Monday, February 27, 2012

I HAVE IT ALL! Part 1

Yep, that pretty much sums up the way I feel.. Blessed to have everything.. Blessed to have ALL that I could want or need. Blessed to have a Savior that CONSTANTLY keeps me on my toes to remind me of just how good I have it..

I was personally humbled several times in the last 6 days. I felt fear, lonliness, sadness, helplessness, admiration, love, anger and so much more. These 6 days have been a crazy whirlwind. Stirring up some serious emotion in my soul. So much so that I really didn't even know where to begin with this post...

It started out on Tuesday morning. We got a call fairly early from the Juvenile Justice Office. I knew when I saw the caller ID that there was most likely a child out there in need. I knew that we were needed and that God wanted to use us before I answered the call. Sure enough, there were 3 sisters ages 3, 4 & 9 who needed a safe place to go immedietly. The circumstances they came from are unimaginable for most people. Would we take them?

There was only one problem, I was scheduled to go out of town (2 1/2 hours each way) to do a wrap party with my new business. I didn't want to leave The Captain alone with 10 kids to include the 3 new young ones especially without a "mother figure" around. I told the worker I would check with The Captain and call her back within 15 minutes.

The Captain just amazes me with his willingness to serve. He wasn't hesitant. He agreed that he would be fine with the 10 kids from noon until I got home well after midnight. I called the worker back, explained that I would be gone and was concerned about a "mother figure" not being around. She simply said "I don't think they have one anyway so they probably won't miss that." Sad, heartbreakingly sad..

The sweet angels arrived at our home around 11am Tuesday morning. Cutest and most beautiful things you've ever seen. The plan was to keep them until court on Thursday at which time a judge would decide their fate from there. The oldest girl was extremely sad. Her eyes screamed in pain although she acted like a precious, sweet, well-mannered doll. She thanked me for EVERYTHING!The 2 younger ones accepted the situation quickly and jumped right in to play with the other kiddos.

Can I just say again that MY HUSBAND AMAZES ME? He encouraged me to start this new business that is BOOMING & has kept me busy and has me feeling so good! Not to mention scooping those little girls up and hugging on them right when they came through our front door. He treated those 3 like part of our family from the moment he saw them. And how many guys offer to care for 10 children with absolutely no problem? Thank you Lord for a wonderful husband. A wonderful husband that you picked out JUST FOR ME! Boy, I HAVE IT ALL

The oldest girl was concerned RIGHT AWAY. I could tell she was troubled. She had left her Bible at the Sherrif's office and I could tell it really bothered her. I assured her that we would get it back as soon as possible and she could borrow one of ours in the meantime.

I headed out, and realized about an hour away from home that I had forgotten my purse! I'm such a ding dong! How was I suppose to look good for all the meetings I had scheduled WITH NO LIPGLOSS or GUM? LOL. I got to my hometown, met with a new client at a hair salon, headed to visit my mom. She's the best I'll tell you. I had told her I forgot my purse so laying there as I walked in the door were a variety of purses for me to choose from to include lipstick, kleenex, fingernail clippers, her credit card (in case I needed it) and GUM! THANK YOU MOM! I HAVE IT ALL

It also happened to be my mother in laws birthday so I headed there next. We had a nice long talk at her office and I had fun delivering her birthday gift. She encouraged me with her hugs, wisdom and gave me some great Godly advice. I HAVE IT ALL!

Then I headed to a friends house I hadn't seen in years. I enjoyed visiting with she and her family and chatting about old times. I have such great friends! I HAVE IT ALL! It was time for the party!! It was held at my friends adorable candle shop in Weston, Missouri. It was a FABULOUS turnout and I signed 2 new distributors and EVERYONE lost inches and loved the ITWORKS products. We just had a ball! I HAVE IT ALL!

The sherriff's office was on my way home and I just couldn't get that Bible off of my mind, I HAD to get it for our 9 year old guest. I got home after midnight that night and rose early to our 10 kiddos! I HAVE IT ALL!

I took 6 girls and headed to violin lessons. On the way there, the oldest of our new gals asked when they would be leaving. I told her about court and that a very nice judge would make a decision to make sure that she and her sisters were safe. She began to cry and before I knew it, I was sobbing, I just couldn't help it, I looked in the rearview and I could see tears streaming down "T's" face too.

I got ahold of myself and the lessons went fine. I promised the girls that we would make cupcakes later in the afternoon. The Captain called as I was driving home and said there had been a change of plans and the court date was changed so the girls would most likely be leaving soon after we got back. They all begged to play outside. It was a nice day so I let them. I gathered all their things and washed/dried their clothes. We decided not to tell them they would be leaving. To let them just play and enjoy themselves and be kids without any worry until they had to leave. I tucked a family picture in the Bible with a note from us saying that we would miss them & would pray for them always.

The sherriff was so sweet. He was gentle and kind. They already knew him from the day before so it made things better. We hugged and said our goodbyes. We all kept smiles on. As the littlest o3 year old was walking out the door she looked up at him and said "DO YOU KNOW HOW TO MAKE CUPCAKES?" OH MELT MY HEART.. I ran to the kitchen, got a cupcake mix and gave it to her to take with her. We all stood on the porch and waved with smiles on until the car went down the drive...That's when my tears began to flow and I hugged my children tight. I HAVE IT ALL!

It is SUCH a difficult job but we DO NOT do it for ourselves. We do it to SERVE.YES, it's uncomfortable! YES, it alters our schedule.YES, it makes our family in dissarray. We do it out of obedience to our Father. A Father that took US IN! A Father that adopted us!! A Father that forgives all our sin. A Father that blessed us with 8 children. A Father that saved 7 of those childrens lives! A Father that protected those children in the womb. We have a family, We have a warm home, We have all our needs met.

We have JESUS!!! WE HAVE IT ALL!!!!

Please say a little prayer for our 3 angels that Jesus holds them close, that God's hand of protection be around them and over them and that they rest easy in a home that teaches them about
HIS LOVE..
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5 comments:

corgan said...

Thank you so much for writing this!

Sophie said...

You sure do have it ALL! I have some of that and certainly the most important part, my Savior, but I don't have it ALL. You are surely blessed to have such wonderful support.

Oh, those sweet babies. I admire you so much for your heart for foster children. I know what you do with the emergency placements is so needed but I have no idea how you do it. Has to tear your heart out. Thank you for your willingness to set yourself aside to love these children even for such a short time. You are truly a special lady.

Shanniel Shakespeare said...

Yaay!!!! I am smiling so hard, my jaws may pop. (if only u could see)lol. This is just the testimony I needed. I thank God for placing these words on your heart. Continue to serve, it is well worth it. Thanks once again. God Bless!!!

Angela said...

I am wiping tears here girl! And yes you are so blessed! Hugs to you and your family. It warms my heart to see your kiddos moved by reaching out their hearts as well! I'll be praying for those little ones!

Renata said...

Oh Jen
What a beautiful post~ it brings tears to my eyes. You have a wonderful ministry there & I will pray for those precious girls.

You are indeed blessed ~ as am I ~ thanks for the reminder.
Renata:)