One More Home

*** I am writing this post as part of the Summit 9 Blogger Giveaway. Check out all the details at http://www.summit9.org/  *** I am a Kentucky girl. I was born here back in 19....never mind, and I spent my years growing up in the city of Lexington until marrying a Marine that took me to various locations before coming back to stay in 2000. I love my home state. In the years that we were a military family, I did not enjoy the flat plains of Oklahoma and I thought the beaches of North Carolina were okay, but not enough to firmly plant my roots there. No, when the chance came for us to pack it up, we headed back home. However, there are a few items where some might say I am a little lacking in my love of all things Kentucky. They are as follows: I am not a fan of bourbon. Even when you wrap it in chocolate, it still tastes nasty. I live in a town known for making the stuff, and I can honestly say, it smells when you make it, and it smells when you decide to ruin a perfectly nice...

So, I wish I could tell you that I came up with that title because, hey, there are no longer 147 million orphans in need of care. And well, there aren't...... Remember when I recommended that you find the time to read orphan justice ? Well, one of the first statistics that he threw out that hit me was, " According to UNICEF, 153 million kids worldwide have lost one or both parents due to all causes." 153 So, yes, 147 is no longer 147. You know, it hasn't been too long that I've even entertained a thought about orphans and how I might reach out. I've glossed right over scripture that said anything specific, and just grouped them in with the poor and needy and called it a day. I give canned goods during a food drive, I'm helping the poor. I donate clothing, money, Christmas gifts to those in need. Helping the poor - check, check and double check. I even sponsored one of those kids you see on TV. Hello people, I have got this thing covered. But then...

Oftentimes, someone will ask, "Do you know of anything good to read?" And being an avid reader, I can give you a list of selections that are favorites of mine. So, why not give you a book recommendation or two while I'm writing this blog? Especially when one subject I focus on when reading non-fiction material is adoption and orphan care. While perusing the aisles of Lifeway a few weekends ago, I had intended to pick up David Platt's newest title. But, instead, I found this: Orphan Justice: How to Care for Orphans Beyond Adoptiong  by Johnny Carr, a gentleman who works for Bethany Christian Services, an organization that promotes adoption, fostering, and orphan care. I was intrigued by the idea that there might be some new ideas in here that I had never considered when it came to caring for the orphan. However, I was not prepared to be overwhelmed by just how much bigger the orphan situation is. Care about the HIV/AIDS crisis? Many children find themselves wit...

HOPE: To cherish a desire with anticipation To expect with confidence: TRUST     I adore that first definition, don't you? Anytime I see the word cherish, it makes me think of holding a small thing in my hand, cradling it gently, and doing all that I can to make sure it comes to no harm. It's near and dear to my heart, I want to see it grow and flourish. And right this moment, I have hope. A hope that I cherish, a hope rooted in a desire that stirs within me and won't allow me to leave it behind, a hope that gets me so giddy with anticipation that it makes my stomach do flip-flops.    However, while I am living with this hope expecting  that change will take place, I can run a little low on the confidence and trust. For now, my hope and I are taking baby steps, trusting that if I walk in obedience to what I feel God has called me to do and to say, that this won't end in disaster. All confidence I have is firmly rooted in Him. On my own...