The Intentional Life

Last evening, at dinner devotions, Hannah announced to everyone: "Did you know that if you don't pray every night that you will shrink?" Some of the kids giggled and Paul and I just looked at her. "Ummm, where did you learn that at Hannah?" "Sunday School.  That's what my teacher says." "Your teacher told you that you would shrink?" "Yeah, and we even sing a song about it!" She was thinking of this song: Don’t read your Bible, forget to pray, Forget to pray, forget to pray. Don’t read your Bible, forget to pray, And you’ll shrink, shrink, shrink. And you’ll shrink, shrink, shrink. And you’ll shrink, shrink, shrink. Don’t read your Bible, forget to pray, And you’ll shrink, shrink, shrink.   Read your Bible, pray every day, Pray every day, pray every day. Read your Bible, pray every day, And you’ll grow, grow, grow. And you’ll grow, grow, grow. And you’ll grow, grow, grow. Read your Bible, pray everyday, And

Adoption Funds. Helping the church financially support couples as they bring home children into their forever families through adoption. MEETING THE NEEDS // Adoption Funds We see Adoption Funds as a "Win-Win-Win" solution: the local church is actively involved on behalf of orphans, the financial roadblock for families is removed, the orphan child is adopted into a permanent Christian family...all with minimal administrative burden for the church. Using the adoption matching grant and interest-free loan processes already established by Lifesong, churches can easily navigate through the details of adoption funding....all with no cost to the church. Learn more about Adoption Funds >>   ALWAYS WITH YOU // Adoption Fund Story Cameron and Sarah experienced the love of their church family through their adoption journey. His Kids Our Homes Adoption Fund, at North County Christ the King Church have blessed this family and others as children are brought into

 In this job we are used to people coming and going. Kids come, kids leave. We've had to say good-bye to fellow employees.  It just seems part of the job. Good-byes. But knowing that doesn't make this good-bye any easier. Maria has been a part of our family for 2+ years.  She came in to be our assistant, and to help out these troubled kids. But what she ended up doing is becoming a sister and friend to Paul and I, an adoptive aunt to 3 Suvar children, and an immense help in so many times of need. As I have said before, making friends isn't my forte.  And someone who basically lives with you who isn't flesh and blood.  Well... But I am so very thankful that God placed the very person that we needed, right when we needed her . Maria, we love you, you have become a part of our Suvar family, whether you like it or not.  Maria and our kids at the park, just a few weeks before her illness .  While Maria recovered from a bone marrow tra

In Paul's first two years of college, he was fortunate enough to get placed with some pretty cool guys.  Well, those pretty cool guys have married some pretty sweet ladies.  We've been to each other's weddings, and thanks to the wonderful world of Facebook, have been able to keep in contact over the years even though miles separate us. This has been instrumental in the past year as Justin and Carey have been living daily with the struggle of keeping their little boy, Bryer, healthy and alive.  We've been able to get regular updates and have been able to pray for their family from afar.  Sadly, mournfully, Bryer " was made complete with the fullness of eternal life when he peacefully entered heaven on September 12th"(his mommy's words). _______________ Paul and I have ran in the Columbus Marathon and Half-marathon for the last 5 years.  We always enjoyed doing it just to get back to Columbus and experience the city again. But this year we s

 If you have talked to me in person lately, I'm sure it is apparent that I am burning out. The link that you just read over?  Yeah, it describes me pretty well.  Sigh. But I'm not going anywhere.  I'm still in this thing.  I'm gonna continue to shepherd these kids, and love these kids, and keep these kids accountable for their own lives. But some days I am just worn out.  There are crummy days, days that feel just a little bit singed around the edges.   And days that feel like the whole thing needs scrapped and started again. And those days I am drawing my strength from these words: If the Lord had not been on our side— if the Lord had not been on our side      when people attacked us, they would have swallowed us alive      when their anger flared against us; the flood would have engulfed us,      the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters      would have swept us away. Praise be to the Lord ,      who has not l

August started with a wet-and-soggy, but prosperous Gateway Auction bittersweet goodbyes a couple days later a hold-on-we're-almost-there week leading up to school the ache in the chest that came with sending two little Suvar's off to school and the relief that residents made the trek across campus to do the same embracing the joy of 11 years of marriage, and all that has come along with it a final campout in the backyard to tie up the summer a colorful, messy run with a friend and a uber-relaxing, much-needed trip to see dear friends for the weekend (bummer, no pictures - help me out Carmen!) . August was up and down with emotions and energy, but then, every month has some of that.  Thankful that God is still God, just like He said he would be.  In life's uncertainties, I need that.  Amen.  Children's Museum in Indianapolis  One of these days we'll have to make it back and get to all the exhibits we couldn't get to in one day.