Day Twenty-Eight: What Do You Need?

God has promised to supply all our needs. What we don't have now, we don't need now.
(Elisabeth Elliot)

Deep in the jungle of Ecuador, five men bravely entered the territory of the Auca natives to share the love of God. They began with great success and felt they were making friends with the people. Due to a big misunderstanding, the Aucas speared the five missionaries to death. Their wives were devastated when they finally realized what had happened to their husbands. 

Upon reading this story, I was taken with the courage of the men, but it was the resilience and perseverance of the women to return to the Aucas with forgiveness and to carry on the work that their husbands had begun. Elisabeth Elliot was one of them. If she can speak the quote above with the horrific experience she endured, how much more can I say that I don't need what I don't have right now. Do you look to a hero of the faith? I read stories of great men and women to my children because Jesus is their ultimate example, and we are also encouraged by fellow sojourners who are living according to the Word of God. Gaining insight from wiser and more mature believers sharpens us for our own pilgrimages. Elisabeth's prayers are insightful and inspiring. Research the men and women who have given their life's work (or even their lives) for Jesus. It will bolster your faith to even greater heights... and it may just change what you think you need.

Here are some examples:

Amy Carmichael

Gladys Aylward

David Livingstone

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Corrie Ten Boom

Faith Like Potatoes (movie) 

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

(Ephesians 4:19)

The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.

(Psalm 6:9)

 First snow! Using every bit of it for a snowman or two.

 
 
 
A few hours later...
"Frost-bite" is beginning to lean and "Ashanti" is losing her carrot nose, but it was fun while it lasted!

Eleventeen and Other Endangered Things

We're trying not to burst with laughter as she obliges and repeats her counting. "Nine, ten, eleventeen..." It's her littleness that captures us every time. Even Oliver is giggling at Ashanti's mistakes while his juvenility was the one we were enamoured with only a few months before. (He'd rushed into the house exclaiming that I needed to get outside right away because Emily would become an endangered species if I didn't hurry! Apparently she was stuck in a tree and with all the learning we'd done about African animals, that terminology was the first thing that came to his mind concerning her safety.) Ashanti has returned to "one, two, three..." She finds more satisfaction in our amusement than the actual correctness of her task. Performance driven? Yes, she fits in quite well at our family dinner-table-stage. We drink in the sweet counting errors again with this entertaining, newly-turned-three year-old.

But, these days, as I tuck a little one in for afternoon naps, I also find myself in the passenger's seat while my oldest drives around town. I am the recipient of profound and wondrous gifts and it humbles me when I take a moment to dwell on it all. The famous and transitory "eleventeen" passed through each of our children's lips at one time or another but it's also this fragment in the puzzle of life at home for Meghan that is endangered. She reminds us with a smile that her time here is short before she's off in the big world, conquering dreams and living out God's purposes. We nod and smile back and refuse to pause too long on that subject. But I must pause. I must wrangle every memory and every prayer before five children at home becomes four and our present is extinguished like a flame. Littleness, bigness--it's all endangered because time is fleeting.

Gratitude is my heartbeat but I seek God to rescue my sometimes misaligned attitude and words. What is most important in this small window of my life? Am I modeling Jesus to my children?  Thankfully, as He redeems me, I'm able to truly live like I love Him, which cages vulnerable times that might otherwise become threatened. No regrets is likely an impossible hope but redeemed moments are a promise from the One who gave the profound and wondrous gifts in the first place. And as this present era moves into a new and exciting epoch, I will praise Jesus for the opportunity to have joined Him in raising a few precious members of this generation.

Day Twenty-One: Advice For Homeschooled Kids

Dear Kids,

It's better if you put everything into projects like spelling, reading, math, writing, history, science and geography. You learn better and faster especially when your doing read out loud. God blesses with leaning fast.        From, Oliver

Just a little advice for homeschooled kids who wonder what they should do if their work is cumbersome and not well-suited to their learning style. Oliver thought he'd like to share his favourite type of learning with you :)

                                                     

Oliver William

Dear Children

Dear Children,

The days seem long, don't they? But you'll be growing up and you'll look back and feel like childhood was actually such a small piece of your life. You'll have responsibilities that are big and important. You'll be venturing out on your own and caring for others through your work, your ministries, and your own families. You might wonder where the carefree days disappeared to as you struggle to understand a suffering world and how you can be an agent of change for God.

(hand-holding as they walk? unprompted and unaware of me--love it)

As your mother, I'm endeavoring to lengthen your days, teaching you to drink life in, worship the Creator and notice the tiny details of His world. Our life isn't perfect but you're learning to love each other and to remember Who is guiding you. You already have compassion for others. I'm thankful for that. I love these times we are living through together, and so I jot down your funny sayings and your inquisitive conversations with me. I snap photos of your growing bodies and changing faces. I want to remind you one day how blessed and lovely these days were--the preparatory days.

The Bible says the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. I'm praying that you will always have a healthy fear of Him, that you'll hear His voice and obey it--that I'll obey it, as I walk this road with you. I'm so grateful for Daddy, who also joins me in creating a loving and disciplined youth for all of you. When you see me mess up this parenting thing, know that I'm human and flawed and that I still love you and am seeking forgiveness from the Lord and from you, to begin again. It's that wisdom from Him that leads me to be able to do this.  

 

I pray that mentors will come alongside you as you journey. The Lord sent me many, and if I humbled myself to take their advice, my path seemed so much easier. One such mentor was my mom, your "Mama". She taught me to have a relationship with Jesus and to love people fiercely. Embrace this heritage and that of your other grandparents too and you won't lose your way. God gave them to you as examples of how to carry out His purposes and to help your fellow humans. They do this well.

 

 

When life gets tough, and it will, remember we were never promised things would always be easy, only that God would carry us in His arms. If you never let go of that knowledge, you'll feel Him, actually feel His arms tangibly around you when you're unable to understand why you're encountering hardship. I know this because I've been there. I believe I could feel Him in moments of despair because of my history of practicing prayer, worship, writing down thanksgiving and answers to prayer.  I was taught to remind myself when life was easy that God is good. As a result, I simply knew it as truth when life wasn't easy. 

I love you, my "babies". You're growing up so quickly. Sometimes I stop in my busyness and just stare at you and whisper gratitude that you're mine. I'm sorry I don't always articulate this to you, but it's true. You're talented, beautiful, kind and already fulfilling your purposes on earth, as God reveals them to you. Young people are valuable and being used by God too! May you always love the Lord with all your hearts and love your neighbor as yourself.

I adore you, every one of you.

Love, Mommy

 

 

Open-Adoption Love

She assured me the baby could say, "Ma-ma," so we worked really hard to get her to say it again for the video. I scooted in close to her highchair and that beautiful adoptive-momma and I leaned over her, me with iPhone in hand, encouraging new words from Julie's eight month-old girl. We elicited smiles and coos and yes, even a "Ma-ma" Then I realized I hadn't flipped from photo to video on my camera and we laughed ourselves silly over how both of us are techy-challenged. We ate from the salad bar of the quaint Dutch Mill and then attempted another video.

 

That gorgeous, dark-skinned, little one put on her show for us and babbled and bubbled all on my now-turned-on video screen. Adoptive-mom, Alicia, gushed over her daughter, cheering on each chattery sound, "Say, Mama," Alexandria! Say hi to Momma-Julie!" Allie babbled more and Alicia sweetly roused, "What else do you want to say to Momma-Julie? Come on, what else?"

 

I shot a quick peek from my screen to Alicia, and internally noted yet another moment of wisdom from this new mother. My husband and I had fasted and prayed and sensed that this baby was not to be ours and Julie had felt peace with that. The Lord led her to exactly the couple He had chosen. Every time I see them together, I perceive God's plan so much clearer. And now, here was this  woman sacrificially and lovingly sharing her child's first precious word with the birth-mom. Would I have been so accommodating, so giving and kind? I think I would have wrapped that baby in my arms, twisted around and wished away a birth-mom's consistent presence.

I gazed at Allie, who was now banging the highchair with chubby hands, while Alicia giggled at her beloved human gift. I ended the video that I had been creating for Julie and again God whispered in my spirit that His plan was perfect. I was to remain connected to spunky, quirky, loveable birth-mom as a mentor and friend and this prudent woman would raise her baby. I hugged Alicia and Allie goodbye in the parking lot and texted Julie to watch for a soon-coming video.

 

The sun sparkled on the snow as I drove home that day and I pondered the lesson God was teaching me that I would never have fathomed in my own limited experience. I had based all my reasoning on the culture's norm in these situations and not by His great love. Of course the Father's limitless love would intend for the inclusion of birth-mom and adoptive-mom lavishing affection on a child in harmony! If it's as beautiful a story as this one, of course! I'm astounded by how obvious this is, now that I witness Alicia's willingness to include Julie in Alexandria's life. Furthermore, she welcomes her knowing Allie's future questions are better answered with her birth-mom available. I remembered the photo I took of Julie that Alicia had developed and framed in Alexandria's nursery. I stood amazed then too.

 

All things work together for good for those who love the Lord. I am still learning, but I know I've become a better momma because of this entire experience. I believe healthy boundaries are important, but God reveals those in each individual, open, partially-open and closed adoptions. At this time in my life, though, I am fully aware He wanted me to comprehend openness so I could understand His all-encompassing love. He adopted me! I'm so grateful Alicia and her husband are teaching me so I don't have to experience a painful lesson or hurt a precious birth-mom in my selfishness. Although we are not pursuing adoption at this time, I glorify God for people who live in a way that demonstrates the Father's love.

 

 

 

 

Nearly A Century Of Wisdom

She's a small, sweet package, but don't let her size fool you. She's a hero to her family and an example to her church community. This gentle woman who has worked hard her whole life, embracing her family and her role as wife and business owner is still as sharp as ever. She embodies the Proverbs 31 woman and if you've never read about her, turn to that place in your Bible.  Oma's photo appears in my mind as I peruse this chapter. We celebrated her ninety-ninth birthday as a family and as the slides of her life and offspring scrolled by on the large screen, I prayed I'd glean from her wisdom. 

Oma, we, your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren "rise up and called you blessed". You are a quiet example of God's grace and your legacy of love is what draws us together year after year. We honour you and pray God's richest blessings upon you. Happy 99th birthday and may it be your best year yet!

Singing a song for Oma :)

Playing House

It's what they do on a regular basis, pretending they're "big". I did it as well, when I was their age, and the beautiful thing is, I had two sisters too. There's nothing like this kind of play that can draw me back to my own childhood of dolls and teddies, tea parties and fort-building. I wonder why we wanted to grow up so much.

Watching this scene play out before me, the giggling, the somersaults and politeness at tea, plummets me into memories of innocent days gone by. Days laden with three sisters climbing willow tree branches and swinging from "Tarzan" ropes, of diving board contests and towel-wrap fashion shows, of bedroom garage sales and trading stickers, of friendship pins and sneaking into each other's beds in the wee hours. Days before the divorce and re-marriages, long distance moves, trauma and bone disease.

I whisper prayers for these little ones of mine, for their carefree hearts and their pure, sweet minds. Protect them!, I plead to the only One who can. The One who held me in the dark when I cried myself to sleep as a little girl. The One who redeemed my adult life so I would know joy in the midst of aging, no longer innocent and unfettered by the world. Protect them and make them wise without the pain, I pray on.

But, is it possible?

Can we grow, change, become wise without pain? I pray they do, without holding onto sin, that they always look to the One who sees them now, pretending to be "big".

My children playing house without knowing the hardships of what "real house" might look like... praise God for His overwhelming blessings.

Gratitude:

604. the way they speak politely (sometimes with an English accent) when they sit down to "tea" with their dolls

605. how they suck on (dirty) icicles that hang from the deck

606. my husband's Sunday afternoon nap... finally getting to rest after 6 days of labour

607. how hope is real and good and so we wait for how God is going to move in our friend's life

608. for a shy but willing woman who shared her story yesterday with a large group of women... she asked in prayer first that God hide her behind the cross so that hearts could be changed by the way God redeemed her world... and they were

609. for an impromtu afternoon at the salon for haircuts for all my children and how it was so slow that day that my girls got pampered with their hair curled for free

610. how Oliver pushed the hairstylist in the chair and spun her round and round, her laughing and whooping it up

611. how God is taking care of the unseen for us... long-time prayers we cannot see the answers to but know He's working out His plan for our good

612. for a family with a vision for the arts... http://www.solideoballet.com/

613. for a preschooler and kindergartener who are always asking, "How do I spell...?"

614. for the ability to get back on the horse and begin another exercize program--so grateful for health

615. for how we can still smell "baby" in her eight year-old forehead when we kiss her... I'm convinced this is a little gift from God, reserved just for me :)

Sisters (Kind Of)

She lives in New York and that's much too far away. We've been friends since we were thirteen and have considered ourselves "sisters" all this time. Although Tara is only a quick email away, there are days when I'd like to sit on her couch, cup of tea in hand, and pour out my heart to her. Since this isn't possible right now, I'll try to be satisfied with gleaning from her godly wisdom over a phone call.

Love you, dear friend. Until our next ever-too-short visit...

They Can't Take It Away From You

The Holocaust. We're talking about it together today. I want my children to know the wise words I've heard lately and listened to again on this video, "What you keep in your head cannot be taken away by anyone." The Bible tells us to hide God's Word in our hearts so that we don't sin against Him. Keeping Scripture in our minds and hearts also protects us spiritually and emotionally from what "man" can do to us physically. Alice, who is the oldest holocaust survivor in the world (107 this month!), knew how to maintain her sanity through this horrible time in her history. She shares it here. Watch and be inspired to be full of gratitude today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EMlDf_cH8Y&feature=share

Day Twelve (of 31 Days)

Every year he's there. He plucks his fingers on the keys and buttons as we sweep through the underground parking to the outside world at Memorial Square. His jovial smile, encouraging words, and scripture quotes are masterfully breathed between the lines of the hymns he plays. He's the Accordion Man and a Reverend--from where? I don't know. I never asked. I drop a dollar or two and stand a few seconds, but I'm usually in a hurry, trying not to miss what God has in store for me at the conference.

Trying not to miss what God has for me...

I am stopped in my tracks. Could I really be missing what God has for me if I take a moment to listen, to give, to love, to receive? A man who now sits humbly on a stool with an open suitcase, passing out tracts, must have a wealth of wisdom! I'm afraid I'm like the Levite who passed by on the road too quickly, barely stopping to receive the richness that could have been mine. Not that this man is in need of help but that stopping to support, means I'll be ministered to personally. I asked permission to take his photo and he obliged but he was more concerned about me taking a tract. As you draw close to God this month, seek out people who have this great wealth to offer. Here's a hint: they're usually over sixty :) They will teach you by their example how to draw near to your Maker.

I Want It

I want a heart change. I want to be wise. I want my eyes to be enlightened. I want sweet things in my life. I want great rewards. I want to be cleansed. I want to be innocent.

Psalm 19 tells me I can have it all! All of those things!

Read God's word and discover what's yours for the taking!

Praise Him!

My husband and I watched "Facing the Giants" last week and I am preparing for rain. If you don't know what this means, rent the movie and be changed by the testimony of a man who found God's word to be true.

Storing Up

I strolled past my brother-in-law's wood-splitting area on the farm yesterday and thought about the hard work that must have gone into chopping and organizing these neatly piled logs. The wisdom in storing up the wood for winter reminded me of something our Pastor spoke about on Sunday. He challenged us to "store up" wisdom by feasting on the Word of God. Like Joseph, who was able to use his wisdom for a later and greater purpose, we must prepare ourselves for what is ahead. While we are able, we must seek for discernment as for silver and search for her as for hidden treasure. Only then will we find the knowledge of God (Prov. 2:3-5). And what will we do with that knowledge? We will be able to face giants in our lives, knowing we can "do all things through Christ who strengthens us" (Phil. 4:13) and we can draw others out of their trouble as well.