My Bigs: A Sweet Update!

As I mentioned in last Friday's post --this past weekend was going to be a big one for some of my Bigs . . . it did not disappoint!

On Saturday night we were blessed to attend the Children's Hunger Fund, "Children's Champion Awards" which happened to be held here in San Antonio this year. Below is a short recap of the evening, courtesy of CHF.

Tears of laughter, tears of gratitude, and tears of empathy for hurting children dampened the cheeks of those who attended the Children's Champion Award Celebration Banquet presented by Children's Hunger Fund. RESONATE was this year's theme for the gala, honoring those who have committed their lives to "catching the teardrops" of children in need.

On Saturday October ninth, 650 individuals committed to helping hungry children around the world, gathered together at Pedrotti's North Wind Ranch in San Antonio, Texas in one memorable act of solidarity. The evening was hosted by Francis Chan, internationally recognized pastor and author, and was set aside to honor individuals who have taken dramatic steps to serve hurting children.

Children's Hunger Fund recognized David Robinson for championing the educational needs of children through The Carver Academy, the school he and his wife founded in 2001.

Another Children's Champion Award was given to Michael and Carol Hart, founders of ZOE International Ministries, for their work helping children escape and recover from the desperate plight of human trafficking.

Carlos Pimentel, Executive Vice President of Esperanza International, was recognized for his work providing emergency aid and education for children in the Dominican Republic.

Francisco and Taylor Rodriguez received the Widow's Mite Award for their creative and inspirational service to young children in need. They live on a food budget of a mere ten dollars a week and with the money they save, they support the work of Children's Hunger Fund and other charities. The final honoree was Donnie Laurence, who received the Nehemiah Award for using his influence to encourage local corporations and churches to serve hurting and hungry children around the world through CHF.

Tears and sympathy are a start, but they are not enough, so gala attendees committed to pray for the people Children's Hunger Fund helps. Some guests gave financial gifts, enabling CHF to help even more children and families. The night closed with the sound of chimes, as guests demonstrated their support by ringing chimes throughout the gala hall—chimes that represent their commitment to RESONATE in the life of a needy child.

* * * * *

This video was shown prior to the presentation

of Taye and Frankie's award.

(Insert mom tears, here).

Wow. We knew ahead of the event that the Newly's were going to receive this award, but it was still--"Wow!" They excepted it ever so humbly--giving God all the glory.

I'm having trouble finding the words to describe what something like this feels like. Raising children is hard work. It's tough. And though everyone tells you, "Enjoy it while you can . . . it'll go by too fast," there are times and seasons when you wonder if you will ever make it through. Really? Enjoy it? I'm just trying to survive it! Sleepless nights that go from a newborn's hungry cries . . . to waiting up for teenagers who are out way too late. The stress of deployments . . . new drivers . . . and struggles with school. Chicken pox . . . ear infections . . . and more sleepless nights.

I love being a mom, but seriously, it is hard work.

Oh . . .

but the rewards. There is really nothing like it in all the world-- the privilege of being a mom. I couldn't do it without the Lord's help, without His strength and wisdom. You pour into your children, day, after day, after day--planting seeds. Sometimes those seeds seem so puny and inadequate to equip them for this world. Sometimes you wonder if anything is "landing" on fertile ground. It is unending, tiring work, but when we put our trust in the Master Gardener he nurtures what we sow, and he brings it to fruition. Those years of planting are not in vain.

If you find yourself in a tough place, continue to till the soil of your child's heart, continue to plant seeds, and continue to pray. There is hope in the Master Gardener, the One who can take our tiny seeds, get rid of the weeds, and cause what we have planted to flourish! If your life right now is day to day diapers, and you feel as though nothing you do goes beyond keeping little bottoms dry, do not lose hope. Love on those babies, pour into them. As they grow, plant seeds of kindness and compassion. Instill honesty. It'll make all the difference in the world. It will make all the difference to the world.

Plant seeds.

You will reap a reward that will make your heart overflow with gladness.

The Widow's Mite Award ~ Given each year to a young person, or persons, who have done much with little, like the widow in Mark 12:41-43.

The celebration!

Proud parents.

Our Newly's surrounded by family ~

Bryan and I, Frankie's mom Olga, and sister Kathy,

Frankie's Uncle Juan and Aunt Chita,

Frankie's stepmom Rose and his dad Gilbert.

Master of Ceremonies ~ Pastor Francis Chan

He was amazingly funny,

yet serious when things called for serious.

Francis Chan is the very real deal.

I was hugely blessed by him, as well as by the

"Children's Champion" award winners--

beautiful people, with willing spirits,

changing the world-- one child at a time.

It was an unforgettable evening!

* * * * *

That was Saturday . . . but the weekend was far from over.

On Sunday morning I woke up praying for my Brady

as he prepared to run his first half-marathon in Spokane . . .

and run he did . . .

13.1 miles in 1:47.39!

His time was fast enough to garner

third place in his age division!

There were 931 runners who competed in the half-marathon. Brady (who decided a mere two months ago that he was going to train for this race) placed 131st. My boy, who when he puts his head and heart to something (things that usually make me shake my head in wonder), gives it all he's got -- outran 800 people. Wow! This is the same boy who taught me to parent out-of-the-box. Way out. He is the one who challenged my parenting skills on more than one occasion . . . beginning with colic and ending with never. Yep, that boy. In running those grueling 13.1 miles he also raised $300 for World Vision. Brady, my love for you would never, ever, fit in a box.

Plant seeds. And even if what you thought would be sweet cherry tomatoes, turns out to be a zucchini takeover . . . trust the Master Gardener. You will be amazed at what He can do with zucchini.

Plant seeds. The harvest is so worth it.

Blessings from my teary-eyed nest ~

Tina