A Recap

For family, and anyone else who might be interested, allow me to present a Halloween recap:

On Friday we attended the Halloween party in Mya's classroom. The boys were thrilled to be there. Really.

Just as Sean was ready to loose it, it was time to go home. I had the privilege of carrying a thrashing little boy (who wanted to walk by himself through a crowded parking lot), encouraging two big boys to stay close, and talking a little girl out of crying because she was being asked to walk through grass in the rain. It was wonderful mommy/kid bonding time. Did I mention it was raining? Really.

For Halloween this year we had three puppies and one kitty. A huge thanks goes out to Aunt Leslie for helping put the costumes together. I think they turned out rather good. Really!

After bringing home way too much candy, Mya waited patiently in front of the door just waiting for trick or treaters to come so she could fill their bags with candy. I think this is her favorite part of trick or treating. Really.

Now comes the job of monitoring their candy in-take until the monster stash is gone. Including the more difficult job of monitoring my candy in-take. Sigh. Really.

A Free Event you don't want to miss!

For all you locals, I wanted to make you aware of a great opportunity to hear an amazing God-story! I have had the privilege of hearing Lysa speak before and trust me, you want to go! Details are as follows...

Lifesong for Orphans presents...

National Orphan Sunday Community Wide Gathering

Pontiac Township High School - Pontiac, IL

November 15, 2009 at 2pm

Our prayer is that this event will raise awareness for orphan care and adoption within the community and allow the Lord to stir in the hearts of believers all over this state.

Lysa TerKeurst from Proverbs 31 Ministries will be sharing her incredible testimony and adoption journey.

Admission is free of charge, tickets are by reservation only. For tickets contact Christi at 309-747-3558 or by email at christi@lifesongfororphans.org.

Book Review: What Difference do it Make?

Before I start my review of What Difference Do it Make? I have to ask a question.

Have you read Same Kind of Different as Me?

If the answer is no, go find a copy and read it.

It is a book that tells the true story of an art dealer, a homeless man and the amazing woman who brings them together. It tells life stories. Real people trying to figure things out. Making mistakes along the way, but ultimately making a difference in a big way. I think you will discover it is worth your time to pick it up and read.

You don't have to read Same Kind of Different as Me first, but I would. Once you have I think you will want to pick up What Difference Do it Make? In this book you will find a continuation of the story of Ron Hall and Denver Moore. You will read a story of reconciliation (between Ron and his father). You will read nuggets of wisdom from Denver and you will hear stories of how every day people are making a difference.

We all want our lives to count for something. We all want to make a difference. But sometimes we get too caught up in "our" lives. We stop looking for opportunities. Or those kind of opportunities (the "difference making ones") seem too far out of reach.

Both books offer a reminder that "normal" people can make a difference, but it takes action.

They also offer an interesting look, as well as great insight, into the plight of the homeless.

And if none of these reasons to read pique your interest, how about this, the books tell a good story (especially Same Kind of Different as Me).

If you have read Same Kind of Different as Me, I'd love to know... what did you think?

Wordless Wednesday - You Never Know Where Thomas Will Turrn Up 4

To see more of Thomas's Favorite Stops go Here!

In All Things

They say there is a silver lining to every cloud.


I know, I know that is so cliche, but you gotta admit looking for the silver lining makes the cloud so much more enjoyable.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says "Give thanks in all circumstances." Sometimes easier said than done, but giving thanks does help one focus on the good rather than the bad. There is always something to be thankful for isn't there? Even in the direst of circumstances?


My circumstances last week were not dire, but they did give me cause to practice thankfulness in all things. The flu bug hit my little buddy. We had to cancel plans, including a visit to dear friends who (because of distance) we see far too little as it is.

I felt sorry for myself for a little bit, but then gave thanks. Thanks for the extra cuddles I received from my sick baby boy. Thanks because we were forced to slow down and stay home (during an especially busy season). Thanks for recovery and health.

My little buddy is doing much better. Although now that he is feeling better, he has decided to become a little more grouchy and demanding giving me a whole new set of circumstances to be thankful in!

Follow the Bread Crumbs

If you read my blog you know I have a heart for the orphan. It is a journey God has taken me on, enlarging my heart as I go, giving me the desire to do more.

The exciting thing is, I am not alone on this journey. I know for a fact that many of you who read this blog are on similar journeys. The ministries may differ. Your heart may want to make a difference in the lives of teens, or pursue justice through groups like IJM, or reach out to those in poverty, or... you get the idea.

God places different pieces of his heart within ours and the result is people becoming his hands and feet, making a difference in the world, impacting others for His kingdom.

Isn't it exciting!!!

I'm reading a book called Embracing Your Freedom: A Personal Experience of God's Heart for Justice by Susie Larson (one I would highly recommend by the way!). In it Susie shares a quote by Sara Groves that I love and want to share with you. I think it sums this up perfectly!

Sara says: My journey is going to be different than yours. I'm just following the bread crumbs God gives me and I follow where He leads. One step at a time, a little at a time, as God leads, I take on more responsibility to be God's hands and feet for the sake of justice. You can do the same. Just do what He says and follow where He leads.

I wish you blessings from above as you follow the trail of bread crumbs He leaves for you and thank God that even though our journey's may be different we can still encourage each other along the way.

Wordless Wednesday - I think we Need to have a Talk about How much Toothpaste is too Much...