Faith, Hope, & Love
It was Christmas Night, 2012, and all of our kids had the flu. We had opened all of our presents and among them was a popular board game. My husband went out to bring home some take out and when he arrived home, he found us all sitting around the table, tears in our eyes, as none of us could figure it out. It was so frustrating to be sick, tired, and clueless about how to win this game.
[Read more…] about The Ultimate Board Game Gift Guide – How to Pick the Perfect Game
by Melissa Guinn
There was this lifetime of doing church. Going to church each Sunday, teaching Sunday School, going to Bible study on Wednesday night, sometimes leading a group study of 40 women or more. I have lots of church friends. Our kids have been in church together since birth.
It seemed like I was doing what God would want from me: learning His Word and not really being influenced by the worldly and ungodly things that so easily pull us away. The more I learned about Him, deepened my relationship with Him, listened to Him the more I loved Him. It’s just that there was this empty spot. I knew it wasn’t supposed to be that way because my life was awesome!! Jesus has saved me from my past, He is my current salvation and my future hope.
One day I was cleaning out my daughter’s closet. I had dresses that I just couldn’t take to Goodwill. Mindful of recent Bible studies and lessons on selfishness, giving and living beyond ourselves, I prayed, “Lord, show me someone that can use these. Maybe a little girl that is in need and has never had a pretty dress?”
I went to bed that night with the dresses on my mind and the Lord clearly spoke to me. “There will be a clothing ministry. You will take the dresses, and many other things, to those in need. It will be beautiful and you will use it to share Me with your community.” It felt like He was standing on my head!! I looked at my husband who was sound asleep. “Did you hear that?” I whispered. He didn’t move. [Read more…] about Is God ACTUALLY concerned about our willingness to obey?
This past weekend we decorated the house. My husband dragged out the tinsel and garland. The kids and I adorned the tree with past memories and flickering lights. The little girls placed our snowmen on the bottom of the stairs. The holiday season has begun in our home.
There was something nagging at me, though. Something that I couldn’t quite shake. Then it hit me. It has been almost a year since we welcomed our baby boy into our family with open arms. Everything about this season of praise and adoration, love and hope, blessings and gratitude remind of this chubby-cheeked little blond haired boy.
He is the gift that we didn’t expect until we did. For weeks we were unsure of which month he would be born. As God so perfectly ordained, He became our Christmas baby. A gift from our Father, himself. The spirit of Christmas has now become entwined with the birth of this tiny little man. [Read more…] about Finding Hope in the Face of What If – A Baby Update
This is a two-part post about orphan hosting.
Hosting can be a life-changing experience for orphaned children who have never been a part of a loving, functional family. And at their age, 7-18 years old, they are the least likely candidates to ever be adopted; most believe they are unwanted and have no hope of ever knowing life in a real family. [Read more…] about Find out what you need to know about Orphan Hosting
This is part 2 of a 2 part post on orphan hosting. Click here to read part 1. This is also part of a larger series on obedience and following God’s call on our life. [Read more…] about What you need to know about Orphan Hosting – Part 2
