While growing up, I attended an AWANA's program and memorized countless verses, and while I have since forgotten most of the verses, one particular passage, Psalm 23, has remained etched in my mind. The funny thing is, until God asks me to step out and trust him, that passage remains just that, a passage, with no real meaning or application to my life. However, I have noticed that when Psalm 23 truly stand out to me is when I am going through a period of growing and stretching in my walk with the Lord. We are in the midst of one of those times right now, and I am assuming that we will be here for awhile.
I am not complaining, but in fact have come to really cherish this time of growth, even though I must set aside my worries and completely trust the Lord. It is because of this passage that I have come to understand the heart of God in a different light, while going through my own dark valley.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The image of the Lord as a shepherd is very comforting to me. You see, a shepherd's job is not only to stand watch over his sheep, but to lead them to food, water and provide protection and shelter for them. A sheep's life depends on the skills and guidance of the shepherd. I directly relate this to my walk with God. If I am truly going to entrust my life to the Lord, I must be willing to submit myself to his guidance. Just like a stray sheep, if by my own free will, I choose to go astray, I am operating outside of the safety zone that God has established.
If the image of God using a rod and staff makes you uncomfortable, consider this; A shepherd used his rod as an instrument of authority, not abuse. A shepherds rod was used for counting, rescuing, protecting and guiding. If a sheep started to wander away from the safe boundaries, the shepherd would use the rod to steer the sheep back. I have felt this gentle nudge by the Lord at times, letting me know that I am operating outside of that safety zone. Most of the time it has helped to get me back on track, but when I have ignored it, there have been times that I encounter some hardship, not because God is punishing me, but because of direct results from my actions.
It seems like the wisest thing to do would be to allow God, our shepherd, to be in control. To allow him to lead us through life; to protect us from the bears, lions and wolves that lurk in the distance, and to rest in Him.
Update
Labels: Adoption Process
We have been forewarned of some possible changes in Russia. The first change is directly related to our dossier and could end up being a huge hassle. In the past, Russia has required 2 separate documents, a Warranty Deed and Verification of Residence, to be completed in the second segment of our dossier. While these two documents in themselves were fairly easy to get, we did have some complications because of our change of zip code. Also, these documents are generated by two different groups. Our Warranty Deed is from the County Recorders office, and our Verification of Residence is from our Realtor. However, there have been a few judges that are asking for these documents to be combined into one, as an in-summary of both. We have been told that the County Recorders office needs to take care of this, but that they are not always willing to do so as it is a new procedure specific to Russian adoptions.
The other possible change has to do with screening of adoptive parents. This summer, there was a little boy, adopted from Russia, who died when he was left in a car while his father went to work. While this was a tragic accident, it was clearly unintentional. However, this type of situation does send up red flags to the Russian authorities, and in order to protect other children from these situations, there is a possibility that new requirements will be mandated.
These issues are still being worked on in the court system, but are very likely to become a permanent change. We will continue to follow this and make changes on our end as necessary.
Please continue to pray that the Lord provides for all of our needs during this adoption. Also, if these changes are confirmed, that the Lord would direct us to the right people who are willing to help.
Blessings,
Anna
The other possible change has to do with screening of adoptive parents. This summer, there was a little boy, adopted from Russia, who died when he was left in a car while his father went to work. While this was a tragic accident, it was clearly unintentional. However, this type of situation does send up red flags to the Russian authorities, and in order to protect other children from these situations, there is a possibility that new requirements will be mandated.
These issues are still being worked on in the court system, but are very likely to become a permanent change. We will continue to follow this and make changes on our end as necessary.
Please continue to pray that the Lord provides for all of our needs during this adoption. Also, if these changes are confirmed, that the Lord would direct us to the right people who are willing to help.
Blessings,
Anna
Below is a video called "Store" from the Nooma series by Rob Bell. I have been going through this series with my weekly bible study group and always enjoy the topics he speaks about.
I would first like to point out that the cart in the video, with the loose wheel, is mine. I always manage to grab that cart whenever I go shopping. It doesn't matter if I try to fool that cart by grabbing one in the middle of the row...it finds me. But I must admit that I am happy to see that cart attach itself to another unsuspecting shopper!
Okay, on to the subject of Anger....
I love that Rob spoke about Jesus being angry, not because he didn't get his way, but because of injustice.
What is injustice?
Contrary to some peoples' belief, it is not getting cut off while driving down the road. It is not having to wait in a line that has more than four people in it; and it is not having to eat our dinner in a restaurant with someone's child screaming in the background. While all of these things can be frustrating at times, this is not injustice. This does not even come close to injustice. So maybe instead of getting angry at the things that don't matter, let's get angry at the things that do matter.
Like this...
200,000 children die each week from starvation and other poverty related illnesses, totaling nearly 10 millions deaths per year.
It is estimated that up to 1 million children, some as young as 3 years old, are sold into child sex slavery every year. Every year.
If that makes you angry, do something about it. Just like Jesus, we can use our anger to motivate us to do something good, to make a change for those who are experiencing the tightest grips of injustice. We need to be Jesus' hands and feet. We need to be that change.
"Sometimes I'd like to ask God why he allows poverty, famine and injustice in the world when He could do something about it....but I'm afraid God might ask me the same question." Anonymous
I would first like to point out that the cart in the video, with the loose wheel, is mine. I always manage to grab that cart whenever I go shopping. It doesn't matter if I try to fool that cart by grabbing one in the middle of the row...it finds me. But I must admit that I am happy to see that cart attach itself to another unsuspecting shopper!
Okay, on to the subject of Anger....
I love that Rob spoke about Jesus being angry, not because he didn't get his way, but because of injustice.
What is injustice?
Contrary to some peoples' belief, it is not getting cut off while driving down the road. It is not having to wait in a line that has more than four people in it; and it is not having to eat our dinner in a restaurant with someone's child screaming in the background. While all of these things can be frustrating at times, this is not injustice. This does not even come close to injustice. So maybe instead of getting angry at the things that don't matter, let's get angry at the things that do matter.
Like this...
200,000 children die each week from starvation and other poverty related illnesses, totaling nearly 10 millions deaths per year.
It is estimated that up to 1 million children, some as young as 3 years old, are sold into child sex slavery every year. Every year.
If that makes you angry, do something about it. Just like Jesus, we can use our anger to motivate us to do something good, to make a change for those who are experiencing the tightest grips of injustice. We need to be Jesus' hands and feet. We need to be that change.
"Sometimes I'd like to ask God why he allows poverty, famine and injustice in the world when He could do something about it....but I'm afraid God might ask me the same question." Anonymous
Matthew 6:28-34And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'what shall we drink?' or 'what shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
I absolutely love the picture above. Adam took it during one of our many trips to the Singapore Botanical Gardens. We never got bored while visiting these gardens, but were constantly awed by God's creation.
The following are a few more pictures of flowers we saw in Singapore:
There is nothing like a cup of coffee to get me going in the morning, but when I have too much coffee in one sitting, wow, look out! Not only do I get the jitters, but I can't stop moving.Oh well, at least my house gets cleaned, and my car, and my dog...wait a minute, this isn't my dog, I don't have a dog....sigh*
We had a great time sledding yesterday! The sky was clear, the sun was shining and the air was fresh. None of those exist is Boise right now. The Treasure Valley has been blanketed by a nasty inversion. As I look out my window, toward the sky, I see nothing but brown and gray. We have not seen the sun in over a week and the air, thick with pollution, is stagnant and smells bad.
You can imagine our excitement then, as we were winding our way up out of the valley and into the mountains, when we saw our first glimpse of what lay ahead. The sun, peeking through the thinning clouds, with blue sky behind it! We had a full day of bright blue sky and sunshine on our faces as we played tirelessly in the snow. There was laughter (with a few tantrums), excitement, some pain ( I think I am getting too old to go off jumps) and contentment.
Having worn ourselves out, we finished off the day with some hot chocolate and decided to head home. As we rounded a bend in the road, we were reminded of what lay ahead... the inversion. In the distance we could see the blanket of smog just waiting to swallow us up, and as I soaked up the last bit of sunshine, we began our descent into the dreaded inversion.
But that is not the end of my story. God is good and he reminded me of this passage.
Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
It is so easy to wish things were back to the way they were before; when the sun was shining, the sky was blue and life somehow seemed easier. But the truth is, life goes on in the midst of an ugly, smelly, cold inversion. Since arriving home yesterday, we have had giggles, tantrums, belly laughs and frustration, but we are still living and pressing forward for the glory of God, regardless of what lies ahead.
I saw the words to the song When Love Takes You In, by Steven Curtis Chapman, and it really touched me. Not only does it speak about the heart of orphans, but also the hope they are given in a new life through the love of parents.
I know you have heard the stories
But they all sound too good to be true
You have heard about a place called home
But there doesn't seem to be one for you
So one more night you cry yourself to sleep
And drift off to a distant dream where love
takes you in and everything changes
A miracle starts with the beat of a heart
When love takes you home and says you belong here
The loneliness ends and a new life begins
When love takes you in
And somewhere while you are sleeping
Someone else is dreaming too
Counting down the days until
They hold you close and say I love you
And like the rain that falls into the sea
In a moment what has been is lost in what will be
When love takes you in everything changes
A miracle starts with the beat of a heart
And this love will never let you go
There is nothing that could ever cause this love to lose its hold
When love takes you in everything changes
A miracle starts with the beat of a heart
When love takes you home and says you belong here
The loneliness ends and a new life begins
When love takes you in it takes you in for good
When love takes you in
I know you have heard the stories
But they all sound too good to be true
You have heard about a place called home
But there doesn't seem to be one for you
So one more night you cry yourself to sleep
And drift off to a distant dream where love
takes you in and everything changes
A miracle starts with the beat of a heart
When love takes you home and says you belong here
The loneliness ends and a new life begins
When love takes you in
And somewhere while you are sleeping
Someone else is dreaming too
Counting down the days until
They hold you close and say I love you
And like the rain that falls into the sea
In a moment what has been is lost in what will be
When love takes you in everything changes
A miracle starts with the beat of a heart
And this love will never let you go
There is nothing that could ever cause this love to lose its hold
When love takes you in everything changes
A miracle starts with the beat of a heart
When love takes you home and says you belong here
The loneliness ends and a new life begins
When love takes you in it takes you in for good
When love takes you in
Have you ever reacted to a situation in such an immature way that it surprised even yourself?
I have found that as soon as I utter the words "I think I have this mothering stuff down", I am humbled! You would think that by now I would have learned from my mistake of making such a comment, but I can't help it. It slips out and in no time at all, I am paying for it.
Take this example.
A few months ago Isaiah was in the habit of saying ha, ha. It sounds innocent in itself, but when the words "ha, ha" follow a comment from Caleb saying "Isaiah, you ate my snack", it is very frustrating. No matter how many times Isaiah was told to stop saying "ha ha", he wouldn't stop.
That is, until one morning....
Normally our mornings go well. Isaiah is usually quick to eat, get dressed and ready for school. On this particular morning, he was literally moving at the pace of molasses. I told him numerous times to get dressed only to find him several minutes later playing with his toys.
Now, Adam and I were in the process of moving some stuff into the garage, and as we were bringing the last box through the house, I saw Isaiah sitting in the hallway, still in his pajamas. As I sternly said "Isaiah, you had better get dressed right now", he responded with "ha ha".
As Adam and I were moving the box into the garage I said, "Adam, did you hear that, I have had it with him. This ha ha stuff has got to stop!" As we came back inside, Adam went into Isaiah's room and I heard him give Isaiah a good swat to the rear-end. Let me just add a disclaimer here. We are not big on spanking, but there have been a few occasions where the behavior warranted something more than a verbal reprimand...and this was one of those occasions. As soon as Adam walked out of Isaiah's room, I walked in. With a smile on my face and a feeling of vindication to back me up, I said "Ha Ha".
And there it was; my moment of stooping so low that I had to pick my jaw up off the floor because I couldn't believe what just came out of my mouth. But there is a sliver lining in all of this; not only has Isaiah stopped saying "ha ha", because he realizes that is doesn't feel good when you are on the receiving end of it, but it was a great lesson to him that we all make mistakes and need to ask for forgiveness.
I know the story won't end there. This mothering stuff encompasses every intense emotion from one end of the spectrum to the next. But to be real with my kids and admit when I have done something wrong is a lesson I hope they will never forget.
I have found that as soon as I utter the words "I think I have this mothering stuff down", I am humbled! You would think that by now I would have learned from my mistake of making such a comment, but I can't help it. It slips out and in no time at all, I am paying for it.
Take this example.
A few months ago Isaiah was in the habit of saying ha, ha. It sounds innocent in itself, but when the words "ha, ha" follow a comment from Caleb saying "Isaiah, you ate my snack", it is very frustrating. No matter how many times Isaiah was told to stop saying "ha ha", he wouldn't stop.
That is, until one morning....
Normally our mornings go well. Isaiah is usually quick to eat, get dressed and ready for school. On this particular morning, he was literally moving at the pace of molasses. I told him numerous times to get dressed only to find him several minutes later playing with his toys.
Now, Adam and I were in the process of moving some stuff into the garage, and as we were bringing the last box through the house, I saw Isaiah sitting in the hallway, still in his pajamas. As I sternly said "Isaiah, you had better get dressed right now", he responded with "ha ha".
As Adam and I were moving the box into the garage I said, "Adam, did you hear that, I have had it with him. This ha ha stuff has got to stop!" As we came back inside, Adam went into Isaiah's room and I heard him give Isaiah a good swat to the rear-end. Let me just add a disclaimer here. We are not big on spanking, but there have been a few occasions where the behavior warranted something more than a verbal reprimand...and this was one of those occasions. As soon as Adam walked out of Isaiah's room, I walked in. With a smile on my face and a feeling of vindication to back me up, I said "Ha Ha".
And there it was; my moment of stooping so low that I had to pick my jaw up off the floor because I couldn't believe what just came out of my mouth. But there is a sliver lining in all of this; not only has Isaiah stopped saying "ha ha", because he realizes that is doesn't feel good when you are on the receiving end of it, but it was a great lesson to him that we all make mistakes and need to ask for forgiveness.
I know the story won't end there. This mothering stuff encompasses every intense emotion from one end of the spectrum to the next. But to be real with my kids and admit when I have done something wrong is a lesson I hope they will never forget.
Have you noticed that the majority of the people around you are going through some sort of life changing event? It can be anything, really; whether it's the stress of wondering if you will have a job tomorrow, to losing your job; or from working through a difficult relationship, to losing a loved one. Even things that seem simple, such as trusting the Lord to provide for your needs when you step out in faith and follow him, can add a great deal of stress to your life. All of these experiences change your life and your perspective about it.
So why is it, when things seem to come crashing down on us, and we find ourselves in a time of need, that we become aware of the Lord asking us to give a little more, whether it's our time, or money, or just our hearts?
For Pete's sake, doesn't he know I just want to focus on myself?
At least that's how is was for me. Let me just fill you in on a bit of information about me. I am naturally very selfish. I love it when everything goes my way and I can be quite a snot when it doesn't. I have been known to pop and eat the last bag of popcorn, while my boys were taking a shower, so I wouldn't have to share. Yes, it's true, I am selfish, and it has taken an act of God to get me out of myself.
But let me tell you something; when I am most in need of time, God asks me to give it. When I am most in need of money, God asks me to give it. Then, in an upside down and backwards kind of way, he returns it to me, and I am blessed!
That is true joy!
Psalm 30:11-12
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth,
and clothed me with gladness,
that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
So why is it, when things seem to come crashing down on us, and we find ourselves in a time of need, that we become aware of the Lord asking us to give a little more, whether it's our time, or money, or just our hearts?
For Pete's sake, doesn't he know I just want to focus on myself?
At least that's how is was for me. Let me just fill you in on a bit of information about me. I am naturally very selfish. I love it when everything goes my way and I can be quite a snot when it doesn't. I have been known to pop and eat the last bag of popcorn, while my boys were taking a shower, so I wouldn't have to share. Yes, it's true, I am selfish, and it has taken an act of God to get me out of myself.
But let me tell you something; when I am most in need of time, God asks me to give it. When I am most in need of money, God asks me to give it. Then, in an upside down and backwards kind of way, he returns it to me, and I am blessed!
That is true joy!
Psalm 30:11-12
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth,
and clothed me with gladness,
that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
Update
Labels: Adoption Process
We are in the phase of our adoption where we have weekly phone conferences with our case manager. This conference is used to fill us in on any changes within the adoption process (there are many), and to help answer any questions we may have.
This weeks phone call was very helpful in giving us a better idea of how to prepare, and also a clearer understanding of the life of a Russian orphan.
Russian orphanages are categorized onto 2 different homes. Baby homes house children from birth to 3-4 years. Once the children reach this age they are moved into a childrens home. They will remain at this home until they reach the age of 18.
Our daughter will be in a baby home and will most likely be between the age of 18 months to 36 months. Narrowing down her age and knowing what a normal day looks like to her is very comforting! Although we are on different sides of the world, I know these small steps in understanding are bringing us closer to her.
We also learned this week, that it is very common for adopted children to develop a very close bond with their brothers. Isaiah thought that was "very cool", and with a puffed up chest said "I'm gonna have a lot of work to do!"
The reality is that there will be a lot of work to do, before and after we bring her home, but the work won't be on his shoulders. While I am yearning for the day that we get to bring her home, I also know that life will change drastically. And while we are in the midst of the stressful and trying times of developing trust in a little girl who has only known abandonment, there will be great joy!
This weeks phone call was very helpful in giving us a better idea of how to prepare, and also a clearer understanding of the life of a Russian orphan.
Russian orphanages are categorized onto 2 different homes. Baby homes house children from birth to 3-4 years. Once the children reach this age they are moved into a childrens home. They will remain at this home until they reach the age of 18.
Our daughter will be in a baby home and will most likely be between the age of 18 months to 36 months. Narrowing down her age and knowing what a normal day looks like to her is very comforting! Although we are on different sides of the world, I know these small steps in understanding are bringing us closer to her.
We also learned this week, that it is very common for adopted children to develop a very close bond with their brothers. Isaiah thought that was "very cool", and with a puffed up chest said "I'm gonna have a lot of work to do!"
The reality is that there will be a lot of work to do, before and after we bring her home, but the work won't be on his shoulders. While I am yearning for the day that we get to bring her home, I also know that life will change drastically. And while we are in the midst of the stressful and trying times of developing trust in a little girl who has only known abandonment, there will be great joy!
Isaiah 55:8-9
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways" declares the Lord.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts."
I think of this passage as saying "don't question me, just go!"
Okay, so that is easier said than done...for sure. There are times that I don't want to go, I just want to 'be'. For instance, Adam, the boys and I went to Baja Fresh for lunch today. As we were turning onto a busy road, we saw a woman holding a sign that said "grandmother, raising two grandchildren alone, need help." We could see, by look on her face, that she was laying down her pride to stand on that corner asking for money.
Both Adam and I felt the Lord telling us to give her money, but we were unable to stop in the traffic. It would have been easy to say "oh well, maybe next time", and the truth is, that is what I was thinking. Then Adam said, "we can turn around if you want to". As I started to say no, Isaiah, who was sitting in the car and watching to see what we would do said, "you know, we are supposed to help people."
He is absolutely right! It is so easy to find excuses for why we can't do what we are asked to do. But, these are the small steps we take with the Lord to train for the big steps he may ask of us in the future.
Jeremiah 12:5 says
"If you only train to run with footmen and have become worn out, how can you expect to compete with the horses that are much faster?
If you stumble and fall down in an easy place where peace abounds, how will you do when you are stuck in the wilderness?"
I think it is time to go!
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways" declares the Lord.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts."
I think of this passage as saying "don't question me, just go!"
Okay, so that is easier said than done...for sure. There are times that I don't want to go, I just want to 'be'. For instance, Adam, the boys and I went to Baja Fresh for lunch today. As we were turning onto a busy road, we saw a woman holding a sign that said "grandmother, raising two grandchildren alone, need help." We could see, by look on her face, that she was laying down her pride to stand on that corner asking for money.
Both Adam and I felt the Lord telling us to give her money, but we were unable to stop in the traffic. It would have been easy to say "oh well, maybe next time", and the truth is, that is what I was thinking. Then Adam said, "we can turn around if you want to". As I started to say no, Isaiah, who was sitting in the car and watching to see what we would do said, "you know, we are supposed to help people."
He is absolutely right! It is so easy to find excuses for why we can't do what we are asked to do. But, these are the small steps we take with the Lord to train for the big steps he may ask of us in the future.
Jeremiah 12:5 says
"If you only train to run with footmen and have become worn out, how can you expect to compete with the horses that are much faster?
If you stumble and fall down in an easy place where peace abounds, how will you do when you are stuck in the wilderness?"
I think it is time to go!
Isaiah 8
Caleb 6
Naomi 2
