Happy Halloween!

Cloudy Minded Mistake

I was lying in bed last night, trying to remember the name of the "club" my brothers and I had when we were little. It basically was the three of us and a couple brothers from school. I called Dan to no avail, so then I naturally dialed Sam's number. At about the second ring, I hung up. What was I doing? It's been five months (tomorrow) since Sam met up with Gracie and began walking face to face with Jesus. I remember having a similar experience in the first few weeks after my grandfather died. I eventually found out our name from one of our founding members (a friend), but I wish I could have asked Sam.

And if you're curious, it was "Tykes". Tyler/Kessens

National Orphan Sunday

National Orphan Sunday is coming up on November 8th. This year, Kate, Aaron, and I are heading to Nashville to spend the weekend with Dan and his family. That Sunday afternoon, at Christ Community Church, there will be an incredible response to the cry for the orphan. Prayers are already lifted for this special event, and let's all be thankful that God will never leave us orphaned! God bless..

Helping our children

"Don't ever hinder a child's ability to dream." I can't give you the exact author of that quote, but it's one that I saw on the wall of a Boys Town last week. It's one I completely agree with, and I wish everyone would follow that same rule. Children from inner-city Washington D.C. should have the same dreams and opportunities to live those dreams out that the kids in Hollywood, California have. I met a boy last week whose father is in jail and whose mother died of AIDS a couple of years ago. The little boy wanted to be a doctor. Yet, some adults look at that situation and say, "good dream kid, now back to reality.." Why? Why can't this little boy be a doctor? Why won't someone step in for these kids and tell them they can change the world if they want to, someone who will care enough for them to look at their environment and tell them to reach for the prize in spite of it all. Many organizations and adults I met with in D.C. are doing just that, and they are great examples of love in those children's lives. But sometimes many is not good enough. Before you call me hypocritical.. Before you say, "what have you done, J.B.?"..I want to say that I found that calling years ago. Have you? God bless..

Washington D.C.

Five of us are leaving tomorrow afternoon for Washington D.C. and five days of working with some of the inner-city children in that city. Prayers appreciated for the work we'll be doing and the substitute that's taking on my kids Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday! God bless..

I wanted to report that I'm either a genius driver's education instructor, or my nephew is just a very good driver. Without Sam to guide him, my nephew is trying to navigate the "not quite licensed but almost there" stage. He's not that bad of a driver either. He checks his mirrors, eases onto the pedals, puts his hands at 10 and 2. He might be a better driver than me!

Show Hope

In processing how God wants us to spend His money, we decided a few months ago to participate in a Show Hope sponsorship. If you've not done so, I'd urge you to look into this organization. As someone in the middle of the adoption process myself, it's great to see the amazing gifts that are coming about because of so many people's willingness to give. http://www.showhope.org

God bless.

I wish I could feel the way I feel about God right now, the deep love and passion for Him, the adoration of His presence in my life..I wish I could feel that without having to experience the pain that brought me to this point.