Congratulations Faith! December Mom of the Month

Please tell us about yourself.  How many children do you have?  How old are they? 

I'm originally from Kenya, East Africa and became a United States citizen in June, 2014. I have lived in Memphis, TN for 5 years and moved to Ohio in 2009. I am also a single mother of 2 children named Ethan and Ivana who are 3 years old and 1 year old respectively. I am also a full-time student in the Physician Assistant program at Tri-C/Cleveland state. My children and school keep me very busy but I enjoy motherhood and education. I am the first of five children. One of my brothers is in Helsinki, Finland while the rest of my family members are in Kenya.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life?

The person with the biggest influence in my life is my mother. The values she instilled in my life are prayer and faith in God, love for family, hardwork, perseverance and determination. These values have shaped me to be who I am today. My mother is also a prayer warrior and my confidant. I can count on her love and prayer to carry me through the hardest of times.

Who do you look up to as a mom?

First and foremost my mother is my role model as a woman and as a mother. But I also learn so much from my close friends and family members. I get inspired by women who go above and beyond to provide love, security, education, and adventure to their children. Even though my mother is not in the United States, I'm lucky to be surrounded by amazing group of moms who inspire, uplift and encourage me on a daily basis. These women are my neighbors and friends.

What's your favorite mom story or memory? Possibly something funny that your children did or said.

I have 2 very young children so it's fun to see what they pick from me on a routine basis. These moments are so previous and always bring a smile to my face. When my son Ethan was 15 months old, I found him painting the toenails of both his feet exactly like he had observed me doing. I had painted my toenails on a Sunday morning prior to going to church, and he did the exact thing on Wednesday of the following week. There were no spills on the carpet, and he was pressing on the top portion of the nail polish bottle exactly the same way as I had done. I was so surprised and amazed at his silent observation skills. 

What is the hardest part about being a mom?

For me, being a single mother of two in a very rigorous health profession, with no family members in the United States to offer support has truly been a challenge. However, I know God's plans are the best and I'm grateful to all my wonderful friends who've gone above and beyond to make me and my children feel at home in the United States. My friends have been tremendously helpful and supportive and I thank God for bringing these amazing people in my life. It is true that it takes a village to raise a child.

What advice would you share with another mom that has been key to your success?

God's ways are not our ways. Trust in Him and let Him direct your steps. Have goals and work hard towards them but let God have His way. Jeremiah 29:11 Says "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Commit this verse to memory and recite it over and over when you feel discouraged.

What do you do for fun?

Travelling, watching movies, reading and doing outdoor fun activities with my children. This year we attended The Fest for the first time and we really loved it. We also went on  The Polar Express offered by the Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad for the first time this December and we enjoyed that as well.

If you were given a weekend away from your children to relax and enjoy some "me time" what would you do?

My ideal relaxation would be to go to a quiet place surrounded by trees, waterfall, and nature and just stare at the beauty of it all or to sit by a quiet beach and listen to the waves of the oceans with no electronic devices and no distractions. A peaceful quiet time to think of all the goodness of the Lord and to thank Him for all the wonderful things he has done in my life and that of my family.

 

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?

I enjoy listening to 95.5 The Fish. It is the only radio station me and my family listen to so I'm so grateful for this gift they've given me. I want to thank the Mom Squad, 95.5 The Fish, Carlisle Inn and everyone who made this possible. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much and keep up the good work.


FAITH WE LOVE AND APPRECIATE YOU! THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR WORLD WITH US. BE BLESSED.

I choose ACTION!

Hi Ladies! 
I am used to hearing "err on the side of caution."  You too?  Even though I tend to have a decisive personality, usually I still err on the side of caution.  Recently, I began reading the new marriage book by Francis Chan You and Me FOREVER- Marriage in Light of Eternity.  I am a huge fan of Francis Chan, his books and sermons, so I was thrilled when I saw that he had a new book coming out.  I'll warn you, it's not just a normal marriage book though.  It's about being so focused on eternity and God's purposes, that your marriage works and thrives as a result.  

By page 16, Francis began sharing some truths which I could testify to.  These truths were also a re-challenge to me and my own marriage.  You see, he states that "sometimes people are paralyzed by fear of failure. They are so afraid that they might do the wrong thing that they do nothing."  This resonated with me. I have been going through a challenging season, with difficult situations in the medical world with my son and daughter's medical care.  I remember just a week or so ago feeling so overwhelmed that I just needed to not make ANY decision because I had no clarity and no peace.  I felt crippled and lost.  But Francis proceeds to say, "So many won't do anything unless they hear a voice from heaven telling them precisely what to do.  Why not default to action until you hear a voice from heaven telling you to wait?"  Wow.  Isn't that the truth!!??  We just don't hear this in the Christian community, because we have become so good at playing it safe.  

Francis finishes that paragraph with a BOLD statement, "For example:  Why not assume you should adopt kids unless you hear a voice telling you not to?  Wouldn't that seem more biblical since God has told us that true religion is to care for the widows and orphans (James

1:27)?" With it being National Adoption Month, I thought it would be perfect to share a time that I erred on the side of action.  

This statement sums up our choice to adopt our then, very sick son, Kevin, from El Salvador.  We had known Kevin since he first arrived at Love and Hope Children's Home at age 3.  I met him while visiting there.  My heart was sensitive to his delicate condition - 3 years old, 14 pounds, skin and bones, chronically agitated, serious respiratory issues, and recurring vomiting - because back home I had a very medically fragile biological daughter, Courteney.  So, although I had compassion, I never thought of what actions could be taken to change his life, to really help him.  The following year I went back and met Kevin again.  This time, thankfully, the Lord was using a book, by Joni Eareckson Tada, about suffering to speak truth to me.  Basically, I realized Jesus WOULD NOT come here and see Kevin and do nothing.  It was as simple as that.  The thought of adoption terrified me, so we thought maybe a medical Visa for him would be most sensible.  I remember returning home from El Salvador and saying to Dan that I think we need to do something for Kevin.  We decided to look into a medical visa, which we quickly learned are only for curable/treatable conditions.  And so the scary word "adoption" started to makes it's way into our conversations.  We purchased a bible study on adoption from Family Life and began that study together.  The study encouraged us to make a list of pros and cons of adoption.  Our list of cons was WAY bigger than our list of pros.  How do you push two kids in wheelchairs?  What do you do when one is admitted in the hospital and one is home?  Lord, we don't have $30,000.  We live in a two bedroom apartment.  We are content with just Courteney - we really don't want more kids.  The list went on and on.  The truth is, I could have taken this list to some of my most godliest of friends and it would have been very likely that I could have justified to them why Dan and I should NOT adopt Kevin and they would have agreed - probably using phrases such as "you guys have enough on your plates."  But PRAISE GOD that this bible study took us through the bible, the scriptures that speak about adoption, orphans, and "the least."  Dan's response was very clear (even though I know he was scared).  He said "none of these reasons (referencing our list of cons) are good enough to stand before Jesus and give someday."  You see ladies, I don't know what you believe, but we believe with all of our hearts, what the Bible states, that someday we will stand before God and give an account for our lives.  So I hope you aren't missing this....we weren't emotionally ready to adopt, we definitely didn't have all the answers, we didn't have an emotional calling to adopt....we read the Word of God and we feared the Lord.  It led us to make one of the best decisions we could ever make.  I will be completely honest, it has been one of the hardest journeys I have ever traveled with Christ, but it has been so worth it.  No one could have prepared me for the ups and downs, and I am glad of that.  I may not have otherwise done it.  Dan and I were able to take the LONG four year wait for Kevin one day at a time (with lots of tears).  There were many times we wondered, "Why in the world it was taking so long?"  And, there were so many heartaches and complications.  The truth is, I am SO glad our choice to adopt Kevin was based on God's Word, which is His will, and NOT on our emotions.  That truth kept us confident through the storms.  

I want to jump ahead to the 18 months that we have had this little boy.  We have seen his healing come quickly, a desperate prayer I prayed for him according to Isaiah 58. No, he is

not healed entirely, and that isn't what I prayed for, but I knew God was bringing him to Cleveland, Ohio to be better!!!  And better he is!!!!  His story alone, of God's redemption and love through adoption, has given us COUNTLESS opportunities to share about Christ.  People are amazed!  I don't know how else to say it.  They are amazed - because they see Christ in it!!!!!  All the glory goes to Him.  There is nothing good in me or Dan - apart from Christ we would have NEVER done this!  My feet would have never touched the soil of El Salvador had it not been for Christ.  It is HIS story!   Thank you, Jesus that we didn't miss this!!!

There is a lot to think about and consider: 
Marriage - it will be most beautiful and most reflective of Christ when you and your spouse have a healthy fear of God.  When you are living on a marital mission - meaning you truly can't do alone what you are doing together - your focus remains clear and with eternal purpose. Click here to know more about the book You and Me FOREVER by Francis Chan (100% of the net proceeds will go towards various ministries that include providing food, shelter and rehabilitation for thousands of orphaned children and exploited women around the world)​.

Adoption - it is undeniably the heart of our Father.  Anyone who knows God as Father and Jesus as Lord and Savior has been adopted....amen?!  How can you play a part in adoption?  Click here to learn more about the Bible Study Dan and I did.  Click here to learn more about Show Hope - a movement to care for orphans - started by singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman.  

Action - it is good to remember that we will make mistakes and we will fail at many things. But at least we tried!  Amen?!  The enemy loves when we don't do anything.  Often, we may not "feel" clarity or direction but through God's TRUTHFUL Word we can gain His clarity and direction - our decisions/choices don't have to be emotionally based.  Although we may fail at times, there are also times of blessing and successes that will come too!!!  We don't want to miss out!  Action is required. 

Many Blessings!!
Christine

Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?

Good morning, friends!  I wanted to share with you something that the Holy Spirit has been stirring inside of me. 

Matthew 8:23-27 "Now when He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him.  And suddenly a great tempest arose in the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves.  But He was asleep.  Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?"  Then he arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.  So the men marveled, saying, "Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?"

Lately, I've been worrying a lot.  I'm 6 months pregnant and the worry seems to overwhelm me at times.  I worry about my boys sharing a room, about our car not being large enough for 3 kids, about our finances and the increase in groceries that we're having as we raise two growing and hungry boys (and adding a third).  I'm worried about my kids development, my husbands job, and I worry A LOT about The Mom Squad and if we're meeting the needs of you, our audience.

What I've noticed is that my mind and heart are so filled with worry that I have no room for God. Can we be honest for a minute?  If I spent as much time praying and in the Word of God as I do worrying about my circumstances, I would be so much more joyful and so much less anxious about everything. 

In this story of the Bible, we notice that "suddenly" a bad storm came and the boat was covered with waves. Isn't that how life works?  We never get a warning that a storm is coming into our life.  Typically, it comes without warning and in the worst possible times - a lot of times at night, when we're already tired and mentally exhausted and needing peace. 

In a panic, the disciples wake Jesus up.  Aren't we just like the disciples?  Here we have the followers of Jesus - those closest to Him - who have seen many miracles and have heard all of His teachings but yet when the storm in their life arises, they panic.  They have Jesus right in their boat!! And yet they panic!  Goodness, that is me all day!  I have Jesus in my heart, I've seen so many of His miracles in my life and in the lives of the ones whom I love, yet every time - EVERY TIME, sisters - I panic.

And then Jesus says the infamous words that we all have heard "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?"  Oops.  That's right, Jesus.  I forgot who You are and what You can do if I only put my trust in You.  And in an instance, He calms the winds and the sea.   

Friends, when we know who God is in our life, we know that He is able.  He is able to calm the winds and storms in our life.  The same God that calmed the physical storm that night is the same God who can calm the figurative storms in our life - no matter how bad the situation may look.  There's a key component in the story... the disciples asked God for help. 

Are you dealing with a storm in your life that you wish would end?  Maybe it's time to remind yourself of who God is and can be in your life when you ask.  Ladies, I pray that you (and I) would turn our anxiety into prayer.  That we turn our worry into working power through Jesus Christ.  And that when fear tries to overwhelm us that we would continually remind ourselves of who God is.

Have a blessed day! 

Love Notes for Mom

Have you ever received something really special, so special that you tuck it away for safe keeping? Then, you go to retrieve it and can't remember where you put it?! :-)  That happens to me more than I care to admit! Specifically, it happened to a special little note I received a few years ago. Then over the weekend I was cleaning out the junk drawer, and there it was. A handwritten letter from a dear elderly friend in Wisconsin. I stood there, admiring her cursive penmanship, her sweet words of encouragement and the message of wisdom it contained.

What a sweet surprise to find this treasure! It was inside of an old address book and the moment I read it, I was filled with warmth and love and wonderful memories. It was sent during a time of great excitement and life challenges in our family. We had welcomed our beautiful daughter through adoption and were also expecting a new baby through my (surprise!) pregnancy. In addition to that, my father was dying of cancer. This little note from a woman who had raised a family and experienced lots of hard times in her day, was a beautiful gift. Her prayers and support helped to uphold me. And all it took was a small love note.  On the front is printed a "Homemakers Prayer"

Dear God, give me the grace to see

The blessings which have come from thee;

Give me the strength to do my duty,

Tolerance and decent living;

Make our home a place of sublime,

Where there's no room for hate or crime,

A place where good friends gather 'round;

Where laughter, mirth, and cheer abound.

Not selfish thoughts nor worldly greed,

Let this, dear Master, be our creed.

Today, I pray that little message will bless you as well. From a beautiful wise friend who lives in a log cabin built by her husband in a log cabin in Wisconsin, consider it a love letter to YOU too, mom.  I pray you'll tuck it away in your heart for safe-keeping where it will never get lost. :)  God bless you. And thank you, dearest sweet Jeanne for loving me through a simple letter. 

Love and prayers to you, this day.