much our Heavenly Father loves me and loves our little girl, Christina! He cares about what we care about and He desires to give us good gifts but we need to completely abandon ourselves to His perfect timing and plan and He can give us His perfect Peace. May this devotional from Oswald Chambers fill you a deep sense of the Lord’s control in your life what ever the circumstance.
In Christ Jesus,
Stephanie Carpenter
International Adoption Specialist
“…how much more will your Father who is in Heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:11
Jesus is laying down the rules of conduct in this passage for those people who have His Spirit. He urges us to keep our minds filled with the concept of God’s control over everything, which means that a disciple must maintain an attitude of perfect trust and an eagerness to ask and to seek.
Fill your mind with the thought that God is there. And once your mind is truly filled with that thought, when you experience difficulties it will be as easy as breathing for you to remember, “My Heavenly Father know all about this!” This will be no effort at all, but will be a natural thing for you when difficulties and uncertainties arise. Before you formed this concept of divine control so powerfully in your mind, you used to go from person to person seeking help, but now you go to God about it. Jesus is laying down the rules of conduct for those people who have His Spirit, and it works on the following principle--God is my Father, He loves me, and I will never think of anything that he will forget, so why should I worry?
Jesus said there are times when God cannot lift the darkness from you, but you should trust Him. At times God will appear like an unkind friend, but He is not; he will appear like an unnatural father, but He is not; He will appear like an unjust judge, but He is not. Keep the thought that the mind of God is behind all things strong and growing. Not even the smallest detail of life happens unless God’s will is behind it. Therefore, you can rest in perfect confidence in Him. Prayer is not only asking, but is an attitude of the mind which produces the atmosphere in which asking is perfectly natural. “Ask, and it will be given to you…”
I wanted to share this devotional with you because the Lord spoke directly to my worries about our adoption of Christina and all that must be done to bring her home! I just want to love her and hold her, but for now I have a stack of paperwork--seriously--almost 6 inches thick that must be done for us to finally bring her home! I woke up thinking about all the things that needed to get done today and decided I better get out of bed and spend time with the Lord! I opened up my Oswald Chambers Devotions long before the sun was up and the first words I read were – “The Concept of Divine Control”. I just wept tears of amazement of how much our Heavenly Father loves me and loves our little girl, Christina! He cares about what we care about and He desires to give us good gifts but we need to completely abandon ourselves to His perfect timing and plan and He can give us His perfect Peace. May this devotional from Oswald Chambers fill you a deep sense of the Lord’s control in your life what ever the circumstance.
In Christ Jesus,
Stephanie Carpenter
International Adoption Specialist
Friday, July 16, 2010
Minister to the Hurting
A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. Proverbs 17:22
Many of the young ladies that come to Lifeline Village have been broken by life circumstances and let down by those they love. Fortunately God is able to speak life and restore all that has been broken and lost. He is able to rain down from above and let the skies pour down righteousness (Isaiah 45:8). The opportunity to serve a God who looks down and only sees the best in each individual whom He created in His own image should never be taken for granted. Take every opportunity to serve God by ministering to those who are lost and hurting. The staff at Lifeline Village has learned to count every young lady as an opportunity to share God's love and word.
Kesha Franklin
Lifeline Village Coordinator
"No matter what good we do, God knows our motivation for doing it. God judges our motives, not simply our actions."
Many of the young ladies that come to Lifeline Village have been broken by life circumstances and let down by those they love. Fortunately God is able to speak life and restore all that has been broken and lost. He is able to rain down from above and let the skies pour down righteousness (Isaiah 45:8). The opportunity to serve a God who looks down and only sees the best in each individual whom He created in His own image should never be taken for granted. Take every opportunity to serve God by ministering to those who are lost and hurting. The staff at Lifeline Village has learned to count every young lady as an opportunity to share God's love and word.
Kesha Franklin
Lifeline Village Coordinator
"No matter what good we do, God knows our motivation for doing it. God judges our motives, not simply our actions."
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Waiting Children Taiwan
Jeremiah 14:22 “We set our hope on you, for you do all these things.”
Visit Lifeline’s Taiwan Waiting Children page as you consider how you can defend the cause of the fatherless. Pray over these precious children, that they would know the love of Christ and experience adoption both spiritually and physically. Also, join with us in praising God for this new opportunity we have to facilitate adoption from Taiwan. You can help: Pray, visit, defend, invest, or adopt as the need is vast.
If you are interested in viewing these children and their special needs, contact Lifeline at lifeline@lifelineadoption.org to obtain the password.
To learn more about adoption from Taiwan contact:
Stephanie Carpenter
stephanie.carpenter@lifelineadoption.org
Visit Lifeline’s Taiwan Waiting Children page as you consider how you can defend the cause of the fatherless. Pray over these precious children, that they would know the love of Christ and experience adoption both spiritually and physically. Also, join with us in praising God for this new opportunity we have to facilitate adoption from Taiwan. You can help: Pray, visit, defend, invest, or adopt as the need is vast.
If you are interested in viewing these children and their special needs, contact Lifeline at lifeline@lifelineadoption.org to obtain the password.
To learn more about adoption from Taiwan contact:
Stephanie Carpenter
stephanie.carpenter@lifelineadoption.org
She Looks Like Me
When I was 5 years old, I got on a plane and flew half way around the world with my parents to get my new brother and sister. Even as a little girl, I remember the anticipation and overwhelming excitement that I felt as their foster mothers brought them into the room and I was able to meet them for the first time. My parents had talked at length with me about what it would mean to have siblings from another country. They would have dark skin and hair and eyes--they would not look like me, but I would love them just the same. That did not stop them from being the baby brother and sister that I had asked God for every night at bedtime. They were mine and I loved them from the moment I saw them!
I still remember the time my basketball teammate said to me “That must be your sister over there, she looks just like you.” I was shocked at this statement and proceeded to tell her that my sister was adopted. I have since learned to embrace this statement and take it as the highest compliment. It is a sweet reminder that God built my family. Nicole was always meant to be my sister. Even if she did not look like me, she would be my sister just the same. God did not have to make her look like me; but He did. And it makes my heart smile every time someone tells me that my sweet little sister looks like me!
Mallory Blackmon, LGSW
South Alabama Case Worker
I still remember the time my basketball teammate said to me “That must be your sister over there, she looks just like you.” I was shocked at this statement and proceeded to tell her that my sister was adopted. I have since learned to embrace this statement and take it as the highest compliment. It is a sweet reminder that God built my family. Nicole was always meant to be my sister. Even if she did not look like me, she would be my sister just the same. God did not have to make her look like me; but He did. And it makes my heart smile every time someone tells me that my sweet little sister looks like me!
Mallory Blackmon, LGSW
South Alabama Case Worker
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The Other Boy
Two boys play in an orphanage half way around the world. Although there is much sadness in their lives and the conditions they live in are pitiful, they are comforted by their close friendship which has extended for most of their lives. As these boys play they are unaware that both of their worlds are getting ready to radically change.
A Christian family from the United States is boarding an airplane and coming to this distant land to fulfill their dream of rescuing an orphan and growing their family. The family is exceptional in every way, and with much grace and patience they have negotiated the long, expensive, and difficult journey of International Adoption. The family has been matched with one of the two boys. For several months the family has looked with wonder at the cute picture of their boy to be. They have consistently prayed for him and often closed their eyes and imagined how wonderful it will be when he is home playing in their backyard.
No one is coming for the other boy. No eager family has held his picture, prayed for him by name, and imagined with joy a hope and a future for him. You see, for at least one of several potential reasons, the other boy is unadoptable.
Both boys see the strange yet friendly faces of the adoptive parents on the day they arrive at the orphanage. Although this first contact feels a bit unsettling for both, one of the boys quickly adjust, as one amazing never before seen toy is pulled from a large bag. These peculiar sounding adults huddle around one boy smiling, talking, touching, loving. The bonding process that will lead to a successful adoption has began.
The other boy, unknowing, is relieved when the strange people finally leave and things seem to get back to normal. But for next several days the strangers return and interrupt his time with his best friend. Oh how the other boy wishes they would leave and never come back! Then one day it appears his dream has come true, the strangers don’t return. They are finally gone for good. He excitedly goes to play with his buddy, but slowly, sadly, he discovers that he is gone too. He is gone forever!
The boy flying home to America will be celebrated at the airport. He will be known by his parent’s name. He will grow up in a great home, having all the same legal rights as their biological daughter. He will attend a great school and an excellent church.. and he will learn about Jesus and most likely one day become a devoted follower of Christ.
On Orphan Sunday, James 1:27 is preached and when the pastor declares that we are called to rescue orphans in their distress, several families look over at the adoptive family and their new son and smile. The proud parents, almost instinctively put their arm around their sweet boy and give him a squeeze.
The other boy will never be celebrated at an airport or anywhere else. The other boy never knew his parents... He will never know how it feels to have a mommy clean and kiss a skinned up knee and put a “Disney” band-aid over it. No one will sing him a song and hold his hand til tummy ache goes away. The other boy will never hear the voice of a daddy say, “I’m so proud of you son!” He will grow up with little focus or attention on him. The other boy’s personality, his hopes and dreams, his hurts and fears will basically go unknown. He will not be taught, and will not believe, that there is a God and that “other boys” are immeasurably loved by Him. One day he will “age out” of a miserable orphanage, be given a few dollars and perhaps a coat, and sent to the unkind streets without a hint of life or job skills.
He is an orphan in distress! Waiting for him, just steps from the curb of the orphanage, is a pimp who will offer him food, shelter, and a job.. He will have to sell his body to the most disgusting low-life’s in his city just to keep a little food in his stomach. The other boy, who emotionally is still a little child, is full of unspeakable fear. There isn’t a mentor to offer any guidance. There isn’t any hope of a future. He now understands in this stark and terrifying reality why so many orphans have decided to take their own lives.
The Orphan Sunday service has just concluded, there is plenty of glad handing as families make their way to the car. I hear the adoptive parents ask their new son where he’d like to go for dinner. He smiles and shouts, “McDonalds!”
I smile too, In fact I almost laugh. I am so happy for this precious boy and his godly parents! But today, I just don’t feel like eating at McDonald’s or anywhere else. It seems I have lost my appetite because I just can’t get my mind off of the other boy!
Unadopted was launched in early 2010 to go love, share the Gospel, educate in life and job skills, and mentor the other boy. There are a 143 million other boys and girls in our world and the number keeps growing. Less than 1% of these precious children will ever be adopted. Unadopted believes our call from God is to care for ALL orphans in distress. Will you join us in that call?
Dave Wood
International Director
A Christian family from the United States is boarding an airplane and coming to this distant land to fulfill their dream of rescuing an orphan and growing their family. The family is exceptional in every way, and with much grace and patience they have negotiated the long, expensive, and difficult journey of International Adoption. The family has been matched with one of the two boys. For several months the family has looked with wonder at the cute picture of their boy to be. They have consistently prayed for him and often closed their eyes and imagined how wonderful it will be when he is home playing in their backyard.
No one is coming for the other boy. No eager family has held his picture, prayed for him by name, and imagined with joy a hope and a future for him. You see, for at least one of several potential reasons, the other boy is unadoptable.
Both boys see the strange yet friendly faces of the adoptive parents on the day they arrive at the orphanage. Although this first contact feels a bit unsettling for both, one of the boys quickly adjust, as one amazing never before seen toy is pulled from a large bag. These peculiar sounding adults huddle around one boy smiling, talking, touching, loving. The bonding process that will lead to a successful adoption has began.
The other boy, unknowing, is relieved when the strange people finally leave and things seem to get back to normal. But for next several days the strangers return and interrupt his time with his best friend. Oh how the other boy wishes they would leave and never come back! Then one day it appears his dream has come true, the strangers don’t return. They are finally gone for good. He excitedly goes to play with his buddy, but slowly, sadly, he discovers that he is gone too. He is gone forever!
The boy flying home to America will be celebrated at the airport. He will be known by his parent’s name. He will grow up in a great home, having all the same legal rights as their biological daughter. He will attend a great school and an excellent church.. and he will learn about Jesus and most likely one day become a devoted follower of Christ.
On Orphan Sunday, James 1:27 is preached and when the pastor declares that we are called to rescue orphans in their distress, several families look over at the adoptive family and their new son and smile. The proud parents, almost instinctively put their arm around their sweet boy and give him a squeeze.
The other boy will never be celebrated at an airport or anywhere else. The other boy never knew his parents... He will never know how it feels to have a mommy clean and kiss a skinned up knee and put a “Disney” band-aid over it. No one will sing him a song and hold his hand til tummy ache goes away. The other boy will never hear the voice of a daddy say, “I’m so proud of you son!” He will grow up with little focus or attention on him. The other boy’s personality, his hopes and dreams, his hurts and fears will basically go unknown. He will not be taught, and will not believe, that there is a God and that “other boys” are immeasurably loved by Him. One day he will “age out” of a miserable orphanage, be given a few dollars and perhaps a coat, and sent to the unkind streets without a hint of life or job skills.
He is an orphan in distress! Waiting for him, just steps from the curb of the orphanage, is a pimp who will offer him food, shelter, and a job.. He will have to sell his body to the most disgusting low-life’s in his city just to keep a little food in his stomach. The other boy, who emotionally is still a little child, is full of unspeakable fear. There isn’t a mentor to offer any guidance. There isn’t any hope of a future. He now understands in this stark and terrifying reality why so many orphans have decided to take their own lives.
The Orphan Sunday service has just concluded, there is plenty of glad handing as families make their way to the car. I hear the adoptive parents ask their new son where he’d like to go for dinner. He smiles and shouts, “McDonalds!”
I smile too, In fact I almost laugh. I am so happy for this precious boy and his godly parents! But today, I just don’t feel like eating at McDonald’s or anywhere else. It seems I have lost my appetite because I just can’t get my mind off of the other boy!
Unadopted was launched in early 2010 to go love, share the Gospel, educate in life and job skills, and mentor the other boy. There are a 143 million other boys and girls in our world and the number keeps growing. Less than 1% of these precious children will ever be adopted. Unadopted believes our call from God is to care for ALL orphans in distress. Will you join us in that call?
Dave Wood
International Director
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Our Relief Well
Our staff has been reading through the books of I and II Kings and I and II Chronicles recently. A recurring theme in I and II Kings is how often the king in authority at any particular time is either following God “doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord” or is evil and continues to commit all the sins his father before him had done. In I Kings 15:11, we read that Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father David had done, and yet he did not remove the high places [of idol worship]. He cleared the land of male shrine prostitutes and the idols and even deposed his grandmother because she had made a repulsive Asherah pole, and then destroyed it. Verse 14 says that "Although he did not remove the high places, Asa’s heart was fully committed to the Lord all his life." We know that some high places were previously used for pagan worship, so the Israelites were forbidden to use them.
So why does someone who is fully committed to the Lord continue to allow little areas of disobedience to exist? Why would a king, who has all authority over his people, not just “man up” and do the right thing? Especially one who was fully committed to the Lord all his life? Here was a king who had an opportunity to set things right again. Don’t we elect Godly people into political office expecting the same thing? But then I look into my own life and I see my personal high places to.
Most of our readers are aware of the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico that has affected our state, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida and now Texas. Devastating may not even fully describe it. The trickle down effect of the oil spill reaches our economy, our property values, our water, our wild life and the food chain. Not just a domino effect, but more like endless bags of marbles that are continually dropped down a staircase and scatter everywhere.
Michael Kunzelman of The Associated Press recently wrote in The Birmingham News that “The relief well is considered the best hope of halting the crude that has been gushing since April 20 in the biggest offshore oil spill in U.S. History.” Well, I think that crude is a good word here to compare to the behaviors, decisions and choices in our life that keep us from not only living an abundant life in Christ, but create havoc on future generations as well. Whether they are a result of accidents, mishaps, bad judgment, laziness, deceit, evil, anger, pride, or whatever, the “crude” results rarely only affect us individually, but also those around us and future generations.
The good news is that we have our very own relief well. His name is Jesus Christ. John 14:6 tells us that Jesus is the way, and the truth and the life; that no one comes to the Father except through Him. It is through Him that we find refuge, peace, strength, love, compassion, forgiveness, deliverance, grace, among other things. If we revisit the verse, and focus on the word “Although” we are comforted that this King who was fully committed to the Lord, was not perfect, yet his life was a blessing. Ah...grace...that abundant grace, that He provides us.
It’s the desire of my heart to live in such a way that my behavior does not negatively impact others but instead bears much fruit, showing myself to be His disciple. I pray that my own descendants remember me as a woman after God’s own heart and that they will desire to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God, no matter what “crude effects” come their way.
II Chronicles 7:14 says it best: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and return from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Karen Ely
Domestic Social Worker
So why does someone who is fully committed to the Lord continue to allow little areas of disobedience to exist? Why would a king, who has all authority over his people, not just “man up” and do the right thing? Especially one who was fully committed to the Lord all his life? Here was a king who had an opportunity to set things right again. Don’t we elect Godly people into political office expecting the same thing? But then I look into my own life and I see my personal high places to.
Most of our readers are aware of the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico that has affected our state, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida and now Texas. Devastating may not even fully describe it. The trickle down effect of the oil spill reaches our economy, our property values, our water, our wild life and the food chain. Not just a domino effect, but more like endless bags of marbles that are continually dropped down a staircase and scatter everywhere.
Michael Kunzelman of The Associated Press recently wrote in The Birmingham News that “The relief well is considered the best hope of halting the crude that has been gushing since April 20 in the biggest offshore oil spill in U.S. History.” Well, I think that crude is a good word here to compare to the behaviors, decisions and choices in our life that keep us from not only living an abundant life in Christ, but create havoc on future generations as well. Whether they are a result of accidents, mishaps, bad judgment, laziness, deceit, evil, anger, pride, or whatever, the “crude” results rarely only affect us individually, but also those around us and future generations.
The good news is that we have our very own relief well. His name is Jesus Christ. John 14:6 tells us that Jesus is the way, and the truth and the life; that no one comes to the Father except through Him. It is through Him that we find refuge, peace, strength, love, compassion, forgiveness, deliverance, grace, among other things. If we revisit the verse, and focus on the word “Although” we are comforted that this King who was fully committed to the Lord, was not perfect, yet his life was a blessing. Ah...grace...that abundant grace, that He provides us.
It’s the desire of my heart to live in such a way that my behavior does not negatively impact others but instead bears much fruit, showing myself to be His disciple. I pray that my own descendants remember me as a woman after God’s own heart and that they will desire to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God, no matter what “crude effects” come their way.
II Chronicles 7:14 says it best: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and return from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Karen Ely
Domestic Social Worker
Friday, July 2, 2010
A Picture of Hope
I rose today with such great anticipation. For what the Lord allowed me to celebrate in person last week, I will experience the same joy today. Last week, I watched with an overwhelmed heart, my first adoption take place at Lifeline.
As the new parents walked down the hall to greet their tiny new gift, God gave me yet another glimpse of his majesty and grace. I cannot think of a more perfect picture of the hope we have found in being one of His, than the act of adoption.
As I rejoice with the family who will welcome their sweet son or daughter into their loving arms today, I lift up even greater praise for the eternal arms you and I have been embraced by as sons and daughters of our Father. Amazingly, we are able to experience this love right here, right now.
I praise God for the gift of adoption here on earth, anticipating the events of today, and for the love he extends to us through Christ and the eternal communion we have with Him as our Father forever.
“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.”
Psalm 100
Krisha Yanko
Development and Marketing Coordinator
As the new parents walked down the hall to greet their tiny new gift, God gave me yet another glimpse of his majesty and grace. I cannot think of a more perfect picture of the hope we have found in being one of His, than the act of adoption.
As I rejoice with the family who will welcome their sweet son or daughter into their loving arms today, I lift up even greater praise for the eternal arms you and I have been embraced by as sons and daughters of our Father. Amazingly, we are able to experience this love right here, right now.
I praise God for the gift of adoption here on earth, anticipating the events of today, and for the love he extends to us through Christ and the eternal communion we have with Him as our Father forever.
“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.”
Psalm 100
Krisha Yanko
Development and Marketing Coordinator
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