One area that I believe will be completed is the sell of our home. Some of you may know our townhome has been on the market since June 2010. We have been actively trying to sell in order to build a bigger home to accommodate a larger family and ministry. Our vision is to open our home to the orphans and widows of the world. To reach out to the hurting and lost. To place fatherless children into a home with a loving family. In our current living situation, it is feasible but not optimal. We barely have room for more than 2 people to stay overnight much less live. Like I said, we have GRAND ideas. During a Sunday worship service 6 months or so ago the verse from Ps 68:5-6 became hard pressed on me. It reads, "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation. God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity..." As I read the scripture these words started pounding in my heart, "The house will be built as a place of refuge for those who need to be shown mercy and love. Who need acceptance and life. It will not be our house but God's (habitation). A house of ministry, a house of love and grace. People who are hurting will be healed. People who are lonely will find family. Women will be shown that they are not discarded but valuable treasures." That is why I am believing for completion this year. There are too many people needing to know what family is, what unconditional love is, what a home is. Also, I believe that we will be opening a new door for adoption soon. My heart is burning and fully committed to welcoming another little Ethiopian into our family. However, we cannot in good faith start that journey until we settle affairs with the house. Which brings me to my next adventure.
Though maybe hasty I have decided that I am going to start offering photography sessions to individuals and families on a donation basis. It all started as a hobby 2 years ago and has turned into an obsession. I am by no means trained, certified or claiming to be the best. I am an amateur photographer who is somewhat of a perfectionist and will not give you a shabby product. Here is my plea: If you allow me to take your picture, I will provide you with original and finished copies of your images on a CD. I can make prints but would prefer not to do that at this time.The donation that you give will go straight to adoption. Since we are not currently in the process of adoption, the plan is to give 50% to someone individually that we know is adopting or via our church's Zoe Foundation, and the other 50% will go into a savings account for our future adoption needs. Now please know, this is all new to me. By no means I have worked out all the details. So let me say again, I have GRAND ideas for what this year holds.
So here we go....full swing ahead. Let's set our sights high and see what God can do.
Sample photos:
Mandy may God bless and grow your dreams and heart desires this year. Please know that we will be praying that his hand be in all that you set your heart and hands to.
ReplyDeleteYou're a great photographer Mandy - I love the work that you've posted. May God bless you & your family as you seek to honor Him with your life, your family, and your time. Will join you in praying for the sale of your home.
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