Showers of Blessings...

It's so hard to even know where to begin in this post. I've experienced such a flood of emotions in the last week and I come away from race day so grateful, so humbled, so amazed, so full of joy, and....very tired! For those of you who don't know, but can tell from the picture, it RAINED. Not only did it rain, but at about 7:20-7:30 am, it started thundering and lightening, and I couldn't believe what I was hearing and seeing. At just the time that those people who had not yet registered should be arriving, the sky was opening up, my heart began to sink and I just felt sick to my stomach! I knew that God had called me to plan this race and after so many months of hard work and planning, I didn't want it all to go down the drain. I was looking forward to watching God's plan unfold, seeing friends, family, and total strangers gather together to help make a difference in the lives of children. We had planned a fun morning involving the whole family and I wanted it to go EXACTLY as planned! The tents that were supposed to protect us from the hot sun were now protecting us from getting completely drenched! People were texting me, calling me, asking me what we were going to do. I truly just wanted to cry! But God was still in control b/c those people standing under that tent with me were just the ones who I needed to be there with me. Guys (John, Jim, & Tim), making jokes about wishing they were stuck under the bagel tent - they kept things humorous. Sherry, my "right-hand man" who had helped me so much in preparing for race day, remained calm and started helping me put another plan in motion. And Tracey, Julia & Susan - their smiles & reassurance kept me from losing it! And of course, I was in constant contact via phone with my husband,Jimmy, aka my "weather-man" about what the radar was showing. If he had been with me under that tent, I probably would have cried! He reassured me that the worst was passing, it might still rain a little, but that we could go ahead with the race! And sure enough, Praise God, He moved the storms out, the people began to get out of their cars, come into the park, and I felt the love and support of friends and family in such a powerful way! Instead of just rain, I now saw showers of blessings! The scripture for our race, Romans 10:15, "...how beautiful are the feet of those who bring the Good News.", took on an even greater meaning for me. I stood at the start line and as the runners and walkers began to pass by, their feet pounding the pavement with a little extra "squishy-ness" from their water logged shoes, I watched the faces of friends, family and people I didn't even know go by, and I was so moved. Despite the weather, they still came out to use their feet as a voice, to support children in need, to put aside their own comfort so that instead they can soon give comfort to the children in Haiti. Families were walking together, having fun. Kids' were cheering each other on and enjoying a few splashes in the puddles. I was so proud as I saw those people cross the finish line of their first 5K! The race didn't go exactly as I had planned, but God's plan was still accomplished, which is all that really matters. When God began to place this burden on my heart and began calling me to organize a 5K, it seemed like such an impossible task for me. I struggled with the courage and strength to surrender. But, as I was studying Nehemiah at the time, the study notes in my Bible said this, "God's men and women, joined together for special tasks, can solve huge problems and accomplish great goals. Don't let the size or the length of time needed to accomplish it keep you from doing it. With God's help, it can be done." So, here we are months later and the race that I couldn't even imagine organizing, is over. So many of you were used as God's instruments to help me in organizing it and funding it. You encouraged me and supported me and truly blessed me. And most importantly, YOU HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE - you've helped me with a very important task to fund the construction of a children's home in an orphanage (village) in Haiti. You're helping to solve a huge problem facing so many orphans today and your FEET will bring

life's basic necessities to 10-12 children. Your FEET will help bring a message of hope to the hopeless and your FEET will make a lasting imprint in the lives of sweet children. I can't thank you enough!! I wish I could name off each and every person who used their time, talents and resources, but there's simply too many! But please know how truly grateful and appreciative I am to ALL of you! You have no idea how much you have blessed me through this process.

I'll be posting pictures & sharing more details from the race soon.

BE something, DO something, LEAVE something

I'm encouraged daily in our community by those who simply want to do something to help those in need. My daughter's gymnastic instructor asked the kids to collect their change and bring it in a container to their end of the year performance. They were collecting money for children in Japan and it was awesome to see those jars, bottles and containers line the stage! I love getting my kiddos involved and helping them see outside of our "bubble". With the recent tornadoes in AL, TN, & MS, friends have taken it upon themselves to collect clothing, school supplies, food, toiletries, and this one is cool....unused makeup (us girls get this!)...and so much more! Individuals giving a small amount of time to drive to those places impacted by this crazy weather and help in clean-up efforts. Recently, I heard about individuals organizing food packing events and from that, feeding 50,000 malnourished people in Haiti and Africa! Now, that is awesome!

Every one of these people are acting on this quote, "Be the CHANGE you wish to see in the world." God gives us all a heart for something...and we are here for a purpose! Small things can make big changes in people's lives...not only here on earth but for eternity! We can take what God has given us a heart for, make the most of it, and make a positive change. No matter where we live or what our position or age is, we all can do something GREAT with our lives. "Being someone" to someone in need will cause us to be remembered forever. We can all do something...we can use our God-given talents for good and we will reap rewards for our diligence and faithfulness. And when we BE someone and DO something, we will LEAVE something...how we influence those around us can touch the next generation. Go ahead, step out...you're gonna do great things (listen to #17 on the playlist, "These are the words I would say"

Like us on FACEBOOK

I just created a page on Facebook. Go on and "like" us and keep updated on details and the latest developments in the race. Awesome things are happening and can't wait to share soon! :) Happy Weekend Everyone :)

Weariness turned into Blessedness

Last week, I crashed, I was tired, and I grew weary planning parts of the race. As excited as I have been about it, there are just certain aspects of organizing the race that frankly, I don't enjoy. I've had to get out of my comfort zone and conquer fears , but I know this is all part of God's plan too. Anyway, one morning, as I was struggling with my to-do list, God so sweetly reminded me of this scripture, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9. And I had to remind myself that my small struggles are NOTHING in comparison to the struggles of millions of people who simply spend each moment of every day trying to find clean water and small morsels of food, and sweet children who simply want someone to hug them, play with them, and love on them. Seriously, these are all basic necessities that I take for granted every day!! I thought about that scripture in Galatians all day and it truly helped me when I desperately needed it. Then, as I shared my day with my 9th grade LifeGroup girls that same evening and read aloud Galatians 6:9, you could immediately see that this verse was ministering to them as well. It just uplifted me more to see how God was using this to help them. They all shared how this verse was speaking to them at that very moment and helping them realize that the things they are struggling with, the battles they face...are opportunities to stand strong to their convictions, and when they do, it will be worth it in the end! God is going to be on their side and even when they desperately want the approval of their peers, they know that if they stand their ground and do what is right, it will pay off in the long-run.

We all grow weary, we all want to give up sometimes through those dark and stormy hours, but if we will lean on God's truth, he will see us through and at the end of those storms is a beautiful rainbow with a pot of gold at the end. In this case, as I continue to step out in faith, relying on God to equip me and strengthen me, and as I press forward in organizing the race, that pot of gold is 10-12 children being blessed, given a ray of hope and the basic necessities to help them simply LIVE! God's perfect love will be pouring into the hearts and lives of abandoned children.

And I have to say that in the past week, I have been so humbled, overwhelmed, and over joyed with the responses, sweet emails, encouraging words and support from friends. While working through my weariness, I have been so blessed by so many of you at a time when I needed it the most. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

Register your FEET to be a part: https://go.missionsconnex.com/FEET

Register for the race

So excited to announce that you can officially register for the race now! You can register to run, walk, donate, or volunteer. It's going to be a FUN, FAMILY event, so get your entire family involved! Form a team and/or have your kiddos sign up for the Kid's Challenge. Grab your shoes, get your feet into motion and make a lasting imprint in the lives of orphaned and abandoned children in Haiti.

https://go.missionsconnex.com/FEET

Hippity, Hoppity, Easter's on it's way...

I'm so excited about Easter!! It's truly one of my favorite holidays. I love everything about it - both spiritual and secular... the yummy chocolate, pretty Easter dresses, the refreshing signs of spring, the glorious celebration at church, the beautiful lilies, our family gathering at our house, the yummy ham with all the fixin's, the yummy chocolate (oh, did I already mention that), the girls, cousins, and our neighbors all joining together for the Easter egg hunt in our yard, the list goes on... Of course, what I love most of all is what the day symbolizes. Praise God that he sent his one and only Son, Jesus, to be our loving Savior, our Redeemer, and our Hope. Because of the Resurrection, now even in the worst situations imaginable, there is new life available in Christ Jesus. In the midst of darkness, in the midst of despair, and in the midst of shattered dreams, the resurrected One can give hope. It breaks me to think about all those people who don't know Jesus as their Savior, as their friend. I can't imagine my life without the sweet communion and relationship with God and it saddens me to know that people are truly living in darkness. The whole purpose of this race is to bring hope and healing to children in Haiti. They need help not only with basic life necessities, but they need to know about Jesus, they need to know that Jesus loves them, they need to know that there is hope in the midst of their despair and there is light in the midst of their darkness. They need food and water to live here on earth, but they need to know that Jesus is the Bread of Life so they can live with Him eternally. John 6:35, "Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never go thirsty.'" We worship a risen, living Savior who has promised to give immortality to all who believe on His name. No longer we have to stumble in the fog and darkness of hopelessness. A Light shines brighter than the noonday sun, offering hope to everyone who has been born again. Jesus promised, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die." (John 11:25-26).

Happy Easter everyone!! :)

God is Good

I can't help but marvel at God's goodness!! FEET for the FEAT of ORPHANS is God's race, not mine. It's intended for God's glory to build His Kingdom. It's meant to exalt His Name. But, in the process, I am certainly being built up too! I am amazed at how He is orchestrating the details and how there's no denying His presence in the situation. I am humbled by the support and encouraging words from friends and family. Several people have told me how my story has been an answer to their prayer! How cool is that! It had nothing to do with the race, but they were seeking God, and through my experiences, He has graciously answered them. I am simply being brought to my knees in awe. As I have used my hands and feet to serve Him, my heart has drawn so much from Him...there's an inexpressible joy in my spirit!!

Many people are asking how they can help. First, PRAY! As I mentioned, this race is God's race. Pray that as I seek God in the details, that I don't miss his leading...that I have great discernment. Also, pray how you might be able to help. Maybe you can volunteer at the race, maybe you'll run or walk in the race, or maybe you can make a donation. Pray how YOUR feet might make a lasting imprint in the lives of orphans. Second, help spread the word...tell your friends, neighbors, colleagues, Sunday School Class, etc. Save the date - July 30th! Third, I'm looking for sponsors to help execute the race. If you know of someone who might want to be a sponsor, please let me know.

Stay tuned for more details....

"What'cha Gonna Do...?"

Did you know 22,000 children die EACH DAY due to poverty? When we read these statistics, it's startling...it can seem overwhelming... and it can also seem "cold" unless we begin to see the faces that play into that cold, hard reality. Think of it this way, according to a 2009 census, there are approximately 49,000 children under the age of 18 living in our beautiful county. If you put OUR children into that statistic, then almost HALF of the children in our county would die tomorrow and within less than 2 1/2 days, ALL of our precious children would be dead (from something that can be prevented!!). Your beautiful children, my children, the children living next door to you, friends' children...gone! Seriously, can you imagine? Doesn't that just pierce your heart thinking of those precious faces? It's certainly not something I want to think about and it's sometimes hard to see how we can make a difference in this huge statistic. BUT, we CAN and we WILL.

I love the song "Change" by Carrie Underwood (you can listen to it on my playlist on the blog, track #4). Part of it goes like this, "Oh the smallest thing can make all the difference. Love is alive, don't listen to them when they say, You're just a fool to believe you can change the world." Each of us, doing a small part, can truly make a difference. With God on our side, NOTHING is impossible! Your life, your actions, your response, can impact another person's life...WE can transform these children's lives for eternity even while we meet their earthy needs! "Love is alive...", sings Carrie Underwood in her song....That love is the love of Jesus flowing out of us and pouring into someone else. You can help make a difference in the lives of God's children. By participating in FEET for the FEAT of ORPHANS, by donating, by giving a little bit of your time, you will be helping 10-12 children live with adequate shelter, receive adequate food and nutritional needs, provide clothing, experience God's love, and much more.

The link to register and/or donate to the race will be up soon. In the meantime, start spreading the word about the race to your friends, your colleagues, your neighbors, your Sunday School class....Consider forming a team for the race. Prayerfully consider how YOU can make a difference.

"What'cha Gonna Do....?"

Romans 10:15 "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring The Good News."

On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!!

It's OFFICIAL!! The Race is ON! I received approval by the City of Brentwood Parks Board to host FEET for the FEAT of ORPHANS on July 30th. And this is such an exciting part and yet another sign of God's goodness - I was told at the board meeting that normally all 5 special event requests (City of Brentwood Parks Dept. ONLY allows 5 special events to be held in their parks per year) are filled on the spot at the January meeting of each year. BUT, this year "is unusual" they said, that we had this 5th spot open until now. I KNEW IMMEDIATELY that God held that 5th spot for FEET for the FEAT of ORPHANS! When God calls his people to do his will, his hand will be on each and every detail.

More details will be posted later, but save the date, July 30th, and let your feet make a lasting imprint in the lives of orphans!

Seeds to Sow for Feet to Grow

Hosea 10:12 "Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you." Hosea is speaking of a plowed field, ground that is ready to receive seeds. The ground has been carefully prepared and it is available. This ground is our heart and our lives and how it is cultivated for God to work in our lives. I've been seeking God, asking Him to use me in a mighty way for His kingdom and for His glory. In turn, He has been "plowing" my heart, He has been breaking me, molding me, preparing me and equipping me for a calling He has on my life. God has burdened me with the blight of orphans and called me to help rebuild their lives - to build shelters for them as well as build hope through sharing the love of Jesus Christ. He has instructed me to partner with The Global Orphan Project, Inc. and to build a children's home and/or school in an orphanage (village) in Haiti. In seeking his guidance and how to do this, he placed on my heart to organize a 5K Run/Walk and to call it FEET for the FEAT of ORPHANS. The journey to this point has been awesome and there's no way I can begin to tell you all of the details in this post. God has shown up in remarkable ways and revealed himself in such mighty & powerful ways. To make a long story short, let me share with you some of the seeds God has been sowing in my life to prepare me for this journey:

• Seeds of LOVE: Luke 10:27 God commands us to LOVE - to worship and serve Him. Worship? That's easy for me. But, God has been wanting me to focus more on service - loving others.
• Seeds of AWARENESS: There are 147 + MILLION orphans in the world. Every 2.2 seconds, a child becomes an orphan. Of the 2.2 BILLION children in the world today, 1 BILLION live in poverty. Over 3 BILLION people (almost 1/2 of the world) lives on less than $2.50/day. According to UNICEF, 22,000 children die EACH DAY due to poverty. 1 in 3 children live without adequate shelter. James 1: 27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
• Seeds of INSTRUCTION - In October, God instructed me to study Nehemiah. Just as he placed the burden on Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he burdened me to help rebuild Haiti. Nehemiah 2: 12, 17-18
• Seeds of REVELATION: In November, God spoke to me to build orphanages, schools, and hospitals and revealed to me that many children would depend on me. This was confirmation of the burden he had already placed on my heart to rebuild. Although I was excited, I had NO IDEA how this would happen. In December, Satan tried his hardest to keep me from going to a Wednesday night class at church. My daughters were tired, they were misbehaving, I was stressed (remember it's December, and I have LOTS to do), and I came so close to just staying home vs. going to church. Even as I was driving to church, I was tempted to turn around and go back home. I pressed on though and went to church. When I walked into class, the leader, who I had not met yet, was telling about her recent mission trip to Haiti! She had gone with her friend's church and they were working in the village (orphanage) that the church had just built by partnering with The Global Orphan Project, Inc. I knew IMMEDIATELY why Satan had not wanted me to go to class!! I knew IMMEDIATELY that I was supposed to be there to hear about this organization and what they do - they build children's homes, schools, medical clinics, etc. in villages for orphans!! THIS WAS HOW I WAS GOING TO ACCOMPLISH GOD'S SPOKEN WORD OVER ME!! In the months that have followed, God has continued to reveal this plan for me and told me to organize a 5K Run/Walk to raise funds, gave me the name of the 5K, FEET for the FEAT of ORPHANS, gave me the vision of the logo, etc.
• Seeds of CONFIRMATION: As I was still seeking God for direction and asking hard questions, he so sweetly and graciously continued to reveal himself in powerful ways through confirming this call through His Word and the sermon series at church. God gave me the scripture in Romans 10:15 "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring The Good News." Through the feet of the runners/walkers in the 5K, we will be bringing healing and hope (The Good News of Jesus Christ) to these precious children. There is so much to share here and I hope to share more of this at a later date.
• Seeds to ACT - God prompted me to Surrender to His will, take that step of faith and trust him with each and every step and to simply ACT. Ephesians 4:1 "...I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path."

So, I've been given the SEEDS and now I'm trusting God in the sowing. I pray that the FEET of those who join with me in this journey will help GROW His Kingdom, help restore shelter, health and hope for the children, equip them and give them hope for the future, and help grow our faith and trust in Him.

Blessings,

Tara