My sweet friend Tracy Mihnovich shared this on fb and it has be shared MORE AND MORE !!! We are the hands and feet of Jesus … It is up to us NOT TO QUIT … To be the SUMMER for a child that is lonely and hurting and stuck in the dark !!!


ReMoved from HESCHLE on Vimeo.

Well computer trouble, life and just being honest some really heavy cravings have gotten to me !!! It has NOT BEEN my best showing … I have gotten my cardio in, but also some pizza and donuts while celebrating Elijah's birthday … I contemplated NOT telling you, but I am writing this blog as a way to hold myself accountable and to try and NOT SABOTAGE my efforts for the long run … I will get back on track tomorrow and I will push forward and not beat myself up about my mistakes … NO day goes perfectly and I just simply STUNK it up … I was actually pretty sick THIS  morning from all of the THAT type of food, so I am definitely excited about getting back to my program !!!

There are going to be days that no matter what you say you can't convince your child OF THAT THING, you can't heal a hurting friend, or you can't take back words that have been said … I am a talker and love to communicate, but mostly I am a FIXER … I want to fix the situation, the person, the problem, the hurt, or the misunderstanding … Well let's be realistic and say that is usually NOT GOING TO WORK on most days … I have been facing an issue with one of my sweet kiddos that no matter what I say I can tell they just don't get it in their heart and believe it in their mind … I makes me sad as a mother that I can't convince my child in regards to this issue, but what Jesus is telling me is that instead of concentrating on the issue I should take my words to point them to HIM in a deeper way.   He will be the one my child can lean on when those thoughts or moments want to take charge … You know there is always going to be another problem, hurt, or spoken wrong, but if I can teach my children (and myself) to seek Jesus when those times come, we can all move past them quicker, forgive easier, and be thankful sooner …

I am starting to realize that we are some serious comedy for people around us … I am ok with that because I guess if you are looking close enough in in to our chaos you will also see our amazing Jesus … We are a messy mess and our family has its struggles and down days … We love each other and love doing a fun, crazy life together … We support each other and challenge each other daily … We try to point each other to Christ and learn lessons from our mistakes and failures … We try to be encouragers to each other and say kind words even when we grit our teeth as we say them (hee hee)  … Our socks don't usually match and we have at least one kiddo with a runny nose daily … We are loud and silly … We rarely have a meal where someone doesn't spill something … We tattle on each other because of course we think LIFE SHOULD BE FAIR, until we realize that the moment we tattle we see all of our mistakes in that moment … We can't walk from point A to point B with out at least one person tripping and falling and crying… We ask really funny questions ALL the time … Then we laugh some more … We fight bedtime every night, love chocolate chip cookies, and we LOVE LOVE LOVE big family breakfasts  … We talk about and get excited about family vacations and serving trips … We are memory makers… We live our life OUT LOUD, so feel free to watch -- please don't ever think we have it all together or can do it better than anyone else … BUT DO LISTEN AND WATCH CLOSELY TO SEE THE JESUS WE LOVE !!!

I have always taken to heart the scripture that talks about how we should be READY TO GIVE AN ACCOUNT / TESTIMONY FOR CHRIST … Our lives are a work in progress to point others to HIM and to love HIS children … We are simply imperfect people trying to share his MESSAGE of love and hope !!!

This may not interest any of you, but I have started a new blog about my HEALTH transformation … I  didn't want it here because this is my LIFE JOURNEY and one day I hope my sweet children will enjoy reading about our lives from my eyes and heart at the OATSVALL TEAM blog, but I was in need of some changes and challenges in my health … So if you are interested you can follow me here http://timetocheermyselfon.blogspot.com for my cellular health transformation …

I don't often post requests (because I do get a lot), but every once in a while one will tug at my heart … MOM to MOM … woman to woman … sister to sister … If you have a moment check out sweet Heather's journey and struggle … SHE IS BATTLING … so proud of you girl !!!

The newest journey God has called us to will surely break our hearts, cause us much joy and tears, fill our plates to the point of OVERFLOWING, make us want to turn back, run forward, laugh, jump, and cheer … It will bring every emotion like no other project we have ever done at 147 and we are humbled and honored God called us to it … Not gonna lie, we are bit scared and have no idea what is around the corner, but the PEACE THAT COMES FROM KNOWING GOD HAS CALLED US TO IT and he's got it all covered excites us to the core … WE ARE ALL IN … We can can't predict what the future will hold, but we know God is in the day to day LOVE and CARE we are giving … We have talked, prayed, and told the students in the program that we are their family and we here or the long haul … WE ARE IN THEIR CORNER !!!  WE GOT YOUR BACK !!!  And the look in their eyes when they finally believed it was priceless and a gift that we will keep in our hearts forever … Check it out and pray, donate or go on a Serving Trip and meet these amazing young people … Join the 147 Team as we take each day that God has given us to be IMPACTFUL FOR HIM !!!

http://147million.org/our-projects/current-projects/love-1-madrina-college-program/

I love how we all run to the NEW YEAR with lots of changes, challenges, and resolutions … We want to be better at something that we are struggling in … I usually dissect it into something with my MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT … What do I want to improve and challenge myself in, but in reality I start each day with a cup full of GRACE … I don't have to wait for the beginning of a NEW YEAR or a special occasion because I have a heavenly FATHER who renews me each morning and gives me the TOOLS I need to make changes and improvements daily to bring him GLORY, so like you I am making a list of things, but when I fall (and I WILL FALL BIG) in one of those areas this year I won't abandon the WHOLE concept.  I will try again the next day and give it more because I know God has given me what HE NEEDS ME TO HAVE to be the whole person HE wants me to be …

MIND - work on my spelling in all SOCIAL MEDIA (hee hee per Michelle the slave driver)
BODY - Scott and I are both on a transformation program together (with his new job) and loving how we are feeling and how it has connected us (started that last summer)
SPIRIT - I bought two devos that I want to read through and finish the CIRCLE MAKER … I want to take the thoughts that pop in my head that are negative and pray through them so they don't damage my spirit. I am excited to begin saving funds take my children on a 147 serving trip this summer.

I have seen people all over this world that wake up each day wondering about some very scary things - like will I GET TO EAT TODAY … will I BE ABLE TO NURSE MY CHILD … will MY MOTHER LIVE … will THE ELEMENTS BE TO HARSH TODAY … will MY LACK OF EDUCATION DESTITUTE ME … will I SURVIVE TODAY …

Take the start of this new year and remember that Jesus meets you at the beginning of each day … DON'T GIVE UP ON THE CHANGES AND CHALLENGES that he puts in front of you … LISTEN to his truths in scripture not the chattering of the world … The world wants you to give up and the world wants you to feel like a mistake means complete failure and that you should give up … DON'T !!! Go forward with a peace that only comes from him and MAKE A REAL change !!!

Each day serving, working, crying, or laughing with 147 is a joy and honor … We remind ourselves and others daily, "IT IS ALL IN HOW YOU LOOK AT IT."  … I believe there is two ways to look at any one situation and both are good - it just really depends on what your heart needs and how God is trying to move you to his greater GLORY …

For example - The LOVE+1 MEDICAL CENTER in Haiti - You can look at the 6500 sq foot building with all its amazing medical equipment and the doctors/nurses that will be busy at work daily treating people or you can think about the first lil sick boy/girl that walks through the doors with a worried mother …

or

You can take a breath taking look at the village in Honduras where 28 homes are being completed or you can take the hand of a little boy on a rainy day as he brings you into his new home and grabs you a chair …

or

Our newest "Love+1 Madrina Project" that will send young adults aging out of a children's home to college and provide for their daily needs or you can picture a young woman walking her first day into college w/ her new bag, computer, and phone knowing she has hope and someone in her corner to believe in her …

Whether you are more bent toward the big picture or the small picture doesn't really matter … WHAT MATTERS IS THAT YOU ARE BENT to serve God's people and share HIS PROMISES with whoever he puts in front of you … We have always been thankful at 147 that God continues to put ONE in front of us to love, meet their needs, share the word with, and WATCH THEM go with HOPE to begin a RIPPLE EFFECT that can only be traced back to JESUS !!!

Help us make that RIPPLE EFFECT BIGGER … 147millionorphans.org   check out all that we are doing and find a place to join us … HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR !!!

One of the many things I have come to learn especially through my marriage and my ministry with 147 is that it is vital to understand ones strengths and weaknesses … It is in both that you begin to understand HOW GOD CAN USE YOU and when you would only be a stumbling block …

I can honestly say that I have pretty much ignored the lines between the two in myself until the last 10 years or so … I chose to stay blind to my weaknesses and in turn I was NOT allowing God to fully use me … As in scripture, it is very clear that "in our weakness HE is made strong" … So by not acknowledging my weaknesses in my marriage and in my ministry, I have robbed people and experiences from the POWER AND LOVE OF CHRIST … Perhaps it is age or just GOD putting to light my weaknesses that a few years ago, I began to understand my weaknesses and strengths in the way I feel the LORD created me to be …

I  am thankful for my sweet husband, who has never pointed at my weaknesses, but just picked up the slack or went before me to make a path … We are partners and encouragers … We share many of the same strengths, which can also be a weakness (lol) … It takes us both submitting to Christ to journey our family in the right direction … I am so thankful we both want WHAT HE WANTS …

And when I look at 147 Million Orphans - I can see how God placed Suzanne and Michelle and I together … We are so similar in heart, but gifted so DIFFERENTLY !!! We each have tasks to work on in our strengths and it simply WORKS SO WELL !!!  And when a new project, new ministry, or new idea emerges, we throw it on the table and talk it out … We take what we each bring to the table and pray through what God would have … There is such wisdom in the 3 CORD STRAND (scriptures says it is NOT EASILY BROKEN) … Now don't think for one moment that we always agree and that a rainbow follows us around while we sing "Jesus Loves You" … We get into some heated and passionate discussions, but at the end of the day we have come know each others strengths and weakness and our love for one another points us to Jesus 1st ...  We are fortunate that God has brought wise people to surround us during different times of our journey … AND WE LISTEN !!!  We all want WHAT GOD WANTS for 147 … And to accomplish all that he has set before us requires that we surrender to our weaknesses and lean on each other and HIM … AND when we are in our strengths, it is important we remain humble and graceful to point others to him …

I can admit one of my weaknesses is that I am a HOTHEAD at times and too passionate about somethings and issues to the point that I may not be very kind or gracious … We often laugh and kid Suzanne that she is POLLYANNA, because she is always the gracious, kind one that is the peacemaker … And Michelle is the SEE BOTH SIDES one and loves to play the fair police … SO YOU CAN IMAGINE that during certain situations we will sometimes take turns taking the lead depending on the situation (cause we always have each others back)  … And at the end of the day we all want to glorify the LORD … WE want 147 to point people to JESUS …

I am so thankful for these women and for what they bring to my life … In my weakness, I don't feel alone anymore, because I know God built me to be weak, so I could DESIRE him in a way that only weaknesses brings … A CORD OF THREE STRAND IS NOT EASILY BROKEN … How many cords are you working with ????

What an amazing event 147 Million Orphans was a part of at the Lifeway Women's Ministry Forum.  It is a joy to share with others as their hearts searched for a way to be involved in the SOCIAL JUSTICE FOR ORPHANS … We spoke with grandmothers, counselors, new ministry leaders, future ministry leaders, and adoptive mom's in our sessions … It was such a joy to able share our GOD STORY and encourage someone else to take their first step in a new journey of serving the Lord as he has called them … It felt like such a purposeful event with so many seeking information so that they could better serve the kingdom and also fill their cups … It is often hard to serve and seek when no one understands or you feel worn and pulled in so many directions … I could tell women where getting the tools needed to continue or start a NEW JOURNEY with the Lord …

Suzanne and I saw all 850 women walking around talking, huddled in corners in prayer, laughing, and scurrying off to as many main sessions or classes they could fit in for the 3 day conference… The ability to go to so many knowledgable people was definitely a gift for the attendees… And you could sense the air of "OPENNESS" at the forum … I know Suzanne and I said many times to the people who came to our table or were in our session that we are here to help so ask us ANYTHING and it was as if a veil was lowered and they felt safe to speak and share … It is ONLY when we can be transparent with each other that growth can happen and I definitely felt that so many women left the forum feeling EQUIPPED…

What a blessing to see so many EYES sparkle as they felt part of something bigger than themselves … It was as if we were all part of a team AND REALLY WE ARE … God's soldiers preparing for battle … It will be fun to see what God has in store at next year's Lifeway Women's Ministry Conference …

A trip to Honduras, my phone breaking, our 147 Fundraiser, a rough day with one of my littles, Elijah preparing his first devo for the family, and so many others … So many moments in our day can give us an ETERNAL or EARTHLY perspective on the moment - IT really is our choice on which one we choose to concentrate on … Honestly wish I could say I choose the ETERNAL perspective all the time, but I don't … And the silly thing is the moment I choose the EARTHLY perspective I know I have chosen wrong (for that I am thankful) … God is shaping each of us all day long and we can go forward and backwards so many times in a day and YET HE IS STILL THERE WAITING AND WANTING TO SHAPE US FOR HIS GLORY …

I guess my challenge to myself and you is to STOP and really try to make more choices for the ETERNAL perspective … LOOK not at the big picture, but the only PICTURE and that is CHRIST … He works all things to the good of those who love the LORD … SO whether it is another 7 day stay in the hospital or a brand new job it will be more clear when we LOOK at it with perspective of ETERNITY !!! I speak with experience on this - I have spent many nights in the hospital w/ my sweet girl wondering why did this happen to her and so mad at the people who hurt her, but in those moments I hear God telling me that this time with her alone is precious and bonding … Our hospital time helped her to understand what a Mommy means … It allowed me time to meet all her needs and to show her what LOVE was … Maggie and I grew together on all those hospital visits and I know it is because of that isolated time together and ME never leaving her that she was able to believe she BELONG to her family … So you see PERSPECTIVE is so important and can change how any situation is viewed … It is a gift from God and he lets us CHOOSE how we will view all the moments of our life … I WANT TO CHOOSE THE ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE MORE AND MORE AND MORE !!!

OK, so let's just say that this morning did NOT go smoothly … Basically, Daisy wanted something that she could NOT have at the moment … I simply explained that we did not have enough time before the bus to do what she wanted and that we would do it after school … She then proceed to scream my name (about a 1000000xs)  and repeat how she WANTED IT and WANTED IT NOW … My answer of "no, but later" was NOT acceptable to her … She banged on my door screaming my name, she followed me around the house as I gathered the other kids things and REFUSED to take my answer … So as any good mother would do, I explained in a calm voice (if you believe that one I got a island to sell you), but seriously I let her know that now she would NOT be getting what she wanted this afternoon now either because of her behavior and her refusal to LISTEN to me (the person of authority - I pointed that one out to her also) … So as my angel got on the BUS with unkind eyes and a few tears left on her cheeks, God (was so kind and timely) to point out how I act JUST LIKE THAT SOMETIMES … He reminded me of my daily REFUSAL to accept his answers and his words for my life, my choices, and my decisions … He painted me a picture of MYSELF going around kicking cans and rocks in the dirt w/ my hands in my pockets SULKING because HE won't give me what I WANT … I began laughing at my situation and how my difficult moments w/ my children always remind me of how I do the same to the LORD … It helps me to parent w/ GRACE (maybe not in that moment, but I definitely was kinder when Daisy got home) … lol … God showed me how sometimes he furrows his BROW at me for not learning my lesson the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd time … HE laughs when I keep KNOCKING on the door demanding things, when he has already told me the answer …  THE ANSWER THAT IS BEST FOR ME (see the parallel - I give Daisy answers that are best for her and YET she refuses to listen) … So life lesson - if I as an adult struggle w/ my selfish mess and the LORD still gives me LOVE & GRACE then perhaps my frustration level with my kiddos could use a little more LOVE & GRACE (cause in reality DAISY IS JUST FIVE) … hee hee

I am always so thankful for the little stories that GOD plays in my mind, so that I can be a better wife, mother, or friend … He is an AMAZING ABBA FATHER and even when I pitch a fit he loves me with GRACE and sometimes just sticks me in the corner of LIFE in a little time out.

http://147million.org/news/a-girl-named-jenny-and-a-man-named-raul/

and check out some of my amazing on my fb page ... WHAT AN amazing and joyful trip ... It had many tears and yet the power of the Lord encouraged us !!!

blessings

There are days I need to pinch myself about what all is going on w/ 147, my kiddos, and what fills each day ...

I am giddy, pumped, and humbled that the LOVE+ 1 medical center in Haiti has broke ground and expects to be done in Nov .. I mean can you just say ALL JESUS ... I laugh at how God can take a couple of stay at home mom's w/ BIG MOUTHS and a heart to serve the KING and his hurting children and JUST BLOW IT OUT OF THE WATER ...

An amazing group went to Uganda this summer to serve for 147 and built beds and loved on a lot of children in an orphanage ... I love to watch YOUNG people catch the fire for serving and watch their hearts open to what ALL IS GOING ON IN THE WORLD that they have never thought about before ... It changes them NOT just for the week they are there, but for the REST OF THEIR LIVES ...

So much is going on in Honduras that makes my HEART SING ... I am heading there in a couple of weeks and I can't wait to send you some pictures and updates of the lives that are changing and the HOPE that is being given to children BECAUSE OF THE LOVE OF JESUS and the hands and feet we are putting into action because of HIS NAME AND FOR HIS GLORY !!!

My kiddos are all at new schools ( 3 different schools I am juggling I might add) ... It is quite a circus especially w/ the daily school emails (lol) ... I just love that ALL my kids are at the EXACT right place for them right now ... THEY are loving their schools and have made some amazing new friends ... I feel like we live in a state of CHAOS !!! (in a good way) ...

Scott's book has been impacting so many people ... Over 400 copies have gone out and we love hearing how it has impacted families ... Just a story of an ordinary family living an EXTRAORDINARY life through Jesus !!!

I am making time to sit and be still a bit .. reading a new book very slowly that has me processing and pondering what PRAYER is ...

I appreciate all you that read my blog and that have prayed for my family ... I don't take lightly the honor it is to be prayed for ...

We have a 147 fundraiser NOV 7th for 147 .. If you are in the area please plan to join us ... NOV 7th 7-8:15 (Fellowship Bible Church) ... dessert fellowship and 147 project updates and upcoming projects ... We are just NEVER not working towards what Jesus has for us ...

LOVE MY LIFE !!!

I had like this lightening flash of a movie in my head this weekend of the diligent PRAYERS I asked for last December ... I was sharing this request with quite a few close friends and I was almost begging God to make it happen the way I thought it should go ... I had a definite path and plan for this area of my life and I was almost telling God instead of praying about how this situation should go and why it was best for my family ...

CAN I JUST SAY THANK YOU LORD FOR UNANSWERED PRAYERS !!! The prayer I was begging got a BIG FAT NO from the LORD and I watched HIS plan unfold ... HIS plan has given me a freedom I didn't know I was missing ... It gave me room to breath and seek him more !!!

I have always said,  "I WANT WHAT YOU WANT JESUS" for my life and my family and even though I lean on that and trust that it is normal to pray out my life and certain situations  --- It was fun to just sit back with Scott and realize that GOD gave us more than we ever knew we wanted when he said NO  ...

THERE IS ALWAYS AN ANSWER - yes, no, wait !!! WE ALL NEED TO WANT WHAT HE WANTS !!! and know his promises ...

have a blessed week !!!

I am a few days away from beginning a new school year ... 3 different schools, my first high schooler, and a need to give myself SOME focus ... I don't want to just put a bandaid on it, but really want to find a plan to give myself a LIFT spiritually, physically, and emotionally ... I  have begun some new healthy habits that are beginning to make me feel better physically, and now I am going to re-dedicate some time / focus on my daily devo time (it has slipped so bad these past few months) and I am beginning to feel the desert in my spirit ... I know that if I can water my soul and my body then my emotions will heal themselves ... Does that make sense ??? !!!

So many times MOMs can give everything they have and then even squeeze a little more out that by the time they realize they are dehydrated on every level it may be too late ... DON'T LET IT BE TOO LATE for you ... Stop and figure out what you need in the Lord to replenish yourself and then take care of your body so that your mind can be clear to HEAR & SEE ALL THE BLESSINGS OF LIFE ... choose to serve yourself a little so that you are prepared for SERVING THE LORD A LOT! doesn't that sound joyful !!! be purposeful for the LORD !!!

when and where do you want to do your quiet time ??? when and where can you fit in some exercise ??? when and where can you find 5 minutes of quiet ??? how can you get your family involved in fun / engaging activities together ??? how can you find time for date night ???




LOVE TO YOU ALL ... Gwen

OK, I am going to give you a quick re-cap of my summer and then make you PROMISE ...

Summer has been fun, tiring, exhausting, exciting, busy, loud, crazy, and just all around good ... Started the summer w/ my Jeremiah's high school basketball camps (have I ever told you I LOVE WATCHING BASKETBALL) and then I took him and a few friends to UGANDA to serve and just prepare their hearts for their freshman year ... Perspective is so important ... We did the NO SOCIAL MEDIA thing while we were there and it was the best trip I have ever taken (besides the ones to get my kiddos of course) ... We talked, played cards and did our devos at night and just really got to HANG OUT ... Our days were filled w/ loving on people and visiting our friends in Africa ... It was everything I dreamed it would be ... My sweet teenage boys were painting toes of little African girls (Jeremiah's line was not very long since he doesn't quit seem to have the touch for painting nails - hee hee) and they threw football, played soccer, and taught kids how to play cards ... IT WAS HEART WARMING TO WITNESS the giving of self and to watch eyes meet and friendships made ...

I came home from that trip very very very sick and was in the bed for over a week (NOT GOOD FOR THIS MAMA) ... I am not gonna say it was needed rest or anything philosophical about it ... I don't do sick well and I was really sick ... I got back on my feet and summer was still going at warp speed ... Elijah and Jeremiah started football (have I ever told you I LOVE WATCHING FOOTBALL) ... Both boys are excited for the season especially Elijah ... Elijah will be playing for his dad this year and it simply puts a smile on my face to see them march out the door together each day ... Elijah is my JOY and has always enjoyed life on a new level ... He has waited for this day for a long time and I am so happy to see this season w/ them together ...

Emily and Joseph attended SIGN LANGUAGE camp this summer and watching my Em communicating w/ Joseph through sign (and correcting me daily) makes me so proud of her ... She loves learning this incredible language and it is JOY to know that she senses the importance of Joseph having others in the family to sign with ... PROUD MOM HERE ...

We have started the THE STORY bible study at home on Sundays and will also be attending a deaf church (every other Sunday) so that our family can grow together ... We realize that we are a DIFFERENT TYPE of family and have to think out of the box ... I just love how GOD CREATED US and all the new adventures we get to experience ... Don't get me wrong some days are really hard and I want to jump back in the box, but at the end of the day I ALWAYS WANT WHAT GOD WANTS FOR MY FAMILY ...

As you see in the post below - Scott wrote a book also this summer and I am so proud of him for putting his interpretation of our adoptions on PAPER ... We are already seeing the fruits of his labor from the responses we have gotten from families who have read it and asked him to come and speak to their church ...

I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS NEW SCHOOL YEAR ... Once again we have had changes ... All 6 of my kids will be at new schools (3 different schools) and I know we are in for some challenges and will be looking daily for the blessings ... THANK YOU JESUS for this past summer and for the fall ahead ... YOU ARE THE AUTHOR OF OUR LIFE ...

PROMISE -- ok, here it is ... I have felt bogged down thinking of blogging (because I sorta always feel it needs to be impactful or long) ... my promise is to blog weekly and just say what is on my heart, in my head, or the funniest thing that has happened ... may be 2 sentences, 2 paragraphs or 2 pages ... but I am going to try and pin my life again in the blog world and see how GOD USES IT ...

Hello everyone. Scott here as a guest poster. Wanted to tell you that my book "And 1... experiencing the miracle of adoption and finding the adventure of saying YES to God" has been published. Its a great tool to encourage people to say yes to God. And for anyone considering adoption, its a must read. I would love for you to check it out on the link below.  You can also contact me at coachoatsvall@comcast.net   Blessings, Coach O. Here is the link:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Coach-Oatsvall-/221248590565