Likewise, I felt that I have been watching the whole thing unfold (think, out of body mode), like everything is in slow motion. It seems like God has been molding us and stretching us for his plans continually. It has been in the moments where we least expect it, too. Before we left on vacation in July, our agency was ramped up for us to finish our paperwork and inspections, because they were ready to go. So, before we left we completed everything. And let me tell you, folks, it wasn't just me either, Harley was working hard right along side me to finish our list! Then, the line went silent. Nothing, nada, zippo! No phone calls, no emails, NOTHING! We've since become pesky enough that we've been emailed. We desperately want to have our home study scheduled, but have heard nothing as of today except it's will happen eventually. I could blame this on a lot of things- state budget cuts, making our agency short staffed; people who don't work as quickly or efficiently as we do(or would like them to); or maybe our schedule not permitting us to get things done sooner. All which could spiral
Truly, he won't quit, either. He hasn't let up for one second trying to get me to see he is teaching me. The more anxious I become, the more he pours into me with messages like Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Every time, I am directed to His Word(through coporate worship or quiet time) I am led straight to scripture reminding me to trust Him and quit trying to make my own sense of things. I am constantly encouraged to "fix my eyes on Jesus," look at his life, his examples of trust and obedience.
In fact, I was so anxious the other day I was trying to find a scripture in my iPhone App, You Version, and I came across the verse of the day, which I am sure only applied to me that day, that I think no matter what you are going through, that no matter what your field looks like, where ever you are serving or being led, this can and does apply to us all: James 5:7-8(The Message)
7-8Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master's Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time.
The troublesome spot for me is slow. I tend to think slow process, slow moving, but God is saying, "No, un-uh, slow, not as a pace, but slow in the moments where you, Sweet Daughter, want to rush through and get to the goal, but I have things to teach you and show before you get there. Quit trying to forge ahead as you always do and wait on Me."
Some other ways He is "letting the rain do its slow but sure work": 1.)sitting on the sidewalk during 1st two days in a row for 20 minutes while our youngest threw a tantrum about going to the beach. ( this might be a common occurrence for a child that has faced trauma and does not have words to express themselves any other way, IT WAS NOT SOMETHING WE EXPECT FROM OUR LOVED, SAFE, WELL-ADJUSTED CHILD). Through our training, we are changing the way we parent and so we hunkered down and worked it out. Later, when things were calm again, we asked him why he was scared of the beach. His answer was simple, "Shocks!" (Sharks, for those who need translation!) His tantrum was induced by fear! This was a huge learning moment as we are anticipating things like this with an child who has been hurt. We probably looked crazy to those passing by, but it was a chance to grow for us. 2.) While visiting with my sister this summer, we dreamed of going to Disney at Christmas. We got on the Internet to price it out and once we figured out it was crazy expensive, I handed the laptop over to my beautiful, 10 year old, niece. In the next moment, she was in tears. She had googled the average weight of a ten year old girl. And while she is a bit heavier than an average ten year old girl(she's probably much taller, too). she is no where close to obese. Sadly, when she realized she didn't make the mark, she felt horrible about herself. And even more upsetting, she judge herself based on the standards of our culture. Through encouraging her to be healthy above skinny and telling her how beautiful she truly is(outwardly and inwardly), and looking at this girl with the most gorgeous blue eyes, thick brown hair and a heart of compassion that surpasses her years, I realized that helping my daughter see how beautiful she is because of who and who's she is, not what she looks like, is going to be a huge mountain in this American culture that is obsessed with skinny and outward beauty. 3.) Thankful for family. Hard times, good times, and all the stuff in between. All of it has made us who we are today and for that I would trade any of the experiences we have had. 4.) My running. I am training for another 5K race. It's not like I am trying win against anyone. I am trying to win against who I was in the last one. I am thankful for these moments that are about me and for me and that I am going the distance and in those moments praising God who has blessed me so richly and for being able to take time out of my crazy day to push my body to be healthier and more overall ready for the tasks at hand. It reminds every time I step onto that pavement or the treadmill that I am running a race far above any 5K or marathon and that it takes endurance and it takes time to be ready for the Big Day!
So, in conclusion of this EPIC summer, I want to say we a training and we are preparing for the big day and we are clinging to God's Word with hope from scriptures like Philippians 4:6-8 6 Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.
8 Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.
We know He is making us ready and giving us hope. Join us as we pray!
The troublesome spot for me is slow. I tend to think slow process, slow moving, but God is saying, "No, un-uh, slow, not as a pace, but slow in the moments where you, Sweet Daughter, want to rush through and get to the goal, but I have things to teach you and show before you get there. Quit trying to forge ahead as you always do and wait on Me."
Some other ways He is "letting the rain do its slow but sure work": 1.)sitting on the sidewalk during 1st two days in a row for 20 minutes while our youngest threw a tantrum about going to the beach. ( this might be a common occurrence for a child that has faced trauma and does not have words to express themselves any other way, IT WAS NOT SOMETHING WE EXPECT FROM OUR LOVED, SAFE, WELL-ADJUSTED CHILD). Through our training, we are changing the way we parent and so we hunkered down and worked it out. Later, when things were calm again, we asked him why he was scared of the beach. His answer was simple, "Shocks!" (Sharks, for those who need translation!) His tantrum was induced by fear! This was a huge learning moment as we are anticipating things like this with an child who has been hurt. We probably looked crazy to those passing by, but it was a chance to grow for us. 2.) While visiting with my sister this summer, we dreamed of going to Disney at Christmas. We got on the Internet to price it out and once we figured out it was crazy expensive, I handed the laptop over to my beautiful, 10 year old, niece. In the next moment, she was in tears. She had googled the average weight of a ten year old girl. And while she is a bit heavier than an average ten year old girl(she's probably much taller, too). she is no where close to obese. Sadly, when she realized she didn't make the mark, she felt horrible about herself. And even more upsetting, she judge herself based on the standards of our culture. Through encouraging her to be healthy above skinny and telling her how beautiful she truly is(outwardly and inwardly), and looking at this girl with the most gorgeous blue eyes, thick brown hair and a heart of compassion that surpasses her years, I realized that helping my daughter see how beautiful she is because of who and who's she is, not what she looks like, is going to be a huge mountain in this American culture that is obsessed with skinny and outward beauty. 3.) Thankful for family. Hard times, good times, and all the stuff in between. All of it has made us who we are today and for that I would trade any of the experiences we have had. 4.) My running. I am training for another 5K race. It's not like I am trying win against anyone. I am trying to win against who I was in the last one. I am thankful for these moments that are about me and for me and that I am going the distance and in those moments praising God who has blessed me so richly and for being able to take time out of my crazy day to push my body to be healthier and more overall ready for the tasks at hand. It reminds every time I step onto that pavement or the treadmill that I am running a race far above any 5K or marathon and that it takes endurance and it takes time to be ready for the Big Day!
So, in conclusion of this EPIC summer, I want to say we a training and we are preparing for the big day and we are clinging to God's Word with hope from scriptures like Philippians 4:6-8 6 Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.
8 Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.
We know He is making us ready and giving us hope. Join us as we pray!
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