Christmas and an Upcoming Surprise

Christmas brings the ultimate Gift, Jesus Christ, Saviour of the world. And, we get to have His Spirit reside in us. Are you kidding me? The Creator of the universe allows this? Desires it even? Flabbergasting. 

He knew that while we lived in a fallen world full of twists and turns, sickness and death that we'd desperately need His Spirit to guide us and comfort us and to reveal answers to our questions and our longings. Our hearts ache to spend much more time with our little Ashanti, but the Lord knows what His good and perfect will is, so we trust Him and thank Him for the moments we do get to have her. One day He'll ultimately rescue us, and we'll all be together in eternity, but for now, we can experience communion with Him if we seek Him wholeheartedly. Gratitude.

In the meantime, His kingdom on earth continues to flourish, and we are blessed to be a part of serving others on this homeward journey. Friendship Club has been a big part of our lives for about fourteen years, and our developmentally disabled friends teach us weekly what it means to honour God. They simply trust, simply love, simply grow, and simply believe. When we are weary of preparing, attending, and just doing our schedule, we always drive away from there a little humbler, and full of a little more joy. 

Growing God's kingdom is never lacking in work, and therefore, neither are the astounding opportunities that result. I received a call that there was a pregnant girl who was in need of a family to support her. She is twenty years old, a full-time student and already has a one year-old. She is a Muslim and has lost family ties because of her choice not to abort her children. Enter: the baby-loving Vanderkruks. God knows :)  This little girl is due the first week in January, and we have promised to partner with this sweet, responsible momma when her baby arrives. Only the Lord knows the details of how it will all transpire, but while we wait, we enjoy dinners with Momma and babysitting darling big sister. What an exciting surprise from God in the midst of the heartache!

  

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.

2 Corinthians 9:15

More Than Friendship

It was our annual Friendship Club (Ministries) barbeque and my children wouldn't let me forget the whole week before. Grandma and Grandpa had been there early, preparing for our developmentally disabled friends who arrived with just as much fervor as my kids. This year, once again, Herb came with his hilarity-producing games that drew participation by everyone. I wouldn't be exaggerating by saying pure joy erupted in that place!

 

(Oh, how I'd love to post photos of the "Friends' lovely faces but I must protect their privacy so my kids and the "mentors' will have to suffice.)

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Serving our "friends", as we call them at our weekly, school-year-long club, is a blessing that overrides the preparation, time and effort. Our relationship is more than friendship, it's a beautiful dance whereby we embrace ones who understand struggle and move together in the harmony of a God-written song, which blends us in unity. I LOVE that my children have been taught the dance by their Creator too. They'll ever be unified with "friends" wherever they go in life, helping them and being changed by how they help us to understand what true friendship looks like.

Measuring Worth

Twisted hands, legs unusable,

Feeding-dependent, speech impeded.

Worthless to society?

Contented faces, joyful laughter,

Sparkling eyes, healing spirits.

Want to know God?

Want to know peace?

Want to find purpose?

Spend time with His Precious Treasures

and experience your cares melting away.

These are some of our friends from Friendship Club.

I wish I could post photos of their wonderful, joy-filled faces

to brighten your day, but it would be infringing

on their privacy.