Whitestown is still reviewing the remodel plans that we submitted on May 3rd. I don’t understand why each step in this process has taken so long. But as I pray and ask why, I remember that So Big is the handiwork of God. He is the one with the 10,000-foot view on this project. So, I continue to listen for His guidance and keep my eyes fixed on Jesus.

In Psalm 27:14 God reminds me to “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” As I read the verse, I wince a little inside as He repeats the phrase “wait patiently.” Patience is something that doesn’t come easily for me. When I look more closely at this verse though, I see that God has compassionately inserted the words “ Be brave and courageous” between the commands to wait. God knows that it is hard for me to be patient. He encourages me to take heart and lean into Him as I do the difficult work of waiting.

​At our most recent board meeting, Cade Stockwell led our opening devotion which centered on the verse Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” As we let those words wash over us, Cade pointed out that we are told to rejoice, not once but twice. He went on to share that the Apostle Paul is challenging us in this statement to rejoice in the Lord at all times, not just when things are going well or when the Mountain House is ready to open. Instead our joy is found in the strength of the Lord. So as we wait, “the joy of the Lord is our strength” and we remember that we have a lot to be thankful for as we take steps on this journey to open the Mountain House.

​This last month So Big took part in two events at New Hope Christian Church. On May 6th, I spoke at the Mother-Daughter Brunch. It was day full of love, fellowship, and delicious food. Many of the women at New Hope have a passion to serve the women and children that will be living at the Mountain House. Some women are already making baby blankets and praying over each one while participating in the church ministry Wonderfully Made. Others are making burp cloths and comforters that the women will be able to keep when they leave the house to live on their own.

​On May 20th, So Big volunteered at Justin’s Run 4 Hope and participated in the Hope Fest following the race. We had a great time helping out at the run as well as connecting with other organizations that offer hope in the Indianapolis region. As we prepared for the day, we decided to create So Big shirts for our group to wear during the event. Blue Ribbon Designs in Zionsville did a wonderful job putting together the t-shirts for us.  We are now selling the shirts to help support the Mountain House. They are $15 for the adult sizes and $10 for the youth sizes. Please contact me at lori@sobig.org if you are interested in placing an order.

As I reflect on all that has been accomplished, I realize that even though the process seems slow, God is busy putting together the pieces for So Big. And, I am encouraged to remain joyfully patient in Him.

Please pray that Whitestown will soon grant us the work permit to begin remodeling the Mountain House Maternity Home for the women and children that will be living there this summer.

 

God’s Peace,

Lori

It is a killer workout and at times I wonder if I am going to make it to the end of class. During one of her sessions this month, Jackie said, “ Don’t think heavy, think strong!” It was a great mindset that helped me get through the hardest part of the workout. As I reflected back on the class later that day, I realized that statement is a great way to approach the challenges we face in life. In Matthew 11, Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” What a beautiful invitation. Instead of spinning in circles over the dilemmas in front of me, I need to be still, fix my eyes on Him and take hold of His strong, outstretched hand. When I stop to remember His promises and grab hold of Him, the problems weighing me down become more manageable and a peace washes over me.

Over the last few weeks, So Big has had some setbacks as we work towards opening the Mountain House. There was a small electrical fire at the house while the electricians were removing some wires on the outside porch. We’re grateful that no one was hurt and the house sustained only minor damage. However, before any further repairs or work can be done, Whitestown has asked us submit a few documents, which include remodel plans for the house and an application for a work permit. As part of the process, we went before the state and got approval for 2 variances on the house, through the expertise of Melissa Tupper, of RTM Consultants. These variances allow us to be a commercial property without having to make significant changes to the house. Having established our requirements with the state, Shawn Curran and his team at Curran Architecture are now drawing up the remodel plans needed to bring the maternity house up to code. We will then submit these plans along with the work permit to Whitestown. Once we have their approval, we’ll be putting in a residential sprinkler system, opening up doorways that are too narrow, and remodeling a bathroom to bring it up to ADA standards. In addition, we will continue our work of repairing the safety hazards identified by Cornerstone Inspection Services. As I look at the long list of what still needs to be accomplished, I am now saying to myself, “Don’t think heavy, think strong.” These burdens belong in Christ’s hands and I need to be strong in Him and in His mighty power. 

He spoke on how ‘Love listens to people‘ and ‘Love looks at people‘. These statements have permeated my thoughts this past week. Recently, I decided to look up verses in the Bible involving the word LISTEN. I was brought to the chapter in Luke where Jesus is visiting his close friends, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. They are having Him over for dinner and Martha is running herself ragged, picking up the house, setting the table and preparing the meal. In contrast to her, Mary is sitting at Jesus’ feet soaking up His every Word. Finally, Martha can’t take it anymore. She is frustrated and she goes to talk to Jesus about it. Maybe it is because I identify with Martha, but I often feel we are quick to judge her actions. As the scene played out in my head, I saw Martha as she maintained self-control even though she was visibly upset. She didn’t yell at her sister or grab her arm and pull her into the kitchen. Instead, she approached her Creator. She asked Him for wisdom in the situation. In essence, she prayed to Him. And, when she spoke to Jesus, He was not surprised by her words. He knew her heart. She simply wanted to serve Him but she just needed a gentle reminder how best to go about doing it. Lovingly, Jesus reminded her that He is to be first above everything, only then would the rest fall into place.

The same is true for us today. Galatians 5:6 tells us that ‘The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love.’ If we are to be people of action, we need to first fix our eyes on Jesus, the one who took off His heavenly robes and came down to earth to show us how to live. We need to sit at His feet and learn from Him, through studying His Word daily and coming together to worship Him each week. It is then that we are equipped to be an example of His love: One that listens to people and looks at people.

We at So Big are building a community where we can share that love, showing that every life matters to God and to us. We are continuing to make progress as we prepare the Mountain House for the women and children we will serve. We have set a goal to open our doors by Mother’s Day, 2017. We have submitted applications for variances that will be presented before the state on March 7. In the meantime, we are working to repair to the house to make it safe and to bring it up to code for inspection. We have remediated the house of lead paint, asbestos and mold. Universal Roofing has put a new roof and gutters on the house. Smith Electric has repaired problems in the electrical wiring, and All Pro Plumbing is scheduled to address issues this week. In addition, we are putting together teams for carpentry repairs and remodeling. As the house is being transformed, we have also begun the process of establishing the guidelines for running the maternity home. We are excited to see God answering prayers as we move forward and follow Him.

We can’t do it alone though. We need your help. Please prayerfully consider how you can join us in helping these women as they work to create a better tomorrow for themselves and their families. You can visit our website at sobig.org where you sign up to volunteer or donate online or you can contact me directly at lori@sobig.org.

God’s Peace,

Lori

The Father had told him that he would recognize the Messiah as, “the One on whom the Holy Spirit came down and remained.” I imagined John’s anticipation as he awaited the Promised One, eagerly searching the crowd each time he brought a renewed believer up out of the water. And then finally, John’s eyes caught a glimpse of the Holy Spirit  gracefully gliding down from heaven like a dove and resting on…his cousin! As John faithfully announced the revelation of the Christ, I envisioned memories that must have immediately flooded his mind, like family gatherings where he and Jesus played chase or wrestled one another on the floor. Next I thought of all the emotions John must have felt: Astonishment, excitement, reverence. John had been waiting patiently for this day to come and now, here was God in the flesh. God had answered his prayers in an amazing and unexpected way. And although Paul had yet to pen Ephesians, John knew the truth found in chapter 3 verse 20. He knew that His Father in heaven was, “able to do immeasurably more than he could ask or even imagine.” Jesus was living proof of God’s lavish grace as His love story for us continued to unfold before John’s eyes.

In celebrating Christmas with my family this past week, I have let the love of God, spoken through His actions, soak into me. Jesus took off His heavenly robes and came to earth in a humble whisper. He came quietly as a little baby, born to an unwed teenager. His brilliant light came bursting into my darkness and my mess, so He could be with me, right here, right now. He has done it all. Through Jesus’ death on the cross , I  am now redeemed and made right with God.  And, what He is asking of me is to turn around, grasp His hand, and lovingly walk with Him. When Jesus died on the cross, He tore the veil so that we can all have that kind of access to God. That is the good news that we will share with the women and children who will live at the Mountain House. And, it is with joy we will, “go and tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.”

Thank you for your prayers and support. We are excited for what God will do through So Big and the Mountain House in 2017. We are continuing to move forward with bringing the house up to code to make it a safe place to live and work, with plans to open in May.

We at So Big wish you a Happy New Year!

God’s Peace,

Lori

It’s been a tough month. This September, an opening date for the Mountain House finally seemed to be in reach. Ryan and Catherine King, missionaries living in the Willey house, were headed back to Haiti, and So Big had been given the green light to start the renovations for the maternity home. We had begun remodeling the downstairs bathroom and had scheduled a couple of volunteer workdays. Amidst all this activity, the Whitestown planning and development division contacted us to arrange a time to walk through and perform a pre-inspection of the house. A date was set for September 22. Ashlee and I arrived early to start preparing the house for painting the following day. As we worked, we talked and laughed and sang along to our favorite songs on the radio. We were excited. Our plans were moving forward. Then the inspectors arrived. While they walked through the Mountain House, they discussed all the improvements that we needed to do to pass inspection before we opened our doors. The excitement drained from my body as I listened to the long list. I felt overwhelmed. The preliminary report given by the inspectors revealed a considerable amount of reconstructive work. We would have to put the painting on hold. We contacted our volunteers and cancelled the workday. Hundreds of questions raced through my mind but one loomed heaviest in my heart. “Were the changes too much for this beautiful old home?” I knew the answer to my question could only be found on my knees. So the next day, several members of our board linked arms and took a prayer journey through the house.  We spent the day praying in each room asking God what He wanted. And, in His gracious and lavish love, God revealed Himself in many ways. We left that day knowing the Mountain House will open in God’s timing and that He wants this home to continue to carry on its legacy of knitting families together.  As I reflected on our time, I was reminded of God’s promises in Jeremiah 29:12-13,“ Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” This journey is about deepening our relationship with Jesus. As we come to Him in prayer and step out to serve Him, He will reveal more and more of Himself to us. That takes my breath away. The God of the universe, who holds all creation in His hands, wants to have a relationship with me. He wants to share His heart with me. It humbles me to my core.

So what are our next steps? We are currently working with Shawn Curran, a structural architect. He is evaluating the renovations that need to be done to make the Mountain House a safe home for all involved. Once he has formulated a plan for us, we will then begin the work on the house. We are also putting together prayer groups that will meet on a regular basis to intercede for So Big and the Mountain House. 
As we keep our courage and remain confident in Jesus, please pray that we run this race with perseverance as He directs our steps to open the Mountain House. Thank you for your love and support.

God’s Peace,

Lori

​We now have a location for the Mountain House Maternity Home! New Hope Christian Church is letting us use the blue farmhouse located at 5900 S Main Street in Whitestown, IN, just south of the church. As we move forward in preparing the Mountain House for expectant moms and their children, God is breathing life back into this beautiful home with its rich history of sharing Jesus’ love. For years, this place has lovingly been called the Willey house. It was here that Carroll and Mary Willey ran the Rainbow Valley Children’s Home and fostered over 350 children during the last 20 years of their lives. While the children lived under this roof, they were loved unconditionally and introduced to our wonderful Savior. As I listen to members of New Hope Christian Church recount the stories about the Willey home, one the images that stands out in my mind is the line of children walking over to the church every Sunday morning with Carroll and Mary leading the way. It is an image that I savor as I pray over the women and children that will live in the maternity home.

The future Mountain House has many wonderful qualities in addition to its treasured history. It has six bedrooms and three bathrooms with ample room to house the women, children and live-in staff. It has a large kitchen, a spacious living room and a lovely sunroom that will work well for sharing time together. There is also a big yard with room for a garden and a small shed that we would like to transform into a chicken coop. Since we now have a place to turn our dreams into reality, we are working to open the doors of the Mountain House this fall. We kicked off our efforts this past weekend, as we began to clean out the house and perform the needed repairs. We had a great day of fellowship working side by side and eating a delicious lunch prepared by the women’s ministry at New Hope Christian Church.

As we enter into the next steps of this journey, I am filled with excitement. I stand in awe as I watch how God is putting together the pieces of the dream that He began unfolding in my heart eight years ago. But even though I see His magnificent ways, there are still moments that I feel overwhelmed by all that lies ahead. It is at those times that I must come back to rest in Jesus. As I take time to be still in His presence, He reminds me to trust Him and to remember the apostle Paul’s teaching in 1 Thessalonians 5:24, “Faithful is the One who calls you and He will make it happen.”

Please pray for So Big and New Hope Christian Church and we work together to open the doors of the Mountain House. If you feel called to serve or donate to the So Big Mountain House you can email me at lori@sobig.org or visit our website at sobig.org.