We’re Going! Uganda Go Too?

I have been a terrible blogger as of late and I don’t really know why. Maybe it’s just because we’ve been busy bees, maybe it’s because I’m just a little bit lazy. I don’t know for certain, but I do know that I am thankful for the “spell check” feature because I just realized I accidentally typed “blooger”.  And then I laughed and laughed and laughed because evidently, I am twelve years old.

Seriously though, the month of June has been a super busy one for us. We’ve celebrated the birthdays of: 1- my mother-in-law, 2- my sister-in-law, Alicia, and 3- our niece, Kalli. Then we had Father’s day (x3!!), our 10 year wedding anniversary, and of course, Flag Day.  My other SIL, Darla, has an upcoming birthday later in the month and I’m pretty sure I’m declaring June 27, Christy Puckett Day. Just because I can.  It’s shocking to me that June is literally flying by, but even more shocking is that 2011 IS HALFWAY OVER WITH. Crazy, no? Yes. Yes, it is.

Today was also a big day for us. Today is the day I got immunized for Africa! MP went to Zimbabwe this past October so he had everything but his final combination Hepatitis shot. Despite his assurances that he would “not be exchanging any bodily fluids with anyone from Africa”, he still had to get stuck. I had to get my first of three “combo Hep” shots, tetanus and also a yellow fever shot. Then I had to sign a waiver stating I wouldn’t try to get pregnant for thirty days because “The Yellow Fever” is a “live virus” and “will cause birth defects”. Thanks, guys. I was supposed to get my “Typhoid” shot as well, but as luck would have it, THEY RAN OUT. So it was just the other three for today. Also, I opted for the “Fast Track Combo Hep” shots, so I’ll go back next week for my second round and mid-July for my third and final. After that, I’ll be good for ten years. So basically, I can step on all the rusty nails I want and still be ok. I did not get “The Rabies” shot, so I just need to avoid rabid monkeys. Immunizations is a good thang.

This trip is coming up super fast. We’ve started our FUNdraisin’ and have been overwhelmed at the love and support shown to us. From donations, to cross orders, to folks hosting fun giveaways on their super cool bloggety blogs (I’m looking at choo, Hannah, http://aholeistodig.blogspot.com/ ) to continuous prayer, I am ever so grateful. It is humbling to know that so many people are willing to sacrifice in order to help US get THERE to do HIS work.

Speaking of HIS work, I need to give a big shout-out to Sixtyfeet.org. A representative from this AMAZING organization will be at Pinelake Reservoir campus THIS Thursday, 6/23/11 from 5-630pm. If ANY of you are interested in adoption or just have a heart for orphans of the world, PLEASE come. You guys, this truly is a LIFE-CHANGING event. Mothers? Come. And bring tissue. Lots and lots of tissue. Fathers? Come and try not to cry. Not yet parents, but thinking about it? COME. Don't even like kids? Maybe you should stay home. I kid. Come and experience Christ's love for HIS children. This is something that I feel ALL believers would benefit from seeing. Oh, and did I mention the tissue? If you need a lift, I will help arrange transportation for you. Have kids? Childcare WILL be available, so if you would like to come, please email lee.smith@pinelake.org and just let him know how many adults/kids are coming so they can plan accordingly.

www.sixtyfeet.org

*Please know I am not directly involved with this group. I do not get paid to promote. I do not get praise from this group. I get nothing but pure joy out of promoting this group because I believe so strongly in what they are trying to accomplish. I do; however, have the privilege of joining a handful of them on this upcoming Mission trip.

~cp

Dear Friends and Family:


We want to share with you a challenging ministry opportunity we have been presented. From September 3 through September 12, 2011, we have been offered the chance to go to Uganda with a group called Sixty Feet. This 10-day mission trip will be spent reaching out and spreading the gospel to the gracious people of Uganda. While we will be working alongside many adults there, our main focus is on the children. They reside in under-funded orphanages, foster care and “Remand Homes”, which are basically Children’s Prisons. Please visit www.sixtyfeet.org for more details about this amazing group!

While God has opened up a door for us to go, the exciting part is that you will be able to share in this journey with us! Even if you aren’t there, there are several ways you can help. First, and most importantly, you can help by keeping us in prayer. We will need prayers that God will prepare us for our visit and bless our efforts as we minister to the people of Uganda. We need prayer that the Lord will keep us healthy and sustain us while we are there, as we anticipate it being a physically and emotionally trying time. We need prayer as we consider adoption from Uganda. We will also need prayer that our financial needs will be met.

Another way you can be involved is to help provide that much needed financial support. As part of our effort to raise the $4,000.00 needed for this trip, Marty and I are selling handmade crosses. And when I say “Handmade”, I literally mean they have each been made with love by us. And by “us” I mean “Marty” because there is a welder involved. And you do not want me operating a welder. Trust. 

They are $15.00 each with free local delivery (Madison/Hinds/Rankin County) OR $20.00 if you’d prefer I ship it to you. They are approximately 11” tall and 8” wide (give or take an inch on either side just depending on what materials we can find) and can be viewed on our blog at http://usillypickle.blogspot.com. If you are interested in one (or 1,000!), please complete and return the order form below, along with your check. Delivery is about 1-2 weeks after payment has been received. They make great gifts so please tell your friends!!!

Please note that any funds raised above and beyond our $4,000.00 goal will be used solely for Missions and/or Adoption Ministry. Whether you feel led to contribute financially, through prayer, or both, all of your support is appreciated. We look forward to doing God's work in Uganda and cannot wait to tell you all about it when we return. We love you tremendously.

God Bless,

Marty and Christy Puckett

*And Brogan and Swaid*

http://Usillypickle.blogspot.com

I Heart That Kid

Someone showed up at our house at 7:00am to release a wild raccoon.

I registered Bebe for Kindergarten this am.

She was most excited about the raccoon.

He was awfully cute.

She wants to name him tonight.

And take him to Kindergarten.

I heart that kid.

Puttin’ the “Fun” in Fund Raisin’

First, I want to take the time to personally thank each and every one of you for your prayers, comments and support. I am truly overwhelmed. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

So I’m pretty sure my last post was self-explanatory. MP and I have been given a heart for orphans- ALL orphans (every little fellar needs a family), but specifically Uganda. We have wrestled with the decision on whether or not to adopt for a few months now and have finally said, “Yes, Lord. If you call us, we will go.” And now? It’s like the Lord got us all stirred up til we said “yes” and now He has given us the “Thank you for your obedience, now here’s some patience, take a number, and please wait.” And we are blanketed by peace in this decision. Not so secretly I’m breathing a sigh of relief. I’ve been thinking this whole time that we’ve got to run off and go get a child, now, now NOW! But we haven’t been given a sense of urgency at all. We’ve done that to ourselves. I’ve been so caught up in the who? what? where? of it all, that I’ve failed to ask God, “when?” And really, the timing is all His.

So what now?

Now? We take a step back and put it in His hands. We pray. A lot. We pray for our potential future child/children. We pray for our current children. We pray for good health. We pray for each other. We pray we have the strength to remain in His will, when our own ways just seem easier. We pray that He will provide the funds needed to get us there. I don’t know if you’ve looked into adoption, but while our love is limitless, our funds; however, are not. Kids ain’t cheap, yo.

So today, we start with the basics. First, WE GOTTA GET TO AFRICA! We have been introduced to a need that we feel equipped to meet and that’s for us to be the hands and feet of Christ. We are going to Uganda in September 2011 for Missions to work with the very same children who may or may not become our own. So what can you do? Well, pray. Or if you feel led, give. We take both *smile*. This is the part I have the hardest time with: The Fund Raising. Right now, we need to try to raise the approximate $3,800.00 needed for this trip.

If this is something you want to assist with, PLEASE email me at usillypickle@comcast.net and I’ll be happy to give you our address. Please know that at this time, I have nothing to offer in return other than a hug, a heartfelt "thanks" and maybe a funny Facebook quip or two. I love you all. *smiles*

In Him,
~cp

Joseph Loved a Son That Wasn’t Biologically His:

And That Kid Turned Out Just Fine.

“In you, the orphan finds mercy” Hosea 14:3

“And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.” Matthew 18:5

Well. There are so many other people in the world that can do that. You know, people with no kids already. There are plenty of people with more money, bigger homes, etc? I mean, I want to help, but I’m sure it would be a lot easier for other people.

“Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.” Isaiah 1:17

Oh, I WILL! I will tell others about these afflicted children. Surely, I can raise awareness. I’ll talk about them and pray for them. I might even buy a cute tee shirt that says something catchy, like “I HEART Orphans!” You know, with “heart” SPELLED OUT! Ha! Cute.

“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

Well, I suppose I could send a little money each month. I would go on a Mission trip, but I only have so much vacation time this year, so you know, there’s that. But maybe next year, when we haven’t already planned a vacation, then we’ll talk about going. Ooh, maybe Mexico? NO, THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC! Yes! THAT’S where we’ll “mission”.

“A Father to the fatherless, defender of widows is God in His Holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families.”

Psalm 68:5-6

“Set the lonely IN FAMILIES”? Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Slow your roll, Haus Cartwright. You mean BRING ONE HERE?! You want us to take in a “lonely?" Sure I saw the documentary about the Ugandan Children’s Prisons, but see -I already have two kids. And my husband and I both work full time. Mornings are crazy enough with the two kids we have. And kids ain’t cheap, yo. And, AND! Do you know how much church we would miss with THREE KIDS?! Yeah, I just don’t think we’re cut out for adoption. It’s just not “for us”.

“He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will.” Ephesians 1:5

Oh. Well….I never really thought about “Christians” as being adopted thru Jesus. But what would our friends and family say? What about strangers at WalMart? Think about this- a Ugandan child living in an all white family in MISSISSIPPI? What would people think?!

“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for the orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” James 1:27

Honestly, I am scared. The process is time consuming and confusing. There is a huge language barrier. We would have to fly to Africa. That’s like, 8,000 miles away from my home, my kids, and my Keurig coffee maker. You are asking us to bring back a child that A- has never been to America and B-speaks no English. That’s a lot of change. And I don’t really like “change”, per se. Right now, we’re a typical “All American” four unit family. And it’s easy. Having another child is more expense, more time consuming, more kids fighting at one time. We already don’t get to sleep in our own beds most nights.

“For you did not receive a spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry, “Abba, Father””. Romans 8:15

Yeah, but….

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” Psalm 127:3

I’m afraid I may not love this child like my own. How can I? Sure they came from someone’s womb, but it wasn’t mine. Of course, Your Word doesn’t specify they would come from “my” womb either. But, I didn’t feel them kick and move. I didn’t get the “pregnancy glow” or the stretch marks now that I think about it...hmm? Regardless, I didn’t birth them. They won’t even look like me?! How will I know that this child is even mine?

“Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.” Isaiah 43:5

Yeah...well....I get that all believers are called to aide the orphans and widows, but not everyone is actually called to adopt. Some people just can’t for very valid reasons, such as health conditions, finances, etc. If not everyone is called to adopt, then why do I feel like we should?

“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.”

2 Corinthians 8:12

Yeah, but wha…..

“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

What if I just don’t? What if I like having all this extra money and extra time? What if I prefer to keep the extra rooms in my large house as extras? What if I don’t want to share my family or our wealth or our resources? What if I consider vacations and deer camp as necessity rather than luxury? What if I’m not ready to give up more of ME for someone else?

“Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food and prosperous ease, but did not aide the poor and needy. They were haughty and did an abomination before me. So I removed them, when I saw it.”

Ezekiel 16:49-50

Blink.

Blink. Blink.

Gulp. Blink.

That pretty much settles it then.

Wedding Weekend What?

Rumor has it there’s some sort of wedding this weekend? Hmm. We’ll my baby girl has a birthday party. She gone be FIVE. Chew on that Kate and Willie. CHEW ON THAT.

Brogan’s Blog

My baby girl turns 5 in 6 days. I’m torn between being so excited for her and being so sad for myself. She’s my angel baby. She is the wittiest kid on the planet. And sassy. And smart. And beautiful. She loves to laugh and smiles about everything. She adores her brother “even when he bees mean to me”, she says. She is an extraordinary child. She’s my firstborn. She asks me to tell her that I love her more than I love Swaid. I cannot. But I do tell her I’ve loved her longer. Technically, it’s not a lie as she is 28 months older than him. This pleases her. She’s a special, special girl. And she knows it. She will introduce herself as “Brogan Elyse Puckett” or “You can call me Princess”. True story. Ask her what I’m thinking and she’ll tell you that it’s “that we love her so much”. She knows. She has her Daddy’s heart in her pocket. She is my sidekick. My compadre. She loves when I paint her “poetails”. She loves to listen to her “mustick” on her iPod touch. She’s 4. And has an iPod touch. She thinks I’m pretty. She says she’s going to marry her Daddy when she grows up. Her favorite food is carrots with ranch dressing. And “choppy” milk. And a ham sandwich on whole wheat with mustard only. No cheese. She will share with you. She puts food in her pockets at school snack time and brings it home for me and MP. She loves taking pictures. She doesn’t know it yet, but she is getting a digital camera for her birthday. She talks with her hands and EVERY! DAY! IS! THE! BEST! DAY! EVER! to her. She is very animated when she speaks. But she’s quiet. She does not like loud noises. She runs fast. She will unfriend you if you wear the same shoes as her. Or if you "scribble scrabble" on paper. "We do not scribble scrabble, we COLOR like big girls", she'll tell you. She must have her blankie with her. Blankie’s name is “Blankie”, but Blankie has a cousin, Madeline. Madeline will not do when Blankie has been requested. She loves her Leon. We still don’t know if it’s a bear, a lion, or a monkey. I do know we paid $16.01 for it at Pottery Barn Kids in 2007 and she hasn’t let him out of her site. She loves him. Blankie and Leon are in most of her school pictures. They are family too. Brogan appreciates everything. She thanks God for flowers and for Disney World. She thanks God for us and for her brother. She loves her grandparents and her cousins. She always, ALWAYS asks if she can “just spend the night, like 5 days?” She loves Show and Tell at school on Fridays. And Tot Ball. And Computer class. She uses an iPad like it was made for her. She’s tech savvy. She speaks a little Spanish and counts in French. She’s very sensitive. A stern word goes a long way with her. She is perfect. She's my Princess. She is never taken for granted. She is mine.

Fake Plastic Birds

 On my drive to work this morning, I noticed the coolest looking bird ever. He (well I assumed it was a “he”- I didn’t ask. It’s rude) was just sitting on a yard ornament in someone’s yard. But I noticed the closer I got the more odd this bird was. THEN I discovered that it wasn’t a real bird at all, it was actually a metal bird silhouette attached to the shepherd’s hook it was “perched” upon. At first, I felt silly that I actually thought it was a real bird, but it was early and I had only had about one cup o’ joe. I need two to three cups to properly function, you see. Plus, it was rainy and foggy so I felt a little better about my distorted vision. No sooner than I laughed out loud at myself, it became apparent to me that so many of us are just like that bird: Real looking from the outside, but fake on the inside. Ouch.

For a long time, I was that bird. From the outside I was picture perfect, in a picture perfect marriage with two picture perfect children, and living in a picture perfect house. I sang in choir and we led Sunday School. I loved the Lord and truly knew Him as my Savior, no doubt, yet my eyes were not fully on Him. I treated church and bible study almost like a High School reunion. Like, I was genuinely excited to see all my friends and couldn’t wait to show off: my new outfit, shoes, highlights, etc. Vanity and worldly things always seemed to come first. Now, I loved the Lord - Don’t mistake that, but my focus wasn’t on my relationship with Him. My focus was on myself. God may have been Number 1 on my “checklist” on the outside for all of the world to see. But inside, I was a fake bird perched upon worldly desires.

No mas, my frands. No mas.

That fake bird reminded me of all the world’s hypocrisies and frivolousness. The only thing that truly matters in this life is our relationship with Christ Jesus and our desire to truly know Him. We are called to seek Him first and to serve Him. I mean, we are born destined for Hell. And He saves us. Think about it. How do you adequately say “thank you?” Words fail me. But is there any greater form of gratitude than worship? And if not, why do we tend to "worship" the world while proclaiming that we worship Him? Because it is our human nature to be fake birds perched upon worldly desires. However, we cannot serve two masters. Matthew 6:24 says so. And do you know what happens when you obey and stop serving two masters? When you fully commit to be the hands and feet of Christ?

He gives you purpose and direction. He provides blinders in order for you to stay focused. He becomes the Light to your darkness. He pours out His favor upon you. He allows you freedom. And He might just send you to Africa. :-O

Mission: Not Impossible

Last night, MP and I did something crazy. We sent our kids off to my MIL’s house to spend the night and we went out to dinner. We ate ribs. And corn nuggets. They were good. Now on to the crazy part…..

During our meal, we discussed an opportunity that we’ve just been presented: a Ug*ndan Mission trip. For a week. In September. 2011. Um, you guys, that’s in Africa. It’s like, eight (8) thousand (,000) miles away. And it’ll cost about $3,500. That’s three (3) thousand (,000.00) five (5) hunnerd (00) dolla dolla billz, y’all. What to do? Pray. Fundraise. And for everything else, there’s Visa. I kid. But not really.

Yes, we can see and feel the Lord working through us right now. It’s unexplainable, but our spirit was been moved for orphans. It’s a terrible epidemic here in the States and while we are saddened about the US orphans, our heart is literally broken in two for the orphans of Ug*nda. See, in the US, being an orphan is not a death sentence. In the US, we have government assistance programs like Medicare and Medicaid. We have free healthcare, food-stamps, WIC, and CHIPS. We have free education though grants and scholarships. We have government funded Foster homes. We even have Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America.

Q. You know what Africa has?
A. Squat. And typhoid.

On this Good Friday I was reminded of this: We live in the greatest country in the world. In 2009, this country donated approximately $25 billion for foreign aide.

We live in a country that, in 2010, spent the following:
$11.4 billion on medical supplies and over the counter medications
$19.53 billion on food
$14.11 billion medical care
$3.65 billion on grooming

For our pets. I tell no lie. That’s an estimated $48.69 BILLION spent. On our pets. And it was estimated that we’ll spend $50.84 billion in 2011. OMG. Say it with me, ON.OUR.PETS. When children everywhere are hungry. *guilty*

We live in a country where we like to boast about Amendments and the “right to bear arms”, yet we deny our freedom of religion. We get mad when the “gubment” wants to mess with our healthcare or raise taxes. We protest against protesters and we got fighting mad when the “Tanning Bed tax” went into effect. Ladies, you know what I’m talking about, and yet we have no “Tea Party” fighting for God in our schools. We live in a country where we pick and choose which part of the Constitution we can say aloud. We pick and choose the Amendments and Bible verses that best accommodate our needs and then we justify our actions to ourselves. For Peet’s sake, we live in a country where our PRISONERS have more freedom that most free citizens of other countries. And yet so many of us take it for granted. *guilty*

Regardless, the US has been blessed immeasurably. God has poured out His favor on us, Sodom’s undeserving sister. I say this to myself because I have been so selfish with our “stuff”. We’ve been called to act. That’s a fact. Yet, I ask myself, “What if I just don’t? What if I like having extra money and extra time? What if I don’t want to share my family or our wealth or our resources? What if I consider vacations and deer camp as necessity rather than luxury? What if I’m not ready to give up more of ME for someone else?”

Ezekiel 16:49-50 *blink*gulp*blink.blink* I don’t like the answer.

MP and I have reached a place in our lives where we cannot sit idle any longer. Not when we know we’ve been commanded to act. And certainly not while knowing that so many children suffer. Like, these children seriously consume me. I cannot work without thinking of them. I cannot speak without speaking of them. I cannot love on my own children without wanting to love on them too. I have never wanted to hold and squish and love and kiss on a little black child so much IN. MY. LIFE. It’s borderline insanity, really. But you guys, they need love and if you know me at all, you know I’m all about showin’ some LUB! And great hair. But I digress.

So, what is the purpose of this post? Well, prayer. Pray for our safety. Pray for our kids. Pray for Africa. Pray for orphans of the world. Pray for the USA. Pray about your role. As Christians, we are ALL called to aide orphans and widows. It’s right there in the bible:

“Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.” Isaiah 1:17

And again:

“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for the orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” James 1:27

See? I told you so. But, “What can I do?” you ask. Oh, my friends, that’s easy:

“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.”  2 Corinthians 8:12

The Lord only asks to do what we CAN do. For some, that’s GO. For some, that’s PRAY. For some, that’s GIVE. I only ask that you pray about your role in God’s divine plan.

MP and I would truly appreciate your prayers right now. God is so good and has called us to take action. For that reason alone, we can’t NOT go. We are willing and able. The timing is right. The selfish part of me says, “What about my own kids?” I’m ashamed to admit that I almost said no to this trip because I would miss them so much. I told myself it was because I loved them so much that I couldn’t leave them for that long. However, this morning I was convicted about my selfishness. I was quickly reminded of these verses:

“ Then He said to them all, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take us his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23

“Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-bye to my family. Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the Kingdom of God.”” Luke 9:61-9:62

I realized I need to go BECAUSE I love my children enough to be faithful to God’s call. Ouch.

Please understand that this post was not intended to be a guilt trip. Or even a pan-handling letter; however, donations would not be declined. :) But if my words made you feel convicted, then good. SINNER! I kid. I pray that this speaks to your hearts. I pray that by this, I am using my God given talent as a tool for God’s glory and that He would be lifted up. And it is my sincere hope that you are all moved to action.

Please check out our friends at http://www.sixtyfeet.org/
Email me at usillypickle@comcast.net

In Him,
~cp

"Make 5 Dinners in 1 Hour"

Recently I have discovered the blog entitled "Make 5 Dinners in 1 Hour" or http://www.5dinners1hour.blogspot.com/. I don't know if that attached the link or not because although I am super cute, computer savvy I am not. Regardless, I highly encourage you to check it out. Lately, I've been feeling the pressures of the "full time wife/mother/employee-hood" and it just doesn't seem like there's enough time to get everything done. Personally, I blame the weather. Ever since Spring sprung, I just wanna be outside, playing, and not inside, cooking, cleaning, or grocery shopping. Plus, I'm lazy so there's that to consider....

BUT! I discovered this site week before last and I am currently on week 2. You guys, the food is really, really good, relatively healthy and the kicker? My husband AND kids have liked everything thus far. I even ate MEATLOAF for the first time IN MY LIFE! Bonus: It has made grocery shopping so easy that it almost seems criminal. I still take my coupon binder about once a month and stock up on everything I can, but this new system is working really well for us.

Seriously, request a free trial week from her and lemme know what you think!
~cp