Why should you care?

www.youcaring.com/gradec



Haiti. For many, just hearing the name of this island, located in the middle of the Gulf, Caribbean and Atlantic Oceans, brings to mind visions of poverty, corruption & destruction. However, if you allow your heart to open and swim past images you’ve been barraged with, I promise you this: your eyes will be opened to the beauty, love and hope the people of this island encompass. If you do begin to wade just that much deeper, than those first predisposed notions, I promise: you WILL begin to understand the suffering & pain of the men, women & children, woven into that very same beauty. I promise: it WILL stir up an urgency to do something to help these beautifully broken people.

Founded in 2008 by Yonel Ismael, a young Haitian man who was at one time an orphan himself, Gradec Orphanage is located in the heart of Port Au Prince, Haiti. Yonel has partnered with Pastor Wilson Lindor and his wife, Madam Claudette, who live at the orphanage and care for fifteen children. Currently, Gradec Orphanage attempts to survive without regular support from churches or organizations.

Yonel and Pastor Wilson work two jobs & donate their income back to the orphanage. Their combined income, along with donations to the orphanage that are few & far between, is barely enough to allow their doors open & the children off the street. At this point, you may be wondering, “
How can I help?” To be honest, your thoughts may be more along the lines of, “Why should I care?” You may be thinking, “There are enough problems in my own family, in my own church, in my own community. Why should I be willing to care about this orphanage so far from home?” Well, to be honest, your belief in Christ is why. If you believe in Christ, & take his words to heart, you will begin to discover there is room for your heart to begin to open to the needs of the children of Gradec Orphanage.

 As a matter of fact, throughout the Old & New Testaments, the God of the Bible commands us to take care of widows and orphans. Proverbs 21:13 says, “If a man shuts his ear to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.” James 1:7 states that, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” The children of Gradec Orphanage need our help. God placed a big vision on the hearts of the founders of this little orphanage. In order to keep this dream a reality, Yonel, Pastor Lindor & Madam Claudette need our help to pull them from the water and keep them from drowning. I am writing to request your assistance in raising $3,000 US dollars for an entire year’s worth of rent. We need your help to raise these funds by September 29th, or the doors of Gradec Orphanage will be closed and the fifteen children currently residing there will be homeless.

  We can’t do this alone. I am writing to request that you prayerfully consider opening your heart and donate. I promise you that 100% of your donations will be going directly to sustain the orphanage. I promise, you will not regret doing so.

What you can't forget while preparing for school this year.

 

 

Preparing for the school year can be so much fun!  Getting new curriculum and school supplies, organizing the house, and planning out our goals for the upcoming year while keeping the bigger picture in mind is exciting, not just for me, but for the kids too. We reevaluate what worked last year and figure out what changes need to me made for this school year.

As important as planning and preparing are for anything in life, if there is no commitment, then everything else will fall apart.  I’m not saying that things in life don’t change.  Of course they do. This is why goal setting, and reevaluating where you are in life, is vital.  We need to be flexible, versatile, and adaptable!  Just because something may not work out the way you intended does not mean that you have failed.  As long as you keep trying and never giving up in life, you have succeeded. 

This is just a simple reminder to me and to anyone who may be new to homeschooling or maybe even a veteran.  It’s not easy.  We may feel like we are not qualified (trust me, there will be plenty of people you will come across who will help feed that lie). You will face resistance from your children and experience more than a few meltdowns along the way. And believe or not, many times you will be the culprit. There will answers you don’t know and math problems that resemble a foreign language.   There will be days when your house looks like a disaster, and school may be put on hold so you can get to the doctors, the dentist, or just the grocery store so everyone can eat!

School is not just studying the books, it’s teaching your children about life. But whether you are homeschooling or not, remember, in life we need commitments and we must quit when life gets hard.  As you start your school year, remember why you are doing this and who you need to get you through the day.  When you feel like giving up, fall on your knees, and He will be the one to pick you up and give you the strength to keep moving on.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Phil. 4:13

"My grace is sufficient for you.  For My power is made in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Confessions of a wife and her husband's fantasy!

An endless dripping on a rainy day and a nagging wife are alike.” Proverbs 27:15

As the family cleans up the kitchen after dinner, the faucet on the kitchen sink has been accidentally left on.  There is this dripping sound, which nobody seems to be paying attention to.  Her husband gets up from the dinner table and quickly runs to his computer.  His wife notices, but continues cleaning the rest of the crumbs left behind.  She catches a glimpse from the corner of her eye, is he texting someone? It seems odd to her because he is not someone who talks on the phone, let alone texts. He is smiling and laughing as he receives a response.  She begins to feel a little left out.  She yells a comment from the other room, to which he responds, but only half-heartedly.  It is obvious he doesn’t want to be bothered at the moment.  He is so preoccupied, he even turned down his favorite love language. Are you serious?  Could it be another woman?  How did this happen?  Did her husband find a new love?  Suddenly, she is brought back to her senses and realizes it not another woman, it’s FOOTBALL SEASON!

You could be thankful that it’s only his fantasy football league he is focusing on.  However, you begin to get upset because you feel he is spending too much time preparing for this ridiculous football draft.  As you take your jabs, the kitchen sink continues to drip. However, the sound becomes noticeable.  Your jab becomes punches, and soon your husband can’t take it much longer.  As he gets up to leave the room, he stops at the kitchen sink to turn off the dripping faucet. However, because it’s been going on for so long, there is now a flood and a simple turning of the knob just won’t work.  

I don’t know your husband, or what he enjoys to do. Perhaps he likes fantasy football, hunting, or NASCAR.  Whatever it is, we must not sound like a dripping faucet and nag our husbands to death about their hobbies. I learned this years ago.  Remember, there is an enemy that wants nothing else but to kill, steal, and destroy your family.  Working on your marriage is something you have to do daily.  It’s easy to let something small turn into something much bigger, if you are not careful.  God had to remind me to focus on all the good my husband does. He seriously is a rock star.   Focusing on the negative only creates jealousy and selfishness, bringing destruction to what God has built in your marriage.   

I went over and turned the faucet off before the dripping turned into a huge flood that I couldn’t fix.  I ask God and my husband to forgive me. Now, I can’t promise I won’t make jokes about his fantasy football leagues, especially with my girlfriends, but I do promise to love and support him just like he does for me!  If this is what he enjoys doing, then I’ll pull up my big girl pants and put up with it for  yet another season!!

 “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.  But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”  James 3:16-17

What about Miley Cyrus?

If you haven’t heard about Miley Cyrus performance on MTV’s VMA awards then you must live under a rock or definitely not connected to social media!  By the sounds of it she could of made Lady Gaga blush!  Now, I think that last comment was going a little over board but you get my point! 

I’m sure there are people and especially some of her fans think that people like me are being to judgmental, ridiculous or even old-fashion.   These same people are saying I thought you are not supposed to judge?  Some are probably saying but my generation grew up with Madanna!  Yes, we did and I will admit I even liked her as a young girl. However,   It doesn't make it right.  I was to young and stupid to know better. ( Thankfully, my parents tried their hardest to keep me away from listening to her music.  Unfortunately, I was rebellious and didn't always listen.)   I’m not judging Miley but I am judging her actions.  Come on these entertainers are put on display for the world to see and this is the crap we get?  Yep, because we have allowed it.  For everyone who is accusing me of  judging you are darn right I am.  I'm not judging her per say, I am judging her actions.   Iff we as parents don't stand up and do something the world will eat our  children alive.   Her actions on stage (and many other so called performers) for the world to see are something that needs to be talked about. ( But as we do, we can't forget to look at our own lives.)  Turning our cheek will only give the impression to our children that behaving in such a way is acceptable. 

I’m not saying I’m better than this girl.  I’ve done some shameful things in my youth that could make many people’s jaw drop including my parents.   I loved being center stage and thought acting in such a way was what you needed to do to get the attention from boys.  I was so wrong.  Thankfully, my parents never held anything against me and loved me enough to forgive me.  God is the same way.  I’m sure it breaks his heart to see His child acting in such a disgusting way.  She was given so many gifts not to bring herself glory or to sell her soul for fame and money but to bring Him glory. However, there is hope and it’s not found in the applause from man, money or from a Hollywood contract it's  found in Christ.  God is slow to anger and rich in grace and mercy. There is no sin to big that God will not forgive. If you have a repentant heart and ask Him to forgive you, He does.     I pray her eyes will be opened once again to Him and put back on  path that will only bring her life. I pray she allows God to change her heart and will bear witness for all the young girls to see.   When she does God will be waiting with open arms to forgive her, just like he did with you and me. 

After a stressful day with the kids, how does a forty in brown paper bag sound?

If you have children then you should be able to relate to this blog, unless, of course, you are superhuman! 

It was one of those days.  You know the kind of day I’m talking about, when your head is pounding because you have heard MOM repeated at least a million times!  You have broken up wrestling matches, called time-out, and had to go over the rules more in one day than any NBA, NHL or NFL referee has had to do in a given two hour game, which now has you feeling like filling out an application for some sort of professional referee.    Surely these franchises could use your expertise! Except you realize that you would probably be over-qualified!

You cooked, cleaned, and now dinner looks like dog food, probably because you were interrupted and forgot that the stove was on three times! The house resembles the aftermath of a tornado, or better yet, an earthquake.  Because you just need a break and get your sanity back, you decide to do the unspeakable.  You allow your kids to watch a movie! You break every TV rule you have, and close the blinds so the other mothers will not know!

Finally, after the day seems to be winding down, your husband notices that you have an uncontrollable twitch.  In desperation he realizes that if you don’t get some sort of break, the chances of him getting lucky are slim to none!  He doesn’t let you know he is thinking this, of course.  Instead, he suggests going for an evening walk, just the two of you.    You agree, and instead of putting on your ruby red slippers, you quickly jam your feet into the first pair of shoes you find and fly out the door. The last thing you are doing is clicking your heels and uttering the words, "there is no place like home."   You decide to walk to the nearest convenient store to grab a few things needed for home.  The idea of being able to walk to the store in silence is like heaven.  You didn’t have to go through any rules, reminding little ones how to act and what not to ask for. 

As the sliding doors open, something catches your eye. Could this be the answer?  This bottle never looked so lovely before!  The idea of quickly grabbing and wrapping it in a brown paper bag excites you.  This could be answer!  Now your mommy walks around the block could bring a whole new experience.  Your mind begins to wander as ideas of a new kind mom’s group begin.  Paper bag moms!  Nobody would know.  You could meet, walk, and talk, and drink until the edge is taken way and the happy smile kicks in! 

Minutes later, your dream is suddenly interrupted by your cell phone.  The kids want to know when you will be coming home.  You look at your phone.  Could it have been that long?  How long were you romancing about this new found love?  You look at the time and realize it’s been an entire 10 minutes since leaving the house! How dare you be gone so long!   Your husband grabs what is needed, and you head out the door.

You awake from your blissful fairy tale and are brought back to reality.  Christ is there, reminding you and me that HE is what will fill you up, and give you compete joy, peace, and rest. Everything is else is only temporary relief.  We don’t have to complain, talk about it until we are blue in the face, or tell a million people how bad our day was,  Nor do we need to drink it away.   We only need Him.  He wants to take your burden and make it light.  What are you waiting for?  Give it to Christ.  He is the one who sustains us and gives the grace and mercy to share with our family.  He is found in our weakness and reminds each one of us of the bigger picture, and how we are responsible to show our children His way by our words and actions.   The brown paper bag, as good as it may sound, will never bring what Christ has already died and given you.  Peace, joy, and rest.  It’s yours if you decide to take it. 

After you have your moment (which we are allowed to have), you walk in you front door, look at those little faces, and realize there really is no place like home!

Time to hit a homerun

I don’t know if you have watched the movie 42: The Jackie Robinson Movie.  If you haven’t, it’s a must see!  I knew the story before hitting play on our DVD player (which is another story all on its own!  Why do these TVs have to be so complicated to use?  I had to wake up my son because I didn’t know how to turn the dang thing on!).  As I watched the movie, Jackie’s story inspired me to keep fighting the good fight with integrity, class, and character.  Despite everything he had to endure, he continued to fight hard; he never gave up nor let the world beat him down. This movie only gives us a slice of what life was like for black men and women-- pain and suffering that most of us will never experience.  His manager and Jackie’s faith in Christ is what kept him in the game.  I loved it when one commenter said, “Jackie has guts.”  I hope one day someone will look at our life, what we stood for, and repeat the same words about you and me. 

We may not go down in history as a great baseball player like Jackie Robinson, nor face racism the way he did.  However, we still have our bases to run and homeruns to hit.  God used Jackie in the game of baseball to stand for something much bigger than a ball and a bat.  Every time he stepped on the field, he gave hope to the hopeless.  Every time someone came against him, when the world seemed like they would never embrace him, he gave friends to the friendless. His life was a testimony that people can change, as his team, and eventually the fans, embraced him.    Every time someone acted in his or her own flesh, or misused the word of God, he shined the light of Christ for everyone to see.  This black man in the 1940’s was a light in this dark world!  He wasn't a perfect man, but God doesn't expect perfection.  He was a husband and a man after God’s own heart. 

 I want people to look at my life, and the lives of my friends, and see that.   I want them to see people who are going against the majority, who are standing on the word of God, who at times feel like they are striking out.  I want people to see that despite everything against us, we decide to get back into the batter box, hold on to the bat, and not just point to the stands, but to God!   How I pray that I have the guts and the courage to do this.    If we are going to continue swinging our bats, we need to know who we are in Him.  Keep hitting those base hits, because one day it will be a home run! 

Transforming your storm

The sun has been out and shining this past week in Michigan!  It has been a rough summer with lots of rain and cloudy days.  It’s almost like summer just passed us by.  When the sun is out, it makes me feel so much better.  I know that I’m much more productive when it is.  We need the sun.  There is no doubt that sunshine is healthy for your minds, bodies, and spirit. 

This crazy weather made me think deeper about God.  Everyone is happy and go lucky when the weather is just the way we like it, but we begin to complain and get crabby when it’s gray and gloomy.  

If we want to be successful and enjoy life, learning how to not let circumstances control us is key.  When life is dark, and when you are walking through the shadow of death, know that you don’t have to fear.  Although you may not see him, God is always with you.  Don’t give up hope.  Call on him, get in prayer, read his word, and know his promises.  He is the light in this dark world.  He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Faith in not seeing, but believing. 

Don’t allow the weather or your circumstances to steal your joy.  Remember, when you can’t see the light, know that the Son is there, walking with you every step of the way.  If you don’t give up, His light will shine once again, transforming the storm, wind, and clouds, until the most beautiful rainbow is on display for the world to see. 

Friends with simple reminders

The other night my phone rang and it was my friend Cory.  (I wrote about him a few days ago, if you want to read more about him.)  He was so excited to share with me what was going on in his life.  He said, “Kim, are you ready?  You are never going to believe what God has been doing in my life.  You are going to be so excited for me.  I can’t wait to tell you!” His love and pure innocence is so refreshing.  I couldn’t wait to hear his wonderful news.   He began to share with me how he now has 17 friends on his face book page.  He was so thankful.   God has placed on his heart to start a prayer ministry.  These are 17 more people in his life that God has trusted him with, and he gets the opportunity to pray for each one. 

I hung up the phone, looked at my husband, and said, "if we all had a heart like Cory, this world would be a much better place."  Cory simply reminded me once again to appreciate everything I have in my life and to enjoy the journey. How many things do we (including me) take for granted?  God is huge, and there is nothing wrong with having big dreams. But, we can’t miss what is right in front of our faces. Yes, we should have a bigger vision for our lives.   However, what I have learned in the process is, if God can trust us with what he has given us first, much more will be given.  This includes not only the big blessings, but the small ones, too.  It’s not about the quantity, but the quality.  Maybe you are in a tough spot in your life right now, and you just can’t seem to find anything to be thankful for.  Here is a reminder.  You are alive and able to read this blog!   Being able to read, using, and having a computer are considered a luxury in many countries around the world.  You, my friend, are blessed!   

Cory reminded me to be thankful that I have people who actually read and like my Bringing Light to the Matter Facebook page! Yes, I want this page to grow, but I must remember not to focus on the numbers, but rather stay focused on God.  I need to continue to be (and trust me I am) thankful for just having one person like this page!  Seriously, I’m shocked anyone would want to even read what I write!  So, if God brings more, great, and if not, I’m grateful and enjoying what I’m doing. If a few, or even if nobody decided to visit this page, it’s ok.  I’m doing this for His Glory, not mine!

Today, no matter what you may be going through, find your blessings.  Be thankful for where you are at, and as God can trust you, he will be the one to promote and give you more!  Thank you Cory for the simple reminders on life!