Thankfulness Journal - Day 8 - The Gift Of Adoption

Romans 8:15 "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God"

Last year I wrote about "Gotcha Day". 

Thirteen years ago today, after several years of waiting, this beautiful girl was placed in our arms and burrowed herself into our hearts. She has brought this home the kind of joy that can only come from trusting an eternal Savior.

Photo Courtesy: Limelight Images

Very little has been easy but it has been worth every minute. It has given us a picture of our Father God's heart. The way He acts on our behalf. Takes care of every need. It isn't His will that we suffer but He knows that our health and maturity depends on it.

We didn't set out to adopt a child with special needs. No one who gives birth looks to have a child with a disability but we all love our children just the same. We fight for their care, we look our for their needs and we long to know what is going on inside of their minds.

Our God wants that for us. He wants to bless us with His presence. Trusting Him with our thoughts draws us closer to Him in faith. 

We love our Princess. She has brought maturity and faith into our lives. We have naturally drawn closer to our God. The Coffee Guy says "I know Jesus hears us when she is around!"

With her arrival has been laughter and tears but always,



Hope

Being Used in the Stillness

Right now, at this very moment, I am undone by the goodness and faithfulness of my God and my Creator. The God of the Universe spoke to me today and I heard Him. Not audibly, but my soul was tuned in to Him.

After reading an article and the ensuing comments, He said "Pray for the woman who spoke out in boldness today and is discouraged. She is feeling weakened." So I have been praying for her.

That's when He told me to tell her that I had prayed. "Well Lord" I argued, "Can't this be between me and you?" Then I listened and trusted and obeyed.

Sending a simple message of encouragement,

"I just want you to know that I am praying an extra covering over you today. Praying that the enemy would not cloud the message."

Her response: "Wow. You have no idea how much I need this covering right now." 

Me, gulping and trying to be bold: "The Holy Spirit whispered your name to me. I am learning to listen. It is hard through so much noise but I am learning and He loves you so."

Her reply: "...this gives me shivers. I asked him to raise up an army for me today. Thank you for listening to him. Love you."

Why do I share this? Because I am an ordinary woman who serves a personal and extraordinary God. He has spoken through dear saints to me. If I say I want Him to use me to bless others, I have to be willing to listen.

Are you willing to be someone's answer to prayer? Are you willing to look foolish or silly in order to give someone strength? Just maybe you can be the light that shines in among the dark clouds to give someone strength.

Always,


Hope

Following Sarah to Haiti

I mentioned a little while ago that Sarah Bessey is going to Haiti. Well, she isn't going alone. There is a whole team going to to see what is going on and how we can help. It will no doubt be an amazing journey that you and I won't want to miss. I wanted to make sure you all knew how to follow the whole team. There are some talented writers, filmmakers and photographers headed out to raise awareness and I'm quite sure to minister to the souls who are in desperate need on every level. Sarah wrote this morning, “some of us are go-ers, and some of us are send-ers.”

I want to be both. At this time, since my husband won't be going, I get to help send Sarah from here. You can help too through prayer and encouraging words. You can click the button below to follow the team. Whatever you do, let's not forget those who need a Godly touch through our human hands.

Always,

Hope

Sarah Bessey is a writer whose voice has been changing the landscape for women in the church for quite some time now. Her friendship has blessed me to my core. You can be part of her community too. You will find her here when she isn't traveling abroad.

I Don't Always Say the Right Thing

A Box of Hope

I'll let you all in on a little secret.

I don't always say the right thing.


There, I admitted it. *wipes sweat off brow*

I try, I really really try but the truth is, I sometimes let my emotions lead. It is usually a bad idea but it happens. I say things or right write things or Tweet things that I wish I hadn't. Sometimes I use the delete button and other times I just let my cringeworthy comments hang out there for all the world to see.

That is a big deal for me.

You see, growing up I often heard that I should just "be myself". While trying to "be myself" there were always messages around me about how "girls should act" and how "Christians should act" and how "someone your age" should act. The problem is, with all the mixed messages bombarding me,  it took a lot longer for me to find out who that was. I am still not sure that I know exactly who I am but I'm really ok with that.

I am free! I am released to figure it out. I'm still young and as far as I know healthy so I will continue to make it an adventure!

That makes me giddy. It fills me with joy! It even makes me really really happy!

So for now, I'll keep resting in whose I am. I'll be determined to walk in the spirit and rest in the Love of the One who loves me most! Thanks for coming along with me.

Always,

Hope