Wednesday, November 25, 2009

$13,000.00...Still Counting On A Thanksgiving Day Miracle!

I heard from our local Fox News affiliate this morning, and Lydia is still on at 6:45am in the morning to announce her earnings for "Project Darya". What a perfect way to finish this race strong.

"Joy comes from seeing the complete fulfillment of the specific purpose for which I was created and born again, not from successfully doing something of my own choosing......Have you received a ministry from the Lord? If so, you must be faithful to it---to consider your life valuable only for the purpose of fulfilling that ministry. Knowing that you have done what Jesus sent you to do, think how satisfying it will be to hear Him say to you: "Well done, good and faithful servant." We each have to find a niche in life, and spiritually we find it when we receive a ministry from the Lord. To do this we must have close relationship with Jesus and must know Him as more than our Personal Savior. And we must be willing to experience the full impact of Acts 9:15----"I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake."

"Do you love Me?" Then, "Feed My sheep" (John 21:17) He is not offering us a choice of how we can serve Him; He is asking for absolute loyalty to His commission, a faithfulness to what we discern when we are in the closest possible fellowship with God. If you have received a ministry from the Lord Jesus, you will know that the need is not the same as the call---the need is the opportunity to exercise the call. The call is to be faithful to the ministry you received when you were in true fellowship with Him." (Oswald Chambers)

In 2001, we adopted Natalie Grace from Russia. James 1:27 says we are to care for widows and orphans, so after learning there were many orphans in Russia, we decided to rescue one. We had no idea how God was going to use it for His Glory.

In 2005, we found out we were expecting little Hope. During my 16th week of pregnancy, we learned she would have Down Syndrome, a heart defect, and a stomach defect. Expecting a broken child......we had no idea how God could use it for His Glory.

Last year, we adopted little red-headed Charlie who has Down Syndrome....and now it looks like we are on our way around the world to adopt another with Down Syndrome. Finally, we see with clarity, this is God's ministry for our lives, and we are completely humbled by it. I even cry as I type this. The Creator of the world set this call before us.

It didn't happen over night....the Lord has had us on a race that began with Natalie's adoption in 2001.....a race blocked with many hurdles to overcome: Natalie's struggle with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Hope's three open heart surgeries. However, Chappy and I now see He took us through the suffering to draw us closer to Him, so we could hear him better.

I just want to say, "Lord, I hear you. Thank you for calling us....thank you for taking us through times of suffering and heartache. We are thrilled to share Your glory with so many others through the incredible outpouring we have received on Darya's behalf. May your name be lifted high, and through this, may many shout and praise Your Holy Name!"

"None of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus." Acts 20:24


P.S. Ondrea, thanks for reminding me of Finland....Barb, thank you for your donation. Since it went straight to Reece's Rainbow, I didn't account for it here at home. And Arizona, you know who you are, I should get your donation in the mail sometime today I expect. Still looking for it. Thank you both!

12 comments:

  1. Melanie, please email me today with your phone number. My family would like to donate today before the deadline but I can't find any contact info for you on your blog. Thanks! normalrockstar@gmail.com

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  2. Melanie - Should I have made my donation (check) out to you guys directly? I made it out to Reece's Rainbow. It was mailed yesterday morning so you should hopefully receive it today or by Friday (late) I know, I'm so sorry. I told you the amount though so if it doesn't make it there by today, please allow Lydia to count it in her final count in the morning.

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  3. So excited to contribute POPPY DIP money to little Darya!!
    Happy Thanksgiving!!

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  4. It's not much, but I donated through PayPal directly to RR in the name of "The Darya Project". Please add $45 to Lydia's count!

    Tiffand Wenzler (Etta's Momma)

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  5. I'm SO SO SO HAPPY for you, Lydia!!!! Everytime you post a new total I'm running all around my house telling my family how close you are getting. Just a suggestion, have you thought about doing a neighborhood yardsale? I guess it's probably to short notice for that.... just an idea. Praising the Lord with you!

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  6. Lydia is such an amazing girl. I have written about Lydia and Darya project and given a link to your blog. Hoping for thanksgiving day miracle that could help Lydia achieve her goal!

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  7. It's a blessing to be able to watch this Thanksgiving miracle unfold. Lydia...God must certainly be crying tears of joy in watching what you are doing! I have added your link to our blog to spread the word to a few more. God bless your family. God bless Darya. Jennifer in DE

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  8. I feel so incredibly blessed that My Beautiful Sister in Christ, Jennifer Vickery Smith introduced OUR family to YOUR precious family by way of Facebook today!:) On this Thanksgiving Eve, I Praise God for this beautiful gift of "getting to know" Darya and your amazing family through your blog!! I STAND IN FAITH claiming and walking on faith without doubt that you will reach your goal as I have seen God work countless miracles in our lives. I am a Mommy of two "miracle babies" Courtney (15) & Calvin (12). My precious husband Luke and I have been married for over 17 years and hold each day so precious as I am fighting a rare and terminal liver disease for which I have already had two liver transplants. I've had many "cancer scares" and "death sentences" handed my way; however I believe that God allows me to live to be His Vessel sharing my testimony of His Miraculous Works with anyone that will listen. Your post today touched me SO deeply & reminded me that I need to be more obedient in my quest to share His Glory! Please accept our small gift toward meeting your goal with our deepest love! I wish it could be more, but, like you, I know that every dollar makes a difference and that God will provide!:) Please know that our entire family will be praying specifically for all of your needs to be met and that your family and Precious Darya will be blessed beyond imagination. Much Love, Jacquelyn Spencer and family

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  9. This is so awesome! To see something like this happen. God is good! My aunt passed this blog on to me about what an amazing story it is and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it! You have an amazing family, I'm 16 and homeschooled as well :]. I just thought that was neat :]! We'll be praying for you and your family!! Hopefully together we can all make this happen!

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  10. I'll be up at midnigt waiting for the total! My sister-in-law (a pastor's wife) in IL gave and said she would forward the link to others. A brother-in-law in MN is not financially able to give b/c of other issues/needs in his family but said he will pray. I wish I could see the Fox News broadcast in the morning.

    Rita B in GA

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  11. We heard of your story through my brother's family (Jeremiah Pent) and are excited to see the Lord at work.
    Praise God from whom all blessings flow...
    -zeb pent

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  12. I am a friend from school, I am in drama class with her. Please tell her a huge congrats for getting so far! She can do it! Love Jenny Sanders

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