I'M (kinda) PREGNANT!

Romans 8:27-31 He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him.  After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun.  So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? 


I've known ever since I was a child that I wanted to adopt children.  It's our Biblical responsibility to help the orphans (and widows...), and I do not take that lightly.  I know that providing a loving, godly, safe home for a child that does not have one is part of my calling, and it is something that has been growing inside of me for many years.  God placed that desire there, and He is faithful to bring it to fruition!  Felix and I have been debating when might be the "right" time.  When Felix has a salary position? When we have a bigger house? When our kids are older? When I can "handle" another child? When we have moved to the East coast and planted a church?... It will NEVER be the "right" time, whether financially, emotionally, physically... whatever the excuse may be, God has challenged us to put aside the excuses.  I recently read some amazing verses in 2 Corinthians 8:2-8


Though they have been going through much trouble and hard times, their wonderful joy and deep poverty have overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford but far more. And they did it of their own free will... Best of all, they went beyond our highest hopes, for their first action was to dedicate themselves to the Lord and to us for whatever directions God might give them... Since you excel in so many ways -- you have so much faith, such gifted speakers, such knowledge, such enthusiasm, and such love for us-- now I want you to excel also in this gracious ministry of giving... This is one way to prove your love is real. 


See, generosity cannot be compartmentalized, "I'll be generous with my finances, but not my home," or, "I'll give you my time, but not my money."  You are either generous or you aren't.  Generosity is "one way to prove your love is real."  It is my desire, that in this time where it is MOST inconvenient financially, that from our "wonderful joy and deep poverty (not in comparison, but you get the idea) would overflow rich generosity!"  


So... this thing that was birthed inside of me long ago is finally in the works!  Felix and I will begin our training and approval process in March, and look forward with deep anticipation to meeting the new lives that will soon become intertwined with ours :) God knows me better than I know myself.  He knows the dreams and desires He's placed in my heart, and He knows the perfect time to complete the work He started long ago! I'm so excited to serve such a merciful God!

My Pride is NOT CUTE!

I'm very prideful.


Psalm 101:5  I will not endure conceit and pride.

Ick... God hates pride.  I'm embarrassed to say it, because while it is a very good thing to place importance in parenting, housekeeping, obedience to God, walking in faith...etc I have discovered, that often times I find worth in being complemented about these things.  Especially if the comment is coming from a parent, or other authority figure that I respect...

"Your kids are so well behaved"
"How do you keep your house clean with 3 little ones?"
"Your trust in God is such an encouragement to me"
"You want to adopt? That's awesome!"

These are not super impressive things by ANY means... and I should be proud (to an extent) of my children's behavior, the state of my home, and how far I have come in my faith-walk.  However, none of these things give me worth.  None of these things make me who God has created me to be!  God's love is STRONG! Regardless of what I DO or don't do, He loves me! So what if something I do produces good results?

John 4:34  The thing that keeps me going is that I do the will of the One who sent me, finishing the work he started

Where are the comments about my walk with God?  My love for His Word?  My prayer life that challenges others?  When is the last time I lead someone to Christ?  These are the things that make me a daughter of God, and THAT is who I am!!

So... there it is...

Working hard to do more than "good" things for me... but do "GREAT" things for Him!

Where the streets have no name

I'm missing my Uncle Chuck today... He died about 12 yrs ago, tragic car accident. A mother in a minivan slid on ice, crossing over into oncoming traffic, and hit my Uncle head on. I'll never forget my Father's face and words as he told me that his little brother was gone. I fell to the ground. I did not understand. I blamed God. I questioned His love.

Chuck was the best of God's creations. Quirky, socially awkward by most people's standards, and completely misunderstood. He fed the hungry, clothed the poor, housed the homeless, loved the unloveable... The line at his wake was out the door, for hours... Strangers to everyone there, testifying of Chuck's kindness and generosity to them. He was a beautiful husband and Father, and took God's Word literally.

And I miss him...