Thursday, May 28, 2009

Blessings of Hope


Wanted to take a moment here this morning to give you an update of the next project we will be working on through Blessings of Hope!

The Lord has allowed us to work with brothers and sisters in Christ who have been given a higher platform of ministry to work from...let me tell you...their hearts are pure! I don't like even talking about it because it is not who the Lord has allowed us to work with with, but the One we are working for...and that is where I want your focus to be. What awesome testimonies of families receiving much and simply being vessels give back so very much! God wants to use us all right where He has us...may we work together as the body of Christ!

God has a mighty plan...and we are simply humble servants trying to fulfill what work He calls us to do. I must say that I am humbled and thankful beyond words that God has chosen these simple handmade dolls to do His work...but then I smile because that is exactly how He works!


"God has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity." 2 Tim. 1:9


Our next project through Blessings of Hope is to make dolls for each child at Maria's Big House of Hope! Please take a moment to visit their site and prayerfully consider donating to this wonderful cause and toward adoption!


When pondering my thoughts over this post I looked up the word give in the dictionary, there are many definitions. But when looking biblically it has a much deeper meaning. My heart swelled as I pondered through different verses. To simply give without wanting or desiring anything in return. Giving back though what the Lord has given you to continue His work. To have the heart of Christ!


"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "


The month is almost over (can you believe it) and we have been supporting Blessings of Hope through your donations to cover the cost of materials to make these dolls. As a little extra perk...we included your donations in a custom doll raffle! Which basically means that if you donated this month your name with be thrown in the pot for each dollar donated. On June 1st we will draw a name and you will win a custom doll. Since we are no longer offering customs...I'm excited that this is a great opportunity to offer at least one monthly as a free giveaway while we are helping others!! So far we have raised $81 to the cause! Thank you!!


I will be taking sneak peek pictures of the project as we go along. We will be making dolls, lambs and lamb bundles in various beautiful colors! As you know...every BbB doll must have scripture right?! But in this situation we have to be careful. Please be in prayer for the Chinese government. I put some prayer, time and thought into the situation and spoke with Mary Beth about my concern. We didn't want a doll taken away or destroyed simply because it had God's word on it. As a Mommy my heart ached at the thought of a doll being taken out of the arms of a child. So, each doll will have Maria's flower on it to represent the scripture, "Taste and SEE that the Lord is good" Psalm 34:8 I feel a great peace about this and again, smile when I think about the little snidbit of the grand picture we see of all things fitting together for His glory!


Please be in prayer with us for each child that will receive a doll or lamb! May they feel and understand the hope and love we have in Jesus no matter what situation we are in!


Wednesday, May 27, 2009

His Will Wednesday

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be make known to God." Phil 4:6

"Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

***********

Lord, I sit here at your feet this morning with so many requests...so many burdens on my heart! I praise you Father, for where I see your hand working. I praise you Father for those situations that I don't yet see your hand working...because yet I know You are -to Your glory Lord! I lift up the many health issues Lord! All those who are sick and suffering. I lift up all those who are hurting Lord! May you draw them close to you! I lift up all those in need of a job Lord! We know you will meet every need according to your will. I pray for all of those who feel there is no hope left in this world! Lord...reveal yourself and that You are the only hope. I pray for family salvation Lord and those who don't understand their need for a Savior! Soften their hearts and open their eyes and ears to truth. I pray for those areas we fall so short Lord! Lift us up and mold us into what you desire us to become in You!

Father, I pray over the requests that were left here last week....

comments:
Kathryn @ Expectant Hearts said...
We're still struggling with our grief over losing Seth and I'd sure appreciate prayers for our marriage. For awhile I thought we'd do okay just muddling through but that doesn't seem to be the case.. Thanks.


Rach@In His Hands said...
I loved these thoughts today....Thanks so much for offering to pray! We are waiting on our Josiah's legal documents to arrive from South Korea so that the adoption process can begin here in the US. Would you please pray that the Lord's hand will continue to be over the entire process? And that Josiah is safe and loved until we can travel to bring him home? Thank you!!!

I pray over those requests that weren't left Lord...for the unspoken.

Father~please use this little place to Your glory! Allow us to lift each other in prayer and encourage each other as Brother's and Sister's in Christ! For it is in HIS precious name that we pray...Amen~

*HIS WILL WEDNESDAY was started by little April Rose's Mommy. Here is what the Lord placed on her heart...."We want healing, and miracles, and what we think is best, naturally, but we ultimately want God's will, don't we? I do. And let's be real... God's will isn't always our desire. But we know God's will is perfect..." You may read their journey HERE.

"...yet not My will, but Yours be done."
Luke 22:42
~Let us be in prayer for you! Please leave your requests under this post!


Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Too Cute...Tuesday!






"I will praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
Psalm 139:14


These sweet sisters are just too cute for words!!
May God place His mighty hand upon them!


*If you are interested in being featured on Too Cute...Tuesday, email your photos to babybeblessed@gmail.com



Monday, May 25, 2009

Marvelous Monday!

Happy Memorial Day Marvelous Monday!!
I pray that you all are having a wonderful holiday weekend with your family! Here is the winner of the Giveaway......


Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:27
Timestamp: 2009-05-25 12:14:19 UTC


Congratulations....Heather!!

We ordered a bunny for my daughter's Easter basket...she loves it, it's the
first "lovey" she's really attached herself too. We plan to purchase a girl doll
for her birthday...Love the idea of being able to buy additional clothes for the
dolls by the way! Heather Bloom





Friday, May 22, 2009

Yay...FREE FRIDAY!!



In honor of Memorial Day...
I thought we would offer another Yay Free Friday!

It just wouldn't be fitting not to be all dressed up for the holiday right? I love this little patriotic print outfit and it will fit all our Baby be Blessed dolls! =) It is a removable cotton print with elastic top shorts and Velcro closure on the little shirt.

For a chance to win, please leave your contact information under this post. We will run the giveaway Friday through Sunday and will pick the winner on Monday!

Also...just a little nibble for what's coming...we will have a new clothing category coming soon for all of our dolls! Keep your eyes peeled!!

Have a wonderful Memorial Day everyone!! Feel free to share who you will be remembering on Monday!

~Tina

UPDATE: Just wanted to clarify that this giveaway is for the outfit only...not the doll/outfit. THANKS!! =)

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Sing Thankful Thursday Praises!


"Praise the LORD!
Praise, O servants of the LORD
Praise the name of the LORD.
Blessed be the name of the LORD
From this time forth and forever.
From the rising of the sun to its setting
The name of the LORD is to be praised.
The LORD is high above all nations;
His glory is above the heavens."
Psalm 113:1-4


Father~ We lift up our praises to you today. Let us not be consumed with the business of this world but consumed with You and Your will for us today. Help us see and hear You and may we lift up and sing our thankful praises to the only One who is worthy of them! In Jesus' name ~Amen

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

His Will Wednesday


We LOVE His Will Wednesday's!!

This was started by little April Rose's Mommy. Here is what the Lord placed on her heart....

"We want healing, and miracles, and what we think is best, naturally, but we ultimately want God's will, don't we? I do. And let's be real... God's will isn't always our desire. But we know God's will is perfect..." You may read their journey HERE.

Sometimes I feel it is hard to pray and simply accept the Lords will. I know that is the silliest thing ever knowing that what the Lords plan is for me is SO much better than my own. But yet it seems like it is a struggle to fully submit...to lay it down at the cross and not run back and pick it up again. But Lord, you are so much bigger than me. I praise you for your grace...I praise you for never giving up completing your work in us! Your will is perfect!!

There is MUCH power in prayer. Much more than our earthly minds will ever be able to understand. The enemy wants us to think that we are the only ones going through a certain situation and it is a hopeless one. Friends...those are lies! What the Lord has placed on my heart for His Will Wednesdays here at the BbB blog...is a place to share our burdens. A place to share our requests for prayer and a place to praise our Father when He answers our prayers according to His will...

Please leave your requests in the comment section. It may be for your child, your family, your walk with the Lord, a struggle that you are dealing with...maybe simply just an unspoken request. The Lord knows who you are, the burden on your heart and we can be praying for you! If you have a blog in which others can follow your journey, please include the link.

"Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without wrath and dissension." 1 Timothy 2:8

"This I command you, that you love one another." John 15:17

"Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it." John 14:13-14

With Much Love....and Many Prayers! ~Tina

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Too Cute...Tuesday!


Miss Stella!

Stella was one of our Give a Blessing recipients. I wanted to share a bit of the email that we received from her Mom concerning the donations all of you provided for this sweet little girl.


"Thank you also for the generous donation. We are getting ready to buy Stella a headfloat device so she can"swim" and you just helped cover that cost!!! Stella may not be able to move much out of water but she's The Little Mermaid while in water!!!"


Praise God for His providing our every need! Please keep Miss Stella in your prayers and follow her updates through her Caringbridge page. www.caringbridge.org/visit/stellaturnbullturnbull


What a sweet precious girl!!
We LOVE you Stella!!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Too Cute...Tuesday!



~ I'm in LOVE! ~
Aren't these girls just the cutest ever?!
GREAT photo's Mom!
*If you are interested in being featured on Too Cute...Tuesday,
email your photos to babybeblessed@gmail.com


Monday, May 11, 2009

Marvelous Monday!


Good Morning everyone!

Just a quick post this morning to let you all know the winner of Yay...Free Friday!


Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:20
Timestamp: 2009-05-11 11:39:43 UTC


CONGRATULATIONS.......JULIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Julia said...
I'd never seen your dolls before today. They are beautiful. One of my favorite verses is Luke 2:19 because that's how I feel about mothering my children. I can't even imagine how she must have felt mothering the Son of God!


"But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart." Luke 2:19


How fitting for Mother's day!
Thanks for entering everyone! Don't forget about our Custom Doll Raffle this month. For every dollar donated to Blessings of Hope you will be entered for a chance to design your very own BbB doll.
Have a wonderful week!
Tina

Friday, May 8, 2009

Yay...FINALLY... Another FREE FRIDAY!!





"For I know the plans that I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope." Jer.29:11

You know, we have used this verse on our dolls from the beginning but when I read it this morning...my heart has been stretched to receive it totally different than how I have before.

Today's giveaway in is honor of our fifth child...our Sponsor Child, Miss Dhanpriyaben Chimanbhai from India. (Can anyone tell me how to actually pronounce that?) We call her Dhani for short. I can't wait to share a picture with all of you. She is so beautiful and is the same age of my Natalie, 8 yrs old. What drew me to her, other than reminding me of Natalie, was that she was one of six children. That pulled on my heart because I felt that helping one child out of the family was helping them all in a way. We are looking forward to including letters and goodies to not only Dhani but all her brothers and sisters! Please pray about sponsoring a child.

So when I read that Jer. 29:11 and ponder on it...it has such a deeper meaning to me. We are so spoiled here in the United States. I am spoiled. I'm not saying everything is perfect, it's not. But we take for granted the blessings we have been given and live with daily!

Our Giveaway doll is 16" tall, made from dark brown muslin and black minky smooth hair with black yarn braids. She has safety eyes and handstitched mouth/lashes with a touch of blush on her cheeks! The dress is a light blue with hot pink polka dots and bloomers a hot pink/pink cotton stripe print. The torso or belly is a pink cotton print with the scripture,

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE GIVEAWAY YOU MUST:
1. Leave your comment including your contact information under this post Friday-Sunday.
2. Share one (or more) of your favorite scriptures.

~Only one entry per household.
~Winner will be chosen and announced on Monday

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Thankful Thursday!

"Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises." James 5:13

"After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10

"Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all stars of light! Praise Him, highest heavens, And the waters that are above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created." Psalm 148:1-5

"Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the Lord Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His loving-kindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations." Psalm 100:1-5

***********
I am full of joyful praise this morning! In my heart of hearts I know, and more importantly God's word tells us

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

Everything works out to His glory! This tough season we just went through here at Baby be Blessed is all according to His will, His purpose and His glory! Thank you Lord! That out of every situation we can see your good. Maybe not right away...but the further we stand back from it the clearer you will show us Your hand in every situation. And notice how the Word says ALL THINGS...not just some things!

I'm humbled and blessed to tell you all that we are finally through the bulk of our custom orders! We still have a small handful that we are finishing up but praise God for where we are at...I am so very thankful! If you have a loose end that needs finished up or a question that maybe I didn't get answered please contact me once again, so I can get everything taken care of. We desire to make sure nothing was forgotten or unfinished. I once again praise God for all the encouragement He has given through all of you even when we (or should I say...I) was at my weakest.

Many are still asking when we will be taking custom orders again? Once again, I can only say that I don't know. What I do know is that the Lord allowed us to grow and learn through the past six months and we are to move forward from these growing pains and not continue in the same path. Now that we are this far in completing our custom dolls we can focus on finished items and just allow the Lord to lead the rest. May His will be done!

Thank you Lord for guiding us through the storm!

~Tina


{Oh, and just a little nibble...make sure to check back again tomorrow for a BbB blog favorite!}

Friday, May 1, 2009

Blessings of Hope

Blessings of Hope is an extension of Baby be Blessed as a non profit doll outreach ministry to children in orphanages and other countries around the world. It is simply showing the love and hope we have in Jesus Christ through a simple handmade doll.

Blessings of Hope has been on our heart since the end of last year. We have so much and yet there are so many who have nothing. We are just giving back what He has given to us. We will proclaim His truth, show His hope and love through a doll or lamb to as many children as the Lord allows.

Girls will recieve dolls and boys will recieve lambs. Each doll or lamb with have "Jesus loves you" in the childs native language. They will measure around 10" tall.

Help us share the love of Christ! A friend said that her donation seemed like such a small drop in the bucket. But together all our small drops can turn into something huge! A rushing stream of water running right into the hearts of children in need! As freely as we have we recieved we need to give.

Please pray for the children who will be receiving these dolls! It might be the first time they ever hear the message of Jesus Christ. Imagine how they will feel God's mighty love!


Current Blessings~

We are currently working on sending dolls to India through Compassion. Please sponser a child today!

Sponsor a child online through Compassion's Christian child sponsorship ministry. Search for a child by age, gender, country, birthday, special needs and more.


We also will be working on a special project of making dolls and lambs for Maria's Big House of Hope in China! Click on the link to see how you can Show Hope to an orphan today!



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We are going to support our Blessings of Hope this month through our Give a Blessing and Custom Doll raffle. Please visit our website and enter our raffle to support this cause and win a free custom Baby be Blessed doll!

The April Raffle Winner....


What a blessing and an answer to prayer that all of you helped us pull together to help our sweet Seth! We had 243 entries!!! Thank you all so much!

So for the winning number........

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers: 231
Timestamp: 2009-05-01 00:10:51 UTC

It is number 231...Mrs. Jenni Egbert from not only my hometown, but my neighbor!

I will be posting a little later today about Blessings of Hope and the custom doll raffle for May!