Leap Of Faith

For those of you who don't know, I stopped working my "real job" in purchasing/inventory control when Erin was 9 months old. I could not stand the thought of not being with her each day. Since then, I have been cleaning houses two days a week to help out with our expenses and to have a little money to set aside. Patrick has a secure job, although not the best environment, he endures to take care of his family.

House cleaning has had its highs and lows since I started. Especially when the economy started going south, so did my workload. It thankfully picked back up this year, and I have been so grateful to the Lord. But this past month or two it slumped again, with customers moving and quitting their own jobs to stay with their families...

Anyway - a few months ago, Kristen, along with many others made a trip to Africa with Compassion International to raise awareness and support of the children there, as well as in other countries, who desperately need our help and the Lord's guidance in their lives. Since their trip, sponsoring a child has been on my heart.

Unfortunately, losing 3 customers in the past 2 months surely did not allow us to financially do that. After last week's bible study, I prayed. "OK Lord, you want me to do this, to be your hands and feet, to take care of the least of these. Please provide the customers so I can do this for Your glory alone."

Matthew 25: 37-40

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

I certainly did not want to make a vow and not fulfill it. As I have certainly done in the past.

Ecclesiastes 5:4-7

When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God.

By simply spreading the word on Facebook through wonderful friends and family, and beleiving that God would be true to His Word, in less than two weeks I was completely booked up again.

So tonight, I have kept my vow, as God kept His to me.

Her name is Adriana. She is six years old and lives in Ecuador. Her birthday is April 11, 2004, only a few months older than Erin. Her home is probably the size of Erin's bedroom. She lives with her Mom & Dad, and helps out in her home by making beds and running errands. She attends church and elementary school.

So far, that is all I know about her, but in a few weeks, I should know more and will share that information too. I am anxious to receive a letter from her, and hope I will be able to translate it!

But for now...

Proverbs 3:5-10

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight. 

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

fear the LORD and shun evil.

This will bring health to your body

and nourishment to your bones.

Honor the LORD with your wealth,

with the firstfruits of all your crops;

 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,

and your vats will brim over with new wine.