Stepping Out......

Okay so I'm having another wave of giddy excitement!  It's official - I purchased my ticket last night!  No turning back!!!

On February 6 -  I will be on one of these

To meet these lovely artisans:

And this lovely woman and her family:

 Shelley Clay

And more of the fabulous artisans:

Who work really hard to make all of this fabulous stuff:

I simply cannot wait!!!!!

And yet, I'm terrified at the same time.  I guess that is what faith is all about, right?  Stepping out of our comfort zone into the unknown that God has for us. I know that it is going to be ridiculously hard and awesome at the same time.  But God is good and He has a Great Plan!!!  Please pray with me that the Lord will continue to work in my heart and my mind to prepare me for what He has for me.  I don't want to have any expectations - I just want to go and soak it all in - no matter how difficult or how awesome it is.  There is a crazy restlessness in me right now.  I know God is up to something BIG and I know this trip has a lot to do with it.  Can't wait to tell you all about it.  In the meantime - just pray.

February 6 - 13

Thanks!!!!

Oh!  And if you want to see all this fabulous stuff up close and personal - come to my Open House. 

Click here for ALL the details!

Heartline Ministries - Haiti

God is working.  All the time.  Everywhere.

I shared with you a few days ago about Heartline Ministries in Haiti and how they work to provide the women and children in their community a safe place to learn about Jesus and life skills.  One of the many ways that they accomplish this is through their Maternity Center.

I follow closely three of the families that work for Hearline and each has their own blog and unique way of telling the behind the scenes stories of what goes on day to day with the women that they minister to.  Recently, Tara Livesay posted a list (along with photos) of women in their program who where going to deliver their babies soon.  She asked us to pick one or all and pray for them.  For some reason, the Lord laid Esther on my heart.  Tara had posted several days before that Esther was terrified of giving birth because her sister had died during child birth. I remember being terrified myself when I was pregnant with Jarod and I have all the latest technologies accessible to me.  I can't even imagine having a baby in their environment.  Anyway - I prayed fervently for her and kept up with her through blogs and Facebook posts.

Tonight I clicked open one of the blogs and read this:

"Esther, a young girl in our program called that her water had broken.  We waited for labor.  While we did her blood pressure rose to dangerous levels, meds were started and she eventually delivered her baby with us.  She hemorrhaged after the birth.  More blood than I had ever seen at a birth.  We knew, she knew, both she and baby would have died if she had delivered at home.  We used many medicines, and highly skilled midwives saved her life.

Esther sat with Agathe and gave her life to Christ before going home a few days after the birth.  She knew God had saved her.  She came to program Tuesday holding her baby proudly, sitting in class, glad to be alive and breast feeding her newborn.    Two lives saved."

I sat and sobbed..........  To read the rest of this blog (it's amazing) click here.

I don't see how you can read things like this and it not affect you. Not open your eyes to the world beyond what you are sitting in and see how God is at work - doing amazing things - constantly.

Tonight I am thankful.  I may be sitting hundred's of miles away, but I can pray for these women.  And I am watching the Lord answer those prayers "Exceedingly abundantly above all we can imagine." (Eph 3:20)

Thank you ladies of Heartline for allowing us to be a small part of your journey. And thank you for continuing to blog and post these amazing miracles that happen each and every day.  May the Lord continue to bless your ministry and give you peace, courage and stamina to keep going.

From One Christmas to Another

This time last year I was a mess.  I can't even begin to describe to you all that was going on in my heart and my mind.  This excerpt from a blog post on Nov. 15, 2010 will give you an idea.  Feel free to click through and read the rest as well......

"Though There's Pain in the Offering"

My mind is swirling with things tonight and so I thought I would sit down and try to put them in order.  So - bear with me as I "listen to myself".

The Lord is definitely working in my heart, although I'm not quite sure what to do with it yet. We are extremely tight this year as far as Christmas goes.  The thought of purchasing gifts is overwhelming.  All I know is - I want to make them count!  I want to use what money I do have for something eternal.  Not to sit in my own little family huddle - but reach out and help others who truly have NEEDS.  I don't want to think twice about giving to others.  I've been praying for the last several months that the Lord would make me a generous giver.  I'm sure that is where all this is coming from.  I want to be able to just give and not think twice about it.  But I want my gifts to be eternal - to meet a need.  I don't want to think "Oh - but if I give that money away - or -  if I spend my money on them, then I can't pay for...."  I just want to give - cheerfully.

That post - led to this one: 

I Get it!

Little did I know at the time how much of an impact all of that would have on my life. I sit here, a year later, reading over those, being weepy (cause that's just who I am) and being so very thankful for where God has brought me in the last year.

 

I felt like such a Scrooge last year and I couldn't figure out why.  As Christmas began to approach this year, I realized I had begun to brace myself at bit - not knowing how I was going to respond to it all.  Last year money was ridiculously tight and we couldn't even understand or figure out why.  It was very strange.  I didn't have the desire to purchase one single thing.  I had absolutely no ideas on what to get anyone - I always have ideas.  Last year - nothing.  Zip.  It was the strangest thing.  At one point I even said, "If someone where to hand me $1000 to go purchase gifts, I wouldn't even know what to do with it."  

 

Looking back on all of that now - a year later - I can honestly say it was all a "God thing" as I call it.  God brought me to that place and held me there.  Today I understand why.  I honestly and truly believe that it was all about ApParent Project.  It was about opening my eyes beyond myself - beyond my little world  -  and discovering a new place where God wanted to plant my heart.  A place for me to serve - even in a small capacity, from a distance - a place for me to go beyond myself.  A place for me to get to know and understand more about the poor, the broken, the "least of these".  

 

When I started doing this last year, it began as a Christmas project. Something for ME to invest in - something to help ME feel better about my Christmas spending.  It began - as most things do - about ME.  But as the year has progressed, it has gone beyond me.  It has infiltrated itself deep within my heart as I have begun to see the artisans as real people.  As I have heard their stories, learned more about them from Shelley's blog and Facebook posts,  it has progressed from faces on the jewelry tags to genuine people with real stories.  It's no longer about me - it is about them. And I am excited (and terrified) as I plan for my trip to Haiti in February, to know that it will become all the more real when I actually meet these wonderful people in person.  

 

So I sit here a year later being blown away at how far God has brought me.  I know that I am on the right path.  I am exactly where He wants me to be regarding all of this and that is so freeing.

 

As we enter Christmas this year, I can honestly say that I am excited!  God has answered so many prayers from last year.  I began shopping early, as I've had many fun ideas (which I know have come from the Lord) and a lot of my gifts are already purchased.  My cards are done and stamped and waiting to go out once December gets here.  We will put up our Christmas Tree on Thanksgiving weekend and I will decorate it with ApParent Project ornaments and tree garland.  I already have my cookie baking on the calendar and I have been listening to a little Christmas music.  I'm almost giddy about it!  Hee! Hee!  I honestly feel like my old self again - only with a deeper understanding of Christmas.  Things will never be quite the same as before. And for that I am thankful.

 

As you know I am a firm believer in God allowing things in our lives for a reason.  He brought me to my crazy emotional, messed up place last year, so He could bring me back to my excited, celebrating self this year with a NEW purpose and a NEW reason to celebrate.  With a new outlook on the world around me. It's NEVER about ME.  It's always ultimately about Him - I'm just along for the ride.  I'm so thankful that I was willing to do the soul searching it took last year. I am thankful for His grace and His mercy on my life. That He takes me to new and hard places so that I can grow and become more like Him.

 

Obedience is always hard - always scary - but ALWAYS worth it!  There is no other place I'd rather be than right smack where He wants me.

 

Until next time......

ApParent Project and Other Cool Stuff

In case you haven't noticed by now, I am passionate for ApParent Project and the people in Haiti.  I have had several opportunities to sell the jewelry already in the last several weeks and I have more coming up.  One thing I wanted to tell you about was my Open House.  Many of you ask how you can buy some of these wonderful creations - especially on my side of town.  Well, Russ and Jarod are going camping with the Scouts in a few weeks and I'm having an Open House.

ApParent Project Christmas Party

Drop In - Open House

Nov. 18 & 19

Cami's House

3036 Twin Oak Drive South

Middleburg, FL 32068

(904) 703-1608

Need to do a little Christmas Shopping? What better way to spend your money than to help support Haitian Families!

Join me for an ApParent Project Christmas Party and we will have a fun night of food, fellowship and shopping!

I have necklaces, bracelets, earrings, Christmas ornaments, garland and much, much more!

If you have only seen photos on my blog and Facebook - come by and check it out!

Friday, November 18

Drop in any time between 6:30 and 9:00 PM

Saturday, November 19

Drop in any time between 10:30 am and 2 pm

I promise you will NOT be disappointed! Come and see how these artisans turn recycled cereal boxes into beautiful jewelry you will want to wear!

I also have metal works! Custom made crosses, nativity scenes and even more jewelry!

100% of the money from each purchase goes directly to the Haitian artisan who made the piece. Helping to keep families together and pay for children's education.
If you have been following my blog - you've read all about ApParent Project. If you need more info see this site:http://www.apparentproject.org/index.html

Prices range from $5 - $25

Please RSVP or call me @ (904) 703-1608 

Feel Free to Bring Friends!!!!! Spread the word!!!!!

I have a HUGE variety of things.

 

Another Opportunity coming up is the

Holiday From the Heart Bazar at Hillcrest Baptist.

Tuesday, November 29 · 5:30pm - 8:30pm

I will have a booth there and Amanda Andrews and Sam (my sister in Law) will be helping out. 

Tickets are now on sale for the annual Ladies Holiday from the Heart Bazaar. Join us for this fun time of fellowship, Shopping extravaganza, Arts & Crafts, Professional Products, Baked & Homemade Foods, Delicious Dinner...and Door Prizes!!!! You can purchase tickets through any of the admins on this event. Ticket are $9.00 If you need more information please contact the church office at 904-779-9033

I hope you will be able to come to one of these events and help support Orphan Prevention through ApParent Project!

 _____________________________________________________________

I recently read this article and wanted to pass it along.  It is amazingly eye opening!  And I am so thankful for the people at Heartline Ministries who are trying desperately to change this type of situations for women.


I want to give you links to two of my favorite blogs.  These women work with Heartline in Haiti and they are amazing!!!!

You've heard me talk about Heather Hendrick before.  She works for Heartline and is an amazing writer. She is so very transparent.  Bookmark her blog - go back often. You will NOT be disappointed - I promise.

This recent post is a MUST read!

Grace: God is the Writer of Our Stories

The other one is Tara Livesay.  She also works for Heartline and shares often the day to day stuff that they deal with.  Also amazing.  You will NOT be disappointed!  She also works in the maternity center and often posts about the women and how we can pray for them.  It has been such an honor and a privledge.  And it has truly opened my eyes to the MANY struggles women have in Haiti.  We, here in America don't have a clue!

Saturday Labor

I hope you take the time to read these.  You cannot help but be affected.  God continues to open my eyes and my heart to Haiti - I am so excited about going in February.  I hope to meet these ladies from Heartline as well. 

Until next time.....

Lou Gehrig's Disease and the Body of Christ

Most of you know that my mom died from ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) 9 years ago.  (ALS is a fatal neuro-muscular disease that breaks down the communication in the nerves between the muscles and the brain.  It causes complete paralisis and eventual death.  You basically become trapped in your own body).

I have written about many of the lessons that I learned while caring for her and the ones I am still learning today.  God has used the entire experience greatly in my life and I can honestly say that I am thankful for that.

I was on Facebook today, checking in with my ApParent Project friends to find out any further information about Makensia and I found this post by Corrigan Clay (Shelley's husband). It totally rocked my world today and I thought I would share with you.

"What must it be like to be a brilliant mind stuck in a body that doesn't lift it's hand when you want it to poor a cup of water, doesn't lift a foot when you want it to walk, won't smile when you're happy, or frown when you are sad, won't hug those you want to hug, won't speak the words you want to say, won't weep for what makes you sad... When people talk about God's failure to heal, help, or redeem any given situation, I want to take it personally. I want to blame it on the fact that God's Body has something like Lou Gehrig's disease: the Kingdom does not come if the Body is not connected to and agreeing with the Head. Father forgive us."

He went on to say.....

"I hesitated to post this because I don't want it to come off as one of those guilt trips about people not doing enough.. That's not so much the point as just taking it truely to heart that the arrangement God has made is to leave his spirit here to inhabit his people to continue to do the work of Jesus. We too often think of this God who is above and beyond rather than working his way in and out of us... and this causes us to blame him for not acting when He really is a good father... one who teaches and equips us, builds dignity and action in us, so that we have the double redemption of not only seeing our world healed but seeing it healed through the same hands that wounded it... our own."

 I have had many analogy's and lessons about ALS - but never anything like this.  I just wept as I read it.  I get it.  We are God's body.  If we are born again then the Holy Spirit lives in us.  I have to stop and look at myself and wonder how many times I have grieved the Holy Spirit because I have been the hand or the foot that hasn't followed through.  Hasn't been obedient to what the Head is telling me to do.  And then - have I questioned God and His sovereignty?

He has a purpose for ALL of us.  Only when that purpose is complete or we become ineffective (I pray that is NEVER the case!) does He call us home.  I sit here and just keep reading it over and over. It's so deep - on so many levels. God has awesome things for all of us if we would only take our focus off of ourselves.  


Oh how I am thankful for God's grace.  For His patience - His loving kindness - His mercy.  For others in my own life who have been connected to the Head and followed through.  For God's great plan for my life and the lives of those around me.  That He uses me in spite of my selfishness - my sin.  That He doesn't NEED me to accomplish His plan - but that He has chosen me to be a part of it.  What an honor and privilege. 

I pray for the protection from Lou Gehrig's disease - both physically AND spiritually. 

Makensia

Today is the annual Fall Festival at the kids school.  It's the big fund raiser that they do every year.  Last year, being Anne's room mom, I was in charge of a lot.  This year, I decided to have a vendor booth at the festival and sell the ApParent Project jewelry.  Mom's and teachers are always stopping me and asking me about my necklaces when I wear them so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to show it off.  I am beyond excited about it.

I have been putting my stuff together all week.  Borrowing tents, tables, display items, etc.  Last night Jarod and I worked on a sign and I put some strings on a few of the Christmas ornaments so I could hang them on the Christmas Tree I have to display.

I chatted with a friend on the phone about things going on in her life and we also talked a little bit about Haiti and ApParent Project and about how I am going to go in February.  I explained that I knew God was up to something big and that my life would be changed.  The fact is though - my life has already been changed.  That's not to say that God will not continue to work - duh!  But I was explaining to her how I am continually amazed at how ApParent Project has pierced my heart so deeply.  I can't even comprehend it sometimes.  I know that it is a God thing - that's the only way I know to describe it.  God has put these people - these total strangers - deep in my heart.  And they stay there. 

I only know bits and pieces about them.  Facts from the tags on their jewelry or things Shelley posts on her blog and on Facebook.  And yet they are in my heart.  I can't wait to meet them in February and get to know them a little better.  To put personalities with names.  To meet their families, their children.  To learn more about their stories.  To watch them work.

All of that said, I got on Facebook last night briefly before going to bed and Shelley had posted that one of Makensia's baby girls had died.  Last year when I received my first box of jewelry, Makensia and Serlo's beautiful work was in it.  I fell in love then.

Their "second child" was twin baby girls.

Lilliane... One of the twins died today.

Shelley posted this:

Today Makensia's baby girl died. I held her limp body and prayed that somehow this could all be undone, reversed, erased. Her little body lays tonight in a hot tent. Tomorrow she will be buried. Her twin is sleeping with me tonight.

My heart broke.  I can't even imagine.  Loosing their home in the earthquake, working so hard to rebuild their lives, dealing with poverty and hardships that we in America cannot even begin to comprehend, and they receive another devastating blow.  

I have no words.  

I will go out this afternoon, and set up my tables and tell everyone who comes by about Haiti - about ApParent Project - about the artisans who are working to change their lives.  About Makensia and Serlo and Lilliane. 

And I will pray for this family.  Pray for the peace and comfort that only comes from Christ. 

Please pray for them with me......

 

Late Anniversary Getaway

While I was playing and having an awesome time with Emily in New Hampshire last weekend, Russ was here holding his own.  Nana helped out and took Anne - even with her fever.  Thanks Nana!!!!  Russ and Jarod went camping with the Boy Scout Troop.  Russ came home a day early so he could take Anne on a Daddy - Daughter Date to Chic Fil A.  She was thrilled!  I guess they had a chocolate fountain and a limo!  How cool is that?  Obviously by this time she was feeling better.

He had to take care of everything alone on Sunday morning and then again Monday for school.  I'm very proud of my husband.  I love that he is an engaged father and that none of this makes him nervous.  He steps up and does what he has to when I am not around.  Such a blessing.

But - you know you are missed when you return and he has planned an spontaneous getaway for just the two of us!  We did not have the opportunity to get away for our Anniversary in September so we took a quick overnight trip to St. Augustine this past weekend.  Thanks again to Marc & Sam and also Nana - for taking the kids last minute to make this possible!

 We ventured out to a Bed & Breakfast in St. Augustine - behind the Lightner Museum.  Very nice.

Absolutely LOVE this man!

Sometimes you just have to get away from your normal routine.  I had - by going to NH, but Russ was ready for some new scenery.  So off we went.  He has always had a spontaneous streak about him.  I like it!

The Lord blessed our time in stretching it.  We just relaxed and hung out - no real agenda.  We came back refreshed and ready to take on the week.  God is so good!

Jarod had his time with Nana & Papa while we were gone and Anne got to spend her time with Marc, Sam & Chloe.  She had a blast!

 When we came to pick her up - she and Aunt Sam were working on a pumpkin.  They had walked over to the pumpkin patch to pick out that perfect one.

I think it turned out very nice!

Thanks again to everyone who helped make our mini weekend possible!

Until next time......