Happy New Year!! She Made It!!

she made it!! nastya has climbed the $1000 wall on the angle tree!! thank you to everyone who donated, gave, and prayed!! i can't wait to see the family that gets to take her home!

Almost there!

I am officially the worst blogger of all time! My last post was on October 18th and at that time Nastya's grant was at $457.55. That was October. Two months later here it is December and Christmas time and her grant has grown again :) As of a few minutes ago she currently has $768.05!

My goal when I started advocating for Nastya was to get her to the sizable grants page. That goal gets closer and closer every day. Thank you!

-Sabrina

Did you see it?!?!?!

Her grant! Did you see it jump yesterday? I did. Man oh man I did! We went from $229.55 to our current amount of $457.55! We are getting there people! My goal when I truly started fundraising for Nastya was to get her onto the sizable grants page. I have watched her grant go from 0 to almost $500! Yes it is a work in progress, but it is progressing, and for that I am thrilled!

Don't stop checking her profile because the mason jar fundraiser is still in the works! So keep an eye out for another jump towards the end of the month!! And Praise God above for His faithfulness!!

-Sabrina

Update

Forgive me guys. It's been a bit since I've been on here. I have been a little preoccupied with a couple of fundraisers. The first fundraiser ended a couple of weeks ago and it raised $228.00. A check should soon be received by the RR crew and applied to Nastya's grant. Right now it sits at $229.55 so keep a look out for a sudden jump! I can't wait!!

Another fundraiser I was working on happened this past Saturday. So far it has raised about $100.00. But the items that were made are still selling so technically that fundraiser isn't over yet :) I will most likely carry it out until the end of October or until all of the items sell out (which ever happens first).

Also I am a new Mary Kay consultant!! (again) lol Having a baby tends to make selling makeup a little difficult :) Anyway I just got my first order back and I am in the process of delivering those items where they need to go. So if you have any Mary Kay needs feel free to send me an email at brinafain@hotmail.com.

As you have read a million times by now Nastya is on the angel tree this year. So soon I will be purchasing a Christmas ornament with her picture on it. I will also be displaying the ornament at all of my Mary Kay events I have along with the items still left to sell for the before mentioned fundraiser.

Things have been busy and will continue to be for some time to come I'm sure. My little girl will be a year old 3 days after Christmas so we have quite a bit of planing to do in the next few months. But with a 2 year old, and by then an almost 1 year old, Christmas will prove to be absolutely wonderful!!!

For now that is all. My hubby will be having a birthday tomorrow so I must get started with making some peanut butter cookies. (Let's see if he reads my blog lol) Don't forget to keep an eye on Nastya's grant! See ya soon!

-Sabrina

And the winner is...

  Me!! lol No really, the results are in and

 

NASTYA IS ON THE ANGEL TREE!!!!!!

That truly has made my day :) But it's not over. Don't forget about all of the other little ones who are on the voting panel this week. Go check them out and vote for one of them. And if you have a free minute please scroll down and check out my last post. Thanks guys, and prepare to watch my little girl's grant grow!!

-Sabrina

One more thing...

While I anxiously wait to see if Nastya has her place on the angel tree this year, I also have something else looming in my mind. The girls that are on the panel this week really need families. They are the other angel girls ages 10+. These little girls have put themselves out there, going on a leap of faith to have their pictures taken, all in hopes of getting a family. I didn't put too much thought into this before now. But think, just for a moment, about their picture experience.

Here in the US families have pictures made all the time. Mine included. And I will be the first to tell you if I don't LOVE the pictures, we don't get them. We may have 5-6 of the same pictures, just with different poses all over my house. But let's shift our thinking for a minute.

Most of the pictures on Reece's Rainbow are a one shot deal. The children get one shot to have a picture made. Not always properly dressed, no time to fix their hair just right, no one behind the photographer telling them ever so sweetly  to smile. Nothing. Sometimes their eyes are closed. A lot of the time I have seen little knuckles white because of the clenched fists.

I'm sure their nerves are shot. The life they are living right now is most likely rough. And to think that their only chance out, their only shot at a different life, their only hope for a family, is all riding on this picture. Yea, no pressure, right?!

You gotta be kidding me. I get nervous thinking about that.

But we have a chance. A chance to help. Do me a favor today if you will. Head over to www.reecesrainbow.org and go vote. Vote for one of these little girls who have waited year after year for a family to call their own.

If you wanna do more, you can donate or pray for one of the particular girls. Just click their picture and it will lead you to their profile. Or you can rally behind one of them and possibly change their lives forever. Whatever you do, do something.

The last of the angel tree news.

The voting for category other angel girls 6-9 ends at 5:00p.m. EST today! So your chance to donate and get those votes in is quickly flying by. Don't miss out! And come back soon or check out the RR site to find the winners! Let's see if my little one will be on that tree this year!

                        

It's Finally Here!

Angel Tree week 6 has started!! This is the week I have been talking about for what seems like forever! Today starts the voting week for Nastya's category. Since she is not on the voting panel there is only one other way for her to have a chance to be on the Angel Tree this Christmas! And that is for all of us to donate to the Voice of Hope fund. This link will take you to the page where you can donate to enter the drawing for Nastya.  Or if you would rather type in the website here's that too. http://reecesrainbow.org/my-own-little-starfish

Each $5 donation will put your name in the drawing one time. If we all band together, we can definitely get my little love on that tree :) Thank you guys in advance! Let's do this!

-Sabrina

Get Ready!

Voting for week 5 ends in 5 hours and 55 minutes!! Can you tell I have started the countdown? :)  Nastya's week for donatations and opportunity for her name to be put in the drawing starts very soon!! Yayyy!!!

A Break from Angel Tree News.

Can I show you guys two georgeous little loves? Oh they both have stolen my heart. And I'm not quite sure what to do about that. But that is another story all by itself. For now just take a look.

                                   Here is little Nastya.                                   

                          The first little Reece's Rainbow girl                            

that pulled on my heart's strings.

 

 

 

And this little love is new to Reece's Rainbow.

                                           Her name is Liesl. Isn't she too cute?

                                 


                             That's all for now. Rest assured there will be more later.

-Sabrina







 

One Week Away!

That's right it's just one week away! In one week I'm going to be donating $5 as many times as I can to help secure Nastya's place on the angel tree with Reece's Rainbow this year.

I am asking everyone I know to join with me on this! If you click this link or go to this website  http://reecesrainbow.org/my-own-little-starfish and scroll down the page, right above the voting panel is a place to donate to the Voice of Hope fund.

For every $5 donated you get one vote. Now remember her catagory and voting week doesn't start until August 31st! So hold tight until then, unless of course you would like to vote for one of the little girls that are on the panel this week :)

Blogger Friends I Need YOU!!!

If you've ever read my blog, even once, you know the special little girl I advocate for. But just in case you're new here I'll tell you a bit about her. And if you're not new maybe a reminder as to why I love her so.

Her name is Nastya. She just turned 7 last month and is in need of a family. She has spina bifida and hydrocephalus. (So does my little sister and although this particular special need can make life different I wouldn't trade my sister for the entire world, obviously :)

So here's the deal. Reece's Rainbow has an Angel Tree every year. Normally just the children with Down Syndrome ages 0-5 get a place on the Angel Tree. But people like myself have too often asked why can't the other children get a spot on the tree? Well Reece's Rainbow listened!! As they often do :)

This year there are a selected number of children from EACH CATEGORY that are going to be put on a voting panel. The two children with the highest votes automatically gets a place on the Angel Tree.

Well my problem, Nastya is not on the list of pre-selected children to be voted on.    :(   However; because Reece's Rainbow is sooo great, they've allowed a loop hole.

For every $5 donation to the Voice of Hope fund DURING THE SELECTED WEEK your name can go into a drawing. Once placed in the drawing the winner gets to choose which child in that category they would like to add to the Angel Tree!

So Nastya still has a chance to be put on the Tree!! Saying I REALLY want her on the Angle Tree is an understatement. So here's what we do. Nasya falls under the catagory of Other Angels ages 6-9. And that voting week starts August 31st and goes until September 6th.

I, along with some friends and family, will be donating $5 as many times as we possibly can that week. I would like to ask all of you, my blog friends to join with me and do the same. If my little girl gets on this tree she has a better chance for her grant to grow, her face to be seen, and to find her family.

Now remember the week starts August 31. So hold tight until then. And thank you. Ahead of time!

-Sabrina

Just thought I would let everyone know, I did not fall off of the planet :) I have just been a tad bit busy planning our next fundraiser for little Nastya. 

I am finding out this fundraising thing takes some serious time and effort! But I also know this little girl is worth every minute. Soon little one. Soon you will have a family and a place to call home. 

-Sabrina

An End But Also A Beginning

So the fundraiser is over. My family came out and help me set up and also stayed and help me run the booth all day. They were a big help and were more than I could have asked for! Thanks Mamma, Daddy, and Kadie. My mother-in-law kept my little man for me that day so he was entertained all weekend, thanks   Am-ah! And I will always and forever believe I have the best husband in the world. Without him keeping me on track this fundraiser would not have went nearly as smoothly. Thanks Love!! Also I want to say thank you to everyone who donated items (Mamma), came out and supported us (Mandy and her gang), and to everyone that donated funds to help raise our little one's grant. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE!!!

Now for the reason you came.

                                                        

Thanks again everyone! 

Winners for the giveaway items will be contacted shortly. And stick around because there is already another fundraiser in the works :) 

-Sabrina

Giveaway!!!!

Once again I am extremely excited!! So with no further ado, here are the giveaway items!! 

$2 -Watermelon Summer Cheese Ball Set

$4 - Tranquil Waters Shimmering Body Gel and Pink Sand Polish from Mary Kay

$5 - Mary Kay Sandals Pedicure Set

$5 - Mary Kay Satin Lips Set

$5 - Pampered Chef Cookie Press

$10 - Mary Kay Mint Blossom Pedicure Set

$10 - Black Misha Bag

$10 - Mary Kay Peach Satin Hands Set

$12 - Pampered Chef 9x13 Stoneware Baker

Now, to be entered into the giveaway here's what you do. You can donate the amount listed under each item to the chip-in to the right and receive one ticket. For example if you donate $10 you can choose to have one ticket toward the Misha bag or 5 tickets toward the Watermelon Set. Your choice. You can enter as many times as you would like.

Also you can receive 1 free ticket if you share this giveaway on facebook. And an additional ticket if you blog about this giveaway and comment with you blogger address. So there are three ways to win :)
I will also have these same items with me on Saturday at the fundraiser. So be sure you comment on this blog entry with the name you would like on the tickets, how many tickets per item (based on your donation amount), and whether you shared or blogged about the giveaway.

This giveaway offer is only valid in the lower 48 states and all tickets purchased via this blog will be combined with tickets purchased at the fundraiser. All winners will be contacted via this blog account. If you would rather be contacted via email feel free to email me your information at brinafain@hotmail.com

Thanks for your participation and together let's watch this baby girl's grant grow.

Sneak Preview!!

So I am extremely excited about the fundraiser for Nastya next Saturday. So excited in fact, that I wanted to share with you guys something special :)  At the Reece's Rainbow booth where I will be spending my day on August 11th I will have 10 items with me to be raffled off. I am in the process of taking pictures and getting the items ready for display! On Monday I will have a chip in set up on my blog as well as pictures of the items to be raffled. 

                                                        
To be entered into the raffle all you must do is donate to the chip in the amount listed under the picture for one entry for that particular item. I know you guys are going to love the items that have been donated!! There are 2 pampered chef items, several Mary Kay items, a purse, a summer cheese ball bowl and knife set, a sentsy warmer, and several other really kool items. So come back and visit my blog on Monday to see all of the items up for raffle. And let's get my little girl's grant raised!!!

-Sabrina

Too excited!!

I am beyond excited!! On August 11th I will be at the fundraiser for Nastya. I have spoken to a few people and so far we have 2 Mary Kay gift sets, 2 Pampered Chef items, a Scentsy warmer, and a bag to be raffled off. The t-shirts I had made should be here on Thursday and I can not wait!!

My goal again is to have Nastya moved from the $133.65 (where she currently is) to the sizable grant page. So I want to see her grant go from the $133.65 to at least $2,500.00. It's possible. I've seen bigger things done.

So as I anxiously await next Saturday I will be watching her grant. If anyone wants to add a little sparkle to my day feel free to click this link and donate to my little one. Until then.

Happy Birthday!!

Ok so I'm a little early. Her birthday is not until Friday. But just the same I want to do something special! Well, a better way to say it would be, I want something special done for her. What I want, I can't do. Not by myself.

This year I want to see Little Miss Nastya out of the orphanage! I want her in a family! I am seriously fed up with her being an orphan. This child was made in the image of Almighty God and is uniquely designed by God himself. So here's what I want for her birthday. (Be prepared!!) I want Nastya's grant to move from $133.65 (where it has set for quite some time now) to $2500.00. Yes. You read that right.

I want to see Nastya's picture on the sizable grant page. There she will likely be seen by more people and  have a better chance of finding a family. A larger grant means a better chance of getting out of there!!

So here's my plan. Everyone that loves me (lol) I am asking that you go here to this link and donate to Nastya's grant. For those of you who don't know me (or love me ha ha) I'm asking you to donate as well :)
But I'm not expecting you guys to do all the work here.

On August 11th I will be at the Smith River Fest sitting at a vendor booth. I will have Reece's Rainbow gear to give away and several raffles going on. Right now I have been given a Scentsy Warmer and a Mary Kay gift set. I plan to get some other items as well to raffle off. I will be there for the whole event. So while I am asking you guys to donate, I will also be spending all day on August 11th working toward this goal as well.

I am extremely excited to see this grant move. I watch it like an addicted stalker. No lie. :) So let's do this like a team and make it happen!! Thank you guys a thousand times over!!!


-If you have any items you would like to donate toward the raffle feel free to facebook me or shoot me an email at brinafain@hotmail.com

My quote for the day!

SO... that's why I tell you to keep your eyes wide. Keep them wide open... at least on one side.
-Dr. Seuss


For a children's story the man's got some insight.


-Brina

A Gift - Part Two

Lately I've had something on my heart. And the best way I knew how to convey my message was through a story.

Now think of it this way. What if, when the King came to the beggar with the ring, the beggar threw it at His feet and yelled THAT'S NOT THE ONE I WANTED!!

Could you imagine? The King was offering a gift to this man. Blessings. A home beyond anything the beggar could imagine. And for nothing in return. The price was paid.

I was reading an article the other day. It was horrible. It was discussing China's one child policy. Here's a link to the article but BE WARNED the photo is heart wrenching. It's nothing I wanted to see. But sometimes we need to see to wake us up. Here's the link http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/report-chinese-woman-forcibly-aborted-at-seven-months-warning-extremely-gra.

It told of how a pregnant lady was kidnapped from a fair. Taken against her will to a facility and forcibly held down to be given a vaccination to induce her labor. This lady was 7 months pregnant. This child could have survived. But instead this little one's life was snuffed out shortly after it's first cry.

That's just China though. Right?

Wrong. Here in the good old US of A abortions happen every day. On one search I found a facility that would either do or give a referral for an abortion for up to 36 weeks. People, 40 weeks is full term!!! My twin brothers were born at 36 weeks!!! What has happened to our conscious?!? Where is our conviction?!?

I created this blog to be a voice for the children.

Our children are our future. They are a GIFT FROM GOD!! (Psalm 127:3) When abortions happen we are no different than the beggar throwing the ring back at our King saying THIS IS NOT WHAT I WANTED!

Now I understand I have embarked on a very controversial issue. But I also understand that this IS a matter of life and death. Everyday. So in order to do what I have set out to do I must speak up. I must be a voice for the children. Especially the ones who will never be given an opportunity to speak.

Abortion is wrong. There's no light way to put it. There is always another way. There are even places and people willing to cover all medical costs for an expecting woman.

My plea, and hope behind this blog post is not to condemn anyone. Not at all. We all have fallen short and I am no exception. But the message I want to convey is simple. Be a voice. Do something to make life possible for someone who would otherwise not have that opportunity. Adopt maybe or if you have a friend who is expecting a child and is contemplating an abortion be there for her. Stand in the gap. Let's all do something to save lives. Our children are our future. Let's protect them.

A Gift - Part One

There once was a beggar who lived near the gates of a kingdom. From where he lived he could see inside the gates, but was never able to go inside. This kingdom was the most magnificent the beggar had ever seen, or even imagined. It was beautiful. When he looked through the gate, the kingdom stretched as far as his eyes could see. There was a sea as clear as crystal. There were people everywhere all seeming to be happier than  the beggar had ever been. 

One day the beggar was walking home from the city. His feet were stained red from the dusty roads. When he got close to the city gate he seen something he had never seen before. THE KING!! And he was walking toward the gate.

The beggar was unsure what to do. The King could have the poor beggar killed just for sleeping near the kingdom gates. But fear wasn't in the beggars heart for long. As the King, in all his majesty, approached the gate he smiled at the beggar. You see, the king knew the beggar was living outside of the gates of His kingdom. And He wanted more for this poor man.

Opening the tall, strong, gate door the King came outside of the kingdom. He came to the poor beggars home. All that was there was a box the beggar had used for shelter and a few rags. The beggar was embarrassed and humbled to the point of tears. Then something amazing happened.

The King reached out his hand to the beggar. But something was in it. From what the beggar could tell it was a gift. Something small and shining. With a most humble spirit the beggar reached out and accepted the gift from the king. It was a ring. But not just any ring. It was the King's ring. This meant that when the beggar went to the city he would not have to beg anymore! Just by presenting the King's ring to a vendor the beggar could have his choice of anything for free. His food, his clothes, the materials to build shelter with, anything he desired, would be free to him. Having the King's ring meant having the King's wealth. This gift would change the beggar's life FOREVER!!!

But that wasn't the end of the king's gift! Along with the ring the King offered the beggar a room in his palace. To live in the kingdom, to be a part of the royal family, it was more that the beggar had ever dreamed!!! To belong somewhere, to have friends, to never be alone again, it was more than the poor man could handle. He burst into tears! Thankful beyond words, humbled to his core. Life for this man would never be the same!

-------------

Part  two will be up a little later!! You will not want to miss it!!!

Giving credit where it is due!

So yesterday was a normal day.

I usually go to church about an hour early on Wednesday nights to fulfill a commitment to the nursery. Well let me back up a minute so you get a grasp on the full miracle!

Some people live paycheck to paycheck. For now, my family would most likely be listed in that category of people. So on Tuesday we were counting change to make sure there was gas for my husband to go to work. As you can imagine there is only so much change just laying around the house (lol). So when Wednesday came, I was almost sure we had gathered every penny. However, when I went back to my purse there was 38 more cents. (I am almost definite I had gotten every penny out the day before.)

Now I'm not telling this story for sympathy. AT ALL!! But I have to tell it so everybody know's that my Jesus is alive and he does truly meet all our needs. He gets all the glory here!!

So once we gathered every penny we could find we counted it and we had reached a whopping $1.35. In that amount there was 5 dimes and the rest were, you guessed it, pennies.

I was on the phone a little earlier that day with a teenager who likes to ride with my family to church. I had to make a decision. I had enough gas to get to church and back. That was it! So I called her and told her to see if she could ride with another family. That I was sorry, but if I came and picked her up we all would be walking. She would have to carry my oldest and I would be carrying the baby.

Since that wasn't very appealing, she said she was call someone else. We hung up and I got my kids packed in the car with the $1.35 and my husbands work phone, just in case.

I went to the closest gas station. Locked all my doors, (my children were in the car) and walked the 10 feet to the door to go in.

I walked in, keeping an ever constant eye on my kids, and told the teller, "First of all I don't hate you." I had said this as I was dumping the mountain of change in his hand.

He told me it was fine. I explained to him that I kept looking out the door because my kids were in the car and I didn't like leaving them (although they were 10 feet away, with all the doors locked, and I live in a pretty small town)

The conversation lasted all of 2 minutes and I went back outside to the pumps.

I was hanging the pump back up when the teller came over to where I was and told me, "Pump some more."

Ummmm. ok. So once the moment of shock wore off enough for me to gather myself I pumped $2.00. Very confused I went back in the store with a smile and asked, "Exactly, .... how much ..... more?"

He told me $5.00. So I went back outside pumped the other $3.00 and headed back in to thank the guy. I was so excited to watch God move! When I got back in the car I called my husband and told him the story! We both were so excited. God provided just enough to meet our need, because after all, at our meals we pray, give us Lord our DAILY bread.

Remember the teenager? I now had enough gas to pick her up, share this story with her, and get to church on time for the kids. You CAN NOT tell me God does not meet our needs. And you CAN NOT tell me he doesn't give us the pure desires of our heart.

You can't have that many coincidences at one time. That's Jesus my friend. Working right here in this small town. In every day life.

Homecoming!!!!!

This is an amazing video! Cudos to Rebecca Harris for catching such a precious time on tape!! Here, see for yourself. The homecoming of Joseph and Samuel Rhodes!!!



Praise God!! There free at last!! With God ALL THINGS are possible!!! Welcome home boys :)

The Nelson's

Man this has never happened! Two blog posts in one day. I'm on a roll by-Georgie :) Anyway, I come to you guys tonight with a hopeful heart.

In my last post I shared with you guys about how I would tell you more about my cousins. So sooner than I thought, here's that promise kept.

I have a cousin. Her name is Angela. She has a husband, Chris, and three boys. Just for the sake of not writing a book (because believe me I could) I'll try to seriously condense this story. My cousins have made a drastic impact on my life from the time I was small child. I have so many memories that I could talk about for days.

Chris was my youth pastor for several years and that in itself should give you an idea how big of a part this family plays in my life. Angela was someone through all those crazy teenage years I could always call and get Godly, sound advice from. I remember staying over their house so many late nights as a college kid doing homework because my home computer didn't have the software I needed.

So here's the thing. This couple, my family, are in a bit of a relocation. They are missionaries to Venezuela! And on June 12 they are looking forward to heading back to their second home. All 5 of those crazy kids :)

Now I would like for all of my blog readers and followers to keep this in the very front of your minds when reading anything I post. I'm getting to the part of this post where I'm gonna discuss giving. Now I want all of you to know up front that I do not try to guilt anyone into giving anything. I do however, offer an opportunity to be a part of a move of God. Just for the record.

Ok. Now back to my story. Chris and Angela are set to leave on June 12. Now here's something I noticed that grabbed my attention. When I went to the link for the Assembly's of God World Missions Page I noticed a small disclaimer at the bottom of that page. To paraphrase, it went something like this, if they don't have the money they need raised by the time there set to leave, THEY DON'T LEAVE. 

Now I have a BIG GOD who has a BIG HEART!!! And I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are leaving on June 12th. ( Pretty sure that was the day, but don't hate me if I got it wrong) So my point is this. As of Angela's last post they were about $300 short of their monthly pledges needed to leave. Again I have no doubt God will meet this need, but I would like to extend the offer to you to come be a part of this party. Whether it's $5 a month or $500. No amount is too small. She said so herself.

Forgive me for being lengthy this time, but here's your invitation. What will you do with it?

To be a part of the Nelson's family adventures in Venezuela you can click the link above, go to this website (www.worldmissions.ag.org/search.cfm?Display=Yes&churchdetail=AGFM3965), or follow her blog at http://nelsonmissions.blogspot.com/2012/05/giving-will-you-be-one.html?showComment=1338486060588#c3423721526817054777

Thanks for listening,
Sabrina

You've gotta read this one!!

Anyone who has read my blog even once, knows I have a place in my heart for orphans. There are few things that make me smile bigger than when a child becomes an "orphan no more"! So it stands to reason when one story comes to a close, that another should begin.

Mandy and Marty are bringing home Joseph and Samuel this weekend!!! Remember these guys?

Well after this weekend these two little guys get to be with the family God intended them to have! I have been beyond blessed to watch every step of this adoption process unfold. And this weekend begins the best part  of all!!! These guys are coming home! Praise God!!!

Now check this out! Today I was blog visiting, and came across my cousin's blog.

 (More about them very soon!!! But till then check them out here http://nelsonmissions.blogspot.com/2012/05/giving-will-you-be-one.html?showComment=1338486060588#c3423721526817054777)

Well in this particular post there was a video. Of this family. And it made me cry. In a good way. Well here, just watch you'll see.

Such an amazing story. Did you cry too? I think it's truly remarkable how my Jesus really does make all things work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose!! So as one story, of a family who this weekend will have their boys home, ends; another will begin. Follow me on the Boutin family journey and together let's help bring Aaron home too. To lend a hand financially visit www.give1save1.com

Little Miss Tatiana has a home!!!!!

You are an orphan no more little love!! My heart leaps for joy for you. I wish you the best my dear. My prayer for you is that you grow strong in the Lord and learn to love and be loved. I will always remember you my dear Tatiana. I knew your Mommy would come soon. I love you sweet girl.

-Sabrina

Well here it is. As I said in my last post I have had something on my heart lately and today I plan to tell you what it is. 

One year ago today I started this blog. It was a year ago today that I started to feel a strong burden for the orphan. All orphans need forever families; don't get me wrong, but sometimes there's this one. You know, the one that can play your heart strings like a fiddle. The one that stands out for whatever reason. Well if you have read any of my blog posts you may already know who it is I'm talking about. My little love has already been introduced once before on here but here she is again. Little Miss Nastya.

This little love has spina bifida and hydrocephalus. This is a condition she was born with. I know from experience that this disability, although life altering, is just that. Altering. This condition does not mean she is worthless! It does NOT mean she deserves to spend the rest of her life in a mental institution somewhere all alone and forgotten about! It just means she is different. And let me be the first to tell you, different can teach you things you may never know about otherwise.

Now if you don't mind, I am going to get really honest with you. Ready? I started this blog one year ago today. This is when I started advocating for Nastya. Now here's the honest, raw, truth. It's been a year; and although it has been a wonderful one, full of orphans finding forever families, adoptions being fully funded, and little loves coming home for the first time, my little Nastya is still out there. Still waiting. Alone. She has no family to call her own. No Mommy is there to tell her she was created by a king who loves her beyond compare. She has no daddy to whisper in her ear and tell her about how, better than the fairy tales, she's a real princess. She has no one.

I've been on the fence here for a year now hoping to help find Nastya's family. I've donated every now and then to her grant thinking that would help. But now I'm ready to jump in. I'm ready to see this little girl go home.

As of right now I don't know what that means. I don't where this journey will take me, but I'm ready.

Sometimes I just need to hear from God. And this is why you haven't heard from me in a bit. Sometimes I just need my Jesus to whisper in my ear everything is gonna be ok. Sometimes things work out the way I think they should, and sometimes they don't. But in the midst of it all God is still God, and I am not. His ways will, always and forever, be higher than mine, just as his thoughts are higher than mine. I have had something on my heart for a while now that has burdened my spirit. But now is not the time to go there. In the mean time there are a few things I want to share with you. Recently there have been some things occur that have once again made me realize that I have a BIG GOD! That He is my provider and He is all I need. I love my Jesus.

Not only is the Rhodes family fully funded so they can go get there boys!!!

But my little Patti now has a forever family!

Little Bernadette has a family of her own now too! (This family is still in need of some financial support so feel free to head on over to Reece's Rainbow and show some love)

The little loves (that I blog so often about) have grants that have grown!! Leah and Tatiana you girls hang in there my prayer is that it won't be long now and your Mommy's (or Mommy) will come for you!!













Sometimes I just need some encouragement and the above stories have provided that for me. Thank you Lord Jesus for the extra reasons to praise you, for you alone are God and I will forever be grateful.

....but God

...I didn't know I was the one that needed the healing. You see for years I thought because she was the one in the wheelchair....

Tonight's post is a little different. It's not exactly rallying around the orphan crisis. And I'm not exactly advocating for anyone in particular. Tonight I am going to tell you a little secret that I didn't know about myself until just a few hours ago. Please bear with me on this one, your getting the raw script.

I have a sister. She is in a wheelchair. In my mind, for as long as I can remember, I have prayed the most honest and heart felt prayers to God. I have asked him to heal my sister. I have told him (even in list form) how I think he should do it. It would go something like this-- Lord heal her father. From the top of her head to the soles of her feet. Allow her to walk. Unassisted, no braces, no walker, no wheelchair, not so much as someone else holding her hand. Strengthen her legs and let them bear her weight.

Sounds great, right? Real "Christian" Like. I would even throw in the part " father you said in your word that if I would just have faith the size of a mustard seed that I could say to my mountain to move and it will have to move." Oh and don't forget "by your stripes we are healed". See I for years have prayed this prayer. And I have meant it with every fiber of my being. But there was a problem with my prayers. I would make a point to leave out the part "Father your will be done".

See I didn't much want HIS will. I wanted MY will. I wanted her healed. Just like I prayed. This is what I wanted to see more than anything in this world. And it even got to the point that I was bargaining with God. Lord if you will heal her I will, (_______) fill in the blank.

I had no idea when I went to church tonight for the revival service that I was going to be the one set free. For 14ish years I have carried a burden that was too heavy. I have thought for years that I was doing something wrong. I felt that the WORD I was reading was not matching up with the reality I was living. I know I have "enough faith" I mean have you seen a mustard seed. It is really darn tiny. I figured I had at least that much faith. And I believe with all of my heart and soul that Jesus took those stripes for our healing. I can not stress enough that I believe with all of who I am that that book is the LIVING BREATHING WORD OF GOD. So why after all these years was she still in that chair. Why was she not walking after all those prayers.

The answer, I don't know. You see I DO believe that "by his stripes we are healed" and I DO believe that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed we can tell our mountain to move and it must obey. But I also believe we can not take that very mountain to God and tell him step by step how he must make it crumble.

I for years have thought in a sense it was my fault my little sister was not walking yet. Maybe I wasn't praying right, or maybe I wasn't fasting enough, or maybe this or maybe that. But for whatever the reason I have had more grief and sorrow than I knew about. (And here's where we come to the title) BUT GOD. But then God came and released me. He gave me rest. Tonight he spoke peace to my soul. He gave me rest in him. He assured me that His ways are higher than mine. And His thoughts are not mine. He is my father and he knows what is best for me AND my sister.

She may not be walking, (yet) but that's ok. God has a timing and a purpose that I don't see and I have to be ok with that. Tonight for the very first time in my life. I am ok with her not walking. Whenever God sees fit to make this happen then I will be ready. If he doesn't that's ok too. She is whole, she is healed, and now so am I.

Thank you my heavenly Father, for you truly do know what is best. Not only for me, but also for those I love more that words can say. Thank you for seeing me in my weakness and bringing me up to a place of freedom in you. Thank you Father for carrying me when I didn't understand. For holding me up when I could not stand. Thank you for your grace, and your love. I am eternally grateful. My Jesus thank you for healing my heart and making me new. From everlasting to everlasting you will reign in my heart and life. I love you father.

To all my blog readers!!

There is a fundraiser going on right now. But this fundraiser is unlike any other I have seen, and believe you me I have seen my share :) This fundraiser is one that will aid in bringing three little ones home to be with their forever families; however, it also is an awareness event! So if you have any little loves on the Reece's Rainbow website that you would love to see belong to a forever family you can sponser that child. With a ten dollar donation your specific child will be assigned a balloon. Connected to that balloon will be the child's  picture, information about RR and the child, and a plea to help orphans. This is an opportunity to broaden the horizon for the children of Reeces Rainbow. Once all of the balloons are spoken for on March 25th there is going to be a balloon release. And check this out, these guys are going to make a video for us to watch the event :) Isn't that the coolest!! So go now to the blog below and get your child's balloon!! I got my four girls one!!!

http://4given2serve1god.blogspot.com/2012/02/balloon-release-march-25th.html?spref=fb

Little Loves!

Today is Valentines day and I would just like to show you a few faces. Some are of the little loves that I have blogged about before and some are new to my blog. But today during nap time for my little ones I would just like to take a little time to be a voice for the little loves who have no one. 

Meet Patti. Miss Patti is an adorable little love that has stolen my heart from the moment I first seen her picture. She will be 8 this August and I think it would be really awesome if she had a forever family for her birthday this year. I assure you it would be the best birthday present in the world and she would never forget that day!!

 Miss Patti has $23.00 in her grant so far. To access more information about Miss Patti and read what an adoptive family who visited her orphanage last month had to say you can click this link or go to http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=patti.





Here is Little Miss Nastya. This little one pulls on strings of my heart that few ever find. She has the same "extras" that my little sister has and I can not wait to see the day Miss Nastya goes home to her forever family! Lord this child is in my prayers like you would not believe! Here she is, Miss Nastya.

This little love has a grant that holds $133.65. To access more information about her you can click the link here or go to this website http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=nastya. Little Nastya will be 7 this July.










Next, I would like to show you little Leah. She just had her birthday last month, she turned 5. Oh how I wish she could have been in her forever family for this birthday. My prayer for this little one is that by this time next year I will find a blog that has her story and tells me about how well she is doing!

Leah has $36.00 in her grant currently. To access more information about her you can click here or visit this website http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=leah.

The last little one I want to show you today has a new picture!!! I can not tell you how excited I was to see her new picture. Without further ado, little Tatiana.

  

Isn't she a cutie. Little Tatiana is getting close to finding her forever family, I just know it. She will be 6 this May and you can bet when this little one finds that family I will be posting about it. Tatiana has $701.96 in her grant and you can find more information about her at this link or this website http://reecesrainbow.org/?s=tatiana.

Thanks for taking time out to read this blog. I pray that we all do something for the orphans. Donate, Share their stories, Adopt, and Pray. If we all do something we could make the world a different place. The kind of place that knows no orphans.

Exclusive Invitation Only!!!!

So there's this family who is in the process of adopting two little boys from across the ocean. I know this family personally and I love them dearly. The mom of this family has a blog that she has used throughout the adoption process to keep us all updated. You can access that blog here. This particular family has been on my heart the past few days more so than normal. So I just wanna throw this out there and see what happens.

This is Samuel and Joseph! Aren't they just adorable!! I have never personally met these two little guys (as of yet) but from the moment this adoption started I have wanted to do anything in my power to help bring them home. They were the reason this blog got started in the first place. This family is the vessel God has used to open my eyes to the drastic need for orphans to find families. Anyway on to the point, (sorry I get sidetracked easily).

I want this finished!!! This family did need $9,500 to complete this adoption to bring these little guys home. They now only need $2,637 to make this happen and be completly finished. I have seen the hand of God move in this adoption and there is no doubt in my mind that I am going to meet these two little guys very soon.

So I want to extend this exclusive invitation for you to be a part. Come with us on this journey! Come be a part of what God is doing! Come follow Miss Mandy's blog and watch a miracle unfold before your very eyes! It's real, it's happening, and it is thrilling! There is a Donate button on the right hand side of the blog (http://www.findingourlittleone.blogspot.com/) that you can use. Now remember this is a one time chance to be a part of these little guys homecoming. So if you want to be smack dab in the middle of a move of God now is the best time to do it! Help us bring these little guys home!!! And stay tuned because you can best believe I will be blogging about when I finally get to meet these two handsome guys :)

More to share!!!

So I was on the Reece's Rainbow website and guess what?!?! Remember Little Miss Tatiana?? Her grant has went up!!! Yayyy!!! I am sooo excited about this. She now has $701.96!!!

Praise God! Now let's keep this little angel lifted up in prayer so that she may find her forever family!!

Little Miss Leah's grant is still at $36.00 as of today. Let's keep her lifted up as well. She needs a forever family.

Thanks for reading my blog, and thanks for listening while I try to be a voice for the children. 

-Brina

What's "wrong" with her????

What "wrong"  with her?

Well, she has what's called spina bifida and hydrocephalus. I put this in more simple terms, the way I've always explained it to individuals who don't exactly understand. This means her spine didn't fully close while she was in utero and she has excess fluid on her brain. It's not really that big of a deal to be honest. Yea, she doesn't walk. Quite simply put she's just like the rest of us, her legs just don't work.

This is the story I've told many, many, many, times growing up in response to the question, "What's "wrong" with her?" You see nothing is "wrong" with her. She is my sister, and I love her and she loves me back. It's hard to understand if you haven't been there. It's just not something you think about if you haven't been exposed to it your whole life. Nothing is "wrong", things are just different. And different isn't always bad.

You realize things you never noticed before. For example, just because a public place claims to be handicap accessible does not mean they necessarily are. Ramps are sometimes extremely too steep. And heavy doors can be a pain. Bathrooms are entirely too narrow, and steps are just ridiculous. Obstacles can most defiantly be overcome and challenges can be jumped like hurdles. God is in the big things, but it's even more fun to find Him in the small things. It's life. It's normal. It's mine.

Today I wonder what it's like for Nastya. She has spina bifida and hydrocephalus too. But I don't think she has a big sister. She doesn't have a family. She doesn't have a mom who will go to hell and back for her like my mom did and will continue to do for my baby sister. Who is there for Nastya? Who will be the one to let her know NOTHING is WRONG with her that she is not messed up or DISabled. Who will be there to tell her she is MORE THAN ABLE!! She is a princess too. Just like my baby sister. She is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of GOD ALMIGHTY!!!! She has worth and value and she is somebody cuz God don't make no junk!

My heart aches for this little princess. I want her to have a family. I want her to experience what it's like to know you are loved no matter what. To understand Christ's love. How His love is unconditional, never failing, always consistent, and always overflowing.......

Progress :)

Lots of things have happened since my last post!! I have some very exciting news to share!!!! And a couple of things that are still on my heart. First with the good news :) Since my last post little Miss Helen pictured below along with little Miss Marissa have been moved to the "My Family Found Me" page on the Reece's Rainbow website!! Praise Jesus!!!! Two little girls are orphans no more!!!

I am overjoyed that these two little miracles will now have a family and a home to call their very own. Best wishes and many many blessings to both of you darlings :)

More good news...

My family has welcomed our new addition!! My little girl Aquilla was born on December 28th and at just a few weeks old she already has a personality bigger than she is. She may get that from me. Also my family has just been blessed with the opportunity to relocate. This was something that I have to give all credit to my heavenly Father for. This opportunity would not have been possible without him being involved. God is so good. I love how he places the orphan in families and moves mountains in every day life :) I can not praise or thank him enough!!!

Now for the other two little angles that were mentioned in my last post.

Little miss Valya. There is a new picture of Valya and she is also listed under the name Leah now. As far as I know Miss Leah does not have a home and a family to call hers. She is still an orphan looking.

To access Miss Leah's page click here. She currently has $36.00 in her account. Let's join together!! Let's lift her up in prayer, raise that grant amount, and help Leah find her forever family!!



Little Miss Tatiana is also still an orphan searching for her forever home. When I seen her updated picture it made me want to cry. This little princess needs a family now. She needs a mommy to hold her, and love her, and tell her how she is a daughter of the king. She needs the body of Christ to step up. Will you join with me to be her voice?

$544.46 is available towards Miss Tatiana's adoption. You can access here page here. Let's change this little girl's future. Let's find her family. Her fund has a nice start but it can always grow :) 



It would make this new mommy's heart glad if when I go back to the Reece's Rainbow website I seen both Leah and Tatiana had been moved to the "My Family Found Me" page! Let's make a difference in the lives of these two little girls!! Let's be a voice for the children. The children who have been forgotten.