O.K., seriously, report me. The case of the Vanishing Blogger. I have neglected my poor Martine Madness blog as long as I can without being turned in. Of course, at this point, I may be it's only reader ... and yes, I won't lie ... I do go back and read it. Is that narcissism? HAHA It sure gives life a perspective when you can see the "whole story" he is writing. It's also so much fun to see where you've been, where you are and then dream about where he's taking you.
So I thought I'd play a little catch up. Then again, I think that seems to be my favorite phrase around here these days. BUT ... many of you who do follow me here, probably also follow me here ... and these days, that's where my heart and focus are (outside the family matters things) - getting Levi HOME!
So much is going on around our house though.
Baseball ... we live it, need I say more? O.K., in fact, I am going to say more. Can I just say that my little guy is a stud and SO much fun watching! Their little team just won the championship during their last tournament. In the 5 games they played ... they absolutely stomped their competitors with scores like 13-5, 22-1, 10-4, 13-2 and more. It was seriously crazy. Our boys have gone from winning one or two games a tournament last year to winners! Hard work has paid off and more importantly, big hearts have won out!
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| Sliding into second base ... mid air |
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| Pitching |
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| Championship - Boerne Tournament - 4/17/11 |
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Team prayer
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Aside from baseball and the adoption, I spent two weeks in Ethiopia on a mission trip with Visiting Orphans in February. I will say unapologetically, everyone should take the time to go and love on orphans. As we do with most things, we went thinking we'd be a blessing as we loved "the least of these" ... but quickly learned that Jesus said that whatever you do to the least of these you do unto me, is because HE is in them! I have never seen such joy, hope, faith and love amidst destitute ever! How quickly I learned that they would bless ME far more than I could ever bless them! I have forever been changed and without compromise, Ethiopia stole my heart. Not long before my trip I was challenged by someone for asking them what they were doing to follow James 1:27. I wasn't asking as a conviction ... but amidst a group of people meant to spur others on, I asked as a challenge. If we believe his word is truth then the truth says that "Pure religion is to care for orphans, widows and foreigners among us". And in fact, the hebrew word for "care" is actually "VISIT". So I asked and well, I offended big time! It got me in a whirlwind of trouble and caused all sorts of problems. But I can say that this trip left me with many truths and the truth is ... If your offended it's because the Lord just may be convicting you because he wants you too to be involved! I have been, seen, loved, and yes, brought an orphan into my home. So these days, I'm out to offend I guess ... if offense means sharing the heart of an orphan and speaking on their behalf to our American "church".
I wrote more about my time on my Levi blog. Go peruse if you want to see or hear. I'm still working on my slideshow video, but I would love to share a few pictures here too!
The girls have been busy as well. Maliah, as always, keeps us on our toes. Today she melted my hear though when we were checking out at Target. A sweet woman behind us was asking Maliah her name. Not so typical of other five year olds, she asked her back "What is YOUR name". "Grandma" is how she answered, only Maliah wasn't quite content with that answer. "What is your REAL name" she said.
Somewhere in that course of conversation, their must have been a light inside her head that went off. If only I were inside that mind of hers. Before I know it she said
"I have two Mommy's: a birth Mommy and a REAL Mommy. I also have 3 Daddy's" a birth daddy, a REAL Daddy and my Jesus Daddy".
Mommy's heart began to melt and honestly, I began to stumble upon my words as my very brave and very proud (and innocently naive) 5 year old began to share "her story".
Before I could get out a word, the Lord rescued me with this.
"Really, well, did you know that my daughter who is now 42 ALSO has 2 Mommy's and 3 Daddy's JUST LIKE YOU"!
Is that not sooo our Jesus to allow such a sweet sweet conversation to transpire. Right there in Target, my little girl was affirmed and re-affirmed "her story". I love that! Probably my highlight of the week for sure!
Well, I KNOW I am missing a gazillion things to share but by now, you are totally bored of playing catch up and I am bored talking about myself.
Until the urge prompts me again!
