Life is Bigger...

I Refuse

2011-07-07T06:10:00.000-04:00

Here is a video that perfectly summarizes my post from last night…

The Broken and Hidden

2011-07-06T22:28:00.001-04:00

Broken hearts…

Broken minds…

Broken lives…

Each of us is broken. Each of us has pain. Each of us has learned how to hide our brokenness from others…or so we believe. We have become good at the shallow answers to shallow questions. I mean really, how many people really want to know the truth when they ask how you are? What would they think if they knew the truth, would they still like us? Do they even really have the time or care to hear about our broken places let alone share in our pain.

Sure, trust takes time…but it takes honesty first. Our society has taught too well the lie that others don’t really care. Deep down each of us was designed to care. We were created to love one another, to share life with others…authentically. This is a scary thing to do and we simply don’t stop and take time to get to know those around us, yet there is an inner part of us that longs to share our pain and brokenness with another who will care.

There is also a Master Deceiver…who has done a phenomenal job of making us think our brokenness has disqualified us from the best of life and from the best that God has to offer. Satan has gotten so many to believe that their brokenness can never be healed let alone be forgiven. This same lie is what locks so many in their “secret place” with that thing which temporarily numbs our brokenness. For some that “secret place” is filled with food, alcohol, drugs, sex, pornography, self manipulation, cutting and self mutilation. Yes…these are all very real things going on around both you and me. There are people crying out in their “secret place” for someone to care, someone to rescue them from the “life” that has ensnared them. There is NO age barriers for those battling any of these things. It’s easy to judge these people and give them a verse or two. Maybe its giving them a 3 step, 5 step or 10 step plan…but that is not what they really need. They need people who won’t judge them yet will love them with genuine love. Unconditional love. And yes…genuine unconditional love is risky. You may get hurt…more than once. But genuine unconditional love sees who the person can be and was created to be…and fights to free that person. Fight to bring freedom and life! Fight for their heart…which is the riskiest fight of all.

As my family and I face a new chapter in our life, we are leaving all that we have known for the past 20+ years. We are leaving the lives and relationships we have forged with time…yet I am burdened for those who still need to be freed from the prisons they have created. I know that there are those in Texas who need to be fought for as well, and we have accepted that call. But my challenge to each one of us is to stop and take time to truly get to know those around us. No matter what they look like on the outside, we all carry a broken pieces of our heart and life wrapped up inside a cloth tucked deep within us…hoping that someday we can put the pieces back together again.

Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost. HE came to set us Free and give us Life. He has also called US to go and carry this message of life to others.

Not sure where this message has come from…but it has been brewing in my heart for the past couple of days. If this was for you, please send me a message and let me know.

Do you Trust Me?…(part 2)

2011-06-17T12:17:00.001-04:00

It has taken over two weeks to work through getting this post completed. It has been difficult with many distractions leveraging for my time and attention. The journey has made little sense to me, maybe because I am in the midst of the trail. Walk by faith..okay, but I would really like to know where the trail is going on this journey. But I guess that’s not faith. A little over seven years ago I began what I thought at the time was the most difficult journey in faith…but through it I could describe it as “peace wrapped with anxiety”. The journey has had some really good times and some really tough times. The past few months have been difficult in a new way that I have never experienced. But through the past few months there is one verse that has stuck with me even though I have tried hard to walk away from it and ignore it…but I can’t.

Genesis 12:1 NIV

The lord had said to Abram, "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you.

Have you ever really thought about this verse and the whole conversation that God was having with Abraham? I mean really…if this was me…I don’t believe I would have heard anything else God said from this point on. I know that I would have gotten stuck right there. My mind would be racing trying to analyze all of the possibilities and ramifications of this last statement…I mean, did I just misunderstand what He just said? Did God really just tell me to leave EVERYTHING…AND go to a place that…What, Wait…a place that He is not even going to tell me where it is just yet! Leave everything I know and go to the unknown? Ugh! Is this faith or stupidity? I mean, I know that it’s faith but from all human logic…this isn’t wise.

It’s one thing to risk it all when your just risking yourself, but God didn’t say that to Abraham (Abram at this point still). God said to take his family too! Not just his immediate family but all of his family. The risk was not just one life but the lives of many many people.

I understand this. Probably better than I would have chosen, but the choice is not mine. My choice is to follow or not to follow, to obey or disobey. God’s choice is whatever He wants…

The journey of our family has lead us to Amarillo, Texas. Leaving everything we have known and loved for the past 20+ years and going to a place which appears to be a polar opposite…EXCEPT that God is there too and is doing really cool stuff through His people there who love Him. For those who are close enough to know us and know our journey of the past few years, you know that there is no place we would rather be than to be where God wants us to be serving others.

Please continue to pray for us through this transition. It doesn’t appear to be easy but this is where we are supposed to be and this is where we are committed to be. We are excited to be a part of what God is doing through the people and ministry of Hillside Christian Church.

When God asked…do you trust Me? I said yes and our family said yes. When He asks you…what will you say?

Do you trust Me? (part 1)

2011-05-30T12:17:00.001-04:00

As a father there have been times when my kids have wanted to really really do something. It would be fun to do it, but they just aren’t ready. It’s something they have seen others do or maybe it’s something they have dreamed up. Jumping from the second or third step…and I’m supposed to catch them. Even better…remember the “High Dive” at the pool?

It really doesn’t look that high. All of the other kids are doing it. They day comes when you finally get the courage to climb the ladder to the high dive…wow! There are 20 other kids waiting in line as well. Everyone is anxious to get their turn. The air is hot and sticky with the smell of chlorine. As you approach the ladder…there is only one person between you and the biggest adventure of your life. As the board clears it’s time to mount the ladder and begin the ascent. With each step upward your heart pounds harder. The questions begin to flood your mind “what if I slip”, “what if the board breaks”, “what if I slip off the edge while walking on the board”, “WHY AM I DOING THIS?” Each step higher fear begins to squeeze a little tighter. There are only two steps left…but the concrete is SO far below that surely you will die if you fall. Each step is a conscious decision because EVERYTHING within says don’t do it…just make up an excuse and quit. As you cross off the last step onto the board you can hardly breath. Your legs just don’t want to bend. You can’t even stand up straight. Now you are starting to hear the voices from below, some encouraging you and others laughing and jeering at you. “Can everyone see how afraid I am? Can they hear my heart pounding all the way down there?” Your fighting not just your body but your mind too. The water is “hundreds” of feet below. Though it feels like time is standing still…really you are the only one standing still, and it’s now been over five minutes you have been standing there on the board….still clutching to the railing. You have to let go and go to the edge of the board. This very moment has been experienced by most of us and captured so well by Norman Rockwell…

Remember this? It’s while we are in this point of panic and fear that tears begin to well up in our eyes…”I just can’t do it”. Amid all of the voices now yelling and laughing…you hear a voice penetrating through the others…you can do this. As you contemplate crawling back to the ladder and going down you hear the voice continue…you can do this…trust me. It’s not as high as it looks. You continue the fight within but there seems to be a bit of confidence building. The voice sounds like Dad but you haven’t seen him in a while. You don’t even know where he is now and he certainly didn’t come to the pool with you. Yet the voice persistently and gently continues. You can feel the strength rising with each word…you can do this…trust me, you have what it takes. The time is now exceeding the 10 minute mark on your journey and the voices are getting louder. The lifeguard is now just as frustrated with you as the line of people waiting below.

It’s a point of decision…but wait, each step has been a point of decision. Each step has been a step of faith into the unknown ~ more accurately a step into the yet to be experienced!

You say a prayer and inch closer to the edge of the board. As you move forward you realize that you have come to the edge of the rail…and you MUST let go to move any farther forward. But that rail is the last piece of security you can hold on to. You close your eyes, say another prayer and begin to mentally pry your fingers off of the rail. Your hands are now free but your feet don’t want to raise off the board to move forward. “What if I lose my balance as I walk?” So you decide to simply shuffle your feet forward so as to not lift either one from the board. You feel the sandy grit of the non-slip paint on the board and find some comfort in the scratches on your feet. Suddenly you feel nothing on your toes…you freeze. As you barely open one eye you realize that there is no more board in front of you.

…you can do this…trust me…you have what it takes…I am here with you…

“But what if I hit my head on the board when I jump off?” The voices within intensify their battle till suddenly you realize that your counting down in your head to the point of next great decision. As you reach “ONE” you gasp for the biggest breath ever and jump forward into the space yet to be experienced. You feel the rushing wind as you fall downward. It seems like an eternity…”should I take one last breath before I hit the water?” Then SMACK you hit the water and feel as the cool water envelops you. You did it…YOU REALLY DID IT!

You feel the thud of the bottom of the pool and the natural reaction begins to take over as you start to swim toward the surface. You open your eyes to realize that it looks like forever to get to the top. You begin to feel the burn in your lungs for fresh air. You fight the urge to take a breath because you know there is no air where you are. The voices inside begin again telling you that you won’t make it. You fight the panic by swimming harder toward the surface…this feels like forever! As you approach the surface you can start to hear the distorted voices of those around the pool. Almost there…

As you break the surface…gasping for air…the voice inside of you is screaming…I DID IT! I REALLY DID IT AND LIVED!

Suddenly all of the battles, panic and fear are gone. As the weight of the accomplishment set in the tone of the voices change. I did it. Why did it take me so long to get up the guts to do that. It was awesome! I want to do this again.

Do you find pieces of your life story here…I do.

~ This is part 1 of this post ~

Revelation Song…

2011-05-22T15:05:00.001-04:00

Jesus Culture leading in worship with Revelation Song

The lyrics to this song say everything that needs to be said…

Worthy is the, Lamb who was slain
Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to Him who sits on
Heaven's Mercy Seat

Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing: Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything, And I will adore You…! Yeah!

Clothed in rainbows, of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and
Glory and power be To You the Only Wise King, Yeah

Filled with wonder, Awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your Name

Jesus, Your Name is Power
Breath, and Living Water
Such a marvelous mystery Yeah...

Re-Hydrating Life

2011-05-11T21:29:00.000-04:00

Does your life ever feel a bit parched? Do you sometimes struggle with the daily routine to the point you feel totally drained each and every day? Is there a time of thirsting for something more? As we continue to be consumed and controlled by the Spirit of this Age (busyness) we become delirious with time. Our thirst for more in life or more of life continues to grow to the point that our taste for life begins to choke us. Just as a person suffering from extreme dehydration begins to feel panic as their tongue swells, breathing becomes difficult. Panic begins to set in and the reality around becomes twisted causing irrational decisions. These decisions can quickly become life threatening.

Wow…another parallel with the life we are living?

How do we get here? The abundant life filled with fragrance and color. The life we once knew. The life filled with laughter and joy that we have dreamed of. What is it that transforms the parched desert into the beautiful plains?

Water!

Everything changes in the desert when it is touched by the life giving water. So it is true with our life, no matter how dark and dry things seem. When we are struggling for air because we are so dehydrated, we need to stop and find a cool spot…and rehydrate our life.

When we pause to rehydrate we can once again make wise decisions. We can think clearly and evaluate the actual reality around us. The obstacles of life don’t seem so big when we are walking refreshed and renewed.

So what is it that refreshes you? What renews your energy? What is it that helps bring focus back to your life?

A long walk in the woods?
Playing in the rain and jumping in puddles? (I know, your too mature for this…)
A swim in the pool or a long bike ride?
Watching the dawn break and the morning mist rise from the river while you dance with the trout with the fly rod in your hand?
A quiet spot on the beach with the waves rolling on your feet and dolphins playing in the distance?
Attending an encouraging and inspiring leadership conference?
Time alone in your “quiet place” with God?
Your favorite worship album on your iPod and nobody around so you can sing as loud as you want?
A great cup of coffee and time with your personal journal and your worn out favorite Bible?

But the real question is….When was the last time you stopped to rehydrate your life?

When we stop to rehydrate our life…we can be refreshed and filled. We need to intentionally rehydrate our body, our soul and our spirit. When we are filled we can flow out to those around us. Just as Jesus offered Living Water to all those who were thirsty…we can share that Living Water with others. Living Water that brings LIFE. Living Water is ESSENTIAL to experiencing True Life. Make sure that it is part of your diet.

This past week I had the opportunity to attend the Chick-fil-a Leadercast in Atlanta. It was refreshing. It also helped me realize just how dehydrated I had become in life. The speakers poured into the lives of 85,000+ people who were watching and attending. For those who listened and soaked in the teaching and encouragement that was shared, they have been energized and hydrated to go and share with others.

People or Potential

2011-04-26T12:02:00.000-04:00

This morning I have been wrestling with a question that you might find interesting to ponder for yourself. It will require some honesty within your spirit as you press through this…

Which is it that draws you to people…them or their potential?

Is it people we love or their potential?

The quick answer of course it that we are drawn to people…and it’s the people that we love. But now peel back a few layers.

If you are like me, there are some people that I am drawn to and strike it off well from the beginning. I enjoy being with them because of who they are (or are posing to be…yes, I just said that). I take them at face value and enjoy all the attributes about them.

Now there are others when we meet they are not so impressive. Their poser masks are so heavy they are slipping off their face. They really don’t want anyone to see inside them and begin to see who they really are…because they know, and they don’t like it. Fear of rejection, betrayal, being used, being hurt yet one more time….these are the glue that keeps those masks on. Yet, if we take time, we begin to see glimpses of who that real person it. Their glory if you will, begins to peak out and we get excited about who this person really is and can be if they were to take off the layers of masks. We begin to see the incredible potential this person has if they will just step into their glory and be all that God created them to be.

But wait…this is also where the flesh begins to fight to take over. When we begin to see the potential this person holds. The potential to help us make money. The potential to introduce us to someone we want to meet. The potential to get us into a place we have always wanted to go. The potential to get something from them…the potential for this person to help satisfy our own selfish desires…

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Philippians 2:3-5

I now circle back to my original question…what is it that draws you to people…the person or their potential? What is it that draws me to people?

I believe that it is both…the person and their potential. When Christ came to earth to begin His physical journey of redemption, He saw us for who we were….and died for all that we can become! He came to seek and save that which was lost. He came to give us life…and give us life abundantly! He came to save us from our sins where we are but came to set us free from our masks so that we can become all that He created us to be!

Today…I will try to look at people differently. To see them with a pure heart and not a selfish heart. To accept them for who they are and help them to unlock and see all that they can become…

Compassion Sunday

2011-04-17T07:09:00.000-04:00

Today is Compassion Sunday at Stonecreek Church. As you watch todays video post, ask…”what am I going to do to make a difference?”

You can click on the Compassion link on the right side of this page to sponsor a child today…

Be a Hero

2011-04-16T06:52:00.000-04:00

This is the third in a series of posts advocating for children…children who need hope…Hope…HOPE.

I have looked in their eyes. I have seen their bruised and dirty feet. I have seen their tattered clothes…and those that had no clothes.

Poverty is a disease. It infects and effects every area of your life. One by one each area begins to fail and fall apart…nutrition, education, health, family, community…your future…and your hope.

Poverty DOESN’T have to rule and destroy lives! You and I, we are blessed beyond measure and have the ability to help destroy the grips of poverty one life at a time.

Compassion International is committed to helping break the chains of poverty one child at a time.

Compassion In Haiti

2011-04-15T15:30:00.000-04:00

As many of you know I have had the opportunity to visit Haiti twice in the past six months. The work that Compassion International is doing in Haiti is incredible. The needs are great but the impact that Compassion is making with the resources they have is greater.

Here is the story of a young girl in one of the Compassion projects near Port-au-Prince, Haiti. As you watch her story, know that there are thousands more like her who have been given hope because of the sponsorship of people just like you and the commitment of those at Compassion International.

This Sunday, April 17th 2011, is Compassion Sunday at Stonecreek Church. Will you consider sponsoring a child and bringing them Hope?

If you would like to sponsor a child but don’t attend Stonecreek, you may sponsor a child through clicking on the Compassion International link on the right side of my blog page.

A Chance to Shine

2011-04-14T16:40:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I shared a question to ponder…what would a light map look like if it mapped the light of believers around the world. How bright are you shining, how bright am I shining? Todays post and the next few will give you and opportunity to turn up the intensity of the light you carry.

Compassion International is an organization committed to rescuing children from the grips of poverty and giving them hope.

Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults.
Founded by the Rev. Everett Swanson in 1952, Compassion began providing Korean War orphans with food, shelter, education and health care, as well as Christian training.

Today, Compassion helps more than 1 million children in 26 countries.

My family has sponsored children through Compassion for the past seven years. We have also had the opportunity to visit Compassion projects in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. What Compassion does they do with excellence. A testimony to this are the many children who have come through the sponsorship program, continued their education and are now serving with Compassion or other organizations back in their communities to bring hope to others in the very community where they grew up.

This Sunday, April 17th 2011, is Compassion Sunday at Stonecreek Church where we worship and serve each week. As we lead up to this day I will be posting a video each day to share a glimpse into what Compassion does and how you might get involved. When you are ready to make a difference in the life of one child, you can click on the Compassion sponsorship link on the right side of the page. Know that this decision is one that will leave a legacy and forever change the life of a child…

Mapping the Light

2011-04-13T22:13:00.001-04:00

When we were growing up we sang the song…”this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine”. We are each called to be a shining light in this world of darkness.

^“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NIV

The picture above is a light map from NASA which plots out the light shining from the cities of the world. But what if we were to see “The Light Map” that our Father (Yahweh) sees? What would that look like?

I guess the questions that each of us needs to ask are:

How bright is my light shining in this world of darkness? Can others truly see the light and love of Yashua (Jesus) shining through me?
Am I sharing the light I carry with those around me so that as they come to know the True Light…they too carry the light and thus we collectively shine brighter in our communities and those area we impact?

As we enter this season of Passover…what does He see as He passes over?

1 John 1:5 Tells us that when the light shines into darkness, the darkness cannot overcome or understand the light…

Worth Reposting…

2011-04-06T10:50:00.001-04:00

The following is NOT my personal post but I am simply re-posting what Perry Noble posted today on his blog. It’s clearly worth pondering and sharing. Perry is the Sr. Pastor of an incredible church called NewSpring Church with campuses throughout South Carolina. NewSpring Church is an incredible gathering place of Believers who are excited about serving Jesus and serving others with the goal of making an impact for eternity…and I might say they do it with excellence.

Thank you for the reminder Perry….

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Why Would You Not Do It? April 6, 2011

One of my life verses that is always in front of me is Hebrews 11:6…

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

One of the myths that has been crippling to Christianity for years is that Jesus has called us to “play it safe”…when that is not taught OR modeled by Jesus OR His followers in the Scriptures. (See Acts 20:24 and Galatians 2:20)

Jesus didn’t play it safe…Paul didn’t play it safe…none of the Apostles played it safe…the church in Acts 4:23-31 upon being threatened and persecuted did NOT pray for safety…they prayed for boldness!

Yet today we seem to want to play it safe…that cannot be the goal.

So what about you church leader? Church member? Whoever…what is that ONE THING that you KNOW the Lord is calling you to do? You know it’s a risk…you know that in order for it to take place you are going to need divine intervention? What is it? Why not do it?

People have asked me before, “Pastor P, how do I know that it’s God telling me to do it and not just an idea I had?” GREAT question…allow me to share three identifying marks that I have personally experienced.

#1 – This thing that you believe you are called to do by God will not contradict God’s Word! I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit…and I believe that He speaks as loud today as He did in the book of Acts; however, I also know according to the teachings of Scripture that the Holy Spirit will not contradict the Word of God. So…if “that thing” that you feel called to is in direct conflict with God’s Word…then it’s not God telling you to do it.

#2 – You can’t get away from this thought…it dominates your thinking and the more you marinade on it the more you feel like you might explode. For example…I really did believe back in 1996 that Jesus was telling me I needed to start a church. BUT…instead of running out and doing it immediately I began to read books on it (Rick Warrens books and Bill Hybels book on the subject of church planting impacted me significantly) and dove into the Scriptures to see what they taught about the subject. AND…the more I prayed, studied and read about it…the hotter the fire inside of me became.

#3 – Godly people in your life affirm it. (SEE Proverbs 15:22) What I have learned from personal experience is that if I do not want to share my idea with those in my life who I know really do love Jesus and love me…then…I usually know it’s not a “God idea” but rather a Perry idea. One of the things that EVERY believer in Christ needs is godly men and women who love Jesus and love the person enough to speak the truth in love…people who value the friend more than the friendship and are willing to say what needs to be said. ANYTIME I have ever shared a thought/idea that I really believe the Lord has placed in my heart and the people the Lord has placed in my life to love and challenge me push back…I ALWAYS take a step back and pray and think through the idea more until the Lord either gives me greater clarity OR shows me that the wise counsel of my friends is exactly what I needed to hear.

That is what works for me…so how about you? What is that thing that you know you should do?

Life is short, hell is hot and eternity is forever!!! The world has NEVER been impacted by Christians who spend their whole lives in a car seat and beg God to never let anything bad happen to them!

Ask HIM to set you on fire with HIS plans…and THEN GO FOR IT!

God of Wonders

2011-03-31T16:23:00.001-04:00

This image is taken directly from the NASA site gallery of the Hubble Space Telescope images. It is the sharpest image of the Orion Nebula. When you look at the high resolution version of this image…you are left with simple amazement and wonder.

There are times in life when we just need to pause and soak in the wonder of God. The pure majesty of The Creator and His creation. The awe of beauty and vastness leaves no room for big words…simply wow! And as we dig into the vastness of His creation we are overtaken with the complexity and detail of each piece, and yet He cares about each sparrow that falls from the sky…and SO much more for you and I. But how do we reconcile this love for us from The Creator of all? Simply, with the faith of a child.

Does it answer all of the questions we have? Nope…and as a child we don’t need to have all of the questions answered, we just know that His love is pure and true…and something that we both desire and need. Embrace His love and be forever changed. Challenge Him to show you His love in a very real way like you have never experienced before and then be willing to embrace that love. Trade that heart of stone for a new heart.

God of Wonders by Chris Tomlin

Lord of all creation
Of water, earth, and sky
The heavens are Your tabernacle
Glory to the Lord on High
God of wonders, beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy
Lord of heaven and earth (2X)
Early in the morning
I will celebrate the light
And as I stumble through the darkness
I will call Your name by night
God of wonders, beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy
Lord of heaven and earth (2X)
Hallelujah to the Lord of heaven and earth (3X)
God of wonders, beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
Precious Lord, reveal Your heart to me
Father holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy, holy, holy
Hallelujah to the Lord of heaven and earth (6X)
Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth
Early in the morning
I will celebrate the light
and as I stumble through the darkness
I will call Your name by night
God of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy
Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth
halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth
halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth
God of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
Precious Lord reveal Your heart to me
Father holy, holy
the universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy, holy, holy
halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth
halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth
halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth
halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth
halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth
halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth

Every Life has a Story

2011-03-29T11:42:00.001-04:00

This is a stand alone message…a very simple yet powerful message from a company committed to making a difference in the lives of other people.

Thank you Chick-fil-A.

Every Life has a Story…are you listening?

Balance of Recovery–when good becomes bad

2011-03-28T15:19:00.001-04:00

My recent time in Haiti has given me a bit of a paradigm shift. It’s really easy to go an visit a place like Haiti and come up with a list of things that “they” need to do to turn things around and build a strong village, community, city or country. It’s easy to be a sideline coach or a backseat driver. Often we are even willing to put together teams to go in and fix what we see as the problems which need to be fixed. For years much of missions and humanitarian aid has been a go and fix mentality…but is this really how we need to do this? Guys, just ask your wife if she wants you to fix her “problems” which she often tries to tell you about. You laugh, just as I, because we know that this is not what she always needs or wants. There are times when we need to just slow down, listen, identify, listen, study, listen, analyze, listen and then help formulate a solution together that is practical and effective. Many times the situation is much more complex than we first perceived. The past five days have given me a much different perspective to the opportunities and challenges in Haiti. Recovery is a fragile balance between good for today and good for the future.

In the hours, days, weeks and months following the redefining event in Haiti on January 12th, 2010, aid began to flood into the country of Haiti. This aid was needed and motivated by the magnitude of the tragedy and suffering. It’s from a world of people and governments desiring to help. Prior to January 12, 2010, Haiti was one of if not the poorest country in the northern hemisphere. A country who’s entire GDP (gross domestic product) was only about 7 billion. Not exactly a thriving economy but one that was working to improve. The average worker made about 85 cents (American conversion) per DAY. Yes, this is less than we pay for a single cup of coffee or bottle of Coke per day. There were doctors, builders and those buying and selling in commerce. But today, being a doctor, a pharmacist, a merchant or business owner…is a more difficult thing than before. You ask why? Think about this…if you are a doctor, how many patients come to see you when medical treatment is still being given for free to anyone who desires it. If you are a pharmacist, who is going to buy medicine from you when the relief organizations are giving it away for free. If you are a merchant, who is going to buy from you if the food, tools and materials needed for living are once again being given for free to those who ask. If you’re a business owner, how long can you survive with no business? How long can you keep your employees when there is nothing for them to do and you have no income? These are the very real and very tough questions that must be asked. We met business owners who have gone over 6 months without an order and heard stories of doctors who are being asked to continue to give free treatments to all patients nearly a year after the earthquake. How is the doctor to continue to buy supplies or pay their staff?

Just a few more thoughts to consider. Currently the NGO’s are purchasing the majority of their supplies from outside of Haiti and bringing them into the country. Up to 80% of the money being spent by the UN is going to staff and workers who are not Haitian. There are NGO’s who are going outside the country to hire middle manager positions rather than hire the people of Haiti. 60% of the funding for the Haitian government is being provided by other countries, yet it’s not being spent on goods and services within Haiti or provided by Haitians.

If small and medium businesses are the backbone of the economy of a country then the current good deeds in Haiti have turned bad. The opportunity to rebuild Haiti and provide for its people is huge but there must be a shift in thinking and procedures. It is time that everyone, who has a stake in the future of Haiti, come together and map a plan to lasting and sustainable recovery. The government, the utilities, the communications industry, the NGO’s, the small/medium businesses, the medical professionals, the education professionals and others must come together and learn about each other and what goods and services they can obtain from one another. It’s time that the NGO’s and government organizations make a commitment to spend a minimum of 80% of their budget inside the borders of Haiti. It’s time that Haitian businesses and workers are turned to first for supplying goods and services. It’s time that marketplace leaders outside of Haiti step up and partner with one or two Haitian business people so as to help them grow and expand their business. By growing these as well as new businesses we can begin to break the chains of poverty one person at a time…one community at a time. Providing a job not only provides the ability feed, clothe and protect a family…it restores dignity and hope. Teaching a skill provides long term independence and builds valuable contributing citizens.

For the good of the people of Haiti, its time that we teach trades, agriculture and business skills…and its time to start spending the aid dollars within the boarders of Haiti. The good intentions that have turned bad must once again be turned back for good.

As I said last week, Haiti has the incredible opportunity for a “do-over”. The opportunity to build a strong infrastructure, a strong government a strong education program…a healthy nation with a strong and growing economy. IT IS A CHOICE…are we going to help build a dependent nation or a skilled nation with pride and strength…or does that scare the nations of the world?

Are we truly sharing all of the love and freedom that Christ offers?

(Remember…this blog is just my rambling thoughts and opinions which are not necessarily endorsed by anyone else.)

Rebuilding Haiti

2011-03-25T20:41:00.000-04:00

Today is the first ever conference bringing together both Haitian business leaders/owners and the active NGO’s working here in Haiti. (NGO = Non Government Organization – i.e. The Red Cross, World Vision, The Salvation Army, Compassion International) There are 150+ business owners and over 30 NGO’s in the same room talking about rebuilding the communities here in Haiti! Saying that this room is filled with passion…would be an understatement. It’s a room filled with opportunity, a bit of frustration and a lot of hope. This conference was the brainchild of Partners Worldwide and a HUGE congratulations goes out to them for making this happen.

This project was over six months in the making but is bridging years worth of miscommunication. The real test will be what happens starting tomorrow as we begin to see if the relationships and understanding that is being forged today continues through tomorrow. The sad fact is that today there are tens of millions of dollars from the NGO’s being funneled out of Haiti to other countries for the procurement of products and services which could be obtained here in Haiti. The breakdown is two fold. First most NGO’s don’t have the time to slow down enough to find out what goods and services are offered here locally. Many times they don’t have time because they are under time constraints to complete a project in a short amount of time…which is something totally foreign to most cultures. Very few countries in the world run on the instant expectations which America runs under, so to tell a Haitian business person that they have only a week to respond to a RFP (request for proposal) is a task that makes no sense. The second major obstacle, once again a communication issue, is that the local business person has no reliable way to know that a RFP is issued and respond to it both in a timely and accurate fashion. Today many of these issues are being surfaced and worked through. In addition the business people have the opportunity to show their goods or services to the NGO’s attending.

Overall, today is a moment in history which has the opportunity to change the future and bring opportunity, life and hope to the people and economy of Haiti.

Thank you to the underwriter organizations which helped make this possible.

Update from Haiti

2011-03-25T14:36:00.001-04:00

It was just four and a half months ago when we were last here in Port au Prince, Haiti. When we arrived last November we had no point of reference in which to bench mark our experience. It was unlike anything that our team had ever experienced. The images and experiences were almost numbing. The hopelessness seemed to permeate many of the communities and could be seen in the eyes of most. The young children were an exception because there was still hope in their eyes…

The past few days have shown us a different Haiti. One that is beginning to percolate with hope…a people who are starting to get their dignity back as they find ways to make a positive difference in their communities. There is a visible difference in the streets and through the city. Much of the rubble and trash which blocked the roads has been removed. There is evidence of the tent homes being replaced with temporary and short term housing.

Yes, our focus this trip has been to connect with local business people who are looking to grow their business so they can employ more people and help their communities break the cycle of poverty. We are networking with people who care deeply about this country and its people. For the most part the businesses we have seen are trying to meet a need within their community with the meager means they have available. The question this week is how to we (we = the businesses, churches, ministries and mission organizations) empower these business people to use their businesses for transformation. Transformation of people, communities and a nation.

There is hope…and you can see it in the eyes of the people. In just a few short days there will be a new president announced for the country of Haiti. This will usher in a new administration and a new senate…a new opportunity for a fresh start. There is a feeling of hope for the future…and we know that there is hope. There is hope as people find the truth of Christ and the freedom that He offers. There is a groundswell of faith moving toward and paving the way for revival in this county.

Continue to pray for the people of Haiti. Continue to pray for the foundation and reconstruction of Haiti. This country has the opportunity to for a “do-over”, a chance to rebuild the infrastructure, economy and the future of the people. A chance to build a country that shines bright as an example of God’s love, hope and freedom.

CrossFit and Faith

2011-03-19T09:51:00.001-04:00

Recently my brother-in-law and his wife started a CrossFit gym in the area. Of course we as a family have been to the gym several times to support them as well as to learn more about CrossFit and the principles of it’s training. This morning I was thinking about my workouts this week and realized…wow, the parallels are huge between my workouts and my faith walk. Here are a few of the things I have been reminded of this week.

Faith takes vision to see what can happen or what you can become…as with CrossFit. “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Both the task of working out and walking in faith require us to have a vision of what could become if we step into our glory and be all that God created us to be.

CrossFit will take you into areas you wouldn’t go by yourself…as will faith. I don’t know about you but unless I have a trainer or someone who is going with me in this journey, I wouldn’t just go there by myself. Lack of discipline, maybe. Lack of knowledge, in part. Inability to put all of the pieces together on my own, absolutely. The CrossFit program will take you into an area with techniques and skills that are proven to work. It’s not uncharted area. The walk of faith is the same thing. There is a multitude of saints who have gone before us and found the results of their journey to be beyond their wildest expectations. Faith takes vision…the ability to see beyond the reality of today. Sometimes this is the ability to see beyond the image in the mirror to what we can become.

CrossFit will lead you past the point of quit to see that you are stronger than you thought…as will faith. I’ll be honest, I would have quit half way through each of my timed work outs. Not because I wanted to be a quitter but simply because I didn’t believe I could make it to the end. If I was doing these alone, I might have pushed myself but when the pain began to take over and my head is saying “bail..bail now, you’ve done enough”…I would probably listen to the voice and stop. Stopping short of realizing that I am actually strong enough to finish. Yes, 60% of the way through the workout my body is screaming at me but when I finish there is a huge sense of accomplishment and pride that I actually finished. Here is where the principle of a cord of two or three is stronger that a cord of one. When we work out together or with a trainer we can be lead past the point of “quit” to realize we have what it takes. Walking the journey of faith is exactly the same. When we walk our journey with others, even if only one or two people, we will be stronger and be able to push past those points of quit when the enemy is screaming that we don’t have what it takes. Remember, God created you and me, NOT the accuser. God knows how He created us and knows He has prepared us for the journey He has called us to. This takes faith.

CrossFit will leave you uncomfortable but not broken…as will faith. A good trainer will leave you uncomfortable but will not push you to the point of breaking where injury occurs. The journey of faith is tough. There will be times of discomfort…and times of extreme discomfort. One thing I do know is that The One who calls us to this journey of faith, He will not crush us or allow us to be broken.

If you are in the North Atlanta area and are interested in learning more about CrossFit, may I suggest you contact either Jonathan or Heather at CrossFit North Alpharetta. Or just click on their logo below…

If you would like to talk more about this journey of faith called life…let me know and I would love to share my story with you.

Direction & Decision

2011-03-15T22:27:00.001-04:00

All throughout life we are faced with decisions and those decisions will determine the direction of our future. There are many voices that try to reason with us to tell us what way we should go. There are many who try to influence our decisions and our life. Others seem to know what’s “best” for us…but do they? Who are they listening to so they know what is best for us?

There are times when we just stop and listen and we find that God is telling us to just STOP…PAUSE…WAIT…and rest. This is a bit confusing at first, kind of like pulling up to this intersection pictured below.

Pause…Stop…Wait…But this is so contrary to what our society has taught us. We move at the speed of technology and rarely pause to sleep. What will others think if we just hit pause on our life and unplug for a short time…or even for a few moments? What will happen if people can’t reach me? What will we miss…or what will we miss if we DON’T. These are questions I have struggled with and even said…but truth be known, God has it all under control. What He longs for and what we need more than anything it to just stop and listen for His voice. To seek after Him. To let Him give us rest and refresh our souls. Once we do this we may find that in our refreshment and renewed strength we can see the path so much clearer and think through the decisions in front of us.

Right now I am at one of these crossroads. God has said PAUSE. It’s uncomfortable but through this I have realized just how tired I was and how much I needed the rest. I look forward with great anticipation and expectation as to what God has ahead for both me and my family. Seeking His next assignment is frustrating at times, but those are the times when I put my expectations in myself and not Him. What the future holds is exciting even though currently its not clear. God’s incredible faithfulness and tremendous provision has sustained us for the past two months and I don’t expect Him to stop till he get’s me where He wants me…and my family where He wants us to be.

Friday Night Lights

2011-03-11T20:52:00.001-05:00

Friday evening has become one of our favorite family times together. At sundown (or thereabouts) we pause to light the candles and take a moment to pray together. It’s a time when we just relax together and hang together on purpose. It’s a time of laughter. A time of sharing a great meal together. A time of sharing and encouraging one another. It’s our Sabbath time.

The term "Sabbath" derives from the Hebrew Shabbat (שַׁבָּת), "to cease", which was first used in the Biblical account of the seventh day of creation (Genesis 2:2-3). Observation and remembrance of Sabbath is also one of the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20:11 and Deuteronomy 5:12. God’s point is to just stop…and rest. In our modern day and age this is nearly impossible and rarely done. The elements of just pausing…unplugging…and rest.

For those of you who serve on Sunday’s…what day to you set aside to rest with your family? I don’t know that any of our family members would trade this new tradition away…we look forward to it all week.

Passion…what’s yours?

2011-03-07T13:48:00.001-05:00

Dictionary.com will break it down as:

any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling
a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm or desire for anything: a passion for music
the object of such a fondness or desire: Accuracy became a passion with him.

What is your passion? What motivates you? What are the deepest things in your heart that just won’t go away? What could you not think of going the rest of your life without experiencing ever again?

For some their passion is dancing. For others it’s being debt free or technology. For some it’s writing and others it’s reading. For some it’s accumulating money, cars, homes, jewelry or clothes. For others it’s giving all these things to others who need them more than we do.

Is religion your passion? Family? Work and/or career? Philanthropy?

Now consider this…where did your passion come from? Yes, I’m asking a lot of questions today but I believe these questions lead us down a path of knowing our heart. When we get to the end of that path and face what is really in our heart…what do we see? My bio says: A passion for God which I am learning. A passion for my family with which I am truly blessed. A passion for people which is growing. A passion for missions which won't go away. And a passion for coffee which fuels my life. These are truly at the core of my heart. The things that bring a smile to my face and drive me each day. And from these core passions comes and unrelenting desire to make a difference in the lives of other people…but isn’t this what we are supposed to do everyday anyway?

Is it possible that the core passions you have in your heart were placed there by the God who created you…and knows you more intimately and perfectly than anyone on this earth? Yes! The things that make you come alive…your passions…were placed there by The One who loves you passionately and desires you to use YOUR passions to make a positive difference in the lives of other people for Him. Your passion is His passion for others, meant to be lived out by you. And your passions are on purpose different from the passions of others.

~ PAUSE ~ none of this makes fully any sense without knowing personally the God who created you. The God who desires you to know Him intimately. The God of all creation who wants to walk with you daily and to show you how incredibly wonderful He made you! He made you with a purpose…one that is YOUR purpose…but one that only you can step into.

My core passion it to bring hope to those who need it most. Whether this is helping orphans see that there is hope beyond the reality of what they see or through helping others break the chains of poverty. Helping others see the hope within them and helping them to connect to The One who placed that hope within them…this is my passion…this is what fuels my life.

The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. But I have come that they might have life…and have it to the full. (John 10:10 NIV)

Passion…what is yours?

What is God asking you to do that He has planted in your heart?

30 Days and a Prepared Canvas

2011-01-10T17:21:00.001-05:00

It’s been since last year since I have taken the time to sit down and post my thoughts…a month ago today. Today I am sitting with a beautiful fire in the wood burner and a blanket of snow outside our home. It’s beautiful, it’s quiet, it’s peaceful. It’s like getting an extra Sabbath day to just relax, reflect and recharge. Yes, I have had my computer on my lap much of the day but it’s been good. Stress seems to have been blanketed by the snow and the creative thoughts have begun to move again. There is a certain excitement which has eluded me for a time.

Just as the snow creates a new perspective it also creates a fresh canvas from which to work with. I didn’t say it was a blank canvas because it’s not. There are still marks, contours, rocks, shrubs and trees from all of the stuff before the snow. From the things which are still there…but have taken another role in the perspective of the canvas. I find this such a reflection of life. There are times when things happen which cause us to just stop and pause…and we can’t do anything about it. It may be cold and it may be frustrating because our plans have been forced to change…but when we stop and look around there is a certain peace which we can’t see in our busyness. As we look at the landscape around us we begin to notice things we overlooked before. Both good and bad things. The beauty of the trees and landscape can be breathtaking but we may also notice the dead tree which may fall at anytime and needs to be removed. Or maybe there is a wet spot in the yard which we haven’t noticed before but is a sign of a leak hidden deeper within. Just like the snow reveals those things previously overlooked….our loving God brings circumstances into our life which cause us to stop and pause and we can’t do anything about it. We need to take those times to relax and ask for a fresh perspective on life.To prepare the canvas of our life by examining the landscape of our life and look for those overlooked issues which need to be addressed. It may reveal pending danger or simply an area of our life where we are being drained and it is costing us way more than we expected.

Today I find myself a canvas prepared for fresh color from the Master…may this year reveal His majesty and beauty reflected through my life and the life of our family.

Today’s Purpose Driven Life Devotional

2010-12-10T09:20:00.001-05:00

Friday, December 10, 2010

Obeying God Requires You Take a Risk
by Tom Holladay

After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead." Matthew 2:19-20 (NIV)

Today's devotional is by Tom Holladay, teaching pastor at Saddleback Church.

"We may want a life of no fears in this world but that only happens in heaven."

As uncomfortable as it was for Joseph to move his family to Egypt, imagine how scary it would be for him to obey God's command to come back to Israel. It was like going back into the jaws of the lion. He was going to take Mary and Jesus back to where his son's life had been in danger. But because Joseph trusted God and what he was saying, Joseph took the risk and went there because he knew that was the right place to be.

The Bible says, "Even when I am afraid, I keep trusting you" (Psalm 56:3 CEV). Notice this verse says, "when I am afraid" not "if I am afraid." We may want a life of no fears in this world but that only happens in heaven. In this life, we're all going to face fears of one kind or another.

We have some big fears and some little fears. We fear the future, we fear what's going to happen with our jobs, what's going to happen with our family; and we fear little things like whether we said the right thing to someone, whether that presentation went well, even fear of making a phone call.

In all of these situations, you have a choice to make. Are you going to let the fear control you or are you going to take a risk of faith because you know you have a God who loves you?

That risk of faith could mean going someplace you've never been before or forgiving someone you thought you couldn't forgive. It could mean leaving your job. A risk of faith could also be praying about something or deciding to trust God with a situation or a relationship you've held tight in your hand.

What Christ-like risk is God telling you to take in faith?

As Dawn Breaks in the Woods

2010-11-28T12:14:00.001-05:00

As the sun began to break through the trees not only did the rays of sun bring light, they also brought rays of warmth as they pierced the crisp frosty air. In the distance I hear the rippling waters of a gentle stream as is makes its way from the meadow into the woods. The birds began their scamper to awaken the forest. The morning songs of the chickadee, morning doves, nuthatches, buntings and finches all blended in chorus to praise the Creator. The rhythm of the downy woodpecker chimes in with perfect sync. The fresh smell from the early decay of the fresh autumn leaves releases a certain sweetness in the air. I can’t help but praise God for the majesty of His creation…and that he allows me to participate in His story….and the beauty of it.

Yesterday morning I had the privilege of going hunting on a beautiful piece of property near our home. For me the mere opportunity to have a few hours alone in the woods is incredible…it’s refreshing. If I am blessed to see some game I count it a success and if I happen to bag some game I have been truly blessed. The three hours in the woods rekindles an excitement in my soul that can’t be explained with words… and one that I had almost forgotten. For some it’s the moments on a rippling stream with the fly rod, listening for the slurping of the elusive trout. Others is the time of rebuilding and restoring that classic car so that one day they can turn the key and hear the purr of an engine begging to be tested.

2 On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so He rested from all His work. 3 And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when He rested from all His work of creation. (Genesis 2:2-3 NLT)

2 Blessed are all those
who are careful to do this.
Blessed are those who honor my Sabbath days of rest
and keep themselves from doing wrong. (Isaiah 56:2 NLT)

Where is your place of rest? Do you even take time to rest? God commands us to rest because He knows just how much we really need it and the refreshment that it brings.

A Question to Consider….

2010-11-26T07:23:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-25T12:03:00.001-05:00

Psalm 105

1 Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness.
Let the whole world know what he has done.

2 Sing to him; yes, sing his praises.
Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.

3 Exult in his holy name;
rejoice, you who worship the Lord.

4 Search for the Lord and for his strength;
continually seek him.

5 Remember the wonders he has performed,
his miracles, and the rulings he has given,

6 you children of his servant Abraham,
you descendants of Jacob, his chosen ones.

7 He is the Lord our God.
His justice is seen throughout the land.

8 He always stands by his covenant—
the commitment he made to a thousand generations.

Pause to consider all that you are thankful for.

It’s sad that this seems to be our pause before the most frantic part of the race begins. The next 35 days are the busiest days of the year trying to do everything, get everything, see everybody and be seen by everybody…it’s a non-stop fight to meet the expectations of others. But what about the expectations of God our Father…

Things I am thankful for today:

My wife and best friend of 20+ years. She is faithful to love and support me even when I am unlovable.
My first child and oldest daughter who has a heart for missions and helping others.
My middle child and son who has trusted us to be his “forever family”.
My youngest child and daughter who has a huge heart and a creative way of expressing it.
A God who is longsuffering with me and continues to lead me to a life that is bigger than me.
The opportunity to travel to Haiti to keep life in perspective while watching as God connects the dots of my life.
A church where I can serve and grow…who cares about making a difference in our community and in our world.
My brother who is growing to pursue his passions more each day.
My brother in law who has lived through the most traumatic event in his life to get another chance to pursue the passions which he was called to do.
For the Training Circle of men that God has surrounded me with to push me into the areas of my life where God wants to work in me.
Family who love me in spite of who I am.
Friends who laugh, cry and support me and my family on this journey.
For those who continue to serve and die to protect our freedoms here in America. Your service is not overlooked.
Technology which allows us to communicate, grow and learn in ways that we never thought possible.
…for Jesus who died to make all of this and more possible for me to embrace and enjoy!

There is so much to be thankful for today and everyday! This list could go on for hundreds of pages and still never touch the surface of all the blessings which God has give us….and for each one I am thankful…

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

A Radical Faith

2010-11-08T15:41:00.001-05:00

The Global Orphan Project…Haiti

2010-11-05T22:35:00.000-04:00

Overview

The Global Orphan Project, Inc. (“GO Project” or “GO”) is a global orphan care ministry headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. GO Project mobilizes local churches in some of the poorest areas on earth to care for the neediest orphaned and vulnerable children in their communities; children of last resort with no viable means of care. A vibrant, viral network of global givers fuels the growth of this grassroots movement for orphans.

GO Project was founded in 2003 as C3 Missions International, Inc. (“C3”) by Mike and Beth Fox in Kansas City. In 2010, C3 formally changed its name to The Global Orphan Project. To read more about Mike and Beth’s story, and the inspiring beginnings of GO Project, click here for our Founders’ Story (PDF).

The Global Orphan Project Model

The global orphan pandemic is a horrible blight on our world today, but also presents opportunities for radical life transformation. You won’t see it on the news tonight or read it in the headlines, but consider this:

• If every living human in the world joined hands in a global “I’d like to buy the world a Coke” chain, 1 out of every 2 in the chain would be a child.

• Among these children, approximately 145 million are orphans.

• UNICEF defines “orphan” as a child who’s lost one or both parents. Why? Because in most places in the world, the social impact of losing one parent is the same as both parents dying.

• Of the 145 million orphans, 130 million are in “developing nations.” The most vulnerable orphans on the planet live in the poorest economies, where extreme poverty chokes the life out of them.

• The statistics do not account for the millions of abandoned children or children sold or forced into bondage who are not orphans.

• Approximately 26,000 to 30,000 children under the age of 5 living in extreme poverty die each day. That’s a 9/11 catastrophe with children every 2 ½ hours each day, each month, each year.

GO Project is a viral, grassroots movement of so many of you taking action to address this mess. You’re giving your resources and hearts. And we’re all learning something deeply mysterious along the way: the little ones behind these cold statistics can teach us how to love more radically, vulnerably, and deeply than we ever imagined. GO Project is not a ministry of misery, guilt, or statistics; but of transformation.

Empowering Communities

God’s first line of care for children is the family, including adoptive families. For our target children, family is not an option. Perhaps their parents have died. Or, their parents’ and extended relatives’ lives are crushed beneath the weight of poverty, and little ones suffer without any viable means of care. These children – the kids of last resort – are the apples of our eyes.

For these children, we focus on the local church as the next line of care. Think of it as community based care with the local church as the centering point, where the kids become part of the local church family and community fabric.

There are many people here in the United States – families, churches, businesses, schools, small groups – who want to help these children. And there are established local churches there, where the children live, who are willing to care for these children within the local church family. They just need a little help. So there is a Here side, and a There side in this life giving circuit. The two sides need a connector. That’s us.

“Village” System

We expand local church capacity to care for orphaned and abandoned children in their communities. We do so through a “village” system. Typically, a village includes the following around the local church heart:

• Children’s homes with dedicated mommas;
• School;
• Clinic;
• Support infrastructure (e.g., latrines, kitchen, dining area, well).

If we can rely upon existing support networks nearby (such as medical care or school) rather than building new, we will.

Signature Components of GO Project Model

There are three (3) signature components to our model in the field. We emphasize orphan care that is:

(1) Local Church Owned;

(2) Base Level (culturally relevant); and

(3) Sustainable.

>> Local Church Owned

GO Project does not own the day-to-day care of the children. The local church does. The local church leadership hires and supports the mommas, the cooks, and other local staff to care for the children. GO Project provides assistance with planning, funding, assessment, and communication to help the local church meet base standards. The core of the children’s lives will include a steady assurance through the Gospel of grace in Jesus Christ. Our prayer for these children is that they will be free, utterly transformed from the inside out.

>> Base Level Care

We help the local church give the children a “bump up” into a humble, base level of care within the church family. We want the homes and standards of care to blend into the community, not jump over the top of it. Americanized models of orphan care rich in material trappings often cause area families to abandon their children, in hopes that the “orphanage” will take them to a better life. That is wrong. There is nothing fancy or particularly attractive about our model of orphan care. And that is by design.

>> Sustainable

In the GO Project vocabulary, “sustainable” means that the target country’s own people and economy will support the care of their own children. We believe this is a vital goal to hit over time, village by village. Complete dependency upon foreign aid and leadership in perpetuity has created a systemic current driving against intra-community, intra-country orphan care. Fighting this trend through empowerment of locals, as well as economic and agricultural development, is core to our model.

Compassion International ~ Haiti

2010-11-04T23:03:00.001-04:00

November 4th, 2010

Today we spent with Compassion International here in Haiti. It was an incredibly encouraging day as we saw the work they are doing…but as we visited one of the Compassion Projects we also found it to be one of the hardest days we have encountered yet. Once again we were up front and with the people of the project. The faces of the children and families who have hope is in stark contrast to the families and faces which keep distance from the people of the project. No matter where we go we are quick to draw attention because not many white Americans venture into these communities. The great thing with a few of the organizations we have been with is they empower the local people and local church to do the ministry in their own community. This allows for the most effective and sustainable ministry. The volunteers and aid organizations come along side and support the project work.

One of the places we went today was to visit a school which has over 200 sponsored children in it. We were greeted by over half of these students who came in on their day off to meet us. School has been cancelled both today and tomorrow for Hurricane Tomas which is to make landfall early tomorrow morning (Friday). While visiting this community project we also visited two micro-financed businesses which are foundational in the community. One is a fresh-purified water store and the other is a small retail street vendor. This family has seven children, 3 of which are in the program.

Today we saw more of the evidence of the utter devastation which occurred January 12th, 2010. But today in seeing these things it became evident that there are many many places which still have not been searched for bodies. The pancaking which happened to so many buildings during those minutes the earth shook here…a picture just can’t manifest itself in enough words to describe the site. Looking at a few of these buildings there is no way anyone could search the rubble for bodies, without heavy equipment and there is no evidence that the site has been disturbed since the day it happened. This home/business actually looks as if there may have been an initial search done.

From the children of this project….they say Thank You for your sponsorship of so many of them.

The Epicenter and Starting Over

2010-11-03T20:58:00.001-04:00

Wednesday November 3rd, 2010

Today we spent with Baptist Global Response which is part of International Mission Board. They have a small compound very near where the epicenter of the quake was. They are focusing on building homes in the surrounding communities and have built a few hundred since April. After spending some time getting to know the team onsite we ventured out to visit one of the communities in which they are working. The homes for the most part are 12’x16’, with cinder block walls and a tin roof. They do have a concrete floor as well. No indoor plumbing and no indoor kitchen, simply a safe room in which to sleep and gather together. Here is a picture of the tent community which is left in the area..

Here is a picture of what the new homes being built look like….

While wandering through the “streets” and “alleys” we came to a small yellow home where Jimmy and his wife live. They have converted their little home into one of the cleanest orphanages we have seen this trip. Inside this home are 16 orphan children from about age 2-3 up to a set of 14 year old twins. The smiles were genuine and each child was clean and polite. It is clear that Jimmy and his wife poor everything they have into caring for the children..yet they have only one church who helps them…sometimes. What they have been able to accomplish so far is incredible yet what they could accomplish with support is amazing to think of.

James 1:27 (New International Version)

²⁷ Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Mission of Hope - Haiti

2010-11-02T21:34:00.001-04:00

Tuesday November 2, 2010

Today we spent the day with Mission of Hope here in Haiti.They have a pretty incredible work going which was started 11 years ago. They have a big vision for today and for the future. The facilities they are building are well made and have a purpose. At they core of what they do is to provide the best education in the country of Haiti…and they are achieving that. Through a great set of teachers and a solid curriculum they have just achieved a 100% pass rate for their students. They are giving hope to not just the orphans on their campus but also to the children in the community.

While driving to and from the mission, we passed hundreds or thousands of tent homes which still house hundreds of thousands of people from the earthquake. Some of the tent villages were sponsored by Samaritans Purse and yet others were just tarps.

Yet one of the most striking things we saw today is the smiles of the children in the missions. They have love and they have hope. They are safe and get to eat. When we as strangers entered the area we were quickly welcomed and word spread quickly among the children that there were visitors.

What are you doing to make a difference in the life of others? There are millions of opportunities to make a difference…and they are waiting for you.

We don’t have consistent power or water so my posts will be short when I can get a connection.

WinShape International

2010-11-01T22:00:00.000-04:00

In 1984, Truett and Jeannette Cathy, founders of Chick-fil-A® established the WinShape Foundation. They had a vision to create an organization that would cultivate relationships and transform lives. That vision exists and thrives as the WinShape Foundation.

WinShape International

WinShape International, started in 2005, equips motivated young adults to become Christian leaders within their own culture.

WinShape International provides opportunities for Chick-fil-A Operators and corporate staff to have meaningful overseas experiences. WinShape International pursues projects that are sustainable, reproducible, measurable and beneficial over a long period of time. WSI staff works alongside the project leaders and assists each participant during the application process.

Our commitment is to identify young adults who will be the leaders of tomorrow, and give them the training that will equip them to reach their long term potential..

At WinShape International our mission is to mobilize leaders to transform young adults and communities around the world. We do this by connecting Chick-fil-A Operators and corporate personnel with opportunities to serve. We work diligently to involve anyone in the Chick-fil-A family who feels God's calling, and it has been a blessing to see how God has used these incredible people to impact the nations.

Our projects include:

* SERVE Leadership Model
Based on the book, "The Secret," written by Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller, the model bases great leadership in service. To be more successful SERVE teaches a leader to:

-See and shape the future
-Engage and develop others
-Reinvent continuously
-Value results and relationships
-Embody the values

Connecting the Dots

2010-10-31T21:46:00.001-04:00

I have a friend who has an incredible network of contacts. He thrives on the privilege of introducing people. As he calls it…it’s just “connecting the dots”.

A few months ago, this friend introduced me to another of his friends who is from WinShape International. After our introduction I was invited to go to WinShape and spend the afternoon with him. It was through this meeting that I had the opportunity to share our family’s journey of adoption. Throughout this journey God has moved in pretty incredible ways and has been working to mold the hearts of each one of us for both missions and orphans. How this all fits together is a pretty big vision. After a few hours together of sharing, My new friend looked at me and asked if I would like to go to Haiti with him….”sure, if God will open the doors.” A pretty non committal answer. Haiti? Haiti is one of three places that I have NEVER wanted to visit. The black magic, voodoo and dark spirits which are common place in that country is simply something that I really want no part of…yet there was something deep inside of me that said I need to go. As the days past after that meeting my heart was being pulled to make this trip. I feel like it’s the next step in “connecting the dots” of where God is leading me and our family.

Our original travel dates were postponed which opened up the door for me to actually make the trip…again…”circumstances” were aligning and opening the opportunity.

Tomorrow morning at 10:10am we board the plane to start our journey to Haiti. I will be accompanying a leadership team from WinShape International as they assess projects in Haiti to determine who they will be partnering with in the future to make a difference in the lives of other people. If everything goes well I will be blogging each day while there and sharing the journey.

We appreciate your prayers…

9/11….I Remember

2010-09-11T09:32:00.001-04:00

"History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or timid." D. Eisenhower

September 7th…

2010-09-07T05:26:00.000-04:00

It’s been nearly 2 months since I have posted anything on this blog…(WAY TOO LONG) and not a day goes by that I don’t wish I had an extra hour or two for myself to just read and write.

Today is September 7th. It was 15 years ago that our first daughter came into the world and forever changed us. Yes, she was our first child, our first daughter. The one who we learned on….and she learned with us. Thank you Father for trusting us enough to give us Kristen…and thank you Kristen for the privilege of being your dad.

Kristen’s heart is unique and beautiful. Her tender compassion for others is leading her to a life of missions and ministry. She loves serving others…especially when the others are children. She will dance and sing with them and just connect with them at a heart level. Her eyes tell others that she cares…unless someone has hurt or wronged another, then the anger and disappointment is quite easy to read. Her heart is authentic and genuine. She doesn’t want to disappoint you, but she will not go against her principles for you either. Yes, she is a rule follower and for that I am thankful. Leadership is something that intimidates her at times, but when she steps into the role she does a great job. Kristen was my first princess daughter and as my grandmother always said…she is also the one that I have loved the longest.

Father, thank You for Kristen, for all that she is to me and to our family. I ask Your blessings on her as she continues to grow and mature. Help her to make wise choices. Give her the confidence to chase after the passions and dreams that You have planted in her heart. Help her to live her life out loud…and may her anthem be Your love. I ask you to work in the heart of the man you have prepared for her. May he always fight for her princess heart and empower her for the journey of life which You have called her to.

I trust you, I believe in you and I know you have what it takes to accomplish all that God has called you to do.

Kristen…I Love You…and Happy Birthday!

Plan Now to Make a Difference

2010-07-17T14:58:00.001-04:00

Why Love Orphans? from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

Today’s Message to me….

2010-07-06T14:35:00.001-04:00

Community is God's answer to defeat
by Rick Warren

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.Philippians 2:4 (NIV)

"You need a community of people who are saying to you: 'We'll be with you when you're going through the tough times. We're not going to let you get discouraged or depressed.'"

Each one of us needs other people to watch out for us - to defend us, protect us, and help us stay on track. In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul tells us that we should look out for each other's interests, not just our own.What a counterculture verse! In America today, it's all about me - my needs, my interests, my wants, and my ambitions. But Paul teaches us to look out for others too.

Did you know you have an enemy far more destructive than any terrorists? You have a personal enemy who wants to defeat you. His name is Satan. He wants to bring problems into your life, to ruin your relationships, and to hurt you as badly as he can.

Why does he want to hurt you? Because he wants to hurt God, but he can't - so he goes after God's children. On your own, you will never win against Satan. But when you have other people to watch out for you and help you, you can be victorious.

Here's good advice from Ecclesiastes 4:12: "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves" (NIV).

Does anyone have your back? Is anyone defending you - watching out for your spiritual welfare? You need a community of people who are saying to you: "We'll be with you when you're going through the tough times. We're not going to let you get discouraged or depressed."

Community is God's answer to defeat. Ecclesiastes 4:10 says, "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him" (NIV).

Remember: You can try, but you can't live life well on your own. We all need other people - to walk with us, to work with us, and to watch out for us.

A Great Reminder Today….

2010-06-11T08:50:00.001-04:00

Friday, June 11, 2010

You cannot grow without a teachable attitude
by Rick Warren

Practice these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress. 1 Timothy 4:15 (GW)

"There is only one way to develop the habits of Christlike character: You must practice them—and that takes time. "

While you were given a brand new nature at the moment of conversion, you still have old habits, patterns, and practices that need to be removed and replaced.
We are afraid to humbly face the truth about ourselves. I have already pointed out that the truth will set us free but it often makes us miserable first.

The fear of what we might discover if we honestly faced our character defects keeps us living in the prison of denial. Yet, we often build our identities around our defects. We say, "It's just like me to be ..." and "It's just the way I am." The unconscious worry is that if I let go of my habit, my hurt, or my hang-up, who will I be? This fear can definitely slow down your growth.

Only as God is allowed to shine the light of his truth on our faults, failures, and hang-ups can we begin to work on them. This is why you cannot grow without a humble, teachable attitude.

Godly habits take time to develop. Remember that your character is the sum total of your habits. You can't claim to be kind unless you are habitually kind—you show kindness without even thinking about it. You can't claim to have integrity unless it is your habit to always be honest. A husband who is faithful to his wife most of the time is not faithful at all!

Your habits define your character. There is only one way to develop the habits of Christlike character: You must practice them—and that takes time! There are no instant habits. Paul urged Timothy, "Practice these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress." (1 Timothy 4:15, GW)

If you practice something overtime, you get good at it. Repetition is the mother of character and skill. These character-building habits are often called "spiritual disciplines," and they include such things as meditation, prayer, fasting, Bible study, simplicity, stewardship, solitude, submission, service and evangelism.

Dream Big!

2010-05-24T08:20:00.001-04:00

God builds your faith by giving you a dream
by Rick Warren

"Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes." Ephesians 3:20 (LB)

"If a dream comes from God, it will be so big in your life that you can't do it on your own. If you could do it on your own, you wouldn't need faith."

Faith is like a muscle: it can be strengthened. It can be weak or it can be strong, depending on how much you use it.

How does God build your faith? He uses a very predictable pattern that we will look at this week; and, if you understand it, you can cooperate with him in developing greater faith. It's like when the father, seeking help from Jesus for his son, said, "Have pity on us and help us, if you possibly can!" (Mark 9:22 TEV)

Jesus replied, "What do you mean, 'If I can'? . . . Anything is possible if a person believes." (Mark 9:23 NLT)

The first thing God does to build your faith is give you a dream. When God wants to work in your life, he'll always gives you a dream—about yourself, about what he wants you to do, about how he's going to use your life to impact the world.

There are many examples in the Bible of this.

God gave Noah the dream of building an ark.
God gave Abraham the dream of being the father of a great nation.
God gave Joseph the dream of being a leader that would save his people.
God gave Nehemiah the dream of building the wall around Jerusalem.

How do you know when a dream is from God or when it's just something you've thought up yourself? The Bible tells us that God, "by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes." (Ephesians 3:20 LB)

In other words, if a dream comes from God, it will be so big in your life that you can't do it on your own. If you could do it on your own, you wouldn't need faith. And if you don't have faith you're not pleasing God, because the Bible says whatever is not of faith is sin. (Roman 14:23)

God starts to build your faith by giving you a dream. He may be speaking to you now, but you just don't recognize it for what it is. That dream you have—the idea, the concept —that thing you've been thinking about doing that would be of real benefit to other people, where do you think that idea came from?

God will never tell you to do something that contradicts his truth. In other words, he won't give you a dream of leaving your family and kids and moving to Hollywood to be a movie star. If you've got that dream, then you can know it is not from God.

God starts with a dream as he works within your life to build faith.

“You Cannot Out Dream God”

2010-05-18T08:56:00.001-04:00

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Venturing Forth

It's better to stay in the safety of the camp than venture forth on a wing and a prayer. Who knows what dangers lie ahead? This was the counsel of the ten faithless spies sent in to have a look at the Promised Land when the Jews came out of Egypt. Only two of the twelve, Joshua and Caleb, saw things differently. Their hearts were captured by a vision of what might be and they urged the people to press on. But their voices were drowned by the fears of the other ten spies and Israel wandered for another forty years. Without the anticipation of better things ahead, we will have no heart for the journey.

One of the most poisonous of all Satan's whispers is simply, "Things will never change." That lie kills expectation, trapping our heart forever in the present. To keep desire alive and flourishing, we must renew our vision for what lies ahead. Things will not always be like this. Jesus has promised to "make all things new." Eye has not seen, ear has not heard all that God has in store for his lovers, which does not mean "we have no clue so don't even try to imagine," but rather, you cannot out dream God. Desire is kept alive by imagination, the antidote to resignation. We will need imagination, which is to say, we will need hope.

Julia Gatta describes impatience, discouragement, and despair as the "noonday demons" most apt to beset the seasoned traveler. As the road grows long we grow weary; impatience and discouragement tempt us to forsake the way for some easier path. These shortcuts never work, and the guilt we feel for having chosen them only compounds our feelings of despair.

(The Sacred Romance , 156-57)

He is not here…He has Risen as He said!

2010-04-04T11:41:00.001-04:00

Project One Forty Three

2010-03-20T16:10:00.001-04:00

Most everyone reading this is familiar with how our world was rocked over the past year through our adoption of Aleks. If you have followed our story you also know that Aleks Tuttle is the result of our good friends Chris and Jamie Crutchley being faithful to Gods leading and hosting Aleks during Christmas of 2008. Through this journey Chris has launched Project One Forty Three which has become his mission in life.

Please take a few minutes to visit www.ProjectOneFortyThree.com

Around the world, there are an overwhelming 143 million children in orphanages and foster care waiting for the love of a forever family. Amazingly, this is more than the population of Russia. It is a staggering number and an issue that few people realize, or could even begin to comprehend. Most of these children have never had loving parents with which to share a warm embrace, a game of catch or even a family vacation. Most importantly, these children never realize the feeling of belonging and self worth that come with being part of a nurturing family.

Unfortunately, many of the children are older than six years old, and with each passing year, they are less likely to be adopted. Thus, they will eventually “age out” of the system and never experience the life giving, life changing love that family provides.

It is our belief that there are millions of families around the world who would welcome these children into their homes if given the opportunity to meet and spend time with them. Further limiting the opportunities for older orphans, many families are not able to pursue adoption because of financial limitations or lack of know how.

Together we can change that!

Project One Forty Three endeavors to show you how ONE person, ONE idea, ONE donation, etc., can create CHAIN REACTIONS that ultimately saves the life of a child.

Having experienced firsthand the awesome power of CHAIN REACTIONS, we are guided by the knowledge that when any one of these children are given their voice, when they are no longer just a statistic, but become a face with a name…miracles happen!

We exist to shine a light on these kids, to bring them out of the shadows, bring them to life, to give them names and help unite them with forever families.

(From the heart of Chris Crutchley) If you are reading this, I consider you to be someone who has impacted my life. With that being said, I would like to share with you what God has been doing the past year of my life and how you can be apart of it. You may or may not know; 14 months ago Jamie (my wife) and I had the privilege of hosting an 11-year-old orphan from Latvia named Aleks. Throughout Aleks’ time here in America God began to open my eyes to a world that I never knew. He began to change my heart for orphaned children around the world.
When Jamie and I decided to host Aleks we knew that it was going to take the help of others to make it possible. The cost to host Aleks was $2,500; money we did not have just lying around. So we reached out to a few close family and friends asking for help. Looking back, we continue to be amazed at the remarkable Chain Reaction that occurred--as if each person that contributed became ONE domino in Aleks life. When all the dominos were lined up in exactly the right order, the chain reaction led to Aleks finding his forever family. This was only possible because a few people decided to play a part in changing his life.
Now I am asking you to play a part as well and help change the life of an orphan. Except this time it’s not just one life. It’s 143,000,000 lives! That’s right; 143 million orphans still exist in the world today. The time has come to save more lives. And, we need your help!
It’s called Project One Forty Three (Project 143). Project 143 strives to raise global awareness of older orphans and the many ways people can help these children find forever families. It is our belief that there is a loving family for every child on Earth. This belief can only become a reality if we join together and focus our efforts on saving these children.
How? You might ask...
Together, with you, Project 143 will focus on two objectives. First, raising awareness of the orphan crisis. This means telling everyone you know (your friends, family, co-workers, church family etc). Spreading the word about how others can help save the lives of orphans around the world. Second, breaking down the financial barriers so that more people can experience the joy of hosting or adopting one of these amazing children. By placing grants in the hands of those who wish to host or adopt, but can’t due to financial constraints, we remove the number one reason people say ‘No”, and unite an orphan with his/her forever family.
For Project 143 to be effective, we need financial contributions. Lets face it; without financial resources to help others, Project 143 is helpless. I am asking you to help us save more of these children by supporting Project 143 in the following ways:

Provide financial support to Project One Forty Three through a personal donation
Forward this information to everyone you know, encouraging them to help save more kids like Aleks. °
If you are a blogger…take a day and feature Project One Forty Three on your blog.

We all have a part to play. Please help us start more chain reactions that change the lives of these forgotten children by visiting us at www.projectonefortythree.org.

We can do it...One child at a time!

Spring Thoughts

2010-03-18T20:35:00.001-04:00

As spring begins to take over our thoughts we begin to look around us with anticipation. New beautiful flowers. The changing of the grass from brown to green. The tree branches are swelling with new leaves ready to burst out at any time. The sunshine takes on a new intensity and brings warmth to the day. New life…new hope. A time to reflect on the past year and plan with anticipation for this new year.

This year there are also new relationships, new hopes and new dreams. I have no idea where all of this will ultimately lead but I am excited to see God moving in new and fresh ways.

But just as spring comes and new life emerges to awaken the world around us…there is still evidence of the past gone by. What we see coming to life around us is simply a byproduct of the past…the beautiful and the ugly. As our lives continue to grow and produce new fruit…it is influenced by our past but not controlled by it. We were created to be so much more than that which entangles us. The whispers of the past are just that…the past! What lies ahead of us brings life and offers us freedom! Things are new and fresh, last year is behind us. If you stop to stare at the past, you will stop moving ahead on the path of life. “It’s a journey”, my wife has told me a million times. Its true, and I need to embrace it, to run after it.

There is something that lies ahead of each of us which excites us. There is adventure. There is opportunity. There is hope. There is risk…. Don’t let the RISK cripple us.

We have a choice to make. I have a choice to make. The choice is to stay in the familiar zone of comfort…or to step out in faith and pursue the adventure and passion we have carried so long in our heart.

Adventure…

Freedom….

LIFE….

John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (New International Version)

Communicating Hope

2010-03-12T19:09:00.000-05:00

This is a great post I read today by Jeremie Kubicek. Do you know who you are an what God created you to do?

Communicating Hope

On a recent trip to Washington D.C. I had the privilege of meeting a great driver named Harvey. He picked me up at midnight to drive me 45 minutes to my hotel. We had an amazing conversation.

Now I realize that some of you are not into conversations with strangers at midnight while trying to get to a hotel. On this night I was in the mood to talk.

I simply started to connect with Harvey and to my appreciation he worked to connect back. What happened was amazing. We spent 20 minutes or so talking about why Georgetown basketball was amazing and if Shaq should retire or not. While I am not a basketball scout I do know enough to have a conversation, which is why it is important for influencers to be well-versed.

That said, we spent another 10 minutes getting into his world. He then asked me a great question, “How did you know what you wanted to do?” The final 15 minutes shifted to building a plan to help Harvey figure this question out.

Harvey, if you are reading this I wanted to finish the conversation to help you further. I hope you go for what we discussed.

Here is how I answered the question…

To know what you want to do you must first understand who you be. I know that is not proper grammar, but it works. It means that you must know who you are before you know what you want to do. So the obvious question came from Harvey: “How do you find out who you are?”

Here are 3 ways to find out who you are:

1. Listen to What Others Say - What do your parents, teachers, siblings, mentors, co-workers, etc. say about you. If you asked them “Who am I?” what would they say?

2. Experience Through Practice - I knew I was a pioneering encourager for years but it took me going through trial and errors to get to a confidence of who I was.

3. Get to Know Your Father - I am referring to our Heavenly father here. When we know God as our father and view ourselves as sons and daughters we will begin to ask him who we are and He tells us.

Think of it this way…

Adam knew he was God’s special creation. Out of that came his vocation - tending the garden. The problems started with that tempting apple. When Adam was cast out of the garden he had to work three times as hard to get food, so he shifted his focus on what he had to do in order to survive. Thus, Adam forgot who he was and focused more on what he had to do.

The same thing has happened in our culture. We always talk about what we do, but rarely spend time talking about who we are.

Harvey, ask your friends and family to tell you who you are. Then look back at your experience and ask God for clarity. After that you can start building a plan around the best vocation possible.

From my perspective you were amazing at connecting with me and, thus, I assume you can do that with many people. You have a high Emotional Intelligence so start looking for a vocation (whether you start a company or work for some one). Do the hard part of finding out who you are and then work on what to do.

Wishing you the best!

Posted on March 04, 2010 in Personal Growth

The Spirit of the Age

2010-02-15T19:58:00.001-05:00

If I were to ask you what the “Spirit of the Age” is….what would you say? Maybe you would give me a funny look and say…”I don’t have time for stuff like that.”

EXACTLY!

As I try to find a moment to just stop…or slow down enough to evaluate my life, I quickly realize I am consumed by a busy life. I have read about this. Family, a business, a wife, two daughters, a son, adoption stuff, my list could go on and on if I really shared my calendar. I have heard others talk about this. I have been moved and convicted previously by this…yet here I stand again. Consumed with busyness. What is the most effective way to render us ineffective for the things that really matter in life….Busyness! This has got to be one of Satan’s sharpest blades…it cuts so deep and yet we don’t even feel it till its too late. It renders us as effective as warm butter.

Its so easy to justify this wound, after all, the things I am doing are good…right? I am doing it for my family. I am doing it for my church. I am doing it for my kids. I am doing it for our future. Really…I can justify most anything…and I would venture to guess, so can you. If we are not careful we can get so consumed with arranging the piles of papers on our desk of life that we don’t ever get to the real work contained in those piles. I am reminded that the most efficient time at work is right before vacation since that is when I go through the piles with a different perspective. I am much less tolerant of the busywork and non-essentials…honestly, this is when I trash the most stuff from my office. If I worked this efficiently every day just what could I accomplish? How much more time would this free up for the things that really matter?

Lord, help me to stop and honestly evaluate what I am doing in this life…and do what really matters most. Show me today, and tomorrow, what is most important to You. What can I do for You that will make a difference in the lives of others? Are You pleased with this life I am living…..? Give me the guts to focus on and pursue the things that matter most. Show me what You really think of me.

Have you lost heart?

2010-01-12T07:22:00.000-05:00

I want to share a quick thought from the Ransomed Heart Daily Reading for today…

January 12, 2010

In the End

In the end, it doesn’t matter how well we have performed or what we have accomplished—a life without heart is not worth living. For out of this wellspring of our soul flow all true caring and all meaningful work, all real worship and all sacrifice. Our faith, hope, and love issue from this fount, as well. Because it is in our heart that we first hear the voice of God and it is in the heart that we come to know him and learn to live in his love.
So you can see that to lose heart is to lose everything. And a “loss of heart” best describes most men and women in our day. It isn’t just the addictions and affairs and depression and heartaches, though, God knows, there are enough of these to cause even the best of us to lose heart. But there is the busyness, the drivenness, the fact that most of us are living merely to survive. Beneath it we feel restless, weary, and vulnerable.
Indeed, the many forces driving modern life have not only assaulted the life of our heart, they have also dismantled the heart’s habitat—that geography of mystery and transcendence we knew so well as children.
All of us have had that experience at one time or another, whether it be as we walked away from our teachers, our parents, a church service, or sexual intimacy; the sense that something important, perhaps the only thing important, had been explained away or tarnished and lost to us forever. Sometimes little by little, sometimes in large chunks, life has appropriated the terrain meant to sustain and nourish the wilder life of the heart, forcing it to retreat as an endangered species into smaller, more secluded, and often darker geographies for its survival. As this has happened, something has been lost, something vital.
(The Sacred Romance, 3-5)

“All I Really Want for Christmas”

2009-12-26T14:48:00.001-05:00

This year is different for so many children and families. Steven Curtis Chapman puts the heart of the orphan in this song from his 2005 Christmas cd.

"All I Really Want for Christmas"
by Steven Curtis Chapman (2005 Sparrow Records, EMI CMG)

Well, I don't know if you remember me or not
I'm one of the kids they brought in from the home
I was the red-haired boy in an old, green flannel shirt
You may not have seen me, I was standing off alone

I didn't come and talk to you 'cause that's never worked before
And you'll probably never see this letter, anyway
But just in case there's something you can do to help me out
I'll ask you one more time

All I really want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in
A shoulder to cry on if I lose, shoulders to ride on if I win
There's so much I could ask for, but there's just one thing I need
All I really want for Christmas is a family

Well, I guess I should go ahead and tell you now
If it's really true about that list you have
Somehow I always seem to end up in a fight
But I'm really trying hard not to be bad

But maybe if I had a brother or a dad to wrestle with
Maybe they could teach me how to get along
And from everything I've heard, it sounds like the greatest gift on earth
Would be a mom

All I want for Christmas is someone who'll be here
To sing me happy birthday for the next 100 years
And It's okay if they're not perfect or even if they're a little broken
That's alright, 'Cause so am I

Well, I guess I should go, it's almost time for bed
Maybe next time I write you I'll be at home

`Cause all I really want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in
Tell me I'll never be alone, someone whose love will never end
Of all that I could ask for, well, there's just one thing I need
All I really want for Christmas is a family

Pause…And Give This Christmas Away

2009-12-20T17:04:00.001-05:00

Today Stonecreek Church paused intentionally to give Christmas away. If only we would look for opportunities to give Christmas away on a daily basis…wow…what a different world we would live in.

Check out the stories of lives changed as Stonecreek Paused. Click here

Trip #3 – The Final Journey – Day 3-4

2009-12-10T05:30:00.000-05:00

Tuesday morning we slept in a little, grabbed some breakfast at the hotel breakfast buffet (5 min before it closed). After breakfast we loaded into our little tin can and made the trek to Liepaja. Once we arrived there we decided to tour the city a bit so that Kristen could see the city and the places that we had talked so much about. The children at the orphanage were not out of school yet so our timing was good. As we passed the outside market we decided to stop and take in the sights and smells one more time. I love the market and all that it offers. We walked through the inside area and then headed to the open air areas to see the fruits, vegetables and flowers that were being offered. As we were nearly finished, Aleks was grabbed from behind by someone. As he was spun around we all realized that it was his Great Aunt who we had visited during our stay in August. Aleks was stunned…as were Kristen and I. She was talking a mile a minute and Aleks just turned red with a look of flight in his eyes. After a couple of minutes she began to insist we come to her home but we explained we were headed to an appointment at the orphanage. We heard how she lost our address and that her sons could not find us on the internet. (protection?) I gave her my business card and we left to finish driving around the city and head to the orphanage. Once we arrived at the orphanage we found that Ginta, Liga and the boys had been waiting for us both Monday and Tuesday.

While at the orphanage we were welcomed with fresh mint tea and cookies. The hospitality of Ginta and Liga is always over the top. They are wonderful people. As we sat together and shared the boys arrived back from school one by one. It was a great reunion for the boys. There are only 5 boys left in the group in which Aleks used to be a part of. The entire orphanage is down to 40 plus children from the nearly 90 children that were there in August. Evidently the court has stopped removing children from their parents no matter what the situation. So as more children are adopted, granted back to their parents or put into foster care the numbers are shrinking in the orphanage. After a few hours we finished our day in Liepaja with dinner at Klondike with Ginta like old times (back in August). We then loaded back up in our tin can and headed to Riga. Neither Kristen or Aleks saw the Liepaja city border as we left…they were both fast asleep. The drive back to Riga was clouded with dense fog, wet snow and nuisance rain. Once back at the hotel the kids were awake and I was exhausted…but we laughed ourselves to sleep as we talked about the day.

Wednesday started with another great breakfast buffet…then a quick nap. About 12:30, Daina and Edgars picked us up and we headed to the passport office to pick up Aleks’ new passport with his new name – Aleksejs Zachary Tuttle. From there we went to the Embassy doctor once more so that she could complete the paperwork with his new passport information. Once we received this sealed envelope we could go the US Embassy to present all of the paperwork for Aleks’ new VIsa. The people at the US Embassy in Riga are wonderful and very friendly people – well those inside the Embassy. Those who are outside as security have a job to be polite but not friendly as a priority. Our entire visit at the Embassy took about an hour and resulted in our Visa application being approved! Now it was time to celebrate!

Aleks, Kristen and I walked down to old Riga to just take in the sites and explore a bit. We found most of the vendors, who were in the park during our visit in August, had moved into old Riga. It was fun as we tried new foods and saw the wonderful handiwork of many traditional Latvian crafters. I think we could fill a suitcase with the goods if we had the money to support the shopping spree. We finally decided to find a place to eat and found a great little steak house where we enjoyed a great meal to celebrate. As we walked back to the hotel, Kristen learned two things. First she learned why everyone walks so fast in Riga….TO STAY WARM. Second she found out that walking that fast everywhere is how so many stay so skinny here. All in all…a good day!

Thank you Father for protecting and preparing our way. Thank you for protecting Aleks as he grew…and bringing him into our family at just the right time. Bless our family, cover us in Your love and may we shine Your light to those around us.

Trip #3 – The Final Journey – Day 1-2

2009-12-09T15:39:00.001-05:00

This is not our final journey to Latvia…but it is the last trip for Aleks’ adoption. For this journey, Kristen our oldest daughter – and Aleks’ older sister, came with Aleks and I. Our flight over was pretty uneventful. We got the three middle seats in the VERY last row of the plane for our flight from Atlanta to Frankfurt. I slept most of the trip while the kids watched a couple of Disney movies. We arrived in Frankfurt air space about an hour early which required us to circle a few times before landing. Once inside Frankfurt airport we headed to our connecting flight but had to go through the transfer checkpoint. Here they asked for proof and reason why Aleks was traveling with us. Thankfully I brought every document with me “just in case”. This was an unusual request but went well once I produced the court papers. (Note to those traveling for trip #2 and #3 – take your paperwork with you though you aren’t supposed to need it) Our flight from Frankfurt to Riga was an old plane with no entertainment systems in the plane…so I slept again. We landed about 45 min late.

Our hotel is very nice and was one of the cheapest in the city. We can recommend the Europa Royal Hotel in Riga. Good rates, nice rooms, free breakfast buffet that is a really nice spread. The hotel is also a short walk from the US Embassy and passport office. There is most anything within a few blocks of the hotel.

Monday was the day to visit the Embassy certified doctor and then head to the passport office. On the way to the doctors office we were informed of a few “new” items from Aleks past. Not good stuff but it is merely shadows of his old life, stuff that can’t change our love for him. This whole thing messed with Aleks head and heart…but I quietly reassured him that nothing will ever change our love for him…nothing. Once we arrived at the doctor the exam went pretty well…except that Aleks had to get three shots. Found out that he has never had chicken pox nor had he ever been immunized for it. Once we completed everything we headed to the passport office.

Once at the passport office we waited in a packed room for our number to be called. The office was filled with all types of interesting people all looking to get passports to leave and visit other countries. Once our number was called we met with a clerk who informed us that the court in Liepaja had not entered the adoption decree and information into the computer system. Fortunately Daina had certified copies of everything and was able to talk them into entering the information here at the passport office in Riga. This required that we leave for a few hours and come back after 2:00 in the afternoon. Daina had other meetings planned so she dropped us off at the hotel and we wandered around the city for a few hours. Lunch at “little” Lido, coffee and hot cocoa at Coffee Nation then back to the passport office. Once we arrived back at the passport office we found that the internet was down…and required for us to complete the application. We waited….finally things were back working and we completed everything,..without a translator. I wrote a sentence in Latvian that said I understand everything on the documents. Hmm…ok.

After we finished our official business we headed to the airport to pick up a little rental car so we could go to Liepaja on Tuesday. Once again, interesting since we were picked up at the airport for a car that was supposed to be there. We took about a 5 minute ride to where the rental car place actually was. I had to be a bit pushy to get them to fix the broken tail light on the car…and then to give me the GPS that I had also paid for. After it was all said and done…we headed to the hotel and called it a day.

Really?… Spiritual Warfare?

2009-11-14T11:47:00.001-05:00

The question I pose to you is do you really believe there is such a thing as spiritual warfare? I mean really….is there such a thing? Is there good and evil in this world? Is it just “mans” choices or is there something bigger here?

These are questions you need to face now if you are looking to host or adopt. If you don’t believe any of this and think it is just nonsense then you will have a very difficult and frustrating time making any sense of what is getting ready to happen in your life and in your home. I don’t say any of this to scare you or make you think twice about the journey you are on or ready to embark on. Just want you to be prepared for the battles. From Genesis through Revelation we see over and over that there is a battle, a battle between good and evil. A battle for the hearts of man (and woman). How many times are we warned? The devil is like a roaring lion seeking those he can devour. The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. Over and over God tries to give us a glimpse into the spiritual battle around us and for us. The great news is that Jesus came to give us life…He came to give us back that which was stolen from us…our heart. Jesus has overcome death, hell and the grave but we need to place ourselves in Him and the life He offers. Okay…you are saying that this is a bit foundational…true but you must be secure in this to understand the battles that are going to rage against the heart of that child you have chosen. You are showing the very love of God who chose us before we knew Him…as you chose that child before they even know you. Your living out obedience to Gods word and making a difference in the life or lives of others…but you too will be changed! As you open your heart and home to take in another realize you are living out boldly the great commission…and that will stir up evil and darkness against you and your family.

Be aware of the tactics that will be set against you. Yes, you will be bringing in a child who has mental, physical and spiritual baggage as well as some generational junk that has been passed down to them which was not their choice. There will be attacks of anger, jealously, materialism, depression, rebellion, fear and confusion. There will attempt to be wedges driven between you and your spouse. Between you and others who are close to you. Between the children currently in your home. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind. Fear cannot co-exist with love. I share this with you to encourage you. Be aware of what is happening around you. These are not personal attacks from your child…they are spiritual attacks against your family and need to be faced head on and prayed against. You will be amazed at the power of God as you pray specific against the attacks. Call it what it is when you pray against it: spirit of jealousy, spirit of fear, spirit of rebellion, spirit of confusion, spirit of greed. As we learn to face these things head on, the overwhelming love of Christ takes over and heals the broken parts. Count on the fact that very soon after you have a spiritual conversation with your child…there will be a spiritual attack to try and steal away that which you have shared. Stand strong. Put on the full armor of God. Create an “inner circle” of warriors which you can call upon at a moments notice and know that they will be praying with you. At times they will cover you as you rest and regain your strength and focus. It is much easier to face the battle when we know it is coming…and what we need to win!

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. (Ephesians 6:10-11)

It is SOO worth the battle as you see your child being transformed by your love…and the love of Christ! Hold on…it will be worth it all!

Today is Orphan Sunday – November 8th, 2009

2009-11-08T04:00:00.000-05:00

Orphan Sunday Prayer

Dear Father,
On this Orphan Sunday, we join with Your people across our country and beyond to pray for orphans.
We know that love for these precious children begins not with us, but with You. You pursued us when we were wayward and alone. You adopted us as your children. You invite us to address you as Daddy and to live as Your sons and daughters. Truly, we love because You first loved us.
You tell us also that You are near to the downtrodden and destitute. Your heart aches for children that face the world alone. You champion the cause of those who have no one else to take their side. And You call us to do the same.
So we pray that You would rouse us to share your heart. We ask that You would stir Your people to passion and vision and action on behalf of children that have no family.
We lift up to You the millions of children in the world who have lost their parents to disease, to war, to addiction, to poverty, to abandonment. As You promise to do, place the lonely in families. Be their defender, their provider, their hope and peace. Help us to do the same.
We pray also for the five hundred thousand children in our foster system in America. So often, they are bounced from home to home, knowing little love, consistency or true nurture. Please be their love, their consistency, their nurture. Help us to do the same.
We confess that we have often lived with little regard for these precious lives. Please forgive us. Lead us to take up their cause, not in guilt or obligation, but as a joyful response to Your great love for us.
As we do, we pray that You would use our humble response to transform. To transform the lives of countless orphans both physically and spiritually. To transform us as we encounter You in them. To transform Your Church as we lift our eyes beyond our own comfort and self-focused religion to live out the painful beauty of the Gospel. And finally, to transform a watching world as it catches glimpses of Your love made visible through the actions of Your people.
We commit all this to You, the One who is both our Father and a Father to the fatherless, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lessons from God…and Aleks

2009-10-25T23:27:00.001-04:00

This week God once again used Aleks to bring His word to life through our son Aleks.

The past few weeks have been tough. There has been something building in Aleks that we didn’t understand. All we knew is that Aleks has had a heavy heart that has made him a bit more emotional and irritable.His temper has been short and he has had trouble focusing on much of anything. This past Thursday it all came crashing down….he broke and just sobbed in Cindy’s arms. What we found is that he missed Latvia, his friends and all that was familiar to him. All of this really got me to thinking….

I told Cindy that Aleks had a huge amount of faith to leave everything he knew and trade it for a chance to have a family. As I prayed about this God gave me a little insight into my own life…my own journey. How many times have I looked back at my “old life” and wanted to go back. The comfort of the familiar. The fun of life the way I wanted to live it. Yet I traded all that I knew for a new life, a new faith. There are times that I miss some of the old things…but I also know that I have it so much better now. The life I have now is eternal….what I had then was only temporary. The life Aleks has now is so much better than the life on the streets he once knew…but it doesn’t change the fact that sometimes he just looks back and misses all that was so familiar. He doesn’t want to go back to Latvia but he misses it sometimes he says.

Father…that is so like me. I thank You that You know so much better than me and that Life Is Bigger than me. Bless Aleks, ease his longing for the past. Let You love flood over him and change him forever.

Check Point Update

2009-10-18T11:56:00.001-04:00

Good morning….

It’s been way to long since I have posted about the facts of our journey with Aleks. Our time together has flown by, yet it is amazing to see that he has only been with us for less than four months! Each day brings new challenges, new experiences, more laughter…and yes, some tears. We have experienced so many “firsts” with Aleks. Things that we just assume or take for granted. Yes, many of these have been so fun to experience together. The smile and joy he carries in his heart is infectious and spreads to those around him. On the flip side of that coin is also the anger, frustration and confusion which many times also spills over to those around. Fortunately these times are becoming fewer as Aleks learns to deal with the things inside him. But through all of this, both the good and the bad, these experiences have opened the door of discussion. The questions Aleks asks about God, the Bible, Jesus, Heaven, Hell and death are incredible. He is asking the right questions and God is continuing to minister love to his heart. Just as the sun rises each day, so also do the spiritual attacks come within 24 hours of each of these conversations. It has been incredible to see as Aleks is beginning to see and understand that there is good and evil in this world. It is a fight for the heart…the heart of a warrior, the tender heart of the warrior – Aleks Zachary Tuttle.

In just 10 days I will board a plane to return to Latvia to attend the “Big Court” for Aleks final Orphan Court hearing. The court is scheduled for Friday October 30th, 2009 at 10:00am (3:00am EST). We have already been notified by the court that Aleks does not need to attend this hearing with me. He is excited about this…both the fact that I am going for this last hearing AND the fact that he does NOT have to go with me. Aleks and I will however be returning back to Latvia together about 30 days later to go through his citizenship process. For this we will be spending 4-5 days in Riga so that we can complete all of the stuff the US Embassy requires so that they can issue his IR-3 Visa. This is his ticket to US Citizenship!!!

Just to put this in perspective; January 2009 – Aleks had no citizenship of any country. Though he was born in Latvia, he was not granted citizenship because he mother and father were not citizens of Latvia, February 2009 – Aleks was granted citizenship in Latvia which then would allow him to be adopted. November/December 2009 – Aleks will become a citizen of the United States of America!!!

God is good and faithful to complete that work which He as begun. This trip will cost approximately $7,500 – depending on the strength of the Euro. Our last trip together next month will be about $5,000 more for flight, food, lodging and fees. Please pray with us for God’s continued provision and blessings!

Thank you…..

Blend for Hope…Adoption Fundraiser

2009-10-08T22:09:00.001-04:00

Want to help? Like Coffee?

Here is the program…really quite simple and we can modify it to any organization or fundraising event you need.

I have coffee bag samples for you to go with your order forms…

Each bag of coffee is Fresh Roasted each week so you will receive it within 48 hours of roasting.
The blend of coffee we are offering is a delicious blend of specialty grade coffee. It is a medium roast blend of Central and South American coffees with a touch of Ethiopian. This aromatic blend releases a wonderfully smooth cup of coffee with rich nutty and chocolate tones to please your palate. With every cup you drink you can know that you are making a difference in the life of an orphan and helping to change their life forever!
Each bag contains 12 ounces of Fresh Roasted coffee and costs only $10…the same as what you would pay at the grocery store or your favorite coffee shop.

Complete the order form…

Complete customer information
Choose whole bean (W) or ground coffee (G)
Choose Regular ( R ) or DECAF coffee ( D )
Total the number of bags the customer is ordering
Total the amount of the sale for the customer
Collect the amount due…

Each Monday by 12:00 noon…please fax or e-mail your order to me so we can consolidate the orders.

FAX: 770-889-0337
E-Mail: Kevin@EverythingCoffee-Tea.com

· Your coffee will be roasted and packaged each Tuesday and delivered to you each Thursday…just 48 hours after roasting! Fresh Coffee!!

· I will collect your money each week when your coffee is delivered to you.

All profits from this fundraiser will go toward the adoption costs for Aleks and making him a part of our family forever. $5 of every bag sold is going to the adoption fund for Aleks. Our goal is 2500 bags of coffee. If we can get just 100 people to sell only 25 bags of coffee…we have reached our goal. Any extra funds raised over and above our adoption expenses will then be donated to One World Adoption to help others offset the costs associated with adoption.

If you are interested in participating in our fundraiser please e-mail or call myself or Cindy.

Storing Up to Overflow

2009-10-06T12:20:00.001-04:00

This is worth meditating on...

Today I am going to post from a series of devotionals that come from Ransomed Heart Ministries. This series of devotionals are all excerpts from books written by John Eldredge.

Storing Up to Overflow
10/06/2009

If then you are wise, you will show yourself rather as a reservoir than as a canal. A canal spreads abroad water as it receives it, but a reservoir waits until it is filled before overflowing, and thus without loss to itself [it shares] its superabundant water. (Bernard of Clairvuex)

A beautiful picture. The canal runs dry so quickly, shortly after the rains subside. Like a dry streambed in the desert. But a reservoir is a vast and deep reserve of life. We are called to live in a way that we store up reserves in our heart, and then offer from a place of abundance. As Jesus said, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old” (Matt 13:52). I’m thinking, Storeroom? What storeroom? “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart…for out of the overflow of his heart, his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45 emphasis added).

I’m afraid I live spiritually like I live financially – I get a little, and go spend it. I live like a canal. I look like a reservoir when the rains come, but shortly after, I’m dried up again. (My financially responsible readers have just congratulated themselves on living a more disciplined life. But may I ask, are you using those reserves to do things that nourish your heart? Many a Scrooge has filled his coffers while starving his soul). “There are very many canals in the church today,” laments Julia Gatta, “but few reservoirs.” One woman deeply involved in ministry wrote to me recently that she is “burned out to a crackling crunch.” She has been a canal. She hasn’t cared for her heart. She is not alone.

How would you live differently, if you believed your heart was the treasure of the kingdom?
(Waking The Dead , 199, 200 )

Christmas Hosting Program

2009-09-25T13:02:00.001-04:00

Are you interested in hosting an orphan and changing a life forever? Have you been thinking about adoption or just can’t get that longing in your heart to go away. Please consider hosting a child this Christmas and sharing your life with them. There are so many incredible kids wanting to come to America in hopes of finding their “Forever Family”. You many not be moved to adopt one but you can be their advocate and help find them a family where they will be loved and fit forever. Through the lives of some amazing people who hosted Aleks and New Horizons for Children who provided the opportunity, we are able to have Aleks as part of our family forever….and forever our lives will be changed for the better.

Christmas Hosting Signup is Officially Open!

If you are new to hosting, please review our website at www.newhorizonsforchildren.org. Under the heading of HOSTING, you’ll find both our pre-application and our required full application. Hosting is approximately 4 weeks, mid-December to mid-January. Signup remains open until approximately November 2^nd. To review the available orphans, visit http://www.newhorizonsforchildren.org/horizons/prephoto.html. Submit your information to be directed to the photo listing. Submitting your information will ensure you stay informed of the latest news regarding Christmas hosting. Call our office to place a child on hold, 678-574-4677.

Program Sponsors:

Every single orphan on our list needs a $250 program sponsor. If you cannot host, consider selecting a child, or multiple children, from the list to be their $250 program sponsor! This is great for families - place your selected child on your refrigerator and begin praying for them by name. It’s also wonderful for businesses that wish to direct philanthropic efforts to assist orphans.

Scholarships Needed:

Scholarships are particularly helpful in placing sibling groups and other special needs children. Please consider offering a larger financial gift to help offset hosting costs for some of our most special kids!

Bible Sponsor:

We are seeking an individual or company willing to be our Christmas bible sponsor. This donor will provide a bible in each hosted child’s native language. There is no greater gift than God’s word.

Hosting Locations:

Children are allowed to be hosted nation-wide! If you are outside of one of our main program areas, you will need to travel to one of our mandatory training dates. You also may be required to travel to one of the main airports to pickup your hosted child. Those are the two main issues affecting families outside our main program areas, otherwise, children can be placed nationwide, so give us a call!

Order Christmas Shirts Now:

Help advertise the program in your area. Order one of our red, long-sleeved Christmas hosting t-shirts that all the host kids arrive wearing! Both child and adult sizes are available. Shirts are $15 each. Email us for an order form. (Or, if hosting, you will find one in the application posted online)

Fall Host Parent Training:

We are finalizing training dates now. Training is required for ALL first-time host parents. These are tentative dates, yet to be finalized:

Wayne, Pennsylvania – November 14

Atlanta, Georgia – November 21

Charlotte, North Carolina – December 5

Dallas, Texas – Date TBA

For questions or inquiries, please email newhorizonsforchildren@gmail.com or call our offices at 678-574-4677.

The Dichotomy of a Day

2009-09-12T21:16:00.001-04:00

Air 1's Verse of the Day

9/11/2009

"You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done."

Psalm 92:4, NLT | View in context

As I awoke to face Friday 9/11 I couldn’t help but remember the day eight year prior and wonder…”what will today hold?” I picked up my Blackberry as a normally do as I wait for the shower to warm. As I scanned my e-mails that I received during the night. Normally this means deleting a bunch of junk mail and then reading the verse of the day. I read the verse of the day "You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done." Psalm 92:4 NLT. Cool, I thought…and then I moved on…then I noticed three e-mails from Latvia…”Adoption Approval from the Ministry”. WOW! "You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done." Thank you!!

Through the day as I remembered all of the emotions and heaviness of that historic day just eight years prior…I couldn’t help but balance those feelings with the joy of the approval. I spent the evening going over all of our paperwork for the next phase of information that we need to send to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. We are one step closer! Today all of that paperwork was placed in a Priority Envelope and sent.

What now? Well we are now waiting for Latvia to give us our next court date. Once we receive it I will be traveling back to Latvia to stand before the court to complete the adoption. It is at this time that we will receive a new birth certificate for Aleks…and his name will be changed to Aleksejs Zachary Tuttle.

Our prayer requests at this time are:

Continued favor in the eyes of the Latvian court and authorities.
Smooth and quick approval process for our I-800 in the hands of the USCIS.
Finances for this next trip to Latvia and the fees involved. Approximately $6,000.
That God would open hearts and doors for more of the children from the orphanage in Liepaja to find forever families. (This is what Aleks asks about regularly)

FEARLESS by Max Lucado

2009-09-08T06:43:00.000-04:00

FEARLESS by John Maxwell

Fear…it’s a word that paralyzes.

It is the very thing that most of us fear…fear itself.

That feeling of being totally locked up and not able to logically, or rationally, react to the circumstances around us. The world events hurl at us at a dizzying speed. Our media hammers us to the point many are afraid of what tomorrow holds.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

In this latest book from Max Lucado, he unpacks the things that keep us from being all that God created us to be. He exposes the core of the fears which enslave us. He helps us to take a different perspective and disarm the fears of life that we have allowed to shackle us. The storms of life are a reality but it’s the reaction in the storm that determines the survival rate. As Max shares, “It’s not the absence of storms that sets us apart. It’s whom we discover in the storm: and unstirred Christ.”

“Fear, mismanaged, leads to sin. Sin leads to hiding. Since we’ve all sinned, we all hide, not in bushes, but in eighty-hour workweeks, temper tantrums, and religious busyness. We avoid contact with God.”

In reading this book, I have found myself exactly in the place where Max Lucado was talking. He helps put the reality of God back in perspective…and expose one of the most powerful tactics of darkness. Fear does not have to rule our lives. We can experience true freedom…it is possible! FEARLESS can help show you where the key is that can set you free from the past, free from the realities of today and the unknown of tomorrow. Faith can and will disarm fear!

Two thumbs up! If you’re ready to break free from the negative doom and gloom around us, FEARLESS is a must read.

Once Again I Ask You to Pray for Erick

2009-09-01T19:53:00.001-04:00

Some of you will remember my post last year about Erick, a young boy in Guatemala who is very sick. A boy in need of medical treatment which he can not get in Guatemala…or should I say they won’t give him. You can read my post from last year: http://lifeisbigger.blogspot.com/2008/12/please-pray-for-miracle.html

Erick has been taken to the hospital in serious condition. He needs serious prayer for divine intervention and/or medical intervention….or both.

Random Thoughts & Updates

2009-08-30T20:52:00.001-04:00

So its been a week since I last posted. It seems like an eternity…yet just a day or two ago. We are home and back in the flow of life, with an extra in our boat. I am struggling with the anxiety and frustration of the speed of life now that we are back. I feel great in the morning but feel like crap by evening, not sure why. I am going to focus on changing my eating habits this week in an attempt to shake this.

It has been incredible to watch Aleks this week. He is a different boy than we have seen in the past. He has a peace and a confidence that I have not seen before. Cindy and I have also transitioned into “mom” and “dad” this week as well. The peace that Aleks carries with him is one that brings him confidence…a confidence different than that which he tried to carry in Latvia. It brings a tender caring and obedience. There is a joy and happiness that comes from the peace he carries…he is home and we are his family…FOREVER! It is so much fun to just hang out together…all five of us. Meals and rides in the car are hilarious. There is a new level of laughter through our home, one that we can’t imagine ever living without again. And did I say that we are “mom and dad”…I know I did, but I just wanted to say it again! The girls became his sisters about two or three weeks into the hosting but we are now finally mom and dad.

There is still much paperwork to do. I am nearly ready to file our I-800 but I am waiting for one piece of paper from Latvia. I hope to get everything filed this week so it can get processing and maybe get my next court date scheduled soon. There are still two trips back to Latvia before this is all over. The next trip which I will be taking myself is to finalize the adoption and get Aleks’ birth certificate changed with his new name and us as his parents. Once that is complete, the last trip will be with Aleks to meet with the US Embassy. That last trip will be a few days long as we go through a series of exams and interviews before receiving his IR-3 Visa. This is his ticket to becoming an official US Citizen. After receiving the visa, once we land on US soil…Aleks will be a US Citizen. My prayer is that we can be complete with everything by the end of the year. There are still expenses ahead associated with the travel and the paperwork, both in the US and Latvia. Please continue to pray with us for God’s provision for this as well.

It was great to be back at Stonecreek today. I wish we could have spent an hour with each person who stopped and asked how the trip was. It is so encouraging to know that so many are following our story. If something is moving in your heart and you are interested in learning more about adoption or simply just the hosting program, just ask! We would love to share with you.

Sunday…and We Leave Tomorrow

2009-08-23T05:11:00.001-04:00

Its Sunday and we leave for America in the morning. Wow! The last few paragraphs in this chapter of the journey are being written and the page will turn. The last 19 days have held so much, yet seem like a vapor. We have seen the beautiful and the dirty, the wealthy and the forgotten, the opulent and the rubble. This is a country of contrasts that have shaped our son for the last 11 years and 11 months. I am thankful for who he is…and who he is becoming. He is not yet who he is becoming…God has a great plan for the life of Aleksejs Zachary Tuttle.

I guess I owe you some updates on the last few days…

On Thursday morning we awoke early and got ready to head to the Orphan Court appointment. We were ready about 30 minutes early with all of our luggage down the 10 flights of stairs. As I arrived at the downstairs door with the last bag…Daina and Edgars showed up about 30 minutes early as well. We loaded up the vehicle and headed out to hear the fate of our next steps. Yes, we were early and the doors to the room were still locked. Once we were all gathered…and the secretary locked the door from the inside…and took the key, we started. The ladies were reviewing our two requests, first – our request to adopt Aleks and second – our request for custody so we could take Aleks back to America with us while we wait for everything to finish processing. They had a few more questions for us before reviewing our requests. “Do we still want to proceed with the adoption of Aleks” – duh (that’s Yes in Russian), of course we do! They asked Aleks is he wanted to be adopted by us…and he said Yes as well. Then they asked about what his new name would be. They had it in front of them Aleksejs Zachary Tuttle, but Zachary is not a name in Latvia. Cindy then explained through tears that Zachary means “God knows”. We don’t know all about Aleks past, but God knows and that is good enough for us. A last question about school again then they said they would take a five minute break to establish a verdict on our request. They returned to say that they supported and approved our requests. They would have the “Official” approval for us in a week but we were free to return to America with Aleks…YAHOO! We headed out for Riga, dropping off Ginta at the orphanage on our way. During the ride to Riga, Daina informed us that the Orphan Court Director, Tiga, had told her that they had already decided after our first meeting that they would allow us to adopt Aleks. We had received favor in their eyes…exactly as many of you had prayed with us about. Thank you!

We arrived in Riga early so we headed to Lido, a family restaurant and play center. It is incredible! It is a huge log home with a buffet spread that would make a dozen grandmothers, at Thanksgiving, jealous. They also have all types of activities outside for the kids to do. Once we were finished we headed over to the US Embassy to present our Visa application. Everyone there was very nice and the process was pretty simple (since Daina had done most of the paperwork for us). When they called us to ask us a few questions, they ended up asking Daina and Aleks to step out so they could talk to us alone. We were not sure what was happening but we complied. They simply wanted to know how we knew Aleks and if we were going to proceed with adopting him….of course we are! That was it and they approved our application and said it would be ready in 24 hours. As we stepped out of the room there was a look of fear and panic on the face of Aleks…he was scared that they were going to say No, that he could not come home with us. With all of that completed we headed to the hotel to drop our stuff and begin our explorations of Riga.

Riga is a really cool city. It seems to be where all of the commerce, fashion and people are. This is where all of the 20-40 year olds are. It is a town of young professionals. This is also a town which gives glimpses of what Liepaja could be once again with commerce once again. There happens to be a big music festival this weekend so there are things happening everywhere around the city. We have spent the past two days exploring and hanging out at the park. We spent some time at the waterfront seeing all of the exhibitions. Today we will take it easy. Packing and celebrating one last time at Cili Pica (Chili Pizza) is about all our agenda holds. Early to bed and REALLY early to rise and head to the airport.

See you in America!

Wednesday August 19th

2009-08-19T04:17:00.001-04:00

Our time in Liepaja is quickly drawing to a close. Today is our last full day here. Tomorrow we have our 2nd Orphan Court hearing at 10:00am (3:00am EST) and will then leave for Riga where we have an appointment with the US Embassy at 2:00. I believe we have a follow up on Friday at the Embassy and then will enjoy the weekend in Riga. We head back to America at 8:20am (1:20am EST) on Monday and will arrive back in Atlanta about 3:40pm EST.

Yesterday the clouds finally broke and the sun came out. Once the water subsided from our front door we left the building in search of some lunch and then to the park. Cindy and I had some potato pancakes…but they did not have any “green sauce” yesterday. I must admit they were not the best potato cakes I have had while here in Liepaja. After enduring all we could of what was on our plate, we headed to the park in search of some of Aleks’ friends and their new family from Texas. After searching the entire park without a sighting of the Nelson family…we decided (with Aleks’ prompting) to head over to their apartment to see if we could find them there. Sure enough…they were there and we had just missed them at the park. Todd and Paula Nelson are here on their first trip to adopt three children from the same orphanage as Aleks. The two boys, Kristaps and Aleksanders have been in the same group as Aleks are are two of his good friends. After reuniting at the apartment for a little bit, we decided we needed to take the boys to the park again…if you know what I mean. Three young boys in the apartment with a never ending supply of energy might get us all kicked out of Liepaja. We spent the next 3-4 hours at the park and walking around at which point the boys were sufficiently tired enough that we could head to the apartment. It was a great time and the boys enjoyed themselves as did we adults. It was great to share our stories and see how God has moved in each of our lives.

Today it is only in the upper 50’s with about a 30-40mph wind. Sun is shinning but it is cool….I think we will meet up with the Nelson’s again and head to the park again.

A Different Kind of Charity

2009-08-18T03:53:00.001-04:00

As we have walked this city from one end to the other an ridden along the countryside through the western half of this beautiful country called Latvia, I am continually struck with the thought…what if we did this in America? Everywhere you go you will see fruit trees which are planted along the side of the road. Not just one or two trees, but trees which many times line the roads on both side. It doesn’t matter if there are houses around or not…there are still fruit trees or vegetables along the side of the road. They are there for anyone to stop and partake of. I have seen a hundred meters of cabbage planted in the midst of a wheat field. Sometimes there is just a little garden planted near a bus stop, a patch of asparagus left to spread. All of this just left there for those who need it.

Sure, there may be some who stop and take advantage of the charity and pick more than they need so they can sell it at the market…but is that wrong? At least they worked to harvest it and then to sell it. Think about this as well…for those who need the food, they also have to work to prepare it or to store it for the long winter ahead.

If we as a country or we as believers were to put hands and feet to our charity and plant charity gardens or line our property with charity trees…how many people could we really feed? I would dare guess there would be more than enough for every needy person, and the benefit of a more healthy lifestyle of eating would also drive down the need for so much public medicine. There is much we can learn from others…once again, just my rambling thoughts.

Capturing a Message

2009-08-16T06:38:00.000-04:00

There is always a way out…it does not matter how tight your “rock and a hard place” is.

Freedom from the rubble!

When the window is closed…God will make a way out…we just need to look around a little.

What does your path look like…and who will you meet along the way?

Reminders

2009-08-15T16:26:00.001-04:00

Today we spent the day visiting other areas of Latvia. First we headed north to visit an area of the city called Karosta. It is an area where the Russian army occupied for 50 years. The army families occupied building after building…which are now over 50% empty. It’s a tough area of town that looks like it may have been destroyed in the riotous celebrations after the Russian army pulled out…at least that is what I think in my mind. The housing complexes are much like some of the toughest project areas of American big cities. Beyond the project homes is building after building which is made of beautiful dark brick which may have housed the Officers…but are now vacant with the windows and doorways bricked closed. There are manufacturing facilities which are vacant as well…and the windows and doorways are bricked closed. I am sure the area was beautiful about 70 years ago. In the midst of all of this sits a Russian Orthodox Church. An ornate symbol of a man made gospel. With the community around it falling in shambles, the place of religion offers a list of rules. As we walked through the gates to enter the property we were reminded not to enter the property with an evil mind or thoughts…and we must be dressed properly. We made our way to the building and climbed the huge marble steps to the doors of history. Once inside we were once again reminded of our thoughts and attire…and a few other rules such as NO CAMERA’s. There were a pile of head shawls or scarves for the women to cover their head…but most of the ladies inside were not wearing one so our party did not either. As I walked around looking at all of the pictures of the “saints” and the prayer candle altars in front of each I couldn’t help but get frustrated at the blinders which religion has created to the gospel. This was not a gospel of freedom. As I walked around this huge room looking at everything I noticed a little old lady had made her way to the back of the room where Aleks was and the ladies of our group. She was talking to Aleks and it was clear he was not happy. We left the building while the lady was telling Cindy and the girls (In Latvian or Russian) that they needed to ask God for forgiveness since they did not have their head covered. Once outside I found out that she had told Aleks that Jesus did not love him and would not accept him because his hair was spiked! WHAT?!? She proceeded to tell him that he needed to ask for forgiveness as well. Once again my frustration at the blindness to the True Gospel just grew. No wonder these kids want to have nothing to do with church. Its a gospel of condemnation…and not the gospel of the Bible I read or the God I know. Its sad, but we need to understand that when we are dealing with these children. Reminder number one for the day….we need to share the Gospel which Jesus shared…one of love, forgiveness and freedom.

We left the religious property and headed to the sea wall outside the port area. It was amazing to see the power of the sea as it beat on the wall, yet the relative calm on the inside of the break. While there we could see a storm rolling in on the horizon. As we watched it work its way toward the shore we had the opportunity to witness it drop a water spout down out of the clouds. Pretty amazing but it made Aleks more than uneasy since we had just watched a show on tornados on the Discover Channel just two nights earlier. We left the sea wall and headed to the old Russian military base on the shoreline just north of where we were. There was row after row of underground bunkers. We got out and began to explore these buildings which were three stories deep in the ground. It was pretty clear that this was where many troops slept and kept a vigilant watch on the sea. Time and the power of the sea had taken its toll on many of these barracks and some had split and fallen to the beach below. The brig still looked to be in working order with bars and all across the front. A symbol of restrictive dominance over those who would dare stray from what they were told to do. Reminder number two for the day…no matter how powerful the forces are around us, God is bigger than all of that. He can destroy those forces and crumble them to mere ruins.

After leaving Karosta, the area where Aleks lived much of his life till now, we headed south of Liepaja toward Lithuania. We could not cross the boarder but we headed that direction. As we left the city limits of Liepaja things changed almost instantly. It was like we had entered and area of the country which was alive. They still had hope and lived a life which would be closer to what we would experience in America. There were new homes, well kept properties and businesses which still had the doors open. It was pretty amazing to see the contrast of life just outside of the city walls.

We stopped for lunch at a great little resort south of Liepaja. It was more good food and a pretty cool place on the coast just over the dunes at the edge of the beach. After some nourishment we continued to head south to a little park along the shoreline. It was incredibly beautiful and once again reminded me of northwest Michigan near Lake Michigan. There were wild blueberries carpeting the forest floor as tall majestic pines towered above creating a canopy. Birch trees added contrasting white streaks of color against the deep green forest vegetation. This was also the first place where we actually walked on ground which was not flat. We climbed to the top of a large hill as we made our way through the forest which opened up to show us a view of the Baltic Sea over the treetops of the valley below us. Reminder number three of the day…God has created some incredibly beautiful places…even in the midst of a depressed and forgotten place.

Please don’t read my blog wrong, Latvia is an incredibly beautiful country with a history that we as American’s can’t understand. But Liepaja is a city that needs hope and the freedom that Christ offers. The people need hope and purpose again.This city could be restored to a magnificent charm and beauty to match the countryside and history this country has to share. The last reminder of the day…I am thankful for God brining us to Liepaja, Latvia for Aleksejs Zachary Tuttle!

Today the Sun is Shining Again

2009-08-13T04:21:00.001-04:00

This morning I awoke to the sun shining again. The past two days have been a bit cool and rainy. We have not ventured out too far except to the market or to go eat. Tuesday night we headed across town to Cili Pica (aka Chili Pizza). Its a great thin crust pizza that has become Aleks favorite pizza. It is only about a 15 minute walk from here if we stay focused, but you know the two who I am traveling with and also that the camera backpack is with us everywhere we go. On Tuesday it was a bit cool (about 60) and then it started to rain so we made pretty good time getting there. It’s also a good place to people watch since it is in a small mini-mall type complex which has everything from a grocery store to a pet store in it.

Before we headed out for pizza on Tuesday we had our first “check-up” with the Orphanage Court Director (Tiga) and Ginta. It was a nice visit where we were just asked basic thing about how we are spending out time here in Liepaja, have we had any problems and what are we going to do about school back in America. Nothing we couldn’t answer easily. Our time here together has been great but it shows on everyone’s face that we are all ready to go. I think Tiga saw that as she commented that “there are no problems with this family”. After about 15 minutes they left….and we prepared to head out for pizza!

Yesterday it rained most of the day. We played games and watched movies together. American movies in Russian…a different experience. Our DVD’s won’t work in the DVD player here and the ones from here won’t work in the US. We decided to venture out and have lunch at the Rock Cafe’ and look for another map of the city, since we left ours at home in America. It poured on and off while we were out but we had fun ducking into several small shops to see what treasures they contained (and wait for the rain to ease). While we were out this time we also ventured through the indoor market…Wow…what a cool place. I love just walking through the market and smelling all of the fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. It is a great place to just watch people…and get some great food. We found that the indoor market is where the bakery, cheese and meats are located with a handful of fruits and vegetable vendors. Downstairs is the fresh fish market….okay it was the end of the day and maybe it was just a fish market….not really fresh fish.

Last evening we had the pleasure of having Ginta fix dinner for us here at our apartment. It was a simple potato dish but it was wonderful! I could eat this every day. Mashed potatoes with a cream sauce full of ham and some spices. The potatoes acted as the boat for the ham and sauce inside….I could eat this for breakfast now, but we ate it all last night. After dinner we quizzed Ginta about all of the children we have seen from the orphanage while we have been here. We wanted to know the stories behind each of them. There are so many lives just longing to be loved, to have a smile to be affirmed that they are acceptable just as they are. No mask, no front, no positioning….accepted just as they are – and loved.

Please continue to pray for these children. Please pray for this city…that they would find “The GOD of this City”…because greater things are still to be done here…

Monday and Another Milestone

2009-08-11T10:30:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was another milestone in this journey…we went with Aleks to visit the orphanage which he called home for the past few years. As you might expect, it was bitter sweet for each of us, but unique for each as well. The day seemed to start slow as we each prepared to go but none of us was in a hurry to get there. Aleks was excited to see his friends again and we were looking forward to finding more pieces from the puzzle of his past.

As we left the apartment we decided we should grab a quick bite to eat so we stopped at a little cafe’ by the bus stop. It looked good but none of us finished our plate….and the latte’…YUCK! We left the cafe’ and jumped on the bus which would take us to the orphanage. As we jumped on we were greeted by the bus security to make sure that we were actually going to pay for our ride…which we did. The ride was hot…no A/C…but if they could only open the windows. We reached our destination and jumped off. As we walked down a dusty dirt road to the side of the orphanage property we were all quiet. A million things running through our heads but each keeping them inside. We walked along the property to the front of an old two story building. It looked to be maybe an old military building from days gone by. There are also two underground bunkers on the property which each person had a different explanation as to what they are for. We were told the building was only 19 years old…but it was much older. We believe that it may have been converted to an orphanage only 19 years ago….but there is much more history to that building and the property it sits on.

Aleks quickly found his friends as we entered pod 7 where Aleks had lived with his friends. They buzzed with excitement as they reunited but it was clear also that there was some tension with the new “leaders” of the group as the old and respected “leader” entered and took his former position. Once the children left the building on their adventures Ginta brought the Orphanage Director, Inara, to us. We sat at the dinning room table discussing Aleks and answering questions about our previous six weeks together. It was clear, Aleks had played a much different role in the orphanage than he did with us in America. After about 30 minutes together Inara excused herself so she could tend to other issues. Ginta left the room as well to go and get Aleks files. She returned with two binders that contained pages of documents, events, incidents and reports. The wonderful boy with the warrior heart and the tender heart…he had lived a life which very few would understand. My respect for Aleks was taken to a whole new level yesterday. I love my son and ache for his past at a whole new depth…yet I understand his heart. There is no doubt that God has protect Aleks and prepared his path…my prayer is that he will come to understand the depth of Gods love and embrace it with his life. Pray with us…

We left the building Aleks called home…and walked toward our new life together. Each of us longs for the place Aleks now calls home in America! Just 13 more days…and we will be there.

Sunday…a low key day.

2009-08-10T03:46:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was Sunday and it was a pretty low key day. There was a small celebration at the promenade where there were several military ships in port which were open to the public. We walked down there after lunch and met up with some of the children from the orphanage too. It was interesting to see the kids when they saw Aleks. The kids were on one of the ships when they saw him and immediately started yelling Losa! Aleks! (Losa is Aleks in Russian) The kids came running off the ship to greet Aleks, then in an instant they were gone, running back on the ship. They all played and teased each other, but there was a clear pecking order among the children. Aleks had been gone for six weeks and others had moved in on his leadership role, but it seemed they expected him to take it back upon his return. Aleks was a bit perplexed trying to balance his new life and his old. The other children clearly look to Aleks for direction…and affirmation. Affirmation is something that I have not seen anyone give to the children….or anyone now that I think of it. It is just not part of the culture. As we talked with the children yesterday and on Friday at the park it is clear that they long for love….for just a kind word of affirmation. A smile is something that is not shared much in this town but it can light the face of a child.Cindy’s pictures at the park show just how beautiful these kids are when they have a smile on their face. I am encouraged that there may be five more children from Aleks’ orphanage who may be going to their “Forever Family” in the coming months…but there are still so many who long for a touch, a smile the security of a forever family. Aleks wants us to take pictures today of his friends and help to find them families too. Once again his leadership qualities are kicking in as he wants to make sure those he cares about are taken care of.

We finished the night at the park and then on the beach watching the sunset. The fear of many is that the sun may be setting on the orphanage as money is running out. Where will the children go then…

A Day in Ventspils, Latvia

2009-08-09T04:46:00.001-04:00

Yesterday we had the opportunity to travel about an hour and a half north of Liepaja to a small town called Ventspils. Ginta, one of the caretakers at the orphanage, and one of her friends took us to Ventspils for the town celebration. Each year the town celebrates the anniversary of its founding. Ventspils is 719 years old yesterday! That is nearly impossible for us to comprehend as Americans. The town is a beautiful quaint coastal port town which most of the Swede and Dutch sailors choose to use rather than Liepaja. The homes look to have been kept up for hundreds of years and still carry much of the original architecture and feel. It is also evident each time a family expanded and they added on to their home because the brick or stones vary from the original. Another common thing is that the streets are made with either cobblestone or river stones. Both are very beautiful though I must say I like the river stone streets the best. With years of driving and walking on, they have a polished look which shows the stones character. For the most part it is all granite stone but rounded shapes and sizes.

When we arrived we went to a small home a few blocks from the water where we met an interesting lady who spoke no English nor do I think she understood it either. Through a gate betweens the homes we followed a brick path to the back of the building where we walked into a small garden that contained varied vegetables and flowers. Scattered along the fence and pathway were fruit trees as well. I really wanted to pick the last ripe cherry I saw on the tree…but I didn’t figure that would be too polite. After a few minutes of Latvian conversation we left the home and headed to the promenade along the waterfront, this is where the festivities were taking place. Music, dance, beauty contests, booths with the handiwork of local artisans and food all lines the promenade. Yes, the center of it all was an area with a large crowd…this is where the “strong man” competition was taking place. Aleks and I would have stayed and watched the whole thing but the ladies wanted to keep moving and see the art as well. I have no idea what the food we selected was called but I do know that it was good. We passed on the pig snout and opted for the cooked pork on skewers with potatoes and shredded cabbage. Dill is a favorite herb to cook with here. A flavor which brought back a lot of memories and a taste which I had nearly forgotten. It is used with sour cream to make a cream sauce for potatoes, fish, chicken or whatever else happens to be on your plate.

While in Ventspils we also found another amazing park. This one was filled with families…unlike the park in Liepaja. Granted, it was the weekend but there were families everywhere and smiles on the faces of most of the people. Ventspils seems to be a happy town which is weathering the financial crisis of the country well. They have industry there, and active port as well as both an oil refinery and electric plant. Latvia has also figured out that wind is a viable source of energy. They have huge wind turbines throughout the countryside.

After leaving Ventspils we headed back to Liepaja but made a slight detour into a small fishing village where we had a wonderful meal. Not the quickest service but the food was great. Unfortunately due to the not so quick service, we missed the sunset on the water. Sunset is about 10:00pm and sunrise is about 5:30am right now. If you plan to visit Liepaja, make sure your room has black out curtains or you have one of those classy face masks to cover your eyes.

As We Journey

2009-08-07T04:11:00.001-04:00

The last few days have been somewhat of a blur, mostly due to lack of sleep. We are here in Liepaja, Latvia now and trying to just settle down and rest while we wait for our next court hearing in two weeks. Here are some thoughts on our journey so far:

The plan ride was long…and the plane ride was long. We arrived at Hartsfield Atlanta Airport about 9:30 in the morning on Tuesday and arrived at our room in Riga, Latvia at about 9:30am EST on Wednesday. Riga is a very beautiful city if you enjoy old architecture. The buildings are old for the most part but the ones that are being refurbished are really beautiful. Like most any country outside of America the scale of affluence changes dramatically. The unemployment rate in Latvia is nearly 25% of adults are without a job. There are only about 2.5 million people in Latvia so they try to report numbers very accurately…when it is convenient for the news they are trying to share. The countryside is beautiful with the landscape reminding me very much of western Michigan. The trees and plants are pretty much the same as the Michigan, Wisconsin area. Most everyone leaves their yard natural unless they are planting a garden or fruit trees. Liepaja…a city trying to survive. The economy in Liepaja is much tougher than Riga and it shows most anywhere you go. Many businesses have left the area leaving vacant buildings. There are incredible homes and buildings here which are 100+ years old. With some money and time this city could be restored to a beauty not seen in America.

Yesterday our drive from Riga to Liepaja for court was interesting as we were able to see the countryside. Edgars, Daina’s husband, was gracious enough to drive us. I think he may have been a little aggravated with the road construction since we had to take several detours which slowed us down…but he was determined to make that time back up…enough said. We arrived in Liepaja as Aleks began to tell us about different things we were seeing in the city. Which direction the orphanage was and where his friends lived when they were not at the home. Upon arriving to the Orphan Court we quickly went inside to sign some last minute paperwork and took a seat in a large empty room. It had only a very long table in it which was made up of many smaller tables. The room reminded me of a Grand Jury room in the old Atlanta courthouse. Once everyone arrived the secretary who was taking notes walked over to the door and locked it from the inside and sat back down. The ladies conducting the court were very polite as Daina translated most everything for us. Aleks was a bit nervous and at one point leaned over to me and said “faster, faster I just want to say Yes and then we can go”. The ladies went through a series of questions which seemed to be merely a formality but necessary to do. At the end they said they were granting us permission to spend the next two weeks with Aleks here in Liepaja and then return to a follow up hearing on the 20th of August. During our time here we would have three visits from the Orphan Court Director to check up on us. Finally we could leave what seemed to be the hottest room we had found since leaving America.

We then went to our apartment where we will be staying the next two weeks. It is the apartment of the previous Orphanage Director where Aleks called home. Anita was very happy to see everyone as we arrived…especially Aleks. She loves him very much and is very excited he has found his forever family. When we reached the little apartment on the 6th floor (yes, we carried everything up the flights of stairs) Anita had a cake and flowers for Cindy’s birthday. It was a very gracious thing to do. She even had Cindy’s favorite flowers without knowing….the Gerber Daisies were beautiful. After a short time everyone left…and the city of Liepaja began to set in. We walked to dinner than headed to a park that Aleks wanted to take us to. It was a beautiful family park the kind we need in America. The long walk there was an eye opener into the pain of the city. There a little kids wandering all over the city, for the most part they stay in groups of three or four. Children as young as 5 and 6 are by themselves. Many buildings are boarded up and appear to be empty, but may house some homeless. Many of the people in the stores are very unhappy, but unhappy with their circumstances in life. They want a break, a chance to make a life for themselves.

Finally…Tomorrow is August 4th

2009-08-03T06:59:00.000-04:00

Its hard to believe that August 4th is nearly here and we leave for Latvia tomorrow. The time has flown by and its hard to believe that Aleks has been here for nearly six weeks already. He has become such a part of our family that it would be hard to remember what it was like before he arrived. There is plenty of excitement as well as anxiety about leaving tomorrow. Twenty days is a long time. It wouldn’t be so long if Rachel and Kristen were coming with us. Financially it just wasn’t possible this trip…but we have gotten a webcam for the girls and installed Skype on their computers so we can keep in touch every day.

God has continued to show Himself is so many ways over the past few weeks. Ways of the heart in our home as Aleks has opened and shared his heart and we have opened our heart to him. Our hearts have melded together so strongly as a family and not just a group of individuals in a home together. We have shared joy and laugher, tears and pain…but each one has brought us closer together. Have there been challenges…sure, but again each challenge has brought us closer on the other side. Here are a couple of things where God left His fingerprints even yesterday:

Over the last two months our plans have been to fly to Riga at the same time as the NHFC Hosting kids, but we would not be on the same flight as the children. Our flight lands about an hour and a half after the kids. Because of this, we were not going to be able to have Aleks stay with is in Riga our first night in Latvia. They were going to send him back to the orphanage with the other kids for the first night and we would then see him the next day at the orphan court. This has been a tough thing to accept and has been a point of apprehension for everyone. Well…yesterday morning I received an e-mail from Daina, our Latvian attorney, and she said she had received permission to keep Aleks with her at the airport until we arrived and he could stay with us in our hotel the that first night!!!

Just over a week ago we were still way short of what funds we needed to travel. God spoke through the message that Sunday to say…just trust me. He reminded me that He is Jehovah Jirah, and I declared it. That evening we were handed a card which contained a check which covered 75% of our shortfall! WOW! God has continued to provide over the past week and we have what we need for this trip.

Thank you for your prayers and continued support! Thank you for following our story and walking this journey with us.

As You Pray

2009-07-18T07:59:00.000-04:00

As you pray today would you please take these too before the Father?

Pray for God’s continued provision. We still need an additional $4,000 before the end of business on Monday August 3rd.
Pray that Aleks would understand that we are flying on another plane but at the same time as Aleks. We were not able to get on the same plane and will be landing about an hour behind him. Most likely he will be gone from the airport by the time we make it through Customs in Riga.
Pray that Aleks would understand and trust that we will see him the very next day after we land. Thursday August 6th is our first court date and we will be reunited with him then. It is also Cindy’s birthday that day.
Pray for Kristen and Rachel while we are gone…safety and comfort. This will be the longest we have ever been apart. I hope to get a webcam for them and have Skype installed on their computer so we can talk while we are gone.
Safety and health during our travels.
Pray that we would find favor in the eyes of the officials and court personnel who will be reviewing and hearing our petition for adoption. A quick and smooth process!

This entire process from February till now has gone incredibly smooth, why should we expect HIM to change that direction now? Thank you to each one of you who is standing with us or walking this journey with us. Your prayers, support and words of encouragement are appreciated more than you will ever know.

We will be gone August 4th through August 24th…your daily prayers during this time would be appreciated.

Random Thoughts from Aleks

2009-07-17T20:15:00.000-04:00

Our time together with the kids before bed is a time I look forward to each night. After we all gather together and talk –n- laugh about the day we pray together. After that we spend a few minutes with each of the kids…but Aleks likes to talk at this time. It has become somewhat of an expectation that both Cindy and I will spend time laying in bed with Aleks just talking about random things that he wants to talk about. It’s a time of openness and honesty that has sprouted and grown over the last three weeks.

A couple of nights ago Aleks wanted to make sure that Kristen and Rachel were making the trip to Latvia with us. When I told him that they were not traveling with us he immediately wanted to know why. He understood that it is very expensive for us all to travel to Latvia but he said “whole family go together to Liepaja together”. Wow…he is seeing us as a family. After he found out the girls are not traveling with us Aleks decided that he wanted to stay here in America too. He said that Cindy and I can go to Latvia and he will wait here. The next night I had to explain that we need him to go with us to take care of us and show us around Liepaja. I also explained that the court will want to talk to him and ask him questions about why he wants to come to America. Aleks was quick to respond that “I like America, I like my room, I like my home, I like my family (YEA!), I like my sisters, I like both my little sister and my big sister. He also said that Cindy and I are “good people” and he wants to stay here.

Other topics recently have been Aleks mother, father, grandmother, school in Latvia. He has also talked about his “stupid” friends in Latvia who do not want to come to America. “They don’t know how good home is”….wow…how much truth is in that for all of us! Too many times we stay and hide in our corner of comfort because we have no clue how good home can be outside of where we are stuck.

Please pray with us that God would continue to open our hearts to one another. As Aleks learns to trust us he learns our heart is filled with unconditional love for him….hmmm…sounds like another Father I know.

Overdue Update

2009-07-16T20:04:00.001-04:00

The last two weeks have been incredible. What was “two steps forward and one step back” has become more like three or four or five steps forward and one step back. Watching our family bond together has been wonderful. Aleks is now calling the girls his sisters and says he likes his “little sister” and his “big sister”. He now refers to us as a “family”. There have been so many nights that I want to write about the progress and events of the day…but I have been exhausted. As I fall asleep I think about all of the things I want to share with you.

It has been three full weeks that Aleks has been here…and three weeks from today we will be standing before the court in Latvia presenting our petition for adoption. Over the past three weeks we have seen an excited, high energy yet a bit apprehensive and scared little boy transition and take on a role as part of our family. Brother…he is quite good at this and enjoys it. He is an accomplished teaser and picker. He has learned the girls buttons to push and the order to push them. He loves to have fun with them. Aleks is also quick to protect the girls. His thoughtfulness and tender heart is balanced with the heart of a warrior who is quick to protect when there is a perceived threat yet tender hearted when someone has been hurt. This same heart has extended to Cindy as well. She has become “mom” much of the time. He loves to spend time with her at the end of the day. He is tender and respectful around her…(most of the time). Alex looks for our acceptance and approval. Acceptance is unconditional no matter what…approval is lavishly given when earned and appropriate. His attitude is changing daily as he sees that we love him no matter what…unconditional love has also confused him at times as well. In the end…love has won every time. We love being together. I love to see what Aleks brings out in each one of us.

Yes, we have had challenges. Battles of the will. Testing of the limits and boundaries. Once again consistency of position and rules balanced with unconditional love…this has been the winning combination.

To those of you who are reading this…thank you for caring and following this journey with us.

Today is July 4th…

2009-07-04T11:16:00.001-04:00

It’s been over a week since my last post and so much has happened. I miss sitting here in my quiet spot with a cup of coffee and just time to think and pray. It’s nobody’s fault but mine that this seat has been empty. Our home is different, now changed forever. In a way that that only God can do, the love in our house has been multiplied.

Aleks has become so much a part of our family in just a few short days. Its hard to believe that we just met each other face to face for the first time only 10 days ago. Yet these past 10 days have gone by so fast. The way that each family member interacts has changed, and I would say for the better. Aleks looks to both Kristen and Rachel not just for fun and laughter, but for acceptance which he finds each time he looks. The girls love him in a way that has surprised them and a way that they don’t really understand. All three I find are looking out for each other and they love to be together. When one is missing it shows in the other two. Each also has their boundaries which the others respect. Our family routine has quickly morphed to include one more. Our family time together each night before bed is an expectation and Aleks looks forward to that as well.

Yesterday we had to fill out a “progress report” for the hosting program. The gist of one of the questions was how would you describe Aleks’ personality. That one is pretty easy: he is strong willed with a tender heart. How could you ask for anything better. The opportunity to mold and guide him through life is incredible. He has the strength to stand strong in his beliefs yet has such a tender heart and compassion for others. He is much like the son of some great friends. (Blake meet Aleks…your soul brother) Aleks wants to do what is right, but on his terms. He wants to be the one leading out in what is right, not necessarily being told what is the wise choice. He is quick to share whatever he has with others. His generous heart abounds. Friends, God has placed the makings of a great leader within this young boy. A boy with a warrior heart that seeks adventure and justice but is tempered with compassion and grace. Please continue to pray for him as he comes to know the God who has made his heart and that he has the courage to pursue the passions that God has placed within him.

In short, our journey continues to be great! Aleks, Kristen and Rachel have been incredible. There is still fear of the unknown ahead. The fear of leaving the familiar and trading it all for a new life. Just one month from today we (Aleks, Cindy and I) will be leaving to head back to Latvia for our first court hearing. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. We still need about 5k before we leave for Latvia. We have our tickets and a portion of our funds. We still have lodging, food, transportation, translation fees and visas to cover.

Once again, thank you! May God bless you as He has blessed us.

Life is Good…and God is Incredible!

2009-06-25T23:40:00.001-04:00

The last few weeks have been emotional overload. Overload to the point it has been difficult to sort through my thoughts without just on purpose taking time to get away…which I have not done. Each member of our family and so many friends have worked hard to prepare for today. Last night at 11:30pm, Terminal T at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, Aleks arrived! Wow, the gamut of emotions, questions and excitement as we waited for Aleks to appear walking down that hall from the terminal. The day is here…he is here! The day we have long awaited for. As we hugged and greeted Aleks it was almost surreal yet such peace…he’s really here. Just a few hours earlier we were able to welcome Matt & Christy Brogden home with their new daughter, Charis, from China. What an incredible joy, yet only to continue with the welcoming of Aleks.

As we made out way out of the airport, Aleks was ready to go! He walks as fast as I do which made it difficult for Cindy and Nana to keep up.The car ride home was a bit more quiet since everyone was exhausted but it was also a time of checking each other out and trying to figure out what the other was thinking. Awkward but funny within a moment. Once we got home we showed Aleks around the house and his room to familiarize him with everything. We went through our normal routine of praying together as a family before the girls headed off to bed. Cindy, Aleks and I spent another hour sitting in his room chatting and beginning to communicate. He wanted to check everything out and play with as much as he could. When it was time for laying down in bed, Chip our Dachshund became Aleks best friend. This gave Chip the access to sleep with Aleks and the two quickly fell asleep together.

Today was incredible. We played together. Went to Chick-fil-a together (his favorite place to eat), went shopping together (for clothes and shoes that fit), rode bikes, played soccer, played basketball, had a huge water fight, met new friends and family. Today was great as we just laughed, talked, sang and played together. Yes, Aleks has an abundance of energy! But it needs to also be noted that Aleks has very good English skills. He understands most everything…and can say nearly as much (if he chooses to). As we tucked each of the kids in tonight it was evident that each was happy and truly excited about our new family structure. Aleks was the last one we tucked into bed and once again we spent more time just talking about the day. We were both honest that we were a little scared of the unknown since we didn’t really know each other until last night. What would the other think…would he/they like me? This all got washed away when I told Aleks that I love him…a huge smile broke across his face and he answered…”yes”.

Good-night…

17 Days and Counting…

2009-06-07T20:48:00.001-04:00

It’s only 17 days until Aleks arrives in America. The past week has been filled with exciting news and information. Our summer plans and adoption plans are beginning to solidify. Here is the latest:

We have our official invitation to travel to Latvia to meet Aleks and present our petition of adoption to the court. (More details to follow)
Aleks will arrive on the 24th of this month with the New Horizons for Children hosting program. They will be here in America for nearly six weeks and staying with us, leaving August 4th.
We will be leaving for Latvia with Aleks on the 4th…arriving in Latvia on the 5th. (Pray for our travel arraignments – we are trying to book flights to leave with the NHFC kids)
We have our first court appearance on Thursday August 6th! We will be staying with Aleks in Liepaja, during which time we will be visited several times by a Latvian social worker to monitor our bonding process. (Should be fun since we have already had a six week head start)
We will have a second court appearance on Thursday August 20th…then we go to the US Embassy for an appointment to get Aleks visa.
On Friday August 21st we will return to the US Embassy to pick up Aleks’ visa paperwork….and then we are free to return to America with Aleks!

So for now I am just getting the list of ALL that Cindy wants me to finish before Aleks arrives in just a few short days. Yes, we have a lot to accomplish, but we also have a LOT of fun ahead of us.

For those who have contributed to our adoption fund and helped to stock Aleks’ closet and dresser….THANK YOU! We appreciate each and every one of you.

Another Step Closer

2009-05-28T09:49:00.001-04:00

Today I received the following:

Please find in the enclosure the allowance to get personally acquainted with a child for TUTTLE family.

In accordance with the article 47 of the regulations No.111 of the Cabinet of Ministers of 11^th of March, 2003 “The Procedure of Adoption” the Ministry for Children, Family and Integration Affairs issues a warrant to the adopters – citizens of the United States of America Kevin Scott TUTTLE, and Cindy Denise TUTTLE, by presenting their documents of personal identification, to get personally acquainted with adoptable child ALEKSEJS JURČENKO.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! God is amazing!

Now please pray with us as we need to raise 10k for this next phase in our journey. For those who have prayed and given already…THANK YOU! For those who would like to help be a part of this journey, please contact either Cindy or myself directly.

Pieces of the Journey…Part 1

2009-05-24T10:27:00.001-04:00

On February 23rd, 2009, I posted what was the start of our journey toward adoption…at least I posted and shared publicly for the first time. “This is Hope…continued” was the first blog post introducing Aleks. A few days later on February 27th, 2009 I posted “Updates”, which made it more clear…we are walking a journey toward adopting Aleks.

Okay…I have been asked over and over to share more of the story of how Alex has come into our life. Here is part 1…

After Cindy had Rachel 11 1/2 years ago we talked about adoption on an off a number of times. Over the last few years that desire to adopt has grown…but we never really thought the other one was serious. During 2008, that desire for a son grew to the point I could not deny it any longer. At the beginning of October, when I was getting ready to leave for a Men’s Retreat, I could no longer hold it in. That night before I left, I dumped all that had been building within me on Cindy. (Yes, I laugh about this too…now that I think back on it.) I left for Frontier Ranch, to spend four days with my best friend, my brother-in-law and a bunch of other men who were seeking after God’s heart. While in the mountains I was unplugging from everyday life and seeking God’s will, and part of that was asking about this strong desire for a son. Where was it coming from and what was I to do with it? I returned from that retreat with no more answers than when I left. Yes, I was a bit frustrated and confused.

During this time we had been praying for a young boy Erick, in Guatemala. At 13, he doesn’t know how long he has yet to live. He has been battling sclerosis of the liver for a number of years. He had been examined a number of times by doctors who simply said that Erick needs a liver transplant….but he is not eligible for a transplant. How can you tell a young boy and his parents you can be healed…but your not eligible? In essence…sorry, your going to die because your poor! That’s just unacceptable and tore my heart out. We began to pray more diligently but also we began to work to find a solution. The doctors said Erick’s only hope was to be adopted and taken to a country where he could get the medical treatment he needed. Was this true? Could adoption save Erick? We began to ask more questions and pursue answers. Through this process, God was opening our hearts to adopting. We accepted the fact that if we adopted Erick we would spend the next number of years caring for Erick and working toward providing him a better life. We then found that Erick’s parents said they would give him up for adoption if we would be the family to adopt him…and Erick agreed to this as well. WOW! Empowered with this responsibility and focus, we moved forward with trying to use all of the contacts we knew to get Erick to the states. Our core goal was and is….Erick’s complete healing. If this required or allowed us the privilege of adopting him…great! As we moved forward it seemed we hit wall after wall. The US government is steadfast that all adoptions from Guatemala are closed due to the Hague treaty. It was also made very clear to us that adoption IS NOT for those children who have families…it is for those who don’t have families. What were we to do? We have a young boy who needs us and a family who was counting on us. I can’t imagine the pain Erick’s parents must have felt as they discussed and made the decision to give him up for adoption…to give him up so that he can live. It almost sounds like a story from Bible…

(stay tuned for more…)

Pieces of the Journey…Part 2

2009-05-24T10:26:00.001-04:00

Okay…I have been asked over and over to share more of the story of how Alex has come into our life. Here is part 2…

As things continued with Erick, doors continued to open, but I now realize that they were opening…to help open our hearts. But our direction started to change as the walls began to grow in November and December of 2008. This left us frustrated and asking why. It seemed like the more our hearts longed to help Erick the more challenges came along the way. Did you catch that? We longed to “Help” Erick…? It was clear that Erick had a mom and dad…with plenty of siblings as well. By mid December of 2008 Cindy turned to me and said, we are supposed to be and advocate for Erick…not adopt him. Wow…that was true, but through everything God had shown us His heart for us to adopt…and had led us to a place of openness to do that.

Between Christmas and new years of 2008 I heard God calling me into an area that once again, I had never been. (No…it wasn’t an audible voice or text message…but it was clear in my heart) Fasting? You never hear about Fasting in the modern day church, how was I supposed to know what that was all about? I spent a few days studying all I could find then set out on that journey with God. It was hard, and extremely rewarding. During that time I took four things to God and watched as God moved in three of those. The fourth was simply asking God what he wanted us to do about this incredibly strong desire for a son…conceive, adopt or just forget about it? During this time of focus I became extremely frustrated at what I interpreted as silence from God. It came to a point that Wednesday January 21st, I just unloaded my thoughts and feelings on God. At the end of that I conceded that His silence must be just telling me that we needed to focus on the two incredible girls we have…and just be content. That night I shared my heart with Cindy, and we were content.

The next morning, Thursday January 22nd, 2009, I got up and was heading to Orlando to visit a customer. As I was getting my things together to leave, I realized that I had left my computer open and on all night. As I sat down to log off and shut my computer down…there was one friend of mine on Facebook…Chris Crutchley. As I sat down, Chris updated his status…”Anyone interested in adoption?”. Wow! I called Cindy downstairs and showed her…I had to see if God was using Chris to speak to us. As I answered Chris we began to chat and he shared with me about Aleks. We knew that Chris and Jamie had hosted Aleks over the holidays…but we had never met him. Chatting just didn’t work so I called Chris as I drove to Florida. As we shared our story and hearts with each other…we realized that God had brought our paths together for just this…Aleksejs Jurcenko. I called Cindy and shared the story of what was happening. We took the weekend to pray and ask God if this was what He had been preparing us for. Our Father said Yes and gave us peace. It was with great excitement that we stepped out in faith on Monday January 26th to start gathering the paperwork we would need to host and adopt Aleks.

Greater things are yet to come, greater things are still to be done here.

God’s Chisel

2009-05-12T17:41:00.001-04:00

Another Step Closer…

2009-05-08T22:20:00.001-04:00

Here it is! The document we have been waiting for (the best one yet…but better ones yet to come!)

Yesterday we received our Approval Notice from the US Citizenship & Immigration Service. Quite simply this means that the US government says we are “Suitable” to adopt a child…and this is what the Latvian government wants to see. Our dossier is already over there…but you know that. The translation should be complete and is simply waiting on this approval document. Within two hours from receiving this in the mail, we had it notarized, apostilled and in an overnight envelope. It was then placed in the hands of our good friend Matt…the best “Brown” driver in America.

Tomorrow our papers will be on a plane to Latvia where they will be delivered to the Latvian adoption attorney on Monday. In a few weeks we should receive an e-mail from the Latvian government stating that we have been approved to adopt Aleks if we wish to. We will send an approval back immediately and then wait for a follow up communication inviting us to come to Latvia to meet Aleks in person. At that time we will travel to Latvia and present our petition for adoption to the Latvian court and spend the next two weeks getting to know Aleks.

Exciting…YES! A little scary…yes, some of that too. It is all moving so much quicker that we could have ever dreamed of…but yet, God knew this all along, and had it planned. (Yes, we actually do believe that) We still have some obstacles ahead of us, but nothing compared to how far we have come in the last three months! We still need to prepare Aleks room with furniture, clothes and boy stuff. Yes, we also need to paint that room because neither he, nor I would feel comfortable with the pink walls that are in his room. We also have a large financial piece of the adoption ahead. We still have about 2/3 yet to raise.

Here are some specific prayer requests we ask you to pray with us about:
~ That God would continue to prepare our hearts for Aleks.
~ That God would prepare Aleks' heart for the changes ahead. That he would learn to trust us and accept that our love is unconditional.
~ For the rest of the finances needed for the adoption.
~ For the finances to finish getting the things we need to prepare our home for Aleks.

Once again words cannot express our appreciation for your continued support and prayers. For those of you who have given financially, again, Thank You!
If you would like to know more about our journey or to help us financially, please visit our blogs.

Thank you from our entire family!
Kevin, Cindy, Kristen, Rachel...and Aleks!

Perspective…

2009-05-04T19:20:00.001-04:00

This evening I decided to spend some quiet time just sitting on the front porch. It’s in the mid 60’s, the rain has stopped, the sun is beginning to break through the clouds and blue sky is appearing. The rhododendron is in full crimson bloom. The azaleas are hot pink and snow white, The grass and trees are that intense green that only happens after the rain. Birds are singing and the deer are coming through the woods only a few yards from the swing I am sitting in. It’s peaceful, quiet and beautiful.(except for the mosquito's after days of rain)

How a day can change things. Today I received the following e-mail:

Good morning,

The system we use to approve cases, generate approvals, and send the approvals to the Department of State was down all of last week. It is up and running again today. I approved your case first thing this morning. You will receive your notice in the mail shortly. Have a great day.

With that I have just two things to say….Thank You and stay tuned, more to follow soon!

Random Thoughts

2009-05-03T23:09:00.001-04:00

Still no paperwork from Immigration. We hope to receive the approval from the USCIS soon. There are three families heading over to Latvia in the next week and it would be great to send the approval over with one of them. Maybe tomorrow…

Unplugging. That is one of the most uncomfortable and difficult things to do in our modern “busy” age. The harder we run the faster life chases us. We (me) get so caught up in keeping up with everything around us (me again) that we begin to neglect the really important things…our family and our own personal growth. It takes work to keep both in tact and on the calendar. Unplugging from everything and removing the distractions…one of the biggest challenges, yet so worth it!

And wow…have you ever really spent time considering just what Christ did for us? This morning in our student ministry, Dustin Dozier put some clips from The Passion of the Christ, to use as the background for the song Amazing Grace our Chains are Gone. That along with Chris Huff leading worship, was Strong! Kudos's to both. Today was an amazing day and thought the powers of darkness tried to jack things up…The Light had the victory. The study in students called SHIFT is making us all take a step back and shift our perspective. A shift that is well needed.

Are You Making a Difference…

2009-04-27T06:34:00.000-04:00

And Life Goes On…

2009-04-24T14:45:00.001-04:00

Cold but true. Life goes on while we wait.

No matter what perspective you looking from, we are Extremely Blessed and the process is going Extremely Well! Yes, there have been a few minor details to be corrected with some documents but nothing that couldn’t be fixed with an overnight envelope. Our last set of fingerprints are done and the man at the Hague Adoption Unit of the USCIS said he is ready to approve our application! Yahoo!! Once we get that approval paperwork from him we will get it to Latvia. Then…it’s only a short time…

Tick…Tick…Tick…

With each tick of the clock and each day that passes we are another step closer to bringing Aleks home. Thank you to each of you who continue to pray and encourage us. I cannot help but give a shout out to those of you who have also given financially…THANK YOU. We are making progress, but we still have quite a way to go.

The Elements of Easter…

2009-04-10T09:35:00.001-04:00

The Sound of Silence….

2009-04-08T21:25:00.001-04:00

Okay, it’s now going on three days since our dossier and gifts for Aleks should have been delivered…and we have heard nothing. Once again I find myself asking “God, is this how You really feel?” It’s a bit crazy but I find myself checking three different e-mails just to see if there is a confirmation that it actually arrived. With anticipation I look for a response and wonder, what did he think. Did he get his gifts? Did Daina get the dossier? I know in my heart that it all arrived safely and was distributed properly…but still the anticipation grows. I find myself checking my e-mail first thing in the morning when I awake, did he write me? When I wake during the night I look at the clock and calculate what time it is in Liepaja. I have tried to call, but no answer. School is out this week in Liepaja for Easter Break…yes, they call it Easter Break…not Spring Break. (Imagine that, a former communist country recognizes “religious” holidays once they are free) The weather is also nice this week in Liepaja and I am sure that the children from the orphanage are outside playing. Even still I look forward to and long to hear from Aleks…

Until then…I will wait…”Greater things are yet to come and greater things are still to be done” in this family. Thank You Father…

“I have chosen you…”

2009-03-30T20:42:00.001-04:00

Do a search on the word “chosen” in your Bible. You will quickly find that God did a lot of choosing. God the Father chose us to be His children before we knew Him. That is a huge statement…one that I am starting to understand through a paradigm shift that is taking place. We have chosen Alex to be our son…before he knew us. Okay, its easy to just let that roll and move on…but really. We have chosen him and he doesn’t even really know us. He has read about us through e-mails and messages. He has heard about us from others. We have even talked a few times via Skype, though it was a bit awkward for him because he has never seen us. Yes, pictures…but never really seen us or met us face to face…reached out and touched us. I used to wonder what was going through his mind. What did he think of me. What did he think of this whole thing…does he really believe we are adopting him FOREVER!? A few days ago this whole thought process came crashing down on me…THIS IS EXACTLY HOW GOD FEELS ABOUT ME! And Alex is feeling the same things I have and do feel about God. (NO…I am NOT calling myself God in any way) As the father who has chosen Alex to be my son, I soo long to see him, to touch him, to talk to him, to hug him. I want to be with him and him with me. I want him to love me back too! It’s crazy that this is what God feels about me…and you! Right now Alex doesn’t really know me. I have not proved my love for him yet in a tangible way that he can see, though we have put countless hours in doing paperwork and jumping through all of the hoops required. We have spent time both planning and in prayer for Alex…but he has not seen that yet. We are preparing a room for him…but he hasn’t seen that yet either. For Alex, each day is life as usual but with a flicker of hope that maybe what he has been told is true…a family wants to be his “forever family”. There is fear that it’s just a dream that will fade and disappear. Even once we see each other for the first time…there will still be a vast canyon of trust to cross. We have to earn his trust, love and confidence…but it will be worth it all…and we are willing to do what it takes.

Our relationship is a journey…a process that will take some time. As we spend time together we will grow to know one another and he will learn about my heart. As Alex gives me opportunities to prove my love he will understand my commitment and love for him. I have to be careful not to overwhelm him but to help him work through his fears, mistrusts, self reliance. Roads I have walked and things I have felt…

How many parallels can this process of adoption take? Let your heart just walk down this path with God…you will find He takes on a totally new and fresh perspective. “I have chosen you before you knew Me”. He is waiting with more anticipation than we can ever understand…

Still Learning…and Still Waiting

2009-03-28T10:24:00.001-04:00

This journey of adoption is a process. No microwave drive thru process, though many would say that is exactly what we have experienced so far. Yes, we have been EXTREMELY blessed at how quickly and smoothly things have gone so far. But attention to detail is the key as we have learned. Tomorrow we will get the last few documents notarized (some for the third time) which will then complete our dossier package. Monday…it’s off to get every page of that dossier file apostilled. (Don’t worry if you don’t know what that means…we didn’t until a month ago. It simply means that the state certifies that each page is authentic and true and has been properly notarized. Maybe a little over simplistic, but that’s how I understand it. All of the documents need this state apostille seal on it for the Latvian government to recognize them and accept them, thus the importance of this piece in the process.) We have learned that attention to EVERY detail when completing the paperwork and notarizing things is pretty important.

Once we get everything apostilled we will then overnight the package to a new found friend who is traveling next weekend to Latvia for their second trip in the process of adopting their daughter from the same orphanage where Alex currently lives. We hope to send some “goodies” too for Alex.

For those who have asked, we are at about 16% of the way financially in the adoption process. We are about 45% of the way financially in the hosting process. We are very thankful for those of you who have helped get us to where we are so far. The next immediate hurdle ahead of us is the initial translation and Latvian attorney fees…about $2300 needed when the dossier lands in Latvia in a week. This journey is all about Hope and walking in faith. We thank you for supporting us and enabling us to give hope to Alex and change his life forever as we become his “forever family”.

Please pass our story and the links to our blog to all who you know. Make sure you check out Cindy’s blog too! www.MyJourneyCollections.blogspot.com

A Message from New Horizons for Children

2009-03-23T10:11:00.001-04:00

The following is a message from New Horizons for Children. Is hosting a child something that you would consider….

Dear Friends and Families:

We ask now that you please begin to pray earnestly for each of the children yet to be hosted. In the photo listing, you will see several children from Ukraine, Latvia and Russia who we desire to find host families for them, so they can come to the states this summer on our 5 week Orphan Hosting Program.

If you’ve not heard about New Horizons for Children, please visit our website at www.NewHorizonsForChildren.org to see how a small, non denominational, Christian ministry has grown and helped more than 750 orphans as of this past Christmas’ hosting program! It would not have happened if it weren’t for folks like yourself, who continually pray for these children that God led us to in January and February of this year, to locate and identify as a candidate for the next host program.

Not everyone is called to host. Not everyone has funds to host children, but they feel called. It takes 4 kinds of people to make this program work for the glory of our Lord. You may one of the important tools that God is calling now to help each of these children. Pray about which one you are??? Are you supposed to host a child or children this summer and share the love of Christ with them? Are you supposed to place a scholarship of some amount for a particular child so their hosting family is able to host them? Are you supposed to be a prayer warrior for one or more of these children, and pray without ceasing that their host family finds this program, and is blessed with the funds to follow through? Are you a potential adoptive family who might be interested to host and or meet the children while in the states this summer to find your son or daughter?

New Horizons for Children is NOT an adoption agency and therefore can make absolutely no promises about any particular child regarding adoption or availability. Each child was presented to us during our interviews this past January and February as being eligible for adoption by their orphanages or foster parents. The children are not told of this aspect of our program and adoption is never spoken of to them directly, as we would never desire to offer something we could not deliver. Any resulting adoptions would need to go through accredited adoption agencies and we can counsel you as to which ones have current accreditation and experience in the countries where we serve.

New Horizons for Children, Inc, is a non-profit, non-denominational, Christian ministry, serving orphans from Eastern European orphanages through hosting programs in the USA twice a year. Our ministry targets older school-age orphans who are often looked over in international adoptions. However, we also work with a couple of orphanages that have younger physically handicapped children. While we do list their ages, realize that institutionalized children are typically 1-3 years smaller in size and younger in maturity compared to American counterparts.

If you have questions regarding a particular child(ren) on this list, please call our office at (678) 574-4677 and we will be happy to discuss further details with you.

P.S. We are seeking grant opportunities to apply for assistance for the hosting program. If you know someone who is part of a private foundation or serve on a board of a company that offers grants to non-profit organizations, please contact Le Ann immediately at 678-574-4677 x1.

God bless you on this journey!

Le Ann, Renee, Michelle, John (Northeast), Jane (FL) and Linda (TX) , Joni (CA), Jennifer (NC)

www.NewHorizonsForChildren.org

Acworth, GA (678) 574-4677

Stage 2 Begins!

2009-03-14T22:22:00.001-04:00

Sorry it’s been over a week since I last posted. Things are still moving forward quickly with the adoption. We have completed the Home Study and I picked up the paperwork today. Monday our paperwork will go out to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services to get our approval to adopt. During this time we will complete our dossier and get it over to Latvia to start the translation process. Our goal is to have the dossier completed and ready to go by the 1st of April. This will put all of our paperwork in Latvia except for our “approval to adopt” from the US CIS. Once that approval is issued it will be sent directly over to Latvia and our entire package will then be presented to the Latvian Court to be processed!

Our fund raising is coming…though slow. The next few weeks are going to challenge our funds. If you are interested in helping with our hosting, please visit: http://www.active.com/donate/2009summerorphans/LifeIsBigger we are currently at 27% of our goal.

If you are interested in helping bring Alex home to his forever family (help with the adoption), please contact us directly. We are only at about 14% of the adoption expenses covered. We hope to have an easier process soon.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support!

More info from Latvia…

2009-03-05T07:48:00.000-05:00

A couple of other notes of interest…

I have had the opportunity to talk to Alex a couple of times via Skype. Thank you technology! It has been great to talk with him the few times we have been able to chat. Yes, there are long moments of silence, when I am trying to figure out how to communicate to him what I want to say…and if Alex doesn’t understand…he is silent too. Kind of awkward but we both think it is funny. I have called to the orphanage in Latvia a number of times and been able to speak to one of his caretakers, named Santa. (How would you like to be able to say that you live with Santa!)

Santa has been very nice to talk to and helpful in helping Alex and I communicate when we seem to get stuck on a word. She has also helped me to understand the schedule at the orphanage. We have also been able to send messages to each other through an application similar to MySpace. This is also the same tool that I use to send Alex messages and pictures most every day or two.

On Monday of this week I received a message from Santa…she no longer works at the orphanage where Alex is. She has been transferred to another “social institution” as she called it. CRUD! I had just lost one of my connections to Alex. Santa was kind enough to send me the e-mail address for the new caretaker who had replaced her at the orphanage. I sent a message to Ginta…and she responded! Her English is very good and she writes me in English so I don’t have to try and translate her messages. I have tried to call her number several times so far this week but have been unable to get thought. I will keep trying and work to build a relationship with Ginta as well as Alex.

Did I say that we are excited….and looking forward to late June when Alex arrives….

Progress still continues…

2009-03-04T21:21:00.001-05:00

It has been what feels like a week since I last posted and the progress still continues. It is exciting to see how things continue to unfold.

Last Thursday we completed out last home study meeting and left with a short list of loose ends to wrap up. Most everything is simply following up to get a few pieces of paperwork back from either government agencies or doctors…go figure. No big deal. The expectation is that we would next begin working on our dossier and have it ready to go to Latvia in the next month or two. Then comes the e-mail Saturday morning. It is simply to inform us that our dossier is being requested to be ready to go to Latvia on the 17th of March…less than three weeks away! No time to rest, just keep pushing forward. A couple of challenges are the fact that we have to come up with a pretty good size chunk of money to send to Latvia with the dossier. It’s for the attorney, translation and a few other fees…just $2,300! Oh…and the $1000 for the dossier preparation. No big deal…God has a lot more than that and we are trusting Him to provide that in the next two weeks.

Today we officially have been accepted by the adoption agency. Our long application is in and our home study/adoption coordinator has done her part in getting us locked in with the agency. Now it’s just another $2,500 for the agency.

All of this seems a bit overwhelming at times..but it just reminds me that we are still making progress and we are still moving forward. We are very thankful that things are still moving…and at what seems to be an above average pace.

Thank you to those of you who have stepped out in faith and donated to help bring Alex home. Our hosting fund is at about 27% of goal currently. Our adoption fund is at about 6% of what we will need. Thank you!

To those of you who would like to donate,

~ For those interested in donating toward the hosting of Alex, please visit: http://www.active.com/donate/2009summerorphans/LifeIsBigger ~ For those interested in donating toward the adoption of Alex, please contact either Cindy or I directly.

To everyone…Thank You for your prayers, encouragement and support!

Blog Site Problems

2009-03-04T13:05:00.001-05:00

Technology…don’t you love it!

It seems that there is a problem with the blogger site and it is not posting entries properly if you are using Internet Explorer. Everything seems to work fine if you are using Firefox or Safari.

For the problems, I am sorry… I will continue to pester Google-Blogger to get this fixed.

Updates…

2009-02-27T18:52:00.001-05:00

Well for those of you asking, yes…we are pursuing both adoption and hosting of Alex at the same time. Our goal is to host Alex for 5 weeks this summer and then very shortly after that to travel to Latvia to present our petition of adoption to the Latvian court. Best case scenario, we would be traveling to Latvia only a few weeks after our hosting ends at the beginning of August. One of the wonderful things about Latvia is that once we present our petition for adoption we will get the opportunity to ask for guardianship. This means that when we go to present our petition to the court in Latvia we will also present a request for guardianship…and be able to bring Alex back home with us! He will stay with us throughout the rest of the adoption process, though I will have to take him back to Latvia with me for two more meetings with the court in Latvia. Exciting no matter how you slice it!

As of today, we have completed our third meeting for our Home Study. This process has changed significantly since the introduction of the Hague Adoption Convention but we have been blessed with a great lady who is helping us through this process. By the end of next week we hope to have the last of our needed certificates and documents so that Kelly can wrap up our Home Study report. Our next phase of paperwork will be the Dossier and our application for US CIS. (United States Citizen and Immigration Services)

For now the biggest challenge we face is raising the funds needed for both hosting and adopting Alex. ~ For those interested in donating toward the hosting of Alex, please visit: http://www.active.com/donate/2009summerorphans/LifeIsBigger ~ For those interested in donating toward the adoption of Alex, please contact either Cindy or I directly.

To everyone…Thank You for your prayers, encouragement and support!

This is Hope..continued

2009-02-23T19:51:00.001-05:00

www.active.com/donate/2009summerorphans/LifeIsBigger

Through 2008, God was working on our hearts leading us down a path that we were unfamiliar with. He was leading us to places we had not experienced before. Events, emotions, places in our hearts we didn’t expect to find, yet knew that it was not coincidence we found ourselves on this journey. Through it all, He was opening our hearts to reach beyond our family walls. To reach out to those who needed hope…

Aleksejs Jurcenko is an eleven year old boy from Latvia, whose mom dropped him off at an orphanage when he was just eight years old. Since then, he has lived his life in the walls of an orphanage except for the opportunity to visit America last year. Alex needed hope and willing families provided that for him as a hosted child. At the end of last year, our friends spent four weeks with Alex and we are now working toward offering him that journey once more. Our goal is to provide more than just another hosting opportunity and therefore our cost is greater. The journey we are on will be to change Alex’s life forever. God has clearly led us here and we are confident that He will continue to provide for us as we step out into a new chapter of our lives.

It is with excitement that we ask for your support on this journey. Your prayers are crucial and your financial support is appreciated more than we can express to you. We are stepping out to raise $5,500 in this first phase of our journey. This will cover the costs associated with bringing Alex to America: airfare, transportation, visa’s, insurance, other travel related expenses and hosting fees. Please know that every little bit helps…every $10 bill counts. All contributions made through this page will go to New Horizons for Children and are tax deductable. For those of you that God leads to go over and above our posted goal on this page, we ask that you contact us directly to see how you can help with the additional expenses we will incur during this process.

Please feel free to pass this link along to all you know.

Most of all we want to say Thank You for standing with us through this journey! It is exciting and we appreciate your prayers and support.

Kevin, Cindy, Kristen & Rachel

To follow our journey please visit our blogs:

Cindy’s - www.MyJourneyCollections.blogspot.com

Kevin’s - www.LifeIsBigger.blogspot.com

Let us not forget…

2009-02-18T08:59:00.001-05:00

Today I am going to post from today's devotional that came from Ransomed Heart Ministries. This series of devotionals are all excerpts from books written by John Eldredge.

Life at Last
02/18/2009

Life is the offer, friends. Let us not forget that.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)
This is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. (John 17:3 NLT)
There is no simpler or more beautiful way to say it than this: Act Four is the restoration of life as it was always meant to be.
It is the return of the beauty, the intimacy, and the adventure we were created to enjoy and have longed for every day of our lives. And yet, better, for it is immortal. We can never lose it again. It cannot be taken away. Sunrise and sunset tell the tale every day, remembering Eden’s glory, foretelling Eden’s return.
And what adventures shall unfold when we are given the kingdom that was always meant to be ours? Listen to this:
Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come,you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” (Matt. 25:34, emphasis added)
Adam and Eve, and all their sons and daughters after them, were created to reign over the earth—to explore and discover and create and do all those things you see people do when they are at their very best.
That is our destiny.
(Epic , 92–94)

Life is Bigger...

I Refuse

The Broken and Hidden

Do you Trust Me?…(part 2)

Do you trust Me? (part 1)

Revelation Song…

Re-Hydrating Life

People or Potential

Compassion Sunday

Be a Hero

Compassion In Haiti

A Chance to Shine

Mapping the Light

Worth Reposting…

Why Would You Not Do It? April 6, 2011

God of Wonders

Every Life has a Story

Balance of Recovery–when good becomes bad

Rebuilding Haiti

Update from Haiti

CrossFit and Faith

Direction & Decision

Friday Night Lights

Passion…what’s yours?

Passion…what is yours?

30 Days and a Prepared Canvas

Today’s Purpose Driven Life Devotional

As Dawn Breaks in the Woods

A Question to Consider….

Thanksgiving 2010

Psalm 105

A Radical Faith

The Global Orphan Project…Haiti

Overview

The Global Orphan Project Model

Empowering Communities

“Village” System

Signature Components of GO Project Model

Compassion International ~ Haiti

The Epicenter and Starting Over

James 1:27 (New International Version)

Mission of Hope - Haiti

WinShape International

Connecting the Dots

9/11….I Remember

"History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or timid." D. Eisenhower

September 7th…

Plan Now to Make a Difference

Today’s Message to me….

A Great Reminder Today….

Dream Big!

“You Cannot Out Dream God”

Venturing Forth

He is not here…He has Risen as He said!

Project One Forty Three

Spring Thoughts

Communicating Hope

Communicating Hope

The Spirit of the Age

Have you lost heart?

In the End

“All I Really Want for Christmas”

"All I Really Want for Christmas" by Steven Curtis Chapman (2005 Sparrow Records, EMI CMG)

Well, I don't know if you remember me or not I'm one of the kids they brought in from the home I was the red-haired boy in an old, green flannel shirt You may not have seen me, I was standing off alone

I didn't come and talk to you 'cause that's never worked before And you'll probably never see this letter, anyway But just in case there's something you can do to help me out I'll ask you one more time

All I really want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in A shoulder to cry on if I lose, shoulders to ride on if I win There's so much I could ask for, but there's just one thing I need All I really want for Christmas is a family

Well, I guess I should go ahead and tell you now If it's really true about that list you have Somehow I always seem to end up in a fight But I'm really trying hard not to be bad

But maybe if I had a brother or a dad to wrestle with Maybe they could teach me how to get along And from everything I've heard, it sounds like the greatest gift on earth Would be a mom

All I want for Christmas is someone who'll be here To sing me happy birthday for the next 100 years And It's okay if they're not perfect or even if they're a little broken That's alright, 'Cause so am I

Well, I guess I should go, it's almost time for bed Maybe next time I write you I'll be at home

`Cause all I really want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in Tell me I'll never be alone, someone whose love will never end Of all that I could ask for, well, there's just one thing I need All I really want for Christmas is a family

Pause…And Give This Christmas Away

Trip #3 – The Final Journey – Day 3-4

Trip #3 – The Final Journey – Day 1-2

Really?… Spiritual Warfare?

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. (Ephesians 6:10-11)

Today is Orphan Sunday – November 8th, 2009

Lessons from God…and Aleks

Check Point Update

Blend for Hope…Adoption Fundraiser

"All I Really Want for Christmas"
by Steven Curtis Chapman (2005 Sparrow Records, EMI CMG)

Well, I don't know if you remember me or not
I'm one of the kids they brought in from the home
I was the red-haired boy in an old, green flannel shirt
You may not have seen me, I was standing off alone

I didn't come and talk to you 'cause that's never worked before
And you'll probably never see this letter, anyway
But just in case there's something you can do to help me out
I'll ask you one more time

All I really want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in
A shoulder to cry on if I lose, shoulders to ride on if I win
There's so much I could ask for, but there's just one thing I need
All I really want for Christmas is a family

Well, I guess I should go ahead and tell you now
If it's really true about that list you have
Somehow I always seem to end up in a fight
But I'm really trying hard not to be bad

But maybe if I had a brother or a dad to wrestle with
Maybe they could teach me how to get along
And from everything I've heard, it sounds like the greatest gift on earth
Would be a mom

All I want for Christmas is someone who'll be here
To sing me happy birthday for the next 100 years
And It's okay if they're not perfect or even if they're a little broken
That's alright, 'Cause so am I

Well, I guess I should go, it's almost time for bed
Maybe next time I write you I'll be at home

`Cause all I really want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in
Tell me I'll never be alone, someone whose love will never end
Of all that I could ask for, well, there's just one thing I need
All I really want for Christmas is a family

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. (Ephesians 6:10-11)