Thoughts

http://www.rainbowkids.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=472

I came across an article with the story of a woman who sought to do what seemed almost impossible. There's nothing crazy that stands out in this story, except the work of the Lord. I found this as I was searching about how people have started orphanages. There are two things I am certain of: First is that I know for a fact the Lord has called me into full-time ministry. I know bits and pieces of what that entails, but of course, He hasn't told me everything. The second is that I love kids and can't see my life going in any direction that doesn't involve them in some way.

Since the Lord placed missions on my heart almost 2 years ago, I had no idea what He had in mind. Soon after He called me, I began to think about the possibility of starting an orphanage someday. I've thought about it many times since. I especially thought about it this summer since we practically lived at the children's home. I started thinking about it tonight and I realize that the more I think about it, the more I feel drawn to it.

My heart is to see broken, unloved, fatherless children find a home full of love and acceptance. While I have not experienced anything near to what some children have, I still feel as though I could somehow relate to them. My mother was incredible and I am so thankful for her determination to raise me for the Lord. I was very blessed to grow up in the home that I did...but it has just been the two of us since I was 20 months old. I have struggled with insecurity and fear of rejection for much of my life. I believe the Lord set me free from this insecurity several years ago, but it is still something that I understand because I felt that for so long. I am certain that the Lord gave me the life I have because He wants me to use it to impact others' lives. Why would He give me this life if not to use it as a testimony of His goodness and an opportunity to love those who have experienced similar things? It's funny because I used to always think that I did not have a "real" testimony because I had never done horrible things in my life. I was informed that my testimony was that the Lord kept me. This is so very true...but I believe that the circumstances in my life--my dad leaving, rejection from friends, etc.-- are all a part of my testimony. The things I learned through all of these trials cannot be replaced!

With all of this said, I believe starting an orphanage (or something like that) is a very likely possibility in my life. I think about some of the children in Mongolia who do not have parents and who are homeless- living underground to stay warm. That is where the Lord called me in March 2010. What if He would have me rescue some of those kids and give them a loving home? I don't know. I never know what the Lord has up His sleeve. He always surprises me (usually with very unexpected things), so who knows! These are just my thoughts tonight. They're thoughts coming from a very tired girl on Thanksgiving. :)

With that said.........I am thankful for the call of God on my life. I am thankful for the life and the testimony He has given me. And I am thankful for His promises.