Adopted

I love the way these two women: Katie (Kisses from Katie) & Adeye (No Greater Joy Mom), express the heart of God through adoption. They are an amazing display of the love of God in human flesh. I'm not elevating them as people. Without Him, they wouldn't be doing what they are doing with such love and grace. They are simply brave enough to trust and follow God in ways many of us wouldn't dare. I'm inspired by them, to surrender my plans for His. To walk by faith and not by sight.

I recently read these blog posts, which are beautiful and worth the read.
Click on the orange title to read:
Kisses from Katie ~about brokenness, redemption, fear, hope...so good
No Greater Joy Mom ~This post is about Adeye's recent visit with the daughter she's waiting to bring home from Bulgaria. She's 14 years old and has lived her entire life in a crib; starved, neglected, and rejected. She weighs a mere 20 pounds! Sounds impossible, but it's true.

So many orphans have been broken by this corrupt world. They've developed dysfunctional behaviors in an effort to cope, or because they don't know anything different. They have a hard time recognizing and receiving real love. They may push their new parents away, be afraid of them, have a hard time trusting them, etc. And yet, Katie and Adeye continue to love. They don't abandon the children they've adopted.

It struck me how in some ways I'm not much different than one of these children. How has sin broken me? How have my wounds and idols caused me not to trust? Trust this amazing, good and kind Father, who has proven Himself faithful to me time and again. Why am I still afraid? Why am I still clinging to things to feel secure?

I am so thankful for His unfailing, patient love. He is breaking through. His love is accomplishing freedom in my life! I am learning the language of true love. I'm learning to trust, to be brave, to let go. I know His love is big enough to overwhelm my fears...for Him to heal my deepest wounds.

This song embraces my hope in Him to redeem!
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Fish Love vs. Real Love

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Watch the video to understand what "fish love" means.  So funny and so true!

Here's some of what the video says about real love:
To love is to give. It's not about you. If you truly give, not in order to receive, not in exchange or with expectations, or because if you won't you're going to be punished...

If you simply give, in order to give, because you truly want to give, something inside of you wants to give, then the giving itself is your reward.

Love is not a means to an end, it's the end itself.

He Lifts Me as I Worship Him

I started school with my kids that past Tuesday. I had hoped to have my house totally organized, and my lesson plans for the week completely laid out. Well...it wasn't quite like that. My homeschool closet was still a mess, my desk a disaster, sink full of dishes, books all over the living room floor, etc. But I had been telling them we were starting that day. It was more important to me to keep that date, than to have everything "perfect".

I had been mentally preparing for this day. I read some wonderful things that encouraged the perspectives I want to keep at the forefront of my mind. I had purchased all the kids' books and had a great planner. I just hadn't gotten all the external organizing done.

I definitely want to have our things in order. I can see how that would greatly benefit us. However, my peace and patience must not depend on everything being "just right". I knew that the most important things that would matter that day were my attitude, a heart full of love, and keeping the bigger picture in sight.

The songs He gave me definitely played an important role in giving me a proper perspective. Music has always been one of the major ways that God has ministered to me. I love to worship Him by singing songs of praise. As I do that, He blesses me right back. Perhaps it's because I'm looking to Him, and the result is hope and peace that goes beyond my understanding. When I focus on His greatness and His goodness, I am comforted.

God met me in such a beautiful way last week, and it encouraged me for the days and weeks ahead. If anyone had come to my house on our first official day of school, they probably would have thought, "wow...this is a disaster". But in reality, it was an awesome day! I felt victorious. My heart was at peace. I had patience and understanding for my kids, even amongst the external chaos. We had a great day learning together. I think I'm going to have to start all my days singing His praise and dancing with my kids!

I LOVE THIS SONG (and the way it ends):
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