"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:18
The last few weeks have been a very personal struggle for me. I recently started a book study called the The Global Orphan Crisis, and it has sparks many emotions for me that it is a bit overwhelming and I must really learn to spend more and more time with the Lord and less time with the things that are making me feel angry.
At the beginning of the year I also read about how people were picking one word that will describe their year and I thought what a great idea, so I thought what will my word be... I thought about this for days waiting for the right word to come and at our first book study session the word came to me.
Grace.
Grace.
Grace.
Literally there are days I will walk around after seeing,hearing or reading something and repeat grace to myself. I was warned before the end of our session that we may have feelings towards people that frustrate us. Well let me tell you,EVERYDAY I ask myself and the Lord so many questions.
Here are a few of the questions that I have been asking the Lord:
From what I hear and read caring for the orphans and the poor is the most talked about thing in the Bible. So Lord why are we as Christians and churches not doing what was clearly so important to you?
Lord, why can't we as people stop thinking about our own problems that really aren't that big of an issue and start thinking of the big issues in the world? Clearly I am just as guilty to this as I am sitting here venting.
Lord, will we ever be happy with what we have? Apparently living where you live with a roof over your head just isn't good enough.
Lord, does this person really belong in my life and is this place you want me to be?
Apparently even just rereading this, it's time for me to really limit my time with social media and clear my head and have some real time with the Lord. He is the only one that can help me, I need his help so desperately so I can help others.
Lord, as I sit here, I pray that you can fill me with your love, so I can share your love with others. Lord you are my leader and I am here to follow you, even if may be in places that make me uncomfortable. You are my protector and my saviour. Amen.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Thursday, January 10, 2013
New Year
Well it's 10 days into the New Year and I have been itching to write something, to let it all out but it just never seemed like the right time to do it, but this morning seems like the perfect time. Not sure exactly where I am heading on this post but I'm sure it will come along the day.
So I started the New Year thinking what does God want me to do this year??? At first I thought he wanted me to get in shape...don't judge, I really did think this. And maybe he does but I really don't think he wants that to be my main focus. Of course me becoming a healthier person will help him because he must know how tired I am from the exhaustion of eating chocolate bars, sour candy and chips everyday. YES EVERYDAY! So I came into the New Year telling myself I would work hard at not eating that stuff anymore. I didn't make it a goal because I read on another blog that I was just setting myself up for failure. Ain't that the truth! I shouldn't feel guilty for eating it once in a while and nor will I feel guilty,so YES last night I did eat two sour jolly rancher gummies and a Macaroon Madness from Second Cup. But I went into with full intentions of not feeling guilty and knowing that it was going to be ok, because I know I can do this. If I can go one whole month with eating the same 7 foods, you better believe I can learn to eat healthier. I'm 10 days into eating healthier and I am already feeling better and less tired.
Well this leads me back into what does God want me to do this year. Well I don't have the answer to that, but in the last two days God has been telling me in dfferent ways that he has me waiting, and it's part of his plan. He is working on my patience and teaching me to let him lead the way.
I feel like 2013 is going to be a big year for the Orlesky's. 2012 was a life changing year for Chris and I. We have come to a place in our lives where neither one of us imagined we would be. Last year we were getting plans ready to build a brand new house or buy an even bigger house because ours wasn't big enough. This was literally 6 months ago this was happening. Today we are slowly getting our house ready to sell in the spring so we can downsize.Less is more right?
We are slowly learning that we are different from alot of people. It's not to say that we don't get sucked into wanting all this new stuff cause we do.But we are slowly starting to think before doing. It's sad to think some people live off $2 a day and I sit here get a tinge of jealousy when I see someone go buy the latest I-pad.
God did however gave me some hope the other day that one day I may get to living a simplier life with more of Him and less of other stuff. To hear about a young women take a leap of faith and quit her job and let God take control her life is absolutely amazing. It's not often you hear of that happening in our society, but it did and God is about to amazing things her life.
So I leave with that and continue on with my journey with God. He'll take me where he needs.
So I started the New Year thinking what does God want me to do this year??? At first I thought he wanted me to get in shape...don't judge, I really did think this. And maybe he does but I really don't think he wants that to be my main focus. Of course me becoming a healthier person will help him because he must know how tired I am from the exhaustion of eating chocolate bars, sour candy and chips everyday. YES EVERYDAY! So I came into the New Year telling myself I would work hard at not eating that stuff anymore. I didn't make it a goal because I read on another blog that I was just setting myself up for failure. Ain't that the truth! I shouldn't feel guilty for eating it once in a while and nor will I feel guilty,so YES last night I did eat two sour jolly rancher gummies and a Macaroon Madness from Second Cup. But I went into with full intentions of not feeling guilty and knowing that it was going to be ok, because I know I can do this. If I can go one whole month with eating the same 7 foods, you better believe I can learn to eat healthier. I'm 10 days into eating healthier and I am already feeling better and less tired.
Well this leads me back into what does God want me to do this year. Well I don't have the answer to that, but in the last two days God has been telling me in dfferent ways that he has me waiting, and it's part of his plan. He is working on my patience and teaching me to let him lead the way.
I feel like 2013 is going to be a big year for the Orlesky's. 2012 was a life changing year for Chris and I. We have come to a place in our lives where neither one of us imagined we would be. Last year we were getting plans ready to build a brand new house or buy an even bigger house because ours wasn't big enough. This was literally 6 months ago this was happening. Today we are slowly getting our house ready to sell in the spring so we can downsize.Less is more right?
We are slowly learning that we are different from alot of people. It's not to say that we don't get sucked into wanting all this new stuff cause we do.But we are slowly starting to think before doing. It's sad to think some people live off $2 a day and I sit here get a tinge of jealousy when I see someone go buy the latest I-pad.
God did however gave me some hope the other day that one day I may get to living a simplier life with more of Him and less of other stuff. To hear about a young women take a leap of faith and quit her job and let God take control her life is absolutely amazing. It's not often you hear of that happening in our society, but it did and God is about to amazing things her life.
So I leave with that and continue on with my journey with God. He'll take me where he needs.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Burdens...
I woke up this morning and as soon as I opened my eyes I knew it was going to be a rough day and I had a choice to make, I could allow myself to have a rough day or I could be thankful for the day given to me, it was another fresh start that God allowed me to have. Well I chose to go with the rough day and as I sit here almost time for bed, I realize that it was the wasn't the best choice.
The kids were wild all day, the just seemed louder today than any other day. But were they really?
Their ears didn't want to seem to listen, but was I demanding too much today?
My dog was bugging the crap outta me, or did he just want some love?
Was it really the surroundings that were making me miserable or was it me making it seem that way?
Today I awoke with some burdens that I have just been letting simmer inside of me, and today I also received a message from a friend who wanted to let me know that she was praying for me and my family. At first I couldn't understand why God would ask her to pray for me. But as the day went on I realized how much I need those prayers.
My life how become so incredibly overwhelming. But in some ways it's overwhelmed with excitement, other ways it's overwhelmed with sadness and the other part is frustration. I think to myself how can I overcome some of these feelings? As fast as I thought it, the answer can right to me.
Am I spending enough time with the Lord? Am I using my time wisely or foolishly? Am I talking to the Lord and praying for all these feelings I am having? I guess if I have to ask these questions, I already know the answer.
The kids were wild all day, the just seemed louder today than any other day. But were they really?
Their ears didn't want to seem to listen, but was I demanding too much today?
My dog was bugging the crap outta me, or did he just want some love?
Was it really the surroundings that were making me miserable or was it me making it seem that way?
Today I awoke with some burdens that I have just been letting simmer inside of me, and today I also received a message from a friend who wanted to let me know that she was praying for me and my family. At first I couldn't understand why God would ask her to pray for me. But as the day went on I realized how much I need those prayers.
My life how become so incredibly overwhelming. But in some ways it's overwhelmed with excitement, other ways it's overwhelmed with sadness and the other part is frustration. I think to myself how can I overcome some of these feelings? As fast as I thought it, the answer can right to me.
Am I spending enough time with the Lord? Am I using my time wisely or foolishly? Am I talking to the Lord and praying for all these feelings I am having? I guess if I have to ask these questions, I already know the answer.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
The End has come... or has it?
Well folks my "7" journey ended yesterday and I have to say it ended in a way I never expected. This month I focused releasing my stress and spending lots of prayer time with God. Praying 7 times a day can be difficult at times, especially when you have three wild animals... I mean three children running around the house all day or with you wherever you go. But I tried my best. There were times where my alarm would go off to remind me and I would turn it off and tell myself after I'm doing this I'll pray and then totally forget to do it. I ask myself how I can I forget to spend even as a little as two minutes with God when he never forgets me and is always with me?
While there were certain things that I talk to God about this month, he really showed me he listens. I prayed for one aspect of my life where I need help. Well he sure listened and he sure did put me to the test. One lady I talked to said that she believed that sometimes God has to make sure that what we are praying for is something we really want to change and how else will we ever notice the change if we aren't given opportunities to see for ourselves. Well I noticed and I had a tough time at certain points where I wanted to say "forget it, I can't do this." But I did do it, and it's because He helped me through it.
There was also another burden that has been heavy on heart for a long time that I needed to release and I talked to God about it and He knew it was time. He sent me the right people at the right time to help me through this. He set me free.
So there you have I have completed my journey. I am done. Or am I? Of course I'm not done, my journey on this earth isn't done until I enter the gates of Heaven. I bet you thought the title was meant for my journey that I took. Nope, sorry.
Two days ago, I lost my granny. I was informed in the evening that she was being brought to the hospital. I just felt at that moment that it was time. So I prayed to the Lord to be with her, to take away any pain she may feel. See I know God is our healer, even when sometimes we don't like the outcome. So I told myself to be strong and not to be weak. Time went by and I got a phone call where I fought back every tear so they wouldn't hear my weakness. Then as I lay in bed, the panic started and the fear of death came back. I could see my phone light up and instead of picking it up to hear the news I ignored it and pretended that it just wasn't real. It's been a long time since I've had to deal with the death of a loved one and I'm not quite sure how to handle it. But after taking sometime to read the Bible I came upon this verse that has brought me comfort.
"Blessed are those who mourn,for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4 ESV
So now the question is... has my granny's time come to end. Some may think yes. Me, I think yes her time on this earth has come to end, but she's not gone. I believe that the Lord took her hand, held it tight and led her into the arms of the man she loves and the baby she has longed to see, and they have just begun their life together.
I am sad that she is gone and I know that it's okay to be sad, but I also know she is in a much better place. And the picture that I've made for myself in my head about where she is now even puts a smile on my face.
I Love You Granny xoxoxo
While there were certain things that I talk to God about this month, he really showed me he listens. I prayed for one aspect of my life where I need help. Well he sure listened and he sure did put me to the test. One lady I talked to said that she believed that sometimes God has to make sure that what we are praying for is something we really want to change and how else will we ever notice the change if we aren't given opportunities to see for ourselves. Well I noticed and I had a tough time at certain points where I wanted to say "forget it, I can't do this." But I did do it, and it's because He helped me through it.
There was also another burden that has been heavy on heart for a long time that I needed to release and I talked to God about it and He knew it was time. He sent me the right people at the right time to help me through this. He set me free.
So there you have I have completed my journey. I am done. Or am I? Of course I'm not done, my journey on this earth isn't done until I enter the gates of Heaven. I bet you thought the title was meant for my journey that I took. Nope, sorry.
Two days ago, I lost my granny. I was informed in the evening that she was being brought to the hospital. I just felt at that moment that it was time. So I prayed to the Lord to be with her, to take away any pain she may feel. See I know God is our healer, even when sometimes we don't like the outcome. So I told myself to be strong and not to be weak. Time went by and I got a phone call where I fought back every tear so they wouldn't hear my weakness. Then as I lay in bed, the panic started and the fear of death came back. I could see my phone light up and instead of picking it up to hear the news I ignored it and pretended that it just wasn't real. It's been a long time since I've had to deal with the death of a loved one and I'm not quite sure how to handle it. But after taking sometime to read the Bible I came upon this verse that has brought me comfort.
"Blessed are those who mourn,for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4 ESV
So now the question is... has my granny's time come to end. Some may think yes. Me, I think yes her time on this earth has come to end, but she's not gone. I believe that the Lord took her hand, held it tight and led her into the arms of the man she loves and the baby she has longed to see, and they have just begun their life together.
I am sad that she is gone and I know that it's okay to be sad, but I also know she is in a much better place. And the picture that I've made for myself in my head about where she is now even puts a smile on my face.
I Love You Granny xoxoxo
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Month Seven
5 days into Month Seven and I'm sure I've prayed more in the last five days then I have all my life. This month I am focusing on stress which leads me to pray seven times a day. As of right now I pray at the following hours 6:45am, 9am,12pm,2pm,6pm,9pm, and 12am(or whenever my eyes open in the middle of the night because they do EVERY night). Do I remember this everyday? No. Have I started setting my alarm to remind me?Yes. Am I trying really hard? YES.
Prayer has always been something really hard for me to do. I feel awkward and unqualified. Yes I just said I feel like I'm not qualified enough to pray. I listen to some people pray and I think "WOW, they have got it. Where do they come up with these words? I want to talk to God like that." But then I'm pretty sure that even though I may not use smart words God is so happy that I am talking to Him. Even though I'm only five days into this, I realize just how important my prayer time is with Him.
These are times that I can talk to Him about anything. There are things where I need His guidance, I need His forgiveness, His grace. He is speaking to me. He has done some pretty amazing things in these past couple days where I have fallen to my knees and wept. Wept because He is listening to me, He wants to help me. He DOES want to take my worries and fears.
I pray that He continues to lead in the right direction. I'm not expecting it to be easy but I know He is with me.
I put this song on my facebook wall yesterday and it was shared with me at a perfect time, that I just had to share with you all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAifRGI1Fxs
Prayer has always been something really hard for me to do. I feel awkward and unqualified. Yes I just said I feel like I'm not qualified enough to pray. I listen to some people pray and I think "WOW, they have got it. Where do they come up with these words? I want to talk to God like that." But then I'm pretty sure that even though I may not use smart words God is so happy that I am talking to Him. Even though I'm only five days into this, I realize just how important my prayer time is with Him.
These are times that I can talk to Him about anything. There are things where I need His guidance, I need His forgiveness, His grace. He is speaking to me. He has done some pretty amazing things in these past couple days where I have fallen to my knees and wept. Wept because He is listening to me, He wants to help me. He DOES want to take my worries and fears.
I pray that He continues to lead in the right direction. I'm not expecting it to be easy but I know He is with me.
I put this song on my facebook wall yesterday and it was shared with me at a perfect time, that I just had to share with you all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAifRGI1Fxs
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
A Letter To God
Dear God,
Where do I even begin? I could sit here and write you pages and pages about how lucky I am to have so many things when so many more people in the world have no idea what those "things" even are. I think I should really begin by thanking you for even giving me... or wait for choosing me to have those things. Why me? Was there something you saw me? Did you know sooner or later all those things would soon change my mind on how I felt about them and how I felt about this life?
Well changed happened, it may have taken awhile by being caught up in this world of stuff. You never gave up on me. You saw it happening before it even crossed my mind. Once I got on board with you, it was like we were a team. You had my back, I just had to trust you.
I remember one of the first changes you had lined up for me. It's the one I'll never forget. The one that ripped my heart opened. It was November 2010, I was at a Mercy Me concert, worshipping your Holy Name. It was like nothing I ever experienced before. The band took a break to share with the guests about a sponsoring program called Compassion. As they were speaking, my heart was thumping.HARD! I knew I wasn't going home the same person. I tried to talk myself out of it, I had seen those commercials about sponsoring children and then heard from other people how they don't really use your money to help them. But the time came when you either raised your hand to accept a picture or you didn't. I don't even think I had time to think, my hand just flew up. All I could think was if it's a girl, it's meant to be. You see I was longing for another girl, I needed another girl in the family. Katya and I were being out numbered by boys. It's not exactly the way I had pictured by adding a family member. But there I sit...waiting...watching... this picture being passed down to me. I get in my hands turn it over and there right infront of me is a picture of a beautiful, precious little girl from India. Tears stream down my face. She is now mine to help take care. Some people may be thinking that she has been blessed. But for me I feel like the one who has been blessed. God, you already knew I had three children at home to care for, but you CHOSE me to help sponsor this little girl. Not only will I be helping meet her needs but I'll also be able to help her family. Because you CHOSE me, this little girl gets to go to school. She gets to know YOU. Sponsoring Manisha is one gift that I can't thank you enough for.
The excitement I feel when I check the mail each day. Will there be a letter today? When there is a letter, I throw everything else down, it can wait. I want to know how she is doing. I smile as I see her trying to spell my name in English. Her letters bring me far more excitement than all this stuff I have. God because of this sponsorship, she praises YOU. She loves YOU. Her life is being changed. There is a difference being made.
I am so thankful you have chosen Compassion to be a part of our lives. You have allowed our family to meet the needs of two other children through Compassion. It's not only for me, but for Chris and Ethan and someday Cohen and Katya.
You are not only sharing this gift with my family, but with other people around the world. Sponsoring may seem like such a small thing to some people but the change they are making is HUGE.
God, I pray you continue to share this gift with others, so they too can share their gifts.
Jo-Anne
Visit Compassion: http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm
Where do I even begin? I could sit here and write you pages and pages about how lucky I am to have so many things when so many more people in the world have no idea what those "things" even are. I think I should really begin by thanking you for even giving me... or wait for choosing me to have those things. Why me? Was there something you saw me? Did you know sooner or later all those things would soon change my mind on how I felt about them and how I felt about this life?
Well changed happened, it may have taken awhile by being caught up in this world of stuff. You never gave up on me. You saw it happening before it even crossed my mind. Once I got on board with you, it was like we were a team. You had my back, I just had to trust you.
I remember one of the first changes you had lined up for me. It's the one I'll never forget. The one that ripped my heart opened. It was November 2010, I was at a Mercy Me concert, worshipping your Holy Name. It was like nothing I ever experienced before. The band took a break to share with the guests about a sponsoring program called Compassion. As they were speaking, my heart was thumping.HARD! I knew I wasn't going home the same person. I tried to talk myself out of it, I had seen those commercials about sponsoring children and then heard from other people how they don't really use your money to help them. But the time came when you either raised your hand to accept a picture or you didn't. I don't even think I had time to think, my hand just flew up. All I could think was if it's a girl, it's meant to be. You see I was longing for another girl, I needed another girl in the family. Katya and I were being out numbered by boys. It's not exactly the way I had pictured by adding a family member. But there I sit...waiting...watching... this picture being passed down to me. I get in my hands turn it over and there right infront of me is a picture of a beautiful, precious little girl from India. Tears stream down my face. She is now mine to help take care. Some people may be thinking that she has been blessed. But for me I feel like the one who has been blessed. God, you already knew I had three children at home to care for, but you CHOSE me to help sponsor this little girl. Not only will I be helping meet her needs but I'll also be able to help her family. Because you CHOSE me, this little girl gets to go to school. She gets to know YOU. Sponsoring Manisha is one gift that I can't thank you enough for.
The excitement I feel when I check the mail each day. Will there be a letter today? When there is a letter, I throw everything else down, it can wait. I want to know how she is doing. I smile as I see her trying to spell my name in English. Her letters bring me far more excitement than all this stuff I have. God because of this sponsorship, she praises YOU. She loves YOU. Her life is being changed. There is a difference being made.
I am so thankful you have chosen Compassion to be a part of our lives. You have allowed our family to meet the needs of two other children through Compassion. It's not only for me, but for Chris and Ethan and someday Cohen and Katya.
You are not only sharing this gift with my family, but with other people around the world. Sponsoring may seem like such a small thing to some people but the change they are making is HUGE.
God, I pray you continue to share this gift with others, so they too can share their gifts.
Jo-Anne
Visit Compassion: http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Blog Month for Compassion
Doesn't the title say it all??? I know I have been doing a terrible job keeping you update with my 7 journey, but with this month and with holidays.... well lets just keep that for a different post and let me focus on why I'm really here.
This month which also happens to be my birthday month, I guess you could say that Compassion is giving me the gift of being able to share what a wonderful organization they have. I could sit here for hours and hours and try to explain what Compassion is, but to be honest, I am terrible with words and I would never want words to come out the wrong way. I can tell you that I am a huge supporter of Compassion. Currently in household we sponsor 3 children through Compassion and it's quite the experience to be able to write to a child who is possibly half way around the world from you and to know that you are providing them with needs that they may otherwise go without. These children are learning God's truth because of YOU!!! They are given the chance to go to school and learn. We are able to show and tell them that they are loved.
So here am what I am asking from you. First I ask that you visit the Compassion site and pray for these children, pray that they become sponsored, pray that they are given the opportunity to know Jesus and pray that God protects each of these children.
Second thing I ask is that you visit the Sponsor a Child page. http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm
And lastly if you have children take this time as a family to sit down and learn about other children around the world. What a better head start for you kids then too teach them now about the needs around the world.
Over the month I will be writing posts for Compassion. There goal and my goal is to get as many children sponsored as possible. I ask that if you have read this post, PLEASE pass it along to others. It could be your chance to change someone's else life. Not only that but if I refer the most people to the page I can win a gift certificate to the Compassion Store where I get to bless those in need.
So there you go... now you've read it... what are you going to do about??? Here's where you can start:
GO TO THIS PAGE!!!! http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm
This month which also happens to be my birthday month, I guess you could say that Compassion is giving me the gift of being able to share what a wonderful organization they have. I could sit here for hours and hours and try to explain what Compassion is, but to be honest, I am terrible with words and I would never want words to come out the wrong way. I can tell you that I am a huge supporter of Compassion. Currently in household we sponsor 3 children through Compassion and it's quite the experience to be able to write to a child who is possibly half way around the world from you and to know that you are providing them with needs that they may otherwise go without. These children are learning God's truth because of YOU!!! They are given the chance to go to school and learn. We are able to show and tell them that they are loved.
So here am what I am asking from you. First I ask that you visit the Compassion site and pray for these children, pray that they become sponsored, pray that they are given the opportunity to know Jesus and pray that God protects each of these children.
Second thing I ask is that you visit the Sponsor a Child page. http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm
And lastly if you have children take this time as a family to sit down and learn about other children around the world. What a better head start for you kids then too teach them now about the needs around the world.
Over the month I will be writing posts for Compassion. There goal and my goal is to get as many children sponsored as possible. I ask that if you have read this post, PLEASE pass it along to others. It could be your chance to change someone's else life. Not only that but if I refer the most people to the page I can win a gift certificate to the Compassion Store where I get to bless those in need.
So there you go... now you've read it... what are you going to do about??? Here's where you can start:
GO TO THIS PAGE!!!! http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm
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