tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3540216887960977782024-03-13T08:29:56.576-05:00Awaken the Heart MinistriesWelcome to the blog where it's time to get real, be encouraged and fall more in love with JesusChristie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.comBlogger590125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-67952300461310094912012-08-23T20:58:00.000-05:002012-08-23T20:58:11.749-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Every
child deserves a safe place where they can be a kid. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A place where they can freely problem solve,
use their imagination, develop physical strength, coordination and balance. A
place where they can grow, dream, imagine, explore and gain a sense of self.
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W3Z6O8E0Tk0/UDQIzCeQixI/AAAAAAAAGlQ/ydiI5Eq7rCA/s1600/playground2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W3Z6O8E0Tk0/UDQIzCeQixI/AAAAAAAAGlQ/ydiI5Eq7rCA/s640/playground2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For many children in Guatemala this is nonexistent. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of the children here lose their childhood
too quickly due to the stress of just trying to survive. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UpxzqxHjojw/UDWKvkGwR2I/AAAAAAAAGlw/7X5NDLtypio/s1600/Guate06%2520little%2520boy%2520in%2520dirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UpxzqxHjojw/UDWKvkGwR2I/AAAAAAAAGlw/7X5NDLtypio/s640/Guate06%2520little%2520boy%2520in%2520dirt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mirpace.org/about.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo credit)</span></a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of us have
memories of our childhood days spent swinging on swings, sliding down slides, bouncing
up and down on the teeter totter with a friend, hanging on the monkey bars,
running through the grass and exploring the world around us. A vital and
important part of our childhood development. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The children who come to <a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/orpCare/guat.html">Village of Hope</a> often have lived in
desperate poverty and will for the first time have a safe, permanent place to call
home. Our goal is to provide them with the opportunity to grow and develop into
the humans the Lord intended them to be through providing a safe place to grow-
as every child deserves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of our big needs here at <a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/orpCare/guat.html">Village of Hope</a> is a safe place
for the children to play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because the
facility is built in a mountainous area this isn’t as simple as putting in a
swing set and a soccer goal. A large area will have to be dug out, a retaining
wall put up to keep the mud from sliding and then the playground will be put
in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4FY5tdruBRU/UDQHFCoa5CI/AAAAAAAAGlA/V4YreQ4ofhA/s1600/playgroundpicture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4FY5tdruBRU/UDQHFCoa5CI/AAAAAAAAGlA/V4YreQ4ofhA/s640/playgroundpicture.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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View from a different direction...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-txpmdLyZnrc/UDQHR635XDI/AAAAAAAAGlI/uWjVUqTGKn8/s1600/playgroundpicture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-txpmdLyZnrc/UDQHR635XDI/AAAAAAAAGlI/uWjVUqTGKn8/s640/playgroundpicture2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;">We have been blessed by a donor who has offered to match up to $10k for the ground to be dug out, a retaining wall constructed, a grassy area planted, and a playground for the children at Village of Hope. <strong><span style="font-size: large;">For every $1 you give between now and Sept. 6th it will be doubled!</span></strong> What a great way to invest in the kingdom and see your dollars stretched!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To give to the 10K match please go to: <a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/orpCare/guat.html">Lifesong for Orphans</a> and please indicate it's for Village of Hope Guatemala- 10K Match. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong>Thank you so much!!!</strong></span></div>
Christie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-85451092547205037692012-07-29T15:20:00.001-05:002012-07-29T15:20:08.316-05:00Village of Hope<br />
This post was Written by <a href="http://buildingtheblocks.blogspot.com/">Amy Block </a>. The Block and the Ucherek families are our friends serving as missionaries in San Lucas Guatemala.<br />
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I am a list maker. I learned that from my mama. <br />
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To me, being able to cross things off my ‘to do’ list, to grab my pen and scratch through a job as ‘finished’ signifies accomplishment.
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Yet, ever since moving to Guatemala I have noticed that the Lord has been teaching me a different way. Since living here I rarely have the opportunity to cross things off. Actually, rarely do I even have time to make a list. And while I fully admit that can sometimes be overwhelming, what I have learned is that I need to allow the Lord the freedom to direct how I spend my days.<br />
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<b>The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way? Proverbs 20:24</b><br />
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And so each morning, without fail, I get on my knees and ask God to show me what He has for me to that day... and that list in my head changes drastically.<br />
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A few days back God brought this precious family into our lives and they helped me see my to do list in a new light.<br />
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Aura Marina and her seven children live in a little village called Chi Tuk not far from Village of Hope. The main thing on Aura Marina's 'to do' list every day- is to simply survive. <br />
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As we visited with Aura Marina and her children, asked about their needs, prayed for them and got to know them better -for whatever reason the Lord brought my ‘list’ to mind. He reminded me that the bathrooms I complained about cleaning were a blessing…
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1aT7T9S0MA/UAlWCGyZHxI/AAAAAAAAGgM/n5SrhmO8a4w/s1600/239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1aT7T9S0MA/UAlWCGyZHxI/AAAAAAAAGgM/n5SrhmO8a4w/s640/239.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(family bathroom)</span><br />
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That the dinner ideas I had so often whined about trying to come up with were a blessing…
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Aura Marina and her only means of cooking for her 7 kids)</span> <br />
And that the leaky roof we had been experiencing really wasn’t that big of a deal after all…
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (one bedroom, dirt floor home Aura Marina and her 7 kids live in)</span> <br />
And what I couldn’t help but wonder was how many times in the past I had allowed satan to distract me, to fill my head and my heart with my own shallow complaints, my own selfish wants, and my own agenda- that in the long run really don’t even matter. How much time had I wasted focusing on my own little world… when the world around me was crying out for Him?<br />
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So today I challenge you to ask God to arrange your 'to do' list for the day. I challenge you to not get so caught up in your own kingdom- that you forget about His.<br />
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If you would like to partner with us here at Village of Hope in helping families like Aura Marinas you can visit us at: <a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/orpCare/guat.html">Lifesong for Orphans- Guatemala</a>.<br />
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<br />Christie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-9642669551809460762011-07-26T21:06:00.002-05:002011-07-26T21:11:01.727-05:00Hello!How pathetic is it that I haven't posted since last year??!! Man time sure flies! Trying to keep up as a full-time mom, wife, employee, student, and mentor is HARD!! Sorry, blogger just had to get erased from the list! Maybe, just maybe, I can add blogger back when I GRADUATE next month! Yes, that is what I said - I have two more weeks of class and I'm done! YEAH! I wondered if it would ever happen, but I think I can make it! :)<br />We have experienced an amazing adoption story through our friends the Ucherek's and now our friends the Duncan's are adopting! We are so excited so I wanted to share their blog with you so that you can be encouraged by their journey. Check out www.itsalwaysbeenindia.blogspot.com <br /><br />Hope to blog with you soon!!Christie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-51694610190295586462010-11-24T19:39:00.001-06:002010-11-24T19:39:31.433-06:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">Show the love of Christ to a child in need this Christmas!</span></strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: 110%;">What are you doing this year for Christmas?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 110%;">Decorating the house? Making Christmas cookies? Celebrating with family and loved ones? Exchanging gifts?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 110%;">What if this year you gave gifts that not only celebrated your loved ones but <strong>brought the love of Christ to a child in need</strong>? An orphan in Africa, India, Ukraine, or Honduras?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 110%;">This year </span><a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/index.htm" style="font-size: 110%;" target="_blank">Lifesong for Orphans</a><span style="font-size: 110%;"> has gifts that will do just that. Give the <strong><span style="font-size: 110%;"><a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/store.html" target="_blank">new Lifesong cookbook</a></span></strong>... </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: 110%;"><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><img alt="" src="http://lifesong.squarespace.com/storage/cb.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290619289289" style="width: 200px;" /></span> <span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img alt="" src="http://lifesong.squarespace.com/storage/cb5.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290619436260" style="width: 200px;" /></span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: 110%;"> <span class="full-image-inline ssNonEditable"><img alt="" src="http://lifesong.squarespace.com/storage/cb4.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1290619844218" style="width: 200px;" /></span></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: 110%;">or give a child in Africa food, a child in Honduras job skills training, a child in India a home... in honor of those you love... and really, what could be better at Christmas than to know your gift was given to a child who needed it more.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 110%;">Check it out </span><a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/catalog/Catalog-10.html" style="font-size: 110%;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 110%;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: 110%;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 110%;">May God bless your holiday season! </span><br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/16979697" width="400"></iframe><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/16979697">10-11 Gifts of Purpose</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user738203">Lifesong for Orphans</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Christie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-11411124795046199532010-11-01T18:04:00.000-05:002010-11-01T18:05:20.230-05:00<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">GIVEAWAY!</span></strong></div><br />This week, you have <strong>TWO </strong>chances to be entered in a giveaway for a <strong>FREE Lifesong for Orphans t-shirt</strong>! Lifesong will be debuting 2 new colors (chocolate brown for men and red for women) and are offering to give away 2 shirts before they are available for sale!<br /><br /><strong>Here’s how to enter: </strong><br /><strong>#1:</strong> Go to the Lifesong <a href="http://lifesong.squarespace.com/home/2010/11/1/give-aways-are-fun.html">blog posting from Monday</a> and guess how many children are no longer orphans that Lifesong helped to bring home through financial assistance.<br /><br /><strong>#2:</strong> Leave a comment on <a href="http://lifesong.squarespace.com/home/2010/10/29/lets-do-this.html">Friday’s posting</a> about how we can creatively work together as the body of Christ to care for orphans around the world! Here's what you do... share with us <em>your</em> ideas. Leave a comment... maybe about a ministry your church is involved in... or a family you helped support financially to adopt.<br /><br /> Maybe you have this <strong>aMAZing</strong> idea that has been just waiting to get out and be put in action. Here's your chance! <strong>Let's inspire each other to rise up on behalf of orphans!</strong><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /><span style="color:#191919;">“With this in mind, take some time to walk through your house and ask God what he would have you do with your part of the 200 million orphans worldwide, most of whom may never hear the gospel, much less have it lived out in a loving family of their own.” – Greg Lucas</span></div>Christie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-57790248338151931882010-10-16T10:19:00.002-05:002010-10-16T10:25:57.210-05:00Hey my bloggy friends! I had to take a minute to share something that I learned last week - something that I hadn't thought about before - something that made me realize even more how powerful our God is and that His Word is exactly how He wants it to be.<br /><br />First, let me ask you a question - if you were starting a church, would you begin by setting up a plan of policies for the church to function or would you share the doctrine of the Holy Word first and then figure out the policies?<br /><br />As we look at the letter's that Paul wrote, the growth of the church is based on right teaching over policy.<br /><br />Paul teaches about doctrine in all of his first letters and then talks about church leaders and policy in Timothy and Titus at the end of his life. Obviously, the most important information in causing the church to grow was the doctrine!<br /><br />Hope this can be a great reminder to all of us to always put doctrine over policy!<br /><br />Thank you Pastor Dick!! :)<br /><br />Living fearlessly in Christ<br />ChristieChristie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-83945704737858692472010-09-24T17:17:00.001-05:002010-09-24T17:17:49.369-05:00<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"> </span><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 350px;" src="http://lifesong.squarespace.com/storage/Alvin.bmp?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285275121130" alt="" /></span></span></p><br /><p><span style="color: black;">Alvin was born in a Liberian refugee camp in The Republic of Ghana, Africa. His mother fled there during the civil war in Liberia. Sadly, while she was in Ghana her family was killed in Liberia. Alvin’s father died in the refugee camp before he was born.</span></p><br /><p><span style="color: #000000;">In 2007, When Alvin was 4 years-old, he and his mother returned to Liberia. There she began attending church and quit drinking. Two years later, a few days before Christmas, she began vomiting and was admitted to a hospital with malaria. Soon after, she died.</span></p><br /><p><span style="color: #000000;">Alvin now lives at <a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/orphanagesLiberia.html" target="_blank">Lifesong Liberia's <em>Master's Home of Champions</em></a>.</span></p><br /><p><span style="color: #000000;">You can help a child like Alvin. You can feed a child like Alvin.</span></p><br /><p><span style="color: #000000;">Our goal is 70 people. $28 a month. One year commitment.</span></p><br /><p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">We have 44. 26 to go!</span></strong></span></p><br /><p><span style="color: #000000;">Will you join us in bringing joy and purpose to orphans?</span></p><br /><p><span style="color: #000000;">Contact us at <a href="mailto:info@lifesongfororphans.org" target="_blank">info@lifesongfororphans.org</a> to make your commitment!</span><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>Christie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-30546654436905458112010-09-23T13:09:00.000-05:002010-09-23T13:11:24.691-05:00<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"> </span> <span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 400px;" src="http://lifesong.squarespace.com/storage/quita.bmp?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285247674701" alt="" /></span></span></p><br /><p><span style="color: black;">Quita is 5 years old. During the disarmament time, rebels came to her village and took all the men, including her father. She never saw her father again. Later it was discovered that these men were taken to a bridge where they were shot and thrown into the river.</span></p><br /><p><span style="color: black;">Her mother ran to the Salala district with the other villagers for refuge. There she later got sick and became paralyzed. Last year Quita’s mother died and Quita was taken to the <a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/orphanagesLiberia.html" target="_blank">Lifesong Liberia's Home of Champions</a>. When she grows up she wants to be a medical doctor and help children.</span></p><br /><p><strong>Isn't it amazing that at 5 years old she's thinking about how someday she can help other children?</strong></p><br /><p>How can we help children today?</p><br /><p>We're asking for a monthly commitment of $28 for one year.</p><br /><p>Twenty-eight dollars...</p><br /><p>- eating out at that new restaurant</p><br /><p>- the shirt you've had your eye on</p><br /><p>- a date night to the movies</p><br /><p>- those pillows that would just look sooo good on your sofa.</p><br /><p>I won't lie, making this commitment will require some sacrifice. But trust me. <strong>The sacrifice is always worth the reward.</strong></p><br /><p>What can you sacrifice for a child like Quita?</p><br /><p><span style="color: black;">Our goal is 70 people. $28 a month. One year commitment.</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>We have 36 commitments, 34 to go</strong>!</span></p><br /><p><span style="color: #000000;">Join us in bringing joy and purpose to orphans!</span></p><br /><p><span style="color: #000000;">Contact us at <a href="mailto:info@lifesongfororphans.org" target="_blank">info@lifesongfororphans.org</a> to commit!</span> </p>Christie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-11845828563825506192010-09-22T12:54:00.001-05:002010-09-22T12:54:49.486-05:00<p>This summer our church had their annual VBS program. We had the kids raise money to support a Vacation Bible Camp at <a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/orphanagesLiberia.html" target="_blank"><strong>Lifesong Liberia</strong></a>. Well, the response of these 5-11 year olds brought tears to my eyes. We heard stories about kids doing extra chores around the house and emptying their piggy banks. One child even asked if this year's Christmas money could go to helping these children across the world! wow!</p><br /><p>That week we raised more than double what we needed! That same week our Liberia director, Emmanuel Jones, discovered another orphanage that needed our help. Another orphanage where the children were starving. Another orphanage that we could help with extra money raised by children in Illinois.</p><br /><p>Amazing! God's timing is so good, isn't it?</p><br /><p>We announced to the kids that their money would not only give Liberian children a Bible camp to attend, but would also provide food and shelter for over 25 more children! Oh the cheers that filled the Sunday School room that evening. They whooped and hollered. I cried. God is good!</p><br /><p><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/14861551?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/14861551">2010 Liberia VBS</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user738203">Lifesong for Orphans</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /></p><br /><p> </p><br /><p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 500px;" src="http://lifesong.squarespace.com/storage/want%20to%20know.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1285099888914" alt="" /></span></span></p><br /><p>Over 360 children attended!</p><br /><p>67 children dedicated their lives to Christ!</p><br /><p>75 adults came, and 11 of them received Christ!</p><br /><p>Bishop Emmanuel Jones writes:</p><br /><blockquote><br /><p>It was heart touching and very moving to watch for three days. I saw the children change in a dramatic way in their relationship with God and with each other. </p><br /><p>The camp was profound and the children left very encouraged and blessed. We have started a church in the community in order to continue discipleship and follow up with these new believers."</p><br /></blockquote><br /><p>But this was only the beginning. Now, with more children we have more cost. Funds are tight and we need help. </p><br /><p><strong>Here's the exciting part. If we surpass our goal of 70 sponsors we can take in more children! Children who would otherwise be turned away!</strong></p><br /><p>Our goal is 70 people. $28 a month. One year commitment. </p><br /><p><strong><span style="color: #666666;">We currently have 25 commitments... 45 to go in just 3 days!</span></strong></p><br /><p>Can we do it? With your help we can!</p><br /><p>Join us in bringing joy and purpose to orphans.</p><br /><p>Contact us at <a href="mailto:info@lifesongfororphans.org" target="_blank">info@lifesongfororphans.org</a> to commit! </p>Christie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-61699289459086639312010-09-21T11:57:00.001-05:002010-09-21T12:00:01.079-05:00<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="color:black;">Kemah never knew her mother. One day while she and her brother were sleeping, their home caught fire. In a desperate attempt to save his children, Kemah’s father ran into the house for them. After he rescued her brother, her father searched for Kemah as well. That day, the roof of their little house caved in, leaving Kemah’s foot badly burned and killing her father.</span></p><br /><p><span style="color:black;">Now orphaned, 6 year-old Kemah and her brother found refuge at <a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/orphanagesLiberia.html" target="_blank">Master’s Home of Champions-Lifesong Liberia</a>. Here she is gaining an education, is given daily, nutritious meals, and is learning the Gospel of Jesus Christ. <strong>Kemah can tell you that she loves Jesus and knows He loves her because He died for her sins. Someday she hopes to be a missionary so she can tell others about the love of Christ!</strong> </span></p><br /><p>Wow... What an amazing response to the Gospel from a young child who's already experienced more pain than many of us will experience in a lifetime. But Kemah is not alone. There are other children... <strong>so many children</strong>... who need our help!</p><br /><p>We're asking for a monthly commitment of $28 for one year to help cover the costs of caring for 70 orphans in Liberia. This donation will cover food and water, and other necessities, such as coal and kerosene, toothpaste, bathing and laundry soup, and hair oil.</p><br /><p>A typical grocery list at Lifesong Liberia for 1 month includes:</p><br /><p>- 8 bags of rice</p><br /><p>- 5 gallons agro oil</p><br /><p>- 2 bags of cornmeal</p><br /><p>- 1 bag of sugar</p><br /><p>- 20 gallons of red cooking oil</p><br /><p>- 1 carton of cooking salt</p><br /><p>Sometimes powdered milk and flour will also be purchased, but not every month.</p><br /><p>Every 1-2 days cassava, various vegetables, fish and occasionally chicken are purchased for soup.</p><br /><p>Typically the children at <a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/orphanagesLiberia.html" target="_blank">Lifesong Liberia</a> will have cornmeal porridge for breakfast and rice with soup for lunch and dinner.</p><br /><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Will you help us feed and care for these children? Children like Kemah?</span></strong></p><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Our goal is 70 people. $28 a month. One year commitment.</span></p><br /><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">We have 17 commitments. That means 53 to go in just 4 days!</span></strong></p><br /><p><span style="color:#000000;">Join us in bringing joy and purpose for orphans!</span></p><br /><p><span style="color:#000000;">Contact us at <a href="mailto:info@lifesongfororphans.org" target="_blank">info@lifesongfororphans.org</a> to make your commitment today!</span></p><br /><p><span style="color:#000000;"><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"></span><br /></span></p>Christie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-24708745841789477382010-09-20T13:06:00.002-05:002010-09-20T13:09:32.845-05:00Hey all! Check out this link:<br /><a href="http://lifesong.squarespace.com/home/2010/9/20/we-have-5-days-lets-make-them-count.html">http://lifesong.squarespace.com/home/2010/9/20/we-have-5-days-lets-make-them-count.html</a><br /><br />James 1:27<br />Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.Christie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-68916915194963003392010-09-17T08:00:00.003-05:002010-09-17T08:27:45.509-05:00<a name="9140784720271528007"></a>Good morning my bloggy friends! After seeing that its been two months since I've blogged, I'm feeling quite guilty. Yes, I am still alive and yes, God continues to shape and mold me through this little thing called life.<br />About eight weeks ago, I began having major pain in my neck, left shoulder, and left arm. When I say major, I mean not going to work, laying in bed all day kind of major. After trying chiropractor care and lots of different kinds of drugs without relief, I saw a neuro surgeon on a Friday and had neck surgery the following Monday (August 23). So, its been almost 4 weeks since my surgery and I am happy to say that I felt immediate relief and continue to recover well.<br />During the time of my recovery, I've had lots of time to spend with God. Our time together has been so precious and I've learned so much. In the whirlwind of a life I typically live, I find myself always looking for a quick fix to any problem I may encounter. I mean, who has time to deal with problems??? God placed me in the first three chapters of Proverbs for about two weeks to show me the importance of seeking wisdom. In James 1:5, God offers wisdom to those who ask for it. Proverbs shares the blessings of seeking wisdom and the consequences of not. God helped me realize that I must seek wisdom in everything. I must seek wisdom first, not after I've tried my own thing and screwed it all up. God is willing to give it to me - all I have to do is seek it and then actually obey once He gives it to me. Simple enough, right?<br />Well, my problem is taking the time to seek it. Will you pray with me that we will take the time to listen for God's wisdom?<br /><br />Our small group has been reading the book Radical by David Platt and I have to say it has opened my eyes to many things. I highly recommend it. One thing it has led our group to do more of is - see a need, meet the need. We began by serving in our community by helping some people with home repair and gave school supplies to some needy families. Then, we became aware of a need outside our community.<br /><br />Join our small group (a group of young adults in Central IL) as we seek to find 475 people who will give $20 each in order to build a well for the kids at Plan Escalon <a id="PSLINK_2_0_1" class="PSAdLink" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=354021688796097778#">campus</a> in La Entrada, Honduras! WILL YOU CONSIDER GIVING $20?What is $20 to us today, in 2010 in the US... well, I could think of a lot of things and if we each make one sacrifice, we can make this happen!<br /><br />If you would like to join us go to <a href="http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/">www.lifesongfororphans.org</a> and click on donate and make sure you put Honduras Well in the description box. You can also find out more about Lifesong for Orphans, the children they provide for, and other opportunities for you to serve along side them at the website. And if you are on Facebook, check out our group at Godabuildawell.<br /><br />Also, check out this amazing post at our friends, Dan and Christi Ucherek's blog<br /><a href="http://godetchedyourname.blogspot.com/2010/09/while-we-wait.html">http://godetchedyourname.blogspot.com/2010/09/while-we-wait.html</a><br /><br />God is on the move!<br />God is working in so many lives!<br />God loves you no matter what is happening around you!<br />God is good all the time and all the time God is good! (even when you don't understand!)<br /><br />Are you saying yes to His calling? Or is fear keeping you safe in your comfort zone? I can say from experience that He can be trusted. He is faithful but how will you know until you say yes? Say yes before you even know what He is going to ask and get ready for an amazing adventure!<br /><br />Are you afraid? Do it anyway!!<br /><br />OK, I've said my piece for now. Have a great day!<br /><br />Living fearlessly in Christ<br />ChristieChristie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-79682889331267476502010-07-10T09:05:00.003-05:002010-07-10T09:15:59.324-05:00Hello my bloggy friends! No, I have not forgot about you! I think of you often, but have a difficult time, finding time to put those thoughts into words on my blog! Wow is all I can say about our amazing God. I had shared in previous posts about my difficulties in transitioning back into the working work while maintaining everything else in my life (well, except my blog :)), but as always God is faithful in pulling me through difficult situations. I felt as though I needed a refresher in my spiritual walk and boy did God provide one for me! Our young adult group started reading and discussing the book "Radical" by David Platt and it has left my head spinning (in a great way!)! It has challenged me and caused me to do some major thinking over my life and the way I live it! The biggest challenge it has brought about is how it has made my selfishness very apparent. I guess my selfishness comes so naturally that I don't even notice it at times. This book has been a great inspiration to me also to be more intentional about building relationships with others. I highly recommend it.<br /><br />So, I would love to hear about what God is doing in your life! How is He changing you? What is He calling you to do? What vision or passion has He put on your heart? Big or small, I want to hear it all!!<br /><br />Have a great day!<br />Living fearlessly in Christ<br />ChristieChristie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-49390748945600672242010-06-01T06:37:00.003-05:002010-06-01T06:43:58.675-05:00Good morning my bloggy friends! I hope you had an amazing Memorial day weekend! I sure did, mine was filled with catching up on over due relationships, house work and home work. It feels good to catch up!!<br /><br />Do you ever feel like your relationship with God is dry? Do you ever desire a renewal in your connection with God? Do you seek to have more passion?<br /><br />I've been a bit dry lately, but God's Word revealed a great truth to me this morning. In Ezekiel 37:1-14, God shows Ezekiel some dry bones and then not only brings those bones back to life with flesh and skin, but breathes life back into them.<br /><br />God has the power to do the same to you and I. Seek Him and you will be restored. Ask for passion, and He will fill you with it. Desire His guidance and will and He will show it to you.<br /><br />Hope this brings encouragement to you today! Have a great one!<br />ChristieChristie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-75868837352502847812010-05-21T07:07:00.002-05:002010-05-21T07:17:38.166-05:00Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.<br /><br />Good morning my bloggy friends! It seems as though its been forever since we've talked. Lately, I have found myself overwhelmed with life. Attempting to balance being a wife, mom, friend, student, and employee has been difficult for me but I am holding on to the strength of God for wisdom and guidance. As I cried out to God about all I had to do, He softly and sweetly reminded me of the above verse. It reminded me, once again, that God is in control and that I need to make my focus on Him and the moment I am in - not the places I need to go or the list of things that need to be completed. Attempting to train my brain to focus on the here and now has been difficult but I will not give up.<br /><br />While on the earth, Jesus' example was of working hard and being persistant but also taking the time to be still and pray. I wonder, how much more content and calm would my/your life be if we prioritized our quiet time with the Lord?<br /><br />I hope you can gain encouragment from today's post and let it be a reminder for you to stay in the present and keep God as your focus.<br /><br />Have a great day<br />ChristieChristie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-78148283801910679242010-05-15T08:08:00.001-05:002010-05-15T08:10:13.850-05:00This verse brought sweet peace to my heart today<br /><br />Psalm 94:19 When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul.<br /><br />Enjoy joy in your soul through Jesus Christ!<br /><br />ChristieChristie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-82723046084127056652010-05-11T06:29:00.002-05:002010-05-11T06:35:38.282-05:00The words in this song are wonderfully true - I have lived them. Enjoy and soak up the peace that the truth brings.<br />Christie<br /><br />Tenth Avenue North: You are more<br /><br />There's a girl in the corner<br />With tear stains on her eyes<br />From the places she's wandered<br />And the shame she can't hide<br />She says, How did I get here?<br />I'm not who I once was.<br />And I'm crippled by the fear<br />That I've fallen too far to love<br /><br />But don't you know who you are,<br />What's been done for you?<br />Yeah don't you know who you are?<br /><br />You are more than the choices that you've made,<br />You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,<br />You are more than the problems you create,<br />You've been remade.<br /><br />Well she tries to believe it<br />That she's been given new life<br />But she can't shake the feeling<br />That it's not true tonight<br />She knows all the answers<br />And she's rehearsed all the lines<br />And so she'll try to do better<br />But then she's too weak to try<br />But don't you know who you are?<br /><br />You are more than the choices that you've made,<br />You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,<br />You are more than the problems you create,<br />You've been remade.<br /><br />You are more than the choices that you've made,<br />You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,<br />You are more than the problems you create,<br />You've been remade.<br /><br />Cause this is not about what you've done,<br />But what's been done for you.<br />This is not about where you've been,<br />But where your brokenness brings you to<br />This is not about what you feel,<br />But what He felt to forgive you,<br />And what He felt to make you loved.<br />You are more than the choices that you've made,<br />You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,<br />You are more than the problems you create,<br />You've been remade.<br /><br />You are more than the choices that you've made,<br />You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,<br />You are more than the problems you create,<br />You've been remade.<br />You've been remade<br />You've been remade.<br />You've been remade.<br /> You've been remade.Christie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-46450622608786496382010-04-27T06:34:00.002-05:002010-04-27T06:45:10.487-05:00I've been listening to the book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan on my drive home from school each week. As I listened last night, I realized something about myself. I live in a cycle of being totally consumed and fulfilled by God and then falling into seeking other things in life to fulfill me. There is a void in my heart that can only be filled by God but I can so easily fall into trying to fill it with material things, the approval of others, achievements, etc. My last cycle has been being content with my home and what I have in it but recently have found myself spending money on it that I don't have. I've wondered why my heart has went from contentment to discontentment but haven't gone much further. It hit me last night - the reason I am spending money on unneeded things is because I'm searching again to fill my void with "things" instead of God. I've decided that each time I want something unneeded and am ready to shop, I will instead spend that time with God.<br /><br />I love the way that God is so faithful! I'm so thankful that His love for me never changes even when I go seeking something else to take His place.<br />Thank you, Lord, for your forgiveness, grace and mercy!<br /><br />Living fearlessly in Christ<br />ChristieChristie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-5245235800967661022010-04-23T06:41:00.002-05:002010-04-23T06:48:47.668-05:00You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. Matthew 5:13<br /><br />Are you salty?<br /><br />Are you passionate about your relationship with God?<br /><br />Are you ready to say "yes" before God even makes the request?<br /><br />Are you allowing God's light to shine through you?<br /><br />It is easy to be on fire for the Lord when you first become a Christian but as the years go by and circumstances get the chance to harden your heart, do you find it more difficult to burn?<br /><br />Think about your priorities today - does what you do set a godly example for others?<br /><br />Do you speak and act differently than those who are not Christians?<br /><br />Just some thoughts that I've been pondering and thought you may want to also.<br />Have a great day<br />ChristieChristie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-5094342979981962602010-04-15T18:23:00.003-05:002010-04-15T18:38:34.209-05:00Hello my friends - long time, no talk! Well, since its been so long since I've wrote something, I thought I'd add some recent pics so I could show you what I've been up to. On Monday, I had my 35th birthday and my sweet sweet friend, Kristy made me a beautiful cake! Her name is Kristy Cotter and she makes the BEST cakes ever and will be starting Cotter's cakes soon, so make sure you let me know if you are ready to be a very special customer. YUMMY!!!!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460509696679607394" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vk3xEK8jjyc/S8ego1sp_GI/AAAAAAAAAgY/hVSQPuudFJM/s320/029.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460509690630645906" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vk3xEK8jjyc/S8egofKeKJI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/Zq79Iy1-0DA/s320/028.JPG" />Another birthday surprise got delivered to my job on Monday. What a wonderful hubby I have!!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460511935810171746" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vk3xEK8jjyc/S8eirLG-82I/AAAAAAAAAgo/YFfBsjlOUrY/s320/031.JPG" />We also spent last weekend camping. It was so much fun and very relaxing. It was windy enough to blow us away but we were able to find ways to stay near the ground - well, except for the pics below.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460511924883480546" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vk3xEK8jjyc/S8eiqiZ23-I/AAAAAAAAAgg/Q4IVt7d5R_w/s320/017.JPG" /><br /><div><div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vk3xEK8jjyc/S8egn4sYlWI/AAAAAAAAAgI/Obqz-JGGpgk/s1600/015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460509680303904098" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vk3xEK8jjyc/S8egn4sYlWI/AAAAAAAAAgI/Obqz-JGGpgk/s320/015.JPG" /></a>Nate decided it would be good to walk in Cooper's shoes (paws) for awhile. He really enjoyed being a dog (I guess its a good thing that dog is his nickname!)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460509674190584978" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vk3xEK8jjyc/S8egnh62vJI/AAAAAAAAAgA/WWWmtGXkxu0/s320/009.JPG" /> </div><div>Well, that's all I have for now - hope you enjoyed the pictures.</div><div> </div><div>Living fearlessly in Christ</div><div>Christie<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vk3xEK8jjyc/S8egnIw4Z_I/AAAAAAAAAf4/RjBqXBiqIHg/s1600/006.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Christie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-91431894802871621002010-04-09T07:51:00.002-05:002010-04-09T08:07:19.419-05:00Hello and happy Friday my bloggy friends! I have to admit that as I write today, I am in pain! Lots of physical pain! I got this great idea that since I packed on a few pounds over the winter that I could join my local Curves and get this old body back into shape. I never do things half way, so I worked out this week with fervor and passion, not thinking about how long it had been since my body had experienced exercise. I am now hobbling around like an old lady and wishing I hadn't been quite so passionate!<br /><br />This week, I heard someone say "don't judge lest ye be judged," quoting from Matthew 7:1 and I began thinking about how our defenses go up when someone may get just a little to close to our favorite sin. When I think of "judging" someone, I think of the times when I really don't know the whole situation but choose to make a judgement on a person's actions or motives, anyway. It's a way that we make ourselves feel better by putting someone else down.<br /><br />As Christians, we are to love each other, lift each other up, and help our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ when they have fallen. I believe it is my responsibility to lovingly keep those Christians accountable, that I have a relationship with. I am not responsible to point out the mistakes of those who are not Christians because I have to show them the love of Jesus before they will be able to see their sin. Relationship is the key to keeping others accountable. No relationship will bring out all the defenses in the other person. Now, I'm not saying that this always makes the other person happy and could not hurt the relationship but to follow the example of Christ, we are not to judge but we are to help keep others accountable for their actions and also be open and willing to be kept accountable, ourselves.<br /><br />Hope I stepped on some toes today! :) (If I have to hurt, you have to hurt!)<br /><br />Living fearlessly in Christ<br />ChristieChristie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-30652511082459715182010-04-01T06:25:00.001-05:002010-04-01T06:26:50.906-05:00Does you life bring glory to God?<br /><br />Each choice we make, answers the question.<br /><br />Living fearlessly in Christ<br />ChristieChristie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-59037852507942381322010-03-30T06:36:00.003-05:002010-03-30T06:43:31.341-05:00Good morning my bloggy friends! As I read the first chapter of Matthew this morning, I was reminded of how God has a purpose and a plan for everything and everyone. It begins with the genealogy of Jesus. I have to admit that I have often skipped over all the names of who fathered who but as I read all the names, I realized how important each person was.<br /><br />I know many people who call their pregnancies "accidents" but truly, in God's eyes, their are no accidents. God has a plan and a purpose for each of us, whether our parents had planned for us or not.<br /><br />It gives me comfort knowing that God wants me - even if no one else does. God knows how to stretch and pull me so that I can be who He wants me to be. His love and faithfulness gives me the strength to do what He asks me to do.<br /><br />Do you know what God's purpose is for you? What are your spiritual gifts? What can you make the choice to say yes to? (even if its scary!)<br /><br />Hope you can spend some time chewing on these thoughts, today.<br /><br />Living fearlessly in Christ<br />ChristieChristie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-51813911412546426512010-03-26T06:54:00.000-05:002010-03-26T06:56:12.647-05:00When my husband and I had our first child at the age of twenty, I had no idea that I should be making choices to protect my marriage. How I wish that someone would have prepared me for the issues I would face with setting family priorities and boundaries once children entered the picture.<br /> From speaking with many Christ following women in central Illinois, I have found most being as naïve, as I was, as I believed that our new little bundle of joy would only enhance our marriage. That was, until the baby was actually born!<br /> For me and many other moms, it is common to put our children and their needs above our husbands and sometimes even God. This is not God’s plan for us and I am excited for the opportunity to share with other Christ following moms, my experiences and hard core facts about setting priorities and boundaries in marriage. I have learned much through discussing this topic with other women, learning from other Christ following moms, my own personal experiences, doing much reading from the last decade and internet research. <br /> So the question to answer comes down to: how can something a married couple made together be the root of what could tear them apart and how do we keep that from happening?<br /> It is in no way the child’s fault but the reactions of the parents in the midst of an addition to their family. Although caring for a child takes much time and energy, I believe that nurturing marriage is a wise investment. A family begins when a man and woman become one through marriage. Children are additions to an already established family.<br /> Titus 2:4 “so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children.” (Holy Bible New American Standard Translation) The responsibilities of a young mom are clear: love your husband and love your children. What it does not say is: love you children and let your husband fend for himself!<br /> God created marriage and gives much input to the subject through His Word. God created marriage for pleasure and for procreation. The Bible’s timeline shows God was first, and then He created man and marriage, and then procreation. Although this makes sense as we read the Bible, when we add children to a marriage, our priorities can be easily altered.<br /> “Children. When husbands and wives become parents, they go through a significant transition that changes their lives and their marriage completely and permanently. These changes cause a husband and wife, to stop and wonder, “What has happened to our lives…what has happened to our marriage?” (Morgan and Kuykendall pg. 21)<br /> The issue of Christ following wives neglecting their husbands to be more child focused runs rampant today in central Illinois. The ability to learn from others is a powerful tool in our lives, so use this information to understand how your marriage not only affects the married couple but also the children involved.<br /><br />Have a great day!<br />Living fearlessly in Christ<br />ChristieChristie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354021688796097778.post-16081570541456697232010-03-22T19:06:00.002-05:002010-03-22T19:10:47.955-05:00Spring must be officially here - my kids had set up the hammock and I found them relaxing in the sunshine today. There is just something about spring that makes my heart smile :)<br /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451614311256971778" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vk3xEK8jjyc/S6gGVQroWgI/AAAAAAAAAfw/w_y1KmYSc1c/s320/004.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451614310670887826" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vk3xEK8jjyc/S6gGVOf5a5I/AAAAAAAAAfo/nXkdmXUpzNM/s320/003.JPG" /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vk3xEK8jjyc/S6gGUbKQZuI/AAAAAAAAAfg/wbhW7Tn0r3A/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451614296889911010" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vk3xEK8jjyc/S6gGUbKQZuI/AAAAAAAAAfg/wbhW7Tn0r3A/s320/002.JPG" /></a>Christie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894509085885694920noreply@blogger.com0