This morning as I sat to read my devotion I began with an email devotion from Joel Osteen. It serves as yat another confirmation to me that this year is the year Dropz of Hope will go above and beyonde all it was created to be and do for Foster Children.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart”
(Galatians 6:9, NKJ)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
This year, I believe, is going to be a year of great harvest for many people. Maybe you’ve been facing some difficulties. Remember, great difficulties lead to great victories. Maybe you’ve felt like the storms of life have been blowing against you, trying to hold you back. I believe this year that the winds are changing direction, and now they are going to start propelling you forward. Due season is coming. It’s not time to sit back. It’s not time to let up. It’s time to press forward. It’s time to rise up! Don’t grow weary while doing good. Keep doing good and don’t lose heart because it’s your time, and it’s your season!
By faith begin to declare, “2011 is my year! I’m stepping into a new season. I’m letting go of what didn’t work out. I’m putting on a new attitude and enlarging my vision. I’m going to go into this year with a new fire and greater expectancy. I’m pressing forward to step into my season!”
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Moving forward
Dropz of Hope
My Heart
taking steps forward fulfilling all the plans God has for us is not always an easy task but slowly I am seeing forward motion and I gotta be honest I get a little excited.
I am making new contacts, networking with others on ways to grow and touch the lives of these children more effectively. New opportunities are forming. New families are getting in touch with us on a regular basis.
This month FPNO fell on the same night as a huge concert here in Des Moines and several of my regular volunteers were not able to come, I was super excited to hear from Brother David and Sister Crystal from Heritage Christian Academy. They brought several youth and a Mom along to help out on Friday night. It was great to see youth getting involved in a positive way to touch the lives of these children. I am excited to see where this new relationship will go from here. I have lots of ideas swirling around in my head. Waiting on the Lord to reveal which are His and which are mine....Progress is a good thing when it is at His speed and direction not mine!
My Heart
taking steps forward fulfilling all the plans God has for us is not always an easy task but slowly I am seeing forward motion and I gotta be honest I get a little excited.
I am making new contacts, networking with others on ways to grow and touch the lives of these children more effectively. New opportunities are forming. New families are getting in touch with us on a regular basis.
This month FPNO fell on the same night as a huge concert here in Des Moines and several of my regular volunteers were not able to come, I was super excited to hear from Brother David and Sister Crystal from Heritage Christian Academy. They brought several youth and a Mom along to help out on Friday night. It was great to see youth getting involved in a positive way to touch the lives of these children. I am excited to see where this new relationship will go from here. I have lots of ideas swirling around in my head. Waiting on the Lord to reveal which are His and which are mine....Progress is a good thing when it is at His speed and direction not mine!
It has been a little crazy around here, the monsters have been passing toxic germs back and forth it feels like I have been running in to the doctor every other day for nearly 3 weeks.
We have had strep times 4, ear infection times 2, pink eye, stitches removal (they were SUPPOSED to dissolve and after 18 days were still snug in the brow of Little E so it was time to see a doc), a couple varieties of lovely viruses, a sledding accident, and a thorn removal WHEW!
the most impressive by far and of course the one that won me the title of mother of the year once again (dripping in sarcasm) was: Last Wednesday Big Elijah went up the hill to sled with a buddy. When he came home his face was scratched up, a black eye was forming and he had a bruised fat lip. BUT he was excited for 2 reasons: 1. he had a story to tell his other buddies at church and school. and 2. he didn't cry in front of his buddies (a HUGE bonus!) I was impressed to since he cries when he and Isaiah are messing around.
by Friday all the scrapes were nearly healed but his eye was looking terrible it had turned an odd shade of reddish purple but he would not let me touch it.
After FPNO and baseball practice Friday night he told me "Mom, Nita thinks there might be something in my eye." So I hopped him up on the bathroom counter, got a flashlight and tweezers and started to look. Sure enough it looked as if there was a piece of the tree he had run into embedded in his cheek right under his eye. Honestly I thought it was really small like a splinter. But just could not get it partially because it was infected and partially because Lij was very upset. So I cleaned it and decided to take him to the clinic in the morning.
Saturday morning I had Isaiah babysit while I took Lij to the clinic. All the way there I was expecting to be embarrassed by the size of splinter they remove.....
HA!! After numbing his cheek, some work, manipulation, 4 hands working and me holding his head still, out popped this thorn! and a LOT OF infection ACK!!
The doctor presented him with a small jar half full of solution and floating in the solution was his THORN.
He has proudly shown that crazy thorn to anyone who will look at it even took it to school today!
We have had strep times 4, ear infection times 2, pink eye, stitches removal (they were SUPPOSED to dissolve and after 18 days were still snug in the brow of Little E so it was time to see a doc), a couple varieties of lovely viruses, a sledding accident, and a thorn removal WHEW!
the most impressive by far and of course the one that won me the title of mother of the year once again (dripping in sarcasm) was: Last Wednesday Big Elijah went up the hill to sled with a buddy. When he came home his face was scratched up, a black eye was forming and he had a bruised fat lip. BUT he was excited for 2 reasons: 1. he had a story to tell his other buddies at church and school. and 2. he didn't cry in front of his buddies (a HUGE bonus!) I was impressed to since he cries when he and Isaiah are messing around.
by Friday all the scrapes were nearly healed but his eye was looking terrible it had turned an odd shade of reddish purple but he would not let me touch it.
After FPNO and baseball practice Friday night he told me "Mom, Nita thinks there might be something in my eye." So I hopped him up on the bathroom counter, got a flashlight and tweezers and started to look. Sure enough it looked as if there was a piece of the tree he had run into embedded in his cheek right under his eye. Honestly I thought it was really small like a splinter. But just could not get it partially because it was infected and partially because Lij was very upset. So I cleaned it and decided to take him to the clinic in the morning.
Saturday morning I had Isaiah babysit while I took Lij to the clinic. All the way there I was expecting to be embarrassed by the size of splinter they remove.....
HA!! After numbing his cheek, some work, manipulation, 4 hands working and me holding his head still, out popped this thorn! and a LOT OF infection ACK!!
The doctor presented him with a small jar half full of solution and floating in the solution was his THORN.
He has proudly shown that crazy thorn to anyone who will look at it even took it to school today!
Monday, January 17, 2011
a nice reminder
I have been extremely discouraged lately with the lack of progress for Dropz of Hope. It seems I lose volunteers, I can't find an attorney to help me, I need space and have none. Yet I keep gaining new families, each one with their own set of needs I wish to fill.
I have had 3 different people come to me over the last 2 years and ask for help in forming a Non Profit....All 3 of them are up and running as full NPO with the federal government and doing quite well! Don't get me wrong, I am super excited for their success! I just don't understand why God is using me to make them successful and giving me the vision and families for Dropz yet I can't seem to get past this plateau.
I think the thing that hit me the hardest was a couple weeks ago a case worker was telling me a story about how Dropz of Hope is inspiring other people across Iowa to reach out and touch lives in foster care. Using Dropz as a model to start programs in their areas. HOW EXCITING!! God is Faithful!! But why are these people more successful? why are these programs gaining all the things and space that DROPZ needs??
Then this morning when I was reading my devotion I came to this part....
Jesus said in Mark 5:34, “Daughter, your faith has made you well.” Notice it’s our faith that activates God’s power. We have to press through our thoughts, press through our circumstances, press through the crowd and obstacles until we touch Him.
Today, with every step you take, God is drawing closer to you. He’ll meet your faith with His miraculous power so you can embrace the victory He has waiting for you!
I am going to work on this....It is easy for me to activate my faith for others. Not so easy to do this for myself...Thank you Lord for the gentle reminder.
I have had 3 different people come to me over the last 2 years and ask for help in forming a Non Profit....All 3 of them are up and running as full NPO with the federal government and doing quite well! Don't get me wrong, I am super excited for their success! I just don't understand why God is using me to make them successful and giving me the vision and families for Dropz yet I can't seem to get past this plateau.
I think the thing that hit me the hardest was a couple weeks ago a case worker was telling me a story about how Dropz of Hope is inspiring other people across Iowa to reach out and touch lives in foster care. Using Dropz as a model to start programs in their areas. HOW EXCITING!! God is Faithful!! But why are these people more successful? why are these programs gaining all the things and space that DROPZ needs??
Then this morning when I was reading my devotion I came to this part....
Jesus said in Mark 5:34, “Daughter, your faith has made you well.” Notice it’s our faith that activates God’s power. We have to press through our thoughts, press through our circumstances, press through the crowd and obstacles until we touch Him.
Today, with every step you take, God is drawing closer to you. He’ll meet your faith with His miraculous power so you can embrace the victory He has waiting for you!
I am going to work on this....It is easy for me to activate my faith for others. Not so easy to do this for myself...Thank you Lord for the gentle reminder.
Friday, January 14, 2011
funniest story ever....well maybe not ever but....
I went to pick up Little E Sunday afternoon on my way to church. Upon arrivning at the house, Auntie announces that I am officially her sister and she wants to show her gratitude by sharing some spaghetti with me. I explain that I am on my way to church and do not have time to eat with them but that was a very nice gesture. She met me at the door with a to-go container filled to the top with spaghettie adn a fork ready for my sampling. It smelled a little different to me, and I noticed some sort of meat in it I did not recognize.
It my favorite, Auntie says. I had 2 platefuls. Grandmom made it for us today....Its PIGSFEET!!
I thought to myself....IN SPAGHETTI??? whoa???? then I thought: how in the world am I going to pull this off? It has taken us 9 months to gain a trust and form a bond between us, I cant ruin that now over pigsfeet!
So I took the fork and began to twirl the noodles....OH you gotta get some of that good meat on there too! deep breath....can she see me begin to sweat?? I cut a hunk off the foot (eeww) and put the bite in my mouth. willing myself not to gag. to act normal and carry on the rest of the conversation.Somehow I managed to swallow all the noodles and safely tuck the pigsfoot into my cheek. Then as sneaky as I could....I spit it into my hand and quick put it in my coat pocket. Looking around the room I could tell that no one had noticed. WHEW! I did it! Now all I could think about was this pigs foot in my pocket....As soon as I got to church I flushed it down the toilet! LOL
Monday for dinner Little E ate the entire bowl feet and all....
It my favorite, Auntie says. I had 2 platefuls. Grandmom made it for us today....Its PIGSFEET!!
I thought to myself....IN SPAGHETTI??? whoa???? then I thought: how in the world am I going to pull this off? It has taken us 9 months to gain a trust and form a bond between us, I cant ruin that now over pigsfeet!
So I took the fork and began to twirl the noodles....OH you gotta get some of that good meat on there too! deep breath....can she see me begin to sweat?? I cut a hunk off the foot (eeww) and put the bite in my mouth. willing myself not to gag. to act normal and carry on the rest of the conversation.Somehow I managed to swallow all the noodles and safely tuck the pigsfoot into my cheek. Then as sneaky as I could....I spit it into my hand and quick put it in my coat pocket. Looking around the room I could tell that no one had noticed. WHEW! I did it! Now all I could think about was this pigs foot in my pocket....As soon as I got to church I flushed it down the toilet! LOL
Monday for dinner Little E ate the entire bowl feet and all....
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
bald??? yep
Have you ever had one of those moments when you feel the Lord speaking to you to do something and you stop and look upwards and say "for real??" Then the arguing and debating ensue. God keeps sending you confirmation and signs that He was serious. And you keep finding reasons not to obey....No? well it happens to me, not often but it does happen and recently that very thing happened to me...
I was in church visiting with a friend of mine who was sharing with me about this team she was on raising money for childhood cancer research, the members of the team have until March 12 to raise $3000 and then the team will have their heads shaved in solidarity for all the children who suffer the loss of hair and many other things during the course of their cancer battles.
The Lord began to speak to me during that conversation prompting me to join the team right then and there. I ignored the promptings. and so a week of ignoring bargaining and disobedience began. Finally I said, "OK Lord, I will talk to Scott and if he says yes then I will do it." I was certain he would have a cow and say no way.....HA! Jokes on me. He was barely phased at all almost uninterested ion our conversation and he just off handedly said I dont really care. and the Lord giggled at my disobedience and I sat down at the computer went to the St. Bladricks website and signed up to join the team. There are 7 amazing members to our team so far. Lead by an incredible woman with a heart bigger than any. Helen's prayer is to have 100 shavees and far exceed our $3000 goal. Please visit the St. Baldricks web site look up Bald for a Cause event in Des Moines Iowa. Our team name is Bald Faith and we would be honored if you would donate to our team!!
I have been praying that a dear friend of mine would do the honors of shaving my head for me...I will ask today.
Bald for the Cause
Event ID: 5677
Event Date: March 12, 2011
Start Time: TBD
Address:
Wild Hairz
2355 E. UniversityDes Moines, IA 50317
FUNDRAISING
Raised: $250
Goal: $3,000
160,000 children are told they have cancer each year. 1 out of every 5 children will lose their battle with the disease. These children fight everyday for their life, while enduring painful treatments, most lose their hair, and have to endure yet another effect, baldness. This event is to raise money for research for cancer that effects children. We will stand and fight this battle with the children. We will stand bald, and show these children just how much we care. Can you find it in your heart to stand with us? Make a donation, create a team, or join ours, raise money from your friends and family, and lets find a cure so that no other child has to suffer.
I was in church visiting with a friend of mine who was sharing with me about this team she was on raising money for childhood cancer research, the members of the team have until March 12 to raise $3000 and then the team will have their heads shaved in solidarity for all the children who suffer the loss of hair and many other things during the course of their cancer battles.
The Lord began to speak to me during that conversation prompting me to join the team right then and there. I ignored the promptings. and so a week of ignoring bargaining and disobedience began. Finally I said, "OK Lord, I will talk to Scott and if he says yes then I will do it." I was certain he would have a cow and say no way.....HA! Jokes on me. He was barely phased at all almost uninterested ion our conversation and he just off handedly said I dont really care. and the Lord giggled at my disobedience and I sat down at the computer went to the St. Bladricks website and signed up to join the team. There are 7 amazing members to our team so far. Lead by an incredible woman with a heart bigger than any. Helen's prayer is to have 100 shavees and far exceed our $3000 goal. Please visit the St. Baldricks web site look up Bald for a Cause event in Des Moines Iowa. Our team name is Bald Faith and we would be honored if you would donate to our team!!
I have been praying that a dear friend of mine would do the honors of shaving my head for me...I will ask today.
Bald for the Cause
Event ID: 5677
Event Date: March 12, 2011
Start Time: TBD
Address:
Wild Hairz
2355 E. UniversityDes Moines, IA 50317
FUNDRAISING
Raised: $250
Goal: $3,000
160,000 children are told they have cancer each year. 1 out of every 5 children will lose their battle with the disease. These children fight everyday for their life, while enduring painful treatments, most lose their hair, and have to endure yet another effect, baldness. This event is to raise money for research for cancer that effects children. We will stand and fight this battle with the children. We will stand bald, and show these children just how much we care. Can you find it in your heart to stand with us? Make a donation, create a team, or join ours, raise money from your friends and family, and lets find a cure so that no other child has to suffer.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Happy 19 Birthday Madison
a bag full of wrappings and a card that made no sense to her until she opened the next gift.
getting a little irritated....
a Cell phone! now she is a texting Queen! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADISON
Monday, January 3, 2011
A friend of mine is a photographer, this past weekend he shot these photos and various others in Washington DC this lady touched me. He also shot a video. From these photos and the video I wrote the following:
She has positioned herself strategically on the sidewalk in front of the White House. Surrounding herself with propaganda that screams nonsense that only her mind could comprehend. Sitting amongst the signage and photos that force the passersby to stop and draw in her convictions. It is impossible to encounter this woman and keep moving. People stop. some making fun and posing in gest. others gawking at the pitiful sight her life has become. Yet her eyes. shadowed by sorrows of years past, draw you in and you can see a lifetime reflected in the almond shaped windows to her world. You can't help but to stand before her and want to know her. Years of harsh living are etched deeply in her crimson cheeks. Standing by watching, listening, you are drawn in closer with a desire to hear her story. If nothing else but to give words to her sorrow and bring peace to her world.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
01/01/11
Revelation 21:5 (New Living Translation)
5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”
I woke this morning feeling, I dont know a mixture of emotions. Sadness sorrow... I started the day off lying in bed pondering the events of 2010 and feeling burdened by the failures.
As I showered my mind slowly began to shift gears. As if the warm water washed the suds off my body the warm water also washed the sadness and sorrow away.
Today is a new day and thie above verse floated through my mind. Peace setteled in around my heart and took root in my soul. I know I will continue to have struggles and failures and sadness and sorrows but I am reminded today that each day, not only January first of each new year but EVERY DAY is a new beginning.
January 1 of every year is thought to be a new beginning. people make resolutions to start a new make goals examine dreams gauge successes and failures measured up against years gone by.
I have never made a practice of making special resolutions on this first day of each year. Maybe I should I dont know.But in my pondering today I am reminded of all the opportunities I have to begin a new...
a new day...a new year...a new beginning...new relationships...new opportunities....new decisions...new tasks...new ways to serve the Lord and others...new growth...new journal entries...new life experiences...
I am standing here on the horizon looking more forward than back today. Know that my God is going before me. He is clearing the way for His plans to be fullfilled my aim today is to follow closely behinde him right into the horizon He created for me.
Happy New Year!!
5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”
I woke this morning feeling, I dont know a mixture of emotions. Sadness sorrow... I started the day off lying in bed pondering the events of 2010 and feeling burdened by the failures.
As I showered my mind slowly began to shift gears. As if the warm water washed the suds off my body the warm water also washed the sadness and sorrow away.
Today is a new day and thie above verse floated through my mind. Peace setteled in around my heart and took root in my soul. I know I will continue to have struggles and failures and sadness and sorrows but I am reminded today that each day, not only January first of each new year but EVERY DAY is a new beginning.
January 1 of every year is thought to be a new beginning. people make resolutions to start a new make goals examine dreams gauge successes and failures measured up against years gone by.
I have never made a practice of making special resolutions on this first day of each year. Maybe I should I dont know.But in my pondering today I am reminded of all the opportunities I have to begin a new...
a new day...a new year...a new beginning...new relationships...new opportunities....new decisions...new tasks...new ways to serve the Lord and others...new growth...new journal entries...new life experiences...
I am standing here on the horizon looking more forward than back today. Know that my God is going before me. He is clearing the way for His plans to be fullfilled my aim today is to follow closely behinde him right into the horizon He created for me.
Happy New Year!!
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