My Family on ABC's Extreme Home Makeover

This is a video of my nephew's family. It starts with a news story from Channel 5, Cincinnati. I think you'll not only be touched, but inspired. This family is an amazing one!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgQNrv7AtY0

Fundraising efforts go on all the time. They've had a couple of businesses like Lowes offer materials for the new house. Their current house is a bi-level and the main level is pretty small since the big family room is downstairs. Since Brooke has gotten older, I don't know how Ginger (her mom) even manages to carry her up and down the steps.

The site for donations and news is called Akers Angels - and they truly are!

http://akersangels.com/donate.html

Thanks for watching, and please pass it on!

* UPDATE! * UPDATE! * UPDATE! *

The Akers Family had a brand new one-story house built for them by ABC's Extreme Home Makeover! A huge thanks goes to ALL of you who prayed, donated time and money, and sent emails to ABC requesting that the Akers Family be considered for a makeover. ABC received a record number of emails on behalf of Greg, Ginger, Christian, Brooke, and Faith Akers. The entire family considers this home to be a tremendous blessing from God, and a new start for the family.

Here is a video of the "Big Reveal."



The kids got to go see the Jonas Brother in concert while EHMO built their house. Here's a clip. I assure you that Christian is just as sweet in person as he is in this video. Enjoy.



And once again - thank you!

A while back when I mentioned that I had a story in a gift book called The Best Grandma in the World. That story is about Brooke Akers and her grandma, Shirley Akers!


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She’s Got a Way About Her

One day Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them that they must never give up. – Luke 18:1 nlt

Several years ago, a friend told me about a dog needing a home. My daughter and I went to check her out and fell in love.

A slip of a puppy, the five-pound apricot poodle, Cassie, thinks she’s a cat. She grooms my other dog, Angel, and curls up on top of any pillow - or person, lying around. She’s a darling dog and very affectionate, but since she was older when we adopted her, we can’t change a thing about her. Maybe it’s the cat temperament.

When we call the dogs in, the other two (Yes, I have three!) come running. But Cassie, in true cat fashion, decides when she will come in. I have to go out into the yard and scoop her up if I’m in a hurry. Sometimes, we inadvertently leave her out. She comes to the back door, and the most obnoxious, high-pitched whining you’ve ever heard from a dog comes forth.

Do you have a prayer you’ve been praying a long time? I know I do. At times, I feel like Cassie, yapping at the back door of heaven wondering if God even hears me.

In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells the Parable of the Persistent Widow, a lesson on why we should always pray and never give up. He tells of a widow who kept coming to a judge for justice against an adversary. Jesus says this judge cared neither for man nor God. The widow had no advantage or advocate in her favor. She was on her own to plead her case, and she was persistent.

Though the widow probably became frustrated, she did not quit until her case was heard and justice granted. Instead of the judge wearing her down by refusing to help, she wore him down by refusing to give up.

Unlike the unjust, ungodly judge, God cares for us far beyond our ability to comprehend. Although it can be difficult to understand why our prayers aren’t answered right away, God knows what is best for us. Jesus taught if this arrogant, unjust, and ungodly judge can be worn down to answering the prayers of a widow who seemed insignificant to him, then how much more will God, Who does cares for us, answer our prayers in accordance with His will. And we aren’t annoying God. He loves us and wants to hear from His children. I try to remember to pray as Jesus did. “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” - Matthew 6:10 niv

Is that Cassie I hear at the back door again? I love her, but that’s annoying!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that You hear my prayers and You know what’s best for me. I trust You and rest in Your love. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.