Adoption Tales

After much prayer and consideration Phil and I have decided to proceed forward with the adoption process. It is a lengthy process and we decided it would be best to finally start now! We have always talked about wanting to adopt as there are so many kids out there that need loving homes. We are very excited and apprehensive and would really appreciate all your prayers and support. 

I have felt prompting and a desire to adopt from Haiti. I don't really know why Haiti but I am listening to the Holy Spirit and believe that is where Phil and I are to focus our efforts. So, here are just a few things I will be praying for: 

~I pray for the mothers in Haiti about to give birth to children they cannot care for. 

~I pray for the child who will be placed in a foster care facility awaiting adoption. 

~I pray for the foster care employees who will be caring for these children. 

~I pray for the families that will welcome these kids into their homes and love them as their own. 

I am sure I will have more to come and I will keep everyone posted!! Thanks again in advance for all your prayers and support! 

Board Meeting

My first official board meeting was a success! It was not as 'bad' as I thought it would be and dare I say it was actually FUN. I'm so proud of our little church...we have great visions and goals that focus on meeting peoples' needs in our community and beyond. I love the discussion of how we can be of service to others and even more so I love being apart of a church in which that is the main priority. 

Here are a few things we came up with as a way to utilize our building to it's fullest potential: 

• Free Medical Clinic
• Emergency Foster Care Facility 
• Sick Child Care Facility (I just added this one, my Dad's suggestion)
• Non-Profit office space rentals

I think we have a great list started! Remember Mosaic started with a hope and a prayer and look at it now! I am excited for the future and how we can SHOW the love of Jesus to people. Keep us in your prayers as we begin this journey. 

Emergent Book Club

Who: Heidi, Christa, Holly, Mom, Diane, Jen, Bree, Mark and anyone else who might be interested!  

What: We will start off the book club by reading unChristian by David Kinnaman & Gabe Lyons

When: Mark your calendars for Monday, June 23rd @ 7:00pm

Where: Hillary's house! Okay, I am not going to post my address here online for all the world to see...if you are not familiar with where I live just ask me or any one listed above. Food and beverages will be provided!  

15 Things I Love About My Mom

Happy Mother's Day Mom!! I love you so much! 

1. Even though I am 28 years old she still takes care of me when I am sick...and I would have it NO other way. She knows exactly how to make me feel better! 

2. She is hilarious and very witty. I would often find a Ken doll placed in precarious places and positions throughout the house. 

3. She has always been supportive of me even though I know it was difficult. I am sure it was not easy to watch her youngest daughter get on an airplane by herself and fly halfway across the world!

4. She has put up with my dad for 43 years even though I am sure it was not always easy. 

5. She is very forgiving. I have given her a lot to forgive along the way. 

6. One year she made the cutest bunny cake for my sister's birthday. Licorice whiskers and all!

7. She is always my cheerleader, encouraging me even when I'm horribly unrealistic.

8. She still holds my hand in church. 

9. She helps me plant my flowers because I am helpless in the area of gardening. 

10. She helps me whenever I need her, no questions asked. I call her up and say I need a favor and her response is NEVER negative. If she can do it she will...no matter what. 

11. She really gets the Gospels and lives them out everyday. 

12. She loves to play hidden object games on the computer. 

13. Her perseverance in times of struggle is inspiring. 

14. She loves the Seattle Mariners even when they suck! 

15. She has shown me what unconditional love looks like. 

Socially Responsible Investing

I have been reading some books on investing lately...I would like to 'retire' at some point! During my research I was so happy to come across the Corporate Responsibility Officer. This website lists the 100 best companies that combine business objectives with responsible practices across eight categories: environment, climate change, human rights, employee relations, corporate governance, lobbying, philanthropy and financial performance. I have included the top 10 companies listed on the CRO website: 

1. Intel
2. Eaton Corp.
3. Nike Inc.
4. Deere & Co.
5. Genentech Inc.
6. Corning Inc.
7. Humana Inc.
8. Bank of America Corp.
9. ITT Corp.
10. PG&E Corp.

So, not only can we make changes in our everyday lives to combat negative social issues, we can invest in companies that make it a priority to do the same. I think it is exciting that we can integrate the missional lifestyle in everything we do...nothing is off limits! I plan on adding some of these companies to my portfolio and hope that you consider doing the same. 

Good News Garage

Talk about ushering in the Kingdom of God on Earth! Love this idea!

Question

Can you name your church practices that were once infused with life and purpose but today have no intrinsic relationship to faith, are devoid of meaning, and separate you from your mission?