tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20452145510874503682024-03-08T20:13:16.830-05:00Walser Adoption AdventuresRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.comBlogger177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-40883368453150298172014-10-28T18:47:00.004-04:002014-10-28T18:47:41.162-04:00Love with Abandon Project- Fall 2014 Launch · October 28, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm so excited for this fall launch! It's been a year since my last opening. And we have some great new color combos and a fun, new simple design!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you are new to this project, you can read the backstory <a href="http://walseradoptionadventures.blogspot.com/p/lwa-project.html">here</a>. Basically, the <a href="http://walseradoptionadventures.blogspot.com/p/lwa-project.html">LWA Project</a> was born out of my desire to give back my effort and energy that I had put into our adoption and mission trips, to benefit a broader scope of orphan care and orphan prevention. So I set a goal to raise $6,000--- $1,000 each for 6 different ministries and families.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">An update as to where we are now: to date we have raised <b>$2580 </b>total, which is close to half of my goal. I have paid out to one of the six ministries/families, and a few donations have been given directly to the beneficiaries. THANK YOU for all you have done to support this effort!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While I would LOVE to see the $6,000 goal met while the store is open for the next two weeks (shirts! shirts! shirts for everyone! :)), realistically I won't quite get there. And I'm ok with that. My plan, once I have the totals from this fall sale, is to go ahead and divide whatever profits I have to date (minus the $1,000 I've already paid out) between the remaining five ministries/families. These sales are alot of work, and I'm just not sure when I will have the chance to do another push. So I plan to distribute what I have, and if in the future I feel I can do another store opening, then I will. Luckily my husband will be in Ethiopia in January and will be able to personally deliver those donations to the ministries located there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So that's the update. Now for the <a href="http://lwaproject.bigcartel.com/">store</a>!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>The <a href="http://lwaproject.bigcartel.com/">store</a> will be open for 2 weeks</b>. <b>SHIPPING IS FREE FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS!!</b> Also, if you want to knock out some Christmas shopping, <u>I am giving one FREE item for every 10 items you purchase</u>--so make a list, check it twice, and them <a href="mailto:walserhome@me.com">email me</a> if you'd like to take advantage of that offer!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here's a sneak peak at the new design!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am super into black and white right now--anyone else?! And the black marble baseball tee--seriously, it is AWESOME. You will love it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And if you're coming to my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/850562408287884/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming">open house on Nov 4th</a>, I will have stock of some of the new tees in hand! YAY!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(Speaking of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/850562408287884/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming">open house</a>, even if you don't want a shirt, you can shop from one of my other vendors and benefit the LWA Project--so check out my list of vendors!!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thank you again for all of your support! NOW--head over to the store and check out the new goodies!! Use the code <b>FIRST24</b> for free shipping for the next 24 hours!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.lwaproject.bigcartel.com/">www.lwaproject.bigcartel.com</a></span></div>
<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-43450331845700012662014-01-11T16:56:00.000-05:002014-01-11T16:56:03.835-05:00Not your everyday love story...but it's ours · February 14, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i> Feb 14, 1993</i></div>
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20 years ago today I married my best friend. I was 18 years old, still in high school, and we told no one. He was home on leave for the weekend, and he flew out the next day. 20 years later, it's still the best Valentine's day I've ever had.<br />
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That's the short version of our story. It's a love story, for sure. But it's not a conventional one, to say the least. : ) In fact, in my wedding album (yes, we eventually had a wedding), my grandmother wrote, "There's the old fashioned way; and then there's Rachel's way." : ) But then I've never liked to think that God works the same way every time, part of the fun is experiencing His faithful love as He creatively navigates us through all sorts of twists and turns in life. <br />
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The story begins when I was 13. I met Joe in youth group. Well, I met him AT youth group, he wasn't IN youth group. : ) He was one of our leaders. He was 25 at the time, in college full time, working full time, and in the middle of earning his commission with the Marine Corps. He volunteered with the youth in our church, and we all immediately loved him. He obviously loved the Lord, was a great teacher, was gregarious and loud and fun, and he quickly became a favorite amongst the guys and girls alike. <br />
He spent more and more time with all of us kids since he was one of the few adults who didn't have the demands of a family at home. Joe worked with my dad at the church, and they became fast friends as well. He ended up in more and more of my family's social circles, and we saw each other often.<br />
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My dad had been diagnosed with cancer about a year before I met Joe, and as I started high school, he got sicker and was in and out of the hospital. My mom was working full time, and Joe became a helper to my mom, driving my brother and me back and forth to the hospital and wherever else we needed to be. Joe was a wonderful friend to me, but also to the rest of my family, and we all loved him. But there was something special between us, nothing we really ever talked about, but something. I thought he was awesome, but never really let me mind go anywhere further than that. But he was quickly becoming my closest friend.<br />
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In the spring of my freshman year, my dad passed away. Many friends came to our home and stayed with us. That night, my first though was that I wanted Joe to be there with us--and he was. It was a moment of clarity for me, how much I wanted him near when I was hurting.<br />
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In May of that year, Joe graduated from college and left Houston for Quantico, VA. He had a 4 year commitment in the Marine Corps. I was so sad for him to leave. But before he left, he told me to enjoy high school, have a blast and live it up--- but in three years, he'd be back for me.<br />
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I was floored and excited and speechless and shocked-- I knew he loved me, but it had never occurred to me that "we" were ever a possibility. Joe had dated quite a few different girls since I had known him, and unbeknownst to me, each one eventually always asked him, "What's the deal with Rachel?" And he would tell them, "Oh yeah, Rachel. She's awesome. I'm going to wait for her." (Needless to say none of those relationships lasted very long. : ))</div>
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Well, he left, and we wrote. This was before cell phones and email. We picked up pen and paper and wrote and wrote and wrote. And more and more, I realized how much I loved him. Any romance we ever had was long distance, developed through letters and phone calls across the miles, and I can see the sovereign wisdom of the Lord in that. It was weird enough, with 12 years between us, and the distance helped keep some sense of privacy to our relationship and some normalcy to our lives in the meantime. (I still have every. single. one. of those letters.)<br />
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Joe went from Virginia, to Hawaii, to Japan, and back to Hawaii. He'd come visit me when he could, and I went to visit him as well. There were many wonderful airport reunions and many horrible airport goodbyes. By the beginning of my senior year of high school, I knew I wanted to marry him. It was just a matter of timing. We would talk and dream about the when and the how and long for the day that we didn't have to say goodbye anymore.</div>
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So when he was home for the weekend in February of 1993, and we were sitting around with my mom and my brother eating chinese food, and he slipped me a secret handwritten fortune in my fortune cookie--"Wanna get married tomorrow?"….well, I knew my answer. And I smiled silently at him across the table. Since we knew nothing about what to do to get married quickly, we pulled out the yellow pages. The first add we saw said we'd get a free limo ride with our wedding service, and so we were sold! Apparently a man named Mr. Kipperman owned a pawn shop, and he was also ordained and did weddings in a small chapel in the back of his pawn shop. Once we called, he was thrilled to marry this soldier and his girl before said soldier was whisked back off to defend our country and freedom! : )<br />
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So then next day, rings in hand, we made our way to Kipperman's pawn shop, and with the background sound of a cheesy cassette playing "here comes the bride", we held back laughter as we took our vows. To our chagrin, the limo wasn't available--but we did get a free tshirt that said "I got married at Kipperman's pawn shop"--I know, just as good right? : )<br />
We managed to avoid being on the news, who were there doing a story on Valentine's day elopements, when we explained we were trying to be discreet.<br />
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Joe flew out early the next morning. He of course told the military immediately (spouse=more money) and a few friends. I kept my secret for a few weeks and then finally told my two closest friends. But that was it. I was planning a trip to spend 6 weeks with him in Hawaii after graduation, before he had to leave for Japan for the next 6 months, and my mom was having a hard time with that. But she let me go, and shortly after I got there, called and said, "Did you all get married?" She figured we'd do so as soon as I got there--- she didn't know we already had several months before. So the story spilled out and we told her everything. In her gracious, loving way, she congratulated us and the next day sent champagne and flowers. Later when we were face to face and had a chance to make amends for the way we somewhat skirted her parental authority, she just smiled and said she loved us and always knew the Lord had brought us together.<br />
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Since Joe had to go to Japan for 6 months, I decided to go to Texas A&M for the fall semester. He flew directly from Japan to Houston for Christmas, and when I picked him up from the airport that Christmas eve, I knew--I would never have to say goodbye again. On January 8th, 1994 we had a wedding with all of our family and friends present--who all knew by then that we were already married. It was a wonderful celebration. And then we headed off to Hawaii for Joe's last 8 months in the Corps.</div>
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In the years since then, we moved to Dallas for seminary, had a set of twin boys, moved to Nebraska for our first couple of churches, had a couple of girls there, and then moved to New Jersey, where Joe pastored and we lived for almost 6 years. Five years ago we moved to Florida, and the years have been full of church planting and adopting and kids growing and seasons of life shifting. It has been a wonderful ride and it's still an adventure!<br />
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I was 18 when I got married. I was young but I knew what I wanted. I knew I was head over heels in love with Joe. I knew he would lead me well and love me well. I knew there was no other man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. And I knew I was ready to start life together as soon as possible and not waste one more second apart.<br />
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I look back and still can't believe the basic truth that altered my life so many years ago--that he chose me. He chose to love me. <br />
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And he still makes that choice every day. Because now he has seen all there is to see of me, and it is not always pretty. But he has loved me well for 20 years, and that kind of love has taught me much about tenderness, communication, patience, spontaneity, forgiveness, and sacrifice. He has loved with words and with actions, accepted me as I am, and has always encouraged me to discover God's purposes for my life and pursue them with abandon.<br />
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We've made our share of mistakes, and there have been very tough seasons in our marriage. We are broken and human and prone to be insensitive and selfish by our natures. But God's grace has covered a multitude of wrongs, and He has seen fit to take these 20 years and deepen our love for each other. Just today Joe said to me, "Wow. 20 years. Hasn't God been gracious to us?" Yes, indeed.</div>
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<i>20 years later</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I made this video last year for Joe for our anniversary. </span></div>
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy239/designsbyjenn/heartsiggycopy-1.png" /></div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-66948298502136457572013-10-30T15:39:00.000-04:002013-10-30T15:40:19.436-04:00LWA Project Fall Launch & Partners!! · October 30, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IahwOLe-LBA/UTZXZyNGJkI/AAAAAAAABcw/HKhaKfSQ6Uc/s1600/LWA+project+title.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IahwOLe-LBA/UTZXZyNGJkI/AAAAAAAABcw/HKhaKfSQ6Uc/s320/LWA+project+title.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It has been a quiet few months around this blog as I've settled my family into our fall routine. But it is time to launch our fall line of LWA Project items!!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There will be NEW ITEMS. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">NEW COLORS. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">NEW DESIGNS. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As most of you know, this project was born out of my desire to support orphan care ministries that help prevent the need for adoption, both overseas and locally here in the US through the local church, as well as supporting adoption and caring for widows and orphans personally. I can honestly say, I have spent more energy on this project than I EVER have to fundraise for a mission trip, and I am not far from matching my effort to fundraise for our own adoption. :) And it has been WORTH IT. I've already been able to write a check to the Waulk family to go towards their adoption this past summer, with monies raised from shirts that YOU bought and YOU reposted about!! So THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU. This is a labor of love and as I've said before, it may take a while for me to get it done, but I'm in it for the long haul! Even if it means I have to get creative in how I do it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you are new to the LWA project, you can read more about it <a href="http://walseradoptionadventures.blogspot.com/2013/03/launch-love-with-abandon-project.html">here</a>. I am just as committed to reaching my goal as when I started, and there is work to do to get there! I still have a little more than $4500 left to raise. And I could use your help!! You guys have been great to buy shirts and give and share about the project, but I want to take it a step further!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm inviting YOU to partner with me, as a <b>Love with Abandon Project Partner</b>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's super easy, and <u>you could earn your own free shirt or tote</u>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here's how:</span></b><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">share about the project with your friends and family, via word of mouth, email, blogs, facebook, twitter, instagram--WHATEVER!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On Nov. 4, send them to the <a href="http://lwaproject.bigcartel.com/">store</a> to purchase their favorite items! Under "note to seller" in paypal, ask them to put "referred by" and your name </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">OR you can collect their orders yourself and <a href="mailto:walserhome@tampabay.rr.com">email me</a> with the details and we'll make payment arrangements</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">FOR EVERY 10 ITEMS YOU SELL/BUY, YOU GET A FREE TSHIRT!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">FOR EVERY 15 ITEMS YOU SELL/BUY, YOU GET A FREE SWEATSHIRT! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">FOR EVERY $100 YOU DONATE DIRECTLY to one of the ministries/families in the LWA Project, YOU WILL GET A FREE TSHIRT!! </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Seriously, are you as excited about this as I am??!! Even if you already have the tees you want, you could help promote the LWA project and use your freebie as a Christmas gift! OR buy 10 shirts to give as gifts, and get one for yourself for free!!! Heck I<u>'ll even mail them for you</u> to your recipients with a personal Christmas note--explaining that their gift also supports orphan care and adoption--and saving you a trip to the post office during holiday rush season!! Seriously?! You could be done with your Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving! Holla!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Also, this is the time of the year that everyone is looking for end-of-year tax-deductible giving opportunities, and here's your chance to do that AND get a free shirt!! (All the links to the ministries are located in <a href="http://walseradoptionadventures.blogspot.com/2013/03/launch-love-with-abandon-project.html">this post</a>.) All you have to is give, send me a copy of your paypal receipt or the giving site they use, and let me know which shirt want!! C'mon, this is gonna be so fun!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">SO ARE YOU IN??!! Then let's do this!!! </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The <a href="http://lwaproject.bigcartel.com/">LWA Project store </a>will be open from <b>Monday, November 4 through Friday, November 15th</b>. Two weeks. Items will ship at the beginning of December and will arrive in plenty of time to ship/distribute or give for the holidays.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Let everyone know YOU are a LWA Project partner! Start sharing, start posting--link to this post if you want to--and let's build some excitement and anticipation!! (Feel free to use the LWA Project partner image above on your blogs or pages. I'll have one up on IG (look under #lwaproject) that you can copy and repost as well.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'll be posting some sneak peaks over the next few days on facebook and on instagram...feel free to follow along and repost too! </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(For instagram, use the #lwaproject hashtag so I don't miss your postings!!) The store will open on Monday with the new items, and then you can post links directly to the store so friends and family can SHOP TIL THEY DROP!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Please feel free to <a href="mailto:walserhome@tampabay.rr.com">message me</a> with any questions you have about partnering with me. I'm figuring this out as I go, so I expect I'll have some questions along the way! I am so grateful for those of you willing to be a part of the project by purchasing, by promoting, and by praying for it. Let's take it to the next level and see what God can do!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thank you friends!!</span><br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-12521916709491103222013-08-27T11:33:00.001-04:002013-08-27T11:33:49.762-04:00I am Miley Cyrus. · August 27, 2013<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am Miley Cyrus.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">At one time in my life, I was a girl who just wanted to be seen as a woman.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">At times, I have acted certain ways because I longed for the approval of certain people.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">At others, I have deliberately acted differently that how someone wanted me to act because I was determined to be an individual.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have been manipulated by the praise and affirmation of people as easily as I've been wounded by their criticism and critique.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have allowed the culture to define for me what it means to be a woman and to be desirable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have believed the lie that beauty on the outside means someone has more value or is more worthy of my attention.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have acted without thinking about the consequences of my actions or considering the people who will be affected by them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have crossed lines in the name of blazing my own trail and finding myself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have been willing to compromise my character to get something I want.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have celebrated my rebellion and laughed off my stubbornness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have wasted, squandered, and exploited gifts and opportunities that have been given to me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have acted entitled to things I did not earn and did not deserve.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And often, I have looked down on others who have done these things, as if I myself have not been guilty of the exact same things.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">At times, I have been the good girl, and at others, the bad girl.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But at all times, I have been the girl who needs Someone to accept me-- not because of who I am but because of who He is.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I need to be loved with a love that does not depend on my behavior or my appropriateness or my lovability.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I need a Savior who was willing to be crushed not just for my bad behavior but also for my haughty self-righteousness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I need a Friend who is willing to forgive me, despite the fact that I repeat my offenses on a daily basis.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I need a Father who will guide me, because left to my own demise, I repeatedly choose a way that leads to death. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I need a King who is good and fair and wise to invade my life, conquer my strong will, and overthrow the inept ruler I find myself to be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I need a God who will accept me and Miley as we are. But not leave us there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I need Hope.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I need Jesus. Every day. Every moment.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>My God, my God, why has Thou accepted me?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>It is the mystery of mercy,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>and the song I sing.</i></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Dd2ibavdyfM" width="420"></iframe></div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-55156270698784988432013-07-26T13:27:00.001-04:002013-07-26T16:06:58.153-04:00LWA Project--Update & First Payout!! · July 26, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djTW7F6q6Gw/UfKxAWbJ4bI/AAAAAAAABfY/hNpGrr4qH2U/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djTW7F6q6Gw/UfKxAWbJ4bI/AAAAAAAABfY/hNpGrr4qH2U/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IahwOLe-LBA/UTZXZyNGJkI/AAAAAAAABcw/HKhaKfSQ6Uc/s1600/LWA+project+title.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IahwOLe-LBA/UTZXZyNGJkI/AAAAAAAABcw/HKhaKfSQ6Uc/s200/LWA+project+title.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It has been an exciting week for the <a href="http://walseradoptionadventures.blogspot.com/2013/03/launch-love-with-abandon-project.html">LWA project</a>! I got the chance to give my first check with the monies raised through the project thus far.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Waulks' birthmom is in surgery right now--as I type!-- to deliver their baby. On Sunday, I had the chance to give them their $1,000 from the LWA Project to go towards their adoption expenses. We took a moment to get a cheesy photo (should have made one of those cardboard checks! :)), because I wanted you to see where your donations are going and BE BLESSED like I am---that buying and selling a few silly shirts are <i>REALLY</i> helping create, build, and sustain families!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So THANK YOU!! For all of your support the last few months, for buying shirts and wearing shirts, making donations, and promoting the <a href="http://walseradoptionadventures.blogspot.com/2013/03/launch-love-with-abandon-project.html">LWA Project</a>. It was a little scary to write that check, knowing it was a big chunk of what has been raised, and I still have 5 more checks I want to write for that same amount! Right now, total monies raised through the LWA Project are <b>$1370.00</b>. So that's still <b>$4630.00</b> left to raise. But the Waulks needed it NOW, and I'm trusting the Lord will raise the rest in his timing and with a little blood, sweat, and tears along the way. :) I'll keep at it until we get there!! (Looks like we'll need a fall line of LWA tees!! :))</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Please know, too--if you feel led to support the project families and ministries directly--the links are all <a href="http://walseradoptionadventures.blogspot.com/2013/03/launch-love-with-abandon-project.html">in my original post</a>. Just send me a note and let me know so I can count it towards my project total. But the money does not have to come through me--you can give directly--in most cases in a tax deductible way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And pray with me for the Waulks--baby Liam should be making his appearance soon! YAY!!</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">UPDATE: </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Before I could even get this posted, Liam arrived!!!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">10lbs 7oz healthy boy!! </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thank you, Jesus and congrats Josh and Christy!! Love you both!!</span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></i><br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-52612288143165639972013-07-11T12:25:00.001-04:002013-07-11T12:28:48.715-04:00LWA Project: the Waulk family [in the home stretch!!] · July 11, 2013<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfW3qSkVWg8/UTVqW0PivyI/AAAAAAAABb8/uNqBVwcb1vA/s1600/waulk+fam+pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfW3qSkVWg8/UTVqW0PivyI/AAAAAAAABb8/uNqBVwcb1vA/s640/waulk+fam+pic.png" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IahwOLe-LBA/UTZXZyNGJkI/AAAAAAAABcw/HKhaKfSQ6Uc/s1600/LWA+project+title.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IahwOLe-LBA/UTZXZyNGJkI/AAAAAAAABcw/HKhaKfSQ6Uc/s200/LWA+project+title.png" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's been a little quiet here, but the <a href="http://walseradoptionadventures.blogspot.com/2013/03/launch-love-with-abandon-project.html">LWA Project</a> is ongoing. The <a href="http://lwaproject.bigcartel.com/">store</a> remains open and the efforts to bless each of the families and ministries continues. Our first pressing deadline is upon us, though, folks! We have a birth mom due and a baby coming! And we have some funds to raise ASAP!! So I invited Josh & Christy to share a bit about their journey with you and hopefully encourage you to be a part of their story, too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Josh & Christy Waulk are dear friends, and we have served together for the last several years in our church. They are in the process of their second adoption--birth mom is due any day now!! Josh has a word to share with you today--so listen in, and be sure and stick around until the end to see how you can be a part of bringing this little one home and MAYBE even win a little something as well!! ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here's Josh:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>I love the contributions of so many adoption advocates to the cause of bringing children into Forever Families.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Over the course of the past three years, we’ve witnessed men and women of God lead a charge that I believe history will show was pivotal in American church culture. With the Holy Spirit’s leading, these adoption warriors have helped to de-stigmatize a matter that at one time was taboo, and not referenced at family reunions. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i> My wife, Christy, and I were able to experience this firsthand at a recent family reunion of our own. My Cuban side of the family, the Perez line to be specific, gathered together for a ten-year fiesta that was marked with more than a few special moments. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>For us, seeing our first adopted daughter’s name on the family tree, with her home state of Kentucky listed, was a matter of personal significance and joy. Her name had been grafted into the family, just as our names have been grafted into God’s family. We rejoice over her. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>When I first became acquainted with the blossoming adoption movement a few years ago, the picture of the Gospel put on display for the entire world to see was encouraging. I was compelled to get involved financially in the adoption of other families, and I was compelled to get involved as an adoptive dad, myself. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>It’s not as if I needed extra motivation, though. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>As a couple struggling with the realities of infertility, adoption was our road to growing a family. Infertility and adoption were both realities given to us by God, and both would change our family forever. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>In response, we embraced the adoption movement. We wanted to put the Gospel on display through this gift of God’s grace. We wanted to celebrate the miracle that we saw other couples celebrating. And, celebrate we did! </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>But, for all of the theological implications of adoption, for all of the hype surrounding the numerous Christian books on adoption that were released during the season in which we brought our precious Karis home, I’m left with this conclusion when I reflect back: </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We just wanted to have a family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>When you look back on human history, we see this undeniable pattern. Movements come and movements go. It’s a reality that I don’t think we should always fear. We have a natural propensity to not want to see good things fade away, but often times, God allows those good things to pass from the scene, so that we might experience something even better. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>I’m not suggesting that the Christian adoption movement of recent years is fading or ought to fade away. But, for me, as an adoptive dad who is hoping to adopt again, I’m choosing to leave the theological significance of adoption to the theologians and conference speakers. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>For me, the most important theological significance of adoption, in this season of life, is being a dad, and receiving the joy of seeing my wife become a mom. It’s just that simple. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Today, we are within two weeks of our birth-mom’s expected due date. We’ve walked with her for several months now. We’ve prayed over her, and over the little boy growing inside of her, thankful that she chose life. She has, to this point, made a courageous decision in the face of insurmountable odds. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>We look forward to seeing how God completes this story in the years to come. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>For now, we commit to being the kind of parents to this child that God would have us be, for His glory. We commit to raising this little one in the fear and admonition of the Lord. We commit to providing for him in every way that our Heavenly Father allows. As He has loved and freely given to us, so will we love and give freely to this child, and all of our children. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>We can’t wait to meet him. We can’t wait to be parents, again. We can’t wait to introduce him to Trevor, and to Karis. We covet your prayers and generous, faith-filled donations to this effort. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Here are the final details on how you can help us bring our little boy home: </i></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Pray that God provides for a safe delivery for both baby and mother, and that He provides the needed financials in order to complete this adoption. </i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Consider making a tax-deductible donation to our adoption <a href="http://www.waulkbyfaith.com/">via PayPal</a>, or you may join our <a href="http://www.waulkbyfaith.com/">iPad Mini Giveaway</a>. Both links are located on <a href="http://www.waulkbyfaith.com/">our blog</a>. </i></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><b>We have an estimated $7,500.00 left to fundraise. </b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>According to our estimated due date, we have less than two weeks in which to see God move. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>That’s all the time He needs. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>We’re praying that His people will move with him.</i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Just $7500. Chump change!! Let's do this friends!! Pop on over to the W<a href="http://www.waulkbyfaith.com/">aulks blog</a>, and give a little! A $25 donation gets you entered to win an ipad mini! [Be sure and let me know if you do, so I can count it towards our LWA Project total!] Can't wait to see them FULLY FUNDED!!</span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-1171727088044344622013-06-07T16:45:00.000-04:002013-06-07T17:17:30.061-04:00Sixteen · June 7, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6-GLj6wpLI/Ua-UHy0AXiI/AAAAAAAABfE/W3wJSKCrGGk/s1600/IMG_3477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6-GLj6wpLI/Ua-UHy0AXiI/AAAAAAAABfE/W3wJSKCrGGk/s640/IMG_3477.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Letting go is a better grip.</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> -David Crowder</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sixteen years ago this week my life changed forever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When I found out I was pregnant I was 21 years old. I had been married for almost 3 years, but it was a little earlier than we had "planned" to start a family. I had always known I would be a stay at home mom, and while I looked forward to being a mom--I didn't know if I was ready <i>yet</i>. I loved the freedom we had--just Joe and me. I loved my job and I loved working. I enjoyed my independence. I enjoyed my sleep. I knew this meant a big shift for me, and I felt unprepared and inexperienced.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sure, I ran and got a copy of <i>What to Expect When Your Expecting</i>. And it was fun to skim through it, look at sketches, and compare the size of the fetus to a walnut. But mostly, I began to voraciously read anything I could get my hands on about caring for babies and child raising and parenting. THAT was what terrified me. While in my womb, this kid seemed to be fairly easy to handle, pretty good at fining for himself. Granted, my ankles looked like sausages and I had to pee every half hour, but all in all--he was fairly low maintenance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> But--what about <b>after</b> this rug-rat entered the world??!! Suddenly, it was up to me to make sure he eats enough and sleeps enough and poops enough and learns to walk and learns to spell and learns to ride a bike and be kind and love Jesus?? Suddenly I was the one responsible to make sure another human being didn't eat crayons or pull the dog's tail or fall down the stairs or play with matches or date too soon or do drugs or--heck, basically make sure he makes it to 18 in one piece!!! That's alot of pressure, people!! So I read everything I could get my hands on, afraid I would be the one parent that security stops at the exit of the hospital and says--<i>hey, what idiot signed a baby over to </i>this<i> lady??!!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But as the days went by, the idea grew on me (literally!), and by the time I went in for my sonogram at 22 weeks, I was excited. Would it be a boy or a girl?? Either sounded wonderful. The doc had told me I was gaining a bit too quickly, and might want to ease off the big macs, but hey--if I knew anything about pregnancy, I knew that it was my chance to really give Joe a run for his money at dinnertime since I was, after all, eating for two. :) And hey, maybe I was further along than I thought! That was a possibility too. We watched the little monitor of the sonogram machine for anything that resembled shape of a baby, and hoped at least the doctor could make sense of the one dimensional black and white mumbo jumbo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Doc smiled. He pointed to a white blob. <i>Look--there's your boy.</i> I smiled and looked up at Joe. He had tears in his eyes. <b>A son.</b> We were sharing a moment together---when I felt the doc abruptly move the wand through the goopy jelly all the way to the other side of my stomach, and said, "Aaaaand, there's another boy."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>'scuse me??!! TWINS.</b> Joe made some crack about becoming a TV evangelist, and I asked the doc if he was sure he knew how to use that thing. Maybe he read the tea leaves wrong. But he was pretty confident. We were having TWO babies. Not just one. He smiled and said never mind what he said about my weight gain. Looks like I was allowed to have all the big macs I wanted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So if I had built up any hope that all my reading over the last few months had prepared me even the slightest to be a mom-- it vanished. TWINS. TWO babies. Now I was REALLY gonna screw this thing up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Luckily, I have a husband who finds joy and privilege in challenges. He was over the moon. When I asked where the heck we'd put the second one, he said we'd get another crib and another car seat and another stroller--no biggie. When I was put on bedrest for 8 weeks, he picked up the slack all while working full time, finishing his last semester of seminary before graduating, and candidating for a pastoral position. I knew from day one--<i>we were in this together</i>--and that helped. He was the first to change Josh's diaper and the first to give Nathan a bottle in the NICU. Sometimes I think I learned much about mothering by watching my husband love those babies so well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And, it turns out, as days went by, and babies grew into toddlers who grew into little kids who grew into bigger kids, I felt I was in a rhythm. Certainly not that I had it all figured out, but I had grown into this role and mostly knew what I needed to do. I nurtured, I cocooned, I loved, I protected, I instructed, I corrected, I held tightly and I did everything in my power to communicate: you are mine and I am proud of you and I will always love you no matter what and I will always be right here by your side so you can feel secure and safe and treasured and adored.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then, something crazy happened. These two eldest of mine, <a href="http://walseradoptionadventures.blogspot.com/2010/06/boys-2-men.html">they became teenagers</a>. And I began to wrestle. Because what had worked for years wasn't exactly working anymore, and I sensed that wasn't all a bad thing. They were changing, and I, too, had to change.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The teen years are the counterintuitive stage of parenting. Everything inside of you as a mom tells you to hold tightly, shelter and protect your little ones from harm and difficulty and pain. It's on you and you alone--no one else will fight for your kids like you, no one else will have their best in mind or put them first like you, no one else will be responsible for them ultimately but <i>you</i>. They <i>need</i> you<i>. </i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But then, they're teens, and--they don't. Maybe not overnight, but it can feel that way. Now you're suppose to nudge them away from you, towards more independence and more responsibility, to a place where they <i>don't </i>need you. Let out the rope. And let go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yes, into the unknown. But not into a void. Into Hands that can be trusted. And hoping not necessarily that they will always do the right thing. Because they won't. But praying that they will pursue Grace, and find just that-- both in overcoming and in failing.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="text Heb-10-23" id="en-ESV-30140">Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.</span></span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /> Hebrews 10:23</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Letting go. And holding on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Josh & Nathan-- 16 years ago you gave me the title and profession I am most proud to bear. I thought I knew what love was and what it meant to be in love, but I never understood the nature of love until you came along. You bring me great joy. Yes, you are handsome and funny and smart. Yes, you've accomplished much and are good at so many things I lost count a long time ago. But watching you become men--- embracing your gifts along with admitting your weaknesses, being strong yet remaining humble, taking leadership while respectfully submitting--- is has blown me away. Thankful for the men you are. Happy 16th Birthday.</i></span><br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-49379551558752882602013-04-23T13:47:00.001-04:002013-04-23T13:47:27.422-04:00LWA Project: Embracing Hope · April 23, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c1F4padhi1I/UTVZQZrbxUI/AAAAAAAABao/QnAP80nPj0o/s1600/EH+pic+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c1F4padhi1I/UTVZQZrbxUI/AAAAAAAABao/QnAP80nPj0o/s640/EH+pic+2.png" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IahwOLe-LBA/UTZXZyNGJkI/AAAAAAAABcw/HKhaKfSQ6Uc/s1600/LWA+project+title.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IahwOLe-LBA/UTZXZyNGJkI/AAAAAAAABcw/HKhaKfSQ6Uc/s200/LWA+project+title.png" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am so excited to share today about one of the ministries in Ethiopia being supported by the Love With Abandon project, <a href="http://www.embracinghopeethiopia.com/day-care/look-what-god-has-done-celebrating-2-years/">Embracing Hope</a>. I actually met Jerry and Christy<b> </b>on my very first trip to Ethiopia in 2010. They had just moved to Africa. When we visited Embracing Hope last year, it was less than a year old. I am amazed at how a simple idea (of a young girl</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> none the less,</span> the Shannon's daughter!--<i>lesson: listen to the inspired ideas of your kids!!</i>)-- an idea of providing childcare for single moms-- has grown into a ministry impacting these women and their children in so many different ways!! And to know that it is currently run by Ethiopian staff, yet another beautiful picture of what missions could and should look like. <i><b>Amazing!</b></i></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LXspkhgH3mM/UTVYNTBGPJI/AAAAAAAABac/ygWI-X5EgPM/s1600/EH+pic+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LXspkhgH3mM/UTVYNTBGPJI/AAAAAAAABac/ygWI-X5EgPM/s400/EH+pic+1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><b> </b></i>Here's a bit from their <a href="http://www.embracinghopeethiopia.com/day-care/look-what-god-has-done-celebrating-2-years/">blog</a>, celebrating EH's 2nd birthday!:<i><b><br /></b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>We now have Moms who have built deep community with each other, the
kind that makes sure that others do not go without and who care when
suffering comes. We have Moms who have started their own micro
businesses. We have Moms who have come to know Jesus. We have Moms who
have found better jobs than working in the dump. We have children who
are starting school and are at the top of their class. We have children
who would not have been alive had it not been for someone being there
to care for them. We have moms learning to read and write for the first
time in their lives. We have Moms who for the first time in their
lives are not having their dignity robbed daily through begging and
prostitution. We have Moms on HIV medication so that they will be
around for their children long term. We have Moms who are still
incredibly poor, yet they now have hope and are not alone.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>We even have a few moms who have become so successful that we are
dreaming of ways to graduate them from the program! We have local and
sub-city government cooperation – they keep giving us glowing reports.
We have a large number of moms who have saved at least one month’s
salary. We have healthy kids who are now able to learn and thrive.<br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><b>We have families that are intact – Moms with their own children. Orphans prevented. Families Preserved.</b></i><br /><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>All that these Moms needed was someone to walk alongside of them.
They were looking for a way out, an opportunity, a bit of a break. Many
of them were praying that somehow someone could intervene. And then
God led them to us and us to them.</i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Go visit their blog and read the rest of this article <a href="http://www.embracinghopeethiopia.com/day-care/look-what-god-has-done-celebrating-2-years/">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You can support EH in one of two ways:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Donate directly to <a href="https://www.egsnetwork.com/gift/gift.php?giftid=D860CB27-BE6A-4EE3-AB44-F066C0C97914" target="_blank">Embracing Hope</a>. (If you do, please let me know so I can count it towards my <a href="http://walseradoptionadventures.blogspot.com/p/lwa-project.html">LWA Project</a> total!)<a href="https://www.egsnetwork.com/gift/gift.php?giftid=D860CB27-BE6A-4EE3-AB44-F066C0C97914" target="_blank"> </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lwaproject.bigcartel.com/"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MoovAFaUmSE/UW8EYfk9Y3I/AAAAAAAABd4/eUWSmVqc4xc/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-04-17+at+4.20.50+PM.png" width="320" /></a></span> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Or you can support Embracing Hope as well as the entire <a href="http://walseradoptionadventures.blogspot.com/p/lwa-project.html">LWA Project</a> by shopping the LWA shop <a href="http://lwaproject.bigcartel.com/">here</a>.</span></span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-86113061637175261132013-04-17T16:34:00.002-04:002013-04-17T16:37:02.916-04:00LWA Project: A word from Christy Davis · April 17, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLhnxYw4rlg/UTVplyuUBPI/AAAAAAAABb0/1AAud30G_bM/s1600/davis+fam.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLhnxYw4rlg/UTVplyuUBPI/AAAAAAAABb0/1AAud30G_bM/s640/davis+fam.png" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IahwOLe-LBA/UTZXZyNGJkI/AAAAAAAABcw/HKhaKfSQ6Uc/s1600/LWA+project+title.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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Over the course of the new few weeks, I will highlight each of the six ministries/families of the <a href="http://walseradoptionadventures.blogspot.com/p/lwa-project.html">Love with Abandon Project</a>. Up first is my dear friend, Christy. I am absolutely blessed by her courage to share with you today.</div>
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Christy was one of the first people I told about the idea of the LWA Project. She had stopped by my house, and we chatted about life, kids, her adoption progress, and my idea to launch this fundraiser. She was so excited and encouraging, as her love for widows and orphans has always welled up and overflowed from her own life and adoption, to look for new channels to support and champion. That was Friday.</div>
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The following Tuesday, her world was turned upside down. That was less than 2 months ago. Watching her these past few weeks, I have often found myself in awe--yes, of her faith, but even more so--of the One she is clinging so desperately to, the One who sustains her. Her Anchor, Who has proven to hold fast in the fiercest of storms. And I find myself drawn by her example to that Source of strength in my own life. Here are her words for you. I pray it blesses you as much as it blesses me.</div>
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<i>When God began to burden my heart to help care for widows and orphans back in 2010, I had no idea that a few years down the road, I would be looking right in the mirror at a widow, and in the very next room of my home, at fatherless children. Back then, I felt a dramatic urge to jump in to orphan care with both feet, wanting to let Him use me to bring hope to people worlds away from my own. His timing seemed slow to me, but I was convinced that it was right. After becoming involved in various orphan care ministries, my wonderful husband Bryan and I knew it was the right time to begin our own family journey to adopt a little girl from Ethiopia. All of our paperwork was completed and sent over there in July 2012. </i></blockquote>
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<i> Oh, how my heart began to care for our future daughter as the months went by, even though we knew nothing about her, we would probably still have quite a wait ahead of us, and nothing is guaranteed with adoption. Our children began praying for their little sister almost every night. The Lord was blessing us with good health and bringing in all of the necessary funds needed to accept a referral when the time came. All of the pieces seemed to be fitting in place to open our home and our arms to a little girl in need of a family’s love. <br /><br /> And then February 26 of this year hit, when my amazing husband unexpectedly went to be with Jesus, and life, as we knew it, seemed to crumble underneath us. Adoption, along with other things that are close to my heart, now began to seem like dead end dreams. And yet, I’ve had to choose to believe that they cannot be as they currently seem, for I know God never wastes our passion or our pain. So here I sit, humbled and feeling a bit helpless to be among the widows, accepting the help, when I wanted to be the one giving the help to other widows. I head to the mailbox each day and open card after card offering hope to my now fatherless children, reminding us that our Heavenly Father cares more about us than we will ever know this side of Heaven, and that we are never forgotten by Him. <br /><br /> There is so much that hurts, and that I don’t understand about our current situation, and about my Savior. What I do know, though, is that He is caring for us, and He is using others around us to show His love as we begin this difficult trek down a rough road. The kids and I are being held in the palm of His hand as we walk through our days on this earth, and my sweet Bryan is now being physically embraced in His arms as he takes in the amazing wonder of Heaven. Eternity is real, and the hope of it gets me out of bed each morning. Our family, though small amidst a world of needs and pain, has a story that He will continue to write. I have no idea what the future holds and can tend to become fearful and overwhelmed when I look too far ahead. But I know my Savior has got me today, and I have to remind myself, sometimes moment by moment, just to rest in that reassuring and everlasting truth. </i></blockquote>
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<b><i>“The Lord…upholds the widow and the fatherless…” Psalm 146:9</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">If you would like to give directly to the Davis family for their needs in the midst of this great loss, you may donate directly via paypal to scrappycdavis@yahoo.com.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">You can also follow Christy on her <a href="http://www.davisfamilymoments.blogspot.com/">blog</a>, and I'm looking forward to her sharing more there in the days and weeks to come.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lwaproject.bigcartel.com/"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MoovAFaUmSE/UW8EYfk9Y3I/AAAAAAAABd4/eUWSmVqc4xc/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-04-17+at+4.20.50+PM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">You can also support the Davis family as well as the entire LWA Project by shopping the LWA shop <a href="http://lwaproject.bigcartel.com/">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Read more about the LWA Project <a href="http://walseradoptionadventures.blogspot.com/p/lwa-project.html">here</a>. 48::48 continues! Read & join in the giveaway <a href="http://walseradoptionadventures.blogspot.com/2013/04/lwa-project-48-in-48-campaign-giveaway.html">here</a>!!</span></div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-75660345449751027012013-04-08T12:40:00.000-04:002013-04-08T12:41:23.364-04:00LWA Project: 48 in 48 Campaign & Giveaway!! · April 8, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lwaproject.bigcartel.com/"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IahwOLe-LBA/UTZXZyNGJkI/AAAAAAAABcw/HKhaKfSQ6Uc/s320/LWA+project+title.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well, it has been a little over a month since I started the <a href="http://walseradoptionadventures.blogspot.com/p/lwa-project.html">Love with Abandon project</a>. I had originally set a goal to raise $6,000 by the end of March, but I can see it is going to take more time that that! To date, I have raised <b>$790</b>. And that is OK! Often my timelines are not God's timelines, and I have found that His are always better. </div>
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So I am no less committed to raising the $6000 I set out to raise! I'm just going to have to work harder and longer to get there! But what a privilege! I get to be a voice for some awesome ministries and families, and bear a small burden for their needs and requests. In the end, it's really not about the money. As I've said before: once it's divided by six, it's a drop in the bucket for the needs represented by these 6 ministries/families.</div>
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But what it IS about is obedience. For me. It's about extending the impact of a mission trip beyond my personal experience to sowing a seed into the work long term. It's about supporting ministries that prevent the need for adoption as much as I support adoption. It's about looking for opportunities right in my neighborhood to serve widows and orphans, and not ignoring those needs right in front of me because they require an extra measure of daily sacrifice and availability from me. </div>
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It's about narrowing down the wide circle of orphan care needs--- to not be overwhelmed by the great need to the point of inaction, but instead to DO SOMETHING. It's about seeing where God can use me RIGHT NOW, RIGHT HERE as I sit at my kitchen table typing-- surrounded by dirty dishes and piles of laundry and a full inbox and pressing responsibilities--watching what He might do with a willing heart and available hands and a widow's mite. </div>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>So bear with me. Rather--<i>JOIN</i> with me. Only $5,210 to go! :) If I get annoying, I apologize! Know my heart is to SPEAK UP, and so I may get a little loud over here! ;)</b></div>
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You'll see me do a few different campaigns and set mini-goals to continue to use <a href="http://lwaproject.bigcartel.com/">my store</a> to bring in funds. You'll see me highlight each ministry and family over the next few weeks, and you'll hear from each of them specifically. You'll be encouraged to give directly to them in a tax deductible way (and then let me know so I can count it towards my total). And if I have to get creative and think outside of the box and try something new, I will! </div>
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So this week--I'm doing a</div>
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<b>48 in 48 Campaign & Giveaway!</b></div>
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The first order of shirts came in and they are AWESOME! I've already had some more orders come in, but I need to hit a minimum quantity to reprint at the lowest cost.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ops2gXv28xk/UWLyEfdVYiI/AAAAAAAABdg/8xgRHWiCgpQ/s1600/576850_10200771152512000_1741711538_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ops2gXv28xk/UWLyEfdVYiI/AAAAAAAABdg/8xgRHWiCgpQ/s320/576850_10200771152512000_1741711538_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bIUy0Zyg3lk/UWLyEcOiN2I/AAAAAAAABdk/AjgS_M7K4xU/s1600/526790_10200770725261319_1763393017_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bIUy0Zyg3lk/UWLyEcOiN2I/AAAAAAAABdk/AjgS_M7K4xU/s320/526790_10200770725261319_1763393017_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>So I need to sell 48 shirts---24 Love with Abandon and 24 Speak up designs!</b> They can be <u>any</u> of the available styles (tanks, short sleeve, or long sleeve!), but I need <b>24 total of each design</b>! The hope is to get these printed ASAP so those of you who want them for Mother's Day will have them in time.</div>
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And I want to get these orders <b>in the next 48 hours</b>! So: <b>48 in 48</b>!</div>
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<b>Can you help?! </b></div>
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<li><b>Buy your own shirt <a href="http://lwaproject.bigcartel.com/">here</a>! </b></li>
<li><b>Share the link to this post or to <a href="http://lwaproject.bigcartel.com/">the store</a> on facebook, instagram, twitter, or your blog! Ask others to share too!</b></li>
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Then comment below and let me know how you have shared! You get one entry in the giveaway for each way you share! I will draw <b>TWO lucky winner</b>s-- and both will get their choice of a SPEAK UP tote or a Love With Abandon MudLove band! We're going to run this for 48 hours(ish), so entries must be received by <b>Wednesday, April 10th, at midnight</b>.</div>
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I'll keep you posted on FB as to how many have sold, so you can count down with me! Thanks for your prayers and support!</div>
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<b>SHOP! SHARE! COMMENT BELOW!</b></div>
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<b>LET'S ALL </b></div>
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<b>LOVE WITH ABANDON!</b></div>
<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-61024611824049648562013-03-13T08:46:00.000-04:002013-03-15T11:37:20.981-04:00LWA Project: The Waulks big news!! · March 13, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IahwOLe-LBA/UTZXZyNGJkI/AAAAAAAABcw/HKhaKfSQ6Uc/s1600/LWA+project+title.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IahwOLe-LBA/UTZXZyNGJkI/AAAAAAAABcw/HKhaKfSQ6Uc/s320/LWA+project+title.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, week one has passed and we still have a long Way to go to get to $6,000, friends!!<br />
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Thank you to those of you who have shopped, shared the link, and send encouraging messages. This is a labor of love and I will labor as long as I need to--in it for the long haul! ;)<br />
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The Waulks revealed some big news on their blog this weekend, news I was not allowed to share last week. Hop on over and you'll see why I HAD to include them in this project!!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfW3qSkVWg8/UTVqW0PivyI/AAAAAAAABb8/uNqBVwcb1vA/s1600/waulk+fam+pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfW3qSkVWg8/UTVqW0PivyI/AAAAAAAABb8/uNqBVwcb1vA/s320/waulk+fam+pic.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.waulkbyfaith.com/2013/03/threes-company-too.html" target="_blank">Waulk's blog</a></div>
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Isn't that awesome?! So let's keep going!! Below are the ways you can be a part of this project to support 6 awesome ministries/families!</div>
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<b>THE STORE</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.lwaproject.bigcartel.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wWneLVdREqk/UTZS3yvEfNI/AAAAAAAABcc/13o4KDaXVfA/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-03-05+at+3.17.08+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">SHOP* <a href="http://lwaproject.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">here</a>!! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">Share the link on your facebook and/or on your blog! </span></li>
<li>Donate directly to <a href="ttps://www.egsnetwork.com/gift/gift.php?giftid=8E200D83-91C3-453F-9CB2-2ED393E3B329" target="_blank">Bring Love In</a></li>
<li>Donate directly to <a href="http://hopeforhischildren.org/?page_id=25" target="_blank">Compassion Families </a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>(PLEASE make a note in donation that it is for Compassion Families--this organization supports other ministries)</i></span></li>
<li>Donate directly to <a href="https://www.egsnetwork.com/gift/gift.php?giftid=D860CB27-BE6A-4EE3-AB44-F066C0C97914" target="_blank">Embracing Hope</a></li>
<li>Donate directly to <a href="http://lbcpinellas.com/giving" target="_blank">LifeBridge Church</a></li>
<li>Donate directly to <a href="https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=PG6u9D1sjD7DeM88AMBOaI_9mpSB-q53ZG3gvYLsISzKDHUZTkvcgOgx5UK&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8dd75b1e1ec3ad97b7af62835dd81d5d52" target="_blank">the Waulk family</a></li>
<li>Donate directly to the Davis family:</li>
<ul>
<li>Paypal a donation to scrappycdavis@yahoo.com</li>
<li>Davis Children Trust, c/o Everbank, 26417 US Highway 19, Clearwater, FL 33761</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<i>(If you would prefer to donate by check to any of the above, please <a href="mailto:walserhome@tampabay.rr.com" target="_blank">email me</a> for information.) </i><br />
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<b><i>(Please please let me know if you donate directly so I can count it in my total for fundraising!)</i></b><br />
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<i>*Keep in mind, this is a<b> pre-order</b>, so while I have stock in a
few things, most items will not ship until the end of March. I
appreciate your patience so I can keep my costs as low as possible and
give the MOST away possible!!</i>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-3374248534944052782013-03-05T15:37:00.004-05:002013-03-09T23:30:56.413-05:00LAUNCH: Love with Abandon Project!! · March 5, 2013I am sooooooo excited about what I'm going to share with you today! It's my version of March Madness!! I may be crazy to think it can be done but I've decided to LOVE BIG and go for it anyway!<br />
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A few weeks ago I wrote <a href="http://walseradoptionadventures.blogspot.com/2013/02/one-year-later-what-i-learned-about.html" target="_blank">a post about my "take away" from my mission trip last year</a>. Part of what I <i>didn't</i> mention is that even as soon as I got back, I felt the Lord pressing on me to do what I am about to share with you. And while I blame a busy life for the delay, I also feel the Lord's timing is perfect, and that this, right now, is the perfect time. I read <a href="http://bringlove.in/ready-to-mess-up-your-life/" target="_blank">something Levi from Bring Love In wrote</a> on their blog a few weeks ago as well, and let's just say--it was the "kick in the pants" I needed to launch.<br />
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Last year I raised approx $2500 for my mission trip. I decided I wanted to raise DOUBLE that amount to give to orphan care. And thus was born the<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IahwOLe-LBA/UTZXZyNGJkI/AAAAAAAABcs/HGg53KajyJY/s1600/LWA+project+title.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IahwOLe-LBA/UTZXZyNGJkI/AAAAAAAABcs/HGg53KajyJY/s320/LWA+project+title.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>I am setting a goal to raise $6,000 during the month of March </b>so I can give $1,000 each to 6 different needs, each addressing the orphan crisis in a different way. (Originally I planned to raise $5,000, but I'll explain why that changed in just a second.) Let me share with you first <b>WHO</b> I'm fundraising for, and then tell you <b>HOW</b> I plan to do it!<br />
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<b><a href="http://bringlove.in/" target="_blank"><u>Bring Love In </u></a></b> </div>
Levi and Jesse are the awesome couple behind Bring Love In, which works
to create new families in Ethiopia by pairing a single mom and her
children with other orphans in a home unit, providing a family structure
and support for a lifetime.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MfyCVpW2dpE/UTVfkm6lqBI/AAAAAAAABbM/TvNJjtTMolY/s1600/BLI+pic+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MfyCVpW2dpE/UTVfkm6lqBI/AAAAAAAABbM/TvNJjtTMolY/s400/BLI+pic+2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VzrssjUBx6g/UTVd3vFgRpI/AAAAAAAABbA/VopGYEUff7I/s1600/BLI+pic+1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VzrssjUBx6g/UTVd3vFgRpI/AAAAAAAABbA/VopGYEUff7I/s400/BLI+pic+1.png" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<b> <a href="http://compassionfamily.org/" target="_blank"><u>Compassion Families Intl</u></a> </b></div>
Peter and Elizabeth run Compassion Families, which provides drop-in centers for kids who need schooling, and/or after
school care, also helping with needs like uniforms and school supplies
and clothing and shoes. Making it a little easier for those families
who are struggling to provide basic needs for their children.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SnlX1gU6e_U/UTU1uMvpddI/AAAAAAAABaI/6hC3CB74P70/s1600/CFI+pic+2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SnlX1gU6e_U/UTU1uMvpddI/AAAAAAAABaI/6hC3CB74P70/s400/CFI+pic+2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8OLW7dUc0o/UTUrWh_j8yI/AAAAAAAABZ4/m8cZBfHqQf0/s1600/CFI+pic+1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8OLW7dUc0o/UTUrWh_j8yI/AAAAAAAABZ4/m8cZBfHqQf0/s400/CFI+pic+1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.embracinghopeethiopia.com/" target="_blank"><u>Embracing Hope</u></a> </b></div>
Jerry & Christy Shannon run Embracing Hope, and it was their daughter's genius idea to provide a free day care for single moms
so they can go to work without a child strapped to their back.
Providing food each week, and supporting the moms with micro-loans and
saving plans so they can look ahead with hope to a future being able to
provide for their family without having to beg or prostitute. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l86L5NY_yoU/UTVZa-Vt5aI/AAAAAAAABas/y6vjsyWT82I/s1600/EH+pic+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l86L5NY_yoU/UTVZa-Vt5aI/AAAAAAAABas/y6vjsyWT82I/s400/EH+pic+1.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c1F4padhi1I/UTVZQZrbxUI/AAAAAAAABak/6Q1ST7QAGvs/s1600/EH+pic+2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c1F4padhi1I/UTVZQZrbxUI/AAAAAAAABak/6Q1ST7QAGvs/s400/EH+pic+2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://lbcpinellas.com/" target="_blank">LifeBridge Church</a></b></div>
LifeBridge is my local church, and we just moved 6 months ago into a building that's located in the poorest zip code in our county. We are thrilled to be there, and each day the Lord is guiding us as to new ways to love the families in our area. We have a group of folks who walk kids back and forth to church on Sunday when their parents don't feel like coming. We have been running a soccer ministry in our back fiend since the local YMCA didn't have the space for a soccer program. And most recently, a local pregnancy center is moving into a part of our building a couple of day a week, offering counseling and sonograms. Our ministries to the broken families in our area are just beginning.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-veAEQpUY5fw/UTVkWRWe0SI/AAAAAAAABbg/me3q7uxvnPk/s1600/LBC+pic+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-veAEQpUY5fw/UTVkWRWe0SI/AAAAAAAABbg/me3q7uxvnPk/s400/LBC+pic+1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.waulkbyfaith.com/" target="_blank">The Waulk family</a></b></div>
The Waulks are our dear friends and part of our church family. Josh is our Executive pastor at LifeBridge. They adopted Karis 2 years ago, and are in the process of adopting domestically again, a baby due this summer. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfW3qSkVWg8/UTVqW0PivyI/AAAAAAAABb4/XxC1DoTU9Yk/s1600/waulk+fam+pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfW3qSkVWg8/UTVqW0PivyI/AAAAAAAABb4/XxC1DoTU9Yk/s400/waulk+fam+pic.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>The Davis family</b></div>
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When I first decided to do this project, I was going to set out to raise $5000 for the 5 causes above. My friend Christy happened to be one of the first people I told about my project, and she was so supportive and excited for my efforts. She has always been the biggest cheerleader and supporter of many of our adoptions, long before they even began their adoption process last year. They have been waiting to bring a little girl home from Ethiopia. But just this last week, her husband died tragically, leaving Christy and three beautiful children behind. As many of my friends and I grieved, prayed, and served her this last weekend, it dawned on my how close to home it was now---the charge to care for widows and orphans. Now it's my friend, and now it's her kids. So it didn't take me long to decide to add their family to my project.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLhnxYw4rlg/UTVplyuUBPI/AAAAAAAABbw/k11mx4Pd9SA/s1600/davis+fam.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLhnxYw4rlg/UTVplyuUBPI/AAAAAAAABbw/k11mx4Pd9SA/s400/davis+fam.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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********* </div>
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So that's the <b>WHO</b>. Now for the <b>HOW</b>. <b>And here's where you come in!</b></div>
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I am launching a store of fun items, and ALL the profits will go towards these ministries and families. My goal is to be able to raise $1,000 for each. I also will provide links where you can give directly if you prefer--just <u>PRETTY please comment below or message me</u> so I can count it in my totals! And if you can't give or shop at this time, if you'd <u>share the link </u>to this post on your facebook page or on your blog, I'd be so grateful!!</div>
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So it's my own version of March madness! : ) Are you in?! OK so here's the links you'll need:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wWneLVdREqk/UTZS3yvEfNI/AAAAAAAABcc/13o4KDaXVfA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-03-05+at+3.17.08+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wWneLVdREqk/UTZS3yvEfNI/AAAAAAAABcc/13o4KDaXVfA/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-03-05+at+3.17.08+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">SHOP* <a href="http://lwaproject.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">here</a>!! </span></li>
<li>Donate directly to <a href="ttps://www.egsnetwork.com/gift/gift.php?giftid=8E200D83-91C3-453F-9CB2-2ED393E3B329" target="_blank">Bring Love In</a></li>
<li>Donate directly to <a href="http://hopeforhischildren.org/?page_id=25" target="_blank">Compassion Families </a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(PLEASE make a note in donation that it is for Compassion Families--this organization supports other ministries)</i></span></li>
<li>Donate directly to <a href="https://www.egsnetwork.com/gift/gift.php?giftid=D860CB27-BE6A-4EE3-AB44-F066C0C97914" target="_blank">Embracing Hope</a></li>
<li>Donate directly to <a href="http://lbcpinellas.com/giving" target="_blank">LifeBridge Church</a></li>
<li>Donate directly to <a href="https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=PG6u9D1sjD7DeM88AMBOaI_9mpSB-q53ZG3gvYLsISzKDHUZTkvcgOgx5UK&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8dd75b1e1ec3ad97b7af62835dd81d5d52" target="_blank">the Waulk family</a></li>
<li>Donate directly to the Davis family:</li>
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<li>Paypal a donation to scrappycdavis@yahoo.com</li>
<li>Davis Children Trust, c/o Everbank, 26417 US Highway 19, Clearwater, FL 33761</li>
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<i>(If you would prefer to donate by check to any of the above, please <a href="mailto:walserhome@tampabay.rr.com" target="_blank">email me</a> for information.) </i><br />
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<b><i>(Please please let me know if you donate directly so I can count it in my total for fundraising!)</i></b><br />
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<i>*Keep in mind, this is a<b> pre-order</b>, so while I have stock in a few things, most items will not ship until the end of March. I appreciate your patience so I can keep my costs as low as possible and give the MOST away possible!!</i><br />
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OK people--let's do this!! </div>
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SHOP! DONATE! POST LINK!! Let's all LOVE WITH ABANDON!!</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">PC from Ethiopia & of Waulks to <a href="http://www.jessicaohphotography.com/say-hello" target="_blank">Jess Olivero</a></span></i>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-2736585185203592312013-03-01T16:52:00.000-05:002013-03-04T18:24:25.181-05:00Hard Days at Present//Exciting Days Ahead · March 1, 2013<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
I have been preparing for an AWESOME announcement and fun project for the month of March here on my blog. I'm been on the verge of bursting with excitement--it's going to be so great!</div>
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But this week a dear friend lost her husband, and life has come to a bit of a screeching halt. This week and weekend, I am grieving with and loving on this precious family.</div>
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So I'll be back on Monday, promise ya'll will stop by and see what all the hub-bub is about?? </div>
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And if you can pray for my friend and her three little kids, who are grieving the loss of a loving husband, wonderful father, and servant of Jesus--I'd be grateful.</div>
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She shared the song below with me--I had never heard it. I can't stop listening to it-- and bawling as I do. Hope it blesses you today as much as it blesses me. </div>
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<i>In your everlasting arms<br />
All the pieces of my life<br />
From beginning to the end<br />
I can trust you<br /><br />
In your never failing love</i>
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You work everything for good<br />
God whatever comes my way<br />
I will trust you</i></div>
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See you Monday.</div>
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<a href="http://s795.photobucket.com/albums/yy239/designsbyjenn/?action=view&current=heartsiggycopy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy239/designsbyjenn/heartsiggycopy-1.png" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-31689219846248968872013-02-06T12:06:00.000-05:002013-03-04T18:26:43.597-05:00One year later: what I learned about adoption on my mission trip <div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UtKv1g8fvXA/URKGMmeVJPI/AAAAAAAABWA/JSFWBZ1sZcY/s1600/407384_10150587078824234_1173146459_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UtKv1g8fvXA/URKGMmeVJPI/AAAAAAAABWA/JSFWBZ1sZcY/s400/407384_10150587078824234_1173146459_n.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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This time a year ago I was prepping and packing for a mission trip to Ethiopia. Many of you supported and helped send me and my team, and while I had every intent of posting my thoughts and reactions from that trip, I never really did. Pace of life, I guess. But then I read something today that took me right back to my emotions and feelings last year after my mission trip, a stirring reminder of what God taught me about adoption. </div>
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Our church took a team of about 10 people to Addis Ababa last February. We had a dual purpose: training for indigenous church planters and serving with widow & orphan care ministries. </div>
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When I went on <a href="http://walseradoptionadventures.blogspot.com/2010/05/three-months-five-stages-later.html" target="_blank">my first mission trip</a> to Ethiopia in 2010, I was in the middle of our adoption process. I had never been to a third world country. Truthfully, I had never been on a mission trip anywhere. I was broken, in a good way, but I can't help but think everything I processed was seen by me, at least in part, through the filter of our adoption. Of course I was motivated to share the love of Jesus with all those sweet children and to see the face of Jesus in the beautiful people of Ethiopia. But it was also another layer to our story, to understanding the why of our decision to adopt internationally, seeing first hand the great need, and falling in love with a country that is now a big part of our life.</div>
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And I felt confirmed in our decision to adopt, and to adopt from Ethiopia. I love adoption so much. I love the gospel so clearly on display. I love kids without families being fought for, being loved, and being pursued so intensely and sacrificially so they can have a forever home and a forever family. "One less." It didn't seem like much of an impact after witnessing such great need, but it was <i>something</i>.</div>
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Fast forward to last year. This trip was my fourth to Ethiopia, traveling with my husband and dear friends, excited to see my Ethiopian friends and serve with ministries I knew were awesome. Abby had been home for a little over a year, everything as smooth as one could ever hope for. I wasn't such a newbie anymore. I didn't know what God had to teach me on this trip, but I was ready. </div>
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No sooner had we landed and were loading up in the van at the Bole airport, that our dear Ethiopian friend told us he had news for us about Abby's birth family. While we've never gone into great detail about Abby's backstory publicly, suffice is to say our agency was, at best-- not helpful, and at worst--dishonest about the truth of Abby's background. We felt, though, that we had a general understanding. But we had asked our friend to do an investigation for us anyway, because we wanted to know about the area she was from, get any details from surviving relatives, etc. And while I won't go into details here, for the sake of Abby's privacy (since she hasn't really processed it all herself yet), suffice is to say what he uncovered was not the story we were told, and it was not as tidy as we'd have liked it to be. </div>
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And I will say this. It forced us to deal with the truth that adoption is a messy business. Worth the mess, and a wonderful answer to a great need--but it is only ONE answer. And what hit me hard on that trip last year was, is it the <i>best</i> answer? </div>
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Hear me out. In some cases, yes, it is. But perhaps in other cases, it's not addressing the systemic problem. And--<i>here's where it got tough for me personally to swallow</i>--it might even be perpetuating unethical practices because we are so focused on working hard to get kids into our families that we don't even see the opportunity to prevent them from needing to be there in the first place.</div>
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I think of all the time, energy, blood, sweat, tears, and CASH poured into bringing Abby home. Was it worth it? Would I do it again? Abso-friggin-lutely!! In a heartbeat. She's worth it. And God is soverign--no doubt in my mind He brought her to our family.</div>
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But--here's the rub. Am I willing to pour <u>as much</u> energy, time, resources, and passion into fighting to keep children <i>with</i> their birth families? Because I believe--and my eyes were opened to--many situations where mothers and fathers are giving up children for adoption because they do not have the means or ability to meet their basic needs. No parent should have to make that kind of decision. It's a harder problem to solve, and often waaayyyy messier to deal with. But as beautiful a picture as adoption displays of the gospel, isn't equipping a family to stay together and seeing it thrive also a beautiful picture of redemption and restoration? </div>
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And God knew my heart was ready to learn this. The timing of learning about Abby's family prepped my heart in an incredible way, to see with new eyes ministries I was familiar with but never really fully appreciated. He couldn't have orchestrated our time any better. We served with three ministries last year. </div>
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<a href="http://bringlove.in/" target="_blank"><u>Bring Love In </u></a>works to create new families in Ethiopia by pairing a single mom and her children with other orphans in a home unit, providing a family structure and support for a lifetime.</div>
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<a href="http://compassionfamily.org/" target="_blank"><u>Compassion Families Intl</u></a> provides drop-in centers for kids who need schooling, and/or after school care, also helping with needs like uniforms and school supplies and clothing and shoes. Making it a little easier for those families who are struggling to provide basic needs for their children.</div>
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And <a href="http://www.embracinghopeethiopia.com/" target="_blank"><u>Embracing Hope</u></a>, a little girl's genius idea to provide a free day care for single moms so they can go to work without a child strapped to their back. Providing food each week, and supporting the moms with micro-loans and saving plans so they can look ahead with hope to a future being able to provide for their family without having to beg or prostitute. </div>
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I could go on and on about these three ministries, how much I love the vision of each of these, how much I respect and admire the people who run them, and how amazingly effective the work they are doing is to support mothers and their kids, as well as caring for orphans within their own country. How beautiful it was to me for God to show me three very different ministries, all meeting a need in some way that helps---well, helps remove the need for adoption. At least in these cases. (If you're not familiar with them, you really should go visit their websites and pray about how you can be involved.)</div>
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Adoption is a great response. I'm just not sure it should be our first response.</div>
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<b>What I read today was this <a href="http://buildingtheblocks.blogspot.com/2013/01/on-other-side.html" target="_blank">blogpost</a>. Oh please. Go read it. <a href="http://buildingtheblocks.blogspot.com/2013/01/on-other-side.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> is what I'm talking about. <a href="http://buildingtheblocks.blogspot.com/2013/01/on-other-side.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> is my heart, laid out way better than I just did on my own above. </b></div>
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And I am convicted all over again. I want to be mobilized and advocating for the adoption of true orphans, particularly those who are overlooked or considered unwanted. <u>And</u>, with the same passion and fervor, I want to fight for kids to stay in their families. I want to support and advocate for ministries that share the love of Jesus and offer much needed help to women who just need a hand so they can care for their children. And I want to serve firsthand women facing these kinds of decisions and let them know they are not alone, that someone cares for them and for their children.</div>
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It's a <b>both/and</b>. The Walsers may or may not adopt again--we don't know. God hasn't led us clearly on that yet. But what He has clearly led us to do, both here in Pinellas County, Florida and in Ethiopia, is to seek out ways to support efforts to keep families together. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Still...one less orphan. One life at a time.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAsDn8CYvhQ/URKHk7HLWfI/AAAAAAAABWY/1nbFQI7CoFQ/s1600/417546_635022220170_538754025_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAsDn8CYvhQ/URKHk7HLWfI/AAAAAAAABWY/1nbFQI7CoFQ/s400/417546_635022220170_538754025_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://s795.photobucket.com/albums/yy239/designsbyjenn/?action=view&current=heartsiggycopy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy239/designsbyjenn/heartsiggycopy-1.png" /> </a><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(pictures by <a href="http://www.jessicaohphotography.com/say-hello" target="_blank">Jessica</a> and <a href="http://thisshubinclan.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Erica</a>) </span></span></i>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-60086433872854037532013-01-26T14:28:00.003-05:002013-01-27T20:14:47.430-05:00"Speak Up" Merch @ Created for Care<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
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<i>**Paypal is giving me fits. Just message me if you'd like to purchase or click the donate button to the right, and add $2 for shipping to the purchase price, and let me know in the "notes to seller" the items you want! Sorry for the hassle!** </i></div>
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I am blessed to be at Created for Care this weekend, attending as an adoptive mom and an exhibitor for my business, Proclaim Promo. I printed some t-shirts and totes to sell, and wanted to make them available to YOU too, even if you couldn't come to C4C!! </div>
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The shirts say "Speak up", and have the scripture reference Proverbs 31:8: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves." These were designed by my buddy Stephanie Moon, and they are sooooo cute!! I have short sleeve and long sleeve and they all fit true to size.</div>
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These are LIMITED TIME ONLY. I'm only printing what gets ordered. I will be taking orders through <b>Monday, Jan. 28th</b>. Below are the mockups, but see the picture at the top for what they look like in person. Use the paypal links below to order or message me if you have any questions!!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shSoxnR4GTs/UQQjzVQBTzI/AAAAAAAABUE/kqZQsCkojCE/s1600/Speak-Up_ts_totes-%28E%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shSoxnR4GTs/UQQjzVQBTzI/AAAAAAAABUE/kqZQsCkojCE/s400/Speak-Up_ts_totes-%28E%29.jpg" width="308" /></a> </div>
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<tr><td>Navy SS "Speak Up" tee</td></tr>
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<table style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;">
<tbody>
<tr><td>Rusty orange SS "Speak Up" tee</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os0"> <option value="XXS">XXS $20.00 USD</option> <option value="XS">XS $20.00 USD</option> <option value="S">S $20.00 USD</option> <option value="M">M $20.00 USD</option> <option value="L">L $20.00 USD</option> <option value="XL">XL $20.00 USD</option> <option value="2XL">2XL $22.00 USD</option></select> </td></tr>
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<tbody>
<tr><td>Cream SS "Speak Up" tee</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os0"> <option value="S">S $20.00 USD</option> <option value="M">M $20.00 USD</option> <option value="L">L $20.00 USD</option> <option value="XL">XL $20.00 USD</option></select> </td></tr>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtl0c0klk9w/UQQjzPuHvxI/AAAAAAAABT0/6ivK_BYMWMk/s1600/Speak-Up_ts_totes-%28D%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtl0c0klk9w/UQQjzPuHvxI/AAAAAAAABT0/6ivK_BYMWMk/s400/Speak-Up_ts_totes-%28D%29.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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<tr><td>Navy LS "Speak Up" tee</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os0"> <option value="XS">XS $30.00 USD</option> <option value="S">S $30.00 USD</option> <option value="M">M $30.00 USD</option> <option value="L">L $30.00 USD</option> <option value="XL">XL $30.00 USD</option></select> </td></tr>
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<tr><td>Yellow "Speak Up" hoodie</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os0"> <option value="XS">XS $30.00 USD</option> <option value="S">S $30.00 USD</option> <option value="M">M $30.00 USD</option> <option value="L">L $30.00 USD</option> <option value="XL">XL $30.00 USD</option> <option value="2XL">2XL $32.00 USD</option></select> </td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6zheyNKE1kM/UQQjyMlXd3I/AAAAAAAABTo/B4l5L_Qq8ts/s1600/IMG_7410.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6zheyNKE1kM/UQQjyMlXd3I/AAAAAAAABTo/B4l5L_Qq8ts/s400/IMG_7410.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<table style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr align="center"><td>MudLove bands</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os0"> <option value=""redeemed"">"redeemed" $8.00 USD</option> <option value=""hope."">"hope." $8.00 USD</option> <option value=""pray."">"pray." $8.00 USD</option> <option value=""believe."">"believe." $8.00 USD</option> <option value=""love."">"love." $8.00 USD</option> <option value=""love with abandon"">"love with abandon" $8.00 USD</option></select> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shSoxnR4GTs/UQQjzVQBTzI/AAAAAAAABUE/kqZQsCkojCE/s1600/Speak-Up_ts_totes-%28E%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><input name="currency_code" type="hidden" value="USD" /><br /></a></div>
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<table style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;">
<tbody>
<tr align="center"><td>decals</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os0"> <option value="I heart Africa black">I heart Africa black $5.00 USD</option> <option value="I heart Africa white">I heart Africa white $5.00 USD</option> <option value="Ethiopia heart/Africa black">Ethiopia heart/Africa black $5.00 USD</option> <option value="Ethiopia heart/Africa white">Ethiopia heart/Africa white $5.00 USD</option></select> </td></tr>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-72003408938731761482013-01-17T12:30:00.001-05:002013-01-17T12:34:06.055-05:00My family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qmZefxD27rM/UPgkqxKMfzI/AAAAAAAABQI/uVGKi8LlLrM/s1600/IMG_3335-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qmZefxD27rM/UPgkqxKMfzI/AAAAAAAABQI/uVGKi8LlLrM/s320/IMG_3335-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
Oh my heart.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
I am so blessed.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gQmdZ8xmUQE/UPgjBI0-qxI/AAAAAAAABOE/itbwe0befxk/s1600/IMG_3428.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gQmdZ8xmUQE/UPgjBI0-qxI/AAAAAAAABOE/itbwe0befxk/s320/IMG_3428.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
20 years with this guy. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
I've been married longer than I haven't been married.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
(Post on that next month. : ))</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gQmdZ8xmUQE/UPgjBI0-qxI/AAAAAAAABOE/itbwe0befxk/s1600/IMG_3428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DpVfpoNF124/UPgjBsQNJiI/AAAAAAAABOI/hCzhdr-eSoQ/s1600/IMG_3418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DpVfpoNF124/UPgjBsQNJiI/AAAAAAAABOI/hCzhdr-eSoQ/s320/IMG_3418.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
Love being their mom.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AF72oNJzSC0/UPgjB7vyJ5I/AAAAAAAABOM/gOxDweA0DzU/s1600/IMG_3476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AF72oNJzSC0/UPgjB7vyJ5I/AAAAAAAABOM/gOxDweA0DzU/s320/IMG_3476.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
This season with my girls is my favorite ever...so far. ; )</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
I never had a sister.</div>
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I love hanging with them.</div>
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They are my BFFs for sure. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7Q0KA8FNTw/UPgjHJDaqKI/AAAAAAAABOc/sUMYED_G9yo/s1600/IMG_3477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7Q0KA8FNTw/UPgjHJDaqKI/AAAAAAAABOc/sUMYED_G9yo/s320/IMG_3477.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
I don't think of them much as twins anymore.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
They are both so different.</div>
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I see God at work in them daily--</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
in the midst of both success and challenges--</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
and I'm watching them become men rapidly right before my eyes.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
It's so hard. And so wonderful at the same time. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Op9tVrntnI/UPgjMq5YynI/AAAAAAAABO4/gq793IOsYps/s1600/IMG_3499.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Op9tVrntnI/UPgjMq5YynI/AAAAAAAABO4/gq793IOsYps/s320/IMG_3499.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
Nathan</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7rVaiYhoXH4/UPgjQTyTsMI/AAAAAAAABPE/eYjoZdaHqTM/s1600/IMG_3504.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7rVaiYhoXH4/UPgjQTyTsMI/AAAAAAAABPE/eYjoZdaHqTM/s320/IMG_3504.jpg" width="213" /></a> </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
Josh </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P831wMWb_0w/UPgjJtroNjI/AAAAAAAABOk/8UoIKF2ehLs/s1600/IMG_3498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P831wMWb_0w/UPgjJtroNjI/AAAAAAAABOk/8UoIKF2ehLs/s320/IMG_3498.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
Hannah</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IEK2aqa6iZA/UPgjKI5Jl3I/AAAAAAAABOw/vT4B6b2TriE/s1600/IMG_3494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IEK2aqa6iZA/UPgjKI5Jl3I/AAAAAAAABOw/vT4B6b2TriE/s320/IMG_3494.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
Danielle</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7oma9S2fN6A/UPgjRGs9h1I/AAAAAAAABPQ/09DFa0KzxGQ/s1600/IMG_3508.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7oma9S2fN6A/UPgjRGs9h1I/AAAAAAAABPQ/09DFa0KzxGQ/s320/IMG_3508.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Op9tVrntnI/UPgjMq5YynI/AAAAAAAABO4/gq793IOsYps/s1600/IMG_3499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
Abby </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Hofs05wBQc/UPgjQHNC91I/AAAAAAAABPA/ScvyHhjcLMM/s1600/IMG_3541+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Hofs05wBQc/UPgjQHNC91I/AAAAAAAABPA/ScvyHhjcLMM/s320/IMG_3541+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
And thankful for this talented lady who</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
captured these wonderful pictures of my family.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
I am blessed to call you friend, <a href="http://www.seeingjoy.com/" target="_blank">Mandie Joy</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7rVaiYhoXH4/UPgjQTyTsMI/AAAAAAAABPE/eYjoZdaHqTM/s1600/IMG_3504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7rVaiYhoXH4/UPgjQTyTsMI/AAAAAAAABPE/eYjoZdaHqTM/s1600/IMG_3504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
A bit belated, but here's our Christmas card.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<b>Wishing you a glory-filled 2013!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://s795.photobucket.com/albums/yy239/designsbyjenn/?action=view&current=heartsiggycopy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy239/designsbyjenn/heartsiggycopy-1.png" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-35414666914693530532012-12-19T12:18:00.000-05:002012-12-19T12:24:28.310-05:00HOPE<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<i>I wrote this post a couple of weeks ago and never finished it or posted it. After the events in Connecticut on Friday, it seemed appropriate, and timely, to revise a bit and post.</i></div>
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A while back I saw this picture on instagram. A <a href="http://lovingtheleast.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">friend</a> had posted it.</div>
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And when I saw it, it was like the Lord spoke right to me. </div>
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Because lately, I am facing challenging situations in my life that seem to have no resolution in near view. I sense God asking me to trust Him, and yet I feel sometimes like there is little chance that things will change, get easier, or get better--at least anytime soon.</div>
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And I have accepted that there will be challenges and difficulties in life. I know that is part of living in this world. Wrestling with sin, suffering, sickness, injustice, evil, death. Those things are here to stay, until the appointed time when Christ returns, rights all wrongs, and sets straight all that we have mishandled in our efforts to rule our little areas of this great big kingdom.</div>
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I know that evil is real, and it is not just external to me. It starts inside of me. And as much as I long for God to set all things right, to come and punish injustice and bring peace, I know that I am the first one in line deserving His wrath. </div>
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And this is where the narrative gets beautiful, and it's especially wondrous this time of year. Because God did not leave me in that fearful place. HE CAME. Emmanuel. God with us. A child, and yet a King. The HOPE of nations. God became flesh and dwelt among us. And He came to die. </div>
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The manger in the shadow of a cross.</div>
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He came to make right all that I have done wrong. He came and brought HOPE. </div>
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So while I acknowledge the affect of sin in my heart and in those around me, I believe I have a choice to make. Will I believe that it can be different? I know the power of the One I follow and the miracles He can bring about. Will I trust and hope in things I cannot yet see?</div>
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While I want to always be willing to face challenges with grace and trust, and accept whatever comes from my Father's hand, I also want to believe the impossible--that God might chose to intervene, act miraculously, and demonstrate the same power that raised Christ from the dead.</div>
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And it is not something of me, mustered up or manufactured by me. HOPE has been <i>given</i> to me, to possess and to cling to when everything around me gives me reason to doubt. </div>
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David Wilcox wrote these lyrics:</div>
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<i>You say you see no hope, you say you see no reason we should dream <br />That the world would ever change, you're saying love is foolish to believe<br />'Cause there'll always be some crazy with an army or a knife<br />To wake you from your day dream, put the fear back in your life...<br /><br />Look, if someone wrote a play just to glorify what's stronger than hate, <br />Would they not arrange the stage to look as if the hero came too late<br />He's almost in defeat. It's looking like the evil side will win,<br />So on the edge of every seat, from the moment that the whole thing begins </i></blockquote>
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<i>It is...<br />Love who makes the mortar<br />And it's Love who stacked these stones<br />And it's Love who made the stage here<br />Although it looks like we're alone<br />In this scene set in shadows<br />Like the night is here to stay<br />There is evil cast around us<br />But it's love that wrote the play...<br />For in this darkness love can show the way.</i></blockquote>
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So given the choice I have, to despair and give up or to have hope--I choose HOPE. Darn it!! I choose stubbornly in the face of much opposition to hope in faith that my God CAN and WILL act on my behalf, and on behalf of so many I care about whose burdens seem too great to bear. His ways are not always mine, often they are above me and my ability to understand. But knowing His perfect LOVE and His perfect goodness, I'm going to believe and ask with boldness for Him to work out what He knows is the BEST.</div>
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<i>"But as for me, I will always have hope."</i></div>
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Psalm 71:14</div>
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When I feel beaten down and tired, I will always have HOPE.</div>
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When I have failed yet again, I will always have HOPE.</div>
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When reality falls short of my expectations, I will always have HOPE.</div>
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When I am not all that I know I should be, I will always have HOPE.</div>
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When the mountain is higher than I could have ever expected, I will always have HOPE.</div>
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When it seems like someone will never change, I will always have HOPE.</div>
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When evil seems to triumph over good, I will remember that it has not had the last word. It's day is coming. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And I will always have HOPE. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(P.S. I highly recommend reading the entire chapter of Psalms 71. See if it doesn't bless your socks off.</span>)<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy239/designsbyjenn/heartsiggycopy-1.png" />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-26750563414697904982012-11-16T08:58:00.002-05:002012-11-16T08:58:22.669-05:00Burlap Banner & Rosie Wreath crafts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, What better time to post a couple of fall crafts that a week before I decorate for Christmas! LOL Better late than never! ; )</div>
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I used to make crafts all the time when the kids were little, but it's been a while since I've let my creative juices flow and actually took the time to make something with my hands. This particular evening last month, Danielle and Abby and I had an evening to ourselves, so we set to work making a couple of fun fall decorations. </div>
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The first was a burlap banner. I combined a couple of ideas I saw on Pintrest to do this. I had printed on burlap before when we did a banner for our mission trip last year. So I created a template for the banner on my computer, picked a font I liked, and printed the flags. (Tutorial for printing on burlap <a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/2010/09/burlap-laundry-signhow-to.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) It's actually really easy, usually just a couple tweaks to make sure it doesn't jam in your printer.</div>
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Then I used a brown pompom strand I got for a buck, hot glued it to the burlap, and then added a few of my silk cocoon flowers from <a href="http://sabahar.com/" target="_blank">Sabahar</a> in Ethiopia. That put it over the top for me. : ) I love it.</div>
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The second craft was a wreath I saw on my friend <a href="http://imcarriedtothetable.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-fun-fall-craft.html" target="_blank">Lizzy's blog</a>. The link to the tutorial is <a href="http://theprettypoppy1.blogspot.com/2010/07/pretty-little-rosie-wreath.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Danielle worked on the roses while I was working on the banner. </div>
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Hot glue hurts. We decided to give Abby foam sheets to play with. : )</div>
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We actually finished it the next day. What can I say, we're out of "crafty" shape, we tire easily. Decided to watch a movie together and finish later. I really love the way it came out!</div>
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It was a fun time with my
girls and felt good to get "back in the saddle" of crafting again! I'm
inspired with Christmas right around the corner now! : ) Maybe you can
adapt one of these for a Christmas-themed craft, since most of us will
be taking down our fall decorations next weekend. Or, just pin it for
next year! ; )</div>
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Happy fall, ya'll!</div>
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<a href="http://s795.photobucket.com/albums/yy239/designsbyjenn/?action=view&current=heartsiggycopy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy239/designsbyjenn/heartsiggycopy-1.png" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-26345374928005788782012-11-07T10:12:00.000-05:002012-11-07T10:12:27.278-05:00When elections end in invasion<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Whether you are pleased or disappointment with last night's outcome, there is one thing I think we can all agree on. It is a privilege to live in a country where we vote to elect leaders. And, every four years, despite some heated campaigning and sometimes nasty bickering in the weeks prior, we watch as a peaceful transition of leadership occurs--or in this case, peaceful continuation of leadership. It is also amazing to me, politics aside, that in light of the marred history of this country, we have an African American as our president, now for two terms. While this doesn't make him more qualified, it does speak to the leaps and bounds this country has made and speaks to great opportunities for my daughter in the future.</div>
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But as wonderful as democracy is, it is also a scary thing. Decisions of choosing rulers left in the hands of imperfect people. The responsibility of the leadership of millions of people left in the hands of imperfect people. Because no matter who you voted for, it would have been impossible in this election [or any other for that matter] to elect a perfect president. He doesn't exist. You will inevitably take the bad with the good because that is the best they can offer, as human beings. And if we place all of our hope for our futures and for the future of this country in the hands of a man, we have trusted big things to small hands incapable of containing them.</div>
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And so as thankful as I am to be a citizen of this democratic country, I know my residence here is temporary. And my hope and peace is not in where I live right now, or what living here affords me. Greater and wider and weightier is the monarchy in which I reside, and in which I will permanently reside--a kingdom that has no end.</div>
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And it is written <span class="userContent"><i>“He removes kings and sets up kings.”</i> (Daniel 2:21) God is sovereign over our elections, and while I'll never fully understand the balance of His control and our vote, I believe He is much bigger than the electoral college. He appoints our leaders. </span></div>
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<span class="userContent">And for those who think I just said Jesus is a democrat, let me say this: God does not always appoint worthy leaders, or wise leaders. His end goal is not our earthly comfort or security, and often His will includes oppression and hardship. So--side note--enjoy our freedom and peaceful political processes while we have them in this country, because there are no guarantees for tomorrow. Blessings come in the form of both prosperity and suffering, and we should be prepared for both and looking for His purposes in both.</span> </div>
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Mostly, today, I am reminded that there is a day coming when there will be no election. And this is a wonderful thing. Because we do not know how to govern ourselves well. We are too marred by our own selfishness and pride and greed. But there is a perfect King, who is perfectly fair and perfectly kind and perfectly just and perfectly wise. He will take His rightful place, and decision time will be over.</div>
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<i>"So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, <span class="reftext"></span>and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."</i> (Phil 2:10)</blockquote>
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You may or may not be reeling after last night's outcome, you may or may not feel ready to deal with the ramifications for the next four years.</div>
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But are you ready for <i>that</i> day? Because we do not know when, but that day is coming.</div>
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Often we cry out when there is injustice and suffering in this world--where is God? Why has He not intervened? But I wonder if we know what we are asking for. Do we <i>really</i> want all things made right? Because if all is made right, and sin is punished, and we are all accountable, and justice is served--how will you fare? </div>
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CS Lewis writes:</div>
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<i>"God will invade. But I wonder whether people who ask God to interfere openly and directly in our world quite realize what it will be like when He does. When that happens, it is the end of the world. When the author walks on to the stage the play is over. God is going to invade alright: but what is the good of saying you are on His side then, when you see the whole natural universe melting away like a dream and something else-- something it never entered your head to conceive-- comes crashing in; something so beautiful to some of us and so terrible to others that none of us will have any choice left? For this time it will be God without disguise; something so overwhelming that it will strike either irresistible love or irresistible horror into every creature. It will be too late then to choose your side. There is not use saying you chose to lie down when it has become impossible to stand up. That will not be the time for choosing; it will be a time when we will discover which side we have really chosen, whether we realized it before or not. </i></blockquote>
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<i><b>Now, today, this moment, is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It will not last forever. We must take it or leave it.</b> "</i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You made your choice yesterday for the next four years. How about for eternity?</span><br />
<a href="http://s795.photobucket.com/albums/yy239/designsbyjenn/?action=view&current=heartsiggycopy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy239/designsbyjenn/heartsiggycopy-1.png" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-39405056481229939162012-09-22T16:38:00.002-04:002012-09-22T19:33:24.850-04:00And four teen[s] don't keep<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
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A few weeks ago I read <a href="http://www.drmomma.org/2011/08/babies-dont-keep.html" target="_blank">this poem</a> on <a href="http://momentswithlove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lovelyn's</a> instagram feed. I'd heard it before and it fits her season with twin babies so perfectly. It's not my season, but it's beautiful. <i>(I would've linked to her image, which was also beautiful, but I couldn't figure out how to do that since it didn't post to facebook.)</i></div>
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I decided I needed to write a version of "Babies don't keep" for <u>my</u> season.</div>
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Because it has beauty all it's own.</div>
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My daughter Hannah turned 14 yesterday. So I decided to title it<b>: </b></div>
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<b>Four Teen[s] Don't Keep</b></div>
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Get it?! four teens? fourteen? : )<i> </i>(Technically Danielle's a preteen but I decided I was allowed some wiggle room. I'm raising teenagers after all.) : )</div>
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So without further ado...</div>
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<u><b>Four Teen[s] Don't Keep</b></u></h3>
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Mother---uh, Moooooooom!<br />
come tidy your house.<br />
Do some of the dishes,<br />
get the laundry off the couch.<br />
Put away all your papers, for once make up your bed.<br />
Do you remember how to iron, or make homemade bread?<br />
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Where is this mom whose house is so shocking?<br />
Who used to return phone calls and enjoy friends and talking?<br />
Who's pace was slower, and routine simpler back when<br />
the kids were all home doing school in the den?<br />
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The crockpot was always simmering with stew<br />
and 'round a large table she fed all of her crew.<br />
Back when days were spent at the library and park<br />
and mommy and daddy had quiet evenings after dark.<br />
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I found her! She's in the suburban again<br />
driving the road to the school that she's been<br />
back and forth to ten times already this day<br />
picking up and dropping off different kids on the way.<br />
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Then to youth, then to games, then to the store for some socks<br />
Oh and don't forget to pick up the friend down the block!<br />
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They need money for this, they need money for that.<br />
And she's looking for someone to pull it out of a hat.<br />
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'Are you late, mom, I had to wait TEN minutes today?!'<br />
'Sorry your sister's dismissal was delayed.<br />
As hard as I try, I can't be two places at once.'<br />
A sigh, a latte, and a prayer for patience.<br />
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Get some pizza for dinner, I've got nothing at home.<br />
We'll have to eat in shifts and then get homework done.<br />
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And as I collapse on the couch for a chat<br />
my man is pulled into ensuing combat<br />
And what could've been shared quality time<br />
Becomes an evening spent mediating and disciplining crime. <br />
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For as you let out on the strings inch by inch<br />
they grab and they tug wanting more, and you wince<br />
Because sometimes more slack is just what they need,<br />
but maybe they need practice in how to concede?<br />
And there's no one to tell you how far and how much<br />
There's no book or expert to act as your crutch.<br />
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Each decision is different, and each kid more still<br />
You pray and you trust that you're doing His will.<br />
Because they're yours for a season, a season is all<br />
And you're sensing it's fading to colors of fall.<br />
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That soon they will leave, and while this always a home<br />
It will be visits and short terms... more often they'll roam.<br />
And the evenings will echo with absence of life<br />
void of selves colliding in laughter and strife<br />
no guitar riffs or pleas of injustice amassed<br />
no noise of the chaos of bedtimes long past.<br />
And my favorite chair will always be mine<br />
No one to fight for my spot all the time.<br />
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Where will we go and what will we do?<br />
Riding around in a suburban, just us two?<br />
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It's crazy and hard, and some days nothing's left.<br />
But it's where I am called, no one promised me rest.<br />
And ease, ha! I laugh to think how that could be<br />
With four teens to raise, their decisions unseen.<br />
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The driving, the noise, the hard of these days<br />
They are my gifts, my invitations to praise.<br />
Soon all this will pass and become memories<br />
I don't want to miss the glimpses of Glory.<br />
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So brew me some coffee, and make it real strong.<br />
Put it in my to-go cup so I can take it along.<br />
No more time for writing, there's no time for sleep.<br />
I'm chauffeuring my teens, and teenagers don't keep.</div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-81570075442999399552012-09-01T09:09:00.001-04:002012-09-01T09:43:51.297-04:00To Make a Life (Happy birthday Emma)<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
I have been excited for weeks to write this post. </div>
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And yet, as I sit here to do so, tears are welling up in my eyes and I am filled with sadness.</div>
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This is a happy day.</div>
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But it is also a sad one.</div>
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How it is possible that it could be both all at once?</div>
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I don't know. I just know that it is.</div>
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Two years ago <a href="http://walseradoptionadventures.blogspot.com/2010/09/so-we-grieve-we-rejoice-like-breathing.html" target="_blank">my niece Emma Jo was born</a>. But she never took a breath. </div>
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I miss her. I miss all that I could have fussed over and fawned over and bragged about, because she would've been the cutest kid ever. I miss seeing her with all of her family--aunts and uncles and grandparents and cousins-- because everyone else would have fussed and bragged too, and she would have been so adored. I miss seeing Dan & Julia raise and mold and nourish her little soul, because they would have been the best parents ever. And at times, when I'm reminded that this is forever their story--it knocks the wind out of me, and <i>I just hurt for them</i>.</div>
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But I think it was <a href="http://onethousandgifts.com/" target="_blank">Ann Voskamp</a> who reminded me, <i>who are we to label circumstances and events in our lives as "good" or "bad", some as "blessings" and others as "curses"? All is gift. All is grace.</i></div>
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Emma, as brief as her life was, was a gift. <i><br /></i></div>
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Part of what has been so beautiful to me, in these last 2 years, has been watching how honestly and openly <a href="http://thebeautywillrise.com/" target="_blank">Dan & Julia</a> have grieved, celebrated, hurt, cried, laughed, and struggled. It has strengthened my faith and shown me what trust and hope really look like when the world is turned upside down. And I'm so excited that now even more people can share in that encouragement.</div>
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Dan wrote a book. It is being released today, on Emma's 2nd birthday. I know, I know--I'm the aunt and of course I think it's awesome. But I'm not kidding when I tell you--it's one of the best books I've ever read. </div>
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This is where words fail. Words are tools for me, but I do not know how to use them like Dan does. I structure and build thoughts with them. He makes art with them. I make them useful. He makes them beautiful.</div>
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So instead of me telling you about his book, I will let him do so. Here is an excerpt from his prologue in the book: <b><i>To Make a Life</i></b>:</div>
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Our journey is garnished with unique experiences, singular twists and turns that we've navigated, particular scenes we've played a role in, but in truth, our narrative is no different that yours, than any human being's on this earth. You too were given breath out of your mother's womb. Your eyes were opened on a world teeming with possibilities unnumbered. You grew. You witnessed. And what did you see? What did you feel? Whether you were thirteen or thirty-three, and whether you articulated it or not, you felt at some marked moment the piercing pain of being cut by a shattered cosmos. A tear in the fabric of your soul. A cannon shot that propels you to a place where for the first time, you feel the mileage between yourself and God. And it's always paired with a paralyzing fear that you are all alone....we all know the rumble of that distant human cry rising from our depths, the core lament of a created being wailing out in the middle of the storm begging He that commands the winds and the waves to make it stop. </blockquote>
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I want to invite you into my storms and my confrontations with the God who claims, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." My prayer is that we might stumble together, heal together, and find hope together. We who often grapple around in the dark trying to make a life on this ever mysterious planet, may we see that God is, even now as you read these words, the light that will never fade, never falter, and will always lead you to the greatest treasure on earth: Himself.</blockquote>
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I can't think of a single person I know who wouldn't be blessed to read this story. Go here and get yours:</div>
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<a href="http://www.tomakealife.com/">www.tomakealife.com</a></div>
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You will thank me. That I promise. : )</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And Dan: To try and tell you how I feel about your book, I feel like a kindergartner with hands covered in finger paint telling Michelangelo--hey, I like what you drew on the ceiling. We have the same medium to work with, and yet </i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">my</span><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> words feel inadequate and clumsily pasted together when I try to express how I have been impacted by </i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">your</span><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> words. So I'll keep it simple. TMAL is beautiful. I mean it. It's breathtaking. You created an amazing gift. I am so, so thankful. And as I read it for the third time [this time with a fancy cover! : )], I would do well to just be silent, and let Glory seep through the cracks of your words and reveal Himself yet again to me as the loving, faithful, perfect Friend that He is. Love you </i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">ALL</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> so very much, Aunt Rachel</i></span><br />
<a href="http://s795.photobucket.com/albums/yy239/designsbyjenn/?action=view&current=heartsiggycopy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy239/designsbyjenn/heartsiggycopy-1.png" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-85184299779352194202012-08-28T11:32:00.001-04:002012-08-28T11:37:20.439-04:00Insta-summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Joe has a recurring dream that he signed up for a college class, forgets about it until the end of the semester, and then realizes he has to take a
final for a class he never went to.</div>
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Last night I dreamed that I had a blog I used to write all the time, but I forgot about it and went about my life and then one day realized I had not actually posted anything in months.</div>
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Then I woke up. And I realized I wasn't dreaming. : )</div>
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I'm not sure where summer went--it evaporated. My only proof that it did in fact occur is my instagram feed. So to share a bit of my life the last few months, here's a sampling of what's been on my instagram feed----hence the title: insta-summer.</div>
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[Appropriate in more ways than one, I'd say, since it felt like an instant, and then it was over.]</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nCbBCHNPJn8/UDmCv1wRoGI/AAAAAAAABHI/IxWxFpxKarw/s1600/540607_4075949347928_346443960_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nCbBCHNPJn8/UDmCv1wRoGI/AAAAAAAABHI/IxWxFpxKarw/s320/540607_4075949347928_346443960_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My kids grew up. Three of them graduated from 8th grade.</div>
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I have this picture as the background on my phone and I love it.</div>
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It reminds me how fast this time goes...reminds me to stop and savor the moments. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VWdTrED9Th4/UDmC007KAzI/AAAAAAAABIc/RSGzAwuOfHQ/s1600/582242_4082344467802_2097919596_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VWdTrED9Th4/UDmC007KAzI/AAAAAAAABIc/RSGzAwuOfHQ/s320/582242_4082344467802_2097919596_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Josh and Nathan turned 15.</div>
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Could not be prouder of the men they are becoming. </div>
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Both of them got these. Pray for me.</div>
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I hate being a drivers ed teacher. </div>
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Celebrated the best father on the planet.</div>
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He makes it look easy.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VQRWslXaDbs/UDmCcyrDEPI/AAAAAAAABEE/nykS2LxuzHQ/s1600/250953_4107008364384_452462083_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VQRWslXaDbs/UDmCcyrDEPI/AAAAAAAABEE/nykS2LxuzHQ/s320/250953_4107008364384_452462083_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LaJjqaMp64c/UDmC1kDwpOI/AAAAAAAABIg/aod0IlRxRAk/s1600/625415_4365983678605_1719935883_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Spent some time with my buddy Jessica from NJ.</div>
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Guess what?! She and her hubby will be adopting their first kiddo!! Yay!</div>
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Spent some time in Californ-I-A</div>
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being refreshed and renewed with my hubby.</div>
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Thankful for this retreat that is a gift from our network & our church.</div>
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Love him.</div>
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Had never had it. Had to try it.</div>
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Flew through Dallas.</div>
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Providence had this directly across from our gate.</div>
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Proof that there is a God and He loves me mucho.</div>
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Spent the weekend with these amazing ladies at</div>
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the Gospel Coalition Women's Conference. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jTWDv8f7QZI/UDmCfdt9mMI/AAAAAAAABEg/41msl6zJtYQ/s1600/285729_4143558798122_1890372671_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jTWDv8f7QZI/UDmCfdt9mMI/AAAAAAAABEg/41msl6zJtYQ/s320/285729_4143558798122_1890372671_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Fed by Piper...among others.</div>
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A privilege to be there.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYSMYSkDIn8/UDmCzCUU-zI/AAAAAAAABH4/TPCnJXI-zQU/s1600/575373_4186324147229_1022369407_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYSMYSkDIn8/UDmCzCUU-zI/AAAAAAAABH4/TPCnJXI-zQU/s320/575373_4186324147229_1022369407_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've been reading alot this summer.</div>
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This blessed me and made me sad at the same time.</div>
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So well written and a touching story.</div>
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I just get sad when the beauty is celebrated over</div>
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the One who makes all things beautiful.</div>
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But I guess that's another blog post...</div>
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Annual fireworks stand for the church.</div>
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GREAT fundraiser and lots of fun!</div>
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So we fell in love with Downton Abby.</div>
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Last episode of season 2: AH-MAZING. </div>
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(This was our set-up before they added Hulu to apple tv. : ))</div>
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Mom came to visit.</div>
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We had a blast. </div>
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And Joe baptized her at the beach!</div>
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So blessed by all God is doing in my mom's life. </div>
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We had a week where all the boys were gone--</div>
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it was just us girls.</div>
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It was busy. But we squeezed in an evening of girl's time. : )</div>
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Dinner. Shopping. Starbucks. Chick flick from Redbox.</div>
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One of my favorite nights of the summer.</div>
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Why do we need Trader Joe's in Tampa?</div>
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2 words:</div>
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Cookie butter.</div>
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Hannah decided we didn't have enough excitement in our lives.</div>
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It was just a few stitches and actually the most pleasant trip to the ER I've ever had. </div>
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Except when she screamed from the shot and scared the poor 4 year old next to us. </div>
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We did alot of this in the evenings.</div>
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Just hanging out together.</div>
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Yea, I spent my fair share of time at the apple store this summer. </div>
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Working with out BridgeKids staff, </div>
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prepping for our kickoff Sept 2nd!!</div>
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I am so blessed to serve alongside some pretty awesome folks.</div>
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Joe has many gifts. Making these is at the top of the list.</div>
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The kids had a busy summer--not too much down time.</div>
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Hannah had color guard practice all summer,</div>
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including a week of 8-10 hour days at band camp.</div>
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So glad she's found a place she enjoys to work hard with a team. </div>
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Danielle went to adventure camp.</div>
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I think she kinda likes the big kids moving on to high school,</div>
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and coming out of the shadows a bit. Having her own turf.</div>
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My boys spent a week at Masterpiece Project,</div>
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a Christian arts camp.</div>
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Lucky ducks. </div>
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I stalked the facebook page every day to see pictures from camp.</div>
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I missed them more than I thought I would. </div>
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Refferalversary #2! </div>
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Can hardly remember life before</div>
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this energetic and joy-filled presence entered our family!</div>
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In a matter of weeks,</div>
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our <a href="http://lbcpinellas.com/" target="_blank">church</a> was offered this building to rent,</div>
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made the decision to move,</div>
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prepped and painted the space,</div>
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and made the move.</div>
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A shot of before.</div>
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A shot of after.</div>
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Working hard or hardly working?</div>
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LOTS of painting.</div>
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Our prayer wall, underneath the final coat of paint.</div>
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God moved us into a more diverse, more impoverished area,</div>
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and we couldn't be more thrilled to be there. </div>
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May we be known by our love. For His glory.</div>
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<span style="color: black;">First service!</span></div>
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Our puppy Cupcake got very sick, very quickly.</div>
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We thought she had some sort of stomach bug.</div>
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Turns out she was experiencing full on kidney failure.</div>
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We'll never really know why, but we knew we had to let her go.</div>
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We all loved this dumb dog.</div>
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She brought our lives much grief in her 6 years,</div>
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but she also brought us great joy. </div>
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It was a huge loss for all of us.</div>
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We all claimed her, but she was my dog.</div>
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I still miss her.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zd_decRaPgo/UDmCnEli2OI/AAAAAAAABE8/tKTq8T8B2Cw/s1600/312032_4406081681030_1837044363_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zd_decRaPgo/UDmCnEli2OI/AAAAAAAABE8/tKTq8T8B2Cw/s320/312032_4406081681030_1837044363_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's surreal to me to have 3 kids in highschool.</div>
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Since I just graduated a couple of years ago.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krAu7d6XAFU/UDmCo_5GN7I/AAAAAAAABFc/SHeauzxzk6U/s1600/387122_4406207644179_1623187088_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krAu7d6XAFU/UDmCo_5GN7I/AAAAAAAABFc/SHeauzxzk6U/s320/387122_4406207644179_1623187088_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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I am so thrilled for Abby to start school.</div>
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This one has needed a classroom setting and some structure.</div>
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I just know she will thrive!</div>
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So there you have it. It isn't everything, but almost. It flew by. </div>
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Now let's hope I'm a little better about blogging so we don't have to have insta-fall! : )</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Are you on instagram?? Find me @rachelwalser and let me know where I can find you!</span></div>
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-50618550084544435002012-06-07T12:50:00.003-04:002012-06-07T13:00:39.175-04:00Fifteen. (and an awesome giveaway!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wmkx1i5-3Ok/T9DUcGmhjmI/AAAAAAAABCs/LcXZ-5cfggI/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wmkx1i5-3Ok/T9DUcGmhjmI/AAAAAAAABCs/LcXZ-5cfggI/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fifteen. </div>
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It's too fast.</div>
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And yet it's perfect timing. </div>
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Some days, I can't believe I get the privilege of parenting these two young men.</div>
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Old enough to drive.</div>
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Old enough to get a job.</div>
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Officially high schoolers.</div>
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They are stewarding their gifts well.</div>
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Handling their freedoms and responsibilities well.</div>
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Understanding their calling well. </div>
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Not perfectly. But well.</div>
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And that's all we've asked of them and could hope for them. </div>
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This is the verse I'm clinging to as the years continue to fly by:</div>
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<i>In his heart a man plans his course,</i><br />
<i>but the LORD determines his steps.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Prov. 16:9</span></div>
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I love the sovereignty of God.</div>
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For so many reasons...but as a parent---</div>
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it is a rock to cling to in uncertain waters, in uncharted territories,<br />
as we let out the rope, inch by inch, with each passing day.<br />
</div>
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Trusting not in my kid's ability to make all the right decisions.<br />
But rather trusting in their Savior and Father to hold them tightly<br />
in the loving arms of His perfect will for them.</div>
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<a href="http://walseradoptionadventures.blogspot.com/2010/06/boys-2-men.html" target="_blank">My hopes and feelings are the same as they were when we entered the teen years:</a></div>
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<i> Josh & Nathan: if you
ever stumble upon this post, know this: you mom is your #1 fan. I love
your jokes and enjoy your company and think you are brilliant. I love
all your skateboard tricks and guitar riffs and as far as I'm concerned,
your BB's hit the bulls-eye every time. During these teen years, I
will probably yell when you eat all the luncheon meat on one sandwich
and nag at you to pick up your dirty laundry on your bedroom floor and
ask you repeatedly to turn down your amp and probably want too many hugs
in front of your friends. But in my heart, I am hoping beyond hope
that God will use me, just a little bit more before you're gone, to help
refine and detail the masterpiece He is creating. Because you are
that. His masterpiece. Men of God. It is a privilege to be your mom
and to be a part of your story. I love you.</i> </div>
</blockquote>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e7b6HQg1XJk/T9Dbahu8t8I/AAAAAAAABDE/ebWHZcZ7f70/s1600/IMG_4153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e7b6HQg1XJk/T9Dbahu8t8I/AAAAAAAABDE/ebWHZcZ7f70/s320/IMG_4153.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy birthday, Josh & Nathan.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">PS. Will you head over to my friend </span><a href="http://momentswithlove.blogspot.com/2012/06/all-for-love-giveaway.html" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" target="_blank">Lovelyn's blog</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> and be a part of bringing precious Esther into her forever family?!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Love is doing a super cool giveaway--you won't want to miss out on it!! K? K.</span> </div>
<a href="http://s795.photobucket.com/albums/yy239/designsbyjenn/?action=view&current=heartsiggycopy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy239/designsbyjenn/heartsiggycopy-1.png" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-17982842874440414452012-05-15T08:34:00.003-04:002012-05-15T08:35:39.153-04:00Erica's post-"Adoption is NOT cool"<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
My friend <a href="http://thisshubinclan.blogspot.com/2012/05/adoption-is-not-cool.html" target="_blank">Erica</a> posted <a href="http://thisshubinclan.blogspot.com/2012/05/adoption-is-not-cool.html" target="_blank">this</a> yesterday and I had to repost. She has articulated well what has been on my heart since we returned from our mission trip in February. Hopefully it will motivate me to blow the dust off my half-written post discussing some of these same issues and post it here soon---because I think those of us who have advocated for adoption (and specifically our own), owe at least an equal amount of time and attention to awareness of the bigger picture. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><a href="http://thisshubinclan.blogspot.com/2012/05/adoption-is-not-cool.html" target="_blank"><b> Adoption is NOT cool.</b> </a></h2>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Did I get your attention? Are you ready to throw tomatoes? <br /><br />Hopefully
you'll at least take the time to read through this post to get where
I'm coming from. No, I haven't gone mad and suddenly become some crazy
anti-adoption advocate. I have become more of a child advocate in
different ways and I've taken a long hard look at the orphan crisis and
I'm continuing to develop my thoughts on the matter. Come take a walk
through my brain.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><br />As the waters of international
adoption in Ethiopia have become murky, wait times increase and people
wonder what the future holds, it has caused me to wonder what has
changed. Why has adoption in Ethiopia gone from a huge need to an
almost demand? The quick answer? Because of us. Yes. That's hard to
swallow. Yes its painful. That doesn't change the reality.<br /><br />Let me explain.<br /><br />Ethiopia
is home to over 5 million orphans. Of those orphans a much smaller
number are actual double orphans or in layman's terms truly in need of a
family. This means that many of these children have at least a mom or a
dad that would like to care for them. Yes, I said that. I said it
because its true. Mothers and Fathers don't generally give up their
children unless they feel they HAVE to. As a mother I know this is
true, I would challenge any mother that said it wasn't. Some children
actually have family members that would care for them if that was
financially possible for them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Adoption is necessary because we live in a broken world. </b></span></i>
<i><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Its not glamorous. Its painful. </b></span></i>
<i><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">This is a difficult subject. Not
everyone wants to hear it and some just honestly don't know. I used to
be in the "I didn't know" group. Because I used to be in that place I
feel that much stronger about the need to speak out. We need to
advocate for change, stand up for those who have no voice (James 1:27)
and work on the ethics in international adoption vs. pretending
everything is great. Yes, even if that means waiting longer or stopping
to correct things.</span></i>
<i><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Just because we feel "called" to adopt doesn't mean we should throw ethics to the wayside.</b></span></i>
<i><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I'm sure some of you are sitting back
saying "sure, now that she's home with her kids she can get on the
ethics bandwagon". I've been pretty pointed about my feelings on ethics
from the beginning. It was what drove our agency choice and
unfortunately knowing what we know now I cannot in good conscience
recommend them any longer. Much of the things we've learned/seen have
come about after the fact and much in part because we stayed in Ethiopia
for a month and saw a lot of what was happening at a ground level.
Asked questions and pushed for answers. We can't help the timing but we
also can't sit back and be silent. </span></i>
<i><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b>God doesn't need us to solve the orphan crisis. He allows us to be apart. We need to advocate on ALL levels. </b></span></i>
<i><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span></i>
<i><br /><span style="font-size: small;">My reason for finally posting this blog that's been written for months is simple.<b> I can't be silent.</b>
As adoptive parents we owe it to ourselves and to our children to be
educated on what's going on in the world of International adoption.
(domestic as well but that's a completely different blog post)</span></i>
<i><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b>We must advocate, we must be honest, and we must speak up! </b></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">So how do we fix it? I believe its a complex issue and there is no "right" answer. I do think that adoption <b>is </b>part
of the solution for the orphan crisis but I think in some respects
Christians have come to a place of thinking its OUR job to solve this.
God doesn't need us to solve the orphan crisis. Nope. Not a bit. Do
we really think He's not capable of righting all wrongs all on his own?
He does however invite us to be apart, he commands us to care for
orphans and widows. Fight for the oppressed, speak up for those who
cannot speak for themselves. Adoption is part of that. I don't think
adoption is ALWAYS the right answer. Please bear with me in what I'm
about to say next. I don't believe that God wants us to adopt children
who have been taken from their parents. That is NOT Gods intent. I've
heard some say "well he/she is still better off with me". Really?
Better off with you or me vs. their biological family that God designed
and sovereignly placed there? I don't think so. It seems we're missing
the point. Where are the adoption agencies with STRONG family
preservation programs? <b>Are we advocating for KEEPING kids IN families or are we just worried about building ours?</b>
Shouldn't our first and foremost goal be to keep families together? If
mama is giving up her baby because she doesn't have the $30 a month it
costs to support her family shouldn't we do something about that? I
think so.</span></i>
<i><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span></i>
<i><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Now let me back up a little before you completely stop reading. Please hear me. <b>I DO believe there is a true need for families to adopt</b>,
I just don't think that need is as HUGE as its currently being played
out in some countries. I do believe there are children of ALL ages that
need families. Yes, that includes infants, toddlers, HIV+ kids,
special needs kids, and teenagers that desperately need families! BUT
my question is do we have our focus correct or are we just adopting
because WE want another child or because its our "mission"? What's the
purpose of adopting a child and leaving a mother or family for that
matter heart broken when $30 a month could change the circumstances?</span></i>
<i><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span></i>
<i><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Adoption agencies are making money on
adoption. I know some of you may find that cruel and mean but it's
true. Adoption has become a "business" of sorts. PLEASE don't get me
wrong, I love adoption, I love many adoption agencies and I think they
are doing the best they can (some better then others) but I urge you to
please look at the whole picture. ASK your agency what their family
preservation programs look like. That would be the deal breaker for me
if we were to adopt again.</span></i>
<i><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Many people assume we adopted because it was the "cool
thing" or because we like Angelina and Brad a whole lot. Neither of
those are true, well I do kinda like Brangelina but that had zero to do
with our adoption choices. Adoption is not for wimps! It is hard. It
is messy. Anyone who thinks otherwise should spend a day in the life of
a family fresh home with their new baby/child! </span></i>
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>I write this not to cause an
international uproar, I write it because its important. I write this
because we have personal experience and we cannot be quiet. I write
this because I cannot be silent. As adoptive parents we must advocate
for mothers, for children, those waiting, those adopted, those who will
be adopted. All of them matter. All of them deserve an advocate</i>. </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
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<img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy239/designsbyjenn/heartsiggycopy-1.png" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /></blockquote>
<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15697239063411684310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2045214551087450368.post-76549773804950438332012-05-02T11:00:00.002-04:002012-05-02T11:14:37.423-04:00Frothy coffee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had some deep thoughts to discuss today, but decided to hold off on those and instead touch on a very, very important issue: my morning coffee.</div>
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See the picture above? This is a Kaldi's Macchiato <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(photo by <a href="http://thisshubinclan.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ms. Erica Shubin</a>)</i></span>. When I'm in Ethiopia, I drink these two at a time. They are amazing. I know Starbucks and Dunkin and others claim to serve macchiatos, but I'm sorry, friends. There is only one. It is unparalleled in flavor, rich and smooth, with just the right amount of froth and sweetness. Ah-maaaaazzzzzing.</div>
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But let me back up. See, my issues really began quite a long time ago. I could blame my mom, who was the first to introduce me to coffee. As a six year old, she was serving me cream and sugar with a bit of coffee to get me out of bed in the mornings <i>(I'm not sure why, something about me being a bit grumpy when I'm sleepy in the mornings.)</i> From elementary school forward, I've always had a cup of coffee in the morning. </div>
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Or I could blame my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, who were the first to introduce me to Starbucks coffee years ago when we lived with them for the summer. At a time when Joe and I were broke and in seminary, we survived on ramen and hot dogs to make room in our monthly budget for Starbucks coffee. Once we'd had it, we could never go back to Folgers.</div>
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[Thanks to Mom] I'd always had my coffee with Coffeemate and sugar. But when I went on Weight Watchers after Danielle was born, I was told to cut my calories. So I switched from sugar to splenda. This was not easy to do, and it took me 3 weeks to get used to the taste before I finally enjoyed my coffee again. But I endured through the transition, and for years I enjoyed my coffee this way. In ignorant bliss.</div>
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<i>(Are you still reading this? You must not have much to do today. : ))</i></div>
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Then, my health-nut, all-natural, fitnessy-guru friend told me I should <u>not</u> have spenda OR coffemate because they are artificial and loaded with corn syrup and could cause cancer and my body thinks it's sugar anyway so I'm probably gaining weight from it while I'm slowly killing myself and yada yada yada. </div>
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So, in a effort to again make a healthy choice, I decided to change my coffee routine. I ditched the coffeemate and began using half and half. And I switched to stevia. </div>
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Blech. Yuck.</div>
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It tasted bitter and the half and half was too rich and I just wasn't happy. And, frankly, not much has changed since Mom had to rouse me as a sleepy six year old---it can make for some pretty grouchy mornings around here. <i>Me no yummy coffee=me no happy.</i></div>
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So for the sake of family harmony and my own sanity, I began experimenting with my coffee. The goal: come as close to a Kaldi's macchiato as I can, without the sugar. I won't bore you with the many combinations of coffee types, ways I brewed it, different types of milk-- from regular to coconut to almond to soy-- etc, etc. It's been weeks of alot of trial and error, but the good news is--I think I finally have a cup of coffee that I enjoy in the morning that won't kill me prematurely.</div>
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Joe calls it <b>frothy coffee</b>. I know, clever. I think for years it's been called a latte or cappuccino, but <i>[probably because of his military background]</i> Joe has a need to rename things that have perfectly good names with his own special names. And somehow, they always stick. So without further ado...here's <b>Frothy Coffee</b>.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ffiMMpA_dz8/T6E8PQBKEeI/AAAAAAAABCY/KITNfQ_iP7Q/s1600/photo_4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ffiMMpA_dz8/T6E8PQBKEeI/AAAAAAAABCY/KITNfQ_iP7Q/s320/photo_4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I start with Starbucks espresso coffee. (The exception would be if I had Kaldi's espresso coffee, but I'm out and planning to fill a suitcase next time I go to Ethiopia.) I do like to use the french press, but since it's usually just me, the Keurig is easy and quick. I use a reusable filter and use the lowest amount of water setting.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WVN9fm7sNrE/T6E8LuBN8SI/AAAAAAAABCQ/qJ6eXB5XkTQ/s1600/photo_2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WVN9fm7sNrE/T6E8LuBN8SI/AAAAAAAABCQ/qJ6eXB5XkTQ/s320/photo_2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Now this is the fun part. THIS is the key to frothy coffee. You need a frother. <a href="http://www.target.com/p/Aroma-Hot-Froth-X-Press-Electric-Milk-Frother/-/A-13759561" target="_blank">This one</a> I found at Target for $29.99. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Trust me, this one works and is cheap and I've tried many of them. Thank goodness for Target's return policy. In fact, Josh said maybe if I spent as much on his clothing as I did on coffee accessories he wouldn't have to wear the same pair of shorts to school every day. I told him in my best soup nazi voice--no frothy coffee for you!!)</span> </i></div>
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Now, you can use whatever kind of milk you like. But I will warn you--almond milk and coconut milk do not froth as well. If you use regular milk, they say one with less fat froths better, but I can't say I found that to be true. I have settled on vanilla soy milk, which does have some sugar in it, but not much and it's just sweet enough for me. Plus, you really only use about 1/4 cup of milk in each cup of coffee, so a little goes a long way. (Oh and if you get this frother, use the cappuccino attachment, not the latte one--you get tons of froth that way.) It takes about 3 minutes to froth, so if you start it first, then brew your coffee, they're both ready at about the same time!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o79BMiVf0Tc/T6E8GrYM0DI/AAAAAAAABCA/_iBhcGBcyKk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o79BMiVf0Tc/T6E8GrYM0DI/AAAAAAAABCA/_iBhcGBcyKk/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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And because I do like it sweet, I add 1/2 packet of stevia to the hot coffee before I pour in the milk. <i>(What can I say, Mom ruined me.)</i> I don't know if I'll ever be able to get the coffee to have the same consistency as Kaldi's. But I stir as I pour in the hot milk and froth, trying to froth up my coffee a bit. Then I put the rest of the froth on top.</div>
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(By the way, I did this with decaf chai tea last night instead of coffee---YUM!!! New nighttime fave! Oh and the kids can use this frother for some pretty yummy hot chocolate!) </div>
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And there you have it. <b>Frothy coffee</b>.</div>
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I'm sorry to go on and on. But hey, if I've saved even one life today, it was worth it.</div>
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Bottom's up! : )</div>
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