If it seems we are crazy...

I'm re-reading Kisses from Katie and have to share this quote because it is so true for us and for so many others that God uses in mighty ways. "Sometimes, the everyday routine of my life feels so normal to me. At other times the idea of raising all these children seems like quite a daunting task. I realize that since I have chosen an unusual path it is easier for outsiders to look at my life and come to the conclusion that it is something extraordinary. That I am courageous. That I am strong. That I am special. But I am just a plain girl from Tennessee. Broken in many ways, sinful and inadequate. Common and simple with nothing special about me. Nothing special except I choose to say "yes." "Yes" to the things God asks of me and "yes" to the people He places in front of me. You can too. I am just an ordinary person. An ordinary person serving an extraordinary God." - Katie Davis Katie Davis and her girls

You shouldn't become a foster parent if: You're doing this for you. This isn't something you do to make yourself feel better. You won't get much appreciation for it, even from people who you'd think would appreciate you. Our family does it for Him, to share our incredible blessings with the "least of these," the less fortunate, the needy, the poor. I look around at everyone we grew up with, associate with for the most part. We are all so incredibly blessed. We were born in the U.S.A. We have garages where we put our cars that our immensely nicer than millions of people's homes all over the world. Why have we been blessed so much? Is it to sit in our comfort, while others starve to death? Is it to have an elliptical in our guest room while a 4 year old sits in a shelter during the holidays? 1 John 3:17 says,  "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that perso

I saw a post about homemade dryer sheets and thought "What a great idea, except for the whole carcinogens and fabric softener part." I thought for those who are health conscious and who are sensitive to chemicals or who have children sensitive to chemicals, I thought I'd share this easy modification. (In bold) "WHAT YOU NEED: 1 Container with an airtight lid (grabbed out of my pantry)  - No change 4 sponges cut in half ($1.00 for a 4pk at the dollar store) - Leave sponges whole, less likely to fall apart. 1 cup of your favorite fabric softener - Replace softener with white vinegar and fill to top of  container. 2 cups water - Water is unnecessary, no need to dilute vinegar.  10 drops essential oil - my favorites are tea tree oil and peppermint oil mixed together WHAT TO DO: Mix the water and fabric softener into a plastic container.  - Pour vinegar in the container and add essential oils.. Add the cut sponges so they can soak in the mixture. - Add sponge