I am pondering the idea of putting together a similar "Love Dare" book for adoptive families that are on the brink of disrupting. I wonder how struggling families would receive my my dare to change things around over the course of 40 days? Does it even sound like a good idea that could work?
Anyway, meanwhile I have also thought a lot about the blessings that have been poured over us over the course of the last 10 years, and I must say that even the smallest of things have made a huge impact on our lives. I am very thankful for that. Whether it was a meal brought to us after the birth of my second son, or church friends coming to visit in the hospital, or someone offering to watch our kids so that John and I could go out..... these small things have been huge for me. I have slowly been able to pay it forward and it is blessing me as well. Isn't God amazing like that?
Soooooo, today I challenge you to bake something yummy and take it to a neighbor or someone who would least expect it. It could be a co-worker, one of your kids' teachers, the mailman, a homeless person on a street corner, it doesn't matter who, it is the act that counts. I would even challenge you to take it a step further and pray for the person who receives this baked goody. Something simple like, "God, I pray that you watch out for this person today and help them through any struggles they may be having."
I not only challenge you... I dare you.
P.S. If you take this dare, please share your story, I'd love to hear it.
26 comments:
It's funny the way things work...I woke up this morning feeling inspired to bake something for my classmates and professor. After I finished baking, I visited your site and saw your challenge. A coincidence? I think not....
:-)
And now, off to class to discuss Renaissance literature...
Thank you so so so so much for mentioning me in your digest, it means so much to me that someone on the other side of the World who does not know me is praying for me and has asked others to do so. I have been bowled over by the kindness of people I have met whilst finding out more about Christianity, everyone has been amazingly welcome, even excited for me and so eager to answer all my stupid questions. I guess I am not used to that - I am used to people not being welcoming and not wanting to help. I think your Dare book sounds like a great idea, you certainly know a lot about adoption and the "smiles and trials" of it all. You are such an inspiration to me, and so are your gorgeous children!
Sarah K
I have often wondered how you are able to do all you do. Those days when someone blesses us...just gives us a bounce in our step! What a great challenge! Each day, I wake up and pray asking God where I need to be to bless others. I love never knowing where that'll take me. Right now, with my headcold, I'm just trying to love on my family (but it's God's way of getting me to slow down and just pray):)
I think the book idea is a great idea. I even think a book about your journey to all your children would be great and I would buy!!! I think Tyler and I will go this evening and get some cookies to bake for his teacher. We have had a few problems with her and maybe she just needs someone to reach out to her. She came from the public school system, and I am sure she is having a hard time fitting in. (our public schools here are BAD and you need a bullet proof vest)Last week Tyler painted her a Christmas ornament.
Oh man, I would LOVE to do the Love Dare book...we aren't thinking about disruption with our adoptive boys but I think anything, from a mom experienced parenting kids with FAS, attachment issues, etc, would be FABULOUS. I'd do it/buy it, etc in a heart beat. (But I can tell you now I will not be showering with them...no judgement AT ALL on you doing it, but it doesn't "fit" with our particular situation...I'd love to see if you had an alternative idea).
I hope you do it...
Good idea, I better get to work.
The diarygirl quote was from me...my 10 yo dd and I share a blogger identity and she changed it! Strange! :)
After theraputic horseback riding with Autumn we're going home to bake something . . . God told me exactly who to give it to . . . can't wait to share my story . . . I'll keep you posted!
I've enjoyed reading your blog. Just last week my husband decided we needed to take food to some elderly people and a couple of other people in need. We made simple sub sandwiches, chips, and an oatmeal pie. Nothing extravagant, but thoughful and when we went to their houses we prayed with each of them. We are going to start doing this every Thursday. Thanks for the confirmation! They enjoyed having the company as much as the food.
I take you up on it and I'll cook a great meal for my own kids instead of skimping and doing soup. Spaghetti and meatballs - who cares about the dishes it will create?!?
I have read "Parenting the Hurt Child" and it has FANTASTIC lists of activities to do with your adopted/hurt child. IT is a great resource, and has so helped us with our son's issues. Check it out -sounds like similar to what you are thinking, but a different format.
Sue
I think putting together another "Love Dare" book is a great idea!!
Hello, thanks for the words of encouragement left on my blog today:)
I loved reading yours as well. I think the Book sounds great! You never know unless you try. I wrote a children's book thinking it would never get published and guess what? The Lord had other plans for it;) We need more stories of how adoption can bless those who take in the love of those children. Good Luck with it!
Have you got a blessings diary? This may sound silly, but I have started to just write things down. Thoughts about things that happened in my life. Stories my parents told me about their lives, etc. It's disjointed and will take forever to write and edit - but so what. I think the kids will like it.
When you mentioned your thinking of all your blessings, this is what I thought of. A little booklet of "One day when I was ill, my neighbor brought my mail in for me". "One day when...", etc. A little collection of personal blessings.
I would love to hear more about your thoughts in the book.
I would have loved to have something that wasn't just "theraputic" from therapists.
gala
I accept your dare! I was going to bake muffins for someone today that my five year hold has been begging to take something special to, but we didn't get to do it. Tomorrow, we'll be baking muffins with a special visit Saturday morning!
Kerry RR
I can't wait to watch Fire Proof! Our church is holding a free viewing soon, so I've waited for that time. Sounds like it will be good!
I think your idea about a book sounds wonderful. I'd love to hear more.
Hmm... a dare, eh? I'm up for the challenge. Thanks!
Off the topic. Where do you go to make the "poll questions" on your site????
I think doing a Love Dare book for adoptive parents is a great idea! My husband and I saw Fireproof with two other couples last Friday. We loved it!
Wow, I loved the video of Dennis, he is getting so strong. Its wonderful to see how Jonny was teaching him by example and to look ahead to visualize them years from now still learning and depending on each other as all brothers and sisters do. I love how close your family is together! You do a wonderful job!
I too applaud the Love Dare book. You know, I don't mean for this to sound cold hearted to those who feel they have to disrupt, but the bottom line is that when my oldest (biological) son was a toddler dealing with autism - if I'd had that option waving in front of me like a carrot - there were days (weeks) when I would have jumped at it, I'd have said, "I can't do this - I give up". That breaks my heart now... my son is the dearest thing in my life, I'm actually in tears for even admitting that to you. But the point is, you GET through it, and I am so much a better person and mother because of that time of trial.
Anyway, point is... great idea.
Delurking : ) I have not seen the movie yet, but I did pick up the dare book. It is (for lack of a better word) AWESOME! I think an adoption version (or something simliar) would be fantastic!
I wonder how struggling families would receive my my dare to change things around over the course of 40 days? Does it even sound like a good idea that could work?
Oh, Christine, DO IT. I wish you and Heather Forbes could team up and do interventions for families considering disruption. I think your wisdom, combined with your love and understanding, could save SO many families from having to make that choice. You amaze me. Truly.
The books sounds like an awesome idea. If you need help writing it or editing it, just let me know. (What am I saying? You write beautifully! :)
I took your dare, I wasn't able to bake something today because 1. we are still stuck in Ukraine and 2we had court today, but I did buy a large package of cookies and take it to the orphanage where our oldest boy lives. I gave it to his classmates to eat and I will definately be praying for them. Then I pasted your dare on our blog, so hopefully it will be contagious and lots of people will get a little treat and some prayers.
I understand about God showing up and rekindling a relationship. Last Friday, we received a call from a hospital that a baby was born and needed a family. Monday we brought her home after her birthmom relinquished her rights. What a week it has been. It was clearly meant to be, clearly was God's plan. We'd been working on an international adoption and were just about to send in non-refundable money to a domestic agency for a concurrent adoption. We're continuing with our Kaz adoption but our domestic baby is swinging right next to me. Something I never expected a mere week ago. God is good!
Hello, Christine and family! First, thank you for your amazing blog. I started following it recently and truly appreciate your words of wisdom and thoughts on children and family.
I had been debating for several days on who to make something for and thought of the neighbor across the street for whom I have been remiss returning a pan to (she had brought items over to my family some time ago!). Last night I was speaking with a dear friend who mentioned that a mutual friend was going through some challenging times. The Holy Spirit really took charge and directed me to a box of brownie mix.
So today I took in a plate of brownies to this friend and colleague who is currently going through a rough time with one of her kids. This child who is now a teen was adopted by friend when he was an infant. Although all appears alright on the outside, it could possibly be problems with FAS. I am not a doctor and should not speculate, but his issues are great. but the love that surrounds him immense.
I thank you for the challenge and opportunity to show a bit of love to my friend. Please continue to keep our Lord's presence on the web.
Wishing you and your family many blessings.
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