Known Of Love: Loving God, Loving Others, Loving All!

The Journey: The Beginning

knownoflove — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 13:36:44 +0000

Hi family and friends,
We are writing today with mixed emotions ranging from excitement to anxiety. We have made a decision that will impact the rest of our lives. We are starting the journey of adopting through our foster care system! It brings a smile to my face as I write these words, because this is a long time coming. We had pursued adoption 5 years ago with negative results from an agency regarding our Blindness. We prayed that if this wasn’t God’s will that He take the desire away. However, the more we prayed the greater the desire became.
So, here we are…

We’ve done much praying, planning and research in the past month. From homeschooling, to research on various disabilities, the logistics of being foster-adopt parents, raising children in the adminission of the Lord, choosing supplies and child proofing our home. Crazy as it sounds, the research is not even close to being over!
With the agency we have chosen, we will first become foster parents before we adopt. This comes with a couple implications. First, it allows for a faster process. Meaning, a child could be placed with us before parental rights have been terminated and they are legally free for adoption. If we choose to only accept children who are legally free for adoption, our odds of getting a placement in a useful amount of time would be very slim. We are aware that we are taking a big risk by going about this the way we have chosen. The main goal of foster care is to reunify children with their parent(s). However, if that is not possible for whatever reason, that is when they would become legally free for adoption. Furthermore, we are aware that the first child who comes into our home may also leave. This could happen multiple times in fact, and although it will be hard to see these precious ones leave our home, we also know that each child who enters our home needs our love and the love of Jesus Christ.
Contrary to what some may believe, it is also wise to attach to each child. These children need to know that they are safe and loved.

We are seeking one child between 0-3 years of age. Since I teach voice lessons in our home, we have the room for only one child. We chose ages 0-3 so the adoption will have time to be finalized before the child begins being homeschooled. With as much as these young children go through change, we don’t want to have them in the public school system while they’re in foster care, and once the adoption is finalized pull them out to be homeschooled.

We’ve heard that the feelings we will experience as we walk this road of adoption are similar to those of parents expecting their first biological child. We’ve already had some highs and lows, and this journey is far from over!
This coming Tuesday, we will attend our foster care orientation meeting. This will give us an overview of how the foster care system works and what our responsibilities will be. We went to this orientation when we looked in to adoption 5 years ago, so we’re familiar with how it will go. After this orientation, we will go in for an application interview, have a family assessment done (including physicals and providing the agency with 3 references) and go through 15 hours of foster care training.

We know you may have many questions, and we want to be able to answer each of them! We also ask for your prayers, patience, encouragement and support as we walk this journey.
Thank you for traveling with us, and we’ll keep you updated as we walk this road of becoming a child’s forever family!

With Love, Andy and Miranda

Filed under: The Journey

The cry of hunger and thirst

knownoflove — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:47:15 +0000

I sat on the edge of the bed and began cleaning off the bed side table. As I put the empty Sprite cans, junk food wrappers, and old water and poweraid bottles in the bag for the garbage, I began to think.

Roughly one-sixth of the world’s population does not have access to safe water.
Aproximately 5,000 children die every day as a result of diseases caused by unclean water and poor sanitation.
Read more quick facts about access to clean water
Please, watch this 30-second video about access to clean water.
And, every 5 seconds a child dies of hunger.
Read more quick facts about hunger.
Please, watch this 30-second video regarding hunger.

Facts such as these make me think before I open the refridgorator to get something to drink, or go downstairs to search the pantry for a late night snack.
I felt guilty as I sat there with enough stuff on that table to fill half of a 13 gallon garbage bag!
Now, I’m not saying we need to feel guilty when we get something we want, or that we need to deny ourselves the need for food and drink.
But, I wonder how many of us (myself included) truly understand the amount of people that are going without such basic needs on a daily basis?
Is there even hope for those who cry for such basic needs as food and water?
The answer is a resounding yes!

This is where Compassion International comes in. Compassion is working in 25 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Central and South America to “Release children from poverty in Jesus’ name”. Compassion-assisted children receive at least one meal a day from their Child development center, which is run by a local church in that child’s community. For some, this may be their only meal for the day. Children in Compassion’s program are also taught the skills to ensure that their family has access to safe water for drinking, cooking, washing, and more.
Beyond meeting these basic needs, every Compassion-assisted child is introduced to the bread of life who can give them living water, Jesus Christ.

What’s more is that you can be a hero for one of these precious children! You don’t need to rain bread from Heaven, or make water come from a rock.
All you need to do is listen. If you hear the cries of hunger and thirst, and God is pressing it upon your heart to be his hands and feet to a child in need, then please don’t let another second go by!
From the time you say “yes” to God, you’ll go to your fridge to get something to drink, or to make that late night snack, and you’ll look into the eyes of your sponsored child. Not with guilt, but with the knowledge that you are an every-day hero.
As you see your child’s photo hanging on your fridge, and as you correspond through letters, you’ll know it’s not about the $32.00 you send to Compassion every month, but it’s about the eternal difference God is allowing you to make through your obedience to His still small voice.

Posted in Compassion International

If you snooze, do you really lose?

knownoflove — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 04:07:56 +0000

Hi,
With all the violence, high prices, and immorality in the media, I try not to pay too much heed to the news these days.
I pay enough attention to stay informed, and that’s often too much in itself.

Although it’s rare, I’m so glad when I see a positive story anywhere in the media! When did we become so corrupt that we “need” to fill our minds, homes, nation, and world with all this negativity?
When did we start believing that consuming and even partaking in such hate, anger, and ungodly behavior was acceptable?
I’m not saying I’m perfect. I admit that I have negative feelings, and I do get angry as well. So, this post is for me as much as it is for anyone else.

I wonder: How do you stay informed without focusing on what the media outlets throw at us each day? How do you find the positive elements among the negative? How do you refresh your respect for the not-so-fresh news?
Have you ever taken a media fast? If so, how has it changed your prospective? How has it changed your life?
If you hit the snooze on the “craving for media” alarm in your flesh, then do you really lose?

I believe it’s time we fill our minds with God’s Word, so that we can stand against the enemy. We are in the last days. Jesus is coming soon. Are you ready for him to return?

I urge you to provide some encouragement in the comments section below. Maybe you’ve been encouraged by the Scriptures. Maybe like me, you’ve found and treasure positive news stories. No matter what the encouragement is, please pass it along!

Until next time,
Keep your eyes and heart on Him!

Posted in Current Events, Media, News

The Ride

knownoflove — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 02:17:33 +0000

One thing Andy and I try to do is have a weekly date night. This gives us time to strengthen our marriage with some fun and relaxation. We try to each take turns planning the date for the week, and when possible we go out one time a month.

We’ve recently started a subscription to NetFlix, and the service has been great thus far!
Tonight, we enjoyed The Ride. We’ve been pleased with movies produced by World Wide Pictures, and this was no exception.

In The Ride, Smokey banks, (a rodeo bull-riding champion) can surely handle a bull, but otherwise seems to get himself into a lot of trouble.
Smokey is faced with a choice: Either spend 90 days in jail, or stay at a ranch for troubled teen boys and teach one of them how to ride a bull.
Smokey is more than reluctant, and he not only fights the people who have come to love him, but the God who has loved him all along.
Through a series of circumstances, and news that will change his life, Smokey learns that it’s about more than you and the bull when riding the road of life! And, “Cowboys always keep their word.”

I would have to give the ride a 5-star rating. Combining great acting and production with a never-changing message, you’ve got a movie that will beg to be watched again.

What are some of your favorite movies? Have you seen The Ride or any other World Wide Pictures movie?
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Until next time,
Enjoy the ride, and keep your eyes and heart on Him!

Posted in Movie Review

Which Key Unlocks Your Door?

knownoflove — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:02:35 +0000

Hi,
In cellebration of the Detroit Tigers’ home opener happening in about an hour, I wanted to talk about baseball!

I didn’t grow up as a fan of sports. As a matter of fact, I didn’t marry a crazy sports fan either. So, when the Tigers went to the World Series in 2006 I was absolutely clueless!
Basicly, all I knew about baseball was that you hit a ball with a bat. Pretty bad huh?
After having my very patient husband guide my aprehensive brain through the 2006 World Series, I was hooked… A little sceptical, but hooked none the less…

These days, it’s much worse! Not only do I enjoy the Tigers, but I’m also a fan of the Kalamazoo Kings.
“The Kalamazoo who?”
The Kalamazoo Kings are a minor league team for the Toronto Blue Jays.
I realize this may be a contradiction, and some may consider it a betrayal to our beloved Tigers. I’m also a Toledo Mud Hens fan… Does that help?

Now that I’ve told my baseball story, it’s your turn. Who do you enjoy? Do you have a favorite player (past or present)?
Major? Or, minor?
Which key unlocks your baseball door?

Posted in Baseball

Please pray for our church!

knownoflove — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:58:26 +0000

Hi,
I write you with a heavy heart this morning. We have received word that our pastor who is suffering with cancer is coming home from the hospital
today. However, the cancer has spread to his brain and the rest of his body. This has made it near impossible for him to walk, and he is feeling electric
shocks through his spine to his stomach. These shocks are due to the cancer hitting the nerves in his brain.
The doctors are giving him 3-4 months or less to live.

Please pray that God doesn’t allow our pastor to suffer much more than he already has. Please also pray for his family (some of whom have traveled from
out-of-state) and our small church congregation. This is a very difficult time for everyone.
We appreciate your prayers and support!
Thanks, and have a blessed week!

Until next time,
Keep your eyes and heart on Him!

Posted in Prayer

Small groups making a big difference!

knownoflove — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:57:10 +0000

Hi,
Since we have our monthly young marrieds small group meeting tonight, I wanted to talk about Small groups.
Many churches have started small groups. Most of these churches are medium to large sized congregations, and these small groups are used as a means of connecting the body of Christ together in a smaller and more personal setting.
Sometimes, these groups are called “Connection Groups” or “Life Groups”. These groups meet in many different settings, and they serve all kinds of purposes.
Some are based on age range, hobbies and interests, marriage and/or family, men/women, Bible study/teaching, and much much more!

I wonder if your church has caught the vision of small groups? If so, what are some of the groups and how have they blessed your life? Do you lead a small group, and want to share your insight and advice?
Have you seen any unique approaches to these groups? Maybe you’ve seen small groups that are uncommon, or you’ve seen small groups who find unique ways to reach out to the community.
Do you attend a smaller church, where small groups aren’t a practical option? If so, what does your congregation do to stay connected outside of church attendance? How has your church, (whether large or skall) tried to reach out to your community?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic, and be sure to find ways to thank your small group leaders for all the hard work and dedication they put into each meeting!

Until next time,
Keep your eyes and heart on Him!

Posted in Community, Faith, friends

The Suspense ends, and yet it goes on…

knownoflove — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 11:31:54 +0000

Hi,
It’s here! It’s here! It’s finally here!
What am I talking about?
I’m talking about Season 11 of the hit family radio drama Down Gilead Lane!
I don’t want to spoil it for you although spoilers may be present, but what I’d like to do is ask you some questions. After you hear the first episode, “Let Them Eat Cake!”, come back here and answer the following:
1. What do you think of Haley’s idea?
2. If you were someone at the party, would you have done what everyone chose to do?
3. What do you think of Reverend Brotsky and Bill Mintser? For that matter, what do you think of Peace of Heaven?
4. Do you think Grace’s house will really ever be demolished?
5. Do you think Ben Taylor and Janet Grey are dating or considering a relationship?

I’m excited to hear your thoughts, and I’ll be sure to share mine in the comments section as well.
So, let the discussion begin!

Until next time,
Keep your eyes and heart on Him!

Posted in Children, Down Gilead Lane

Are you Ashamed of Your Name?

knownoflove — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 20:01:35 +0000

Hi,
As I began planning our summer tour a few weeks ago, I was calling various venues to ask general information. I called one place and told the gentleman who answered the phone that my name was Miranda and that I was with In Him. I explained a little about who we are, and he then asked for my last name. I stated to him that I didn’t feel as though I had to give my last name just to receive general information from him. He then responded by asking me, “What? Are you ashamed of your last name?” I of course told him no. He then said that business requires to know all business and that includes your last name. Finally, he wished me a good day and hung up.
After getting over my initial shock, I began to wonder, “As Christians how many times do we shy away from saying that we’re followers of Christ for whatever reason? And, when we choose not to say we’re Christians, why do we make that choice? Are we ashamed of our name?”

I don’t want to elaborate too much on this subject by myself, because I’d like for you to think about my initial thoughts and add your own in the comments section. So, let the discussion begin!

Until next time,
Keep your eyes and heart on Him!

Posted in Faith

Christian Literature Discussion Group coming soon!

knownoflove — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 00:53:55 +0000

Hi,
I am now the facilitator of a Christian Literature discussion group. This group is open to visually impaired and sighted people alike, and you can obtain your books via many sources. Some sources for obtaining books include:

BookShare
Audible
Amazon
NLS (National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped)
The Canadian National Institute for the Blind’s Library
The Royal National Institute of Blind People’s National Library Service
Your local library or favorite Bookstore!

More on this group from The Accessible World News Wire

Christian Literature Discussion Group Beginning
Thursday, February 19, 2009

Do you enjoy relaxing with a book written by such authors as Karen
Kingsbury, Janette Oake, Lori Wick, Robin Jones Gunn, Lisa Tawn Bergren,
Nancy Moser, Angela Elwell Hunt and June Masters Bacher? If so, you know
these portray more than just good morals, these are great reads!
When describing the purpose of the new Christian literature discussion group
being sponsored by the Accessible World, Miranda, the group’s
facilitator, commented,

It is designed to provide information about books
you can share with others without being embarrassed by the content, and
books you yourself just can’t put down! From captivating romance, to
intriguing mystery and suspense, along with the occasional non-fiction
Christian material from such authors as Max Lucado, Stormie Omartian, Tammy
Trent, Charles R Swindoll, and Beth Moore that help guide us through every
day life, there’s something here for everyone!

Here’s the info you need to join others online from your home, office, or
wherever you and your computer, an Internet connection, a sound card,
speakers, and a microphone happen to be at the time of the event. Everyone
worldwide is welcome. NO PASSWORD IS REQUIRED AND the entire event is FREE!

Date: Thursday, February 19, 2009
Time: 5:30 p.m. PST, 6:30 p.m. MST, 7:30 p.m. CST, 8:30 p.m.
EST, and elsewhere in the world Wednesday 1:30 GMT.

Place: Between the Book Ends
Alternatively, select the Between the Book Ends room at
The Accessible World Website.

If you are a first-time user of the Talking Communities online conferencing
software, there is a small, safe software program that you need to download
and then run. A link to the software is available on every entry screen to
the Accessible World rooms.

If you have any comments, questions, or ideas of books or authors we could discuss, feel free to leave them in the comments section. Please tell everyone you know about this discussion group, and we look forward to seeing you there!

Until next time,
Keep your eyes and heart on Him!

Posted in My Library