Say Yes!

If you were at Cornerstone this past weekend, you saw this video. If not, you have to watch it. These kids are the voice of the 140 million orphans in the world.

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. James 1:27

It is overwhelming and often confusing to know how to start helping orphans in their distress.

Come to Cornerstone tomorrow, Sunday, Nov. 21st, at 10:30am in The Box to learn how you can take steps toward caring for orphans in their distress. Yes, adoption and foster care are a big part of answer, but there are also many other things you can do.

Hope to see you there!

Wounds

A new friend of mine who is battling the difficult journey of infertility recently asked me if the grief of infertility still affects my life. While it is not something I currently struggle with, the wounds of infertility never entirely go away.

But, I am grateful for that. Because many days, if not every day, I still look at Abram through the lens - created by the wounds, I am sure - of what it was like to not have a child. And it makes me so incredibly aware of what a gift he is and what a gift it is to be a full-time mom.

Lately when I see all the fun and adorable things Abram does as an 18 month old, I have been thinking about how these are things I dreamed of - and had to grieve - three and four years ago. When you are in the dark valley of infertility it isn't just a newborn baby you long for and dream of.

It is THIS:

And THIS:Watching the garbage trucks drive by 5-6 times every Monday morning.

And THIS:Driving his sippy cup in his dump truck!

And THIS:

Taking everything he can reach out of the refrigerator while I made dinner.

And then climbing all the way in the frig!

And lastly, THIS:

A sweet, sleeping baby boy.

GOD IS FAITHFUL!

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

Here's a Way to Care for Orphans

Help our friends, Jason & Jess Crawford bring home two orphans from Africa (same country as us!). Attend their fundraiser THIS Sunday:

Christmas Shopping with a Cause
Sunday November 21st, 3-6pm
Coldwater Golf Links
615 South 16th
Ames, IA

Find out more details on their blog.

Can't attend the fundraiser? How about just giving them money? They are relying on God for 100% of the funds they need to adopt. They are only able to move forward in the adoption process as God provides money for them.

And here is something to think about . . .

If you've ever thought, "I would like to adopt, but we don't have any/enough money," then think again! The Crawfords are in the same boat. And they are stepping forward in faith and obedience, trusting God to provide every last dollar they need. You can read about their journey here. God has already begun providing in some awesome ways.