MERRY CHRISTMAS 2015

As always, it was a blessed Christmas season this year full of sacred reflection upon the birth of Christ and ALL that we have to be thankful for! Of all the traditions we savor this time of year, one of my personal Mommy-favorites is Christmas Eve when we open one special gift...jammies. Even Mom and Dad get to be matching (something we prize here in our home). I love how this knits our hearts together and helps us feel unified, alike in our many differences. It's a cozy tradition I know we'll all cherish for a lifetime and beyond.

(the gentlemen)

(the ladies)

How very joyful it's been to celebrate all the goodness of reflection and nostalgia.

It has indeed been a very Merry Christmas!!

"The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with JOY!"
Psalm 126:3

O CHRISTMAS TREE

It's one of our favorite Christmas traditions...the tree.

 

 

This year we were asked if we were a field trip group. Ha.

 

 

Nope...just us.

 

 

Every year, the guys have their jobs...car, trim, stand.

(some of my favorite memories...watching him watch his dad)

(watching the little boys learn from their big brother)

  

When we get home, the girls set out the ornaments by category (breakable/non-breakable)

and cookies. Then we go over the rules, put on Johnny Mathis, and decorate.

 

(perfecting the art of adding the star)

 

Willow loves the lights...and I love that she can't crawl yet.

(I love waking up to the lights...and Elka leading "O Christmas Tree".)

 

It's one of the sweetest blessings of the season for me...early morning prayer by the lit tree.

 

(just me and usually this little gift)

 

With our move up in the air we didn't know where we would be this Christmas, but it's nice to be here, celebrating with some of our favorite traditions. Who knows where we will be next year or what new traditions we'll add...but for now this is home.

 

"'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and they shall call his name Immanuel' (which means, God with us)."
Matthew 1:23

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AIDA!

My baby is 15.

 

 

15?! Admittedly, she seems much older...and wiser than what I remember of 15.

 

Then again, the dose of intentionality over here to shepherd this young woman and all of the little souls that swirl around us is

quite the shift from what I was focusing on at their ages. Indeed, God's Word works wonders as we sow for harvest with Him.

 

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Galatians 6:9

 

Aida, my heart swells when I think of who you are and who you're becoming. Truly, you're one of the most amazing people I've ever known, one of the best friends I've ever had. Your heart just gets it in a precious and rare way. You're so stable and strong, yet always meek and humble. Your faith is contagiously unwavering. Your sense of commitment and responsibility are trustworthy. You bless our family in plentiful ways. With a joyful heart, you serve and love far beyond your years. I have full confidence you will be an excellent wife and mother one day. I'm so proud of the daughter you are now. It's actually quite astounding to see the fruitful growth in your life...in these teen years that too often are squandered. I'm so very blessed to call you friend as I consider, Where has the time gone?

 

Lord, thank you for my Aida, the one who brings her mommy and daddy to tears (literally) as we reflect upon who she is, who you've been molding her to be. Thank you for this Aida, this girl so full of wisdom and the fingerprints of...YOU. Lord, thank you for dear Aida, the one who walks faithfully beside me, a loyal, true friend. How could I have known all those years ago when I held my first babe? How could I envision your masterpiece when her toddler-self bucked my corrections? How could I possibly sufficiently thank you for bringing such beauty into our lives through this person who blesses me every single day just by being who she is? There's no way to thank you enough for my Aida, other than to commit her life to you. Jesus, here is Aida, a girl of just 15...so much life ahead and yet so much she's already lived. Lord, please guide her and keep her near. Please lead her all her days in ways that sing of testimony for you.

Please incline her heart to grasp how very much she is cherished, admired, appreciated, and loved today and every day.

 

Thank you, God, for Aida!!

 

 

Happy 15th Birthday, precious Aida! We love you more than you can know!

 

"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you."

Philippians 1:3

NO ROOM

 

"And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths,

and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
Luke 2:7

 

NO ROOM...But where would they go? She was with child. Her time had come. They were displaced a long trek away from their home. Surely, this was an anxious moment. Surely though, Mary and Joseph trusted God. They knew He had led them all the way to this time and place where they'd be met with NO ROOM. They knew He was God and this was His story.

 

"The NO ROOM sign is seen through a new lens when the world refuses us this space as well."

 

A quote from a friend this past week as the NO ROOM sign flashes blaringly after a long trek to where the Lord has led us. Her words seep in knowingly as He's led us all the way to this time and place, an anxious moment indeed...But He is God and this is His story.

 

NO ROOM

 

It starts my mind thinking. The Savior of the world came lowly. He was born not in a palace where kings usually dwell, but in humility He came. The irony is pure beauty and all the more when He lets us in on just how it feels. Oh, to know more of Him! My heart longs for it, followed by a quick quip from my flesh, Be careful what you wish for. 'Cause this knowing God stuff can be painfully precious and He knows. He is, after all, the Great Author, Creator, Wonderful God who writes brilliant, surprising stories! We trust Him.

 

"And those who know your name put their trust in you,

for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you."

Psalm 9:10

 

NO ROOM...the notion applies well beyond house and home and hearths to hearts.

How can we ever truly be home here anyway? If we long for heaven as we should, the reality is we can't.

 

^"These all died in faith...having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 

If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out,

they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country,

that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God,

for he has prepared for them a city."

Hebrews 11:13-16

 

The Lord of Lords knew the same, and challenged those who'd follow Him into the unknown.

 

"And Jesus said to him, 'Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests,

but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.'"
Luke 9:58

 

Yes, this world is not our home and the hostility here reminds us of the mansion-full of many rooms a far trek from the manger.

Humble low to glory high, the King is on His throne! And there's always room and then some more awaiting those who love Him.

 

"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms.

If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."

John 14:1-3, 18

 

Faith in Jesus equates to peace in stormy lessons that He brings while He molds us Potter/clay (a gift, no doubt, this Christmas season). So, come what may. As the NO ROOM sign burns bright in the bitter cold of winter, our hearts choose comfort warmth in the arms of the God who pens our songs to sing His faithfulness. Tapestry-type harmony, confused on one side, spectacular on the other...those are His-type stories. How kind of Him to let us in and show us how His heart beats strong. And gratitude makes most sense as the nativity scene shines brighter than the one atop the inn- LIGHT and LOVE so dazzling, the right response is worship. Let us sing...

 

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

Revelation 5:13

THIS LITTLE SUNSHINE...

 

...sure has a way of making me happy when skies are grey.

 

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24

 

 

What a big girl standing up...Willow, you're always bright!

 

"Whatever is lovely...think about such things."

Philippians 4:8

WE WILL SING

We've been talking about the Grinch...

 

 

...the well-known Christmas villain who wanted nothing more than to steal joy.

He's a thief and a liar, a self-made enemy of the Whoville Whos.

He's heartless and cruel, even to his accomplice dog, Max.

 

In Dr.Seuss's classic holiday tale, this Grinch, full of hate, plots to ruin Christmas and the cheer he despises in the merry Whos. He goes to great lengths in attempt to make them as miserable as he, annoyed by their constant hopeful spirits. Concocting an evil plan, the Grinch robs the Whos of their Chrismassy things. He takes food, decorations, and gifts from their trees. He even steals the log for their fire as he tries to spoil Christmas. Then, he cowardly slithers around and away brimming with loot from the Whos.

 

But...

 

While festering in his demented glee awaiting sounds of Whoville sorrow upon waking Christmas morning,

he finds himself met instead by a shocking, confounding surprise. 

 

 

Not only were the Whos NOT wallowing, not only were they joyful amid the mess their enemy had made, not only were they cheerful, united, and undaunted...but they were actually singing! The Whos who'd been cheated were rejoicing and singing because the Grinch, though he tried, could not steal their Christmas. He couldn't. The Grinch, though he aimed, would not rob their joy. He wouldn't.

 

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.

I [Jesus] came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

John 10:10

 

And so it goes in real-life time...the enemy slips around slick.

He stirs up strife and fights for hearts hoping we'll waffle in his wake.

 

"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

1 Peter 5:8

 

But he's a defeated foe, the non-fiction enemy of our souls.

 

"Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen."

1 Peter 5:9-11

 

Jesus is victorious!

 

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

1 Corinthians 15:57

 

So in triumph and for all eternity those who love the Lord sing the Victor songs of praise.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Hallelujah, our God reigns! At Christmas time all the more!

 

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Luke 2:14

 

For unto us was born that day in the city of David, a Savior, Christ the Lord. He came lowly, humble in a manger as was prophesied. He came meek, riding on a donkey to bewilder and save the world as was predicted would be so. He changes hearts and breathes life into weary souls by grace through faith in the transforming power of the Gospel. This is why we commemorate Christmas!

 

"In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

1 John 4:9-10

 

This is Good News! This is a reason to celebrate! Jesus is what Christmas is about! And no scheme from darkness can blot out His light. No temporal circumstantial hiccup can change what He's accomplished for all eternity future for those who place their hope and trust in Him. The knowing this brings unscathable JOY this holiday season amid spiritual wars that rage as the ultimate Christmas villain pitifully swings low blows, as he stirs the Advent pot trying to stop Something from coming that has in fact, already come.

 

So with merry Whoville-type moxy this Christmas...determined, we will sing:

 

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and all that is within me,
    bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
    who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
    who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The Lord works righteousness
    and justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses,
    his acts to the people of Israel.
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always chide,
    nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
    nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
    so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
As a father shows compassion to his children,
    so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
For he knows our frame;
    he remembers that we are dust.

As for man, his days are like grass;
    he flourishes like a flower of the field;
for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
    and its place knows it no more.
But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting

to everlasting on those who fear him,
    and his righteousness to children's children,
to those who keep his covenant
    and remember to do his commandments.
The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
    and his kingdom rules over all.

Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
    you mighty ones who do his word,
    obeying the voice of his word!
Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
    his ministers, who do his will!
Bless the Lord, all his works,
    in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Psalm 103

 

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

James 4:7

 

"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession,

and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere."

2 Corinthians 2:14



THOUGH HE SLAY ME...

It's not easy to accept God's thorny gifts. Our flesh much prefers the candy-coated kind. Yet,

 

"Though he slay me, I will hope in him."

Job 13:15

 

When the going gets tough and our circumstances turn upside down, that's when we realize where our hope can truly, reliably be found.

 

"Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:31

 

If I find security in things of this world or even relationships, they may fail me. They might disintegrate. These things predictably happen. Indeed, my hope must be in Christ the Lord...eternal, wise, loving, omniscient, omnipotent, loving, merciful, gracious, holy HIM.

 

"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,

and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame,

because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

Romans 5:3-5

 

It's clear that as God strips away and takes away and allows figures of certainty to even pass away, what's always left is Him.

The constant, the ever-flowing wellspring of life and love and joy and peace is never-failing Him.

 

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

 

I can see this when the sky falls and the cookie crumbles, when the chips are down and I'm boggled. I can see that when all the "stuff"

I want to go right goes wrong, I can still have hope when my hope is in HIM. I can still give thanks to the One who holds it all in His hands knowingly, permissively in spite of my confusion. So, I will praise Him for who He is and will always be. Face down in the mud

at the moment, according to His sovereign will we may be. Yet, though He slay me, I will hope in Him. I will.

 

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

James 1:2-4

 

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 



13

There's another teenager in the house...

 

 

...a young man I used to rock to sleep.

But he's almost as tall as me now. His shoes are bigger than mine. He holds my hand,
wraps an arm around my shoulder, opens the door for me. And, though it's odd, it feels...right.

 

He takes care of the guy-stuff and leads us in prayer when his dad works. He studies the Word and trusts the Lord.
His music inspires. He's growing up before my eyes. And suddenly I can see the fine young man he's becoming.

 

Brodie, you've matured by leaps and bounds this past year! I prayerfully await even more of God's workmanship. To see the fruitful harvest in your life as He tills the soil of your heart, the soil we've been cultivating, brings great joy to say the least! In fact, there is no greater joy than to know that you're walking in the Truth, that you know Jesus. His humility and gentleness shine in you.

Happy 13th Birthday to one of the nicest guys I know!

 

We LOVE you!!!

"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
Let all that you do be done in love."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14

"Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments!"
Psalm 112:1

TEACHING TRUST

I like to read through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. I'm not sure how many times I've done this over the years but it's nice to lose count. Starting back at Genesis again, I've noticed something anew as byproduct from our attention on Answers in Genesis recently.

Trust.

As we read through the Bible and believe it is God's infallible Word, the foundation of everything, what stands out to me is how important trust is. By grace, we receive faith and faith is required for salvation and placing our trust in Christ. In order to learn these things, we must have trust in the sufficiency and authority of Scripture. What also stands out to me is how often it seems that trust is a key element lacking when people long to place their faith in Christ but find themselves hung up, unable to fall into the arms of their ready Savior. It's as if there is often a road block there, no doubt influenced by the fallen world we live in, tainted by broken relationships as commonplace, forsaken children-turned-adults. Indeed, we need and long for a trustworthy Savior.

As a gown up who falls into those Arms daily, I ask myself:

How can I, as a parent attempt to help my children, the next generation, learn trust?
How can I play my part in teaching my children what faith feels like?

I cannot be a Savior. This I know. We're all dependent upon grace. But, I can teach trust.

"Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts."
Psalm 22:9

I see that as mothers, in particular, we have an incredible opportunity to teach our infants from early on what it means to trust. I look at little Willow, so small and helpless. Sure, she's born sinful. We all are. But, she also is a little bundle of innocent potential and I stand the chance to invest in her heart. In the beginning I do this primarily by meeting her needs, helping her to feel secure, understanding and responding to her cues, and ultimately teaching her that she's important and she can trust me. I see in her eyes that she does.

"You shall nurse, you shall be carried upon her hip, and bounced upon her knees. 
As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you."

Isaiah 66:12-13

As a baby grows in both age and attachment, Mom and Dad begin establishing boundaries and disciplinary trust as we teach right from wrong. We all long for boundaries. They help us feel secure and as parents (fathers taking the lead here) we've been given this role...another opportunity to teach trust, consistently and lovingly. When we reassure our children by remaining faithful and loyal through discipline and instruction of the Lord, trust continues to bloom both in the parental relationship as well as in God's Word.

"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
Ephesians 6:4

 

I think back to childhood games of trust. One by one, a volunteer stands on a table top and falls backward fully trusting the others will catch him or her. It's called a trust exercise...and it requires the type of falling into the arms of Jesus that we call faith...which pleases God. This is what trust feels like...surrender of self and reliance upon someone else who we believe will not fail us, someone we can trust.

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him
must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
Hebrews 11:6

Even though sometimes human relationships do fail us, Jesus never will.

"For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in."
Psalm 27:10

"He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:8

It is true that the Lord will never forsake us! Yet, when parental relationships do and fathers in particular, it can be difficult to grasp onto the faithfulness of our Father God. Yes, by grace, He imparts faith and He can conquer any obstacle including broken heart remnants from broken human relationships. And, yes, He also uses His people as His instruments. So, as a parent, I look to my role as given by Him in the lives of my children. How can I contribute to my children's ability to trust? How can an earthly father equip children to understand and know what trusting a father feels like and how does that translate to trusting our heavenly Father?

Trust.

We parents cannot save our children. Only Jesus can do that. The Bible is clear that salvation is individual and just because parents are saved, that does not mean children are. They must come to saving faith on their own accord. Yet, there are clear biblical commands given to parents to disciple our children to love the Lord their God and teach them His Word. As we imitate Him and are faithful, our children become attuned to the ways of the Lord. As we model for our children a parent-child relationship that emulates the relationship we have with our Father God (who we can trust), we get to contribute to their future understanding of a right relationship with Him.

"As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him."
Psalm 103:13

Parents, and especially fathers, have an ability to impart to our children the essence of what it means to be loved by God, to be a child of God, to be trained and disciplined by a loving God, to trust God. This is not to be underestimated! We get to be evangelists and models of the love of Christ right here in our homes. We parents get to teach trust...and when we do there are eternal implications.

"God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?"
Hebrews 12:7

Trust.

It begins from the day we're born, this journey toward knowing trust. To raise adopted children who've missed out on what they should have had in this area only confirms these things as we navigate the road of teaching them previously-unknown trust in their later years. (life = therapy) Infant attachment is ideally where trust begins, though responding to a baby who calls out is just the tip of the iceberg. Building relationships and reliably, predictably reinforcing rules with consequences and boundaries for our growing children follows as we imitate our Father God and remain loyal, loving parents throughout a lifetime...all equipping trust.

Our good God loves us. He offers parents to children. We can trust Him. He is faithful, full of grace...even in His discipline. It's a privilege to be parents. And it's a precious ministry to step into the role of leading little ones toward faith in Christ by being His instruments, by teaching trust.

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Hebrews 11:1

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECK!

 

Last year Beck ended up in the ICU on his birthday after being home just a short while. Poor buddy!

So, technically today was his first birthday home and we're so happy to get to shower him with love.

 

4!

When we went around the table at breakfast for our traditional "What I love most about" the birthday boy,
it was obvious that one thing stands out across the board about our beloved Beck:

(His cards reveal the same.)

Indeed, Beck's smile is contagious and has a way of lighting up a room. It's the first thing I noticed
about him when I met him via Skype and it's still one of my very favorite things about my son.

This past year Beck has been making up for lost time, cruising through developmental milestones he missed out on in China at an accelerated pace ever since coming home. He's grown so much in just one year! We're very proud of our boy. For example, Beck has historically been perfectly content on his little Radio Flyer scooter toy, but has recently been up to hijacking his siblings' bikes ever since figuring out the peddles...so...guess who got training wheels and a big boy helmet of his very own for his b-day?!

 

I wouldn't exactly label him a speed racer...

But he was definitely having fun! And sweetest Noble who handed down his bike to Beck was a very
sacrificial and supportive big brother. It warmed my heart to see Noble so happy for his little brother.

 

I have a feeling Beck will be doing lots of bike riding this year on the roundabout that surrounds our (Lord willing) new home.

We can't wait to see the children riding around their little paved road without cars or streets to concern us. Soon, we pray!

 

Beck, you're a blessing in our family. Your smile makes the world a brighter, happier place. Your musicality and teddy bear cuteness has a way of melting us (even when you're melting :)). We love you, buddy! We hope you felt especially special today.

Happy 4th Birthday Beck!!

 

"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you."

Ezekiel 36:26

THEY'RE COMING HOME!

 

It was nearly three years ago when I wrote the same words...They're coming home.

At the time, we thought it would be mere months before the rest of the children in Congo would be united with their new families in the same way we and our other adoptive family friends had been. But that wasn't to be God's plan. He had a new story to write full of complex, painful twists and turns. He continues to write and He is moving...now. They're starting to come home!

Finally, after years of waiting and constant praying we're seeing the DRC begin to release these children
who have been adopted so long ago to come home to their loving families! Thank you, Jesus!!

We have prayed alongside our friends and the sons and daughters they wait for.

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."
Romans 12:12

We have wept with them as they've wept, felt with them, grieved with and for them.

"Weep with those who weep."
Romans 12:15

And now the time has come to rejoice with them as they rejoice because God has acted on their behalf and for His glory.

"Rejoice with those who rejoice."
Romans 12:15

It's a nostalgic time of reflection on all that God has done...and what He's yet to do.

(Congo, November 2012)

Noble is beside himself with excitement! He has prayed and prayed for these families. His heart feels deeply for the children. He is an intensely empathetic and compassionate little boy. He is prayerful, soulful. It's special to see the light in his eyes when he talks about these things. He gets it. We sat and watched his homecoming video together today and discussed the role he gets to play in encouraging his new friends. He's overjoyed at the opportunity. He shines when he thinks of it. It's so, so sweet!

We continue to pray as the floodgates open slowly. There are still timelines and hurdles to overcome.
There is waiting still for some. But there is encouraging movement. The process has officially started.

And so we praise the Lord! They're coming home!

"The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
Exodus 14:14

Noble and India's Homecoming Video


ONE YEAR HOME

It's been a year...feels like a lifetime...and also like yesterday when I said the same.

 So much happens in a year. So much has happened in this last year.

 

 

"Fear not, for I am with you;
    I will bring your offspring from the east,
    and from the west I will gather you.
I will say to the north, Give up,
    and to the south, Do not withhold;
bring my sons from afar
    and my daughters from the end of the earth,
everyone who is called by my name,
    whom I created for my glory,
    whom I formed and made."

Isaiah 43:5-7

 

Wow, it's a chosen thing to be adopted! I stand in awe as I consider what God has done.

Not only has He chosen children to come into our family through adoption, but He has chosen us as HIS children.

 

Amazing!

 

Adoption paints the picture and we see it with our eyes, we feel with our flesh what He does.

 

"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are."

1 John 3:1

 

He accepts us as we are. He takes us in. He grafts us into His heart and home, none of which we deserve.

 

Thank you, Jesus, for what you've done for us! How can I write of these things without singing your praise,

without even marginally identifying and grasping flecks of what you've done for me?

 

"This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God,

but the children of the promise are counted as offspring."

Romans 9:8

 

It's been one year home with Bea and Beck and truly it feels curiously longer, a work of God no doubt.

 

When God knits children into our parental fibers through adoption, He also somehow gives us a sense of knowingness that surpasses the actuality of our time together. This happened from the very start. I can remember staring at photos of tiny strangers, contemplating their spot in my heart. It was an odd and hard-to-explain sense of familiarity that prompted our "yes" and to this day remains.

We feel as though we've always known them. It's encouraging to know that He has.

 

"For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
 my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
    the days that were formed for me,
    when as yet there was none of them."

Psalm 139:13-16

 

But it's only been a year...feels like a lifetime though...feels like a blink all the same.

 

When I look back at the photos from China, when I reflect on intensive heart surgeries and ordinary days, I can see how beautiful our time together has been, messy and scarring included. Yes, this has been a big year. And there's so much more to come.

 

This next year Beck will have his first major open heart surgery. We will be on our knees and separated from one another in heart wrenching ways. This year Bea will have another major open heart surgery as well and prayerfully her last, though the prospect of a transplant is always out there for her. Indeed, it will be another stretching year for our family as we run the race we've been given to run, as we persevere the marathon in Jesus' name. Looking at what He's done for us, the most we could offer is in stark contrast...less.

 

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Romans 5:8

 

It will be a full year ahead. And God will be with us as He's always been. He will lead. We will follow like a flashlight at our feet in the same way we have from the start, not overcome by the big picture, but with childlike faith just one step at a time.

 

{Eyes on Him. Don't look down.}

 

"And in the fourth watch of the night [Jesus] came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, 'It is a ghost!' and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying,

 

'Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.'

 

And Peter answered him, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.'  He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.' Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?' And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying,

 

'Truly you are the Son of God.'"

Matthew 14:25-33

 

And so He is...and so we worship Him and commit our lives to His plans.

Have your way in our hearts and lives, Lord. Use us. Spend us. Here we are.

 

Here's to what's to come. Here's to relationships in bloom. Here's to stretching and growing yet more.

Here's to celebrating a milestone and future hope as we commemorate Bea and Beck's one year home.

(Our first family photo in the airport on the day that Bea and Beck came home!)

 

"In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 

to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved."

Ephesians 1:4-6