a little child

"Jesus said, "...whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me."
Matthew 18:5 (NIV)

Recently, I attended a Women of Faith conference in St. Louis. Sponsoring a child through World Vision is always encouraged. Last year I felt a tug to do just that but I pushed the thought aside. This year, I felt a stronger tug...fought it for a day with thoughts like "the economy is bad, what if I can't provide for the needs (really the wants) of my own children?" But a louder voice in my head was God telling me that He will provide for those needs...so, we are now the proud sponsors of Lurdes Armando in Mozambique. They had it set up so I could choose a child by birthdate. June 2nd was Mom's birthday so of course I had them search by that date. And I wanted a girl since Lydia has been asking for a sister (OK, this isn't quite what she meant...but it will have to do.)
I just sent Lurdes Armando an e-mail and soon we will send her letters of introduction to our family. She is fortunate in that she still lives with her mother and sister. So many of the children do not have either parent due to the high rate of death from AIDS.
Please, as you offer prayers of thanksgiving for your family and the needs/wants that are being met in your life, include Lurdes Armando. I am so thankful that God has brought her into our family. I hope our sponsorship will provide for many blessings, not only in her life but I pray that our lives will be blessed as well for knowing and loving her in the name of Jesus.

Dear Lord, I thank you for the opportunity to provide love and care in Your name for this sweet child of yours. I thank you for the many blessings you have bestowed upon my family and I ask that you continue to watch over us with your tender loving care. Bless all who read this and help them to know that they also are Your child. One who You created and love so much that you gave your son, Jesus so that we may live eternally with you. I praise you for being the God of all creation.
Give me strength Lord to be the woman that you created me to be.
In Jesus name, Amen.

Monday Morning Blessing

Several years ago, I held a position on the Women of the ELCA Arkansas/Oklahoma synod board called Mission:Growth. It was a new position and the job description wasn't really clear. So, I kind of came up with my own ideas as to what to do.
I started an e-mail group and sent out a "Monday Morning Blessing" each week. It was basically my personal musings on a specific devotion or scripture.

Recently when my mom was sick with cancer and I kept a caring bridge site, it reminded me a little bit of when I did my MM Blessing. And, now, with no caring bridge site to update, I feel the need to express myself somewhere so here it is.

Welcome to the Monday Morning Blessings....however, I reserve the right to post at random times to relieve any pressure of having to do something at a specific time! It's my blog and I can blog when I want to.

I in no way intend to offend anyone and please feel free to ask for clarification on any comments. I would love to dialog.

Thanks and God Bless you!!