My husband Kevin and I have raised a family of three, with our last being our precious adopted son. We became licensed foster parents in 2007. After our adoption in 2010 we allowed our license to expire. We regret that decision. We have experience with special needs, learning disabilities, depression and anxiety in children. We feel a calling from a higher power, that being our Lord and Savior, to give ourselves the opportunity to serve our youth of today, providing a safe and secure environment for them at a critical time in their young lives when they are separated from their families, feeling alone or abandoned or unloved. What an honor to serve and be allowed to offer that extra morning hug, words and prayers of encouragement and giving of time for homework or cheering on a backyard game of softball! My hear swells that these thoughts, knowing they are God given!
A little but of my personal statement of faith: I can't recall not being involved in church as a child. My family had us there "every time the doors were open". I always believed in God but did not come toknow Him as my personal Lord and Savior until I was 11 years old. I understand fully the meaning of "gripping the pew
and wearing off the varnish" term. I could feel my heart pounding during a GA's mission gathering at a sister church (Pole
Creek Baptist). I don't know how I got to the alter, but I know the most important part. I told Rev. James Calvin that I wanted to be saved and have that personal relationship he had been teaching us about. Eternal Salvation is the #1 most important decision a person will ever make. My family, my church family and the examples they have led have provided me with a full understanding that life will always be full of valleys and trials but we lift up one another with pray and support, be attentive to God's word, serve others and allow God to work knowing that He has conquered the world (John 16:33)! My church life has been necessary fuel for my life, a grounding of sorts. Serving in various WMU mission activities, leading VBS, assisting with children's choir, junior church, adult choir are an essential roll in my weekly walk with the Lord. I participate in bible app devotions with lady friends, friends who hold each other accountable to ourselves and God. It's important for me to begin my day with a cup of coffee alone with my bible. There I begin my day with thanksgiving to God and allow Him to speak. I enjoy ending my day with bedtime devotion and prayer with my
husband and son. It's our responsibility as parents to guide and direct our son as our parents have done, to ground our
son in church involvement, God's word and prayer. I would be honored to have the opportunity to share these beliefs with
children who have been less fortunate in their young lives. Our youth of today face an abundance of negativity in the world with less and less focus on the one true God and purpose of life.