Pages

"God sets the lonely in families" - Psalm 68:6



Tuesday, February 14, 2012

The Truth About Valentine's Day


Every year millions of people around the world celebrate St. Valentine’s Day by giving candy, flowers and special gifts to those they love. But what is the real story behind the saint whose life inspired this holiday?

St. Valentine was a Christian who was persecuted by the Romans in the Third Century. Claudius II ordered the worship of twelve gods by all Romans. Those who chose not to worship the gods were to be put to death. Valentini was a strong believer and the threat of death could not keep him from worshipping his God. He was arrested, imprisoned and martyred for his actions.

While in prison, a guard discovered that Valentini was a man of learning. He asked Valentini to tutor his daughter, Julia, who was blind. Valentini tutored her in Roman history and arithmetic and also taught her about his God. She was a very good student and began to see the world through his eyes. She came to love and trust him as a dear mentor and friend. One day she asked him, “Does God really hear our prayers?” His answer was that God does what is best for us if we will only believe in Him. As they prayed together, she said, “You know what I want, Lord. I pray that I might see.” As they were praying, a bright light filled the cell and Julia screamed, “I can see! I can see!” Her life was forever changed.

On the eve of his death Valentini wrote to Julia urging her to stay close to God. He signed the letter, ‘From your Valentini.’ His death sentence was carried out the next day on February 14th, 269 AD, near a gate that was later named Porta Valentini. He was buried in the yard of the Church of Praxades in Rome.

St. Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world with messages of love and devotion. Let us remember and honor St. Valentini by loving all those that God has placed in our lives and living out our convictions with boldness.

The Vision

God spoke this vision regarding our adoption journey to Barbara Lange on March 26, 2010...

"Jenni,


I have made the decision to speak our boldly when God speaks to me. Last night as I was washing the dishes I received this "vision" of you. I hesitate to use the word "vision," but what I saw was a slide of your life. As I watched the show in my mind I began to cry because I was so touched by what I saw. You and I have shared many tears these last couple of years, both sorrow and joy. The attachment is what I saw.

FRAME 1

Jenni sitting at the South Coast Community Church reception desk with the photo album of her courtship and engagement to Mike.

FRAME 2

Jenni performing the gospel message in mime at New Harvest Community Church, showing her heart for the lost and oppressed. Jenni performing the gospel in mime on missions trips everywhere she is able to go. Her Father rejoicing at her obedience and passion.

FRAME 3

The anguished look of a woman desperately wanting to have children. Unsuccessful fertility treatements.

FRAME 4

God watching over His daughter, His heart breaking as tears flow down her cheeks. He whispers in her ear, "My child, I know how broken you feel, but I have a great plan and purpose for your life. This anguish, this heartbreak, this pain will subside. Joy is on its' way. I needed you to suffer in this way because of My plan is for you. You are going to be an advocate for international adoptions. You are going to spread my gospel this way.

FRAME 5

The births of Jordan and Aidan! At last a MOM!

FRAME 6

Having experienced the heartbreak of infertility, Jenni's passion for adoption grows.


FRAME 7

Jenni's passion for missions and adoption begin to fuse.


FRAME 8

The Ramseys start the adoption process for a daughter.

FRAME 9

Jenni goes to Washington DC and connects with adoption leaders. Relationships follow, teamwork begins. Jenni begins a new chapter in her life in the intl. adoption network.

FRAME 10

The slow adoption process is agonizing to the Ramseys.

FRAME 11

Jenni leads a missions team to El Salvador and learns sad news about El Salvador adoptions and specifically their own plans. Heartbroken again, but resolved to press on.

FRAME 12

More networking with intl. adoptions, hope for their daughter and another trip to El Salvador. Jordan goes to El Salvador. The orphans are overwhelmed and ecstatic that Jenni returns. Jenni and Jordan build "forever friendships and family" in El Salvador. Jenni's passion increases.

FRAME 13

Jenni prepares for third trip to El Salvador in one year. Amazing things happen.

FRAME 14 - THE FINAL FRAME...

Mike and Jenni, standing now, older, graying hair, surrounded by their sons and their wives, their daughters and their husbands and their grandchildren. Below them are thousands of children joyously celebrating Jenni's life. Her passion to follow her Father's call and purpose on her life is fulfilled. These thousands of children represent all of the orphans, adoptions and ripple affect of her life's work.

A work that could not be accomplished without the pain, suffering and brokeness she endured trying to become a mom.


Well done, my good and faithful servant."

A Heartwarming Adoption Story.... the Howerton's Miraculous Haitian Adoption Journey

God's Heart for Orphans...

An Incredible Video...

"Cry of The Orphan" - Thoughts on orphan care from some of my greatest heroes!