Christmas Miracles

Wow! God is so amazing! Our family had the most incredible thing happen to us this evening. It was a moment that stuns you as you realize that our God is huge and loving and worthy of more praise than we could ever hope to give Him. On the way to church tonight, Olivia began a conversation with her Dad about Christmas. First, let me say that her Christmas list consists of items totaling less than $10. We were so proud of how little she had asked for. Tonight however, she told Jerry that she no longer wanted those things. Instead, she only wanted a picture of Jason for Christmas. For those of you who might not know, Jason was our first foster child that came to our family. We had him just shy of two months. Needless to say, we fell in love with him and were devastated when he had to leave. It was pretty heartbreaking! However, our God is so incredible. During the same 20 minute period that Jerry was driving Olivia to church and having this conversation, Jason's grandmother was calling me and inviting us to his first birthday party! God is so good! Not only were we able to tell Olivia that we could definitely get a picture of Jason for Christmas, but that we are going to get to see him and hold him be with him on this special day. What a beautiful picture of how God not only provides but provides abundantly. I guess we'll be shopping for some sort of Tonka product for this precious little boy!

Start Digging in Your Couch Cushions!

Last year, our ministry group, The Cavalry, volunteered as bell ringers for the Salvation Army! We stood for 8 hours at both entrances at the Conroe Wal-Mart and rang bells. What an enormous blessing that was to us. We had such a wonderful time visiting with strangers, seeing friends, and catching up with people we hadn't seen in a long time. Our children received a blessing as well by getting to be a part of something so wonderful. We started out by taking donuts and coffee to all of the bell ringers for the Conroe / Woodlands area and then we began our stakeout! Besides having a fabulous time, we also made more money for those doors than had previously ever been made there! This year, we plan on doing the same thing. We wouldn't miss it for the world. It will be interesting to see how we manage to do this with two babies to watch! Perhaps Jer and I can each wear a Snugli with a baby in front. Surely the cute factor will get us some extra money! I also wanted to take this time to ask that if you aren't going to be able to donate to a red kettle in your area, to consider donating to our ministry online red kettle. I have provided a link so that you may donate to such a worthy cause. Our goal is a mere $125 and I know we can do it. We'll see the 13th of December in front of Wal-Mart! Bring your change to bring about change!!

Thanksgiving Makes Me Full!!

I suppose that Thanksgiving could not be a better time to begin blogging. As I have periodically looked around at my eclectic family over the last few days as we've visited family, decorated our house or simply relaxed in between activities, I cannot help but feel my heart swell with overwhelming emotions ranging from pride, gratefulness, sadness, and even a bit of hope. My family is beautiful and I truly could not have asked for a greater one. Jerry is a true partner in everything we do. He truly is a Godly man that loves us. My amazing daughter is smart, beautiful, and so much fun to be with. And lastly, two small precious boys that I know may only grace our lives for a little while. My God is so, so big and so, so good to me. I am so thankful for our foster care adventure and know that it has truly changed our lives and our family forever. I pray that I never judge a parent for their actions again. I will simply bow my head and thank my Lord for providing me with amazing parents that taught me what it means to love someone the way they loved me. There is truly an abundance for which to be thankful. Thank you God for making our lives so full!