The Young Family Farm »

Look what I got in the mail today! Yes…2010 is my year of organization. It IS going to happen;). Step 1. The pantry…(I even went to Kroger in the snow to buy…NO not milk or bottled water…but AAA batteries so my label maker would work;)

It’s the Brother PT-90 version and might I add I am VERY happy with it! It was one of the cheapest and it’s just the perfect thing for labeling when organizing…

Then after the inspiration of my friend Addie’s pantry…and a couple of years of making fun of her…I joined her…

And YES…I have a shelf for my hot cocoa:). An entire shelf…hot cocoa, cocoa “condiments”…you name it, it’s in my pantry if it has to do with hot cocoa:).

Now, someone get my label maker before I start labeling my children…it is so easy and even fun to use…I kind of went crazy labeling everything!

Before I get rollin’ on today’s reading–I want to say just ONE thing about yesterday’s that I did not. One of my favorite marriage verses in the entire Bible was in the last reading. Gen.24:67 “Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she become his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.”

I could go on and on WHY I love this verse. Some of it’s principle and some of it’s personal. The principle is great. First Rebekah became his wife. And THEN he loved her. Why don’t we get this? He trusted the Lord that this was the women for him. He trusted the Lord over feelings, logic and unknowns. There wasn’t any “I just don’t feel the sparks yet” or “I’m not sure if she really KNOWS me”…”Um…we connect some, but I just want to wait and see how I feel”. He married her because He felt the Lord’s hand…And then he loved her. I’m not sure if there is anyone reading who is not married—but this is a great principle to remember. Our feelings are fleeting. Always. They come and go. You can’t start a relationship on feelings–because it will likely end on feelings. Did you heart that? Let me repeat–you can’t start a relationshiop on feelings–because it will likely end on feelings. We should start relationships based through the love of the Lord and asking the Lord to help us see a person how He sees them. The only thing that ever stands is the word of the Lord. It is the word of the Lord that will hold you together. It is the Lord that will help you through the hardest times. And it is the Lord and the Lord in your spouse’s heart that will make you fall in love with him (over and over again) and have a solid marriage. I could write a book about my thoughts on truth over feelings—but I just love the basic principle here that are feelings can’t be trusted—but the LORD can. I personally think too many people in relationships, families, marriages, friendships trust and make decisions based on their feelings…and it’s just not a Biblical principle. I am thankful I married someone who agrees that our personal feelings cannot be trusted. God and His Word should be a director of our relationships. He is the only one that can be trusted.

Richard and I trusted the Lord with our courtship. I’m so thankful for that. He persued me and loved me as Christ loves His church. I remember when our premarital counselor asked why I wanted to marry Richard. My answer? “Because I love the way he treats me, honors me and makes me feel loved.” (Isn’t that ultimately a picture of our draw to the Lord…because He first loved us?) I felt that—and knew Richard was persuing me because the Lord laid his persuement of me on his heart. (I can be a headstrong, difficult bird—so for anyone to put up with me…trust me, the Lord would have to lay it on his heart;). And he, like the Lord, was constant in his persuement. We sought the Lord during our entire engagement and even through doubts—we felt the Lord saying “this is the one I have created for you—trust Me”. For many reasons it didn’t make sense. Mainly because it didn’t line up with MY plan and feelings. I was sure God had called me to be a full time missionary. But I was also sure God was saying, “Trust me—leave your plan for your life and take mine.” But my plan was “good”…it was full of “God stuff”…and I REALLY WANTED IT but it was not God’s plan. The pastor who counselled us told me, “When you walk the aisle, you lay China at the cross and trust God to lead Richard for your future.” At first I was scared, but it felt so right. We loved each other more as brothers and sisters in Christ–and we challenged one another and we were both sure of God’s plan for us to marry—but it wasn’t until I got married that we both fell deeply in love with one another. With a burning desire for the mission field, we began to persue how God could use us among the nations…here. Richard was sure that the Lord wanted him to work here, and just 3 years into our marriage we had 2 children…very little time for me to even think about the mission field. BUT four sweet years into our marriage we had the joy of helping start a ministry in Zambia (www.wiphan.org), and I realize now that the Lord is using us in more ways being here than there…for now;). I’m so thankful we waited on the Lord during our courtship and trusted Him with our future!!! Glory be to God!

Those verses have always been so sweet to me:). And I just couldn’t go on without sharing that one!

JANUARY 8 READING – Genesis 25:1-4, 1 Chr 1:32-33, Genesis 25:5-6, 12-18, 1 Chr 1:28-31 & 34, Genesis 25:19-26, 25:7-11

Today’s reading is prepping us for what is ahead. And it’s actually very short—just a lot of jumping around to keep us on the chronological read through. Tomorrow is going to be another CRAZY day. Not in crazy a lot to read–more like crazy in more drama. It killed me to stop reading today! So today–we need to just get our seatbelts on. Here are a few things in today’s reading that I thought were noteworthy:

Ch.25 1-11 Abraham was very wise to take care of the distribution of his estate while he was still living. He was not only seeing his children were taken care of–but he was helping maintain peace after he was gone. We, too, should carefully plan for our children…no matter how old we are. Three years ago, Richard and I sat down to begin preparing our will for our children. With regular trips to Africa with Wiphan, it just seems smart. But–none of us are promised tomorrow even being here…and a trip to the store could be just as fatal. It is wise to have a plan for our children so for their sake they are without question and peace is maintained.

Verse 9 – This is the highlight verse for me in this chapter. Isaac AND Ismael bury Abraham. They were able to do this because of the way Abraham planned and continued to love them both deeply. The two that were destined to dispise–come together at their father’s death and mourn together. They were able to bury him in peace—no fighting over who gets what…who Abraham would want to do what with…Abraham had wisely distributed his estate and although it was probably hard to do while alive as it was another thing for him to add to his “to do” list—and probably a bit uncomfortable…it made for peace and appropriate closure for these two in the end.

Verse 25 – A hairy garment? Not what I imagine cuddling with after I give birth. He was named Esau “reared already” because he looked like a grown man full of hair.

Verse 26 – Jacob holding his heel signifies his pursuit of the birthright (the drama that’s comin’ tomorrow…hang tight!)

Thanks for bearing with me another day. If you are just joining in…it’s never too late! You can download the schedule we are following at http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com Just jump right in and…you can either double up days to catch up or just start right where we are! I have been so encouraged to hear how many are following along together this year…just 8 days into our reading…let us not give up meeting together (even if it is online…it’s 2010 people!) and encourageing one another in the Lord’s word!

XOXO,

Andrea

P.S. I have had a few ask me if we have an adoption number update yet. The answer is NO…followed by WAAA! Followed by, truthfully—this reading is getting me so excited that I’m not fretting knowing that the Lord is in control and I have an idea of where our numbers are so I’m cool;). I’ll share them the minute we hear—but we did get word that things are about to really get moving…so that is REALLY, REALLY exciting! Bear with me friends as we read this year…when you signed up to read the Word this year with me you signed up to ride this roller coaster too;).

Oh how I love Christmas…and today we are celebrating it in our hearts knowing that guess what??? It’s CHRISTMAS DAY in Ethiopia! Here’s a fun little informative article excerpt I found this morning to share written by About columnist Tanya Davis:

Christmas is a major holiday in Ethiopia. More than half of the population of Ethiopia is Orthodox Christian. The celebration occurs on January 7, the Feast of the Epiphany, instead of December 25. Ethiopia has its own calendar and time system, totally unique from any other country. 7AM is 1AM, the year 2007 is currently 1999 and there are thirteen months in the year. The Ethiopian Orthodox church celebrates Christmas on January 7 as does the Russian Orthodox Church.

On Christmas Eve, January 6, the city is crowded with pilgrims and tourists from all parts of the world. The people remain outdoors all night, praying and chanting. On January 7, the Ethiopian Christmas known as Ganna is celebrated. The word Ganna is used interchangeably with the word Christmas, to mean the birth of Jesus Christ (leddat). This celebration takes place in ancient churches carved from solid volcanic rock of that day and also in more modern churches that are designed in three concentric circles. Men and boys sit separately from the girls and women. People receive candles as they enter their church. After lighting the candles, everyone walks around the church three times, and then they all stand throughout the church service which may last up to three hours. After the service, the rest of the day is spent dancing, playing sports and feasting.

The first thing I thought about when I got up this morning? Christmas in Ethiopia…and the truth that it’s now VERY likely our child has been born. It is his first Christmas and it is my prayer that his time with his family who still has him is sweet. Today’s Bible reading REALLY blew my heart away how it lines up with Christmas, adoption stories and the power of prayer. I SERIOUSLY could just study THIS all year long and talk about today’s scripture every day…so bear with me and put on your seat belt. Just when you thought you might get bored or frustrated with yesterday’s reading being full of sin…today is A NEW DAY! Merry Christmas baby…wherever you are.

And just to make you laugh well, because in the midst of unknowns your heart can be heavy…and you some times just NEED to laugh and enjoy the humor in life too—ahhh the roller coaster of life and adoption right;)…(if you were born in the 70’s like me…and you rocked it out in the late 80’s with Vanilla…also like me!) I thought I’d share my favorite gift from Christmas. OH YEAH! This is from my sista…just 14 months older than me. CHECK IT OUUUUUUUUUT….

Yes, I wore this in public. All day yesterday. And NOT ONE PERSON commented;). Yet it made me smile…All. Day. Long. And on top of it, I wore black jeans–and black house slippers with it. Thank goodness for those people who spend a fortune on their UGGs. They look similar to my $9 Target houseslippers…so I rocked those out yesterday with Vanilla:) Can you believe my babysitter Caitlin didn’t know the words to Ice Ice Baby? Can you believe that I rapped them to her? Don’t you remember that Caitlin? Rollin’ in my 5 point 0. I hope I’m this cool when I’m 40;). Oh wait a minute…Vanilla is so not cool is he? Or isn’t he?! All a matter of opinion. If you never saw his movie “Cool as Ice”, my sister and I highly recommend it;)

Now…on to more serious matters…

January 7 – Genesis 21:8-23:20, 11:32, 24:1-67

Genesis 21 – Hagar and Ismael sent away
In this chapter, I am so drawn to Abraham’s heart for Ishmael. How he loves him! Sarah wants him gone because what was Ishmael doing? Just being a boy..doing what boy’s do best–mock, tease and pick. But Sarah does not love the boy and only sees him in the light of jeolousy and a taker of her own son’s inheritance. But Abraham loves him, and I just love Abraham for this.

It probably didn’t make sense to Abraham as God told Abraham to let Hagar go as Sarah demanded. Would they be okay? Would God truly keep His promise to him to take care of Ismael? And Hagar and little Ismael are sent away with food, skins and water. That’s it. Oh the emotions Hagar must have felt! “Ismael, why did you have to mock Sarah’s son?! Sarah you got me in this in the first place! Abraham, what about us?!” Then Hagar hides Ismael under a bush–and they both…cry. “I can’t watch my boy die” Hagar weeps. PLEASE LORD…save him!

Is this where our birth mother in Ethiopia is this Christmas. I can’t watch my boy die! LORD–please save him. I have no money. I have no food. My husband has been taken by AIDS. I can’t watch my precious baby boy die. In the months to come, our baby’s birth mother will make a difficult decision. Why God did you bring him here if he must die? What am I going to do? So many things must be going on her heart. But our God is faithful. And last summer He burdened this momma’s heart. And here I wait. Here I cry too. For her son. To be my son. And this will be God’s provision. She will open her eyes like Hagar and see Hannah’s Hope…a well of water…provision. It will not be easy, but I’m praying today that her Christmas with our sweet son is sweet.

God heard Ismael crying in hunger. He provided. Oh Lord–will you provide for all the crying babies that are hungry today. I pray specifically for the babies of future families doing this study with us. We trust in your provision Lord. AMEN. Thank you Lord for what you are doing and what you will do. We pray verse 20 over our children “God was with the boy”…be with our children Lord.

See this little guy? Just as God looked out for Ismael–God looked out for this sweet little one in Zambia. He was left at a gate as a newborn at a AIDS orphanage. He almost didn’t make it, but GOD heard him crying. Someone at the center quickly saw him—and he was nursed back to health with AIDS medication, formula and care. He was hungry, and now he is thriving in Zambia. There are thousands upon thousands just like him…and I praise the LORD when we are too close minded and safe in our own worlds to hear their cries—that the LORD hears them. When we are like Sarah and just want to protect our own children and their futures…the the LORD hears them. Oh Lord, forgive us when we play it safe and want to protect ourselves.

And that was just chapter 21. 3 more to go. And it ONLY gets better! I’ve gotta be brief though or this is gonna be a book!

Ch. 22 – Abraham was tested
This is BY FAR one of my favorite chapters in the Bible!!! Have you heard me say that before;)?! Seriously–this is one of them! If you have never read it–you must, must, must! This is one chapter that God specifically laid on my heart as we began our adoption. We were getting several comments that we were…well, crazy. I mean–I had 3 kids 4 and under when we started the process. (It’s now 3 kids 5 and under;). And I’m choosing to make that 4 kids 5 and under? Yes. Why? Well, because. You’ll have to go back and read my first post and my “Why Ethiopia?” post.

What we do as believers, as followers of God, may look CRAZY to the world–but we are called to be obedient. This chapter is about being obedient NO MATTER WHAT. No matter what. Do you think Abraham looked crazy at that alter? What do you think his servants thought? What do you think ISAAC thought? It was nuts! But God wanted to see if Abraham would be obedient NO MATTER WHAT. And just before Abraham followed through—GOD STOPPED HIM. Praise Jesus for that. We would all think God was crazy if He actually asked Him to do that. But do you realized that Abraham actually believed God wanted him to do it and he was going to?! I can’t IMAGINE! God saw Abraham would not even withhold his most prized gift, his son, from Him and he blessed him.

It is my prayer that no matter what God asks me to do—no matter how crazy it may be…that I could and would be obedient! Whether it’s a child with tuberculosis, AIDS…whether it’s packing up and going to Africa for 2 weeks to serve in an orphanage in Uganda…go to a homeless shelter and drop off blankets…sit on the floor and look in Laney’s eyes and tell her how much she is loved…oh that I would be obedient when the Lord lays something on my heart…and oh that I would “obey right away”.

Chapters 23 and 24 are still left…I’m going to have to give the run down on these later because we have life to live over here—BOTH older kids are in preschool today and Frankie baby has his 1 year shot (OUCH!) so I’m off…but I’m so, so, so thankful I have the Word written on my heart today as I go! God is so good to make me WANT to read it. I can’t WAIT to tell you my 2 cents on 23 and 24. Orrrr…maybe one of you readers would like to sum of 23 and 24 in the comments for us! Charisa? Amy? Heather? Megan? Julie? Caitlin? Nikki? Shannon? I love, love, love having others to read and share the Word with!

Chapters 23…the death of Sarah…so sad. Great insight about paying for things so there is no contention. Love to hear your 2 cents. Chapter 24…Isaac and Rebekah…OK…seriously…this is one of my favorite chapters in the WHOLE Bible…SOOOOOOOO GOOD! LOVE IT! Can’t wait to hear what you all have to say! If you are in the midst of the reading now—check out my friend Charisa’s take on these chapters. I love especially her take on Chapter 24. You can read her blog on this here: http://forsuchasthese.blogspot.com/2010/01/our-god-provides.html

XOXO!

Andrea