It has been a long, slow process, but we're just about ready to be wait listed again!! After Charles lost his job this summer (and then found a new one in the fall), we were frozen right at the number we were at - #53. Before we could continue on, we had to update our paperwork and complete a new home study. For this paperwork-challenged, busy mama of four, that was no small feat. It literally felt like a towering mountain of clearances, medical records, fingerprint appointments, and financial statements were standing before us. Some days I felt defeated just THINKING about all that had to be done to bring us to where we are today.
But here we stand.
Paperwork in.
Signed.
Dated.
Notarized.
Home study written up.
Ready for the next step in our adoption journey.
And what is that you ask??
Currently, we are waiting for re-approval to continue moving down the wait list. Last week we had our dreaded home visit (again). Momentarily, it looked like perhaps things would end right there. We ran into a couple obstacles THAT MORNING regarding immigration expiration, followed by child abuse and criminal clearance expirations. The threat of having to start all over at the very beginning of this entire, crazy process loomed in front of us. And literally....the thought of THAT.....of having to start all over again.....made me cry. I literally shed tears of frustration, sadness, panic, and fear. GOD!! WHERE ARE YOU?? HAVEN'T WE DONE WHAT YOU ASKED OF US?
But as history proves, He is not a God who backs down from obstacles. He doesn't shy away from mountains that may rise up in our path. Instead, He many times uses those very obstacles to bring Himself maximum glory. And so, as we prayed.....as we begged.....just like those Israelites did......for God not to bring us out into the wilderness just to allow us to be boxed in by the Red Sea on one side and the Egyptian army on the other.....God moved. Providentially again. Not with the miraculous hand that we had witnessed last year, but in the steady, seemingly-coincidental hand of providence.
And we were humbled. And ashamed. That again, we had doubted. And again, He had made a way.
I just spent the last couple hours reading over our old adoption posts from the last two years. Minuscule and monumental roadblocks alike that God had hurdled over. Left me in awe of Him all over again. And so tonight I praise Him for this journey. This crazy journey that He has had us on for over two years now. This journey that I had thought would be over by now (surely, right??). And yet I know God is in control. I know that in ALL things He is working together for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose...even when times are tough and things don't seem to make sense. Even when God shows you things that you don't think will ever come to pass. Even though you wait...and wait some more.
And I wonder....is this a small glimpse of what it was like for Sarah? For David? For the Jews anxiously awaiting their Messiah? Promises and callings that took what may have seemed a lifetime to see the fruit of. Yet in some strange way, knowing what I know about how THEIR stories end, it brings me some solace as I stand in a place of waiting myself.
He is God, and He is still on His throne. No matter how our story ends. Nothing is out from under His divine control. The wait. The struggle. The ups. The downs. All of it. All for His glory as He weaves our story into His master plan.
So wait we do. Yet as we wait, we set our eyes on the One who is not limited by timeframes and immigration expiration dates. The One who is above all things. And we thank Him that we can confidently say, we are almost there!!!
Kirsten
Showing posts with label God Stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God Stories. Show all posts
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Mustard Seeds
I just got done packing 6 lunches, five of which are going with my children and I to class tomorrow. The other, will be accompanying my husband to his first day of his NEW JOB. Yes, God is good. :)
That's right! You read correctly! He got a job!! We couldn't be more thrilled. Thank you all for praying for us. It has been a long, uncertain journey, yet exciting as well. We have learned much about His provision, as we never went without. When we were faithless, He was faithful (2 Tim. 2:13). So very true.
Oh, I wish I could say that we never once doubted. I wish I could say that I knew all along that a job would open up quickly....but....well, that would be a lie. Many, MANY times during this process, I stressed. I worried. I wondered - What if He doesn't provide?? What if a job doesn't open up in time? What if.....
And every time, God nudged me to look backwards. He reminded me to look at all the times He HAD provided. All the times He HAD "pulled through". We've received many emails and sweet cards over the past few months marveling at our faith. Friends encouraging us that our faith has inspired them in their journeys. And you know what?? Every time it would make me laugh. Literally LOL. Why? Because there were MANY dark days where I pleaded with God to increase my faith. I begged Him to "fix my eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen (2 Cor. 4:18)". In my own strength, I didn't really have much of anything. All I could see were my surroundings, and well, they looked kind-of bleak. :)
Yet, as I prayed though, something happened. My faith would increase ever so slightly. Not much. Just enough to get me through the next hurdle. Then again, the Bible doesn't call us to have much faith. It merely asks us to have the faith of a mustard seed. Ever seen one of those??
And so, with mustard seed-size faith we persevered. Or shall I say, persevere? It is not over yet. Now begins a whole new round of paperwork. With new employment comes updated home studies and such. Charles' new job will need to be approved by our social worker, and our finances combed through again. We're praying that all will proceed smoothly, although we're learning when it comes to adoption, there may not really be such a thing. :)
Here's how you can continue to pray for us...
1. Pray that Charles' new job would be a good fit for him and our family (he is working for a company that is subcontracted by Merck Pharmaceuticals).
2. Pray that our updated home study, along with Charles' new employment, would be approved so that we could continue on in our adoption.
3. Pray that we would continue to see movement in our adoption, and that we would continue to be able to raise the funds necessary (we need about $10,000 more).
4. We need a car!!! Pray that we could find a good deal on one within the next couple months. We don't want to take out a loan, so it will have to be for a price we can afford!! For Charles' previous job, he drove a work vehicle to and from the shop in the morning. We had one personal vehicle for our family. Upon losing his job, we went down to one car. We do temporarily have access to a second car for the time being, however, we will eventually need a car of our own.
5. Lastly, pray that our faith would continue to increase. Pray that we would not forgot what God has done.
Thank you, thank you, thank you friends!!! We are so thankful for your friendship, your encouragement, and your prayers!! We are so incredibly blessed.
Alright, going to bed now.... 5:00 am will be coming early. :)
Kirsten
That's right! You read correctly! He got a job!! We couldn't be more thrilled. Thank you all for praying for us. It has been a long, uncertain journey, yet exciting as well. We have learned much about His provision, as we never went without. When we were faithless, He was faithful (2 Tim. 2:13). So very true.
Oh, I wish I could say that we never once doubted. I wish I could say that I knew all along that a job would open up quickly....but....well, that would be a lie. Many, MANY times during this process, I stressed. I worried. I wondered - What if He doesn't provide?? What if a job doesn't open up in time? What if.....
And every time, God nudged me to look backwards. He reminded me to look at all the times He HAD provided. All the times He HAD "pulled through". We've received many emails and sweet cards over the past few months marveling at our faith. Friends encouraging us that our faith has inspired them in their journeys. And you know what?? Every time it would make me laugh. Literally LOL. Why? Because there were MANY dark days where I pleaded with God to increase my faith. I begged Him to "fix my eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen (2 Cor. 4:18)". In my own strength, I didn't really have much of anything. All I could see were my surroundings, and well, they looked kind-of bleak. :)
Yet, as I prayed though, something happened. My faith would increase ever so slightly. Not much. Just enough to get me through the next hurdle. Then again, the Bible doesn't call us to have much faith. It merely asks us to have the faith of a mustard seed. Ever seen one of those??
And so, with mustard seed-size faith we persevered. Or shall I say, persevere? It is not over yet. Now begins a whole new round of paperwork. With new employment comes updated home studies and such. Charles' new job will need to be approved by our social worker, and our finances combed through again. We're praying that all will proceed smoothly, although we're learning when it comes to adoption, there may not really be such a thing. :)
Here's how you can continue to pray for us...
1. Pray that Charles' new job would be a good fit for him and our family (he is working for a company that is subcontracted by Merck Pharmaceuticals).
2. Pray that our updated home study, along with Charles' new employment, would be approved so that we could continue on in our adoption.
3. Pray that we would continue to see movement in our adoption, and that we would continue to be able to raise the funds necessary (we need about $10,000 more).
4. We need a car!!! Pray that we could find a good deal on one within the next couple months. We don't want to take out a loan, so it will have to be for a price we can afford!! For Charles' previous job, he drove a work vehicle to and from the shop in the morning. We had one personal vehicle for our family. Upon losing his job, we went down to one car. We do temporarily have access to a second car for the time being, however, we will eventually need a car of our own.
5. Lastly, pray that our faith would continue to increase. Pray that we would not forgot what God has done.
Thank you, thank you, thank you friends!!! We are so thankful for your friendship, your encouragement, and your prayers!! We are so incredibly blessed.
Alright, going to bed now.... 5:00 am will be coming early. :)
Kirsten
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
It Just So Happens....Again :)
For anyone who has been keeping up with our story on here, you will know that many curious incidences have "just so happened" to occur over the past couple months or so. Things that could merely be chalked up to coincidence or chance. WE know that these "just so happenings" have been nothing short than the providence of a loving, Almighty God. And so, here we find ourselves again. Shaking our heads. Sighing a deep sigh of relief. Marveling at God's perfect timing. Saying that phrase over and over to each other at night.....it just so happens....again. :)
Well, it just so happens this time, that we received a call from our social worker the other day. Didn't seem too out of the ordinary at first. How are you doing? How's the job search? Any new news on our part? And then....it came. News we weren't even expecting. Weren't even praying for. News that our agency had reevaluated their policy on job loss, and had determined that instead of a 3 month grace period, they were extending that to 12 months.
12 MONTHS!
Now, certainly, we are hoping and praying that Charles finds a job MUCH sooner than that. In fact, he has been called back for a second job interview tomorrow morning. Still, the weight of a thousand tons seemed to lift off of both of us upon hearing that we were being given more time to secure a job. Isn't God good??
Today I am praising Him for little glimmers of hope that He reveals just when we need it the most. Just when we are beginning to feel down...alone...unsure. He shows up in a "just so happens" kind of way. Still gets me every time.
Won't you praise Him tonight with us??!?
Kirsten
Well, it just so happens this time, that we received a call from our social worker the other day. Didn't seem too out of the ordinary at first. How are you doing? How's the job search? Any new news on our part? And then....it came. News we weren't even expecting. Weren't even praying for. News that our agency had reevaluated their policy on job loss, and had determined that instead of a 3 month grace period, they were extending that to 12 months.
12 MONTHS!
Now, certainly, we are hoping and praying that Charles finds a job MUCH sooner than that. In fact, he has been called back for a second job interview tomorrow morning. Still, the weight of a thousand tons seemed to lift off of both of us upon hearing that we were being given more time to secure a job. Isn't God good??
Today I am praising Him for little glimmers of hope that He reveals just when we need it the most. Just when we are beginning to feel down...alone...unsure. He shows up in a "just so happens" kind of way. Still gets me every time.
Won't you praise Him tonight with us??!?
Kirsten
Saturday, September 1, 2012
It Just So Happens.....
It just so happens that I've been listening to a Mark Driscoll sermon series on the book of Ruth this month. And it just so happens that that sermon series has been speaking right to where I am these days. I kind-of love how God orchestrates things like that. :)
The story of Ruth is a beautiful story of redemption. An ostracized foreigner. A bitter, old mother-in-law. A godly business-owner. Each playing an integral part in the plot. The curtain opens introducing us to the family of a man named Elimelech. Elimelech, from the town of Bethlehem, the tribe of Judah, moves his family to live among the Moabites when a severe famine overtakes the land. While in Moab, Elimelech's two sons both marry and start their lives over. Tragically though, Elimelech, and both his sons die an untimely death, leaving the three widows to care for themselves. In a patriarchal society such as this one, this is a terrible fate. Upon hearing that the famine has lifted in the town of Bethlehem, Naomi, the widow of Elimelech, makes the decision to return home to her people with her newly-widowed daughter-in-laws. Along the way, she comes to the realization that her daughter-in-laws, Ruth and Orpah, deserve better than to care for an aging mother-in-law who has nothing left to offer. She bids them farewell and pleads with them to return to their father's homes and to their gods.....to marry again, and start their lives over. Orpah, takes her mother-in-law up on this, and returns home. Ruth, however, has grown to genuinely love and care for Naomi and insists on continuing on the long, dangerous journey to Bethlehem. The widows are destitute, homeless, and alone, yet their faith in the one, true God of Israel, just so happens to lead them to a godly businessman named Boaz. Boaz provides for them, and ultimately ends up marrying Ruth, redeeming her and offering her a second chance at life (the entire story can be found in the book of Ruth). A foreshadowing of what Christ has done for us.
One thing that stood out to me while I listened to this series, was that God works in two ways. Obviously, God answers prayer through the use of miracles. We saw this miracle-working God in the life of our dear sister Anna just this past year. More often than not, however, God answers prayer through His providence. Seas don't part. Manna doesn't fall from the sky. Fire doesn't rain down from heaven. We see his care manifest itself in the ordinary, seemingly coincidental providence of a loving God as he provides for the needs of his people.
This is where I have been living the past couple months. Nothing miraculous has happened. A job has not fallen from the sky and landed in our laps. Yet, we see evidence of His provision everywhere we look. To some, it may seem purely coincidental. But to us, as we've grown to intimately know the ways of this God spoken of in the book of Ruth, the God whom the Bible says is the "same yesterday, and today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8)", we know it not to be anything other than the hand of a providential and loving God.
When we first received word that our adoption agency would grant us a three-month grace period to secure employment, we were also told that there were a couple stipulations that we had to abide by as well. The obvious, we needed to find a job that met the financial criteria for the country of Ethiopia. Secondly, we needed to be careful not to touch our savings account, so as to prove when all was said and done, that we still had the means to continue with our adoption. Easier said than done, when we still have not received any unemployment checks to date. YET, through it all, God has remained faithful. Despite having not received an official paycheck in over two months, we have still been able to pay all our bills on time, provide food for our little family, and continue to provide for our kids in a manner in which they do not even feel as thought they are without. Only He can receive credit.
Each time I have doubted his goodness, it just so happens that a meal shows up to our home. Every time I have wondered how we would get by, a gift card has been handed to us. Or a bag of groceries. Or a check. Or an invitation to pick in someone's garden. When I have worried about paying bills without tapping into our savings, He has so lovingly reminded me how He provides even for the lilies of the field.
He reminds me how he cares even that much more for me, and then his hand of provision blesses us with a side job. No more, or no less than we need for that month. He has left us marveling at His seemingly coincidental providence over and over.
He is so faithful.
So good.
So loving.
Not only has He provided our needs, but some desires as well. Undeserved grace being lavishly poured out upon our heads. This is the God that we serve.
To date, Charles still has not found a job. He has had several leads, filled out a couple applications, and has had an interview. We are waiting on one job in particular, as it has seemed somewhat promising. Please continue to pray that God would open a door for him and that the job He just so happens to provide will pay what we need to continue with our adoption. We are trusting that God has not brought us this far, only to allow us to be defeated. Pray that our faith would be strong, and that we would set out eyes firmly on Him.
In an ironic twist, as uncertainty has consumed our job-search, our adoption has begun to pick up speed. We know that God's timing is perfect, though not always making sense to us with our human eyes. Over the past year that we have sat waiting on the list, we have S-L-O-W-L-Y plodded down a couple spaces each month. Frustratingly, it has seemed that we would be in this stage of waiting forever. Yet, these past two months alone, we have seen our numbers drop from #67 to #53.
That's 14 spaces! About as much movement as we have seen in almost a year. :)
We are thankful for this story of redemption, much like Ruth, that God is writing in our own lives, and in the life of our child, an ocean away. We pray that His providence would be just as evident in our hearts, as it was in the life of a poor, widowed Moabite woman. Only God knew the end of her story. Only God knew, in the midst of her sorrow.....her turmoil....her pain....that He had a greater story yet to write. That in the end, from Ruth's lineage, would come a Redeemer, much like Boaz, who would come to this earth to redeem the world. It just so happens that His ways are always better. And so, like Ruth, we wait.
We wait on our Redeemer.
The story of Ruth is a beautiful story of redemption. An ostracized foreigner. A bitter, old mother-in-law. A godly business-owner. Each playing an integral part in the plot. The curtain opens introducing us to the family of a man named Elimelech. Elimelech, from the town of Bethlehem, the tribe of Judah, moves his family to live among the Moabites when a severe famine overtakes the land. While in Moab, Elimelech's two sons both marry and start their lives over. Tragically though, Elimelech, and both his sons die an untimely death, leaving the three widows to care for themselves. In a patriarchal society such as this one, this is a terrible fate. Upon hearing that the famine has lifted in the town of Bethlehem, Naomi, the widow of Elimelech, makes the decision to return home to her people with her newly-widowed daughter-in-laws. Along the way, she comes to the realization that her daughter-in-laws, Ruth and Orpah, deserve better than to care for an aging mother-in-law who has nothing left to offer. She bids them farewell and pleads with them to return to their father's homes and to their gods.....to marry again, and start their lives over. Orpah, takes her mother-in-law up on this, and returns home. Ruth, however, has grown to genuinely love and care for Naomi and insists on continuing on the long, dangerous journey to Bethlehem. The widows are destitute, homeless, and alone, yet their faith in the one, true God of Israel, just so happens to lead them to a godly businessman named Boaz. Boaz provides for them, and ultimately ends up marrying Ruth, redeeming her and offering her a second chance at life (the entire story can be found in the book of Ruth). A foreshadowing of what Christ has done for us.
One thing that stood out to me while I listened to this series, was that God works in two ways. Obviously, God answers prayer through the use of miracles. We saw this miracle-working God in the life of our dear sister Anna just this past year. More often than not, however, God answers prayer through His providence. Seas don't part. Manna doesn't fall from the sky. Fire doesn't rain down from heaven. We see his care manifest itself in the ordinary, seemingly coincidental providence of a loving God as he provides for the needs of his people.
This is where I have been living the past couple months. Nothing miraculous has happened. A job has not fallen from the sky and landed in our laps. Yet, we see evidence of His provision everywhere we look. To some, it may seem purely coincidental. But to us, as we've grown to intimately know the ways of this God spoken of in the book of Ruth, the God whom the Bible says is the "same yesterday, and today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8)", we know it not to be anything other than the hand of a providential and loving God.
When we first received word that our adoption agency would grant us a three-month grace period to secure employment, we were also told that there were a couple stipulations that we had to abide by as well. The obvious, we needed to find a job that met the financial criteria for the country of Ethiopia. Secondly, we needed to be careful not to touch our savings account, so as to prove when all was said and done, that we still had the means to continue with our adoption. Easier said than done, when we still have not received any unemployment checks to date. YET, through it all, God has remained faithful. Despite having not received an official paycheck in over two months, we have still been able to pay all our bills on time, provide food for our little family, and continue to provide for our kids in a manner in which they do not even feel as thought they are without. Only He can receive credit.
Each time I have doubted his goodness, it just so happens that a meal shows up to our home. Every time I have wondered how we would get by, a gift card has been handed to us. Or a bag of groceries. Or a check. Or an invitation to pick in someone's garden. When I have worried about paying bills without tapping into our savings, He has so lovingly reminded me how He provides even for the lilies of the field.
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow? They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you,
O you of little faith!"
~Matthew 6:26-33
He reminds me how he cares even that much more for me, and then his hand of provision blesses us with a side job. No more, or no less than we need for that month. He has left us marveling at His seemingly coincidental providence over and over.
He is so faithful.
So good.
So loving.
Not only has He provided our needs, but some desires as well. Undeserved grace being lavishly poured out upon our heads. This is the God that we serve.
To date, Charles still has not found a job. He has had several leads, filled out a couple applications, and has had an interview. We are waiting on one job in particular, as it has seemed somewhat promising. Please continue to pray that God would open a door for him and that the job He just so happens to provide will pay what we need to continue with our adoption. We are trusting that God has not brought us this far, only to allow us to be defeated. Pray that our faith would be strong, and that we would set out eyes firmly on Him.
In an ironic twist, as uncertainty has consumed our job-search, our adoption has begun to pick up speed. We know that God's timing is perfect, though not always making sense to us with our human eyes. Over the past year that we have sat waiting on the list, we have S-L-O-W-L-Y plodded down a couple spaces each month. Frustratingly, it has seemed that we would be in this stage of waiting forever. Yet, these past two months alone, we have seen our numbers drop from #67 to #53.
#53!!!
That's 14 spaces! About as much movement as we have seen in almost a year. :)
We are thankful for this story of redemption, much like Ruth, that God is writing in our own lives, and in the life of our child, an ocean away. We pray that His providence would be just as evident in our hearts, as it was in the life of a poor, widowed Moabite woman. Only God knew the end of her story. Only God knew, in the midst of her sorrow.....her turmoil....her pain....that He had a greater story yet to write. That in the end, from Ruth's lineage, would come a Redeemer, much like Boaz, who would come to this earth to redeem the world. It just so happens that His ways are always better. And so, like Ruth, we wait.
We wait on our Redeemer.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Adoption News!
The wait is over. After two loooonnnnggggg weeks of waiting for a decision regarding the possible termination of our adoption, we heard back from our case worker today. And....it was the good news we had hoped for. :)
Our adoption agency has determined that we are still in good financial standing to continue on with our adoption. They are granting us a 90-day grace period to secure employment and health insurance for our entire family. We will not lose our position on the wait list, and will continue to move down on the list as new referrals are assigned each month. Such a HUGE, HUGE answer to prayer!!
Obviously, the hurdles are not finished for us. In order to meet our end of the deal, Charles still needs to find a job that meets the income requirements for the Ethiopia program; all the while, being careful not to drain our savings, as this will reflect poorly on our financial status. Time is ticking. We also need to keep our dossier up-to-date, as many of our documents are beginning to expire. So, the future holds more fingerprint appointments, criminal and child abuse clearances, and physical exams, but that is OK with me. :) BRING IT!
As of today, we have moved down THREE more spots to #67. We are expecting to move again, as the end of the month is rapidly approaching (can it be almost August ALREADY??!?!?).
Thanks everyone for praying us through this obstacle. If there is one thing the Lord is teaching me through this trial, it is that the body of Christ is exactly that, a body. We were never meant to live this life alone. We were never meant to bear the weight of our struggles independent from others. We were meant for community. A community of believers who bands together to lift each other up when they fall. This is where we have lived this week. Groceries have shown up on our doorstep. Meals. Thoughtful cards and emails. Bible verses. Prayers offered up on our behalf.
"All of the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had."
~Acts 4:32
"Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us."
~Romans 12:4-6
"The body is a unit, though it is made up of different parts, and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ."
~ 1 Corinthians 12:12
We are beyond grateful for your friendships and humbled by the love we have received over the past several weeks. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus, the body of Christ. Please continue to pray for us, if you would. Pray specifically for Charles to find a job within the next 90 days (preferably sooner!! :). We anticipate the day when we can share what God has done. What ONLY He is capable of doing! He is so good, and so worthy of our praise.
Kirsten
Friday, July 13, 2012
We Need Your Prayers! :)
Well, it's been some time since I last posted, and a lot has transpired since then. Let me try and bring you up to speed......
It all started three weeks ago, when my husband came home from work with the news that he had lost his job. The following day, my Mimi, the matriarch of our family, passed away. It was not a surprise; she had been on hospice for about a week. But still, it was a very, very sad day for our entire family. A sad weekend, I suppose.
The next week was a little bit of a blur. It was spent making funeral arrangements, sorting through unemployment procedures, and figuring out a plan to continue receiving insurance for our kids. All along, I was dreading the discussion that would inevitably have to take place with our case worker regarding Charles' recent status to unemployed. What would it mean for our adoption?? Surely, it couldn't be good. :(
As expected, losing our sole income will have an impact on our pending adoption. What kind of an impact? That we do not know yet. As of right now, we need to fill out a financial statement that is to be evaluated next week by a team of social workers at our agency. Depending on their findings, it will determine whether we will be allowed to continue, or not, in the Ethiopia program.
Through it all, I must say, God has been so faithful to us. He has rallied friends and family around us, and has given both Charles and I a peace that passes all understanding. As we look back over the past few years, we see how our experiences, both good and bad, have been preparing us for this current trial we find ourselves in. A few things I know, that I know, that I know about God....
1. God is good. All the time. In every circumstance, good and bad. He is good.
2. God is sovereign and in control of ALL things. Not a single hair on our heads can be touched without Him allowing it.
3. God is all-powerful and certainly ABLE to change situations.
4. Prayer WORKS!!
5. Often God allows everything to be stripped away before showing up BIG, thus bringing Him the most glory (example, Anna).
We do not know what the future holds, but we are confident in the One who holds the future. 2,000 years ago, on an unassuming Friday afternoon, a stone was rolled in front of a tomb, and the Roman soldiers and chief priests who stood by watching declared it finished. But God had other plans, as He so often does.
It all started three weeks ago, when my husband came home from work with the news that he had lost his job. The following day, my Mimi, the matriarch of our family, passed away. It was not a surprise; she had been on hospice for about a week. But still, it was a very, very sad day for our entire family. A sad weekend, I suppose.
The next week was a little bit of a blur. It was spent making funeral arrangements, sorting through unemployment procedures, and figuring out a plan to continue receiving insurance for our kids. All along, I was dreading the discussion that would inevitably have to take place with our case worker regarding Charles' recent status to unemployed. What would it mean for our adoption?? Surely, it couldn't be good. :(
As expected, losing our sole income will have an impact on our pending adoption. What kind of an impact? That we do not know yet. As of right now, we need to fill out a financial statement that is to be evaluated next week by a team of social workers at our agency. Depending on their findings, it will determine whether we will be allowed to continue, or not, in the Ethiopia program.
Through it all, I must say, God has been so faithful to us. He has rallied friends and family around us, and has given both Charles and I a peace that passes all understanding. As we look back over the past few years, we see how our experiences, both good and bad, have been preparing us for this current trial we find ourselves in. A few things I know, that I know, that I know about God....
1. God is good. All the time. In every circumstance, good and bad. He is good.
2. God is sovereign and in control of ALL things. Not a single hair on our heads can be touched without Him allowing it.
3. God is all-powerful and certainly ABLE to change situations.
4. Prayer WORKS!!
5. Often God allows everything to be stripped away before showing up BIG, thus bringing Him the most glory (example, Anna).
We do not know what the future holds, but we are confident in the One who holds the future. 2,000 years ago, on an unassuming Friday afternoon, a stone was rolled in front of a tomb, and the Roman soldiers and chief priests who stood by watching declared it finished. But God had other plans, as He so often does.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than
your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
~Isaiah 55:9
Three days later, as the disciples were hiding away in a room, confused and saddened by the weekend's events, God's plan was unfolding. A plan to redeem the world. A plan to bring beauty from the ashes.
And so it was on that day, that Jesus rose and conquered death and sin forevermore. God's plan, perhaps not making sense at the time to the mere minds of humans, was the only thing that could rescue the world.
Although, this is not the way WE would have ever chosen to write OUR life story, we trust that God's ways are better. That He sees the whole picture, and works accordingly. We know that the call to adopt that was placed on our hearts two years ago, is still very real to this day and cannot be thwarted by human hands. We ask you to join us in praying that God would make a way, where man says it is impossible. Here are some specific, tangible ways in which you can pray for us this upcoming week:
1. Charles would find a new job quickly (and smoothly!!).
2. The financial statement that we are busy preparing would favorably describe our family.
3. When the case workers gather next week to review our case, that we would find favor in their eyes and would be allowed to continue with our adoption.
4. Continued peace and endurance for Charles and I during this trial.
5. Grace to accept plans that may be different than what we had envisioned.
Thank you so much for your prayers!! We have already begun to feel them. We are blessed beyond measure to call you friends.
Much love,
Kirsten
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Survivor
So many of you have faithfully continued to ask about my sister-in-law Anna and how her recovery has been now that she is at home. Here is a little something that her husband Brian posted to his FB page yesterday:
Isn't she beautiful??? Thanks for all your continued prayers for Anna. My mother and father in-law finally left to head back home to Florida yesterday after spending the last 65 days in California by her side. Brian has not yet returned to work, but eventually he will. Each day Anna is getting stronger and stronger. Praise be to God alone!
Thanks for your continued prayers!
Kirsten
Monday, February 20, 2012
Take a Listen!
Anna's husband, Brian, was back in the pulpit for the first time yesterday since before Anna went into the hospital at the end of the year to give birth to Micah. His sermon? "Come and see what God has done."
If you get a chance, pop on over to take a listen to what God has taught him over the past several weeks. You will be blessed to hear his account of the faithfulness of our God.
http://sierraviewpca.org/2012/02/19/021912-psalm-66-come-and-see-what-god-has-done-the-rev-brian-peterson/
Have a great day!
Kirsten
If you get a chance, pop on over to take a listen to what God has taught him over the past several weeks. You will be blessed to hear his account of the faithfulness of our God.
http://sierraviewpca.org/2012/02/19/021912-psalm-66-come-and-see-what-god-has-done-the-rev-brian-peterson/
Have a great day!
Kirsten
Thursday, February 16, 2012
One Year Ago Today....
One year ago today, on February 16th, 2011, we went FB "out" for the world to see. We were adopting.
Shortly after, you may remember our pickle jar?? Haha, have I gotten your attention yet? Yes, a pickle jar. For those who are new to our story, let me catch you up to speed.....
Fast-forward one year and take a look at the thermometer to the right of our page. God is good. :)
Shortly after, you may remember our pickle jar?? Haha, have I gotten your attention yet? Yes, a pickle jar. For those who are new to our story, let me catch you up to speed.....
Post from 2/21/11:
Last night after dinner, our family gathered around the table and we read the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. A crowd had assembled on the hilltop to hear Jesus' teachings, but the day had grown long, and the people, hungry. I was struck by the fact that when it came time for Jesus to feed the crowd, he did not miraculously just make food appear from the heavens (although he could have!). Instead, he first required something on the part of his disciples. As always, God, in His mysterious nature, CHOOSES to use earthly creatures to carry out His heavenly plans.
"By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. 'This is a remote place,' they said, 'and it's already getting late. Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.'
But [Jesus] answered, 'You give them something to eat.'
The disciples said to him, 'That would take eight months of a man's wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?'
'How many loaves do you have?' Jesus asked, 'Go and see.'"
-Mark 6: 35-38
Before Jesus ever even performed any miracles that afternoon, He first required his followers to step out in faith. They needed to take the first step! We see this pattern over and over throughout scripture. Peter, walking on water....the friends who lowered the paralyzed man down through a roof and at the feet of Jesus....Abraham leaving his homeland to follow God.
As we talked with our children about the application of this story to our lives, my daughter spoke up and said, "Mommy, this reminds me of our adoption. Just like God took what little food the disciples were able to find and turned it into enough to feed 5,000 people, God can take our little money jar, and multiply it to overflowing." Wow.
"From the lips of children and infants, you have ordained praise!"
~Psalm 8:2
Enter, our pickle jar:
When we first began our journey towards adoption, we emptied out a huge pickle jar and stuck it on our counter. We thought it would be a fun way to get the kids involved in collecting money for our adoption. They have had a blast finding spare change throughout the house and adding it to our jar.
Well, last night, we took that big ole' pickle jar, and stuck it on the middle of our table. And as a family, we prayed that God would multiply our "5 small loaves of bread - and 2 fish". We prayed Malachi 3:10 over our pickle jar:
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. 'Test me in this,' says the Lord Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have enough room for it.'"
Won't you please join us in praying that God would do just that! That He would multiply our pickle jar. That He would take our "loaves of bread" and multiply it to feed 5,000. Or, in our case, just one orphan. :)
Fast-forward one year and take a look at the thermometer to the right of our page. God is good. :)
Certainly, I believed God was capable (didn't I???) when we prayed that little prayer together around our dining room table. But NEVER in my wildest dreams, did I imagine we would be where we are today. $22,000 raised in exactly one year.
A. MAZING.
And still, I find myself daily trying to muster up the faith to believe. Oh, not in the raising of funds anymore. I trust that when the time comes, we will have what we need. That's the easy part. God already proved himself MORE than capable there. No, I'm speaking more of the bureaucracy and red tape that is involved in an international adoption. Any adoption, really. The uneasiness that comes from the unknown.
And so, as always, when doubts come, I find myself clinging to His promises and reminding myself over and over again of His past provisions. How He knit my husband and my hearts together towards the common goal of adopting. How He has provided the necessary funds. How He has overcome obstacle after obstacle.
Even in slow seasons, where He doesn't seem to be moving, I am choosing to trust. When we look around and wonder, 'Is this too big for even God?' I'm choosing to have faith.
And so, again, I lift my five little loaves and two fish up to Him. My mustard seed-size of faith. And pray that even now, as we creep.....literally.....down the list towards bringing our child home, we would sense His presence. His blessing. His favor. That we would know HE is the provider God. That He alone can move mountains. We know that no government can stand in His way. That in fact, "the government [is] upon his shoulders (Isaiah 9:6)." We trust His timing, knowing that it is absolutely perfect. Praying all the while for a heart of faith.
Can't WAIT to see where we are one year from today! Won't you pray along with us?
Kirsten
Monday, February 13, 2012
Update on Anna
I haven't forgotten about all you faithful prayer warriors out there!! Here is the latest update on Anna from my mother-in-law:
Thank you for your continued prayers. Here are some praises and prayer requests.
Praise: Anna's coumadin levels are at the appropriate levels.
Pray that they continue to be so.
Praise: She continues to get stronger and even did some school with the children this week.
Pray that her physical therapy continues to go well.
She got a letter from the DMV stating that because she had a "lapse of consciousness" she will have to appear at a hearing to see if they will allow her to keep her driver's license.
Her appointment is scheduled for the same time as her lab appointment, so please pray that the DMV appt can be postponed without any hassle and that they will not revoke her license. She is not driving and has no intention of driving until her physical therapist says she can but obviously she doesn't want her license revoked.
The baby is doing great.
Thank you for continuing to pray with us. And thanks for remembering to praise God for His work in Anna's body and his work in our family as well. Anna is beginning to receive notes and letters from people all over the country sharing with her how this has impacted their relationship with God. How exciting to hear their stories of how their own faith has grown because of their involvement with us through prayer.
Thanks to so many of you who have continued to ask for updates. We are so blessed to have you standing and kneeling with us.
I pray that this is as encouraging to you as it is to us! Thanks again for all your continued prayers. The journey to full restoration is a long one, but we are "confident that He who began a good work in [Anna] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)
Kirsten
Thank you for your continued prayers. Here are some praises and prayer requests.
Praise: Anna's coumadin levels are at the appropriate levels.
Pray that they continue to be so.
Praise: She continues to get stronger and even did some school with the children this week.
Pray that her physical therapy continues to go well.
She got a letter from the DMV stating that because she had a "lapse of consciousness" she will have to appear at a hearing to see if they will allow her to keep her driver's license.
Her appointment is scheduled for the same time as her lab appointment, so please pray that the DMV appt can be postponed without any hassle and that they will not revoke her license. She is not driving and has no intention of driving until her physical therapist says she can but obviously she doesn't want her license revoked.
The baby is doing great.
Thank you for continuing to pray with us. And thanks for remembering to praise God for His work in Anna's body and his work in our family as well. Anna is beginning to receive notes and letters from people all over the country sharing with her how this has impacted their relationship with God. How exciting to hear their stories of how their own faith has grown because of their involvement with us through prayer.
Thanks to so many of you who have continued to ask for updates. We are so blessed to have you standing and kneeling with us.
I pray that this is as encouraging to you as it is to us! Thanks again for all your continued prayers. The journey to full restoration is a long one, but we are "confident that He who began a good work in [Anna] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)
Kirsten
Monday, January 23, 2012
Home Sweet Home
Well, once again, we are feeling super thankful to our God. Anna went home last night.....again. Seems that it was *just* a bladder infection. Nothing a round of antibiotics can't cure. :)
While she was there, they flushed her bladder for about 15 hours and several clots came out. A CT scan that they did also showed that the large clot in her abdomen is dissolving and her hemoglobin is stabilizing. This is ALL great news!!! Won't you join me in praising the Father?
Thank you Lord that you are ABOVE all things, that you HOLD all things in your hands. Thank you that you only give good gifts to your children. That when we ask for bread, You don't give us a stone (Matthew 7:9). Even when it may seem so. Thank you that we can ALWAYS trust that your ways are GOOD. We pray that Anna's life would be a testimony to you, God. To your power. Your mercy. Your faithfulness. Your love. For the sake of your glory. Forgive us for our unbelief. We know that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1). Oh Lord! Increase our faith and give us eyes to see!
I leave you with a verse that has brought much comfort to Anna for the past week:
"Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress."
While she was there, they flushed her bladder for about 15 hours and several clots came out. A CT scan that they did also showed that the large clot in her abdomen is dissolving and her hemoglobin is stabilizing. This is ALL great news!!! Won't you join me in praising the Father?
Thank you Lord that you are ABOVE all things, that you HOLD all things in your hands. Thank you that you only give good gifts to your children. That when we ask for bread, You don't give us a stone (Matthew 7:9). Even when it may seem so. Thank you that we can ALWAYS trust that your ways are GOOD. We pray that Anna's life would be a testimony to you, God. To your power. Your mercy. Your faithfulness. Your love. For the sake of your glory. Forgive us for our unbelief. We know that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1). Oh Lord! Increase our faith and give us eyes to see!
I leave you with a verse that has brought much comfort to Anna for the past week:
"Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress."
~Psalm 71:3
Thanks for your continued prayers for our family. We appreciate it so much more than you will ever know.
Kirsten
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Remember
Well, I'd say 2012 hasn't exactly gone according to plan for our family. :)
For those who followed Anna's story, you certainly know what I am talking about. Then, just as things began to settle down for her out in California, we heard news from Georgia. Our three-year-old niece had pulled a chair over to the stove to help cook dinner just as my sister-in-law, Rebecca, had turned her back. Let's just say, a gas stove and clothing don't mix well. 2nd degree to deep 2nd degree burns all over the left side of her sweet little body. From her hip, all the way to her armpit. Here's a news clip of our niece and nephew that literally circulated around the world this week:
I'd say we were the lucky ones of the bunch with *only* one trip to the ER this week with a two-year-old and her dislocated elbow. Popped it right back in. :)
Yup, it's been one of those months. And yet, through it all, God has remained faithful to our family. In each circumstance, He has shown that He alone is God and that we CAN trust Him, even when things don't go according to plan. The past couple weeks have been hard for our family as a whole. Yet, through it all, we have found ourselves surprisingly encouraged by our trials. Sensing that something greater is happening that we don't yet see. My sister-in-law posted this quote that she had read that same day that her baby girl ended up in a burn unit in Atlanta:
"Try to view each day as an adventure, carefully planned out by your guide.Thank me for this day of life, recognizing that it is a precious, unrepeatable gift. Trust that I am with you each moment, whether you sense my presence or not. A thankful, trusting attitude helps you to see events in your life from my perspective.
~Excerpt taken from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
I talked a little in my last post about not wanting to forget what God has done over the past few weeks.
His faithfulness.
His mercies.
His unfailing love.
But isn't that what we do so often? Turn back to what is comfortable? Life as normal? I know that is certainly my tendency.
A few years back, I decided I did NOT want to forget the things God had done in my life. In the book of Joshua, after the whole nation of Israel had finished crossing the Jordan River, the Lord told them to gather twelve stones from the middle of the river. Then God told them:
For those who followed Anna's story, you certainly know what I am talking about. Then, just as things began to settle down for her out in California, we heard news from Georgia. Our three-year-old niece had pulled a chair over to the stove to help cook dinner just as my sister-in-law, Rebecca, had turned her back. Let's just say, a gas stove and clothing don't mix well. 2nd degree to deep 2nd degree burns all over the left side of her sweet little body. From her hip, all the way to her armpit. Here's a news clip of our niece and nephew that literally circulated around the world this week:
I'd say we were the lucky ones of the bunch with *only* one trip to the ER this week with a two-year-old and her dislocated elbow. Popped it right back in. :)
Yup, it's been one of those months. And yet, through it all, God has remained faithful to our family. In each circumstance, He has shown that He alone is God and that we CAN trust Him, even when things don't go according to plan. The past couple weeks have been hard for our family as a whole. Yet, through it all, we have found ourselves surprisingly encouraged by our trials. Sensing that something greater is happening that we don't yet see. My sister-in-law posted this quote that she had read that same day that her baby girl ended up in a burn unit in Atlanta:
"Try to view each day as an adventure, carefully planned out by your guide.Thank me for this day of life, recognizing that it is a precious, unrepeatable gift. Trust that I am with you each moment, whether you sense my presence or not. A thankful, trusting attitude helps you to see events in your life from my perspective.
A life lived close to me will never be dull or predictable. Expect each day to contain surprises! Resist your tendency to search for the easiest route through the day. Be willing to follow wherever I lead. No matter how steep or treacherous the path before you, the safest place to be is by my side."
~Excerpt taken from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
I talked a little in my last post about not wanting to forget what God has done over the past few weeks.
His faithfulness.
His mercies.
His unfailing love.
But isn't that what we do so often? Turn back to what is comfortable? Life as normal? I know that is certainly my tendency.
"Be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children
and to their children after them."
~Deuteronomy 4:9
A few years back, I decided I did NOT want to forget the things God had done in my life. In the book of Joshua, after the whole nation of Israel had finished crossing the Jordan River, the Lord told them to gather twelve stones from the middle of the river. Then God told them:
"In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?', tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a
memorial to the people of Israel forever."
~Joshua 4:6-7
The memorial was to be a constant reminder of what God had done for them. Their children would see the stones, hear the story, and learn of our great God. Enter my stones of rememberance:
Every time the Lord has taught me a lesson, impressed a verse on my heart, or allowed a miracle to unfold before my very eyes, I added a rock to my collection. Lest we forget or go back to the comforts of an ordinary life lived out in the flesh. Check out my newest stone:
So, I invite you to mark out a place in your home as a memorial to our God. A rememberance of sorts of all that He has done in YOUR life. Over and over throughout scripture, God reminds His people of how far He has brought them.
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery."
~Exodus 20:2
He didn't do this to pat himself on the back, but to remind His people of how far they had come. Why? Because it's too easy to forget His goodness. It's too easy to look at our current circumstance and wonder where God is in the midst of chaos. Won't you join me in remembering?
As we enter through the doors of 2012, my prayer is that we would........that I would.........
REMEMBER.
Kirsten
Saturday, January 14, 2012
She's On Her Way Home!!!!
Just a quick post to let everyone know that Anna is on her way home as we speak!!!! Charles just got off the phone with his mom a little while ago. They were checking out of the hospital and making their rounds to say goodbye to the countless doctors and nurses who assisted in saving her life. Anna is doing GREAT!! Such an amazing day!!!!
I will be certain to post more details later, but for now, just wanted to say......
Yay God!!!!
Kirsten
I will be certain to post more details later, but for now, just wanted to say......
Yay God!!!!
Kirsten
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Correction....
Just a quick note to make a small correction to my post from last night. This is from my mother-in-law:
The children got to skype with her this evening and there was much rejoicing and some tears.
I told him that it was the Lord Jesus who helped him. He said, yes, I believe it was God. Then he said he worked in a trauma unit for many years and he had never seen anyone make it with a hemoglobin count of 2.9 which Anna's had dropped to just before the 2nd life-saving surgery. Miracle after miracle, that is what we have had the privilege of not only watching but participating in. To God be all the glory. Amen and Amen.
Please continue to pray for complete restoration of her kidneys and blood levels, no infection, hemoglobin to go up to at least 10 and stabilize, optimum cumidin level, and clearer and clearer thinking and whatever else the Lord lays on your heart to pray for. Once again, thanks so much.
I went to the hospital twice today. And each time I was filled with joy and reverential awe to our God. Anna was much more alert and was able to carry on some conversation. The MRI from yesterday showed no stroke and no bleeding. They did another CT scan this afternoon because she had some tingling in her fingers but everything was fine. When Anna asked when can she go home; the doctor didn't really answer that question, she just said it will take at least 3 days to make the switch from heparin to cumidin. So...there is no time frame for her release from the hospital at this time.
The children got to skype with her this evening and there was much rejoicing and some tears.
Many, many doctors and nurses have stopped by for a "social visit" as they say. The anesthesiologist who did the anesthesia for the c-section stopped by to see Anna today. He came in smiling and said: "I am so happy; I am so happy to see you alive." He went on to tell us that he was the anesthesiologist for both the c-section and the next 2 life-saving surgeries. He said that he had taken her breathing tube out from the c-section and was finishing up when things started going horribly wrong. He said usually in a crisis situation there is more than one anesthesiologist - but things happened so fast that there wasn't time to wait. He said he started saying: "God, help me; God, help me." At that, he felt a "force" take over his hands and work swiftly to do what needed to be done.
I told him that it was the Lord Jesus who helped him. He said, yes, I believe it was God. Then he said he worked in a trauma unit for many years and he had never seen anyone make it with a hemoglobin count of 2.9 which Anna's had dropped to just before the 2nd life-saving surgery. Miracle after miracle, that is what we have had the privilege of not only watching but participating in. To God be all the glory. Amen and Amen.
Please continue to pray for complete restoration of her kidneys and blood levels, no infection, hemoglobin to go up to at least 10 and stabilize, optimum cumidin level, and clearer and clearer thinking and whatever else the Lord lays on your heart to pray for. Once again, thanks so much.
So, just wanted to clarify the information on Anna's going home in three days. I know that anything is possible, but there is still much that needs to happen first. Please don't grow weary in the praying!!! Thanks so much!
Kirsten
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Finding God in the Mundane
Well, there have been ALOT of milestones since I last wrote just a few days ago! Lots of rejoicing going on over here. :) Here is a look at some of the highlights of the week:
Anna woke up on her own the other day! This was HUGE and such a relief for the whole family. At first she was still pretty groggy, as she still had a TON of drugs in her system. With her kidneys not working at their optimal level, they were a little slow at flushing out all of the sedatives and anesthesia she had been on for the past TEN DAYS!! There was also a little concern as to whether any permanent damage had been done to her brain. The past couple days have been filled with CT scans and MRI's. Great news though! The MRI showed no sign of stroke and nothing acute. Anna was able to get up out of bed yesterday and even fed herself yogurt. Today, she went for a little walk. She has even been told that there is a possibility of her going HOME in as little as 3 days!!! Praise God with us today!
What an extraordinary week this has been! For those just joining us, you can read Anna's story from the beginning here. Some of my favorite stories in the Bible also deal with the extraordinary. David and Goliath. Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Jesus feeding the five thousand. They're big and exciting and loaded with larger than life characters who are full of faith. Kind of like this last week has been.
Take Mary, for example. I'm certain the day Gabriel appeared to her was pretty awesome, but what about the other 364 days that year?? Or the thousands of days that followed the birth of her firstborn son? I'm gonna venture to guess that it was filled with some pretty ordinary tasks also, much like mine. Wiping snotty noses (and bottoms!!), dressing and undressing babies, chasing after toddlers, making dinner, cleaning endless piles of clothes and dishes, sweeping the floor (again!!). The mundane makes us oh so weary.
*Sigh*
This is where we find Anna also, as well as those taking care of her and her family. The worst is behind. The dust has settled. She is on the road to recovery, and this is AWESOME news!! Now what do we do with this? How do we process a miracle of this magnitude and where do we go from here? As the adreneline rush subsides, the earth continues to spin on its axis and life goes back to normal for so many. But for those directly involved, the monotony of a new normal begins to set in. And so begins the search to discover God in the mundane. In the everyday tasks that are necessary for her full recovery. But that is where He lives. Where He resides. In the ordinary tasks of everyday lives. In the weariness of life.
As my father-in-law takes the night shift, caring for three sick kiddos who have the stomach bug, He is there. As a brother lovingly sits in a hospital room reading scripture over his sister or combing out the knots in her hair from days of bedrest, He is there. As a husband gets ready to take his wife home, to care for her himself, He is there. When we choose to honor Him even in the mundane, He is there. Even when it's not very glamorous or even easy. He is there.
How will we take then what God has done and allow it to permeate OUR mundane? After all, if we haven't said it before, we've certainly thought it, "If only I had seen Jesus heal the blind man, or the sea calmed, or a man named Peter walk on water, then I would believe." But is that true? Certainly it wasn't true for the Israelites. I mean, COME ON! After literally SEEING the Red Sea part in half, the Israelites still wondered if God would provide for them in the desert. AND, when He did, they complained it wasn't good enough! Many saw, but then allowed the monotony of life to take them right back to where they had started. My prayer is that I would allow God to use the extraordinary to transform the ordinary. To find God in the mundane. That I would not forget what He has done. That I would allow it to permeate the other 364 days of the year. Even when times get tough. What a shame to have witnessed a miracle and then to return to life as we knew it before!
So, I'm off to clean up my kitchen.....again. Only to get messed up.....again......tomorrow. :) But you know what? That's OK. Because I'm choosing to look for God in the mundane today. Hoping you will join me!
PRAISE HIM: Join us in praising Him for healing Anna! Loved this post from a friend the other day:
I have been so ministered to by the countless number of people praying for Anna and her family during this very difficult time. The Lord is working in my heart, showing me the extreme privilege it is to be called upon to pray on behalf of a brother or sister in Christ, that somehow, in some mysterious way, our prayers can affect the outcome of God's will. It's crazy to me, that God has a perfect plan from before the foundation of the world reaching into all eternity, and as it is being played out, he wakes me up in the night and says, "Ask for this..." just so that I can be a part of seeing Him answer! What is this but a gift? I love Him for this. He wants me to partner with Him in His beautiful plan for His people. Wow... thank you for loving me Jesus! 1 John 3:1, "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are."
Thank Him for allowing us to play this role! Thank Him also for mobilizing the church to pray on behalf of our dear sister.
SPECIFIC PRAYER REQUESTS: Continue to pray for Anna's blood production to return to normal. Also pray that she will have a good night's sleep again tonight. Pray specifically for her husband Brian, as it has been a LONG week for him. He accompanied Anna into the hospital 13 days ago and has hardly left her side since then. He has had very little sleep. Pray also for the extended family that is out in California caring for the children while their mama continues to heal. Pray that they would see God in the mundane!! In every diaper that is changed. In every bottle that is given. Praying that God would give strength to the weary. It has been a long week for everyone, and it certainly isn't over yet - not even when she returns home. Lastly, pray for Anna's children - all 7 of them. Pray that God would continue to protect their little hearts. It has been a hard week without mommy.
Thank you prayer warriors! We are thankful for each of you and the role you have played in praying Anna home. We are eternally grateful.
Kirsten
Anna woke up on her own the other day! This was HUGE and such a relief for the whole family. At first she was still pretty groggy, as she still had a TON of drugs in her system. With her kidneys not working at their optimal level, they were a little slow at flushing out all of the sedatives and anesthesia she had been on for the past TEN DAYS!! There was also a little concern as to whether any permanent damage had been done to her brain. The past couple days have been filled with CT scans and MRI's. Great news though! The MRI showed no sign of stroke and nothing acute. Anna was able to get up out of bed yesterday and even fed herself yogurt. Today, she went for a little walk. She has even been told that there is a possibility of her going HOME in as little as 3 days!!! Praise God with us today!
What an extraordinary week this has been! For those just joining us, you can read Anna's story from the beginning here. Some of my favorite stories in the Bible also deal with the extraordinary. David and Goliath. Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Jesus feeding the five thousand. They're big and exciting and loaded with larger than life characters who are full of faith. Kind of like this last week has been.
Take Mary, for example. I'm certain the day Gabriel appeared to her was pretty awesome, but what about the other 364 days that year?? Or the thousands of days that followed the birth of her firstborn son? I'm gonna venture to guess that it was filled with some pretty ordinary tasks also, much like mine. Wiping snotty noses (and bottoms!!), dressing and undressing babies, chasing after toddlers, making dinner, cleaning endless piles of clothes and dishes, sweeping the floor (again!!). The mundane makes us oh so weary.
*Sigh*
This is where we find Anna also, as well as those taking care of her and her family. The worst is behind. The dust has settled. She is on the road to recovery, and this is AWESOME news!! Now what do we do with this? How do we process a miracle of this magnitude and where do we go from here? As the adreneline rush subsides, the earth continues to spin on its axis and life goes back to normal for so many. But for those directly involved, the monotony of a new normal begins to set in. And so begins the search to discover God in the mundane. In the everyday tasks that are necessary for her full recovery. But that is where He lives. Where He resides. In the ordinary tasks of everyday lives. In the weariness of life.
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not grow faint."
~Isaiah 40:28-31
As my father-in-law takes the night shift, caring for three sick kiddos who have the stomach bug, He is there. As a brother lovingly sits in a hospital room reading scripture over his sister or combing out the knots in her hair from days of bedrest, He is there. As a husband gets ready to take his wife home, to care for her himself, He is there. When we choose to honor Him even in the mundane, He is there. Even when it's not very glamorous or even easy. He is there.
How will we take then what God has done and allow it to permeate OUR mundane? After all, if we haven't said it before, we've certainly thought it, "If only I had seen Jesus heal the blind man, or the sea calmed, or a man named Peter walk on water, then I would believe." But is that true? Certainly it wasn't true for the Israelites. I mean, COME ON! After literally SEEING the Red Sea part in half, the Israelites still wondered if God would provide for them in the desert. AND, when He did, they complained it wasn't good enough! Many saw, but then allowed the monotony of life to take them right back to where they had started. My prayer is that I would allow God to use the extraordinary to transform the ordinary. To find God in the mundane. That I would not forget what He has done. That I would allow it to permeate the other 364 days of the year. Even when times get tough. What a shame to have witnessed a miracle and then to return to life as we knew it before!
So, I'm off to clean up my kitchen.....again. Only to get messed up.....again......tomorrow. :) But you know what? That's OK. Because I'm choosing to look for God in the mundane today. Hoping you will join me!
PRAISE HIM: Join us in praising Him for healing Anna! Loved this post from a friend the other day:
I have been so ministered to by the countless number of people praying for Anna and her family during this very difficult time. The Lord is working in my heart, showing me the extreme privilege it is to be called upon to pray on behalf of a brother or sister in Christ, that somehow, in some mysterious way, our prayers can affect the outcome of God's will. It's crazy to me, that God has a perfect plan from before the foundation of the world reaching into all eternity, and as it is being played out, he wakes me up in the night and says, "Ask for this..." just so that I can be a part of seeing Him answer! What is this but a gift? I love Him for this. He wants me to partner with Him in His beautiful plan for His people. Wow... thank you for loving me Jesus! 1 John 3:1, "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are."
Thank Him for allowing us to play this role! Thank Him also for mobilizing the church to pray on behalf of our dear sister.
SPECIFIC PRAYER REQUESTS: Continue to pray for Anna's blood production to return to normal. Also pray that she will have a good night's sleep again tonight. Pray specifically for her husband Brian, as it has been a LONG week for him. He accompanied Anna into the hospital 13 days ago and has hardly left her side since then. He has had very little sleep. Pray also for the extended family that is out in California caring for the children while their mama continues to heal. Pray that they would see God in the mundane!! In every diaper that is changed. In every bottle that is given. Praying that God would give strength to the weary. It has been a long week for everyone, and it certainly isn't over yet - not even when she returns home. Lastly, pray for Anna's children - all 7 of them. Pray that God would continue to protect their little hearts. It has been a hard week without mommy.
Thank you prayer warriors! We are thankful for each of you and the role you have played in praying Anna home. We are eternally grateful.
Kirsten
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Results of CT Scan
So for those following along on FB, this is old news, but the results of the CT scan came back this morning. I have been busy with my kids all day, as Charles is still in CA, so I haven't had a moment to post yet. Here is the latest, copied and pasted off a FB status:
Thanks for all your prayers!
Kirsten
Thanks for all your prayers!
Kirsten
More Obstacles...
Well, prayer warriors, we need your continued prayers. It seems that this week has been one of many highs and many lows. One step forward, two steps back.
Last night we were celebrating the victory of Anna opening her eyes and remaining alert for a full ten minutes. Just before opening her eyes, she had become very agitated and called out, "Mama!" My MIL immediately went over and held her hand, to which Anna squeezed it tight and nuzzled it close to her head. Shortly after, her eyes opened. She tracked Brian for a little and when he told her that Micah had been born, and was home, healthy, she teared up. Much joy erupted in the room!!! Charles called me and I was able to Facetime with Anna over the phone. How amazing technology is!!! I went to bed last night feeling hopeful and relieved.
Fast forward to this morning.
Here on the east coast we awoke to the news that Anna had had a seizure in the middle of the night. The celebrating is put on hold while we wait the news of a CT scan sometime today. Obviously, none of this is a surprise to God. He knew this would happen and He is STILL in control. We are trusting this morning in His perfect ways, even when we do not understand them.
Please continue to pray!! Pray for wisdom and alertness for the doctors and techs. Pray for Brian, that he would lean hard on the Lord and allow the Holy Spirit to minister to him. And, of course, continue to pray for complete and total healing to Anna's body and mind. Most of all, continue to thank God for His goodness. All glory and honor to Him.
Kirsten
Last night we were celebrating the victory of Anna opening her eyes and remaining alert for a full ten minutes. Just before opening her eyes, she had become very agitated and called out, "Mama!" My MIL immediately went over and held her hand, to which Anna squeezed it tight and nuzzled it close to her head. Shortly after, her eyes opened. She tracked Brian for a little and when he told her that Micah had been born, and was home, healthy, she teared up. Much joy erupted in the room!!! Charles called me and I was able to Facetime with Anna over the phone. How amazing technology is!!! I went to bed last night feeling hopeful and relieved.
Fast forward to this morning.
Here on the east coast we awoke to the news that Anna had had a seizure in the middle of the night. The celebrating is put on hold while we wait the news of a CT scan sometime today. Obviously, none of this is a surprise to God. He knew this would happen and He is STILL in control. We are trusting this morning in His perfect ways, even when we do not understand them.
Please continue to pray!! Pray for wisdom and alertness for the doctors and techs. Pray for Brian, that he would lean hard on the Lord and allow the Holy Spirit to minister to him. And, of course, continue to pray for complete and total healing to Anna's body and mind. Most of all, continue to thank God for His goodness. All glory and honor to Him.
Kirsten
Friday, January 6, 2012
Who Is This Jesus?
As people all over the globe have watched this story unfold in real time, I'm sure the question has been asked, wondered perhaps from deep within, "Who is this Jesus?" "Who is this God who can raise the dead, calm the seas, and bring restoration to a woman named Anna, whom medical professionals did not believe had a chance at survival?" "Who is THIS God?" Well, let me introduce you to Him.....
The God that I serve, is one who loves His people desperately. An even deeper love, if we can imagine such, than a mother has for her child. He loved us so much so, that He ached for His creation when sin entered the world. And this sin that entered in the garden at the beginning of time, still wreaks havoc on our world today. Children are diagnosed with leukemia. Mothers die of cancer. Babies are left orphaned due to HIV. Believers are persecuted and killed throughout the world for proclaiming the gospel. This was never His original intent for us though. His original intent, was that we, His children, would walk in a relationship with Him, God the Father. But when sin entered, with it came death, disease and sadness. Most tragic of all, was that this sin separated us from the Father. It made it impossible for us to get to Him. He had to come down.
So, from the beginning of time, God had a plan. A rescue, if you will. A Son, foretold through the prophets, thousands of years before He was ever born. And although some would have expected this great Deliverer, this Savior of the world, to be born into royalty, to be born a King in the most physical of senses, He was not. Instead, He was born of a young virgin girl in a smelly stable full of animals. There was nothing beautiful or perfect about his birth from a worldy standpoint. Yet, that is so like our God. To use the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.
This baby grew into a man. Fully God, yet fully man. He experienced heartache and sadness, physical pain and sickness, just like the rest of mankind. Yet through it all, He never sinned. He became the perfect sacrifice for our sins. And it was His blood on a cross, that offered us forgiveness of our own sin. Why? Because there is forgiveness and ressurrecting power in His blood. Ressurrecting power that raised His body from a grave after three days in the ground. And that power still reigns today. The cross has created a bridge back to the Father. All we must do is believe in Him.
So what now? Where do you go from here? You can begin by grabbing a Bible and reading through the Gospel of John. Find other believers, a local church body, who can disciple you and help you to grow in your faith. And, talk to God as you would a friend. This is not another religion. Religion doesn't save. Only Jesus does. It is an intimate relationship with the One true God of the Bible.
Real faith is not a manufactured emotion that can be mustered up in our own strength. It's a faith that develops slowly over time as we obediently pursue Him when times are good. SO THAT, when the storms of this life come, and they will, we can confidently trust in an unseen God with our very lives. Knowing that His ways are ALWAYS better, ALWAYS more perfect than ours. Taking the good with the bad and praising His name regardless of our circumstances. Trusting always, that in ALL things, HE is good. HE is in control. And believing that not a hair on our heads can be touched unless HE allows it.
This is our God.
Kirsten
The God that I serve, is one who loves His people desperately. An even deeper love, if we can imagine such, than a mother has for her child. He loved us so much so, that He ached for His creation when sin entered the world. And this sin that entered in the garden at the beginning of time, still wreaks havoc on our world today. Children are diagnosed with leukemia. Mothers die of cancer. Babies are left orphaned due to HIV. Believers are persecuted and killed throughout the world for proclaiming the gospel. This was never His original intent for us though. His original intent, was that we, His children, would walk in a relationship with Him, God the Father. But when sin entered, with it came death, disease and sadness. Most tragic of all, was that this sin separated us from the Father. It made it impossible for us to get to Him. He had to come down.
So, from the beginning of time, God had a plan. A rescue, if you will. A Son, foretold through the prophets, thousands of years before He was ever born. And although some would have expected this great Deliverer, this Savior of the world, to be born into royalty, to be born a King in the most physical of senses, He was not. Instead, He was born of a young virgin girl in a smelly stable full of animals. There was nothing beautiful or perfect about his birth from a worldy standpoint. Yet, that is so like our God. To use the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.
This baby grew into a man. Fully God, yet fully man. He experienced heartache and sadness, physical pain and sickness, just like the rest of mankind. Yet through it all, He never sinned. He became the perfect sacrifice for our sins. And it was His blood on a cross, that offered us forgiveness of our own sin. Why? Because there is forgiveness and ressurrecting power in His blood. Ressurrecting power that raised His body from a grave after three days in the ground. And that power still reigns today. The cross has created a bridge back to the Father. All we must do is believe in Him.
So what now? Where do you go from here? You can begin by grabbing a Bible and reading through the Gospel of John. Find other believers, a local church body, who can disciple you and help you to grow in your faith. And, talk to God as you would a friend. This is not another religion. Religion doesn't save. Only Jesus does. It is an intimate relationship with the One true God of the Bible.
Real faith is not a manufactured emotion that can be mustered up in our own strength. It's a faith that develops slowly over time as we obediently pursue Him when times are good. SO THAT, when the storms of this life come, and they will, we can confidently trust in an unseen God with our very lives. Knowing that His ways are ALWAYS better, ALWAYS more perfect than ours. Taking the good with the bad and praising His name regardless of our circumstances. Trusting always, that in ALL things, HE is good. HE is in control. And believing that not a hair on our heads can be touched unless HE allows it.
This is our God.
"For God so loved the world, that He sent His only Son, that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life."
~John 3:16
Kirsten
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