http://aholeistodig.blogspot.com

I just want to say, “What an awesome God we serve?!” I don’t know why we stress so much over the financial aspects of mission trips and adoptions. I mean, I DO, because they are crazy expensive, but what I mean is WHY do I doubt He will provide? I am a crazy person, that’s why.

So far we have received lots of cross orders. We have received donations from sweet frands and familia. We have even received donations from people WE DON’T EVEN KNOW. And all because two lil ole people like me and MP were obedient. Wow. And it gets even better because….

http://aholeistodig.blogspot.com

My sweet frand, Hannah, is hosting a giveaway, FUNdraiser for me and MP. Hannah and I go way back. I’d type our historical timeline, but Hannah did a much better job than I ever could. In a nutshell, we were lost and then were found. We have since reconnected and I love her more than I ever thought possible. We are sisters in almost every way possible. Please, PLEASE, puh-leeze hop on over and visit her blog. She’s basically a blog celebrity in my eyes. She has the sweetest spirit of anyone I have ever known and has a heart for orphans of the world. Her own sweet Elijah Grey was adopted and WOW- what an awesome family he is now a part of.  He’s a blessed little fellow. For sure. Go read his story on Hannah’s site. It’s a good one!

Thank you all for your support! Please keep those cross orders a-coming’…

It’s pretty safe to say that I have some of the best friends ever. Thankful.

~cp

Life Altering VS Life Changing

Last night, MP and I had the privilege of viewing the documentary “Bereaved” for the second time. I can honestly say that the first time it was life altering; however, the second time, it is life changing. There is a difference. According to Webster’s Dictionary (which is basically my inner nerd’s BFF) to alter means “to make different without changing into something else”; however, to change means “to make radically different: transform”. Do you understand? I only THOUGHT our lives were changed after the first time. But I was so very wrong. I was simply altered and last night proved that. Since seeing this film the first time I’ve had time to process, to question, to research, and to pray. Seeing it the SECOND time made it very, VERY real to me. I am forever changed.

If you guys EVER get an opportunity to hear a member of the Sixty Feet team speak, I would encourage you to go. Like, do not stop. Do not pass go. Do not collect yo $200. Just get there.

http://www.sixtyfeet.org/

~cp

Preparation

If you know me at all you would know that I am the Queen of Preparedness. Like, I’m practically a 32 year old Eagle Scout when it comes to having things handy. For instance, if you told me right this minute that you needed scotch tape, sunscreen, an air compressor, multivitamins, a screwdriver (of Phillips or Flathead variety), a lighter, mosquito spray, tire repair kit, or scissors I could go to my van and hep a sista out. I’ve got things in my van that Jack Bauer and McGuyver HIMSELF would be proud of. And you don’t even WANT to know what kind of things this mama keeps in her purse. And Germ-X. Lots and lots of Germ-X. My point is that I like to be prepared. For anything…

I’m also a bit of a germy, like I hate bacteria’s guts, so keep that in mind. And ok, I’m a little bit of a control freak. And I’ve been called an “over-achiever” on more than one occasion. It is just who I am. I like color coded Excel spreadsheets. I was born to make lists and cooking meals in advance makes me smile. Don’t even get me started on the joy that a coupon gives me. I thrive on organization. And structure. And comfort. And coffee. OK, mostly coffee…

I said all of that to preface this: Africa in tee minus 72 days, y’all. 72 DAYS! And what do control freak/over-achievers do 10 weeks in advance? We make lists and we fight the urge to pack. My list is gonna be pretty awesome, too. And then it will be laminated because lamination makes things more OFFICIAL. And I will smile then. BUT I cannot smile right now. And do you know why? I will tell you.

I am shallow.

Ouch. In reviewing my lists of “things I NEED” and “things I need to do” I can’t help but feel like I am Tom Cruise tall. That means I’m short. And so, so small. Somehow my list of “Needs” consists of the following:

1-     I NEED new Tom’s shoes

2-     MP NEEDS new crocs

3-     I NEED several new long skirts

4-     I NEED to find a cute messenger bag for the plane

5-     I NEED to hit the tanning bed

6-     I NEED to make sure I get my hair appt scheduled before we leave

7-     I NEED to bleach my teeth

Do you see where I am going with this? Apparently my views of “Needs” are skewed. I am a crazy person if I truly believe I NEED a new messenger bag. Or anything else for that matter. What kind of person lives in such a way that “things” and “cosmetic serves” become necessity? The answer? Most of us, myself included. And I feel shame. Sure it’s ok for me to have these things, but it is not OK for me to put them along the lines of food, water, shelter, Jesus.

I pray that my eyes will continuously be opened to the frivolities of my life and for conviction. Not that I should never have anything new or nice, but that I will always recognize a “need” versus a “want.”

I SHOULD be preparing for this by PRAYER. And FAITH. Not with Tom's or highlights....

James 1:27 Handmade Cross 11" x 8" Made With Love

James 1:27 Handmade Cross 11" x 8" Made With Love

$15 each with free local delivery (Hinds, Madison, Rankin)
$20 each (includes shipping outside of these areas)

All proceeds will go to fund our Uganda trip. Anything over the $4k we need will go towards Mission/Adoption Ministry (maybe even our OWN!!!)

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.