kids

A Week of Camp That Never Ended

/ Susan Woodward / 2 Comments

What Royal Family Kids Camp is to me…(And became to our family)

It’s more than a safe, loving environment for a group of Foster Kids to enjoy a week away from their less than deserving life situations.  It’s more than a fun filled, organized camp setting, suited for their many special needs. It’s more than the decorations, props and or perfectly thought out themes. It’s more than the hands on crafts, activities, pool time and fishing. It’s more than the Birthday party, talent show and fun events. It’s even more than the opportunity to overcome fears and trust unknown adults. It’s more than the laughter and tears. It’s more than the songs sung, skits watched and stories shared. It’s more than the new bibles, prayers, praise and encouragement each child receives. It’s just so much more…….

This camp is more than what any of its directors, counselors, therapists, nurses, and activity, music and service leaders could ever accomplish on their own.  God has chosen the people and the campers that come. Each team member and camper is handpicked and a part of Gods amazing work and plan.  Over and over again I have seen Him use team members to minister directly into a child’s life. They offer Hope, Trust and Love! God’s amazing Love that heals, ministers and transforms lives for His glory and His purpose!  These things are so evident, freely welcomed, and embraced by everyone at camp. No one can escape the presence of the Lord and the Love that shines straight from the creator of all things good. It’s Gods camp!

It takes obedience from each team member as they take the first step in wanting to participate and make a difference. It takes sacrifice. Sacrifice of time, income from their jobs, and separation from family. It takes a heart willing to render to unknowns. It takes a willingness to step out of comfort zones. It takes surrendering to agenda’s and expectations. It takes an openness to allow the Lord to work however He sees fit. Team members from different walks, backgrounds and with various personalities. Yet each and every one of them is prayerfully and then carefully placed by God. As the days go by, a week at camp becomes a masterpiece that unfolds in the lives of everyone! A beautiful one designed by the hand of God. This masterpiece, and the precious moments in creating it, are engraved on everyone’s hearts forever!

Over ten years ago it became even bigger than the “one week at camp” for me and my family.  It prayerfully, and out of complete obedience, became the beginning steps for my husband and I to forever step out of our comfort zones and into many unknowns. By the grace of God we made decisions that quickly became our “new lifestyle.”  It has since been a daily decision and sometimes a difficult one, to change children’s lives forever. It took just one phone call to our area Department of Social Service Department. That one call made our “Beyond Royal Family” begin and it has changed our lives forever! 

I guess you could say….In a way….We have daily been living a kind of “Royal Family Kids Camp.”  Over and over again we have welcomed a new “Royal Family Kid” in our home, in our lives, and in our hearts forever. With every short and long term placement, every transition of a child, every emergency removal and or respite call, (Respite is an overnight break for another foster family) and with all three of our adoptions we have “lived camp”.  It’s “Gods camp” in our family too!

Camp is full of many “firsts” for the kids. And believe me…we too have had many things occur for the “first time” with children in our home. God has perfectly placed children with us and given us everything we have needed in caring for and loving them. I can’t imagine life without every one of our precious Gifts! I call their names out in prayer often, and I know God is always fighting for them! He sees their needs and is working things out for them according to His plan. His plan does not include harm and is perfect for every child.   Plans

I am so thankful He chose us to be a part of so many beautiful lives….I will forever be grateful for my very first week at Royal Family Kids Camp over ten years ago.  I will forever be grateful for the way it changed my families lives forever! It is a week that has never ended for us 🙂

I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone. If the Lord moves you….Go with Him! Do it prayerfully and in obedience to what the Lord is asking of you. It will always be right when it is done following after Him! Trust Him and the power of His anointing on you…You too can forever make a difference in a child’s life (and or) in others lives! 

The “Different” Was Still Precious! 

/ Susan Woodward / 4 Comments

Family 2015Being “Home Sweet Home” has (and I’m pretty sure it will always be) bitter sweet to me. I know my “Home” is in VA with my family, but a piece of my heart will forever remain in MI with my family as well. 

This vacation was jammed packed with lots of things to do together. We strategically managed to do them all and we repeated our favorites more than once!

In the midst of fun it was still very “different” for us in many ways… We were living in very close quarters for the nine of us, had to fight off Mosquito’s, had our 2 yr old grand daughter who needed naps and woke with the sun everyday and we did not have some of the conveniences that our previous vacations have consisted of.  Did I mention the killer Mosquito’s?!!?  lol 

But….Those “different” things were just not of importance to me this trip….this vacation wasn’t about me or any one of my children. It was about the importance of Family!!! 

We made do with the space…and even the very hungry Mosquito’s! And for the most of us….most of the time…LOL The inconveniences didn’t matter either. The most important thing about this trip was being together, celebrating my parents and making fun and sweet memories with everyone! Because that’s what families do!! Or should do more often!

None of us can plan the time that our family could be significantly changed or when it may be our last time together with someone. So, we should all practice embracing moments and special times together with those we love the most…..our families! 

This vacation was the first “fun trip” back to MI since my brother died 9 months ago. That in itself made this vacation “different” and difficult emotionally. That kind of “different” is much harder to manage than a small space to live in for a week or a few inconveniences. The “different” that a loss creates in a family is big, takes time to heal and is harder to accept and adjust to. 

Nothing can fill the missing piece of a loved one in a family…but a family can still move on and “be a family” by the grace, strength and comfort that comes from God alone.

My brother and I, in the midst of his physical battle and last days had conversations about how we should celebrate my parents 50th wedding Anniversary. The most important thing to him was to “honor our parents, to celebrate their love, and for our families to spend some quality time together.” And yippee!!  All of these things were accomplished. 

He’d have approved! 🙂

And….I know He was with us! 

We lit a candle to signify his presence at the party we had for our parents and although I (we) missed him greatly, I (we) felt his love throughout the whole week!  This “different” was still precious!

But still…The “different” on this visit was because I missed him! I missed his wit, his bear hugs, his smile, his wisdom, advice and laughter. His presence among us!

Tonight my heart is warmed by the closeness my families shares. Taking family vacations with our 5 children ages 23-10, our 2 yr old grandchild and our sons girlfriend would have its challenges no matter what we did or where we stayed….that’s life with our big family!
Being “all together” as we were, was extremely priceless and something I will never take for granted. 

So, I accept my exhaustion this morning….after a busy week, many early mornings, and a long drive home. (And I may scratch and itch for a few more days) but I went to bed forgetting about anything “different” that has occurred. I went to bed extremely thankful that our family is so close….and blessed….and knowing that ALL of our times together are precious! 

I suggest you….Hug your family members…speak life into them and enjoy the moments together no matter where! Or what! 

Because Life is precious. 

Life is short. 

Family is everything! 

And because… Life is full of many “different times” that we will all have to face…

How we choose to live through them as a “family” Is what matters most!  

Make your “different’s” precious…..

A letter written to my 45 year old self.

/ Susan Woodward / 3 Comments

Dear Self,

You have the ability to look back….”way back I might add” and see the works of our great God in your life. For this alone you should be thankful and remain humble so that you can be used by Him.

In moments of tragedy and triumph, God was who you sought, and even in your own disbelief He remained faithful, true and sovereign.

Being a Pastor’s wife, friend, sister, and daughter are all special titles to hold. But nothing compares to being a child of God first!

You couldn’t wait to hold the title of “Mother” but quickly life made you realize that being a mother is not what defines you. It was in your mothering that you realized how incapable you were and how awesome your God really is! God continues to come to your rescue over and over and over…..

Loosing your first child brought despair, loss and pain. The love of a compassionate husband brought comfort but the true healing came from your Heavenly Father. 

Words cannot describe the excitement, love and joy that the birth of your first son and daughter radiated. Nothing could ever compare to those precious moments. The miraculous gift of life still amazes you! 

You didn’t give birth to all five of your children, but the Lord divinely placed all of them in your hearts forever. May your heart always be tender, gracious and thankful to the three mothers who chose life even in their own struggles to parent. When you were much younger adoption was only a seed planted. It took years of watering before it ever began to blossom.  It has bloomed far more beautiful than you could have ever imagined. 

Your children don’t all look alike, have the same traits, or have your eyes, but they are all covered by the same blood. They have been entrusted to you to love, train, cherish and to one day spend eternity together. We are a family! 

Mothering comes natural to you. Having additional children have always blessed your home with even more love and laughter. Becoming a foster mother was a decision made after wanting to do more for the hurting children in your community. Looking outside your home to “mother” has been a lesson in obedience! 

You never thought the teenage years were going to happen. You still look into their hearts as your precious babies and they continue to grow more independently every year. It won’t be long until all your children will soon become adults. May you always see them as your little God given bundles of joy. Each full of talents and gifts that can be used for His glory. 

Becoming a MiMi at the age of 44 was not on your life’s agenda but Gods plan is far better than your own. His timing is proven to be much more accurate than what you try to achieve timely.  He’s plan is perfect! 

Your personal goals have often taken a side step, sacrifices have been made numerous times, life’s journey has had twists and turns…. yet a beautiful masterpiece has been strategically unfolding in your life since your own birth. You are a work of art by the master creator! 

Your relationship with your own mother is beyond measure the greatest relationship on earth. You recognize the God given uniqueness now more than ever.  The special dynamics of a “parent relationship” has been beautifully defined through both of your aging. You are blessed by your mother daily! 

So this week with Mothers Day approaching, I’m not writing to pat you on the back. You are nothing! God is everything! I’m reminding you to always use your own experiences, gifts and talents to encourage, uplift and inspire other mothers just like you. Pay the goodness forward with what the Lord has given onto you.

Woman should not solely define them selves as “mother” but as children (woman) of God. Mothering without Him will bring worry and despair. All mother’s are divenly chosen by God, called and given the awesome responsibility to raise children to love Jesus! You need to continue to grow yourself in Him! 

Happy Mother’s Day!  Remember that the meaning of life and the understanding of your journey will continue to unfold as you grow older and walk by faith.  Through Him alone you are stronger than any test or trial and through Him alone you’ll find your greatest joys! You can rest assured that one day you will be in your heavenly home because of His Amazing Grace! 

May you always hoard the word, trust without boarders and hold faith with no fences. This year for Mother’s Day, I pray that you and all those that God has connected you with…will Shine On! Let your life and your relationship with the Lord define you.  Use everything you know and experience to further His kingdom. Never be afraid to reach out when you need a shoulder to lean on or a listening ear!  Other Mothers are there for you, just as you are there for them! 

Written to encourage all who read this letter. 

With love from, 
Your 45 year old self
  











My faith compelled me to trust The Lord…..

/ Susan Woodward / 6 Comments

These reflections were written January 28, 2014.   I had been “Mimi” to this princess for an entire year!

M1622035_10202128336841446_162904327_nany of you will recall the FB status I posted about 18 months ago when I thought my world had shattered. We had learned that our daughter Amanda had become pregnant.  Nowhere in our plan for her life was this supposed to happen. It was never a thought I had, or had I penciled it in on any of my agenda’s.  I had so many emotions going on within me; some I didn’t even know existed.  I can honestly say it rocked our world.

Have you been there? Or are you there now?

As parents we hurt when our children hurt and we feel for them in ways they may never understand.  So with her decision came many emotions for me. (I’m sure many for her too) But for me came….doubt, worry, guilt, anger, frustration and even fear. The lack of control I had drove me crazy and I couldn’t get a grasp on reality for a period of time. I was so consumed with trying to fix the situation she was in, and mend all the hurts.  I mean, isn’t that what a parent is supposed to do?

I most certainly asked God a lot of questions. I went through some unexplained feelings of doubt, and I even felt maybe the Lord was “getting back at me” for decisions I had made in my own past, that were not pleasing to Him.  I did what I think any other person would do.  I tried desperately through Him to gain back my sense of direction.  I cried more, had sleepless nights and I stayed on my knees and prayed!  I confided in a few other women that would speak life, encouragement and direction into my life.  I hung on with faith and hope.  A year later, I am more then hanging on each day…..I am clinging forever to the faith and hope I have for my children.

Someway, somehow I thought I had failed her.  I played it over and over again in my mind for months. I gave it to The Lord freely but I quickly took it back over and over.  In my mind I could not wrap my head around it. It just couldn’t be happening to our daughter.  I knew she was facing the beginning of the rest of her life with the consequences of her decisions. I was also full aware that the times ahead of them would be difficult. Hard times continue to unfold in different ways, but a year later my perspective is different!

Kayleigh, our precious gift from God turned one today. Amanda’s choice (without a shadow of a doubt) was always LIFE!  In this alone, I began to rejoice and praise God!  I was excited for such a precious gift that God was giving to her and our family. I tried to consume my thoughts with thanksgiving.  I just praised Him every time I felt overwhelmed with anxiety and fear for her. I hung on… when my world was rocking….I felt peace somehow placed in my heart whenever I praised Him. Even with the entire scary unknown’s I could give Him praise knowing He alone was in control. When my heart was full of praise and thanksgiving is when I then became more profoundly aware that I had to “wait upon Him”.  As hard as that was, I did it too. Not too patiently, but I did.  I chose to praise God not only for the blessing (of the baby) on the way, but for how He would use this situation in Amanda’s life to draw her nearer to Him. When I gave Him praise and had a thankful heart is when the work within me began….

We had been praying over our children since before they were born.  So why did I think the Lord was not listening to me now?  One of many verses came to my mind most often.  It was “Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are older they shall not depart from it” Prov. 22:6  It seemed to always be dropped into my restless spirit in the middle of the night.  I trusted, I believed, and I hung on!

I then learned my next valuable insight. I simply had NO control. I hadn’t lost control briefly. I didn’t have it to begin with. I gave her to The Lord. She had given herself to the Lord. When it came to Gods plan and agenda for her life He was in control of everything. Very hard thing to swallow for a mother (well this mother anyway) who likes to have the plan on hand to make sure it all goes smoothly. I chose to give her and the entire situation to The Lord……again!!!  This time I would not take it back.  I knew what Jeremiah 29:11 said “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  And I clung to it more than ever before.  I needed to remind myself often of his promises.

All of the fears and unknowns I had were real and there were days that I didn’t think I could function through my worry…..but I knew if I (her mother) had this much heaviness in my heart, and such a concern for her, that her Heavenly Father had that much more concern and Love for her, and He had her in His hands which were the safest place for her to be.  Knowing this filled me with peace that only He could give.

I chose to put my trust in Him and my faith into action. I stepped out of my worry and began to literally visualize the outcome in some of the situations she was dealing with.  I knew without a shadow of a doubt that The Lord would protect and provide His direction.  He did just that.  He continues to do so in her life. It is all In His timing and in His perfect plan.  Today I am ok on the sidelines watching it unfold.

I had to accept the lack of control I had.  I chose to give Him ALL the pieces (not just certain pieces of the puzzle) but EVERYONE of them.  Today, in the times ahead and forever, I will freely give Him All.  After all it’s His masterpiece, and if I put the pieces together myself, it would be far from beautiful!

I’ve dealt with hard times and my own bad choices before….but this past year’s “hard” was different for me. Tonight, as I look over that particular time frame, I will forever be grateful for the power He has to work all things out for His glory!  I’m so glad God never leaves us or forsakes us. I prayed, cried out to Him and believed He would provide away…..and He has. I thought about Abraham and His faith after our Pastors sermon Sunday.  I’d like to think that my faith compelled me to trust God in an Abraham kinda way.  The Lord was faithful to answer me in my distress. I know he hears me when I call. His timing has and always will be perfect!  So I chose to always trust Him….

Through the ups and downs and all the rocking of my world, I am still sane.  I can honestly see the hand of God and how it moved so graciously throughout this journey that continues to unfold.  Being a parent never ends. The decisions of our children will forever impact our lives and sometimes rock our world. I am thankful for the gift of life and the wonderful blessing Kayleigh is to all of us. I am thankful for His protection over Amanda and for His direction in the midst of what sometimes looks so foggy to us. His grace is amazing and His plan is perfectly still unfolding!  I will continue to wait upon the Lord.  I have perfect peace with the unknown’s today because I seek Him first and know that He is in control.

So to Kayleigh I say  ~Happy Birthday to my sweet Granddaughter who before you were even born, and at a year of age, have already taught me so many beautiful things about life, and myself.  Lessons needed to be learned as I walked by faith and made my requests known to God.  I will always pray for you, love you and be here for you as you grow. May you love the Lord with all your heart soul and mind and know him just as your mother and I.  Thank you for rocking our world, because you were a perfect Gift in Gods perfect plan.  

To Amanda I say ~Never give up hope, never lose faith and realize now that you will never have all the control you desperately seek to have. Gods control is the best!  So trust Him in the days, months and years ahead, as you parent your beautiful Girl.  Remember the promises that you have been taught and cherish the moments you have with your princess.  You are a beautiful person with a beautiful heart and you will always be able to accomplish ALL things through Him who gives you the strength. He has the perfect Prince out there for you and Kayleigh so remember His timing is perfect.  I will always love you unconditionally to the moon and back!!

~Reflections from the heart of a Mom and Mimi.

Sue Woodward

No Place To Call Home

/ Susan Woodward / 2 Comments

Did you know there are around 400,000 children in Foster Care in our Country?

foster parenting

Way too many of these children in care are in need of forever homes and may never receive one. They may grow up and into their adult lives with no place to call HOME. No place to go on holidays. Nobody to help them with life decisions. Many age out of Foster Care and have nobody to encourage them and to continue to speak life into their souls. They often lose important people in their lives over and over again and need people to instill in them that they matter! They need people to encourage them to move forward, heal and become everything the Lord has designed for them to become. They too have a divine purpose in life!

Not just this Month in MAY (The National Foster Care Month) but everyday please remember each of these children in your prayers.  Also pray for the many Foster Parents and Families as they are learning every day the difficulties and also the many blessings of being obedient to the call to Foster and or Adopt. These families have chosen to reach out and reach into the heart of a child. Many of them are in daily need of your prayers and your encouragement.

Lord, open our eyes to the Hurting children around us, in our Communities, our Schools, our Churches, and our Neighborhood and in the World. They are our future and they matter.  Help us to be mindful of those who may need extra encouragement, guidance and love to support and or raise their families. Help us to recognize when it is YOU dear Lord asking us to help, teach, guide or make a difference in a child’s life. May our lives reflect your goodness and may we always extend your perfect love. Give us the desire to do like Christ in every circumstance you place us in. Use us Lord in big ways to change the world, mend the hearts of the hurting, show of your great love, and always bring you the glory while furthering your kingdom!   Amen 

If you would like more information or want to know how YOU can support us Foster/Adopt families or become involved in Foster/Adopting yourself please feel free to message me. Don’t hesitate to move forward if the Lord has placed this on your heart.  suekwoodward@yahoo.com

Making “quiet moments” doesn’t take a cruise

/ Susan Woodward

Finding a place of solitude is hard. It’s even harder for a Mom. Little kids demand our presence with every wake moment. Older kids still need our constant supervision and guidance. And our young adults still manage to consume many portions of our days/nights as they continue to learn and grow.  Our early rising “quite times” can be thrown off just as quickly as our late evening “quite times.”  It is easy to be distracted with laundry, school papers and homework, house cleaning, and taking care of bills when you have a precious alone moment.  Remember…All of the other things that “have to be done” will be done. Eventually.

The most important thing you can do when a “quiet time” exists, sneaks up on you, or is strategically planned…is to soak in the presence of God.  Through prayer, His word, Thanksgiving and Praise you will become a better Mom…No really….YOU WILL Become a Better Woman!

Slow down and create calm quiet moments that will change your life and relationship with the Lord. It is in our unhurried moments that we can see and hear from Him clearly.  We connect best with our creator when the “craziness of life” is purposely put on hold. If we take the time to connect just for a moment…we may see others hurting, be aware that our husband needs encouragement, linger on each word spoken by our children and find joy in each sunset and sunrise He gives to us.

If Jesus needed solitude than surely we must!  We carry the weight of those we love and those who we are connected with and He carries the weight of the world! He found peace and time alone often.  (Matthew 4: 1-11)  (Luke 5: 16 and 6 :12)  (Mark 6:31)

cruise

Making quiet moments doesn’t take a cruise (although I did soak in the presence of the Lord like never before on such an amazing trip away with my husband for ten days) With each and every effort we make to create a moment of solitude…no matter how long it is (even if it’s just ten minutes) will bring us blessings, give us strength and wisdom.

Let your life be a reflection of taking many quiet moments.  It is in these moments that you will refuel.  You will not short change yourself or your families because you will receive the goodness, wisdom and insight that only our creator can give us.  Nothing is really more important. The laundry will always be there…the kids will always need you. Tuck yourself away in the closet, your car during a practice or a lunch break, or get a babysitter for an hour a week.

I have learned sometimes the hard way to take the solitude I (and you) so deserve and need…

I have been working on this my whole life…It started very young with reading my bible and writing. Sometimes writing just a prayer in my journal and other times my whole situation and frustrations came pouring out of me and onto the pages.  I admit that for periods in my life I have been really, really bad at taking the moments needed with my Savior.

Every day is a new day that I strive for “quiet moments” with Him and Him alone.  Look for them. They are there. Find direct messages from God in His word and from His voice as He speaks to you in your special times with Him.