God's Not Dead!

Good morning world!  Had a great time last night!  We went down to West Plains, about 30 miles from us, to a Christian coffee shop called Live It Loud.  On Friday nights they play Christian or faith based movies free along with handing out free popcorn and soda.  I get their GREAT coffee!  Love love love their coffee!  It gives Starbucks a run for their money for sure!

Anyway, last night they played God's Not Dead, both 1 & 2.  It was really good to see both of them back to back.  I had seen both, but some of our kids hadn't seen either.

We brought a friend of the kids from church and she accepted Jesus in her heart last night after the movies.  Was so awesome, the angles are still celebrating today!

In between the movies, we had birthday cake for Tommy.  He is 19 now.  We sang Happy Birthday and embarressed  him.  The movies, the birthday, the fun and fellowship, a great time had by all!

God is not dead!  He's alive and well!  AND living in my  heart and life!  Jesus is my Lord and Savior!  What about you?

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Some of my thoughts and actions,

Elizabeth

Birthday blessings from God!

Good morning world!  Today is another birthday in our home.  Tommy, my oldest son, turns 19.  I cannot believe that just about 18 years ago, I picked him up from the Division of Family Services office in Springfield.  He was 1.  He was our first foster kid.  And it was on a Friday too.  The following Monday, I picked up his brother David from the medical foster home in Springfield.

Those 2 stole my heart from the very beginning.  Bringing Tommy home was an adventure all in itself.  He was crying, not sure of what was going on.  By the time we got home he was fine.  Until he saw our dog, Charlie.  Charlie was half Golden Retriever and half Great Dane and taller than Tommy.
Tommy did not cry, he screamed.

I had fertility problems, so we decided to foster then adopt if the opportunity came around.  Tommy, David, then P.J. were our first kids.  We got them as babies and adopted them as soon as we could.  Their birth mom chose the dad over the kids.  I now know that happens more often that not.

I was blessed by God to be able to have these boys since they were babies.  We have had other blessings in our lives, come and go.  Just as our house is full of blessings right now.  And I love it!

Happy Birthday Tommy,  I am so proud of the man of God you are growing to be.  I love you so much!

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Some of my thoughts and actions,

Elizabeth

God's Unconditional Love

Good morning world.  Well, we picked up our new kids yesterday afternoon.  Gave them a brief tour, dropped off their stuff and whisked them off to church.  Good thing they are use to going to church.  Because of all the cleaning and getting ready for them, I did not have supper ready.  Should have used the crock pot, but just was not thinking.  So we had cereal for supper.  I think they were surprised.  The youngest said she would rather have eggs.  I was thinking I would rather have someone else cook dinner instead while I was busy.  But I just said, "Sweetie, this is it for tonight."

When we get new kids, there is almost always a "honeymoon" phase.  Where everyone is on their best behavior, including the parents.  The shortest of this phase I have ever experienced was 30 minutes.  So far we have gone beyond that.  Things are already different here.  Earlier bedtimes for all of them.  Different kinds of chores.

My prayer for today is to remind them they are loved and worthy and a part of this family!  We are not a perfect family, there is no such thing.  However, we do have love.  There is only one who is perfect and that is Jesus.  And the love we have for these kids comes from Him.

We are told to love not only the lovable, but to love the unlovable.  That type of unconditional loves comes only from God and having Jesus live in my heart.  This is the love you have for a kid who has stolen from you because it is his habit to steal and does not know how to not steal.  This is the love you have for a kid who hides food under his pillow because he had to in order to survive in his previous life or he did not eat.  And this is the love you have for the kid who lies because he had to in his previous life or get beaten even if he did nothing wrong.

14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  Matthew 19:14

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Some of my thoughts and actions,

Elizabeth

God's love is unconditional and so is my worth

Good early morning world!  I just love the "Aha" moments in life, don't you?  I had one of those moments in church this morning.  I cannot believe I am the age I am, have gone through all the stuff I have and just now realizing this!  And here it is:

My joy or my pain is not my worth.  Sounds like this is something I should already know, right?  I am not sure why I have not ever thought about this before.  When I have been in pain or hurt from a relationship, I have felt unworthy.  When I have felt joy for what ever reason, I have felt I was worthy of what ever.

Not so, just like my salvation is not contingent on what I do or not do, how I feel, it is solely based on the blood of Jesus who reigns in my heart.  My worth is not contingent on what I do or not do, or how I feel on that particular day.  It to is unconditional.  As God's love for me.

It is freeing to know I am worthy and loved by my Father in Heaven, a daughter of the most High, adopted into the Kingdom of God, bought by the blood of Jesus.

I have been a born again believer for many many years, about 25 or so years.  I have strayed away and come back a time or two.  So why have I just realized this now?  No idea.  All I can say is it is in God's timing.

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Some of my thoughts and actions,

Elizabeth

Family going to expand with Blessings!

Good morning world!  Just picked up my oldest son from the bus station in Springfield.  He's been working on the set of a new Christian movie, helping build sets, and such.  He told us this morning he was used as a voice over and an extra in a couple of scenes.  How exciting is that?  He is going to be called again when another movie comes up with this crew.

I'm very happy to have him home!

Next week our family is growing again by 3!  A 15 yr old boy, 13 or 14 yr old boy, and an 11 or 12 yr old girl.  I have heard both ages on the younger boy and girl, so I am not sure.  That means our existing foster daughter is going to be very happy to have another girl in the house.  I'm excited to have more kids!  I know, I must be nuts...  The blessings out weigh the burdens, I promise!

So how is this going to change our family?  Well, I have 3 boys, 1 foster daughter, add 3 more, that is 7 kids. Our new minivan seats 7, however the back seat can hold 4 instead of 3 if needed.  Depends on the size of these new kids.  Going anywhere together, church etc, means 2 vehicles.  I'm ok with that.

Our dining room table will have to be extended next week instead of Thanksgiving Day.  Right now it seats 8.  Need it to seat 9 or more.  I am already use to cooking for a lot, that is not too difficult.  We had 3 pigs butchered just over a month ago.  Good thing I guess, huh?

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Some of my thoughts and actions,

Elizabeth

Deals, Family, and camping!

Good morning world!  I just realized I missed the deal of the week, month, maybe in a long long time.  I am an on and off couponer.  This past week, I picked up 2 conditioners (that was all that was left on the shelf) at Dollar General, they were on sale for $2.50.  The digital coupon I had was buy 2, get $4.00 off.  So Buying 2 was only $.50!!!  If I had been paying attention, I would have shopped early and gotten as many as I could!  It is not hording, it is being prepared.  LOL....

Besides that, there is a little less craziness in my 2 rooms.  If I could stay focused in one room, maybe... nope would not happen even then.  Today after school, I will be hitting it again.  My goal is to have this done before Friday.  I'm wanting to go camping again this weekend, so we shall see.

Looks like our family might be growing again by 3 this time!  I am so excited!  Possibly as soon as next Monday, hence my goal of getting the rooms put back together by Friday.  Ok, also wanting to go camping.

I love camping this time of the year!  Cool at night and mornings.  Not to warm during the day.  Perfect weather for hiking or just what ever we decide to do.  Camp coffee is the best!  My mind is wandering.

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Some of my thoughts and actions,

Elizabeth

Is God in this?

Good morning world!  When we have foster kids come into our home, we let them know that they are a part of the family.  We let them know what the rules of the house are and get them settled in their rooms.

Usually after a few days, even after the honeymoon phase, They have a place rooted in my heart.  No matter what situation brought them to my home, I love them.  No matter how many kids come into my home, my heart expands with love for them.

So when one of them has to leave due to their choice of behavior, I start thinking if there was anything I could have done different with them.  Or what more I could have done for them.  But at the end of those times, I realize I have loved them no matter what and that is all I can do for them.

One of my friends told me I have an awesome ministry.  To impact a child's life in a positive Godly way is amazing.  I thought about that a lot, then realized God put the desire back into our hearts to be foster parents to share our home, our family, our hearts, and our love with them.

Is it easy?  That makes me laugh.  Schedules are disrupted always.  Extra kids means more laundry, bigger meals, more dishes, more squabbles to referee, and more hugs, more love.  On the go almost daily with doctor appointments, therapy appointments, family visits, dfs meetings, and court.

Is it worth it all?  DEFINITELY YES!!!  When a foster kid calls you Mom or Dad for the first time, it melts your heart.  The first hug, the first I love you too.  Means the world.  When a foster kid gets to go back home after the parents are ready for them.  Makes me smile.

Hug a kid today!

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Some of my thoughts and actions,

Elizabeth

Fostering as a ministry

Good morning world!  A few of my friends thought Patrick and I had completely lost our minds when we told them we were going to be foster parents again.  We journeyed this path for a few years 11 to 12 years ago.

We have talked over the years about fostering again and had  decided we did not want to go down that path again.

So what changed our minds?  I think it was several things.  First, a couple we have been friends with for a long time and had gotten out of touch with contacted us to reconnect.  During the time we had not seen them, they became therapeutic foster parents which suits them as they have a kid with a form of autisum.  They talked to us a lot the time we spent with them.

Second, I had the opportunity to talk to a judge we know about a different subject.  Then he met my boys.  I told him we had adopted them through the foster system.  He encouraged us to become foster parents again as there was such a shortage in his district.

Are we nuts for fostering again?  I look at this as our ministry.  I have always felt my first ministry is at home.  Now it has expanded.  I can honestly say this is not an easy path to follow.  I told one of our foster kids yesterday that it would be easier to kick them out.  I do not believe we are to do that.  This is the grace I wrote about yesterday.  To show them God's grace.

We believe this is what God wants us to do now.

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Some of my thoughts and actions,

Elizabeth

God's Grace

Good morning world!  I have been thinking last night and this morning about God's grace.

The Webster's definition of grace is:

Full Definition of grace

1. 1a :  unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctificationb :  a virtue coming from Godc :  a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace
2. 2a :  approval, favor grace

s>b archaic :  mercy, pardonc :  a special favor :  privilege grace, shall rule his heritage — Rudyard Kipling>d :  disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemencye :  a temporary exemption :  reprieve

3a :  a charming or attractive trait or characteristicb :  a pleasing appearance or effect :  charm grace

 of youth — John Buchan>c :  ease and suppleness of movement or bearing

I love that the first definition talks about the grace of God. Coming from God, grace is unmerited.  We did nothing to deserve it.  In fact quite the opposite.  We, I, do not deserve God's grace.  However, He loved us so much that he sent Jesus to pay the ultimate price, His life for us.  To atone for our sins.  

"7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace...."  Ephesians 1:7 NIV

In showing others God's love, am I suppose to show them God's grace too?  I believe so.  

We have had some major problems going on with one of our foster kids lately.  I believe I need to show them, my kids also, God's grace.  For now that means even though poor choices have been made, I will still love him but there are still consequences for the actions.

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Some of my thoughts and actions,

Elizabeth

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God's plans

Good morning world.  Been thinking this morning about God.  One of our foster kids does not believe in God.  I have not really talked to them about this, Patrick has but I think the kid was just being polite as I found out later he had tuned Patrick out.

I guess I do not understand the rational of not believing.  All I have to do is look around me, all around.  Usually when I go camping, I feel really close to God.  All of His creation is around me.  I see God's love in the smiles of my children.  I can hear it in their laughter.

I have had doubts in the past about what I believe.  At times when I have prayed so hard and so long for something, I have been discouraged.  When I had fertility problems, I prayed, I begged, I cried, I bargained with God for me to be able to get pregnant.

God had different plans for my life.  If I had become pregnant and had babies of my own, I might not have ever become a foster parent.  Then I would not have been blessed with my 3 boys!

Other than showing my foster kid God's love and God's grace on a daily basis, I am not sure what else to do.  Except pray.

My prayer for this kid and others is for their hearts to be soften, someone to be placed in their path to lead them to Christ, and for them to receive the love that is given to them.

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Some of my thoughts and actions,

Elizabeth

A kitty Momma

Good afternoon world.  Just finished up from the final touches of getting the house ready for a home visit from one of the case workers.  I do not stress when she comes like I do another one.  However, I still want things nice.

Had to clean up a kid's room for this visit.  Not very happy about that.  The rest of the house just needed a touch up because I had deep cleaned earlier in the week because of another home visit from a case worker.  She I sometimes stress out about when she comes.

In case I did not say earlier, we have foster kids.  Usually my house is in fairly good shape.  But with 5 kids, one is 18 and gone a great deal of the time, the house gets very lived in.  At times.

I have not been following a regular routine for cleaning as  I have done in the past few years.  Something I need to get back doing just that.  

I now have a baby kitten born yesterday that I am having to bottle feed.  She is so precious.  But I think her name might be Pumpkin.  Her momma had 4 babies.  She was not a good momma.  She did not stay with them and 3 died.  So I'm being a momma, kitty momma that is.

Off to feed the newest baby,

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Some of my thoughts and actions,

Elizabeth

Had a little talk with Jesus

Good morning world.  Another day, another...... Use to say dollar... But today I will say another chance to do anything and everything.  Another day to breathe, run, walk, hug.....

No, I did not get enough sleep.  And no I still have a mountain of things I wan't/need to get done today, tomorrow, this week, this month....  So what is different than how I felt a day or two ago, especially this past weekend?

Had a little talk with Jesus.  I was reminded that I am His first and foremost.  That I matter no matter what.

So if all of this is true, and it is, then why should I stay upset?  Do I have a reason to be upset, yes before.  But for me to let it grow and continue to be upset and steal my joy that is God given is not right of me or for me.

Today I am grateful for all I have and all I am.  Only for the grace of God!

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Some of my thoughts and actions,

Elizabeth

I'm fine

Good morning world.  How are you?  Me, I'm fine.

How often do we say "fine" when we really are not fine?  I do it often, more often than I really like to admit.  I am not fine.

Let's turn the tables a little.  When you ask "How are you?"  Do you really want to know how I am doing or anyone else?  Or is this just a polite saying we have gotten use to using?

My boys know if I say "I'm peachy." that means definitely I'm not peachy or fine.  In fact, when I say that to them, I usually will be telling them what is wrong.

So why do we, or I do this?  Most of my friends know when I am upset.  I wear my feelings on my face.  I don't know.

I started this post yesterday morning when I was still upset over the weekend.  We had gone camping.  Usually I calm down and relax when we camp.  This time I did not.

However, yesterday, I ended up a lot more calm and not so angry.  I was even able to seperate my feelings and realize  where the anger is coming from.  I will deal with that today.

Today, after school, it's a massive home blessing (cleaning).  Stuff is still around from camping, mostly dirty clothes.  A caseworker is coming today for one of the kids.  Most of the time I do not worry about this, but today I do.

So next time I am tempted to say "fine", I am going to stop and think a bit before I answer.

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Some of my thoughts and actions,

Elizabeth