"God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called"

I've been reading Philippians lately and some things are being revealed to me. I think I've always "known" these things but for some reason they are just really clicking now. I don't know why really- well, I guess I do know why. His timing is perfect and let me tell you, He's been working double time on me.
Paul wrote Philippians while in prison (well, under house arrest) to thank the Philippians for a gift but also to encourage them. Okay, so HE was in PRISON and ENCOURAGING THEM??!! Paul was at what most of us would think of as "the lowest point" yet he continued to encourage others.
I'll make this short and sweet-
I believe that we all should strive to be like Christ by showing humility to everyone and looking out for and taking care of others. We are called to be like Christ in our attitudes and deeds and "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." Phil 1:27
No one said that being a Christian is easy. In fact, to be a Christian is possibly even more difficult than being a non-believer. I know I've missed many moments to witness because of my own fear and pride. But those moments cannot be changed. I am truly sad that I missed them, but I must be like Paul and even at my lowest point, encourage others.
I pray for those who feel like right now they have nothing. Financially, all has been stripped from them. Hubby and I talked about this today over lunch. He said "I pray we never get to that point." And he's right...but what if that's not part of the plan? How many stories in the Bible are there of people leaving or losing everything to follow HIM? It only makes you stronger. Be encouraged! "God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called."



Super fun stuff going on here today- can you tell?! This is our kitchen table after a morning of homeschooling. When I see this I think that we've accomplished something- well, at least I hope.
Actually, I don't remember packing tape being part of our lessons this morning! Maybe it served as a beautiful wrist accessory at some point.

Hoedown updates- AMAZING!!! I can't tell you how many people I've met while trying to get donations who have truly blessed me. Their stories are inspiring! No, it's not about me but I have a new faith in people.

People who have no idea who I am have offered again and again to donate items and services to help raise money for this awesome ministry. Thank you to all of you!! Readers, please visit their links (to the right) and let them know just how awesome they are- and well, buy stuff, too!

Just a little encouragement-

I generally try to stay clear of these types of things because I don't want to step on any toes or start a debate that's not worth debating. BUT....and here goes....did anyone else see how many points the stock market dropped today?! Yeah, that's right- 777 points!!! Now, don't get the wrong idea, I am not excited. The economy is not the greatest (has anyone else noticed?!) BUT 777!!! What does that number remind you of? Maybe that we are not the ones in control. Maybe it's a reminder from God Himself. My hubby actually brought that to my attention, and it's pretty amazing if you ask me. Okay....not another word.

In Him,

E

New blog design and donations!

Isn't it amazing!! I just love the new design. Leave me a comment and tell me what you think. Nikki from Blogs for a Cause designed it- go check her out. She has a great thing going!

And check out all those donations!!! AAAAHHHH!! People are amazing. I see God's face all over this Hoedown and can't wait for the day. Please, visit the sites to the right and let them know how much we appreciate their support.

More news later.....have a blessed Sunday worshipping our Lord!
In Him,
E

God is good!

Sorry, I am still around! I have been working double time on the Hoedown, homeschooling and just making sure my girls feel loved. The greatest thing just happened....my little one shuffled in after a good night sleep with a book in hand. I think it's so very important to literally drop what we are doing to spend time with our kiddos, so that's exactly what I did. Put the emailing on hold and curled up in our big chair for a story. It was so wonderful spending some quiet time alone with such an amazing little person. She told me about the dream she had while sleeping and talked about what plans she has for her day. She's such a great girl!!



I see God's hand in everything these days. Maybe I am just finally taking the time to wait for Him and look for Him. Hubby's business has been in "a drought" as he calls it. He has work but hasn't been signing any new jobs. BUT 2 days ago the drought ended!!! He has signed several jobs this week and for that we are so grateful!! God is good!



HAY!! We have so much HAY- well now I can say had so much hay!! When we baled the pasture in the spring we thought we had buyers for all 850 bales. Wrong!! We only sold about 50 and had to pick every single square bale up out of the pasture to store in the barn. It has been sitting there ever since. Until last week.....first someone bought 100 bales, then someone bought 25. Uncle Shuck's Corn Maze came out Tuesday for 87 bales. A friend is taking 40. THEN, yesterday we had two calls- one for 150 bales and another for 80!!! YEEHAW!! The hay is going away! We honestly don't know how some of the people are getting our number. We listed in the Farmer's Market Bulletin a few weeks ago but our ad isn't in the latest bulletin nor listed anywhere on the site. Thank you Lord!!



I have been praying for our Hoedown. I felt a while back that we should not only have the Hoedown again this year but also include a cause that is so worthy of publicity. We chose Reece's Rainbow because we feel a strong call to help orphans with Downs. We thought that the easiest and possibly most finacially rewarding thing to do would be to have a silent auction during the Hoedown. I am truly overwhelmed by the donations we have received already and we still have a month to go!!! Please, visit their sites and support them- they have opened their hearts to help RR.

Noodles and Milk- beautiful, trendy baby items

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6195475

Todd Wilson, the FamilyMan

http://www.familymanweb.com/

Bumble Beadz- super cute game piece pendants

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5463454

Hockey Tickets!

Yipee!! Jim Hall, with Gwinnett Gladiators, donated two tickets to a game for the silent auction. We participated in their "Hat Tricks for Reading" program last year and got to attend a game with free and super cheap tickets. What a blast!! Thanks Jim!

Jim Hall
Director of Community Relations
Gwinnett Gladiators
ECHL Affiliate of the Atlanta Thrashers
phone: 770.497.5109
e-mail: http://us.mc580.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jhall@gwinnettgladiators.com
website: http://www.gwinnettgladiators.com/

Back to hair clippity things......

As promised and new donations!!

Personalized Bulletin Boards
As promised, here is a picture of one of the fabulous bulletin boards my sister-in-law made for one of my girls. And yes, it really is a bulletin board and a beautiful one at that! She has donated two personalized boards (you pick style and colors) to the auction. All three of my girls have completely different tastes but she seemed to capture each individual style perfectly.
M is super talented, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with for the winner! We don't even put anything on the girls' boards because we don't want to mess them up. They truly are keepsakes.
Pssst....I'm sure she'll take orders even if you can't make the Hoedown. Let me know if you're interested and I'll put you in contact with her.



More Hair Clippity Things
Also, we are still plugging away at the hair clippity things. We're trying to make them pretty and professional looking in the presentation- what do you think?

Lotties Loops

And don't forget to check out our newest donator's (is that even a word) site. She makes the cutest hairbows (and don't even think about comparing her's to mine- I don't want to hear it!).

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5439174

I also got an email from a friend of mine today who is donating some furniture. You guys are truly amazing, I tell you! I can't wait to see what God can do through all of you for these kids.

Donations from some amazing people!!!

I am so amazed by the response I have gotten for donations to the silent auction. These people now hold a special place in my heart. Some of them I've never even met except through email but they have embraced this cause and are sending me items to help raise funds for Reece's Rainbow. Please, visit their sites and go as far as to thank them for their kindness and support. Here is a small sampling of what's to come:

Southern Sassy Pants for some to die for personalized items

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=36371

The Nesting Place for some not so necessary but essential (can't they be both?) tassels

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5545623

Academy Music School for an impressive way to teach the love of music to little ones

I especially love the "Recorder Karate".

This lady has gone above and beyond and donated 2 FULL sessions- one for Recorder Karate and one for Musikgarten. The total value is around $400!!!

http://www.academymusicschool.com/

Tupperware- good ole tried and true

my.tupperware.com/lisamw

Nature's Table Cafe to find some super yummy, healthy treats

Our good friend owns this new restaurant and ohh, it's super good!

http://www.naturestable.com/

Usborne books- very educational, high quality books.

www.ubah.com/G1791

I will post a photo of an example of the super cool bulletin boards that my sister-in-law makes in just a little bit. She has made one for each of my girls and we just adore them! She truly captures each child's personality with each board. A keepsake at a great price!! M has donated 2 boards to the auction!!!

So, if you want some unique items for Christmas and would like to support a great ministry at the same time, here's your chance. Have a blessed night- I have some auction work to do.

Amazed,

E

BLINK!

I must first say that I participated in the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer this morning and had a blast! It was easy compared to last year- this year I signed up as a Sunday only walker meaning that I skipped (yes, I am a wimp) yesterday's 20 miles and opted for today's 10 miles only. Weather was awesome- a cool 60ish when we started. But last night....

Last night was one of those nights that I wish I could freeze in time. Nothing earth shattering, but a most precious time here on the farm. We made pizza and ate on the front porch. After dinner we were trying to decide what to do as a family when I had the greatest idea...let's have our first outside fire of the season. The temperature was crisp- perfect. Of course, I wasn't planning for this most exciting event so wasn't prepared with one essential. Marshmellows! So with hot chocolate (green tea for the oldest 2) in hand, we headed out to a wonderful fire made by my guy. We just sat there.....and sat there....and sat. Talking and spending some much needed quality down time together. We told stories- very funny stories made up by my kiddos. One of those moments that I wish I could save forever- BLINK.

Kind of like the moment the other night when my 2 youngest asked to pitch the tent and sleep in the backyard. While I lay there reading them the latest bedtime story, I remember how blessed I am- BLINK.

Like watching the face of my middle one when she finally figured out how to walk on stilts. She is determined, I must say. This child LOVES everything (well, most everything) about life and faces everyday with such joy! She is now up to over 90 steps on the stilts without falling and has a smile on her face the entire time- BLINK.

Then there was the other day when our youngest fell. Our oldest daughter, without skipping a beat, scooped her up to comfort her- just as a mother would- BLINK.

I wish I could freeze all these moments. I BLINK and take pictures in my mind hoping to save them forever. My girls are growing up right before my eyes. I don't like it but it's something I can't prevent. So, I will love every moment that God has given me with them. I want them to be strong women who love the Lord. I want them to be good mothers. As much as I want them to stay little and be with me forever, I also want them to succeed in all they do and know that I am proud of whatever they decide.

Society places such importance on wealth and things. I try so hard to instill in my girls that these things don't last and absolutely don't buy happiness. I want them to love who they are and for people to be able to see the Lord through them. That's my prayer.

Remember to BLINK and freeze those moments...
In Him,
E

Be Still...

Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This verse grabbed me earlier this evening. God trying to (for the 49th time!!) get something through to me? I think so. I have been requesting and requesting and requesting. I have such a hard time being still...being quiet...being patient. I feel Him working in my life and through me. Does His plan for me match up with the plan I have for myself? Probably not. Am I okay with that? Absolutely. I have the "peace of God". I believe that He gives each of us gifts and passions for a reason.

Adoption- I want another child(ren) so badly! Is this what He wants for our family- only He knows. I am trying, trying, TRYING to be still...be quiet...be patient. Oh, it's so hard! Maybe His plan for me is not to have more children. Maybe the plan He has for me is to put the desire to adopt in someone else's heart. I will follow Him- regardless! Yes, my heart may be broken but that's okay. I'll just keep on praying.

Update on the Hoedown-

We have had some wonderful people donate some most amazing items for the silent auction!!! I am asking permission from them to post their contact information. Hopefully you will be able to view their websites in the next few days. A small glimpse of some items-

Music lessons

Personalized pillow

Usborne books

Pet sitting

Babysitting

Lotions and soaps

Artwork

Specialty cupcakes

We are so excited! Please, let me know if you are willing to donate a service or item to the auction. We will advertise for you during the Hoedown and include your contact info in our "thank you" flyer. 100% of the profit raised will go to Reece's Rainbow!
Have a blessed night (morning- yawn!).
E

Please pray

My sweet, sweet middle child and I a couple of years ago

These angels need our prayers- www.reecesrainbow.org/atrisk.htm! These are children who have limited time left or have medical conditions in addition to Down Syndrome. I'm not sure how many of you know about orphans in other countries. Those that have disablities in particular are at the greatest risk. Many countries in Eastern Europe institutionalize children at the young age of 4 if a family has not been found for them. Many don't live to see their 5th birthday! Institutions are not equipped with the right therapies, medicines, staff and other tools to help these angels.

Did you know that 9 out of every 10 mothers (parents) who find out prenatally that her child has Down Syndrome decides to have an abortion? 9 out of 10!! Those numbers are so mind bloggling to me. God creates every single one of us in his image- EXACTLY how we are meant to be made. Fortunately, not one of us is exactly like another. I tell my girls every time they say that I'm weird or silly or whatever that I am proud to be all of those things. Those things make me who I am- EXACTLY how He planned me!

Hug your kids today. Read them a story. Tuck them in tonight with a sweet kiss....because halfway around the world there are children who won't be hugged, won't be read to and won't be tucked in by a parent who loves them so very much.

After tucking those little ones in tonight, find a quiet place and fall to your knees. Ask God for strength for these little ones and as my own little one always says "that families will be lead to orphans".

Hair Clippity Things

Well, at least that's what we call them. And they are oh so cute!!
We truly were inspired today at Hobby Lobby. Using the change from our "Mission Jar" we came home with some great treasures. All items we are making will be sold either at the Hoedown or in the silent auction at the Hoedown- make sense?! The colors did not turn out well at all in the pictures but you get the idea.
We are selling the Clippity Things for $5 per set of 2. These are made with the larger sized clips (appr. 2 inches in length). The girls and I are making some for the little bitties with much daintier heads which will sell for $4 per set of 2. We will also be offering ponytail holders with one large flower for $3 each and stretchy hairbands with large flower for $5 each. I have already had one friend place an order so just in case you won't be able to make the Hoedown, rest assured you can place an order now. ALL PROFIT WILL BENEFIT REECE'S RAINBOW!!
Stay tuned later in the week for more colors (Confetti, Keylime Pie and BOO! just to name a few) and much, much more!!

Coming to a Hoedown near you...

From top left to right-

Christmas Tree (red and green), 80's (dark hot pink and sparkley black)

Jack 'o Lantern (orange and sparkley black), Autumn leaves (orange, red and khaki)

Clouds (khaki and blue/white dot), Go Dawgs! (black, red and grey)

Raggedy Ann (white and blue with red dot), America (red, white and blue)

Cotton Candy (pink and white), Springtime (green, white and dark pink)

Cupcake (khaki and pink), Icecream Sundae (pink, red and white)

Please, say a prayer for hubby tonight- he was drafted to help cut circles for the centers of the clippity things and I'm afraid he'll never be the same.

Have a blessed night!

E

Something my girls and I talk about often...

Hoedown for Downs....YEEHAW!!

We are so happy to announce that our annual Fall Hoedown will be even more exciting this year. In addition to the old fashion fun- chili cookoff, sack races, hayrides, bobbing for apples, pumpkin seed spitting and more- we will be having a silent auction to benefit REECE'S RAINBOW!!!

Silent Auction-
We have already received some amazing donations- pet sitting services, babysitting services, custom little girl tutus, little boy superhero masks and capes, Creative Memories items, specialty cupcakes and more!!
NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL!! If you would like to donate an item or service, please let me know by October 8th so I can include you in our "thank you" flyer. I will also need direct contact information (business card and/or brochures) to place with your items. Since you will be helping us out, I want to help you out with as much exposure as possible.

"Make a Change"-
We are asking each family to save change over the next few weeks and bring it with you to the Hoedown. Imagine how much we could send to this wonderful ministry if we all brought even $5 worth of change!!! The family to bring the most change will receive an awesome prize!!
So strap on your boots and join us for some good 'ole southern fall fun- can't wait to see you!!

Amazed by Him,

E

I LOVE HOMESCHOOLING!!!

Here are some pics from our week. Homeschooling is not just about the "sit down and do this workbook page". It's about my girls and I being able to spend every day together, using our brains to learn about what we love, being creative and writing memories in our hearts. Enjoy!

In Him,

E

My middle sweetie trying to spell a VERY long word!

Look what we found on our front porch window

Little one creating something wonderful- notice the lovely flower girl dress she is wearing. Typical- I'm just glad she is wearing inside instead of in the barn!

I was told this is a cat/dog house complete with screened porch.

Caterpillar cookie- just cause!

Sad news

I am very sad to report that Reece's Rainbow did not advance to the final round of the Amex giveway. When voting ended, RR was in the top 25. Noone knows what happened between the closing of votes and midnight September 9th when the finalists were announced. There has been much speculation as to why Reece's Rainbow wasn't chosen and many hearts are hurting because of this decision. I ask you to continue to pray for this amazing ministry. Andrea is still on a mission to get the word out about orphans with Down Syndrome and assist in the adoption of each of them. As she said after learning of Amex's decision "Head up! Chest out!"- we have to continue and press forward. Spread the word!
Be on the lookout at www.reecesrainbow.org for the Christmas Angel Tree. This will be your chance to financially help these beautiful children (although, you can do that now if you want!). Have a blessed night and a beautiful Sunday worshipping our God!
In Him,
E