Human Trafficking Awareness Day

I'd like to share with you the newest and biggest change to this blog...

the one that is closest to my heart. 

The Lord has been impressing on my heart for many months now, both the abundant life I am living and 

the bleak future of enslaved children around the world. 

Children who are forced to work long hours in horrific conditions. 

Children who have their innocence stripped from them as they are sold into sexual slavery. 

Children who have known more evil in a day than most of us will ever experience in our entire lives.

Children. 

The ones who should be kicking a ball, dressing up a doll, playing house...just brightening the world with

their sweet smiles, 

these are the ones who suffer daily. 

Today is Human Trafficking Awareness Day. 

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I mentioned yesterday that during my break from blogging, I was seeking out what it was that

God would use this blog to accomplish...for His glory and for the benefit of others. 

As thoughts of little children trapped in brothels or living on the streets around the world weighed heavy on my mind and heart, I felt the Lord leading me to act. 

Though I'm stepping back from the "rat-race" of blogging for now, 

my purpose has changed and I am more inspired and encouraged than ever before!

"Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,

whose hope is in the Lord His God, 

Who made heaven and earth,

the seas, and all that is in them;

Who keeps truth forever,

Who executes justice for the oppressed 

Who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners."

Psalm 146:5-7

My goal for the coming year is to begin supporting ministries that fight for justice and freedom for

those affected by human trafficking.

Here are some ways that you can become involved too...

Pray!

Ask God to show you what you can do...and pray for those who are living in forced labor, sexual slavery, and who are being dealt with unjustly in their homelands.

Educate Yourself!

There are piles of information available concerning the realities of human trafficking. Sometimes it's really hard to read about...but seek to have a compassionate heart and become aware of the very real needs of others. 

Give Support!

By giving financially to missions and organizations who seek justice and restoration for the victims of human trafficking, you can be involved! Don't think that because you're not able to travel the world or kick down a brothel door, that there's nothing you can do...

support an orphan, buy items that do not come from places that use children for forced labor,

give a monthly gift either individually or find a group of people to share the joy of giving with!

Will you join me today in praying passionately 

for the end of human trafficking?

We are called in the book of Micah to

love mercy

do justly

walk humbly...

God can do such seemingly impossible things, my friends!

Please check out these organizations and seek how God would have you be involved!

My Front Porch

Today I'm linking up with Gussy Sews...an absolutely gorgeous blog full of inspiration and whimsy. I love the ruffly tote bags, clutch purses, and other loveliness that Gussy Sews offers in her store!! You can check her out here!

The inspiration for today's link up is the Front Porch...a perfect place to sit and chat- so let's do it, kay?!

This is the house I grew up in on the west side of Grand Rapids, Michigan:

I will always think of it as home. My sisters and I spent hours on the enclosed front porch playing house, barbies, roller-skating... it was divine! When we were little, my older brother Owen, and 3 of my sisters- Katie, Colleen, Brianna- and I loved to Spring Clean the front porch. (Ok, that's probably another element of big family oddness...just so you know*) We'd get out the bucket and rags, and we'd argue over who got to spray the windows with the Windex. The older ones usually won out!

I have so many happy memories about that porch...on the hot summer nights before central air, we would all pile into sleeping bags and sleep with the wrap around windows open, bringing in the cool night breezes.

It was the perfect place to watch a thunderstorm, sit with my nose in a book, or nosily watch the neighbors without them knowing (wink*). I remember lots of times seeing my mom out on the porch visiting with a neighbor who'd stopped by. And the front porch kept all our Thanksgiving pies and Christmas cookies chilled in the winter months when we ran out of fridge space.

At a time in life where cookie cutter housing developments are the norm, and you're more likely to see a tiny front stoop than a big ol' rambling front porch, it makes me miss the friendly nature and open invitation to stop by and visit that a porch brings! I dream of a big farmhouse with a wrap around porch, wicker chairs, friends visiting, a cool breeze, and mason jars of lemonade. Someday friends...someday!

Here's some more inspiration...be sure to stop by Gussy and enjoy her bloggy bliss! And if you're a blogger yourself, link on up girl!

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