Some tidbits from my...

devotions this week:

He said to them, "If anyone wants to be My follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me". Mark 8:34

When we look back at our lives, our favorite parts are those stones of remembrance -- major places where God did something big or where we acted in bold faith. But God's favorite parts are the lines in between where we chose to walk faithfully without answers and visible evidences. Faithfulness invests in the future.

Beth Moore

When we say yes to God's call to adopt - out faith is challenged in ways we never imagined. We learn more about trusting in God and leaning on him when things don't make sense. We learn of His great love for us because, we cannot believe how much we love this child we have never held, comforted or cared for. His love for us becomes heart knowledge and not just head knowledge.

Do not remember the former things; neither consider the things of old. Isaiah 43:18

In the world we cannot live without disappointment, but in Jesus we can always be given re-appointment!

Philippians 3:13 says "But one things I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead."

When we get disappointed, then immediately get re-appointed, that's exactly what we're doing. We decide to go on!!!

Joyce Meyer

Sometimes our journey in adoption clashes with disappointment. A child we were matched with is suddenly unable to come home - the country we are working with meets with unforeseen delays - the birth parents have changed their mind. We then make a conscience decision to keep putting one foot in front of the other - trusting in God to make a way.

:)

Take time....

to remember how God has been there for you!!

One of the most powerful motivations for believing in God in our present is intentionally remembering how He's worked in the past.

Beth Moore

It is easy to get stuck in a rut of discouragement if we don't take time to remember what God has done for us in the past. If you are feeling discouraged today - take some time to sit down and write down how God has helped you in the past. It is a faith builder that we all need from time to time.

Then write down some of God's promises from His word.

One of my personal favorites is:

For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Seeing His testimonies in your life along with powerful promises from God's word on paper will help us do all that He puts before us today!!

:)

What is an Advocate?

Proverbs 31:8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.

Advocate: One who pleads another's cause

This morning a friend shared with me how God had presented an opportunity for them to open their hearts and home to a 7 year old girl who needed an immediate placement. The Holy Spirit spoke to this moms' heart and said: "ADVOCATE for my child. Who will love the child that I love?"

That is a powerful, powerful request and question.

We are the best and sometimes the only advocate our children will have. Being an advocate brings personal sacrifice and personal discomfort. We may have to step into areas that we normally would shy away from. We may need to stand up to or confront someone who opposes what God has put on our hearts for our children.

I want you to know that you have an advocate and his name is the Holy Spirit.

John 16:5-7

"But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, "Where are you going?" But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you."

We are not alone in this journey. The Holy Spirit is ready and willing to lead us every step of the way. We need to come to him in prayer - lay down our burdens - ask for help - wait and receive.

John 14:18

"I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you."

Whew - that is good news to my heart for sure!! I have an advocate - and so do you. Rest in this promise today. :)

Are we anticipating victory?

Hebrews 12:2
fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NAS)

This verse got me thinking this morning. I often ask Jesus to make me more like him.
Parenting - whether your child is born into your family or adopted into you family can be a challenge.
Do we have the attitude spoken about in this passage: "for the joy set before Him"?
Are we anticipating in faith those days of joy and victory?
Jesus endured the trials set before him because he knew that we would be set-free by his act of obedience.
How will our children see victory because of our obedience? Our obedience to keep loving them, guiding the and praying for them - no matter what each day brings. As Jesus is our example to live be remember: Keep walking forward in obedience.
Jesus' decision to obedience had eternal purpose for all of us. Our decision to walk in obedience has eternal purpose in our children's lives.

Seed Planting

Seed Planting

I have had the privilege of teaching Fields of the Fatherless study several times. This time chapter 5 brought new meaning and revelation to me.

Some days it feels like the seeds we are planting just aren’t taking root. The day to day frustrations, disagreements and tantrums can wear you down physically, emotionally and spiritually.

While we know that adopting child (or being a foster family) is not for our personal fulfillment. It is sure a blessing to have it reciprocated. What do we do in the seasons when that love is not returned? I would say days but, it seems more like seasons to me right now.

2 Thessalonians 3:13
Dear Friends, you must never become tired of doing right.

Galatians 6:9
And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.

Some days I am tired, discouraged and down right angry. In that moment I realize that like Peter (Matthew 14) I have taken my eyes of Jesus. When I take my eyes off Him – I will get discouraged and I am prone to fail Him and those who are dear to me.

Hebrews 12:2a
We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete.

Seeds of Hope -

For all of us! While we are planting seeds of hope in our children’s lives here are some verses to encourage that we can stand on.

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.

Hebrews 13:5
I will never leave you, Nor will I ever forsake you.

THE HARVEST WILL COME - Standing in Faith!! :)

Are you going to wash my feet?

Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus answered, "You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand." John 13:1-7

For some people, accepting an act of ministry is more difficult than offering it, for when another assists us our dependence, weakness, and need are admitted. When Peter abandons his pose as the all-sufficient self-made man and receives Jesus's ministry, he acts by faith.

written by Eugene Peterson

This devotion blessed me and reminded me that I need to say "yes" to more people who ask if we need help with anything. Becoming a family as you grow your family through obedience in adoption is an exciting, wonderful time. It can also be one of the most stressful, challenging times in your life. God created us to serve and support one another.

I know Lord, that it is pride that wants to assert absolute independence and be free from all obligations. I would like never to have to ask anybody for anything, not even you sometimes. Forgive my self-righteousness. Amen.