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Wednesday, August 27, 2008

I Am Changing My Lifestyle ...

Emily A. has a new video up and the faces I saw just called out to me ... They weren't sad, but amazingly joyful and at peace ... THAT IS ONLY THE LOVE OF THE FATHER ...

I have decided to put my money where my blog is ... I am going to journal what I spend for a month and do my best to begin spending as if it were actually God's money (which we know it all is) ... The vision is clear ... The Oatsvall family will be going to bring home Abagail and Joseph sometime in the year 2010 ... I won't go empty handed either ... I want to make this a humanitarian trip ....

We want to be a wise steward of what God has given us and We want to teach our children to look outside their life at those hurting and want to help ... Scott has done an amazing job at providing for this family and at times that has been rough ... He is amazing in many ways, but most importantly he has always been thankful for how God has always met our needs ...

Love to you all ... THE BOOK is going well and I hope to have it ready by the beginning of December ... I know it will make a great Christmas gift for many ... What better way to tell the story of Christ than to read the stories of how His children came home !!!!

25 kind words.:

Adele said...

Something in that video stirred my heart as well. I kept thinking as I was watching it "this is what it is all about....showing God's love to EVERYONE."
I am so excited about your adoption and I can hardly wait to see those precious faces. Your family is such a testimony of God's love.
I am working on my story. Will send to you ASAP.
Love you,
Adele

Musings from Kim K. said...

Talk about making yourself accountable! Best wishes with everything you hope to do.

(((virtual hugs)))

Becca said...

This was such a blessing to read today. We are feeling convicted about being good stewards with the things we have been blessed with. We are on the journey too. We'll be going to Africa many times in the next years, hopefully. Not to adopt, but on mission. It is near and dear to my heart. I can't wait to meet your African treasures!!

April said...

I can't wait to buy many, many copies of the book..I am soooo excited Gwen, and thankful to you for sharing our story...What you said rings true for us too, last year I really started channeling my funds that I normally would spend on other things into helping the children of Guatemala, I am actively involved in Safe Passage, a wonderful organization in Guatemala along with some others I am involved in, but I will be here to cheer you on and get involved too with the needs of Africa!!

Jenny said...

Thanks for the reminder...we are so thankful with what we have and have more than we need and can always be better stewards.

I have your book down on my list and hope to purchase it as soon as it is available.

Unknown said...

Oh I love your heart and cant wait to buy and read the book

mommy24treasures said...

great idea Gwen, We became better stewards this year as well.
I have really chnged my spending habits.
One thing, we are going to the beach in a couple of weeks when its half price versus summer prices.
Love hearing the book is going well.

Anonymous said...

No words can explain my feelings when looking at team Alexander's videos, there are no words.

Just know the Oatsvall team is prayed for....ALL THE OATSVALL TEAM:) Bring them home, Father....please!!

fleur de lis cottage said...

Came across your blog and this post touched me. Our family has been trying to practice this very thing. When you think of money as HIS and not your own ...it does start to affect even the smallest of purchases.

Shawnstribe said...

Gwen this is awesome, and something that has been touching my heart for a while, accountability in finances is such a hard call, but now more than ever so necessary.
Gwen ive started a private blog and wondered if you would like to visit.
If so, give me an email
tomlinson1tribe@btinternet.com
xxx
s

jennifer said...

I have been so blessed by that video. I think I've watched it at least 5 times. I made Richard watch it and sent lots of people the link. It was amazing. I want to be a part of something like that. I have already started the wheels rolling on getting in touch with an orphanage in Mexico where I know the people who run it. I have to do something!

Kim said...

YOU are a true inspiration..
I have watched every video of Emily's many,many times over.. I sit in my chair and cry.. I too will bring home a child from Ethiopia one day.. it will not be until after Izzy and talking to the DH .. but I feel it .. I am sooo in love with all of the children on the video's..
Thank you girly for always being soooo GREAT..
Can't wait for the book to come out..
HUGS>..
Love ya crazy..

KT said...

can't wait for the Book either.
Finances, yes, it was a big surprise to me years ago when someone said you know it is all God's, not just the 10 percent. I just hadn't thought of it that way. I still forget and I am grateful for struggles with finances because it does draw us closer to our Heavenly Father and know that all things are from Him, to Him and through Him.

Jewels of My Heart said...

I am so excited you are on your way! I am praying for you and I know the Lord will honor your sacrifices.

Kristi J said...

Man....I'm so bummed!! I check blogs way too late in the day..I missed her video today and now it is gone...you don't have it do you?? I want to see what everyone is talking about...great post, kj

Kathi said...

Unfortunately, they had to remove the video from yesterday..guess it violates some privacy issues with the orphanages there

Melinda said...

I missed the day 5 video as well, but day 6 is amazing. They are so blessed to have such amazing photos and video of their time in Ethiopia. It is such a beautiful country and the people are so beautiful as well. I can't wait to go back. Gwen I am with you on keeping track of my spending. I know God has convicted me on this many times. Another blog is doing 30 days of nothing for the month of Sept. which I planned to do, so I won't have as much to record. I also want to live differently and in that becoming a much better steward of God's money so I can have more of an impact here for God's Glory. Thanks for being a blessing and ispiration to me.
Love,
Melinda

Steffie B. said...

it was awesome.....I'm going to show David when he gets back....

Tracy said...

AMEN!!!

Gail said...

Just wanted to say hi and what a great post. I wish you only the very best on this journey to Abagail and Joseph...

Gail

Michelle R Photography said...

What a wonderful idea and a great way to make your vision of bringing Abagail and Joseph home in 2010 a closer reality.

I can't wait to read The Book!!!

Steffie B. said...

i can't view her day 6....i wanted to show David.....and what is going on???? You know I am dying over here! Call me, email me or something!!!!! Cause I know your not sleeping!

day by day said...

This is a great reminder, Gwen! We should view every penny that we have and spend as God's money....as it surely is!!

Have a wonderful week-end with your family!

Leigh Ann said...

Can't wait to read the book! I will have to check out the video...

PandaMom said...

Hey Gwen! Is it too late to add to your book? I didn't realize you were doing this when we all prayed this summer with SteffieB. Would love to add to it if you still have room. ; )

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