For those of you following along in the One Year Bible read through—I’m so sorry to post today’s reading late. It was one crazy day. USCIS fingerprinting this morning, prayer time with my friend Addie for our baby, pick up older 2 from preschool, lunch with Parker’s preK teacher to celebrate her birthday…naps…yes, we ALL took naps together today…raining outside, snoozing together…bliss:). New numbers received on the waitlist. Big day. Daddy finally came home after days of being out of town (he travels a LOT during the week)…now finally—I sit. And open God’s word. AHHH…super bliss.
A few gems from todays scripture reading to my heart…
Chapter 13…
Verse 18 “…so God led them in a round about way through the wilderness to the Red Sea…”
The Lord was delivering them. But not in the fastest or easiest way. When the Lord delivers, it may not always look like WE want it to look. It may be a very difficult, long road. But the Lord is ALWAYS faithful. And good.
For me…the Lord has been delivering me from the living in the world. I think part of my flesh at some point wanted it. And by His good grace–He brought Africa into my life through Wiphan (www.wiphan.org). I could no longer live with an agenda to get the “next thing”, go on the “next vacation”…everything changed. As a mom, I looked into the eyes of children in Zambia–and thought, “You were some body’s baby. But they are gone. It could have just as easily been MY child who was orphaned.” And then the Lord laid on my heart…”if you are mine–then, so are they”. More change. I came home and looked around my house. And there was room. I wasn’t called to adopt any more than I’m called to go to Target. When I have a need to fill my frig–I go. And because we have room in our home and hearts…we made a call that is changing our hearts and lives even more. Now to Exodus 13:18. Lately, I have become impatient. I have prayed for and dreamed of our child. And lately, I have asked the Lord, “Why not the foster system? Why not something faster? Why Ethiopia and why with an agency that maintains birth order so I’m standing in a long 0-12 month line?” Then…I remember Job. (Ahhhh…the reading of God’s word is SOOO good isn’t it?!). I think of Job and his why’s—and I remember…because He is I AM. I think of Moses and how God didn’t take them on the fastest route, but the route best for them. A route that HE would be MOST glorified on through them. (On a side note, I’m praying we get to adopt through the foster system for baby #5…but that isn’t my choice is it?! And on a super side note—I know adoption is NEVER easy–and the grass is ALWAYS greener—so please hear that I’m not saying adoption from the foster system is easier…because it’s NOT…there is nothing easy about adoption or any “pregnancy” for that matter) The paths the Lord leads us on–may be harder, may be longer, and may be more of a roller coaster…but the path the Lord leads us on will also bring HIM THE MOST GLORY! And that is the path I wanna be on!
Chapter 14…
GOD hardens Pharoah’s heart (again!) and Pharoah has a wake up call…and comes after the Israelites. When the Israelites see Pharoah’s army charging after them they doubt Moses and cry out with wonder why Moses brought them out into the wilderness to die.
I love verse 13…Don’t be afraid…just stand STILL and WATCH the Lord rescue you. The Lord will fight for you…just stay calm.
A beautiful story of deliverance today. A local adoption family is in Uganda RIGHT NOW trying to adopt their baby girl who has HIV. As most of you know Ugandan adoptions are all on hold—so they were told they could not be issued visas and they would have to go home WITHOUT their sick daughter…who without treatment…would be fatal. “DON’T BE ARAID…JUST STAND STILL AND WATCH THE LORD RESCUE YOU. THE LORD WILL FIGHT FOR YOU…JUST STAY CALM.” Go to http://www.james127family.blogspot.com/ to see how the Lord delivers today!!! Being faithful to their child in Uganda has not been the easiest, but the Lord is being glorified! Many of you are called to adopt from Uganda, Haiti…even countries that are currently closed. It is a longer, more uncertain route. It is your Red Sea experience. But take heart. The same Lord who parted the Red Sea is the same God you and I serve today! He is able! He can make a way where there seems to be no way!!! Do not give up or lose heart!!! The Lord wants you to NOT BE AFRAID, JUST STAND STILL AND WATCH THE LORD RESCUE! THE LORD WILL FIGHT FOR YOU. JUST STAY CALM! Praise Him, Praise Him that He fights our battles for us!
Verse 17…the Lord hardened Pharoah’s heart again—they will almost attack them…WHY? WHY? WHY? they asked! But what does the REST of verse 17 say??? MY GREAT GLORY WILL BE DISPLAYED Do you want the route and way that displays His great glory??? Then trust Him!!! And go look at verse 31!
The Lord was glorified! They couldn’t believe it! They saw God’s mighty power and put their trust in Him! Praise Him for the longer route! Praise Him when it doesn’t make sense! If you are in His Word, clinging to Him, staying on His path…then rest assured even when it doesn’t make sense it’s only for Him to receive the glory in the end!!! AMEN! And finally…you, too, will sing your song as Moses does in Chapter 15!
Chapter 15…a beautiful song of deliverence. What is your song? How has the Lord delivered you? How have you seen His faithfulness???
Here is mine…
From the day of my birth you protected me.
You touched others hearts to pray for and encourage me.
As a child, I knew you were there—you spoke to me even from the beginning.
Your faithfulness is too much to count, Your mercy overwhelming.
All my fears have been washed away.
When we had nothing, you provided.
You gave me joy and laughter and covered my eyes to my own need.
Your love was forever calling me…I always knew you were there.
Years of rebellion as a youth–yet you protected me.
Loss of friends and then a grandfather, in these you showed me yourself.
A grandfather (Frank) who never stopped praying, and it would be at his funeral
That I felt Your Holy Spirit flood in.
You changed my mourning to dancing.
You gave me a new life.
I feared I would never marry or have children because my heart wanted these so.
My house is full of laughter, pitter patters and romantic love.
And now I persue a child–as you persued me.
You never gave up on me…although the road was long.
You fought for me–and called me Your Own.
Forever I am Yours and You are mine.
My Deliverer.
My God.
I trust in You.
Forever.Anticipating…sweetly…calmly…waiting on Him…for baby #4. Trusting in His ways!
Oh Father—pour down your love on these sweet children…how thankful I am you know their needs, their hearts…their joys and sorrows…let them feel Your love today…Jehovah Jireh we trust in You…use us for Your glory—how thankful I am that You are writing our story! Raise up others to join us Lord…how thankful I am for how our worlds are changed the more we become a part of theirs…these too, are our children….jpg "IMG_0201 copy")
Fill me Lord today with Your sweet Holy Spirit…so my life may shine so they go whirling right behind me…for Your glory. I pray that the mommies who read this…that you will bless them this day…call them away for quiet moments with you…fill them Lord with Your Holy Spirit and speak to their hearts as they open up Your word today…
by admin
LOL. My husband actually asks me that question almost daily. In honesty we are actually considering moving to Nashville (shhh, that’s a secret 🙂 So part of DH’s business trip is actually a scouting trip. It would be quite an adjustment for us Oregonians, but seriously homes are soooo much cheaper in the south 🙂 Right now my biggest concern is moving away from our families but seriously, we could bring so many more children home through adoption if we moved to Nashville. Cost of living is just way to high and seriously the houses down your way are way huge for the price compared to here so if I can handle the summer heat, it would be a no brainer.
It was so much fun visiting with you this morning. Wish I could have stayed longer. Seriously, you should move here. Now I really wished you lived closer so that we could visit more.
(I haven’t stopped reading 🙂
Blessings,
Amy
I’m still with you! I’ll try to comment more… time is not my friend right now. Frankly, I’m amazed that I’m not behind, given the week we have had.
We actually lived in Nashville for several years while I went to grad school at Vandy. Great town, wonderful people. We almost moved back a few years ago, but instead chose Denver… my husband says the mountains beat out the music.
We had a BLAST. SO much fun. Thanks for taking the time to head our way. And YES…we would love to have you closer. I love the support group we have here. It is FANTASTIC.
cris
I’m Still reading 🙂 Hanging in there. So glad you had a great time!
Funny Andrea…I had the same thoughts this morning. I was reading Kristi’s blog and feeling really jealous about all the families at the baby shower! I only know two families from our area and we haven’t even met yet! I wish I could meet every blog from AGCI I’ve come across, including you! Hopefully someday! =)
Still following your reading I’ve just had some internet issues…satan trying to prevent it, I’m sure of it! I’m tryng no to let it get me down. Hopefully I’ll be posting again soon.
Amen sister, I’m praying for community too!! Atlanta has some good families…we just need to get them all together! Soon, very soon friend!
EV
I think that you’ll have some families in Atlanta that will object to your move! 🙂
move to TN! still haven’t met you but love reading your blog and enjoy your great pictures!