Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? (Ex 15:11)
I am overwhelmed at just how FULL my heart is with gratitude towards The Living God. I feel like I imagine the Isrealites felt after crossing the Red Sea on dry land and then turning around watching God bury all the Egyptians in the massive torrents of sea. How their hearts must have soared at watching the very hand of the Lord put an end to their opressors. ....so much so that they burst forth in song because their hearts were just that full.
When I look back over the past five years we've had Keano and all the obstacles we faced with their various trials in getting Keano's adoption finalized, what can I do but worship? He is the one who put the desire in our hearts for Keano and Keano's desire to be our son... and even greater, HE is the one who perservered that desire.
Rejoice with us, our friends! Rejoice that God has given us a son! Rejoice that He is faithful to the desires that He gives. ...And rejoice that He is the One who brings those desires to fruition.
(On Saturday, Aug 27 from 1-3 we will be having a celbration for Keano as 'officially' part of our family. Cake and ice cream and lots of joy! All are welcome :)
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Decisions to be made.
I don't know what to write. I don't know how to collect the many thoughts running through my mind in a concise and organized manner. This, I do know...
Lessons learned:
These past two years, God has taught us much. This past Sunday at Arrowbrook, our pastor, who is preaching through Jeremiah, said, "The Lord wounds before he heals. He afflicts us before He comforts us. We're not meant to be comforted before first the Lord has afflicted our soul and saved us and then He comforts us. First the Lord must wound with the preaching of sin and repentance which wounds and cuts the conscience and then the cross is the healing balm for the soul...." Though he was applying this to salvation, it was very applicable to the past two years of our lives. He afflicted us much and as a result, taught us much about our own arrogance and thinking too highly of ourselves. He taught us much on what is shakeable and what is not. He taught us much on faith that He gives, not thatnwe muster up, apart from Him.
God gives and He takes away. He is good. Whatever blessing and whatever challenge He gives to us is for our good and His glory. It has not come from anyone else, but Him. He is good. He is for us. Therefore, we can believe whatever hardship, however severe it might be, it is right for us to go through, because it is from our good God who is in control of all and for His children. Our hearts are anchored in that Truth. If any of those factors were not true, there would be reason to panic, be angry, full of fear, bitterness, rage, despair, and force. Two choices. That's it. No gray. Am I wrong?
Upcoming decisions; The here and now.
We are facing another challenge. Another decision to be made. We need prayer.
We are so excited about Keano's adoption to be finalized. So excited.
We heard from Namibia this morning. Our social worker asked for a range of dates we would be in Namibia so she could set a court date. We gave her a range of 7 days. She wrote back and said that though going before the magistrate (judge) is a one time thing, the adoption itself can take up to five weeks to be processed.
We also heard from S. Africa this morning. We have to get a brief interview at the US embassy and a medical check up for Keano. The email said that if Keano has ever had TB (he has not) then it could take up to 6 weeks to get the results for the medical check up done. I don't know if they will take our word for it, or not. Keano does not have many medical records. We have a few ideas to try and prove that he has not had TB, but it comes down to their decision.
We had planned to spend 7 days in Namibia and 5 days in S. Africa. We thought it would be more than sufficient. We have not planned for 11 weeks.
I called yesterday (before we knew these details) to reserve (not purchase) tickets for Todd, myself, Keano, and Felicity. My parents and in-laws are willing to watch Gloria and Faith. Felicity's ticket is only 10% of the adult ticket, so we thought we'd make it easier on our parents and take her with.
When I reserved the tickets, the travel agent told me that fuel taxes were up to about $480/ticket. The cost for T, K, and myself to fly is right at about $6000 total. Felicity is 10% of an adult size tickets.
We need to decide if: we:
A.) Fly back after a week in Namibia and wait here in America - flying back again (buying new tickets for T, K and myself) when it is approved, taking just a day or two in Namibia to go to the embassy and then going to South Africa (Keano's US visa is good until June.)
B.) Fly the whole family over to Namibia, and waiting there for paperwork, Todd flies back after a week and rejoins once paperwork is received. I wait in Namibia until it is processed with the children.
Please pray for us tonight if we come to mind. We need to make our decision tonight, because we must finalize our tickets tomorrow. There is no way we could leave our girls for the potential duration of this process.
Please, would you pray that the Lord would give us clarity as we talk and decide what to do this evening? Pray that we would be grounded on all that is true of God... all that He has taught us, and what His Word says is right.
PS. 2 more things that didn't fit anywhere else.
1. Keano's all time favorite song is "Lead Me." (Sanctus Real) He keeps singing all the time "Lead me with strong hands... stand up when I cant...." (Totally random.. Rather ironic. Don't even think he realizes it's implications....yet.)
2. This trip would mark almost exactly 2 years since the Lord brought us back. It would be Felicity's first time in Africa.
Lessons learned:
These past two years, God has taught us much. This past Sunday at Arrowbrook, our pastor, who is preaching through Jeremiah, said, "The Lord wounds before he heals. He afflicts us before He comforts us. We're not meant to be comforted before first the Lord has afflicted our soul and saved us and then He comforts us. First the Lord must wound with the preaching of sin and repentance which wounds and cuts the conscience and then the cross is the healing balm for the soul...." Though he was applying this to salvation, it was very applicable to the past two years of our lives. He afflicted us much and as a result, taught us much about our own arrogance and thinking too highly of ourselves. He taught us much on what is shakeable and what is not. He taught us much on faith that He gives, not thatnwe muster up, apart from Him.
God gives and He takes away. He is good. Whatever blessing and whatever challenge He gives to us is for our good and His glory. It has not come from anyone else, but Him. He is good. He is for us. Therefore, we can believe whatever hardship, however severe it might be, it is right for us to go through, because it is from our good God who is in control of all and for His children. Our hearts are anchored in that Truth. If any of those factors were not true, there would be reason to panic, be angry, full of fear, bitterness, rage, despair, and force. Two choices. That's it. No gray. Am I wrong?
Upcoming decisions; The here and now.
We are facing another challenge. Another decision to be made. We need prayer.
We are so excited about Keano's adoption to be finalized. So excited.
We heard from Namibia this morning. Our social worker asked for a range of dates we would be in Namibia so she could set a court date. We gave her a range of 7 days. She wrote back and said that though going before the magistrate (judge) is a one time thing, the adoption itself can take up to five weeks to be processed.
We also heard from S. Africa this morning. We have to get a brief interview at the US embassy and a medical check up for Keano. The email said that if Keano has ever had TB (he has not) then it could take up to 6 weeks to get the results for the medical check up done. I don't know if they will take our word for it, or not. Keano does not have many medical records. We have a few ideas to try and prove that he has not had TB, but it comes down to their decision.
We had planned to spend 7 days in Namibia and 5 days in S. Africa. We thought it would be more than sufficient. We have not planned for 11 weeks.
I called yesterday (before we knew these details) to reserve (not purchase) tickets for Todd, myself, Keano, and Felicity. My parents and in-laws are willing to watch Gloria and Faith. Felicity's ticket is only 10% of the adult ticket, so we thought we'd make it easier on our parents and take her with.
When I reserved the tickets, the travel agent told me that fuel taxes were up to about $480/ticket. The cost for T, K, and myself to fly is right at about $6000 total. Felicity is 10% of an adult size tickets.
We need to decide if: we:
A.) Fly back after a week in Namibia and wait here in America - flying back again (buying new tickets for T, K and myself) when it is approved, taking just a day or two in Namibia to go to the embassy and then going to South Africa (Keano's US visa is good until June.)
B.) Fly the whole family over to Namibia, and waiting there for paperwork, Todd flies back after a week and rejoins once paperwork is received. I wait in Namibia until it is processed with the children.
Please pray for us tonight if we come to mind. We need to make our decision tonight, because we must finalize our tickets tomorrow. There is no way we could leave our girls for the potential duration of this process.
Please, would you pray that the Lord would give us clarity as we talk and decide what to do this evening? Pray that we would be grounded on all that is true of God... all that He has taught us, and what His Word says is right.
PS. 2 more things that didn't fit anywhere else.
1. Keano's all time favorite song is "Lead Me." (Sanctus Real) He keeps singing all the time "Lead me with strong hands... stand up when I cant...." (Totally random.. Rather ironic. Don't even think he realizes it's implications....yet.)
2. This trip would mark almost exactly 2 years since the Lord brought us back. It would be Felicity's first time in Africa.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday morning drama
The day just wouldn't be complete without it.
So, Todd got up with the girls this morning and I was sleeping in. Now if I stopped at that sentence, it would be lovely, but no. Ooooooh no!...No loveliness at all.
What I came down the stairs to was anything but peaceful. By all the ruckus you would have thought we were in the middle of a natural disaster. And, if we dropped the word natural, it WAS a disaster. I mean a HUGE disaster. In fact, of all the time we've lived in this house (I know, less than a year, really... but still), we have never had disaster on this grand of scale.
Apparently, on Faiths way out of the bathroom (with no one behind her), her little two year old hands locked our one and only bathroom door. Yes, you read that right; one and only bathroom. It's an old farmhouse. I guess back in the 1800's when this beauty was designed, only one bathroom was essential. Not so much the case now. (Not complaining of course, but still, a set up for disaster.)
I flew down the stairs with lightning speed, convinced that some one was surely dying.
"What's going on?" I asked, my eyes darting back and forth looking for the injured person I was sure I would find.
"Faith locked the bathroom door, and we've all got to go!" said a wild eyed Keano.
Well, gooooood morning, Sunday.
I wish I could give you a moment by moment, but at this point it is still a bit of a blur.
Todd had tried about every reasonable possibility he could to pick the lock. It wasn't working. He was already late for Sunday school for the class he was teaching. The tension was mounting.
I walked around the outside of the house bare foot (my feet are still cold) and tried the windows. Locked. Nothing like trying to break into your own house.... especially when it's to no avail.
Keano, after he announced that he just 'went' in the woods, saw the entire event as an adventure. A mystery to be solved. (It wasn't as cute as it sounds, at the time.)
Gloria, who has a good cold going on, just kept wimpering, "I neeeeeeed a tissue. My nose wont stop running!"
Faith, who is newly potty trained, with the bladder the size of a pea, starts saying "Mommy, I need to go pee pee." I ignored her. What was I to do? If I explained to her that we couldn't right now it would just make a bad thing worse.
My reasoning worked for all of....say, hmmmm..... two minutes. Then came the potty dance. MOMMY. PEE PEE!! Enough said.
Moving along...
Felicity, who has the least worries in the world when it comes to bathrooms, just wanted to be in the mix and under our very busy feet.
So, there we were.. All 6 of us, down a narrow little hall, doing our best to stay in the front and get through a locked door. Recipe for disaster.
We were done for. Done. For.
There's a chain saw in the chicken coup. I would lie if I said we didn't seriously contemplate it. If it wasn't for the fact that we weren't entirely sure how to use it, this stories ending would probably be significantly different.
I put all my effort into the last shred of sanity that I had and called the landlords. Who, conveinently enough, are my parents. I know, this probably should have come well before this moment. We weren't really thinking straight, if you hadn't noticed.
My dad rushed over. His handy dandy collection of tools in tote, ...and in about 2 minutes flat, saved the day.
Yup, just like that. A tug here, a twist there, some magic mechanical sprinkle dust, and it was over.
Six eyes on the toilet, 12 feet rushing in. Privacy on the other side of a now open door.
One day, we'll laugh about this. One day, after we get a door knob that doesn't lock.
So, Todd got up with the girls this morning and I was sleeping in. Now if I stopped at that sentence, it would be lovely, but no. Ooooooh no!...No loveliness at all.
What I came down the stairs to was anything but peaceful. By all the ruckus you would have thought we were in the middle of a natural disaster. And, if we dropped the word natural, it WAS a disaster. I mean a HUGE disaster. In fact, of all the time we've lived in this house (I know, less than a year, really... but still), we have never had disaster on this grand of scale.
Apparently, on Faiths way out of the bathroom (with no one behind her), her little two year old hands locked our one and only bathroom door. Yes, you read that right; one and only bathroom. It's an old farmhouse. I guess back in the 1800's when this beauty was designed, only one bathroom was essential. Not so much the case now. (Not complaining of course, but still, a set up for disaster.)
I flew down the stairs with lightning speed, convinced that some one was surely dying.
"What's going on?" I asked, my eyes darting back and forth looking for the injured person I was sure I would find.
"Faith locked the bathroom door, and we've all got to go!" said a wild eyed Keano.
Well, gooooood morning, Sunday.
I wish I could give you a moment by moment, but at this point it is still a bit of a blur.
Todd had tried about every reasonable possibility he could to pick the lock. It wasn't working. He was already late for Sunday school for the class he was teaching. The tension was mounting.
I walked around the outside of the house bare foot (my feet are still cold) and tried the windows. Locked. Nothing like trying to break into your own house.... especially when it's to no avail.
Keano, after he announced that he just 'went' in the woods, saw the entire event as an adventure. A mystery to be solved. (It wasn't as cute as it sounds, at the time.)
Gloria, who has a good cold going on, just kept wimpering, "I neeeeeeed a tissue. My nose wont stop running!"
Faith, who is newly potty trained, with the bladder the size of a pea, starts saying "Mommy, I need to go pee pee." I ignored her. What was I to do? If I explained to her that we couldn't right now it would just make a bad thing worse.
My reasoning worked for all of....say, hmmmm..... two minutes. Then came the potty dance. MOMMY. PEE PEE!! Enough said.
Moving along...
Felicity, who has the least worries in the world when it comes to bathrooms, just wanted to be in the mix and under our very busy feet.
So, there we were.. All 6 of us, down a narrow little hall, doing our best to stay in the front and get through a locked door. Recipe for disaster.
We were done for. Done. For.
There's a chain saw in the chicken coup. I would lie if I said we didn't seriously contemplate it. If it wasn't for the fact that we weren't entirely sure how to use it, this stories ending would probably be significantly different.
I put all my effort into the last shred of sanity that I had and called the landlords. Who, conveinently enough, are my parents. I know, this probably should have come well before this moment. We weren't really thinking straight, if you hadn't noticed.
My dad rushed over. His handy dandy collection of tools in tote, ...and in about 2 minutes flat, saved the day.
Yup, just like that. A tug here, a twist there, some magic mechanical sprinkle dust, and it was over.
Six eyes on the toilet, 12 feet rushing in. Privacy on the other side of a now open door.
Sweetness
In Namibia checking out Dad's beard. (Keano in the middle)
Little Faith
He loves 'his girls'
In Namibia. Dad on my left. T on my right. One of my favorite photos :)
One day, we'll laugh about this. One day, after we get a door knob that doesn't lock.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Thoughtful Thursday
So, if you haven't already heard we're doing this @Home Biggest Loser Challenge and I think the rubber is meeting the road, folks. My mother-in-law calls these last 10lbs the 'hard lard,' and I think she just may be right. Todd's lost 18lbs and I've lost 12lb. The competition is over at the end of May and I still have ten to lose. T looks great!
A few observations....
Self control at this stage is very difficult. The more I deny myself (by the grace of God) the more I realize how self indulged I had become. Yikes-A-Rama!
I'm trying to season meals with actual seasonings and not sauces. No complaints as of yet, and I actually like how much of the 'food' I can taste.
I have a new found and quite serious love for fresh CILANTRO. I literally put a small bowl of it on the table and throw it on whatever (salty) food item on my plate. Delicious!
Seedless tangerines keep my sweet tooth (teeth?) at bay.
My 'snack' is a graham cracker, border line invisible layer of peanut butter, and 4 (or so) sliced strawberries on top. I look forward to snack time.
I'm ready to give up grocery shopping and hand it over to T. I buy too much. We don't need it. I regret it.
Seeing the scale go from 1X0 to 1X9 made me giddy.
I took our hound dog on a run for the first time. She kicked my butt! It's still sore. I don't think I've run that far and that long since having children.
I love to run outside. Highly dislike the treadmill.
water, water, water, water, water,... and then some more!
Smaller portions and only one serving is very difficult.
I'm so very disciplined with my food in the day, but something happens when the sun goes down. Scary, I know!
Keano and I are having a race to get a six pack. He's already won, but doesn't realize it. ....Shhhhhh
Ok, a bit more 'thoughtful,' but I've been pondering something on bit of a deeper level. Bear with me.
Stay at home mom + 4 kids + homeschooling (at this stage anyway) requires me to be on at a level that I might not be if I didn't have all three said dynamics. Don't get me wrong. I love it and wouldn't change it for anything, but just as it has it's rewards, it also has it's challenges. (For the record, the rewards, far out weigh any challenges :)
My point is that I've been challenged in my heart that if I require a certain level of compliance (that word sounds so yucky. Is it just me? I promise I don't ever use it.) then what of my own self? It seems rather wrong of me to not allow my children to indulge in yet another cookie, or another scoop of ice cream, or more chips and yet when they are out of site, what am I doing?
I do realize we aren't peers and that the standards are different. I'm just simply reflecting on my own standards and wondering if they are a bit too low....and am I teaching and expecting one thing from my children, yet doing the opposite myself.
Either way, it leads me to conclude....
Oh, how I need the grace of God!
A few observations....
Self control at this stage is very difficult. The more I deny myself (by the grace of God) the more I realize how self indulged I had become. Yikes-A-Rama!
I'm trying to season meals with actual seasonings and not sauces. No complaints as of yet, and I actually like how much of the 'food' I can taste.
I have a new found and quite serious love for fresh CILANTRO. I literally put a small bowl of it on the table and throw it on whatever (salty) food item on my plate. Delicious!
Seedless tangerines keep my sweet tooth (teeth?) at bay.
My 'snack' is a graham cracker, border line invisible layer of peanut butter, and 4 (or so) sliced strawberries on top. I look forward to snack time.
I'm ready to give up grocery shopping and hand it over to T. I buy too much. We don't need it. I regret it.
Seeing the scale go from 1X0 to 1X9 made me giddy.
I took our hound dog on a run for the first time. She kicked my butt! It's still sore. I don't think I've run that far and that long since having children.
I love to run outside. Highly dislike the treadmill.
water, water, water, water, water,... and then some more!
Smaller portions and only one serving is very difficult.
I'm so very disciplined with my food in the day, but something happens when the sun goes down. Scary, I know!
Keano and I are having a race to get a six pack. He's already won, but doesn't realize it. ....Shhhhhh
Ok, a bit more 'thoughtful,' but I've been pondering something on bit of a deeper level. Bear with me.
Stay at home mom + 4 kids + homeschooling (at this stage anyway) requires me to be on at a level that I might not be if I didn't have all three said dynamics. Don't get me wrong. I love it and wouldn't change it for anything, but just as it has it's rewards, it also has it's challenges. (For the record, the rewards, far out weigh any challenges :)
My point is that I've been challenged in my heart that if I require a certain level of compliance (that word sounds so yucky. Is it just me? I promise I don't ever use it.) then what of my own self? It seems rather wrong of me to not allow my children to indulge in yet another cookie, or another scoop of ice cream, or more chips and yet when they are out of site, what am I doing?
I do realize we aren't peers and that the standards are different. I'm just simply reflecting on my own standards and wondering if they are a bit too low....and am I teaching and expecting one thing from my children, yet doing the opposite myself.
Either way, it leads me to conclude....
Oh, how I need the grace of God!
(Just love this Father/Daughter pic and thought I'd share it with ya. Nothing much to do with the post ;)
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Keano is ELEVEN!
I just can not get over the fact. Eleven. Eleven?? ...Eleven!
Doesn't that sound rather old, or is it just me?
According to Keano, he is no longer a child, but a young man. This, he determined, is true because at most restaurants he no longer can order off the children's menu.
Alrighty, my young man, you have to be the most cutest, adorable, too-clever-for-your-own-good, young man that I know. Yes, I know that when you read this, the first question you'll ask is 'Mom, how many people read this? This is embarrassing!' To which I'll answer, 'I really don't know, my sweetie. ...but it's too late now, anyway. Whatever three people do read it, have already done so :) ....I know having a mom is ohsotough these days.'
So, I thought that we could do a little remembering with photos, since we do often anyway, and the three other people might enjoy seeing them as well. Sound like fun?
Here we go.....
Here you are in the kindergarten you helped so hard with. ...Right there in the middle, just next to your cousin Martin, giving a 'thumbs up!'
This is one of my favorites. I wish we had more. God has given you a very special gift in that you have two mothers who love you very much and would do anything for you.
Here you are in Oupa's suitcase the first time they came to visit. You wanted to go with them :)
Doesn't that sound rather old, or is it just me?
According to Keano, he is no longer a child, but a young man. This, he determined, is true because at most restaurants he no longer can order off the children's menu.
Alrighty, my young man, you have to be the most cutest, adorable, too-clever-for-your-own-good, young man that I know. Yes, I know that when you read this, the first question you'll ask is 'Mom, how many people read this? This is embarrassing!' To which I'll answer, 'I really don't know, my sweetie. ...but it's too late now, anyway. Whatever three people do read it, have already done so :) ....I know having a mom is ohsotough these days.'
So, I thought that we could do a little remembering with photos, since we do often anyway, and the three other people might enjoy seeing them as well. Sound like fun?
Here we go.....
Here you are with Daddy. This is the first week the Lord brought us together. Look how cute you are! We all remember this week well. You and Daddy have always made a great team.
Here we are having a sleep over with our Namibian family. I miss those!
Just a couple days before Gloria's arrival. You were soooo oooooh excited!
Your birthday. That was a fun present!
Found you and Gloria like this. So sweet.....
Wrestling. We loved going to all your competitions.
Skittle house friends!
Here you are with Daddy at Spur celebrating your 7th birthday. I miss this tradition. Do you remember how they would come out with drums and sing such a funny happy birthday song as they painted your face with chocolate? That was FUN!
First time in America visiting TEXAS family. Here is you and Daddy, Grandpa, and Uncle Troy.
With Grams and Gramps. They love you so very much!
In Swakop. We had lots of fun on those dunes!
At the ocean for the first time.
Were you scared? I don't think so ;)
`
Holding your second little sissy, Faith. She turned out to be quite the handful ;)
With Ouma and Oupa at Hero's Acre
Having fun in our home in Namibia. Love this!
Big brother.
Home School Projects. You're so creative!
Christmas in our PJ's.
Playing Fan Tan, your favorite card game. You're tough to beat!
With Faith-y
With Gloria
With Felicity
With Daddy. You guys are so tough.
You're such an awesome tennis player.
In NYC on the subway with Daddy. This was such a hard trip. Daddy took you to NYC to put you on the plane heading to Africa. We didn't know when we would see you again. God has been so good to us.
You fooled a lot of people with those hats!
And after 8 very long months, the Lord brought you back to us.... You met your sister, Felicity, for the first time. She jumped into your arms.
Your Ouma and Oupa were waiting at the house with your sisters to greet you.
With Gloria and a much bigger (and still feisty) Faith.
So, brave warrior, here we are, almost 6 years from the time the Lord brought us all together and we couldn't be happier. We love you, Keano. We are so glad God has poured His love into our hearts for each other. On your birthday, we not only celebrate with GREAT JOY the day that you were born, but we remember how despite many many obstacles, some still yet to be overcome, God has been and always will be good. He has been good to you. He has been good to us. ...And He always will be because He is FOR us. We must never forget that.
This year, we look forward to traveling back to Namibia to finalize those last details so that what has been done in our hearts will be finalized on paper. And we will rejoice!
We love you. You are precious to us. Happy 11th Birthday!
Mom and Daddy.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
It's been busy.
I am exhausted. I mean, super, duper, over the top, ex.haus.ted!
Is it just me, or has this seemed like the longest winter, EVER? We've seemed to have sickness after sickness over here and I'm just plum worn out, folks. I was able to avoid most all it myself until this past one. And let me just tell you, I was down for the count. In fact, I still don't think I'm quite up-and-at-em yet.
My mom and T tag teamed the family and I'm one thankful Mama, because for all intensive purposes, I was too busy trying to stay alive and fight whatever crud had seemed to invade my entire body, and in fact, is still holding on. Enough is enough, already!
Ahem...... moving on.....
So, Keano turned 11 yesterday. Yes, in the midst of my illness, I did not write a blog post..... yet. (Rest assured, one will be coming).
Gloria is turning 4 on Monday, directly followed by my Dad's birthday on Sunday. It's a busy week.
Felicity is now standing on her own. Still have mixed feelings about her growing so quickly.
Faith can now count to 10 and is quite pleased with herself, though she pretends to be shy. She's a girl. She likes to tease.
But, what I really wanted to write about is prayer. Yes, prayer.
In this house, it's difficult to even pee by yourself, let alone, take time to get away and pray. And I want to pray.
Well, couldn't you be doing that write now, you might ask? No, no I can't. I'm busy sitting at the kitchen table (writing this blog), with Faith on my lap eating her snack, reasoning with Gloria why she can't have yet another one because she has already had too many, keeping an eye on Felicity as she is trying to climb on anything she possibly can that might give me a near heart attack, and listening to Keano tell me all about his future (bounty hunter) career plans, all while trying to dodge orange juice that is flying through the air as he squeezes his orange into the cup in front of him.
And, relatively speaking, this is a pretty low key moment. I'm not kidding.
Don't get me wrong, though we have a pretty lively bunch, they are also very sweet and precious and I wouldn't trade my job for anything. I mean, anything.
That being said, I want to pray.
I want to pray, I want to pray, I want to pray.
I don't have a grand solution, but let this encourage your heart, as it is mine.
As you are living by the moment, or living by the schedule, or somewhere in between, take the moments in the midst of your work and life to pray. If you are able, take the time out, to pray, but don't let your busyness stop you from praying... even in the midst of it.
I can some times fall prey (no pun intended) to thinking that unless I have X amount of time to pray, then it's just not worth it to start. ...But what is that based on? One thing is for sure, I'm certain it's nothing from Faith.
Faith that God pours in causes our hearts to say that despite the chaos of this moment, God is here and He hears. He is the one who puts the prayer in our hearts, so let it pour forth. Don't wait! ....While your doing the dishes, while your changing those diapers, while your playing games on the floor, or cleaning the bathroom, pray.
God is good, my friend, and though there are times we have the luxury of getting away, there are times we don't. Don't let that hold you back from communicating with your Father what He is already communicating to you.
"For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people..." (2 Cor 6)
Is it just me, or has this seemed like the longest winter, EVER? We've seemed to have sickness after sickness over here and I'm just plum worn out, folks. I was able to avoid most all it myself until this past one. And let me just tell you, I was down for the count. In fact, I still don't think I'm quite up-and-at-em yet.
My mom and T tag teamed the family and I'm one thankful Mama, because for all intensive purposes, I was too busy trying to stay alive and fight whatever crud had seemed to invade my entire body, and in fact, is still holding on. Enough is enough, already!
Ahem...... moving on.....
So, Keano turned 11 yesterday. Yes, in the midst of my illness, I did not write a blog post..... yet. (Rest assured, one will be coming).
Gloria is turning 4 on Monday, directly followed by my Dad's birthday on Sunday. It's a busy week.
Felicity is now standing on her own. Still have mixed feelings about her growing so quickly.
Faith can now count to 10 and is quite pleased with herself, though she pretends to be shy. She's a girl. She likes to tease.
But, what I really wanted to write about is prayer. Yes, prayer.
In this house, it's difficult to even pee by yourself, let alone, take time to get away and pray. And I want to pray.
Well, couldn't you be doing that write now, you might ask? No, no I can't. I'm busy sitting at the kitchen table (writing this blog), with Faith on my lap eating her snack, reasoning with Gloria why she can't have yet another one because she has already had too many, keeping an eye on Felicity as she is trying to climb on anything she possibly can that might give me a near heart attack, and listening to Keano tell me all about his future (bounty hunter) career plans, all while trying to dodge orange juice that is flying through the air as he squeezes his orange into the cup in front of him.
And, relatively speaking, this is a pretty low key moment. I'm not kidding.
Don't get me wrong, though we have a pretty lively bunch, they are also very sweet and precious and I wouldn't trade my job for anything. I mean, anything.
That being said, I want to pray.
I want to pray, I want to pray, I want to pray.
I don't have a grand solution, but let this encourage your heart, as it is mine.
As you are living by the moment, or living by the schedule, or somewhere in between, take the moments in the midst of your work and life to pray. If you are able, take the time out, to pray, but don't let your busyness stop you from praying... even in the midst of it.
I can some times fall prey (no pun intended) to thinking that unless I have X amount of time to pray, then it's just not worth it to start. ...But what is that based on? One thing is for sure, I'm certain it's nothing from Faith.
Faith that God pours in causes our hearts to say that despite the chaos of this moment, God is here and He hears. He is the one who puts the prayer in our hearts, so let it pour forth. Don't wait! ....While your doing the dishes, while your changing those diapers, while your playing games on the floor, or cleaning the bathroom, pray.
God is good, my friend, and though there are times we have the luxury of getting away, there are times we don't. Don't let that hold you back from communicating with your Father what He is already communicating to you.
"For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people..." (2 Cor 6)
Friday, February 25, 2011
Mom
I'm sick as a dog. Where does that phrase come from, anyway? Hopefully it has nothing to do with the fact that they return to their own vomit, because if that is the case, then I'm just plain sick.
I can hear my little (and not so little) ones downstairs playing and know they are in 100% excellent care, because their dear and precious, Ouma is watching them. She is getting over what I am getting started with and not at her best herself. ....but here she is helping us. Thanks, Mom. You are a life saver. No, seriously. I think I would have had to call 911 by now if you didn't come to my rescue yesterday AND today. I love you.
Monday, February 21, 2011
In other news.....
Keano told me today that he wanted to be "A Bachlor 'til the Rapture." My dear son, I might be very tempted to remind you of that in a few years time ;)
When I asked Gloria recently what she was 'drawing' on her etch a sketch, she responded (very dramatically) with 'THE GlOOOOORY of GOOOOOOD.' ...And the oddest part of all is that I wasn't even aware that she knew this phrase. Sweet.
My Fiery Faith, has become a bit less fiery and more predictable. Her favorite phrases as of late, are "Miss you." (She says this at random even when we haven't been apart for days. precious.) "Play Mommy's long hair." (LOVE this!) and, 'PEEE PEEEE!' And though this might be a bit TMI, when she has to do more than pee pee, she quickly says "Mommy, close the door! I need my privacy!" (Really? At two? Well, ooooo kkkkkk, little lovie. You take it!)
None my babies have been the 'cuddly type,' but more the, how-quickly-can-I-get-to-the-ground-and-GO type(!), but our Felicity, is another story. She has just charmed me to the core. She LOVES her cuddles. She cuddles right into you! Lays her head on our chest and just cooo's away. Priceless. Can she stay this age forever, please?
I have experimenting with tofu recipes. Just made this: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Fruity-Tofu-Parfait-with-Granola/Detail.aspx and I don't think it will last very long in this house.
When I asked Gloria recently what she was 'drawing' on her etch a sketch, she responded (very dramatically) with 'THE GlOOOOORY of GOOOOOOD.' ...And the oddest part of all is that I wasn't even aware that she knew this phrase. Sweet.
My Fiery Faith, has become a bit less fiery and more predictable. Her favorite phrases as of late, are "Miss you." (She says this at random even when we haven't been apart for days. precious.) "Play Mommy's long hair." (LOVE this!) and, 'PEEE PEEEE!' And though this might be a bit TMI, when she has to do more than pee pee, she quickly says "Mommy, close the door! I need my privacy!" (Really? At two? Well, ooooo kkkkkk, little lovie. You take it!)
None my babies have been the 'cuddly type,' but more the, how-quickly-can-I-get-to-the-ground-and-GO type(!), but our Felicity, is another story. She has just charmed me to the core. She LOVES her cuddles. She cuddles right into you! Lays her head on our chest and just cooo's away. Priceless. Can she stay this age forever, please?
I have experimenting with tofu recipes. Just made this: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Fruity-Tofu-Parfait-with-Granola/Detail.aspx and I don't think it will last very long in this house.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Jack Pot!
We try to do the majority of our grocery shopping (once a month) together, as a family. We make it a fun little outing and the tribe actually looks forward to it. Faith drives in one of those Kroger cars, Gloria gets her own (little) big girl cart, Felicity smiles at everyone she meets, and Keano conquers his *part* of the list. T and I split up, dividing the girls amongst us, and barrel through. It's more fun than it sounds really. ....Or, maybe we're just delusional.
Anyway, today, while standing and staring at all my garlic choices, I couldn't decide weather or not to just 'grin and bear it' and buy the expensive(!) organic, or not. We love garlic and use it A LOT! (It must be a Namibian thing?) After much agony and deliberation, I decided to go with the plain, old, non-organic, in-a-big-metal-jar, minced, garlic.
But, was I in for a treat, or what!
This afternoon, T and I had a date on the farm. We've lived here since May and have yet to walk the property. We scoped out my folks new house (move in date beg of July), hiked in the woods, walked along the creek, checked out the spring, and crossed the field on our way back to the house. ....And that is when it happened. We hit the jack pot, folks!
The previous owners had the land organically certified and farmed all sorts of things. While we were walking across the field, T looked down and said 'Is that garlic?' There, in all its organic beauty, was not just one head of garlic, but more than we could count! Needless to say, I am quite pleased that I did not buy that expensive, organic, garlic that was just so enticing from our beloved Kroger.
I am even more happy to say that since our discovery, we've also discovered when garlic is ready to be ripe and our lovely field is promising quite a harvest.
I just happened to have a roast in the crock pot and after my brief, yet exhillerating, garlic harvest, I promptly through a very large amount in. ....which proved quite tasty. If garlic truly builds the immune system, then we are as strong as rocks over here.
Truth be told, I confess, that I love the fact that I get a whiff of garlic every time I scoop up my lovies for a snuggle. It makes me smile.
Though I can't quite say I feel the same about my garlic wrenched hands. Odd, I know. :)
Anyway, today, while standing and staring at all my garlic choices, I couldn't decide weather or not to just 'grin and bear it' and buy the expensive(!) organic, or not. We love garlic and use it A LOT! (It must be a Namibian thing?) After much agony and deliberation, I decided to go with the plain, old, non-organic, in-a-big-metal-jar, minced, garlic.
But, was I in for a treat, or what!
This afternoon, T and I had a date on the farm. We've lived here since May and have yet to walk the property. We scoped out my folks new house (move in date beg of July), hiked in the woods, walked along the creek, checked out the spring, and crossed the field on our way back to the house. ....And that is when it happened. We hit the jack pot, folks!
The previous owners had the land organically certified and farmed all sorts of things. While we were walking across the field, T looked down and said 'Is that garlic?' There, in all its organic beauty, was not just one head of garlic, but more than we could count! Needless to say, I am quite pleased that I did not buy that expensive, organic, garlic that was just so enticing from our beloved Kroger.
I am even more happy to say that since our discovery, we've also discovered when garlic is ready to be ripe and our lovely field is promising quite a harvest.
I just happened to have a roast in the crock pot and after my brief, yet exhillerating, garlic harvest, I promptly through a very large amount in. ....which proved quite tasty. If garlic truly builds the immune system, then we are as strong as rocks over here.
Truth be told, I confess, that I love the fact that I get a whiff of garlic every time I scoop up my lovies for a snuggle. It makes me smile.
Though I can't quite say I feel the same about my garlic wrenched hands. Odd, I know. :)
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Love, your Daddy.
Dear my little Faith Makiera,
You are two years old Today. I am a little skeptical though. Because you came out a few to maybe even ten days from your due date early, I kind of feel like you're not really two yet. Anyway, this is the birthday God gave you, and I am so happy you are here.
You are precious and sweet. Some of your favorite phrases are "Hold me" "Hug kiss" and "Miss you". You like to say the words "pink" "tractor" "animal" "bookuh" and "cakeyou" (thank you). You have many of your own meanings for words.
You ask for prayer and songs every night. Our favorite songs are "Jesus loves me" "Amazing Grace" "I surrender all" and the ABC's.
Mommy does a wonderful job with your little outfits and hair. You don't at all mind wearing second-hand clothes at this age and I hope that never stops.
Though you are the middle girl, and one of the middle children, you do quite well with it. Your presence is almost always known and you don't have much trouble making sure your needs are known. We like to call you fiery.
Our deepest hope for you is that you will be passionate and fiery for God's Word. We named you after His Word (Makiera) and its most important effect on a human heart. We wanted to glorify Jesus in naming you and raising you and have great hope that this will be done in your life as well.
I hope you know that you are always free to be who God made you to be with us. And we will love whoever God made you to be. If His love is in us, that won't change.
I hope the conversation that began when you said your first word--"dada" never ends.
Happy Birthday Faith and I love you and your mommy loves you so much,
Daddy
You are two years old Today. I am a little skeptical though. Because you came out a few to maybe even ten days from your due date early, I kind of feel like you're not really two yet. Anyway, this is the birthday God gave you, and I am so happy you are here.
You are precious and sweet. Some of your favorite phrases are "Hold me" "Hug kiss" and "Miss you". You like to say the words "pink" "tractor" "animal" "bookuh" and "cakeyou" (thank you). You have many of your own meanings for words.
You ask for prayer and songs every night. Our favorite songs are "Jesus loves me" "Amazing Grace" "I surrender all" and the ABC's.
Mommy does a wonderful job with your little outfits and hair. You don't at all mind wearing second-hand clothes at this age and I hope that never stops.
Though you are the middle girl, and one of the middle children, you do quite well with it. Your presence is almost always known and you don't have much trouble making sure your needs are known. We like to call you fiery.
Our deepest hope for you is that you will be passionate and fiery for God's Word. We named you after His Word (Makiera) and its most important effect on a human heart. We wanted to glorify Jesus in naming you and raising you and have great hope that this will be done in your life as well.
I hope you know that you are always free to be who God made you to be with us. And we will love whoever God made you to be. If His love is in us, that won't change.
I hope the conversation that began when you said your first word--"dada" never ends.
Happy Birthday Faith and I love you and your mommy loves you so much,
Daddy
Happy Birthday, Faith!
My dearest Faith Makiera,
Today you turned two! You are precious, adorably cute, cantankerous, extremely willful, playful, rather stubborn, beautiful, artistic, very perceptive, and super girly all wrapped up in one little two year old body. This afternoon your daddy and I, and your older brother Keano, your older sister Gloria, and your younger sister Felicity celebrated you. As you opened your presents (most from your grandma and grandpa TX who also love you dearly) you exclaimed with great passion "WOW!" and then asked for another.
Your vocabulary in the past week has abounded to words and phrases we didn't even know you knew. You continue to walk around the house, pointing at different things, and exclaiming "God made it!" You love to sing and I love it when you mix your songs up all into one. Lately, your favorite lines seems to be "I surrender all.... The bible tells me so....God is so big." It makes my heart melt every time.
Unlike your older sister Gloria, who likes mostly toy animals, you love your babies. You rock them, feed them, put them to bed, and even put them in time out when they are naughty. As of yesterday, you were taking one to the potty (something you and I are working on soon ;)
One day Faith, you will be all grown up. I'll blink, and you'll be writing down these memories of your own babies. (Lord willing, of course). Though you are learning much every day, I hope and pray that one day you will go back and read these words I am writing to you now. Your Daddy and I love you very much, Faith Makiera. It isn't a love that is based on how well you do or don't do. Our love for you is an endless fountain because it doesn't come from us, but straight from the Father's heart to you. It will never run dry.
My prayer for you my sweet and darling, Faith, is that one day soon God would give to you the Faith you are named after (if He hasn't already). Not a Faith that you muster up, coming from yourself, but a Faith that is given to you and sustained by Christ alone, and for Christ alone. A Faith that is grounded from and in God, Himself. For He is beautiful.
I love you, Faith and I am so glad the Lord has allowed you to be my daughter.
With endless love,
Mommy
Today you turned two! You are precious, adorably cute, cantankerous, extremely willful, playful, rather stubborn, beautiful, artistic, very perceptive, and super girly all wrapped up in one little two year old body. This afternoon your daddy and I, and your older brother Keano, your older sister Gloria, and your younger sister Felicity celebrated you. As you opened your presents (most from your grandma and grandpa TX who also love you dearly) you exclaimed with great passion "WOW!" and then asked for another.
Your vocabulary in the past week has abounded to words and phrases we didn't even know you knew. You continue to walk around the house, pointing at different things, and exclaiming "God made it!" You love to sing and I love it when you mix your songs up all into one. Lately, your favorite lines seems to be "I surrender all.... The bible tells me so....God is so big." It makes my heart melt every time.
Unlike your older sister Gloria, who likes mostly toy animals, you love your babies. You rock them, feed them, put them to bed, and even put them in time out when they are naughty. As of yesterday, you were taking one to the potty (something you and I are working on soon ;)
One day Faith, you will be all grown up. I'll blink, and you'll be writing down these memories of your own babies. (Lord willing, of course). Though you are learning much every day, I hope and pray that one day you will go back and read these words I am writing to you now. Your Daddy and I love you very much, Faith Makiera. It isn't a love that is based on how well you do or don't do. Our love for you is an endless fountain because it doesn't come from us, but straight from the Father's heart to you. It will never run dry.
My prayer for you my sweet and darling, Faith, is that one day soon God would give to you the Faith you are named after (if He hasn't already). Not a Faith that you muster up, coming from yourself, but a Faith that is given to you and sustained by Christ alone, and for Christ alone. A Faith that is grounded from and in God, Himself. For He is beautiful.
I love you, Faith and I am so glad the Lord has allowed you to be my daughter.
With endless love,
Mommy
Saturday, January 22, 2011
He gives and takes away.
2 years ago, tomorrow, God gave us our second little girl, who we named, Faith Makiera. We love her dearly, but this post is not about her. That will be tomorrows. :)
Gloria and Faith were both born in Namibia. We were able to get ultrasounds at every check up. It was nice. The doctors have the machines and it is rather routine to do them at pretty much every visit.
I'll never forget the day. It was a routine check up. I had been feeling so very tired lately and just thought that it was that 'early 1st trimester weariness.' I hadn't remembered being this tired with Gloria, but then again I wasn't looking after a 1 year old as well.
Dr. Burmiester. We really like him. At first, not so much... but he kinda grows on ya. Quiet. Dry (and very funny) humor. Afrikaaner.
I was seven weeks along. He was doing the ultrasound and was very quite. I remember getting a bit concerned. Then he said, 'Well, it looks like twins.'
WHAT?!?! Complete shock. Twins run NO WHERE in either side of our families. ..and I mean, nowhere.
They were in the same sac. It means they were the same gender and identical. We listened to both heart beats. We have the picture. We told everyone we knew. I don't regret it.
3 weeks later, we went back. One was gone.
It was so early that many, though sad for us, didn't see it as 'that big of a deal.' These things happen all the time. In fact, though at first, it was hard to swallow, I think we convinced ourselves that it wasn't as big of a deal.
My dear friend Lise, in Namibia, called me up and insisted that she was coming to visit. I was irritated. I was fine. I didn't need to process, and to be honest, if I remember right, I had a lot going on that day.
I'm so glad she came.
Lise and her husband have had much suffering and learned much of God's grace in the midst of it. I needed to hear these things. I needed to hear about life. I needed to hear about loss. I needed to hear and see the testimony of the Christian who has been through and in suffering. I needed to hear about how the Christian embraces hard things as coming from the Lord. We don't run from it. We don't pretend it isn't happening. We experience God's grace in it.
So, on this day, I also remember.
I remember that God gives and that He takes away. I remember that He is good, and my heart rests with full and unwavering peace right there. Blessed be His name....
Gloria and Faith were both born in Namibia. We were able to get ultrasounds at every check up. It was nice. The doctors have the machines and it is rather routine to do them at pretty much every visit.
I'll never forget the day. It was a routine check up. I had been feeling so very tired lately and just thought that it was that 'early 1st trimester weariness.' I hadn't remembered being this tired with Gloria, but then again I wasn't looking after a 1 year old as well.
Dr. Burmiester. We really like him. At first, not so much... but he kinda grows on ya. Quiet. Dry (and very funny) humor. Afrikaaner.
I was seven weeks along. He was doing the ultrasound and was very quite. I remember getting a bit concerned. Then he said, 'Well, it looks like twins.'
WHAT?!?! Complete shock. Twins run NO WHERE in either side of our families. ..and I mean, nowhere.
They were in the same sac. It means they were the same gender and identical. We listened to both heart beats. We have the picture. We told everyone we knew. I don't regret it.
3 weeks later, we went back. One was gone.
It was so early that many, though sad for us, didn't see it as 'that big of a deal.' These things happen all the time. In fact, though at first, it was hard to swallow, I think we convinced ourselves that it wasn't as big of a deal.
My dear friend Lise, in Namibia, called me up and insisted that she was coming to visit. I was irritated. I was fine. I didn't need to process, and to be honest, if I remember right, I had a lot going on that day.
I'm so glad she came.
Lise and her husband have had much suffering and learned much of God's grace in the midst of it. I needed to hear these things. I needed to hear about life. I needed to hear about loss. I needed to hear and see the testimony of the Christian who has been through and in suffering. I needed to hear about how the Christian embraces hard things as coming from the Lord. We don't run from it. We don't pretend it isn't happening. We experience God's grace in it.
So, on this day, I also remember.
I remember that God gives and that He takes away. I remember that He is good, and my heart rests with full and unwavering peace right there. Blessed be His name....
Sunday, January 16, 2011
An Outlet
You might want to skip this one.
All my little ones (and not so little ;) are in bed, and I am needing an outlet to process. I generally process well when I write, so that is what this is. I don't yet know the conclusion. Truth be told, I'm not even quite sure of what my problem is.
I'm not afraid to end on a down note. I know God often takes us 'down' to teach us many beautiful things. He is indeed, beautiful. I'm not afraid to end on a high note, either. Where can we run from His presence? As if we wanted too.
Feelings are funny things. If I had to say how I felt, I would describe it by saying I kinda, sorta, feel like I'm stuck in the airport and not sure if I'm coming, or going.
Square Peg. Round Hole. Unsettled. Yes, but No. Missing. Wondering. Remembering. Hoping. Questions.
I'm a bit in that place.
Actively flinging myself to Christ. Gospelizing myself. Learning. Learning. Learning some more.
I'm landing there.
There was never a time in my life that I didn't want to be a missionary. That I didn't have a knowing that it was what I wanted and desired to do. Always, I knew.
We were.
Those who are meeting us now, for the first time, it's an interesting detail. A story to be told. For us, it was our life.
Desire is still there. We want full time ministry. Not because we are not called to be 'in the world,' but because it is the pounding, beating, passionate, cry of our hearts to reach and teach those who need the Gospel. Those who want the Gospel.
Exhale.
What now? Here is my struggle. Right here.
Here is where I'm busy trusting and hoping and praying and knowing that Jesus upholds the universe. The entire universe by simply the word of his power. Surely, He upholds our hearts. Surely He is upholding our hearts.
There are moments, more than I would care to admit, that I fear. I fear that we will never be on the mission field again. I fear that Todd will never pastor a church. I fear that how life is now is how it will always be.
Fear is paralyzing. Crippling. Agonizing.
But Oh for the perfect love of Christ that drives out paralyzing, crippling and agonizing fear! The Perfect Love that created desire. The Perfect Love that gives desire. The Perfect Love that satisfies desire.
The. Perfect. Love.
God-given desires are not treasure maps. God doesn't put them in our hearts and then wait to see if we can figure out which road to go down, which path to follow, so that we might satisfy them. So that we might arrive. This is not the Christian's God.
Our God gives desires. He gives desires that are His desires. He gives desires that He might satisfy them. He gives desires according to His plan. And He is faithful to His plan. Faithfully, Faithful.
"What then shall we say to these things. If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Rom 8:31)
Better. Much Better.
All my little ones (and not so little ;) are in bed, and I am needing an outlet to process. I generally process well when I write, so that is what this is. I don't yet know the conclusion. Truth be told, I'm not even quite sure of what my problem is.
I'm not afraid to end on a down note. I know God often takes us 'down' to teach us many beautiful things. He is indeed, beautiful. I'm not afraid to end on a high note, either. Where can we run from His presence? As if we wanted too.
Feelings are funny things. If I had to say how I felt, I would describe it by saying I kinda, sorta, feel like I'm stuck in the airport and not sure if I'm coming, or going.
Square Peg. Round Hole. Unsettled. Yes, but No. Missing. Wondering. Remembering. Hoping. Questions.
I'm a bit in that place.
Actively flinging myself to Christ. Gospelizing myself. Learning. Learning. Learning some more.
I'm landing there.
There was never a time in my life that I didn't want to be a missionary. That I didn't have a knowing that it was what I wanted and desired to do. Always, I knew.
We were.
Those who are meeting us now, for the first time, it's an interesting detail. A story to be told. For us, it was our life.
Desire is still there. We want full time ministry. Not because we are not called to be 'in the world,' but because it is the pounding, beating, passionate, cry of our hearts to reach and teach those who need the Gospel. Those who want the Gospel.
Exhale.
What now? Here is my struggle. Right here.
Here is where I'm busy trusting and hoping and praying and knowing that Jesus upholds the universe. The entire universe by simply the word of his power. Surely, He upholds our hearts. Surely He is upholding our hearts.
There are moments, more than I would care to admit, that I fear. I fear that we will never be on the mission field again. I fear that Todd will never pastor a church. I fear that how life is now is how it will always be.
Fear is paralyzing. Crippling. Agonizing.
But Oh for the perfect love of Christ that drives out paralyzing, crippling and agonizing fear! The Perfect Love that created desire. The Perfect Love that gives desire. The Perfect Love that satisfies desire.
The. Perfect. Love.
God-given desires are not treasure maps. God doesn't put them in our hearts and then wait to see if we can figure out which road to go down, which path to follow, so that we might satisfy them. So that we might arrive. This is not the Christian's God.
Our God gives desires. He gives desires that are His desires. He gives desires that He might satisfy them. He gives desires according to His plan. And He is faithful to His plan. Faithfully, Faithful.
"What then shall we say to these things. If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Rom 8:31)
Better. Much Better.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Complete Work of Christ.
How redemptive is the redemptive work of Christ? How do you measure it? Is it complete? Is it in part? What are its implications? Is it part God, part us? Which part, exactly? How does it play out when we sin? Dose it change it? When we sin, is it because we didn't do our part? (Whatever part that is.)
Today.
Today I went to an event where there was a Christian who had made a big mistake. The guilt and the shame were evident. People had mixed feelings. Most people didn't know how to feel.
All I could think was, 'That it could have been me.' It could have been any of us in that room. And my heart was full of compassion.
Guilt and Shame.
Just the words themselves have a certain weight to them, don't they? Like iron in the pit of your stomach. Like a heavy, wet, suffocating, blanket that you can't get out from under.
I remember. I remember when....
My sin was who I thought I was.
I didn't know how I got to that point and, I thought I'd never be whole again.
I wept. I screamed. I wanted to 'wake up' and RUN.
And then.
And then, the Gospel came.
In this moment. In this moment RIGHT now, I want to stand on the highest mountain and in the lowest valley, with every part of my being, and with the loudest voice I have, proclaim for all to hear....
"CHRIST'S. WORK. OF REDEMPTION. IS COMPLETE! IT'S COMPLETE, IT'S COMPLETE, IT IS COMPLETE!"
Nothing can be added to it. Nothing can be taken away.
Your sin is NOT who. you. are.
Every one of us. Every single Christian has done thing they wish they never would have done. never.
But, they do not define us.
If God looked at us through our sin, even on our BEST day, who of us could stand? Tell me. Who?
If you do not understand the work of redemption, then when you sin, the guilt and the shame can make you feel like you are living in a vegetative state and you just want someone to pull the plug.
But when you grasp, when you REALLY grasp, the complete and finished work of Christ, you RUN. Not inward.... Not outward.... But TO. ...And life is abundant.
"Oh praise the One who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead.... Jesus."
You don't wear a scarlet letter. You are clothed in the very righteousness of Christ.
"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Cor 5:21)
Today.
Today I went to an event where there was a Christian who had made a big mistake. The guilt and the shame were evident. People had mixed feelings. Most people didn't know how to feel.
All I could think was, 'That it could have been me.' It could have been any of us in that room. And my heart was full of compassion.
Guilt and Shame.
Just the words themselves have a certain weight to them, don't they? Like iron in the pit of your stomach. Like a heavy, wet, suffocating, blanket that you can't get out from under.
I remember. I remember when....
My sin was who I thought I was.
I didn't know how I got to that point and, I thought I'd never be whole again.
I wept. I screamed. I wanted to 'wake up' and RUN.
And then.
And then, the Gospel came.
In this moment. In this moment RIGHT now, I want to stand on the highest mountain and in the lowest valley, with every part of my being, and with the loudest voice I have, proclaim for all to hear....
"CHRIST'S. WORK. OF REDEMPTION. IS COMPLETE! IT'S COMPLETE, IT'S COMPLETE, IT IS COMPLETE!"
Nothing can be added to it. Nothing can be taken away.
Your sin is NOT who. you. are.
Every one of us. Every single Christian has done thing they wish they never would have done. never.
But, they do not define us.
If God looked at us through our sin, even on our BEST day, who of us could stand? Tell me. Who?
If you do not understand the work of redemption, then when you sin, the guilt and the shame can make you feel like you are living in a vegetative state and you just want someone to pull the plug.
But when you grasp, when you REALLY grasp, the complete and finished work of Christ, you RUN. Not inward.... Not outward.... But TO. ...And life is abundant.
"Oh praise the One who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead.... Jesus."
You don't wear a scarlet letter. You are clothed in the very righteousness of Christ.
"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Cor 5:21)
Friday, January 14, 2011
Ready (not so sure), Set (wait just a moment!), Go (Hey now!)
Oh where, oh where, did my newborn go? Miss Felicity is on the move, and this Mommy doesn't quite know how she feels about that.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
This and That.
Seriously, I'm beginning to think I should have titled this blog something along the lines of Random Ramblings, because that's all I can seem to post.
If you haven't seen us in a while, rest assured all is well. Well, I guess 'well' is rather subjective. :)
Honestly, I feel like we just can't get ahead. Everyone has been sick with some sort of yuckiness at various times and it's kept us house bound for just about as long as this Mommy can handle.
So, I completely rearranged our living room furniture.
I don't know if it's because I've been cooped up for so many days in a row with four (precious) children, and just needed to feel like I was somewhere new, or the room really needed a revamp. Either way, I love it.
It's amazing how good some rearranging of the furniture works for the soul. New views, new angles, new places to curl up with a good book and coffee.
I think the kids feel the same way. New hide-and-seek places, new ways to build tents and castles, new spaces to dance.
It works for us. :)
I relaxed Keano's hair the other day and he is learning to style it on his own. Some days it looks really sharp and makes me look twice. Other days? ...Well, we've all been there.
Gloria and Faith now both have these adooooooorable little 1920's flapper hair cuts and I'm convinced they look like they need to be speaking in British accents.
I started Keano's Battle Training. It's awesome. He loves it. I'm grateful. I want to brag.... but wont ;)
If you haven't seen us in a while, rest assured all is well. Well, I guess 'well' is rather subjective. :)
Honestly, I feel like we just can't get ahead. Everyone has been sick with some sort of yuckiness at various times and it's kept us house bound for just about as long as this Mommy can handle.
So, I completely rearranged our living room furniture.
I don't know if it's because I've been cooped up for so many days in a row with four (precious) children, and just needed to feel like I was somewhere new, or the room really needed a revamp. Either way, I love it.
It's amazing how good some rearranging of the furniture works for the soul. New views, new angles, new places to curl up with a good book and coffee.
I think the kids feel the same way. New hide-and-seek places, new ways to build tents and castles, new spaces to dance.
It works for us. :)
I relaxed Keano's hair the other day and he is learning to style it on his own. Some days it looks really sharp and makes me look twice. Other days? ...Well, we've all been there.
Gloria and Faith now both have these adooooooorable little 1920's flapper hair cuts and I'm convinced they look like they need to be speaking in British accents.
I started Keano's Battle Training. It's awesome. He loves it. I'm grateful. I want to brag.... but wont ;)
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