The Way It Is

I don't know if anyone else needs these verses right now, but I do, so I'm posting them. I hope that they might encourage others as well. Then, I'll tell you what's up in a series of posts probably (because I'm wordy like that). 

James 1:12   Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

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

John 16:33  I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

James and I are wondering how God is leading us and what our future holds as far as involvement with missions, or orphan care, or adoption-related ministry, or whether we are to adopt again. We admit aloud that we just have no clear idea what He's doing, but that He is moving in our hearts. Many things have led to this phase of our journey, and I'm sure we will keep seeing His guidance lead us to the point we go, "Ohhh! That's it!" For now, we are working on obedience in what our roles clearly are for now (husband, wife, nurse, teacher, lay ministry in the church), and taking small steps to see how doors open. 

Part of our steps forward have included participating for the last months in a small group at another church that meets a couple of times a month. It is a group for families who are adopting, have adopted, or are considering adoption, and also folks who just want to support families in those categories. The encouragement we've received as we hear of similar parenting dilemmas, and education on methods of parenting, as well as studying wisdom from Scripture on how to love each person as much like God the Father does. That doesn't mean overlooking disobedience, or trying to pass blame, or explain everything as an issue because of adoption. It's about grace and demonstrating that to each individual, whether they deserve it or not, since He did that for us. We have shed tears, rejoiced over victories, and carried burdens together. I cannot say how much that group has grown to mean to us.

We also led a study at our home church for 8 weeks on the book Adopted for Life, by Russell Moore. Moore's book is such a wonderful volume on blending the importance of the believer to somehow be committed to caring for orphans - whether through financial/prayer/material/emotional support, or to actually adopting themselves - and the plan of God's adoption of us, as His children. The theology of spiritual adoption is so beautifully laid out in the book, and moved us to tears many weeks as we discussed the truths in it. If we realize our former state - orphans spiritually, with no hope, no future, and undeserving on our own merit of His goodness; but then brought into a family of hope, eternal life, with all the rights of His children - that is pretty much shouting ground! 

So, we are prayerfully seeking what we are to do as a family. First, as an individual, it's been clear for a few months that my steps forward include my first trip overseas, and my first short-term missions trip. I'm leaving for Swaziland, Africa, in 18 days. Not that I'm counting. I am so excited and also anxious to be with our friends who are serving the Swazi people full-time. My dear friend Alli is my partner in this journey, and we are thrilled to be learning together how He can use us. You can follow our blog about Swaziland at oneweekinafrica.blogspot.com also. 

As our family continues to seek God's plan, we'd love your prayers that His will would be what we follow, not our desires or good intentions. Thank you so much!