The church. The people. Community. Missions. Orphan Care. The poor. The world. All of these–require a key thing to do things right. It’s what Jesus came for. It’s what He died for. And it’s a single word. Relationship. It seems like every time I open my computer, Facebook or whatever–there’s another article being circulated how […]
The Young Family Farm »
Category Archives: Day in the Life One year ago–on September 30, 2012…I sat down in the very chair I’m sitting in. It was late. And I was praying for children across the world. As I was scrolling down praying, I saw a picture of my son for the very first time. Full of pink. Full of preciousness. And my heart–oh I […] Love this story and the beautiful one God is continuing to write for your family. Sweet dreams mama! Today will probably always be documented as THAT day for our family. It was a do-over to say the least. And for that reason alone–this mom just has to document it;). Because if you only document the beautiful ones–well…it’s just not real–and this was one day I hope to look back on and laugh at. […]  Life is full. My heart is more than full. But I’m not going to lie–it is also really challenging (aka = hard) with so many littles right now. We are in a sweet, sweet season. Full of finding missing lovies (very high priority on our list), discovering baking soda and then Colgate removes stains from […] I tell friends they can write their name in the dust in my house, just not the date LOL. LOVE THIS! SO very true!!!! Thanks for sharing. Life is hard. Parenting is hard. I love being a mom and am so thankful I have my children, but being a parent is hard work. My oldest is 20…it is still hard! Oh, that little stinker! 😉 Thank you for the reminder! That time for yourself thing is the one I struggle with the most.  We had an eventful crazy summer–and there is just no way to write all that we had going on. But today–I was reminded of something I didn’t share…that I want to. I want to share to help those that don’t always get to leave with good news. After we brought Zeke home, we were having […] Oh my heart is broken for this little one having to fight a battle no one should have to bear. Can’t wait to get the shirt & to share their story! Blessings will rain down on this family. My heart is also sad about your previous post regarding someone not being entirely kind about your kiddos’ adoption conversation (which was hilarious). Know this…Your blog teaches, inspires, helps, encourages, lifts others to bring them closer to God & leads them nearer to the path he intends. Light when it shines brightly may blind some who are not walking in light. Sounds weird but it is entirely true. God was convicting her heart of something & instead of looking within she struck out. It is not about you, but her own failings. Some people look for the worst in people & when they do not find it they create it. I’m thinking she is in need of prayer. I will be praying for her heart & for yours. I will pray for health for your family too! PS Not only have you filled your nest with precious little birdies (not full yet by the way) by following God’s call, but you have also assisted a veritable flock of others who are flying a little closer to God as a result of hearing your story! Keep flying & fighting the good fight!!! Isaiah 9:2 |
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Andrea, thanks for writing this! Very encouraging and refreshing to see positive talk about the church. I find it to be true that all too often there’s too much talk and not enough action. It’s amazing that God’s work prevails despite anyone’s lack of involvement or disagreement – which is a testament in itself to God’s goodness! Praise God!
Yes, yes, and YES!!! Thank you so much for sharing this. I am so weary of the judgment and negativity and finger pointing. This is so timely.
I’m crying over the fact that someone took time to write this! Truth! What a breath of fresh air!
Great job!!! Way to be bold. This is truth. We have been focusing too much on people’s issues and mistakes and when we do that, it takes our eyes off of Jesus. We are called to share his love, not point out everyone’s mistakes and try and fix them. This does nothing but cause hurt and like you said, fear. We are all human, and we will all fail from time to time. I believe it breaks Gods heart more than anything to see the church divided and see Christians focused on other Christians mistakes and trash. We all have some sort of trash that Jesus already paid the price for! . We need to get back to sharing His love and fixing our eyes on Him and not nitpicking others mistakes so much! This has been on my heart a lot lately as well. Great job!
“I want to pick a fight because I want someone else’s suffering to matter more to me. I want to slug it out where I can make a meaningful difference. God says He wants us to battle injustice, anyone who gets distracted with the minutiae of this point or that opinion is tagging out of the real skirmish. God wants us to get some skin in the game and to help make a tangible difference.” – Bob Goff #lovedoes
Amen. Thank you Andrea!! LOVE YOU!!!
This means so much to me! I have been so discouraged lately with all the negativity towards the church and adoption. And, a small part of me wondered if I was doing the wrong thing (the enemy). This spoke so much truth and gave me so much encouragement that “yes”, God is for adoption!
You are NOT crazy, you are RIGHT, sister! The enemy’s most successful tactic is to destroy the church from within! Way to preach TRUTH!
Thank you for being a voice for so many! I have heard enough negative, unproductive, self righteous, attention seeking, chatter. So sad to see the enemy using believers to stifle the good works of their brothers and sisters are doing!
Andrea, you have spoken so well of the Bride. We must never forget that the Church (even the ones we disagree with!) is who Jesus died for–the ones he is coming back for. I so appreciate how you are honoring His Bride, for I believe it is never in Jesus’ heart to dishonor the ones he loves, as is so common. Well done friend!
YEAH! Standing and cheering… and some tears of celebration. Thank you, thank you.
Thanks so much, Andrea, for this. When I read all the negativity that’s circulating, I wish people could come and see what God is doing where I work in Uganda. And everywhere the stories are repeated. He is the Redeemer, and He is at work redeeming His lost world, calling people from every nation to Himself, and using His imperfect church to do it.
So exactly what I needed to hear!
This is so encouraging to me! I wrote you an email about how I was fearful about adopting for the wrong reasons. Really, it was just the enemy putting people in my path to discourage me.
I needed this today! <3
You nailed it with this post,Andrea. God is doing such good work through the Holy Spirit with you and your family. Saying ,Yes, My Lord…is action packed. One day years ago 20 or so , we got a call from David Hicks. He was watching 2 girls struggling using a pay phone . He pulled over to help them . They had suitcases with them . They were from Antigiua. They were legally here but clueless of how to cope with life in America. That one intersection was more cars than they had seen in their lifetime. Dave call me and and shared that these girls had no place to stay . He was going to his church to ask for anyone to give them a home to stay in until they got there feet on the ground. He wanted to know if we could put the girls in our home until the church responded. I VERY reluctantly said yes. I truly wished I had not picked up the phone (no caller ID’s ) Dave said , you and Doc have a big home and it sure would be a blessing …Mary and Dave had refugees staying in their home. I told Doc that night and assured him it was temporary.It ended up years and years that they lived with us . We sent both of them to nursing school ,they both got married. They also had other church friends of theirs move in . AT one time we had 5 Antiguan’s . They all had jobs . They lived with us for almost 10 years and one never left so she is going on 19 years. No rent is charged, they are family. You , Andrea , are such a cool person. You do it ,girl .