Currently…

Listening:  Just finished listening to Francis Chan talk all about Revelations 1.  I listened to his complete overview yesterday and it gave me the sweats.  I did like it, but there’s still this semi daunting feeling because, ummmmm, it’s flippin’ Revelations.  We shall see.  I do love the way he is breaking everything down because I think no amount of my own personal research would have come out as clear as his.  I hardly ever do a complete chapter in one sitting, but loved today.

Drinking:  Water.  My usual.  I am headed to Georgia bright and early tomorrow morning for another Created For Care weekend and I’ve already decided I’m grabbing Chickfila for lunch with a coke.  We’ve been on an eating out hiatus.  Do you know how much money it costs for a family of 7 to eat out…even somewhere like Chickfila or Sonic or McDonalds?!?!?  A small fortune.  Anyways, I haven’t had Chickfila since October and feel like I might be losing my salvation over it.  Exodus 20:13 says “You shall not murder and must eat Christian chicken at a minimum of every 2 weeks.”  I mean, Chickfila is biblical.

Eating:  Nothing, but still dreaming about Chickfila.

Feeling:  All the feels.  Lately I’ve been the biggest cry baby about my kiddos.  I cried in my Bible journaling class on Saturday when I was talking about a certain entry pertaining to them.  I really am just so thankful I get to mother these small humans even though I don’t always treat them with gratitude.  My attitude can be crap.  This parenting gig is hard as hell, but my heart wants to explode with gratefulness for this journey.

Today I was mailing in our first set of paperwork for our Swaziland trip along with our first payment of $250 each.  Harper was sitting at $81.88 for her fundraising so far. (one of her cousins gave Harper $1.88 of her very own money…cue more tears.)  You guys, I boohoo-ed this morning when she received 2 random paypal donations from sweet blog readers putting her at $266.88.  I wrote her check this morning which such peace and assurance in Him.  I still choke up thinking about the kindness and love these 2 ladies poured out onto my girl.  I told her this morning about the donations and she just couldn’t believe it.  She came over and grabbed me tight around the neck while I cried.  Ha.  I’m obviously completely emotionally stable.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE she is getting to see and experience this kind of support, kindness, love and generosity.  Praying these moments take up residence in her heart and the ripple effect spills over into her own actions.

(photo cred: Shots By Cheyenne)

Weather:  Rainy and cold.  Completely un-matching my sunshine feeling thankfulness today.

Wanting:  Yesterday was Waiting Wednesday…I’m clearly terrible for actually executing this on the correct day of the week…but we are sharing about this little guy again because truthfully he didn’t get too many inquiries and you guys, we want a family for this kid.  We want to share with you about his awesomeness and then we want you to share with your people and maybe if we work collectively together, we can find this sweet boy his forever family.  Please join us in praying over his crazy special life.

**Meet “Shaefer” He is a sweet 8 year old little boy currently in an orphanage with an AWAA partnership. He has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. His file notes high muscular tension of both upper limbs. He received surgery for partial stripping of the left carotid artery on Oct 24 2012 and recovered well. He is receiving rehabilitation. His caretakers describe him as active, ready to smile, and outgoing! His file is special focus which means a family at any stage in the process can pursue him as their son. Please call (800) 429-3369 or email china@awaa.org to learn more about Shaefer.**

Needing:  A few gifts.  I am crazy excited about going back to Created For Care tomorrow for so many, many reasons, including the shopping.  I loved last month’s vendors and I’ve made my list for some gifts I need to pick up.  Hello no shipping!  You can read about C4C vendors HERE.  I will be there again solo and I feel it’s highly unlikely I will see my cousin Karen again (although that would be awesome).  Familiar faces are nice…they make you feel comfortable and like you belong.  Feel free to come say Hi…I’d love to meet you.

Thinking:  About our house…and spring because of those crepe myrtles from last spring 🙂  We’ve been here for 10 years now and it’s totally what America has coined a “starter home”, but man, man oh man, has it been just what we needed and even more.  It’s a mansion in world comparison.  We are rich in the eyes of the world.  I do not ever want to forget that.  Our house might appear old and small to some and we might be slightly busting it’s seams, but there is still room and I am so grateful for this place.

Enjoying:  Still with these chips.  I can’t quit them and I never want to.  They own my heart and I don’t even like sweet potatoes.  They make me swoon with their perfect sweet to salty blend and crazy crunchiness.  Crunchy is part of my love language.  I like making myself feel as if I am eating healthy even though I’m sure they are terrible, but, I mean, come on…they are made of sweet potatoes which are a root vegetable which must mean I am getting a full dose of my daily vegetables…minus all that fried oil nonsense.  And “simple truth” practically means organic, except it doesn’t.  Cough, cough.

Tomorrow is Friday party people.  The weekend is upon us.

Happy Thursday.