20 Random Things

So ... here we are! 20 weeks of waiting for our referral. As I contemplated what to share with you, I decided it was fitting to share 20 random things with you. Some of these are things we've learned a long the way ... some are truths from God's Word that bring strength.

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." - John 14:18 Sometimes he asks us to join Him on such a process. What a ride adoption is!

"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling." -Psalm 68:5 It's not about us, but what God does through us to bring this all about.

I've learned that when our family works as a team, the possibilities are limitless! This journey has truly been a family endeavor!

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope." -Psalm 130:5 "I/We" cannot make this happen! It is only the Lord and we must wait for Him to bring it to completion.

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" -Matthew 25:40 At times we've gotten so weary on this journey. There have been times my perspective got out of whack. When we stand in Ethiopia I want to have NO regrets. The weariness will all fade away when we see first hand the needs before us.

I've learned that God's ways are SO far beyond mine! ... He's used complete strangers to join us on this journey and help it come to completion.

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." -Proverbs 16:3 Wow!, when God calls you to do something, He will make it succeed. We've seen His power and provision in the day-to-day ... we'll never forget it.

"God sets the lonely in families." -Psalm 68:6 How joy-filled we are that He is about to do that again in our family.

"Bring my sons from afar, and my daughters from the ends of the earth ..." -Isaiah 43:66 We never dreamed years ago that this would become a reality in our family.

I've learned what a blessing it is to go to bed tired at night, knowing that what I did that day truly mattered to God, even if no one else ever knows about it.

God said, "My presence will go with you. I will see the journey to the end." - Ex 33:14 As hard and long as this is .... we are NOT alone!!! How I have to remember that daily right now.

"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." - Psalm 31:24 My courage has crumbled so many times. This verse brings much comfort.

I've learned more about what really matters in this life. Wow!, we Americans can really get things messed up concerning priorities!

"Children are a gift from God." -Psalm 127:3 Adoption, or even having a larger family, is not all that popular in today's culture. God's word is clear.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11 My heart rejoices when I read this verse and think of our soon-coming child. God has a plan of hope & a future for her. What a privilige it's gonna be to get to see that lived out.

I've learned that God IS enough, no matter what your situation. I would not have signed up to learn it in the ways He's allowed, but trust His heart and know that He knows best.

"Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we aks or think ..." - Ephesians 3:20 Wow!, have we seen this!!! Thank you God!

"Before they call I will answer, and while they are still speaking I will hear." -Isaiah 65:24 God hears us! .... and He hears the cries of the waiting children. They are HIS and He cares!

I've learned to embrace the incredible gift of a friend ... even when we're miles apart and in some cases have never even met in person! God provides what we need ... how I needed this! and God knew. I am so humbled by how He cares for us.

And lastly, I've learned that with God all things are possible. I am right now living out all the "reasons" why I thought I could never endure an international adoption. And I guess that's still accurate .... "I" can't!! ... but with God! .... it is the only way I make it through. How faithful He is.