PACKING FOR HAITI

Not our suitcases...playground equipment and food!

Today we (along with our niece and nephews) joined the Kids Around the World team to load the contents of the container to be shipped to Haiti for the upcoming trip. Once again, one of our favorite things about Kids Around the World is that the whole family can participate and they are WELCOMED to. What a blessing to see even our littlest ones serving the Lord in this way!

 

Noble has such a servant heart. It was a gift today to see just the very start of what I pray is a life of serving others with God's love and a joyful heart. It inspires me to see what God has done in his little life already...and his testimony is only beginning.

 

 

These girls have muscles...and willing hearts. They can do ANYTHING God calls them to do!

 

 

I love this guy...I'm so happy to see him going on his first mission trip. :)

 

 

I think it's so cool that these donated playgrounds from the US are being recycled in other countries where they can bring joy and play along with the gospel message to kids who otherwise have so much less than we do here.

 

 

In America, we "need" new, improved equipment for our kids to play on, but how sweet to know that these removed playgrounds can fill a special gap in needy places, bringing with them so much more.

 

 

 

My girl...I just know the Lord is going use Aida in mighty ways!

 

 

The kids had a great time working hard. I couldn't love anything more than participating together with them in such things!

 

 

We say, give kids the opportunity to serve and they'll serve. Give them the opportunity to go and they'll go. Give them opportunity and stand amazed at just how far God will take them with it!

 

"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." 1

 Timothy 4:12

 

WWW.KIDSAROUNDTHEWORLD.ORG

WWW.RESPIREHAITI.ORG 

REMEMBERING KEITH GREEN

Last night we were singing songs around a bonfire when out of the blue Olia and Nova starting belting out, in unison,

Keith Green's Easter Song...I was stunned for a minute.

It was like the moment in Ratatouille when food critic, Anton Ego, takes one bite of his childhood memoir casserole dish and immediately gets transported back in time through all the emotions and sensations and nostalgia of home life past...

that's what a Keith Green song does for me. Instant transportation.

I've sat in on the kids' Easter service singing practice this past month, but at the time, they weren't practicing this particular song. What a surprise last night for me! Together, we sang the Easter Song over and over and over and then eventually went inside sometime after 9pm. I got out the laptop and we all gathered around, watching clip after clip of Keith Green music and testimony.

Even this morning, I'm still flooded with emotion as I recall the power behind the music of my childhood experience. My family was musical. My dad was a worship leader. My brother is too. We always had music in our home and Keith Green was on high rotation. Looking back into his story as an adult and reading of him and his ministry for the first time with grown up eyes and heart, I have to say he still inspires me...maybe more now than ever.

In all honesty, because of the loss of my mom when I was a teenager and my dad also now being in heaven with the Lord, the emotions of Keith Green's music and the ties it rekindles to my childhood are nearly too much to bear. It's overwhelming the flooding my heart feels as I listen and remember.

What strikes me most is how I recall as a young child feeling the lyrics so deeply in my heart, believing them, and desiring others to know Jesus the same way that I would literally ask friends to listen to the record player in my room, being sure to highlight the most important words. Remembering these things gives me joy as I think of my own children and the beauty of childhood salvation.

"O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds."

Psalm 71:17

It's not uncommon for childhood salvation to be questioned, but truly, it is precious. The innocence of the kind of faith Jesus spoke so highly of, childlike faith, is very real and not to be undermined.

Ah, how we adults can complicate things so, when faith in Jesus is actually meant to be simple.

"And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 18:2-4

Passion and boldness and intense, unashamed love for Jesus...that's what Keith Green stood for. That's what I want to stand for. I have to admit the fact that he was a hippy of sorts (after all, it was the 70's) still resonates with me. (I think I'll always be a bit of a hippy, no matter the decade I find myself in.) But, mostly, as I listen to his music, intent upon hearing the words from the Word, I'm moved. It wasn't the length of Keith Green's life that mattered, it was what he did with the time that he was given...

and his legacy lives on.

I cannot wait to see our kids up on stage this coming Easter Sunday singing out this special Easter Song!

"But the angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.

He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.'"

Matthew 28:5-6

 

RETROSPECT

It's quite the peculiar thing. As my thoughts wandered off today, rabbit trails led me down memory lane and I reminisced through the origins of our adoption story. I marvel in retrospect at how astonishingly intricate and creative God is.

There are multiple key factors and I remember them precisely, all of which point to God's beautiful, sovereign plan. There are so many tiny details, I couldn't possibly document them all, but I follow them back in my mind.

It's amazing, in retrospect, to realize brief and even mundane encounters actually added up eventually to the introduction of beloved family members I now call son and daughter.

Alone in the middle of one of the poorest and most difficult places in all of the world, God plucked out, chose, ordained, and lovingly placed precious children in our hearts and in our home so very far away. He makes the world seem small.

I remember the friend who introduced herself to me one day at church. That was years ago now, but God had intentions for our meeting. She, in her efforts and kindness for yet another friend's adoption years after our introduction, was selling necklaces...the necklace that led us to Africa. So, trailing backwards, what if her friend wasn't adopting? There would be no fundraiser. And what if Katie Davis hadn't started Amazima? No necklaces to sell. And what if she hadn't gone on that first mission trip to Uganda?

No Amazima...Do you see where this is heading?

Retrospect.

I travel back in time to 2008. I remember the day distinctly. I was sick, REALLY sick in my pregnancy with Nova when the Chapmans lost Maria. I remember sitting at the computer, crying, praying for them, burdened by their pain. I watched video after video of Maria Sue's life and my heart was softened for the first time to the idea of adoption...for us.

 

How had I missed it before?!

 

And what if the Chapman's hadn't adopted Maria in the first place? And what if Steven Curtis Chapman hadn't taken that trip to China where he met her for the first time?

And what if he hadn't gone back for her? And what if I hadn't been watching those videos?

Retrospect.

It's a tapestry, so detailed and ornate, confusing from the backside, but elaborate and calculated on the frontside. No human mind could conceive of all that God has planned. No one can fathom the depths of His creativity and boundless orchestrations.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

I can remember as if it were yesterday, the feeling that we had met the woman who would help us find our children in the Congo. Unfortunately, at the time, she wasn't feeling it quite the same. Her ministry was no longer facilitating adoptions. I look back now and marvel at the timing of it all...how God led us to begin our adoption at Lifeline Children's Services instead, no doubt for plans He has for the future. (I suppose we'll have to wait for retrospect yet to come in order to get to the end of that story.) In the mean time, I'm amazed that questions from Lifeline led me to email OFA once again and follow up with one last question, "Do you happen to know of any little ones at this time who are in need of a home?"

Expecting a no or less, perhaps no reply at all, I throw my hands in the air and just say, "Yes, you are God!" because the reply from that email was so much more than what we expected. That email which stated, "As a matter of fact, I do," was our Noble. And what if he hadn't showed up at the orphanage at that time? And what if I hadn't asked the question?

And what if we weren't with Lifeline who prompted the question to be asked in the first place? What if?

Retrospect.

Primed and ready. Waiting for a second child, the email arrived with the question we never expected. We were waiting for another little boy, but God knew. He had all the days of our India planned and He would get us to her. In retrospect, it's amazing to realize that the Lord prompted us to begin our adoption process at the very time that He was creating India to come into the world. He knew the timing, but we had no idea.

Retrospect.

It amazes me to reflect upon all that God has done, knowing full well that He is still writing His story now. The Jesus Storybook Bible is a great children's resource which points to the retrospect of the Old Testament, preparing the way for Jesus. All of God's Word and His story from the beginning of time is leading us to the end of His story...another new beginning in and of itself.

Today is retrospect in the making, belonging to the future. We can't see what lies ahead, but God has it planned best. He sees the whole illumination. We follow Him by faith and trust that His plans are good and we look forward with excitement to the days we'll encounter down the road, days filled with revelations of backside tapestry retrospect.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Jeremiah 29:11

PREPARING FOR EASTER

The shops are filled to the brim with turquoise, green, and pink. Baskets, bunnies, and bundles of candy line isles as the masses prepare for Easter.

And yet, this bunny visitor, who offers these days such extravagant gifts as $20 DVDs marketed specifically for grass-filled wicker, has really nothing to do with Easter.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. " 1 Peter 1:3

This morning I've marveled that God has orchestrated my regular Bible reading to situate me in Matthew as the celebration of Jesus' death and resurrection draws near. How awesome to read the voice of Jesus. I hang on every word. What did He say to do? How did He live? What were His warnings and instructions? I'm listening...as if I've never read such familiar words before.

As we prepare our hearts for Easter, I have to admit I'm less motivated with each year that passes to fill baskets with chocolate eggs and Peeps. Might I still do that this year? It's possible...for the sake of tradition and old fashioned fun, but it's not where our treasure lies. As we discussed this, one of my sweet daughters (not wanting to do away with our basket tradition all together) suggested we fill them with crosses and things that represent Jesus. I told her I thought that was a great idea! :)

I'm reminded that traditions like Christmas trees and Easter baskets aren't wrong or bad and they can certainly create fond memories that knit hearts to home in nostalgic and childlike ways as the seasons turn and years go by. We just need to remain focused on the true reasons we go to such lengths to celebrate and keep our hearts intently focused on Jesus (the Reason for the seasons).

Just like anything else, for us, it's important to stop and ask ourselves why we do what we do. What's the motive? Where are our heart's priorities? Preparing for Easter is an opportunity to do such things.

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only Son,

that whoever believes in him

should not perish but have eternal life."

John 3:16

We love music and have some special Easter songs we've focused on lately. I'll share a couple here with versions that are "easier" to watch and hone in on the life impacting lyrics, but also I've been moved by the more graphic video versions of these songs which reflect footage from the film, The Passion of the Christ. They're worth watching as well in preparation for the season we celebrate. The visualization of what Jesus, perfect and sinless, bore on our behalf hurts my heart so much that I can't often watch, but I want to remember...and Easter asks that of me.



(Alive, Natalie Grant)

 

 

 (Hero, Abandon)

 

"Who has believed what he has heard from us?
  And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
 For he grew up before him like a young plant,
  and like a root out of dry ground;
 he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
  and no beauty that we should desire him.
 He was despised and rejected by men;
  a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
 and as one from whom men hide their faces
  he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
 Surely he has borne our griefs
  and carried our sorrows;
 yet we esteemed him stricken,
  smitten by God, and afflicted.
 But he was pierced for our transgressions;
  he was crushed for our iniquities;
 upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
  and with his wounds we are healed.
 All we like sheep have gone astray;
  we have turned—every one—to his own way;
 and the LORD has laid on him
  the iniquity of us all.
 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
  yet he opened not his mouth;
 like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
  and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
  so he opened not his mouth.
 By oppression and judgment he was taken away;
  and as for his generation, who considered
 that he was cut off out of the land of the living,
  stricken for the transgression of my people?
 And they made his grave with the wicked
  and with a rich man in his death,
 although he had done no violence,
  and there was no deceit in his mouth.
 Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him;
  he has put him to grief;
 when his soul makes an offering for guilt,
  he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
 the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;
 by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
  make many to be accounted righteous,
  and he shall bear their iniquities.
 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,
  and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,
 because he poured out his soul to death
  and was numbered with the transgressors;
 yet he bore the sin of many,
  and makes intercession for the transgressors."
Isaiah 53

THE MINISTRY OF PARENTHOOD

It was a fun couple of days with 11 kids in tow! The cousins all had such a great time together and we miss them around here.

Joy's surgery was a success and she is back home now and recovering in loving arms. She has 2 more surgeries to go, poor girl, but she is a trooper and also very blessed to be getting the medical care she needs.

I remember back before Noble and India came home, we had 2 sets of 2 little girls stay with us on 2 separate occasions. I got the chance to practice lining up 8 plates, 8 cups, 8 snacks...and I loved it. It felt right.

I've always desired a big family (though I NEVER thought we would adopt!) and jokingly we've said from the beginning of our marriage that we would probably end up with 10 kids. It's funny how close to 10 we've gotten and it still feels very "normal".

I LOVE the love and blessings and even the challenges involved in raising each one. I LOVE the potential wrapped up in each individual life. I LOVE the relationships and friendships we share. I just really enjoy them, even when it's hard work (and every day it is!). I cherish this season of them all being little and home. Surely a new season will arrive in due time when my ducklings will fly off to their God-ordained missions in life and I'll cheer for them as they do. I'm their biggest fan.

As a mom, I think of Jesus' ministry with His 12 disciples. He focused on them. He invested in them. He abided with them in a unique and precious fellowship. Jesus ministered to the masses, but He intimately bonded with, spent Quantity Time with, intentionally taught, trained, and became yoked with His 12.

I think of my family like that. I think of us as a band of disciples. We're all following the Teacher, Jesus, and He has placed us, the parents, in charge of rearing our little pupils. With His help and grace, I pray that we can disciple our children's hearts well. Even when we fail them (which we will daily), I know that He never will. He loves us and He loves them and His plans are always good.

I can't think of any better way to minister here on earth in this season of child rearing than to invest our time, efforts, and prayer in the ministry of parenthood. It's a very large task, but the One who blessed us with each child we love is faithful and I know He will guide us all as we submit ourselves to His lead.

"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

So, who knows...maybe one day we'll have our 10, 11, a dozen (?!) kids in tow should that be God's will. Only He knows the plans He has for us and we're following His lead every single step of the way, trusting that He knows best, and seeking Him first on this journey through the ministry of parenthood.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

"Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him." Psalm 127:3

[The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson offers wonderful encouragement on this topic. I would recommend any book by the Clarksons at Whole Heart Ministries. They have spurred me on through these parenting years, for which I am grateful.]