FOR HANSON

All over the world today, children will die.

Many will be surrounded by loving family, maybe some friends, and for sure a host of people praying.

But many will not.

Many will die a lonely death, surrounded by nothing but the silent cries and moans of other kiddos just like them.

So was the case for Hanson.

But what Hanson never knew was, he was loved.

He was loved and was in the hearts of many who were praying and advocating for him.

He was especially loved by one special boy who wanted more than anything, a family to come for him.

So in honor and memory of Hanson, and all the others  LOST BOYS, something very special is taking place today.

Please take the time to click on this link  and see what real love for another can accomplish.

Hanson never had the chance to be with his earthly family......but today the victory IS HIS.

Today he sits at the feet of Jesus. Today he runs and plays pain free, hunger free, and is loved by the Ultimate Father of all.

Today, he is being remembered because a special friend he never knew wanted to make a difference for him and the others like him.

Please, take the time to read this post and you too can choose to make a difference in the lives of these forgotton children.

Rest in peace sweet Hanson, your finally HOME.

COLE'S GRADUATION

AND HERE HE IS!!

Oh my. I was sitting on pins and needles because I had no idea what he was going to do!!

Silly me. And why would I worry??!!

I can't believe this part of our journey has already come to an end, but I look forward to what lies ahead!

I'm proud of you sweet boy, and love you to the stars and back.  :)



HOW TIME FLIES!

We're still here, but busy as bees! These last couple weeks of school have been crazy at our house. Between Rylie, Cole and Gabe, we've had plenty of things to do. Soooooo, my blog has suffered a bit. But here are a few pictures of some of the things the kids have been doing.

Gabe was in a musical program at school.

Here he is on field day at school. Go Gabe Go!

Rylie has been busy with awards programs and banquets.

Rylie and Garrett before Jr./Sr. Prom

And last, but certainly not least, my Cole man. He is GRADUATING this year!

I can't believe it! He is sad he won't see his teachers and buddies much anymore, but he plans on starting a lawn service and gonna call it........WIZARD LAWN SERVICE! (how fitting is that!!)

And bless his heart, out of the blue one day, he told me that he had decided he wanted to be baptized! So, on a Sunday morning at our little chapel west of town, before God and a bunch of family and friends, my precious boy was baptized.

Cole and Shannon praying right before.

This boy has always had a close relationship with the Lord. He's a prayer warrior for anyone he sees that he thinks might need prayer. It doesn't matter who it is or where it happens. He is not one bit ashamed of his faith or intimidated by where he shares it when he feels the need. He has taught me and continues to teach me everyday. What a joy it is to be his mom.

" Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”  And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them." Mark 10:15,16

And our journey continues.



EVERLASTING GOD

I'm pretty certain Jesus, disguised as a little blonde headed boy with blue glasses,

rode to school with me this morning!!

What a joy and blessing it is to see and hear this sweet boy singing praises to God.

Thank you Lord for your constant presence and for reminding me that,

YOU ARE THE EVERLASTING GOD

YOU ARE THE DEFENDER OF THE WEAK

YOU ARE OUR HOPE,

OUR STRONG DELIVERER.



Mulligan Stew Anyone???

“A Common Stew for an Uncommonly Good Cause!”

When I first saw the words “Mulligan Stew” on an adoption blog last year, I knew it as only something to eat but didn't know the history behind it. So what did I do?? Googled it of course! And this is what I found..........Originally, during the Depression, the homeless would sleep in "Jungles". [Campsites near railways for the homeless] Traditionally, the "Jungles" would have a large campfire and pot into which each person would put in a portion of their food, thus giving each person a portion that was, hopefully, more tasteful and nutritious than his original portion, and making a larger quanity of it. Another words, they all shared what little they had, and when they put it all together, they were able to serve more people and, it tasted better.

So the sweet lady that writes the blog I was reading, being the humble servant she is, was thinking of another creative way to raise money for some orphan kiddos that were weighing heavy on her heart. She had thought and thought, and one day while walking out of the house, “mulligan stew” popped into her head. She did a little research on it and decided this would be the perfect name for a giveaway that she had been planning. She was wanting to raise money and bring awareness to orphans, and some deserving families that had stepped out in faith to adopt these special kids. The rest is now history!

My friend Julia has invited over 100 people to sit at her table and has collected over 100 ingredients to go into her big pot of stew. That's SEVEN families adopting SEVENTEEN children....... TWELVE WAITING children........and 110 LOST BOYS. (I wrote about the “lost boys” in another story) and over ONE HUNDRED ingredients (items already donated to be given away) simmering in the pot.

Just like during the Depression, a big pot of stew can feed alot of needy people. And there are lots of needy orphans and families adopting orphans that need us to throw something into the simmering pot of stew. Could you throw something in??? A small amount, when added with other amounts, can multiply into a very large helping.

There are alot of great items to be drawn for at the end of this “Mulligan Stew Giveaway.” I-Pad, Kindle Fire, $500 gift cards, $100 gift cards, Wii-U, and many, many more things. The total value of all things to be given away is over $5,000.

Each child and each family adopting a child has a story to tell. If you are willing to pull up a chair and dine with “the least of these”, you will be truly blessed.

For details on how YOU CAN HELP and get your name in on the drawing for some really nice gifts, you need to go to Micah Six Eight or www.covenantbuilders.blogspot.com.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus. You will be blessing some precious kiddos and some really awesome families, and I promise.......YOU TOO WILL BE BLESSED.

“The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”

MARCH 21 SOMETHING "EXTRA"

Today, March 21, is celebrated as World Down Syndrome Day.
It's an opportunity to
draw much deserved awareness to a group of wonderfully,
beautifully made individuals.
Most people have no idea what these gifts from God
can give back to others.
If the world had more people with Down Syndrome........
It would be a much better place to live.

So here's to you little man!
Momma and Papa think you are,


WE LOVE YOU GABE DECKER   :)

MY COLE MAN

Just as God's love for us has no boundaries and is eternal,

So was, and is my love for this boy of mine. Not a day goes by that he doesn't amaze me in some form or fashion! He has taught me what unconditional love is really all about. He has taught me to see REAL beauty in the smallest things in life. He has taught me to live in the moment and how to pray without ceasing. He is confirmation that when we follow the Lord with reckless abandon, we will experience His mercy and grace like never before.

HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY COLE LAWRENCE!!

I love you to the stars and back......twice!  :)