Oatsvall Team

Don't Get Caught Up ...

2013-05-13T10:07:00.001-04:00

I am finding lately that more people would rather argue about a topic than actually put in work to try and help ... Some think of compromise as a weakness when it really can be a strength ... I am just weary of the all the negativity ... Everyone needs to go and serve where God calls them ... We are the BODY of Christ and he is tells us what PART we are ... If we were all the HAND then how would we walk ... We need to work together to love on the people God puts in our lives ... It isn't a competition or a name recognition ... IT IS ABOUT serving a living and glorious Lord !!!

It is hard here in America because we are bombarded with the world and we know Jesus, but sometimes we get the messages confused and mixed up ... Pedigree, education, last name doesn't trump the LIVING SAVIOR or make one better equipped ... GOD EQUIPS THE CALLED not the other way around ... We can reach people for Christ when we all work together and love on the people God puts in our hearts ... My kids are so good at just giving LOVE and watching them helps me to stay focused ... I am going to be honest and say there are days when it is hard for me to GIVE LOVE and TRUST when I know it may be thrown back in my face or used for the wrong purpose ... It is extremely hard to TURN THE OTHER CHEEK when you are feeling batter and bruised ... People will hurt you, let you down, and use you, but the LORD NEVER WILL ... He has the most amazing promises in the bible and I trust them and LEAN ON THEM ...

Together we can show more people this TRUTH and help them to find peace even when they are hungry, hurting, dying, or scared ...

"WHATEVER YOU DID FOR THE LEAST OF THESE YOU DID FOR ME" ... such a powerful word from the Lord ... He is saying you can find me anytime you want by going to his HURTING people ...

LET'S be doers of the word !!! Don't be a stumbling block for people to trudge over ...

Hair !!! Over It !!!

2013-04-25T10:37:00.001-04:00

Can I just tell you I am COMPLETELY over doing my girl's hair in the morning ...NO JOKE ... It requires 4 different brushing utensils, 2 different styling products, and the tackle holds I must preform to get the girls to be still so I can brush their hair is RIDICULOUS ... WWE has nothing on me ... I can preform a leg hold on my girls that would make John Cena proud !!!

They really don't like bows or hair stuff in their hair except to CHEW ON, stick in their bags, lose or play with like a toys !!! (so much wasted $$$ on that stuff)

OVER IT .... just sayin ... SHOUTING MY FRUSTRATION at this moment ... I don't like the tears, the whining, the arguments, etc ... not a way to start my day or theirs !!!

ANY IDEAS ... and if you say PRAY ( I already do that) ... Don't ask me to sing to them either (can't carry a tune) ... And if you say let them do it themselves (I will scream) My girls are VERY self sufficient, but that is not an area they have succeeded in ...

So bring on the advice (and remember I have 6 kids and we are on a shot clock in the morning to get out the door to school - so don't give me some hour long solution - hee hee ) !!! Also we have sensitive scalp / bald spot on Mags, THE TIGHTEST curls know to man on Daisy, and dry scalp like the dessert on Em ... just keepin it real ... SOMEONE HELP A SISTA OUT !!!

My 3 feisty angel girls !!!

Still Restless ... YET STEADY

2013-04-17T17:42:00.001-04:00

Jesus Calling was so good today .. I am doing my best to stay STEADY w/ the Lord in my restlessness ... His strength and power are SO SUSTAINING !!! He is the reason many days I stand up and use my voice even when I feel like I have hit a wall, been kicked to curb, or had the door slammed in my face ... I have to tell myself that it is NOT me people say NO too !!! I have to tell myself it is NOT me people don't want !!! I have to tell myself that it is NOT me they are turning their backs on - IT IS THE MESSAGE OF JESUS I BRING ... He can shoulder it all ... I am so weak, sensitive, pouty, and sad at times and yet he stands in front of me and STANDS TALL ... He brings his good news through me NO matter what ... I am a vessel for him !!! I want it pouring out of me even when I feel like the cracks are bigger than the spout ...

JESUS is the main thing ... I WANNA KEEP THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING !!!

RESTLESS ...

2013-04-10T23:42:00.000-04:00

Once you get used to God's roller coaster of a ride in your life you begin to expect it ... You start holding your breath or screaming as the BIG DIPS and CURVES come and the butterflies flutter in your stomach ... You even begin to think and try to anticipate what HIS NEXT ADVENTURE is for you ... You remember how crazy some of the rides have been so you begin preparing and bracing yourself for what is to come, but in reality if your not careful and you plan to much, think to much, or you brace yourself for the NEXT big loop to SOON then you really are not living by FAITH as much as you should ... You are trying to coax or maneuver God ... I think perhaps that is where I am right now ... We have had another BIG CHANGE to our lives ... (I know none of you are shocked by this fact) ... And I think I sorta put my hand up to brace myself and in turn have blocked God a bit ... I am completely baffled when I look back over the last 7 years and how God took my quiet, safe, normal life and turned it UP SIDE DOWN for Him ... I remember how scary the first YES was and how as we got closer to him as a family that the YESs came easier and the CHAOS was a way of life ... It was even laughable at times ... But now I feel like the YESs are creaking out of my mouth because in reality I really want to tell GOD what I will say YES to first and then let him put that ONE THING in front of me ... I am RESTLESS about letting him CHOOSE my YES journey ... So even though I know I will say YES to Jesus I am a bit GUN SHY these days ... I am weary of CHANGE and seriously would just like to be a bit of an OSTRICH and stick my head in the sand ... hee hee ... JUST KEEPIN IT REAL ... I know I am up for anything with JESUS and my heart has surrendered to him and yet the RESTLESS moments linger around me these days ...

Fight the resisting heart and make sure your faith when tested understands that complete surrender is the ONLY way to live a joyful and fulfilling life !!!

love you all and thanks for listening to my rambles !!!

CASH PRIZES ... FUNDRAISING !!!

2013-04-10T08:46:00.001-04:00

I have been in all of your shoes ... needing extra funds for an adoption or mission trips for my family ... 147 Million Orphans makes it easy to fundraise ... cool gear, amazing jewelry made w/ hands of hope in (Uganda, Haiti, and Honduras) and a story that matches your heart ... PROVIDING FOOD, WATER, AND MEDICINE can change a life FOREVER ... Let us help you and in turn you are helping us spread our mission ...

Don't miss the opportunity to go on a mission trip because the extra funds are not there ... Don't let the world tell you that adoption is out of reach because of money ... The WORLD doesn't want you to step out in faith and follow God's plan ... Bring your CHILD HOME or take your family ON THAT SERVING TRIP !!!

GOD FUNDS WHAT HE FAVORS

and 147 Million Orphans is here to help !!!

check out this promotion for cash prize drawing on our 147 MILLION ORPHANS FB

Surrender and Submit (these are NOT bad words)

2013-04-03T23:13:00.003-04:00

Two words that our world doesn't really view in a positive way and yet they are cornerstones to our FAITH .... You must SUBMIT and SURRENDER to the Father ... Otherwise you can't hear his voice and it makes it so hard to understand his word ... YOU NEED HIS VOICE AND HIS WORD to direct you every day ... Things the world says robs you of your individually, self esteem, or power are sometimes the very things that BRING YOU CLOSER TO JESUS ... Isn't our very deepest heart's desire is to be closer to him, know him, and serve him ??? !!! That requires humbleness, grace, kindness, love, and most importantly SURRENDER and SUBMISSIVENESS !!!

It has taken me many years and still many days it takes me the better part of the day to SURRENDER and SUBMIT to him ... I am one stubborn and selfish girl and yet the moment I just STOP and let him flow through my spirit then I can see more clearly !!! WHEN MY LIFE IS CLEAR then I can feel the peace and joy that the FATHER has for me ... and believe me with the fast pace of changes in my family's life I need that PEACE of the Father's plan for my life ... I need to hear him and submit to those changes ...

What a battle we face daily and if you don't realize you are in a battle then you have ALREADY LOST ... Keep your heart open and know you have a CHOICE to make each day ... by choosing SURRENDER AND SUBMIT then you are setting up your day to glorify the LORD ...

blessings !!!

KID QUOTES ( I may start doing this w/ each blog post ... cause my kids say some really cool, funny, truthful things)

Maggie - "I have decided I am going to ask Jesus into my heart on my birthday cause that will be the best gift ever."

Daisy - "Do all kids have parents like I do?" (what a long conversation we had on that one)

Elijah - "I did brush my teeth - with my finger."

TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER

2013-03-19T17:36:00.001-04:00

I am honored to know Joy, Shelly, and Colleen !!! These 3 women are just a few of the many people God has blessed Suzanne and I with over the years of serving the hurting children of the world !!!

Their organization is called CUPCAKEKIDS.ORG and its mission is powerful ... "little people with big hearts for God and the imprisoned children of Africa." EMPOWERING our children to dream big and help even bigger is a blessing on so many levels ... Just like 147's "Donate your birthday program," we have a desire to motivate our children to begin making a difference NOW ... Helping them to use their talents to make a difference in another child's life ... A child much like themselves !!!

Jesus said that we all need child-like faith ... You see children don't see a box not to be climbed out of ... They don't see the obstacles before them ... They don't feel the heavy burden of the task ... THEY SIMPLY DREAM OF PUTTING A SMILE ON A CHILD'S FACE !!! They see a need and are determined to meet it ... I love the way a child goes about serving with a pure heart and a zest to make life better for someone else !!!

Allow your child to love on another child that is hurting and vulnerable ... Empower and Encourage them to find their way to support a brother or sister around the world ... Loving each other makes the world a much brighter place to be ... And if we teach them now then when they grow older serving will be a part of their life always ... What better blessing to give your child than the heart to serve !!!

THANKS JOY, SHELLY, AND COLLEEN for leading the way ... hugs, 147 Moms !!!

147 SALE !!!

2013-03-10T18:33:00.001-04:00

MARCH 12TH, 10AM-6PM AT FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH in Franklin, TN (back barn) is our annual SPRING SALE ... lots of new tees and new jewelry !!! Do your Easter Shopping early and stock up for Mother's Day !!!

We are very close to having the LOVE+1 Medical Center funded and we need your help to finish this project !!

We have raised $220,000 and need $250,000 ... This medical center will provide love, hope, and services to over 35,000 people ... WHAT A BLESSING TO BE A PART OF THIS PROJECT !!

147millionorphans.com

Never 2 Forget ...

2013-03-04T22:59:00.003-05:00

It is nights like tonight when I am reminded by the Lord that past struggles can rear their little heads and can remind us of how far we have come and yet still how far we have to go ...

My angel girl Maggie is struggling to sleep this past week and in her tears I can see the REAL FEAR that pops up every now and again ... You see it used to be a daily occurrence for the first year and half she was home ... We never slept much in those days and the FEAR was so overwhelming for her that I felt useless as her mother to help her ... God was so sweet and gentle to remind me each day to LOVE HER LIKE CHRIST and not to worry about meeting an expectation, but to LOVE AND LOVE AND LOVE ... I look back on that time and realize that it was with out a doubt my most sweet and humbling time with the Lord ... I sunk deep into him because I was literally drowning with all the pain, struggles, and hurt that my Maggie was battling ... HE gave me all I needed to help her to heal ... It is weeks like this when the scars are showing that I dig in a little deeper to HER and HIM so that we can wade through the pain together ... She was extra clingy this weekend and I will admit that at times I shrugged it off because I was so BUSY and then tonight we just had to sit, hug, cuddle, and talk through her sadness ... You see she can't explain it in words, but it is THERE IN HER EYES ... I know when my baby is deep in her hurt and doesn't know why ... It hit me tonight that we have a lot of changes coming our way with new schools, new friends, and NEW ENVIRONMENT for next year and even though she doesn't seem phased by that idea, I know she can take that and internalize it. She lets it roam around her heart and then it pops up in different insecure ways.

So what will we do ??? We will have a little more grace, a lot more hugs, and we will stick close together till this CLOUD passes ... She is a survivor and I know she will allow us to love her through it and we will keep directing her back to the UNCONDITIONAL AND EVERLASTING love of CHRIST ... WHAT A PRIVILEGE IT IS TO BE HER MOTHER !!! Jesus, thank you for the amazing Gift of MAGGIE !!!

i have been CLEANING TOILETS most of my life

2013-02-21T09:52:00.003-05:00

You ever have those moments when you are doing something and it just FLASHES a memory so clear that you actually feel like you have transported back in time to that EXACT moment ??? Well, Monday I was cleaning toilets (NOT MY FAV JOB) and I had a flash of when I was in elementary school and I was helping my parents clean some office buildings ... I think about all the lessons my parents taught me and one of them was how to WORK HARD ... My parents got married really young and had to work hard to provide for our family ... They both worked hard manual labor jobs and on the side they would take my little brother and myself with them at night to clean office buildings ... We each had a job and mine was helping to clean toilets (and it wasn't fun then either - hee hee) ... Monday when I was cleaning toilets and had the flash of memory I laughed OUT LOUD at how funny life can be ... There are a lot of hard things in life I don't like doing, but I do them anyway because HARD WORK is something that just has to be done sometimes ... I think about the hard jams that have come our way over the last 10 years and how we have persevered as a family because we DON'T THROW IN THE TOWEL ... We don't GIVE UP ... AND WE TAKE GOD AT HIS WORD and move forward ... The JOY that comes from walking in the hard places with the LORD is indescribable ...

I love to LAUGH ... I can find humor in almost any situation - kids blowing snot on me, having a child spill a drink when we have run out of time and must go, sticky fingers on my white coat, the word MOM COMING out of little mouths at warp speed, forgotten PROJECTS and late night trips to the store for supplies, loud screams in a room full of quiet stares from strangers, kids eating boogers or putting them on a sibling, the completely in appropriate fight between my children in the grocery store and CLEANING TOILETS ... this could be an endless list!!

We have to laugh in life or the tears will come (not that tears aren't sometimes needed), but we have a choice everyday on how we want to attempt to FACE the day ... I want to take JESUS into my day and laugh with him when things get hard and PUSH through ... You see I got tested 5 years ago and it was MAKE OR BREAK time ... What kind of person I was gonna be ??? Would I fight or flight ... Would I believe GOD'S PROMISES or wouldn't I ... I dug down as deep as I could and I found a strength that only comes from the LORD ... It changed my life ... I won't ever go back !!!

one of my fav verses is PSALM 31:3 ... "SINCE YOU ARE MY ROCK AND MY FORTRESS; FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR NAME LEAD AND GUIDE ME. "

have a blessed day all !!!

147 Million Orphans ... What a few hands can do !!!

2013-02-14T09:35:00.003-05:00

Between the doctors appts, sign language classes, basketball games, ballet, pottery, homework, laundry, errands, a yoga class or a run --- GOD has given us the mission and passion to do 147 Million Orphans ... I can't tell you what a blessing it is to work w/ these ladies and make a CHANGE in children's lives ... BECAUSE IN ALL HONESTY EVERY CHILD REMINDS ME OF MY SWEET ANGELS and there is nothing I wouldn't do for them - to make sure they had food, water, and medicine !!!

... I laugh at all the suggestions we are given on how to GROW 147 ... The truth is nothing comes before our families and there is only so many hours in the day ... We are doing our best and could really use your help to spread our mission ... We work 147 like a family ... Everyone just pitching in with their gifts and talents !!!

We are so close to our goal for the HAITI MEDICAL CENTER ... We are blown away by how GOD is funding this LOVE+1 PROJECT ... WE HAVE RAISED $209,000 and we need $250,000 to break ground ... They are ready to start building in March !!! PLEASE HELP US ... BUY A SHIRT, NECKLACE, BAG OR MAKE A DONATION TO THE FOUNDATION ... COME BE A PART OF THIS LIFE CHANGING LEGACY in HAITI !!!

147millionorphans.com

click STORE 2 shop or FOUNDATION 2 donate

BE A PART OF OUR 147 FAMILY !!!

DO YOU WANT TO SEE PEOPLE ??? or keep the blinders on !!!

2013-02-04T09:26:00.000-05:00

I think I am becoming more and more baffled with how people try to fit other people in a BOX ... There are so many people living different lives than the one we know --BOTH HERE AND AROUND THE WORLD ... We can't expect people to think we genuinely care about them and want to help if we PUT ALL OF OUR PRECONCEIVED notions on them ... Why would they trust us and think we care if we try to help them in a way that really only fits our mold or some list we have made ... What ever happened to just caring and loving a person so you could get to know them and then figure out how to best serve them ... You can't put a BAND AID on when the wound is gushing ... You have to understand w/ compassion where some one is coming from whether you understand it intellectually or not ... What is their past, what are their scars, and are you willing to love them through it ... When someone reveals to you a shocking past hurt - WHAT WILL YOU DO ??? Can you get down in the dirt w/ someone and walk them out ??? Are you willing to be sick emotionally and lose sleep to help someone find their way ??? We must find the inner truth that we are ALL CREATED BY GOD and he has made us family ...

If I have learned nothing over the past few years it is that I don't have to understand or experience another person's pain to help ... but I can't give them a patterned answer or solution either ---- WALKING IN THE DESERT W/ PEOPLE UNLIKE YOU WILL OPEN PLACES FOR JESUS TO SHOW HIMSELF - both to you and them !!!

Open you mind and heart to ALL the people God created ... Be the change for someone ... It doesn't take much to be an average christian ... TRY LIVING AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE FULL OF BLESSINGS W/ THE LORD - see all his people !!!

LOOKING DIFFERENT, SMELLING DIFFERENT, OR LIVING DIFFERENT doesn't really make them different ... We are all children of our sweet SAVIOR !!! so go ahead and put yourself out there and GIVE YOUR LIFE AWAY !!!

Love My Life ... all of it !!!

2013-01-29T16:16:00.002-05:00

I am so thankful I don't know what is around the corner ... I think of all of the days, moments, and experiences I would miss by knowing to much (such a sweet gift from the Lord) ... I just really wanted to update you all on the Oatsvall family life ...

DRUM ROLE PLEASE .... My sweetie has gone into full time Church Ministry and YES, that makes me a PASTOR'S WIFE ... I will take your prayers starting now !!!! hee hee ... I guess the one thing I can guarantee is that I will be who I am and no title will change that ... Although, I have had some sweet friends poking fun at me and telling me, "Oh Gwen you can't do this or that now that you are a pastor's wife and we will pray that you are more this or that." Gotta love some funny girlfriends !!! I am who God created me to be ...

This new journey will surely "ENLARGE OUR TERRITORIES" ... prayer of Jabez

1 Chronicles 4:10

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

I know God never wants me comfortable or complacent ... I live on a roller coaster and when I say oh please just let me get off, then I always have someone to remind me that I WOULD NOT LIKE IT ... I love that people can see my light from the LORD and know that I WANT WHAT HE WANTS !!!

I think of all the hidden treasures I find in my husband and children each day ... I am so thankful I am LOOKING these days ... There are some really hard days and I know in the midst of those days that I am right where God wants me ... You have to choose to love and choose serve!!! Why ELSE ARE WE HERE !!!

I am watching Joseph blossom before my very eyes ... I see him GIVE OUT JOY to everyone ... I watch him learning sign language so that he can grow and give to others ... He loves his class / teachers and watching them love him back does my heart so good ... I am beyond blessed and feel like I can call JOSEPH a miracle ... His first two years home we still had not locked the doors to help him communicate - tons of speech therapy, a whole summer of sign language, neuro appts., audiologists appts. and yet there was just NO LIGHTS coming on ... AND when he started Kindergarten it was as if LIGHTENING STRUCK, THE RAINBOW CAME OUT AND THE SEAS PARTED !!! It all clicked ... I could just cry thinking about how far we have come since August ... I think about the weekly sign language classes I am now taking to keep up w/ him ... And he is KICKING MY BOOTY !!! hee hee ... He is one big shining star !!!

I could tell you a hundred of my stories about how my life is as crazy as it is and some days are really difficult - BUT IT ALL BOILS DOWN TO ONE THING -- I WANT WHAT GOD WANTS FOR MY LIFE ... Do you ??? Are you ready to jump off the cliff and live uncomfortable and not complacent ... DON'T WAIT - gooooood day, just put down that WHATEVER is bogging you down and toss it to the side!! Get in prayer and ask THE FATHER to show you where HE wants you to change lives for the KINGDOM ...
LET'S DO SOME ETERNAL WORK TOGETHER !!!

Scripture tells us "WHAT EVER YOU DID FOR THE LEAST OF THESE YOU DID FOR ME." How simple is that ... You wanna do something for Jesus then HE is telling you how ...

LOVE YOU ALL !!!

2013 is HERE !!!

2013-01-03T22:09:00.002-05:00

We treat the beginning of the year like some HUGE revelation to begin again and it just hit me today that GOD GIVES US NEW MERCIES AND GRACE each day ... what if we woke everyday feeling the power of his NEWNESS, like we do on the 1st of the year !!! now that would be a cool way to live each and everyday of our lives ...

THANKS LORD for your words, promises, and the NEWNESS of each day w/ you !!! May we be good stewards of your grace, goodness, and gifts !!!

A Tribute To My Wife

2012-12-28T21:52:00.000-05:00

I have been married to the most amazing woman for 22 years. i will make a fool out of myself for you babe. I love you soooooo much. Thanks for letting me be me! Scott

BLOGS ????

2012-12-27T18:24:00.000-05:00

ARE OUR BLOGS BECOMING OBSOLETE ? Just wondering how we feel about our blogs these days ? I definitely don't write on mine as much anymore nor do I have the time to check in on all of you (as much as I would like too) ...

So many of you I follow on FB, twitter, or instagram and I feel I get such a cool peek into your daily lives ...

and to be honest there are days when I feel like I have said it all for this season of my life ... You know how passionate I am about SPEAKING UP FOR ORPHANS ... You know I love love love my family ... You know I have admitted to being a big ole mess and thankful God could use the scraps I give him to further his Kingdom ... What else is there to say as we go into 2013, but that WE MUST W/ OUT A DOUBT BEGIN LOVING ONE ANOTHER BETTER AND SERVING THE LORD ...

Don't take the easy road because on most days that is NOT where GOD is ... He is in the hard places and the dirt ... He is with the sick people ... He is sitting next to the dying ... He is bringing water to the thirsty ... He is and always will be with HIS PEOPLE ... And when I say people I MEAN ALL OF THEM - red, yellow, black, and white from ALL OVER THE WORLD ... There are NO boundaries to our FAMILY ... THE WORLD is our brothers and sisters !!!

The overflow of blessings you will feel won't be measurable and has eternal value ... GIVE YOUR LIFE AWAY because it not only changes you, but all those that watch you (especially your children) ...

SIGNING OFF FOR 2012 ... may 2013 break our hearts for what breaks his and bring us the JOY that is unexplainable with words !!!

thanks for always checking in and for the many prayers !!! blessings to you and yours !!!

JUST A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS ... each one is a blessing ... may it bless you also !!!

2012-12-18T21:21:00.002-05:00

HIS WORD WILL NOT COME BACK VOID !!! HIDE IT IN YOUR HEART !!!

John 13:35
Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Psalm 31:3
You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger.

Joshua 24:15

¹⁵But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”

Proverbs 24:12
Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.” For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.

Hebrews 11:1

11 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

Isaiah 45:3

And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness secret riches.I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.

Matt 5:14-15

¹⁴“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. ¹⁵No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.

Isaiah 40:29

He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

My TOP TEN favorite things for Christmas !!!

2012-12-12T20:25:00.001-05:00

It has been a long time since I made A CHRISTMAS LIST ... I thought it would be fun to write out what my Christmas wishes might be (they have definitely changed over the years !!!) ... so fun to think about what would make me WAKE UP BRIGHT AND EARLY WITH CHILD LIKE GIGGLES AND JOY on the Morning of Dec. 25th ... On this list are some impossibilities, but oh the fun of DREAMING !!! hopes and dreams are motivating factors to KEEP OUR PASSIONS ALIVE !!!

1) my first wish would be to have some ALONE TIME with my sweetie !!! Our 23rd Annv. is 29th of December and we are definitely due some KID FREE time

2) A day with no ARGUING, no TATTLE TAILING, no SPILLS, no CRYING, no MAKING A MESS, and no ONE SAYING "MOM, MOM, MOM, MOMMY, MOOOOM, MOM, MOMMY"

3) TO BE ABLE TO EAT ANYTHING I WANT W/OUT GAINING A POUND over the holidays

4) 147 Million Orphans to receive enough donations to completely fund the medical center in Haiti, build the remaining homes in Honduras, add to the feeding program for our friend Katie in Uganda, and more funds to finish off the WELL in Sudan to add more spickets to the pump !!!

5) Dark Chocolate w/ Sea Salt (whole foods has my favorite brand - but it is so expensive that I don't get it often)

6) NO CLEANING up after meals for a whole day !!!

7) hot yoga clothes from LULULEMON (my complete guilty pleasure)

8) sunglasses from TOM'S (they have some new CAT EYE ones that would be dreamy to have)

9) for EVERY WAITING parent to get approval for their KIDS TO COME HOME

10) the time and resolve to READ THE CHRONOLOGICAL BIBLE in 2013

AND BONUS BIG HUGE CHRISTMAS WISH WOULD BE TO WAKE UP CHRISTMAS MORNING AND BE COMPLETELY FLUENT IN SIGN LANGUAGE !!!

147 hour sale ... 20 % off the entire store ... BRICKS THAT BRING HOPE !!!

2012-12-07T17:03:00.001-05:00

Starting today for the next 147 hours the entire 147 Million Orphans' Store is 20% off ... Each purchase is adding bricks to our MEDICAL CENTER in Haiti ... It is like the story of Nehemiah - One BRICK at a time w/ each person doing their part TO REBUILD ... WON'T YOU STAND BESIDE US !!! We can build it together ... There is NO GREATER gift to give someone at Christmas than a gift that brings HOPE and LOVE ...

THIS IS WHERE THE LOVE+1 MEDICAL CENTER WILL STAND !!!

THE WORD !!!

2012-12-07T09:36:00.001-05:00

There are blogs everywhere ... Twitter is a constant source of sharing EVERYTHING ... Instagram is our life in pictures ... FB is the media highway of our lives ... MANY GO TO THESE SEARCHING to connect, find answers, and define themselves ... LET'S ALWAYS REMEMBER that the WORD OF GOD is the never ending source of love, guidance, and the light that leads us ...

Connecting with others and sharing our lives is a great thing and building relationships which are critical to our life experience both are a blessing ... WE MUST ALWAYS GO TO THE WORD TO GUIDE US and to find TRUTH ...

have a blessed holiday season ...

SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR ...

2012-11-21T18:54:00.000-05:00

Would love for you to take a moment and share w/ me what you are thankful for ... I love hearing testimonies to what God is doing in other's lives and how HE is sustaining you w/ a THANKFUL HEART in all circumstances !!!

I am always thankful for my sweet family and friends, but for sure WATER, FOOD, AND MEDICINE have taken on a whole new meaning for our family the last 3 years ... SEEING THOSE WITH OUT and knowing God put me here to be his hands and feet to love and provide for my brothers and sisters without is a humbling journey ...

I am the mom that hounds my children NOT to leaving water running while they brush their teeth ... I am the mom that says you are going to eat that because there are children STARVING ... I am the mom that NO LONGER complains about long waits at the doctor or hospital ... I HAVE A NEW HEART thanks to GOD OPENING MY EYES ... I am responsible to be the DIFFERENCE in someone's life and I WON'T MISS THAT ...

THANKFUL GOD CAN USE ME RIGHT WHERE I AM TO LOVE ON PEOPLE RIGHT WHERE THEY ARE !!!

happy THANKSGIVING MY FRIENDS !!

WATCH THIS VIDEO !!!! be a light for a dark world

2012-11-18T23:07:00.001-05:00

14.7% OFF THE ENTIRE 147 MILLION ORPHANS STORE ... Make your Christmas presents mean something this season .... Nov. 19-24th !!! FAB new tees, HOODIES/SWEATSHIRTS, jewelry from Uganda/Honduras/Haiti, coffee mugs, hats, HANDMADE BAGS, toddler & youth gear ... WE have something for everyone AND MORE IMPORTANTLY your gift will change lives !!!

The Church is a HOSPITAL (so to speak)

2012-11-15T22:56:00.001-05:00

As we are working at 147 to raise the funds for medical center (aka Hospital) in Haiti and my families new church launch is approaching, I keep seeing the parallel between the church and a hospital ...

BOTH ARE

Places of Healing

Every person working there is important

Brokenness is welcomed and expected

healing doesn't work on a time clock

No one is turned away

It is a place where people share their secrets

Telling the truth is critical to the healing process

People from all colors and socio-economic backgrounds gather together

It is place of birth

People disagree

There is always change

People leave

People return

Serving is NEVER done

It is important that we all find our place to serve so that we can help others heal. I am a firm believer that serving others brings JOY AND A HEALING ON ITS OWN ... We have the ability to shape our own lives by following Jesus's example of service and love ... Make yourself small and HIM BIG ... One of the reasons this Medical Center is so important to us is because there are children dying, sick, and lost ... I have seen sweet faces mirror some of our own sweet babies ... I think any one of those children needing IMMEDIATE care could have been my child ... I would want someone to help my child (wouldn't you ??? ) ... This medical clinic will not only heal their bodies, but help to heal their spirit ... IT WILL SHOW THEM THE LOVE OF CHRIST IN ACTION !!!

Are You Mary or Martha ??

2012-11-09T10:06:00.001-05:00

I want you to think on this for a while ... There is such a balance in the MARY/MARTHA life ... It is hard to find BALANCE, but so important to explore and dissect your life to make sure you are striving to hit that balance ... MARY - sitting at the feet of Jesus / MARTH - preparing the food, cleaning the house, and serving Jesus

Suzanne, Michelle and I sat w/ our sweet friend Jan this past week (she got news that she has a brain tumor) and we just cried and laughed ... When we left I thought about how much Jan praised the Lord, talked about his goodness, and just had such a peace during this time - she was MARY MARY MARY - just sitting at his feet knowing he has a hold of her ... she was pointing us to him and talking about scripture and GOD'S PLAN ... Now normally, Mrs. Jan is a MARTHA KIND OF GIRL - she keeps us on task at 147, she is a list maker and a TAKE NO PRISONER kinda girl (just like me) ... She just keeps the wheels running on so many things ... She is a master juggler and serving others like she is the energizer bunny !!!

So my mind starting looking at the irony of it and how that balance is such a hard thing to grasp ...

We will revisit this more later, but I just wanted you to think on it like I am ... We left the fundraiser last night AMAZED at what God did ALL ON HIS OWN ... The people he brought, the money that was donated, and the prayers that went up to him ... It was a MARTHA EVENT with a MARY THEME ... The best of both worlds ...

LET'S ALWAYS LOOK FOR THAT BALANCE BECAUSE IT KEEPS US CLOSE TO HIM ...

LOVE YOU ALL ... PLEASE KEEP MY SWEET FRIEND JAN IN YOUR PRAYERS !!!

I THOUGHT I WOULD BE USED TO THIS BY NOW ...

2012-11-01T22:39:00.000-04:00

There are many things that I feel like I should be used to by now AND I AM NOT ... so I was thinking today and it hit me it is probably a good thing that I am not !!!

What if I got used to people saying - "Are any of the kids yours?"

What if I got used to people saying - "I could never do what you do."

What if I got used to the mounds of laundry each day

What if I got used to people staring at us everywhere we go

What if I got used to Maggie saying "Mommy I want you"

What if I got used to Elijah's constant questions

What if I got used to Scott kissing me before he leaves in the morning & first thing when he gets home

What if I got used to people asking us to share our story

What if I got used to Emily correcting my sign language skills

What if I got used to starving children

What if I got used to Daisy infectious smile

What if I got used to people dying for lack of clean water

What if I got used to people needing meds when none are available

What if I got used to watching Jeremiah make shots or score TDs

What if I got used to Joseph learning sign language

COMPLACENCY can be really scared thing ... It kills the spirit and makes you deaf to GOD'S whispers and calling ... Even the things that annoy us and make our bellies get a fire in them keep us on our toes ... We need to be prepared for battle at all times ... We need to have a voice that spreads the good news of Christ ... We want others to see the glory of the LORD ... He has asked us to be his hands and feet ... If you are complacent then it is like sitting on your hands w/ your feet tied together ... I am the mother that screams with a passion at the games for all the kids playing ... I am the mother who listens to Elijah's questions and thinks about how God created that amazing brain to wonder ... I am the mother who cries every time I see a child in need ... I am the mother who may or may not have grace when a person asks me an insensitive question regarding my children ... LIVE LIFE ALWAYS !!!

So when life seems weary or things are just getting on your nerves ... When life is like a big JOYOUS rainbow then be THANKFUL for both sides --- it is these emotions of weariness and joy that keep you feeling all that GOD has and reminds you of his strength, love and power !!!

SO BE THANKFUL ... You are not used to the repetitive things in your life and that IT CHALLENGES YOU EACH DAY TO THINK about others, think about change, and be active in the life you leading for the LORD !!!