February 27th, 2014- Shine a Light on Slavery.

"Let’s be the generation to stand up for the 27 million men, women and children trapped in slavery around the world today. In brothels. In factories. In mines. On street corners. In homes. In the shadows, hidden. Yet out in broad daylight, in plain sight here in America. Stand with us. Raise your voice. Use your influence. Join the fight for FREEDOM."  (http://enditmovement.com)

 27 MILLION people are sold into slavery around the world today.  The number still astounds me.  27 million men, women and children are forced to live in bondage every day.  Little girls and boys who should be playing outside and learning their ABCs have their innocence and childhood taken from them everyday.  We cannot stand for this.  We must put an end to it.  We must fight, pray, and take a stand.  Whether through financial, volunteering, prayer, awareness, or whatever means- we must stand up for those without a voice.  I think of Isaiah 61 (the whole chapter is great but here is a piece of it) "The Spirit of the Lord God is on Me, 
because the Lord has anointed Me
 to bring good news to the poor.  
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, 
to proclaim liberty to the captives
and freedom to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,
 and the day of our God’s vengeance;
 to comfort all who mourn, to provide for those who mourn in Zion; 
to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
festive oil instead of mourning,
and splendid clothes instead of despair.  And they will be called righteous trees,
 planted by the Lord
 to glorify Him."


                           

I am in it to end it.  Are you??

  

 

Happy Day of Love

Hope everyone has enjoyed their Valentines Day.  Me and Jonny went out and celebrated last night- thanks to Stephen and Stephanie Rickels watching our girls.  We had a really nice dinner at Del Frisco's and then saw Frozen.  It was great.  So nice to eat dinner with no interruptions!  We decided to do no gifts or anything and just splurge on dinner- and that we did!  And it was worth it.  Eating healthy and clean has been so good but sometimes its nice just to splurge :)  Honestly, I really wasn't in to the holiday this year.  I didn't put out any decorations or do anything crazy.  And it was so nice.  We have been so busy and exhausted (physically and emotionally) lately that I just didn't have it in me.  And with Pinterest and everything- sometimes its hard to just let it all go and admit that.  Go and buy the store bought Valentines for Payton's class instead of making my own.  And it is freeing :)  So today was just like any other day for the most part.  My grandmothers Birthday was yesterday so we went to her Alzheimer's home to celebrate.  And can I just say I really HATE Alzheimer's.  Such a sad and hard disease to watch a loved one go through.  But I am thankful for the time we still have with her.  Payton did make Valentines for all the ladies at the home.  And she did great.  I thought she would be so nervous and not want to pass them out.  But she did awesome.  She walked up to everyone one of the ladies and gave them their Valentine with a big smile and a 'Happy Valentines Day'.  They loved it.  I was so proud of her.  My mom did give the girls a little something- a card and water bottles.  And by 9 Jonny was asleep on the couch haha.  He's been doing a lot of outside projects after work for the past few weeks so he has been exhausted.  So it was a good and stress free day.  And as we reflect on the ones we love, let us not forget the One who first loved us.  The One who's love is unchanging, unfailing, and never ending.  The One who loves us so much that He gave His only son for us so we can have eternal life.  And I am so thankful that He chooses to show His love every day through my family.  I am thankful that the Lord loves me no matter what- in every circumstance- every day.  I pray that you have felt His love and grace.  It's the best thing in the world!  so HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!