Lorie Newman: Anointed Life Christian Equipping

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Yesterday, 57 people came to my house for Thanksgi

Yesterday, 57 people came to my house for Thanksgiving. Before we ate, we gathered around a huge circle and shared what we were thankful for.

I had to fight back tears.

I personally know so many of their life stories.

A child newly adopted after years in foster care said- “I’m thankful for my new mom and dad.”

A husband and wife who had been separated for years, but through much forgiveness are now back together, with tears the wife said- “I’m thankful for forgiveness and family.”

A pastor who has shared the gospel all around the world and changed countless lives for the Kingdom said- “I’m thankful that on this date, 40 years ago, I accepted Christ.”

A family of 6, who are currently displaced because they lost their home during hurricane Helene said- “We’re thankful for God’s provision over our family.”

A very quiet teenager who has struggled deeply this past year with so many issues, boldly and confidently opened his mouth in front of everyone and said- “I’m thankful for my family.”

I could go on and on…

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

Not because it’s fancy. It’s definitely not. It’s always a simple holiday at my house.

No twinkling lights.
No gift exchanges.
No fanfare.

Just a kitchen full of casseroles and desserts, paper plates, kids running and playing, laughter, lingering long at the table…

And people.
Beautiful people.
Some I’ve known for years, some I’ve only known for a short time. All of us, just living a life full of God’s grace and redemption, day by day.

We all come to the table with deeply thankful hearts.

I guess that’s why I love Thanksgiving so much.

To me, it’s like a little glimpse of what Heaven will be one day. 🕊️

My. Heart. Is. Full. 💙

#thanksgiving2024

I met 6 of my new grandchildren Monday night. Yes

I met 6 of my new grandchildren Monday night.
Yes, my daughter Alyse and her husband who live in AR, have SIX new children to add to their two. And no, she didn’t have sextuplets. 😂

Y’all, when I say it was surreal to meet them, I don’t just mean because there are so many of them to hug and love (they’re already calling me ‘Grandmama’ 🥹.)

For me it was surreal in another way…
As I spent time with the Lord this morning, He took me back to a ‘YES’ from over 20 years ago. Our first adoption.
At the time, that Yes made no sense to me. I couldn’t wrap my mind around it. All I knew was that God was pulling me and Duane so sweetly, yet so strongly to adopt a child of color. And back then, not one person in our life circle thought it was a good idea.

Not. One.
So with trembling hands, we stepped out in faith and decided to listen to the voice of God alone, and block out the other voices.
It was literally like a FREE FALL.

And in that free fall, God did a little miracle. He brought godly people around us who became our strength as we moved forward. Before long, everyone in our circle became fully supportive.
But not until we firmly decided to abandon all and only listen to God.

FREE FALL.
So this Thanksgiving with the extra noise level in my house AND the extra hugs and love- all the things that come from a huge family staying in my house…
Wow, God is good. 😭

What if I had said ‘No’ to God all those years ago when He whispered “adoption.” What if the weight of the ‘fear of man’ had overtaken God’s call?
Would my adult kids have this same drive to radically obey God? (My other adult children are also involved with adoption and foster care.)
As I look around at the fruit of that free fall, I can wholeheartedly say,

It. Was. Worth. It.
Not because the road has been easy for us with adoption. You all know our story.
Spiritual free falling is rarely easy. But it’s worth it.

What has God been calling you to step into lately?
Are you listening to His voice or the voice of fear?
Let go friend.
And embrace the free fall.
He’ll catch you. 🕊️
#HolySpirit

Lillian’s Crochet and tons of other awesome Vend

Lillian’s Crochet and tons of other awesome Vendors. 🎄
Let’s GOOOOOOO!!!

It’s a good thing he’s so cute! In the few m

It’s a good thing he’s so cute!

In the few months we’ve had Scout, he’s chewed- 🐾

- *every* single outdoor solar light
- the screen on our backporch (TWICE!)
- front porch rocking chairs
- a rose bush
- countless plants
- 3 wicker baskets
- a 50lb bag of oyster shells
- an entire case of water bottles
- the front door welcome mat
- 2 cardboard boxes

And lastly…. a plastic strip from the side of my car.
MY CAR, y’all!! 🐶

He’s so sneaky!
But he makes me laugh, so all is forgiven. 😉

#puppytrouble 🐾 📸 @lillianinspired

November 1st, this very date, all those years ago.

November 1st, this very date, all those years ago.

If I had known the road we’d have to walk… would I still??

Without hesitation, I’d still have said YES.

I miss you everyday, Daniel.

#teensuicide #danielsarmy💙

What a day. 🇺🇸 Gathered in Atlanta today wi

What a day. 🇺🇸

Gathered in Atlanta today with a few thousand of my brothers and sisters to pray over this nation.

National Faith Advisory Board. 🙌

There is only one hope for this nation.

His name is Jesus.