By contributing writer Dee Burdick
November is National Adoption Awareness month. Our family was greatly blessed by adoption. We have five (2 sibling groups) beautiful, healthy, loving children that came to us through adoption. While life is never dull, we are completely blown away by God's work in our lives and the lives of our children.
In 1992, my husband and I first felt a desire to be foster parents. We took a leap of faith. I quit my job and we waited for a call. It came, and with it, a brother and sister ages 2 and 3. They were precious, but a handful. After raising two daughters, then teenagers, I wondered what I was getting into. Amanda & Nathan had been in several foster homes and had health and emotional issues.
We grew to love them so much that we couldn't imagine them leaving our home. In 1995 we adopted them. It is not always easy, but we know we are doing exactly what God called us to do.
When Amanda and Nathan were 13 and 14, we felt the call again. We went through the state, but we all felt we would not foster this time, just adopt. There is a long and wonderful story that followed, but I'll just say that God has a sense of humor. Exactly nine months after starting the adoption process, our precious David, Derek and Jasmyn came home. Our family and friends thought we were out of our minds, and so did we. Our family proves that God is bigger than we can hope or imagine.
Many people tell me they could never adopt or have seven children. It was never in my plan either, but it was in God's. I'm so glad I listened when he called. My five younger kids did not grow in my womb, but they grew in my heart. I am so blessed!
Could God be calling you to adopt? Someone you know?
There are over 3,000 children just in the state of Texas waiting for their forever family.
http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Adoption_and_Foster_Care/Child_Search/default.asp
Our kids where adopted here in the US, but there are over 60 million orphans in the world.
http://www.precious.org/results.php?from=waiting
http://www.howtoadopt.org/
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. Jeremiah 29:11
International adoptions can be expensive and so if you are not being called to adopt, could you help someone else on their journey?
http://members.shaohannahshope.org/site/PageServer
Could you help children who are living in orphanages, that may never be adopted? http://www.precious.org/help.php
http://heartlineministries.org/heartlinestore.aspx
I would love to talk to anyone who has questions or wants more info. Contact me at ddto4@yahoo.com.
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. James 1:27
Blessings,
Dee Burdick
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
It's HOLIDAZE Time Again!!
Who: You and Everyone You Know
When: Sat. Nov 8th, 10a.m. to 4p.m
Where: Cross Timbers Argyle (1119 S. Hwy 377, Argyle, 76226)
What: A Huge Market for Crafts and Gifts
Do you like to scurry around town shopping at seventeen different stores to buy for everyone on your Christmas list? Maybe you would prefer our one-stop-shopping event,
Holidaze.
You will find unique gifts and crafts as well as a festive atmosphere.
And... if you volunteer for a two hour shift your name will go into a drawing for a mani/pedi. It doesn't get better than that ladies. Unless your middle toenail fell off last month from rubbing wrong on your running shoe in which case your feet should not see the light of day until next summer. You know who you are.
Ahem... if you plan to help out you can contact the lovely Jessica Rolf at jessicarolf@hotmail.com
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Remembering Seth
We were so blessed to be a part of a beautiful life. Marci wrote a tribute to the Sturman's on her blog. It is uplifting and insightful. Click here to read it.
Monday, September 29, 2008
The Bra
The Cross Timbers scrapbooking group joined together for a good cause. The local scrapbooking store hosted a bra decorating contest to raise money for Breast Cancer Research. The scrapbookers pooled their creativity to make this AWESOME brassiere:
Along with raising "support", the bra was a tribute to many women and one man (they can get it too) who had breast cancer. Here are the names of the loved ones included on the bra:
Alma Latiolais Robin
Sondra Stone
Michael Barnes
Rhonda Harrison
Janice Moseley
Sharon Spohn
Donna Adler
Mildred Zunker
Jackie Fisher
Aunt Dean
Karen Brown
Vicky Leighton
Effie Jennings
Cheryl Mayes
Cherie
Aunt Bitsy
Mary Ramsey
Joan Seymour
Becky Barnett
Reading the names gives me a lump in my throat.
Alma Latiolais Robin
Sondra Stone
Michael Barnes
Rhonda Harrison
Janice Moseley
Sharon Spohn
Donna Adler
Mildred Zunker
Jackie Fisher
Aunt Dean
Karen Brown
Vicky Leighton
Effie Jennings
Cheryl Mayes
Cherie
Aunt Bitsy
Mary Ramsey
Joan Seymour
Becky Barnett
Reading the names gives me a lump in my throat.
Tracy Machado, scrapbooking group coordinator wrote:
There are 19 total names on our hot pink bra... the sad thing here is that every single one of us knows at least one person who has suffered this disease. On a brighter note, 84% of our loved ones were able to overcome & survive. Those other 16% live on in our hearts & prayers.
The mini-bra that you see in the photo reads:
"This bra was decorated with much prayer & thanksgiving by the members of the scrapbooking group at Cross Timbers Church - Argyle: Tracy Machado, Barbara Johnson, Denise Burns, Sarah McMinn, Ambera Keton, Heidi Garrett and Coeli Wagner. "
Blessings everyone! What fun this project was! Tell your friends to say a little prayer for all of our loved ones....especially those still in the midst of battle.
Tracy Machado
The mini-bra that you see in the photo reads:
"This bra was decorated with much prayer & thanksgiving by the members of the scrapbooking group at Cross Timbers Church - Argyle: Tracy Machado, Barbara Johnson, Denise Burns, Sarah McMinn, Ambera Keton, Heidi Garrett and Coeli Wagner. "
Blessings everyone! What fun this project was! Tell your friends to say a little prayer for all of our loved ones....especially those still in the midst of battle.
Tracy Machado
If you are interested in joining the scrapbookers please see the icon on the right for meeting details.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Ripple Effects
Today I made our second grocery store trip of the pay period. Its the trip I detest because we are already out of everything, but can only buy the essentials without busting up our budget. I felt Dave Ramsey perched on my shoulder like Blackbeard's parrot eyeing my every selection. "Cubed cheese?," he chided. "CUBED CHEESE? Buy the 8 oz chunk and hack it up yourself, you lazy over-spender!" He carried on like this the whole time... it was terribly exhausting.
At the register I loaded up our stuff on the conveyor belt, keeping an item or two aside for emergency re-shelving in case I underestimated the total. A friend of mine got in line behind me and we chatted for a minute while we waited, though I was distracted by the increasing total on the register. When the checker finished I went for the scanner with my trusty debit card. Suddenly, I heard a "Wait, Don't run that!" from my friend. I looked up thinking I was mistakenly overcharged or something, but instead she gave the checker her card.
Girls, she bought my groceries. All of them.
"You don't have to do that!" I said, but I could see by her smile that it was a pleasure. I couldn't help it. I started crying right there in line at Super Target. THEN, the cashier started crying. I mean really, who goes to Super Target to be nice? I thanked my friend profusely and got all of our stuff in the car.
I was so stinkin' blessed, I had to call a few friends and tell them. Since I am usually complaining after I go to Super Target, it was a refreshing break for them. I dialed and talked all the way home. Here is the cool part: Everyone I told was inspired to do the same thing for someone else. I am getting chills just writing about it.
So, today, because of the overflow of love in one woman's heart, the ripple effects of blessing are as follows*:
Me
My boys
Cashier
Greg
My mom
My Sister
4 different friends (so far)
Unknown number of people who will soon be similarly blessed by those named above
And of course... you.
That is a huge return for a simple act of generosity. So, what could you do with $93.86?
*I had to add a few new people to the list since the original posting on Tales From the Running Mama. I can't keep it in. Whoop whoop!
At the register I loaded up our stuff on the conveyor belt, keeping an item or two aside for emergency re-shelving in case I underestimated the total. A friend of mine got in line behind me and we chatted for a minute while we waited, though I was distracted by the increasing total on the register. When the checker finished I went for the scanner with my trusty debit card. Suddenly, I heard a "Wait, Don't run that!" from my friend. I looked up thinking I was mistakenly overcharged or something, but instead she gave the checker her card.
Girls, she bought my groceries. All of them.
"You don't have to do that!" I said, but I could see by her smile that it was a pleasure. I couldn't help it. I started crying right there in line at Super Target. THEN, the cashier started crying. I mean really, who goes to Super Target to be nice? I thanked my friend profusely and got all of our stuff in the car.
I was so stinkin' blessed, I had to call a few friends and tell them. Since I am usually complaining after I go to Super Target, it was a refreshing break for them. I dialed and talked all the way home. Here is the cool part: Everyone I told was inspired to do the same thing for someone else. I am getting chills just writing about it.
So, today, because of the overflow of love in one woman's heart, the ripple effects of blessing are as follows*:
Me
My boys
Cashier
Greg
My mom
My Sister
4 different friends (so far)
Unknown number of people who will soon be similarly blessed by those named above
And of course... you.
That is a huge return for a simple act of generosity. So, what could you do with $93.86?
*I had to add a few new people to the list since the original posting on Tales From the Running Mama. I can't keep it in. Whoop whoop!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Denton GROW Groups
Hello Ladies! I wanted to add the Denton Campus class choices for the fall Bible Studies. See below. (Tuesday is purple, Thursday is green, and Sunday is orange.) Argyle, your studies are listed in the previous post or on the link at right. ;-)
Please Note: On line sign-ups are not available yet for any campus on the CT Website. As soon as they are I will link it directly from here. Until then, you can look at the offerings and think about what you want to choose.
Beginning Tuesday, September 16
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Women of Faith Study Guide "Understanding Purpose" by Carolyn Curtis James
Child care provided with registration (which will be up soon)
Beginning Thursday, September 18
10 a.m.-Noon
"Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" by Joanna Weaver
Child care provided with registration (which will be up soon)
Beginning Sunday, September 21
6:30-8:30 p.m.
"The God Empowered Wife" by K.B. Haught
Love you all!
Please Note: On line sign-ups are not available yet for any campus on the CT Website. As soon as they are I will link it directly from here. Until then, you can look at the offerings and think about what you want to choose.
Beginning Tuesday, September 16
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Women of Faith Study Guide "Understanding Purpose" by Carolyn Curtis James
Child care provided with registration (which will be up soon)
Beginning Thursday, September 18
10 a.m.-Noon
"Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" by Joanna Weaver
Child care provided with registration (which will be up soon)
Beginning Sunday, September 21
6:30-8:30 p.m.
"The God Empowered Wife" by K.B. Haught
Love you all!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Unveiling: The New Bible Study Class Line-Up!!!!
Well ladies, summer is finally coming to a close. The recent rain makes it tempting to pack up your flip flops and tankinis for good, but we all know this is just a little trick of weather. In a day or two, we will swelter again in our Old Navy shorts and try not to keep the newly hatched mosquito babies fed.
If that doesn't cheer you up, try this: Our Fall classes are decided!!!
Breeze through the list below and shop for your perfect Bible Study home. Wednesdays are purple, Fridays are green, and Saturdays are orange.
New this session: a Friday and Saturday morning option, and 9:30 start time for Wednesday mornings.
Drum Roll.... DadadadadadadadadaCrash!
WEDNESDAYS
Beginning September 17th
9:30-11:30am
Childcare Provided
"He Speaks to Me"
Priscilla Shirer
Led by Brandy Ziegler
Description: Based on 1 Samuel 3, we will learn six characteristics found in Samuel applicable to women today as we tune our hearts to hear God's voice. These characteristics are: A Simple Relationship, A Set Apart Holiness, A Still Attentiveness, A Single-Minded Worship, A Sold Out Hunger, and A Servant's Spirit. By listening to God's voice and obeying Him, we will draw into a closer relationship to God that brings a deeper desire to serve Him faithfully.
"BEHIND CLOSED DOORS~ Finding Intimacy with your Husband"
(CLASS ALREADY FULL)
Led by Robbie Page
Description: Discovering truths that will lead you to discover the freedom, holiness, and beauty of sex in marriage and why it all begins with a servant's heart. When honestly see the differences between men and women, we find ways to bridge the gap with the honor, intimacy and security that great sex, and a great marriage, needs to flourish.
Little House on the Freeway~Help for the Hurried Home
By Tim Kimmel
Led by Jamie Hackney
Description: Has your cozy little house on the prairie become a harried house on the highway? Discover God's plan for rest and peace with your family, work and relationships. This study details seven marks of the harried family, and shows you how to change your thinking so you can slow down to God's grace.
Women of the Bible
By Ann Spangler & Jean Syswerda
Led by Kelly Snyder
Description: Undaunted by the passage of time, their lives impact ours and generations to come. Women are called to fill a multiple of earthly roles. Our successes and failures stem from the flow of our personal relationship with the Lord. Join us as we learn to nurture and grow our intimate relationships with the Lord through the legacy of these women. When we know our savior and have a real, growing relationship with HIM,we are set free to be the best daughters, friends, wives, and moms. . . the best women we can be!
WEDNESDAY EVENING:
Beginning September 17th (Meeting every OTHER week)
6:30-8:30pm
Childcare Provided
"Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed-A study of David"
By Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore, Kay Arthur
Led by Liz Hogan and Wendee Long
Description: This class is the audio and video portions of the Deeper Still conference featuring Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore, and Kay Arthur. You'll laugh with them, cry with them, and learn to love God with them. Each segment focuses on the life of David at different stages: a young man (by Priscilla Shirer), a middle-aged man (by Beth Moore), and an older man (by Kay Arthur).
FRIDAYS
Starting September 19th
8:30 AM-10:30 AM
Childcare Provided
"Heart Check"--The Life of a Wife
Led by Carla Shellis
Description: It's time to stop dreaming and discover the power you have to experience God's best for your marriage! Discover what God placed within how it can transform your marriage, your family and YOU!
SATURDAYS
Starting September 20th
9:30am-11:30am
No Childcare Provided
Battlefield of the Mind
By Joyce Meyer
Led by Kristi Thomas
Description: This class will take a deep look at how we think and how our thoughts affect everything we do. Learn to identify where Satan has taken over your thoughts and give them back to Christ. This is an intense, but extremely beneficial, class to help you release Satan's strong holds and reach for ALL of the promises of our Creator and Lord.
If that doesn't cheer you up, try this: Our Fall classes are decided!!!
Breeze through the list below and shop for your perfect Bible Study home. Wednesdays are purple, Fridays are green, and Saturdays are orange.
New this session: a Friday and Saturday morning option, and 9:30 start time for Wednesday mornings.
Drum Roll.... DadadadadadadadadaCrash!
WEDNESDAYS
Beginning September 17th
9:30-11:30am
Childcare Provided
"He Speaks to Me"
Priscilla Shirer
Led by Brandy Ziegler
Description: Based on 1 Samuel 3, we will learn six characteristics found in Samuel applicable to women today as we tune our hearts to hear God's voice. These characteristics are: A Simple Relationship, A Set Apart Holiness, A Still Attentiveness, A Single-Minded Worship, A Sold Out Hunger, and A Servant's Spirit. By listening to God's voice and obeying Him, we will draw into a closer relationship to God that brings a deeper desire to serve Him faithfully.
"BEHIND CLOSED DOORS~ Finding Intimacy with your Husband"
(CLASS ALREADY FULL)
Led by Robbie Page
Description: Discovering truths that will lead you to discover the freedom, holiness, and beauty of sex in marriage and why it all begins with a servant's heart. When honestly see the differences between men and women, we find ways to bridge the gap with the honor, intimacy and security that great sex, and a great marriage, needs to flourish.
Little House on the Freeway~Help for the Hurried Home
By Tim Kimmel
Led by Jamie Hackney
Description: Has your cozy little house on the prairie become a harried house on the highway? Discover God's plan for rest and peace with your family, work and relationships. This study details seven marks of the harried family, and shows you how to change your thinking so you can slow down to God's grace.
Women of the Bible
By Ann Spangler & Jean Syswerda
Led by Kelly Snyder
Description: Undaunted by the passage of time, their lives impact ours and generations to come. Women are called to fill a multiple of earthly roles. Our successes and failures stem from the flow of our personal relationship with the Lord. Join us as we learn to nurture and grow our intimate relationships with the Lord through the legacy of these women. When we know our savior and have a real, growing relationship with HIM,we are set free to be the best daughters, friends, wives, and moms. . . the best women we can be!
WEDNESDAY EVENING:
Beginning September 17th (Meeting every OTHER week)
6:30-8:30pm
Childcare Provided
"Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed-A study of David"
By Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore, Kay Arthur
Led by Liz Hogan and Wendee Long
Description: This class is the audio and video portions of the Deeper Still conference featuring Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore, and Kay Arthur. You'll laugh with them, cry with them, and learn to love God with them. Each segment focuses on the life of David at different stages: a young man (by Priscilla Shirer), a middle-aged man (by Beth Moore), and an older man (by Kay Arthur).
FRIDAYS
Starting September 19th
8:30 AM-10:30 AM
Childcare Provided
"Heart Check"--The Life of a Wife
Led by Carla Shellis
Description: It's time to stop dreaming and discover the power you have to experience God's best for your marriage! Discover what God placed within how it can transform your marriage, your family and YOU!
SATURDAYS
Starting September 20th
9:30am-11:30am
No Childcare Provided
Battlefield of the Mind
By Joyce Meyer
Led by Kristi Thomas
Description: This class will take a deep look at how we think and how our thoughts affect everything we do. Learn to identify where Satan has taken over your thoughts and give them back to Christ. This is an intense, but extremely beneficial, class to help you release Satan's strong holds and reach for ALL of the promises of our Creator and Lord.
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