IT CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR

On Christmas Eve in 1849, Dr. Edmund Sears shared a poem that he wrote titled "It came upon a midnight clear" with his congregation.
The poem was written out of time spent with God. Dr. Sears was desperately seeking words inspired by God that would ignite a fire in their hearts to serve the least of these in their community. His personal passion to reach the least of these caused him to spend much time in the slums sharing the unconditional and saving love of Jesus Christ.
A poem penned out of a desperate cry to God has become a song that is dear to our hearts in the truth that the words convey:

Peace on Earth, good will to men from Heaven's Gracious King

Luke 2:9-14

And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger. And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."

May the truth of God's Word resonate in our hearts. May we live our lives in such a way that all men are drawn into a saving knowledge and relationship with Jesus Christ. May we be bold to speak these words of truth.

Merry Christmas!!!!! :)

You could be that someone!!!! :)

This Christmas there are children who don't know what it is like to experience the love of a family.

The very depth of this need can be overwhelming if we don't focus on the "one thing" that God is calling us to do to speak out on their behalf. I want to encourage you to ask God what is the "one thing" that you can do to make a difference in the life of a child who needs someone to advocate for them.

You could be that someone that God uses to change the life of a child. I can hear the struggle going on in your heart and mind as you read those words.

Those words that say:
"What? Who am I that I could have an impact in someone's life?"
"No way, I barely have time to do the things that I do."

I can hear those words, because I have heard those same words echo in my heart and mind as God has put a challenge before me. I know that God is faithful and God will equip you in the task that He puts before you. :)

James 1:22 But don't just listen to God's Word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourself.


*****The pictures above are of children who are currently waiting for a family here in Colorado.

You can find out more about waiting children in Colorado at:

The Adoption Exchange:

http://tae.convio.net/site/PageServer?pagename=adoption_gallery

Project 1.27: http://project127.com/

A Home for the Holidays!!!

Don't miss this tonight!! :)

‘A Home for the Holidays’ television special

“A Home for the Holidays” is a powerful CBS special. It shares stories of foster care adoption and features performances from some of America’s most popular musical artists. We have been a proud partner and participant since 1999, along with Children’s Action Network and Triage Productions. The program is generously sponsored by Wendy’s.

This heartwarming holiday special will air at 8 p.m. ET on CBS on Wednesday, December 21, 2011, featuring all-star talent. See the joy of having a family through the eyes of a child — not just for the holidays, but forever.

This year’s talent includes Justin Bieber, Mary J. Blige, Gavin DeGraw, Martina McBride, OneRepublic and Christina Perri. Presenters are Katherine Heigl, her Sister Meg Heigl-Beltran, Denise Richards and Jillian Michaels.

Give the gift of family. Text the word HOME to 50555 to make a $10 donation to DTFA. Standard text and data rates may apply. Follow our live Twitter chat (@DTFA) during the show using #ahomefortheholidays.

Steven Curtis Chapman - All I Really Want

Wait No More by Kelly and John Rosati

I recently received a copy of Wait No More written by Kelly and John Rosati compliments of Focus on the Family. Kelly Rosati is the Vice President of Community Outreach at Focus on the Family.

Before moving to Colorado the Rosati family lived in Hawaii where God opened their hearts to foster care and adoption. Their foster to adoption journey was not easy. Wait No More is an honest reflection of the challenges that they faced. If you are a foster/adoptive parent you will see your thoughts and feelings reflected in their story. You will see yourself reflected because no matter who you are, if God calls you to journey with Him in obedience in this thing called foster care and/or adoption we all will face the same challenges personally and spiritually.

What comes shining through is God's faithfulness to sustain and lead us on this journey. God sustains us through the truth of His word, the faithfulness of friends who commit to be present with us and to cover us in prayer. The Rosati's story reflects the need to build a support network around you and your family.

Support comes in a lot of different ways! Make sure you don't miss the branches of support that are extended right in front of you. :)

A couple excerpts from Wait No More:

I'll never forget when the pastor described to me that going through the adoption process was like "pouring Miracle-Gro on your sin." I laughed out loud. It's so true. So much of this process is about God changing and growing us - the parents - to be more like Christ. It's painful sometimes, but the heart of the Christian Life is to be transformed and become more like Christ.

If every Christian family in the United States would simply commit to pray and ask God if He wants to use them to bless a child without a family, well, we'd change the world. If we can get the church to think about adoption not in the terms of the desires of adults but in terms of the needs of children, I think we'd see on a much grander scale how God sets the lonely in families.

FHF - Surviving and Thriving Healthy Families Event

Finally Home Foundation launched in Colorado this past weekend. 23 families were supported and encouraged in their journey of foster care and adoption. There is nothing like sitting across the table from someone who can relate to your every day struggles in parenting children who have been hurt. The relief was evident in the shared stories, laughter and a few tears.

61 kids were cared for by our amazing volunteers who dedicated their time to "Make their Day".

The statements below are powerful!!! These were given by parents who attended the event this past weekend.

"It was great just to be able to talk with other parents with kids with problems just to know you're not alone!"

The topic found most beneficial was:
* The need to focus on our marriage.

* The practice on listening to our our spouse.

* The adult relationship piece because the couple has to be the strongest link in the family for the kids to be healthy.

This event filled up quickly! Finally Home Foundation is planning to offer another Surviving and Thriving Family Wellness Event the end of February 2012 in Northern Colorado.

http://www.finallyhomefoundation.net/

Perspectives Promo - Igniting Missional Living

*Perspectives is the most significant tool for any church to mobilize people to live missionally.

*Perspectives is not just for missionaries or for those who feel drawn to missions. We are all called to the Great Commission on some level.

*Perspectives is not just about world missions - it is also an urban missions class.

A 15 week commitment can seem a little intimidating in our already busy lives. When God calls us into a deeper relationship and knowledge of Him - who He is - what He cares about, it often requires a commitment and sacrifice of our time. I always approach these opportunities with a mixture of excitement and fear. Excitement to learn more, to hear more and to grow. And fear because God holds us accountable for what we know and how we respond to that knowledge. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to knowing God's Heart!

Perspectives Class will start on Monday, January 16th at Timberline Church, 6-9pm.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

God will equip and lead us. :)

You can register today at:

http://class.perspectives.org/Class/Class_Home_Page.aspx?ClassId=421164

For more information contact:

Glenn Gilbert - glenn.perspectives@gmail.com

Stan Myers -samyers7@gmail.com

U Count - Dedication of Project Rescue Home of Hope Center

From the moment you walked through the gate, the air was filled with giggles, laughter, joy and excitement. After four years of fundraising efforts, the day finally arrived for the opening of the Project Rescue Home of Hope Center and Sarah Elizabeth Girl's Home.

The center is surrounded by a lush tropical landscape. Flowers, palm trees and shrubs abound, giving it an oasis type feel. Each building has four apartments, each apartment has four spacious bedrooms, and each bedroom will house four-giving capacity for 64 women and 64 girls. All apartments have their own bathrooms and balconies for drying clothes. Solar panels and an elaborate filter system to recycle rainwater help to make the facility energy efficient.

During the program, there were few dry eyes as former victims of sexual exploitation, ages 3 and above, danced in joy, praise and freedom. As bicycles were presented amidst shrieks of joy, I was overwhelmed with the sense that, at this beautiful place, children whose harsh realities in the brothels had deprived them of a childhood, now have the opportunity to be a child once more.

To Timberline Church and all who gave to this wonderful cause - thank you. Through the opportunities now available, you have given these women and girls priceless treasures - safety, identity, dignity and self-respect.

Bonnie

This is what happens when you follow through with something that God puts on your heart. If Bonnie had never responded with obedience to an idea that God placed in her heart and mind, we at Timberline Church would not have been part of watching lives transformed by the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ in these womens' and childrens' lives. Thank you to our U Count team for your hard work and perseverance. :)

You can have an impact in the lives of these women by purchasing items that they have made. Shipping is free in the Continental US.

http://www.ucountcampaign.org/ucountcampaign_rev005/shop/