weekend reading

"When we consider the complexities of issues that surround the global orphan crisis, we are confronted with the fact that truly visiting orphans in their distress (James 1:27) requires more of us than we can imagine. The mandate to care for orphans over the long haul requires that we give of ourselves in ways that are at war with our culture’s pursuit of earth-bound treasures. It’s impossible to care for the orphan without living self-sacrificially.

As a result, if we are not actively locating our identity in or being defined by the grand story of redemption, our efforts to care for the orphan will likely be superficial, perfunctory, and short-lived." - Dan Cruver, Together for Adoption.

 Read the full post here.

Waiting for Glory,

Beard for Glory RESULTS

Drum roll please.....

Beard - 404

No Beard - 531

Wow. 

Just wow. 

We are blown away by how big of a hit and how much fun this was!

We are so grateful

to everyone who voted and helped spread the word!  

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

Seriously. This is a huge step closer to getting Glory home.

And, I'll get to see this handsome face until August 1, 2014:-).

Double Your Vote.

Thanks to a generous matching grant from the Orphan Care Alliance and Lifesong for Orphans all votes made between now and midnight on Valentine's Day WILL BE DOUBLED.

You MUST ENTER THE CODE 3548 in the "Note to Seller" section when checking out or we won't get any of the money. Semi-complicated but worth it!

Here's the link to vote.

Please continue to share and remember to include the code - 3548.

Thanks! 

(Side note - All donations made via that little button on the right are automatically matched - no code necessary:-)

Beard for Glory - Four Days Left to Vote!

Ok people, we're in the homestretch. Only four days left to vote and share.

Current count:

Beard - 222

No Beard - 233

Here's the video again. Please share it!

The more people who see it the quicker we can get our girl home!

Beard for Glory - Adoption Fundraiser from William H. Wallace II on Vimeo.

Weekend Reading

I'm emerging from slacker mode. Here you go... thank me later.

I came across this great blog - written by a foster mom, with several young kiddos, who also runs a foster care ministry. YES. PLEASE. I promise you will be encouraged by her family.

Did you see this uh-mazing ultimate list of adoption fundraisers? Check it out. There are sure to be some new ideas among these gems. (And we might be included in the "Other Creative Ideas" section:-)

This post on special needs parenting made me let out a sigh of relief. More to come on why, but this is a necessary read for anyone with a kiddo who has special needs and anyone with friends who are parenting kids with special needs. 

I'm leaving you with a quote from Gillian's above linked post...

If you are struggling with your child who has special needs, I give you permission to say it outloud.

I give you permission to ask for help.

I give you permission to realize and own the fact that Jesus is with you in your pain. He knows how much you love and cherish your child, and he also knows that this path can be difficult.

When I open up about my struggles something amazing happens.

I cry “uncle,” and God whispers “peace.” “Gillian, what took you so long to give this to me?”
I call for help, and Jesus stands up on my behalf. “I’m here. I’m helping.”
I confess weakness, and He claims strength. “Oh, child, finally, you are starting to get it.”

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9