Loving Arms Turns 5

If I wasn't excited, then I am now. Not only did we get to celebrate Loving Arms 5th birthday yesterday with a fabulous breakfast, but we launched our brand-new initiative out into the world....Kaiawhina. I will do a later post all about it but if you are at all interested you can click on the link below and have a read all about it.

Yesterday was so really special as we celebrated with our long standing and very hard-working volunteers, former mums that have received help from us, local midwives, board members and our local MP Barbara Kuriger MP and Paula Bennett. There are so many people I want to thank that helped pull this occasion off because if it was left up to me, they would have been eating weet-bix. Our amazing pancake breakfast was lovingly cooked for us by former Chef David Raine who gifted us his services. He had the pleasure of my husband Jamie as his kitchen hand. We were treated to coffee by Kelan Attwood who too donated his barista skills to this special occasion.

The room looked absolutely stunning (again not at all me) was dressed by the ever-lovely Sylvia Craig from Tussock & Co. And thank you to our other wonderful supporters that helped me pull this breakfast off.... you all are such gems!

But what I think I loved the absolute most was watching every single person in the room engaging in genuine conversation and enjoying themselves. That was touched my heart the most.

So, as we head into this new chapter of Loving Arms, I can't wait to see what the next 5 years holds for us....I hope you all will join us on this journey.

Much love

Sharni xxx

Be Brave

Some of our beautiful volunteers

Resting in God

It's been a bit of a tough day round here.... I'm trying to be super positive and all...but it's hard. This morning we found out that the offer we put in on this house was declined.... well actually a counteroffer was put forward well over our budget. I'm gutted. I truly thought and felt that we weren't going to be moving from here. Some of you if you have been following along for a while know the story of how we were homeless for a while...prayed very specifically for a rental that ticked all the boxes for our large family. How God gave us this house in the street that we had said "this is a nice street we'd love to live in this street". So now two months after the landlords put this house on the market we bravely stepped out and put our very best offer in this house, but it just wasn't enough. Did I tell you I'm gutted?

I have been trying to rest in Gods peace and His promises, trying to tell myself that if God has closed the door, then He has something better for us.... I'll get there and embrace the excitement of the journey eventually but today many tears have flowed. I know God is good but today I'm asking the question why things can't just be easy for us for once.... knowing full well that if things are easy, we're more likely to rely on ourselves than on our Heavenly Father. I simply can't imagine what God is doing but I know it is good. What I do know is that.... God has already told us that at the beginning of the year that we would be in our own home by the end of the year... (I confess I didn't believe him until the house was put on the market.... because you know... money).

If it hadn't, we wouldn't have investigated options to buy a house for our family or been pre-approved by the bank and consequently be in the position, we are in now to buy. So now as I'm flying solo for four days ...waiting for the landlords to serve us notice...all I can do is simply rest in knowing the God is good, He is faithful, and He's done miracles before...He can do it again! Tomorrow, I'll do it better tomorrow.

What do I do?

A throwback to when it was pleasant to be outside and I could let my baby roam free.

I know I know I have been so MIA of late it's not even funny....sorry everybody. Truth be told I have so much going on that I can't even know what to write about.

It's like I'm having some kind if writers block or identity crisis. Second guessing myself every time I go to post of share something. "Really who wants to see or hear about that?" "Who do you think you are?" Someone has already done that or is nailing that already.... don't even bother" So I hit the delete button....so I have nothing.

So, what do I do...close this account down, keep going with random stuff or combine it with @loving_arms_nz .... I just don't know!

There are so many facets to my life, and I guess so many points of interest to different people.... a social justice warrior, a mother to 8 children, a pastor's wife, in ministry, a mother of babies, a mother of teenagers, not-for-profit founder.... or just general make the most of life geek. I don't pretend to have all the answers because I know I don't and it's dangerous to think one person does. One can be forgiven if they're confused...heck I'm confused half the time.

To be honest the stuff we as a family is journeying through is HUGE....and I just know that there is hope for others to be found in all of it. The big thing for me is what and just how much to share. I'm not one that can cope with negativity or criticism very well....and we all know that not everyone is kind and understanding. I suppose its finding that all important balance like everything in life....*sigh.

I have been told sooooo many times that I need to write a book....I might have to be a series at this rate.

What do you all think? Am I going crazy? Actually, don't answer that!

Don't Mind Me

Today it all seems too much. I'm overwhelmed, tight-chested and anxious. Sick, grizzly and extremely clingy baby is NOT conducive to getting the house ready for 1pm when the agent wants to show people through. Seriously I'm battling with not being bitter and unreasonable about it. It also means I'm going to have to leave for 45 mins so it's not uncomfortable. It's cold and raining and I'm tired. There are a myriad of other things that I need to be doing instead of detail cleaning the house. My @loving_arms_nz list of to-dos is a mile long, not to mention the @mothersinarmsnz event we are hosting this Friday.

Today is a battle of the flesh, this very tired flesh and I'm not sure who will win today.... I used to not like posting these kinds of thoughts in fear of people thinking or saying I can't cope or that I needed to quit, give up or that perhaps I shouldn't be doing what I do or worse that I shouldn't have had so many children! But you know what we all have off days, days where it's all too much. From the stay-at-home mum with 2 children to the CEO of a multimillion-dollar company.

I also know that I'll survive today like I have all the other bad days I've had and everything that needs to happen will happen regardless of how I feel. So don't mind me.... I'll be over here vacuuming with my baby on my back.

Daniel Fast

At present I'm day 10 into a 21-day Daniel Fast....not that I'm counting down the days. (I'm so counting the days lol) For those that don't know what a Daniel Fast is....it's where you only eat fruit, veges, nuts, seeds, brown rice and water. That means no meat, no dairy, no eggs, no coffee, no sugar, and no alcohol! Pretty much no processed food. The original Daniel Fast is found in the Book of Daniel, first in chapter 1 and again in chapter 10. Daniel was a great man of God, prayer and thanksgiving. The entire point of doing any kind of fast is to deny yourself of something...food, coffee, technology whatever to draw closer to God, to seek His face, and to lean into Him and His strength when the going gets tough as you battle your will over the very thing you have denied yourself. Honestly, it's been so much harder than I thought it would be. I have wanted to give up many times, so much so its physically hurt. But I haven't...and that is only by the grace of God...it certainly hasn't been in my own strength.

What I've learnt is that a huge percentage of our lives has food attached to it...meeting a friend for coffee, a pre-dinner wine, after dinner chocolate, hanging out with friends, working bee lunch, early morning cuppa, mid-afternoon snack...don't even get me started on date night! The habits that I've formed and are now painfully breaking are so strong...I don't feel right without my 10am coffee.

What I've notice spiritually and mentally....my mind is way more clearer. I feel like there is way less junk crowding out useful and productive thoughts. I most definitely feel more connected to God through prayer and reading His Word. And seeing I'm praying into some areas of our life that has been the best thing ever!

After the awful headache wore off 4 days in, physically I feel more spritely and less weighty after a meal.

I'm just under halfway and while I'm looking forward to not being restrained in what I can eat and the coffee...not gonna lie. I'm also excited to see what God will show me and do in the next 11 days. I'm anticipating something fantastic. Sooo exciting. Watch this space.....

Letting People In

I was treated to an early morning courier drop today...and on my doorstep I found a package containing a packet of turmeric and cacao latte from @friendlyfantail ...a well-timed gift from a friend.

One thing I've learnt over the years of living by faith ...is how to live authentically in community with people. If I'm totally honest, I'm still learning this. My natural instinct is to isolate and hide. To deflect questions with more questions or a change of topic. I don't want to be seen, I don't need anybody, no one needs to bother with me...in fact I'm better alone. What God has been teaching me over the last several years is in fact we are better together, to let people in, to live vulnerable and real, raw and gritty. It's taken me years for walls to come down and let people fully in. To not live in fear that if they truly knew me, they would turn and run away fast. All lies and tactics used by the devil himself to stop me from living fully and accomplishing my God given calling.

And boy does the devil know where to hit you in order to take you out. We are struggling at the moment with huge giants as a couple and as a family....one private and personal....one not so much... (I mean come on there is a giant for sale sign out the front). One we are full on waging war against in the spiritual realm, the other we are trying doors where we see fit and praying but both are ultimately relinquished into our Saviours hands.

Jesus tells us, "In the world you will have tribulation" John 16:33 Has it been fun no way.... I wouldn't wish this stuff on anyone. But I serve a big God that uses EVERYTHING for good.... if you let Him. My learning in letting people in has meant people get to see the messy and the ugly, the hurt and the broken, the pain and disappointment.... now that's vulnerability for you.

Have they run away...NO... instead they have pulled in closer and tighter...wrapping me up in a whole lotta grace and love. In the words of Brene Brown "if you are going to fully live in the arena of life...you are going to get your #$^% kicked" ...totally true! Just saying

Not Yet!

Ok so my Camillia flower is seen a better day, but I still keep as it was an encouragement gift from wee Frankie. In the midst of some tough days of sickness (flu) and family challenges. She gave it to me and said she thinks "I'm amazing". Bless her little cotton socks. I know I've been a little quiet over here.... truth is we've had some challenges and some of the kids have come down with the worst flu ever and some with bad head colds and coughs. I'm already over the winter bugs.

My last post I told you all that our house had been put on the market....and that I had a peace about it...mostly! I still have that but everyday I'm reminded by concerned people and of course the media about how bad the rental market is out there. Yes, I know it is.... oh how I know. It's hard for people that don't share the same faith level or understanding as you, to understand where you are coming from.... all they want to know is what are you going to do. Something I can't answer yet. No, I haven't started packing. No, I haven't started looking for other rentals either. We have made inquiries with a mortgage broker....to see what our options are. But mostly we are praying and believing in a big God. I know for a fact that whatever happens "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9