ABOVE RUBIES MINI-NEWSLETTER #4, Aug 2011
Dear Above Rubies readers,
I know you have been enjoying the new magazine. Here comes another mini newsletter to keep you in touch while you wait for the next magazine.
In this issue:
FAMILY INTERCESSION FOR ISRAEL
THE PREPARATION DAY AND THE SHABBAT MEAL
INVITATION TO HOMESCHOOLERS FROM ISRAEL
GOD IS PRO LIFE AND PRO CHOICE
SARAH’S LAST WISH
While in Australia last year I purchased Sarah’s Last Wish—A Chilling Glimpse into Forced Medicine by Eve Hillary. I was appalled as I read. It was hard to believe such “atrocities” could happen to a “normal” Aussie family as they sought to protect their dying daughter. But they did happen in what is supposed to be a free country! How could government authorities have the power to break into the Westley family’s home on numerous occasions, tap their phones, steal letters and personal documents and subject their children to constant fear through overt and covert surveillance? DoCS case workers even used threats to remove the Westley family’s other five children in order to get the parents to obey their orders which were hastening Sarah’s death. I was stirred to righteous anger on every page. For your own awareness and protection, I believe every parent should read this book.
Maggie Dent writes: “This is a chilling story of one family’s scary journey through the minefield of government red tape and an inflexible medical system… This must NEVER happen again in Australia or anywhere in the world.”
If you are interested, go to http://www.sarahs-last-wish.com/
FLIP CALENDAR
Holly Loughlin, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. writes:
Take 3x5 note cards, the more the better, and write on them all the things you are thankful for about the specific person in your family. This can include general character traits as well as specific memories. The more family members who contribute, the better. After all the cards have been written and/or illustrated, punch two holes in the top of each cards and slip binder rings through to connect them. VOILA! Now you have a flip calendar of personal encouragement.
My sister and I did this for my mom when we were girls when she was having a really deep depression. She still (15 years later) flips it every day. My daughter and I did it for her daddy a couple of years ago. The hidden benefit is that the writers then have daily reminders of what they can be thankful for.
MAGIC MOMENTS
In response to my email devotion, I Beg Your Pardon, Julie, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
in Australia writes:
This morning I was feeding my baby, tucked in under the blankets, warm and snug. She is 17 months old. I could see her little eyes looking up into mine in the early light. I smiled down at her and then I saw her eyes smile. It was so magic--so beautiful. I had to call my husband and show him. Quietly I smiled at her as she snuggled in, feeding, and quietly her eyes smiled again.
Being a mother is wonderful (yes, challenging at times), and there is no greater charge than raising children for eternity. We have been blessed with five children so far and each one is easier, filling our home with more joy.
I say to my daughter (who is 12), “If you are going to be a mother, BE a mother! BE all you can be! If you are going to be a wife, BE a wife! If you are going to be a woman BE one all the way. Don’t be half a one, wanting to do half a man’s role. BE a lady and be one all the way! Don’t live half a life. Give it all you’ve got! Live life. Don’t be mediocre!”
FAMILY INTERCESSION FOR ISRAEL
I would encourage every family to pray for Israel at this time, especially as the United Nations Vote is coming up in September to make Palestine a state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The world has been fed lies and propaganda regarding the Palestinians in Israel. Yes, many are in a sorry state, but they are kept that way for world propaganda. To take more land from Israel (it would make their boundary 10 miles wide--can you believe it?) is totally against the promises of the Word of God. In fact, it is Satan inspired because if Satan can wipe out Israel, he wipes out the Word of God! It is a spiritual battle. We should get in this battle and be praying daily. Pray as a family every morning and evening at your Family Devotions.
Isaiah 62:6-7 says, “I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord (Margin: The Lord’s remembrancers or reminders of His promises), keep not silence, and give him to rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.” Become a watchman family for Israel.
Have you read God’s promises about the land yet? Go to: http://bit.ly/EverlastingPossesion
I would encourage you to read again all the promises that God has given to Israel about bringing them back to their “own land.” He promises in Nehemiah 1:9, “Though you were cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.” The Living Bible translates it, “Even though you are exiled to the farthest corners of the universe, I will bring you back to Jerusalem. For Jerusalem is the place in which I have chosen to live.” The NIV says “the farthest horizon.”
I have just opened my email to Dr. Michael Evan’s report from The Jerusalem Prayer Team. He writes:
"The Palestinian Authority has officially notified Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon that they will seek UN recognition as an independent state on September 20. President Abbas plans to personally present the Palestinians’ demand for statehood and insist on a vote from the world body. All diplomatic efforts by Israel and other countries to prevent this from happening have been unable to deter the plan from moving forward.
Perhaps that is not surprising giving the historic hatred of the Palestinians for the Jews and their utter refusal to take serious steps toward bringing peace. In July, a Palestinian envoy told the UN Security Council, meeting to consider steps leading up to the vote on statehood: 'With international political and financial support, this plan has reached its objectives as acknowledged by the international community. We have completed our responsibilities and are ready to govern ourselves. We cannot keep waiting for Israel to negotiate with good faith.'
A majority of the 193 members of the United Nations have already indicated support for the plan, including most members of the Security Council. Israel’s future is being threatened more seriously than ever before. The political, economic, and military implications of a Palestine perched on the very steps of Israel’s home (including in her capital city—Jerusalem) are dire. This plan must not pass!
America is on a prophetic countdown to the gravest days in our history. Understand this clearly—every nation and individual that supports this plan to curse Israel and steal from her the land God promised the Jews as an eternal possession will suffer His chastisement and judgment. Every nation and individual that opposes this plan and stands with Israel as a blessing to her will enjoy His blessing."
It is a sobering thought that we incur either blessing or cursing upon our families depending on what we do about Israel! Read again Genesis 12:3.
REQUESTS FROM READERS
Desperate Need for child in Ukraine
McKennaugh Kelly writes:
I went with my parents to Ukraine on our journey to adopt two special needs boys, Timur and Misha. Circumstances in Ukraine for a disabled child are often terrible, where they are sentenced to live out their short lives confined to cribs, even if their disability is minor. During our seven weeks at the orphanage, I met a little girl named Levina. Due to the care the children are given, although she is six years old, she is only 15 lbs. She is dying and needs a family that is willing to come for her quickly and save her life. Levina is blind, has microcephally (a small head), and was supposedly born with brain damage. She also has other complications. Imagine being six and never in your life hearing the words, “I love you.” Imagine never being held from the time you were born. Imagine lying in the dark because you are blind and no one will talk to you. This is Levina’s life. Please contact me and help me save her. I have pictures, videos and her medical record. Email me at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or go to my website www.ukrainianorphans.com OR Ph: 507 549 2442.
McKennaugh Kelley, 15 years.
Lonely New Wife in Connecticut
Danielle Hull, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. writes:
I have a young friend who just married and moved away from family and friends. She needs some “real life" women to meet with. Her husband often works on Sunday so they don't have a home church yet. She is in Torrington, Connecticut. Please contact me if you could befriend her.
Need Like-minded Friends in Noosa, Australia
Gemika Maloney, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. writes:
I have recently moved to the Sunshine Coast, near Noosa (Australia) and would like to meet up with some other likeminded mums.
Ecological Breastfeeding
Gemika Maloney, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. writes again:
Secondly, I have a long term goal to produce a bible based book including the history and physiology of ecological breastfeeding and how it spaces children
naturally. Ecological breastfeeding is demand feeding, plus co-sleeping, baby-wearing etc. I want to make an aesthetically beautiful book full of photos, especially breastfeeding and co-sleeping photos, also birth photos and toddler photos. I'd also like stories from mums who have used this approach. I am currently newly pregnant with number two. My first son, Asher is nearly three years and we used no contraception before this pregnancy.
A TEN YEAR OLD’S DREAM
Carrie Steffen, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. writes:
The following was written by my 10 year old daughter, Mykenzie.
My Husband…
My husband must follow God with his full heart and never use God's name in vain, in fact he must follow all the commandments. He must love children! The man that shall be my husband must read his Bible and study it often. He must be slow to get angry and very wise. He must be trustworthy and hard working. When I say, "I do," he must stick with me for life. No smoking or drinking is allowed for the man I marry. I expect the man I marry to court me, not date. The man I marry must meet my parents' expectations and mine. When I shall meet him, I do not know, but that will come in God's time.
P.S. He must LOVE ME ESPECIALLY!
THE PREPARATION DAY AND THE SHABBAT MEAL
Nearly six years ago I sent out two posts, one called THE PREPARATION DAY and the other THE SHABBAT MEAL. I received a lot of response from these devotions and promised that I would send the responses to our readers! Here I am nearly six years later actually getting it organized. I will give you the links for the original devotions and also for the responses.
http://bit.ly/PreparationDay and http://bit.ly/PreparationDayIdeas
http://bit.ly/ShabbatMeal and http://bit.ly/ShabbatMealIdeas
MORE ADOPTION BOOK TITLES
In the last email I mentioned a few books about Adoption that I have read. I received a wonderful response from our readers of more Adoption books which I will list here for you. If you are interested in this subject, you will have plenty to keep you going. I am sure you could find them all on amazon.com.
Adopted for Life by Russell Moore. This book makes the case that adoption is much more than pity on an orphan. It is recognizing ourselves as orphans and the God of the Gospel as our only hope. That it is not a "poor them" charity act but an extension of what Christ has done for us, to reach out and give hope and life to a physical orphan so that God can give hope and life to a spiritual orphan. (Recommended three times).
Adopting the Hurt Child By Keck and Kupecky
Adoption Miracles By Karen Kingsbury
Adoption Parenting Creating a Toolbox, Building Connections MacLeod and Macrae
After the Dream Comes True By Gardner Fields of the Fatherless: Discover the Joy of
Attaching in Adoption: Practical Tools for Today's Parents by Deborah Gray. This is in-depth guidebook for any adoptive parent but especially for parents who adopt an older child. As a clinical social worker, Gray has hands-on experience and offers child, family, and individual therapy specializing in attachment, grief and trauma.
Beyond Consequences, Logic and Control by Forbes and Post
Brothers and Sisters in Adoption Helping Children Navigate Relationships When New Kids Join the Family by Arleta James
Celebrating Adoption, The Intentional Family By Kimberly Raunikar Taylor
Compassionate Living by Tom Davis. Forward by Steven Curtis Chapman. (Recommended twice).
Damaged Angels. An Adoptive Mother's Struggle to Understand the Tragic Toll of Alcohol in Pregnancy by Bonnie Buxton.
For This Child We Prayed By Thomas and Rhoda Bontrager
When Love is Not Enough by Nancy L Thomas
Nurturing Adoptions: Creating Resilience after Neglect and Trauma by Deborah Gray
Recognizing and Managing Children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Free: A Guidebook by Brenda McCreight
Reclaiming Adoption by Dan Cruver. Go to www.togetherforadoption.org
Small Town, Big Miracle By Bishop WC Martin
Successful Adoption: A Guide for Christian Families Natalie Nichols Gillespie
The Adoption Decision, 15 Things You Want to Know Before Adopting By Christianson
The Connected Child: Bring Hope and Healing to Your Adoptive Family by Karyn Purvis (Recommended three times).
The Family Nobody Wanted by Helen Doss. Although the adoption process they faced is rather outdated (they adopted 12 children in the 40s) it is a heart-warming book that the entire family will enjoy.
The Spirit of Adoption: Winning the Battle for the Children by Randy and Kelsey Bohlender. Available from thezoefoundation.com
The Waiting Child by Cindy Champnella.
Three Little Words by Ashley Rhodes-Courter. One warning she describes a pornographic video that she stumbles on which should be skipped over. It has interesting insights into older child adoption. It is also an indictment of the broken government foster care system. I hope it will encourage Christians to get involved with adoption.
Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew by Sherrie Eldridge
Whole Life Adoption by Schooler
Wounded Children, Healing Homes By Schooler, Smalley, and Callahan (Recommended twice).
INSPIRING ADOPTION TESTIMONY
Bonnie Walker, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., is a mother 26 children, 22 of whom are adopted, plus one more foster child which they are waiting on the paper work for final adoption! Bonnie’s vision is that every child in America receive a “forever family” and that the foster care system as we know it will be done away with. Her testimony is written as a prayer to the Lord.
To God, From Your Servant at Refuge Ranch
Tuesday, July 12, 2011Hello Father,
Well, on April 8th, You did it again! And I sound like the court official responding to our lawyer. When our lawyer said that she was there representing the Walkers for an adoption, the court official exclaimed, “Again?” Yes, again! One more time we finalized the adoption on four more little Walkers! One more time, we get to be called mama and daddy forever. One more time, four more children get the security of knowing that someone loves them enough to say, “I love you forever.” “Adoption!” Such a precious word backed up by an eternity of Love! Abba, thank You for giving us Your heart about adoption. At 53, adopting a sibling group of four little ones, ages 3, 8, 10 and 11, [plus planning to adopt their baby brother, age 18 months, as soon as paperwork is completed] definitely wasn’t on my agenda for my life, but I’m so glad that is was on Yours!
I have longed to tell their story, Your story, of their lives. So finally with new names and new birth certificates on the way, You can receive the Glory and Honor that’s due you for Your miraculous workings.
Oh Father, where do I even begin? I guess at the beginning would be the best place. I remember 2005, Billy and I had semi-retired. The only reason that we wouldn’t say we’re finished is because You had given me a Scripture several times that there were yet seven to inherit the land. At this point in my life, I was open to having misunderstood You about exactly what that meant. No longer baby crazy, and somewhat weary, retirement seemed the way the wind was blowing. Oh how You must have laughed!
October 2008 I am teaching Worshipping Warriors (children’s church) and in walk these two adorable little boys, Noah (8) and Daniel (6) who had just been placed in foster care for the 2nd time. My heart went out to these two little fellas and I began to shower them with love. But even I did not know that You had just introduced me to two of my new sons!
In December, the boys were returned to the biological parents. I missed them, was mad at the system that would return helpless children to such an environment, but resigned myself that there was nothing I could do. Then the first week in January, they were back in foster care and attending church again. Or at least they were sort of back! It took me the whole class period to coax just a partial smile out of Daniel. Both the boys were extremely traumatized and I wanted to choke the bureaucratic monster that allowed precious children to be so repeatedly mistreated!
Father, I remember that day so well! I had been fighting back tears all the way through class. Afterwards, I managed to get in the van before I burst into tears! Billy, not having any idea what had been going on asked, “What is it?” I blurted out, “I want those boys!” Then I explained how hurt and damaged they were and I couldn’t stop crying. Noah and Daniel already had issues and behavioral struggles previously, but now everything was compounded several times over!
In March 2009, You added another piece to the puzzle. Older sister, sweet Menorah (9), was also placed in foster care and she too became very attached to me. Every service at church when the children were dismissed for children’s church, I’d leave out of the sanctuary with Menorah under one arm and Noah under the other arm. I loved them so much, but still didn’t know what You had planned. It’s funny now, looking back. In my semi-retired state, I was very slow to read the writing on the wall. Usually, I always know way ahead of time when You’re sending children! Not this time!
The boys continued to struggle emotionally. I didn’t find out until later that Noah’s biggest problem was going to parental visits, sitting in a room, roughly 8 x 10 foot in size, with the man that used to beat him sitting in the same room! Father, I just don’t get it! No one would make an adult repeatedly stay in that close proximity with their abuser, yet our system requires it of a innocent child! Something is wrong with that equation! Something is very wrong!
Summer came and VBS arrived. One day while we were playing games outside, Menorah came over and sat with me. She looked at me and said, “I wish I could live at your house!” Even this I down played, assuring her that she probably wouldn’t like it because my children have to work. She replied, “I’ll work!” It still hadn’t hit me, even then, what You were up to, Father. But I’m so thankful that Holy Spirit didn’t stop talking!
In September of 2009, after class Noah walked up to me, wrapped his arms around my waist, looked up in my face and said, “I wish you were my mama!” My heart skipped a beat! Lord, what are You doing? By October, there was talk of removing Noah from the foster home and placing him in a children’s group home. His behavior was progressively deteriorating and the foster mom couldn’t handle any more. I immediately asked Billy if we could we get him, so at least he’d be close to his other siblings and get to see them at church. One of our passions has always been to keep siblings together as much as possible. This was possible! I called DFCS and put in our request. We began to get the usual runaround. Are you licensed? No, you have too many children under the age of 16, and the list went on and on. I was not deterred! I had been around, over, and through that bureaucratic mountain on more than one occasion. I have seen You work so many amazing miracles on behalf of children that no red tape was going to stop me from saving that precious little boy!
Well, the devil ain’t no dummy. He saw Noah was about to be rescued, and he reared his ugly head. The next day, Noah had a melt down at school. He got upset and pitched a fit. Now, Lord, I know something needed doing, but I strongly disagree with what was done. The school called the police or DFCS. I’ve never been clear on who called whom, but the result was that an eight year old, terrified little boy was put in the back seat of a police car, and taken to DFCS! DFCS called the foster mom to bring his things and he was immediately transported to a children’s group home one and a half hours away! He wasn’t even allowed to say goodbye to his siblings!
You talk about a mad mama tiger, but I was furious and determined! I called DFCS the next morning and told them we’d do whatever it took to get Noah. Everyone was saying that it couldn’t be done! I wrote in my journal to You, “Show them what You can do!“ I cried, prayed, and could hardly sleep. I called everyone from here to the governor’s mansion, and the whole time I kept seeing Noah’s precious little face, afraid and crying.
Three days later, I had my word from You and confirmation! You let me know that You were on the way to help. Then you gave me Isaiah 54:2-4 again, telling me to “enlarge my tent.” Father, I should have kept a record of the number of times You’ve used that verse to let me know more children were coming. Through a prophesy You informed me that there was no Plan B. . . that I was Your Plan A for Noah’s life. With Joshua 3:5, You said, “Sanctify yourselves. Tomorrow God will work miracle-wonders among you.“ But still, I was tormented with some doubts and fears.
As I shared these concerns with a friend, they replied, “Bonnie, you have always gone straight into the Heavens, heard from God and not cared what anybody else said, ignoring the natural realm! You can’t start operating out of fear and doubts now.” Then they shared this revelation about Noah and his siblings that God had given during prayer. Noah in the Bible built an ark (a Refuge) for the saving of not just himself but his family. And that my Noah would pave the way for the other siblings to come to the Ark here at Refuge Ranch! I had no idea at the time how prophetically accurate that word was, but I was about to find out!
Immediately, I put in to go visit Noah, but here again red tape, moving at a snail’s pace blocked my path. A frightened little boy was locked away with total strangers in unfamiliar settings, not hearing one familiar voice or seeing one familiar face for 2 ½ weeks, and I couldn’t get to him! Father, here again, to an adult that would be horrifying! To a child? I cannot even imagine!
You’d been telling me that You were about to do a new thing (Isaiah 43: 18-19). Well, November 5, 2009, You did! At 11:00 a.m., I received a call from DFCS. The head guy had given permission for me to go see Noah. I said, “That’s great!” Then the worker said that they had also given permission for us to adopt Noah. I replied something like, “He did? That’s wonderful.” Then they replied that there’s just one hitch. I asked, “What is that?” The answer was, “It’s a package deal. You’ll have to take all five.” (The birth mom was pregnant and they were anticipating having to remove that infant as well.) I didn’t even hesitate! My immediate response was, “Okay!” I’ve often wondered if they offered us all five children to get me to shut up and quit bugging them. I am nothing if not persistent when one of my children is not safe. It didn’t matter to me what their reasons. I was ecstatic! I cried, squealed, laughed and shook my head at Your amazing ways!
Two days later, Noah’s CASA workers took me and his siblings to see him! Hallelujah! It was the first time I’d been around Janiah (2), for any length of time, and I’d only held her once. At VBS, Noah had come to me, nearly dragging her, wanting to show off his baby sister. Even at the time, I had a strange thought that he was offering her to me, trying to get me to want her, so I’d want to adopt him. It’s so strange that the children knew what You were doing, Father, before I did. But back to the visit day, Janiah started clinging to me. Now Janiah, is very shy, and doesn’t go to strangers at all. The CASA workers begin to raise their eyebrows and wonder what You were doing.
When we arrived, Noah’s face was priceless! So many mixed emotions--relief, joy, fear, hope and doubt all filtered across his little face as tears filled his eyes. I held him and hugged him so tight, fighting tears myself. But the worst was yet to come! We played and shared gifts that we’d brought, laughed and talked. He shared the horrors of bathing while the older boys in the cottage would put bars of soap in socks and hit him through the shower curtain. He told of the nights of crying and of being so afraid. He was the youngest in the cottage and most of the others were teens with really rough records already. Fear was his constant companion!
Then came the part that I didn’t think I’d live through--the leaving! Noah latched on to me and started begging me not to leave him, to take him with me. Then he looked up at me and said, “You’ve adopted all those other children. Adopt me, please?“ DFCS had not given me permission to let the children know yet what was going on, so all I could do was holler for the CASA worker, who tactfully changed the subject.
Leaving Noah there was harder than leaving Anna and her siblings in Texas when we went to visit them the first time, and I thought that would kill me! But Your grace was sufficient again! Little Daniel wanted me to sit in the back with him as we traveled home. With him on one side and Menorah on the other, I tried valiantly to cheer them up. When I got in my van at Rhine, I went to pieces! I couldn’t stop squalling.
One of the things I absolutely hate about DFCS is the predictable slowness at which they work. Lord, You know it’s not the caseworker’s fault. Most of the ones that I’ve worked with are just as frustrated as myself with all the bureaucratic red tape and the paperwork that has to be done five times over in triplicate! So here we were again, playing the age old game of “hurry up and wait!” And in the mean time trying to keep a nine year old little boy encouraged to continue hoping when there seemed no hope!
Pregnancies are wearying at times even in the best circumstances. Being pregnant with five and waiting for delivery. . . well, let’s just say it’s a long wait! But as with natural pregnancies, spiritual pregnancies don’t last forever either. The Monday after Christmas, the delivery began! The DFCS worker called and said, “I have a little bit of good news. Are you ready for Noah to come home?” Yes, oh Yes! I started getting everything ready. As she was on her way to the children’s home to get Noah’s stuff, she called me back with another question. She wanted to know if I had a crib. She said that the baby would be coming that week, because a c-section was scheduled for the next morning. I jumped up and down, squealing with joy. I was so excited and so overcome with Your awesomeness. You had said “a suddenly,” and it definitely was!
Late that afternoon, I went to McRae to pick up Noah! The worker handed me a sack. Puzzled I asked, “What’s this?” They were Noah’s meds. I knew he was medicated, but until then I had no idea just how medicated! Oh well, the Lord would deal with that. I was getting to take my son home at last. It felt so good to say, “Noah, let’s go home!” As I lay down that night, I was tired but almost euphoric with happiness.
On December 29th, 2009, Elijah was born. He was having mild withdrawals, but the doctor was ready to release him the next day. We picked him up at one and a half days old from the hospital. I felt like I was dreaming and tears kept coming to my eyes. I kept saying that You are incredible! He is beautiful! Thank You, Lord! Thank You, Lord!
We kept praying over him and by Friday You had delivered him from the withdrawals. Thank You, Lord! I had felt like You gave permission to breastfeed him like I did Gabriel. I was giving about ½ the amount of milk he needed and was supplementing the rest. He was thriving and doing so well. There were times that Satan would try to torment me with doubts of us not getting to keep him, but then You spoke. With Isaiah 65:18-19, You said that there would be “no more sounds of weeping . . . No cries of anguish.” You had spoken! Elijah would not leave because I knew there was no way that he could leave without me weeping, and You’d said I wouldn’t!
Billy and I have caught a lot of criticism and a lot of kidding because of our ages. Many have wanted to know if we could count! Yes, we still can add 51 and 18. Most people don’t start over with a newborn at age 51! Well, we aren’t most people. We’re Your people, and we choose to obey You! We know without any doubt that the placement of these children was You and You only, so we are at peace about it and just enjoy the journey. And what a journey it is!
On January 19th, 2010, the other three siblings came home: Menorah (10), Daniel (who turned 7 the next day), and Janiah (2). At last, they were all together. I was so ecstatic, but I rapidly became walking exhaustion for about three months! You had warned me in November 2009, with Isaiah 43: 1-7, “Don’t be afraid. . . When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. . . “ Most days I definitely felt over my head, but You are always faithful!
My milk for the baby had decreased and I was so tired I couldn’t figure out why. My pediatrician explained it to me this way, “Bonnie, you just got three more children! That’s enough extra stress to decrease anyone’s milk flow. I kept trying to breastfeed Elijah until he was three months old and finally decided to quit. It grieved me, but my doctor had also admonished me to stop trying to do everything myself and to let the teenage girls help. So I did, and I began to get more rest. Billy also began to do something that I still can’t hardly believe. He started cooking! His culinary skills have been a huge blessing.
God has worked so many miracles in these children’s lives. Noah and Daniel are not taking any medications at all! Praise God! Menorah is so peaceful to have her family complete with a mama and daddy! Janiah is blossoming out of her extreme shyness! And Elijah, for whom life with us is all he’s ever known, is the apple of everyone’s eye. A few weeks ago, a lady, who had heard about us and wanted to meet me, came for a visit. She works with foster children every day at her job. After visiting with us for a while, she said that she didn’t mean to take anything away from me and the work I do, but ‘THIS IS GOD!” My spirit rejoiced! That’s exactly what I want people to see and say! You are to be glorified Lord, just You!
Lord, there’s so much going on with the ministry right now. It seems like the work load is on overload and is never-ending. I am so passionate about wanting to teach others how to minister emotional healing, by the power of Your Blood, to the broken lives of wounded children. You are opening so many doors. Give me the grace to walk through them as You ordain. Father, I don’t want to miss You in any way. I am desperate to do Your will! Lead on my Lord! Lead on!
Your willing daughter, Bonnie Walker.”
INVITATION TO HOME SCHOOLERS FROM ISRAEL
Chris Davis, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. writes:
Government of Israel reaches out to Christian homeschoolers!
The academic leaders and government ministers of Israel have created a unique opportunity for current and future Christian homeschooled students.
Israel desires to build a generation of Goodwill Ambassadors from among Christians who already have a heart for Israel. To this end, Israel’s Prime Minister is inviting Christian educators to participate in a prototype of what the government is calling The Israel Goodwill Ambassador Academy. Although the initial focus was to be Christian college and university students, after meeting with some American homeschooling parents last month, the Academy has decided to design its programs especially with Christian homeschooled students in mind.
I have been asked to invite you—homeschooling leaders and parents—to participate in this gathering because Israel recognizes that Christian homeschooled students are the future opinion-leaders of their respective countries. It is Israel’s desire to provide our students with accurate, on-the-ground facts regarding Israel’s place in the world as part of our students’ home education experience.
A prototype of The Israel Goodwill Ambassador Academy will be held in Israel this September 17th - 25th. As far as I know, this is the first time a foreign government has expressly asked homeschoolers to partner with them for the purpose of sustaining their country’s future. This is a historic opportunity for Christian homeschoolers to benefit the nation of Israel.
What is The Israel Goodwill Ambassador Academy?
As the governments of the world back away from their support for Israel, Israel has realized that evangelical Christians may be their best (and, perhaps, only) friends. This fully accredited Academy will counter the negative and non-factual information being disseminated by the media and other information outlets. Through seminars, forums, discussions, and travel to important locations in Israel, leading experts in the government, military, financial and academic sectors will provide the experience and higher education our students need.
Who is inviting me to this gathering?
The invitation to participate in the first Academy comes directly from Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Prime Minister, who will welcome us to this first ever event. The invitation is being extended to educational leaders, especially to English-speaking Christian homeschool leaders and parents.
What responsibility will I have at this gathering?
As a participant, your responsibility will be to attend all meetings. When several meetings are being held concurrently, you will choose the meeting you feel will best help homeschooled students understand Israel and her future. Your second responsibility will be to give input to the Academy’s leaders as to how you feel future Academies may be improved for the sake of the homeschoolers you know.
How do I show my interest in attending and receiving more information (including cost, itinerary, etc.)?
Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Ph: 931-287-9312 to receive PDF file in three parts: 1) The letter of invitation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, 2) The itinerary for September’s prototype Academy (note: exact times and locations of meetings with the Prime Minister, government officials and special guests are not noted for security reasons), and 3) The Registration Form.
If you are interested in attending, contact me immediately to let me know and with any questions you may have.
A final request:
It is important that the notice of this gathering get into the hands of as many homeschoolers as possible. I have only sent it to those whom I know personally. Please forward it to those you know, either by sending it to your Facebook “friends”, by including it in your newsletter, by placing it on your website, or by any other means. I do not want this opportunity to pass by someone who would be truly interested in attending simply because he or she did not know about it.
Thank you for your cooperation. I hope to see many of you in Israel this September!
Chris Davis, North American Homeschool Representative
The Israel Goodwill Ambassador Academy, Jerusalem, Israel
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. * U.S. Phone 931-287-9312
FINAL THOUGHTS – GOD IS PRO LIFE AND PRO CHOICE
I posted the following on the Above Rubies Facebook this morning, but thought I would share it with you here.
A precious young mother with a new baby came to me recently with tears in her eyes. She is coming into the revelation of God's heart for children and is opening her heart to embrace children. But she is being bombarded in every direction by "older women" in her church. They counsel her to stop having children because she won't have enough time to train her four children; she won't have enough money to send them to college; she will be overwhelmed and so the braining washing goes on and on. One woman even told her that God has given her a brain so she can CHOOSE!
This woman didn't know how "right on" she was! She meant of course that women can choose not to have children. But it is true that God gives us a choice. Deuteronomy 30:19 says, "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore CHOOSE LIFE, that both thou and thy seed may live." Read the whole passage from verse 15 - 21.
God gives us a choice but implores us to CHOOSE LIFE. Why? For our own blessing and the blessing of our children, our grandchildren and the generations following. In fact, if we don't choose life, there may not be any generations following! There are many families today that are dying out. It took us 15 grandchildren before we were blessed with a grandchild to carry on the Campbell name! It doesn't happen easily!
When we choose life, we choose God. We choose His kingdom for His kingdom is a kingdom of LIFE. When we choose to reject life, we choose Satan's kingdom for his kingdom is a kingdom of death and his plan is to eliminate children every way he can--through contraception, sterilization and abortion!
Let's be LIFE CHOOSERS!
And may God expose to the dear "older women" in the church the deception that has clouded their minds. May they be opened to the truth of God's heart for families. The “older mothers” stand responsible before God for either turning a generation away from God’s truth and eliminating God’s children in the earth (do they realize what they are doing?); or for turning the young women’s hearts to God’s truth and encouraging them to embrace children and thereby fill the nation with more of the image of God—His love, His salvation and His truth. Do they realize how powerful, nation changing and eternity-filling that is?
No wonder it tells us in Titus 2:3-5 that if the older women don’t encourage the younger mothers to embrace mothering and homemaking that it is “a blasphemy to the Word of God.” Help! Folk get mad when I mention that phrase. The amazing thing is that I never thought it up myself. It comes straight from the Word of God.
Now, don’t get upset! I still love you, no matter where you are on your journey. It has taken years for God to get me on track and He’s still getting me on track! The main thing is to be soft and pliable to hear His voice, isn’t it?
Be encouraged and much love in Jesus,
NANCY CAMPBELL