The Person Inside: Part 2- A Book and It’s Cover

This isn't exactly a sequel, but more thoughts perhaps from a different angle. Let me know what you think.

Recently, a good friend asked me to help identify a judgmental attitude.  It was something Philip and I enjoyed talking through and challenging each other about.  We discussed the ways we had been raised and the mindsets we grew up with, and how the innocent intentions of others shaped our prejudices and stereotypes.  Allow me to share some personal struggles and examples.

A child sees a girl walking along the sidewalk with tattoos.  A parent might comment "that poor girl, what was she thinking when she did that to herself?" giving the attitude of "that's horrible and wrong and ugly" not "hmm, I wonder what she would like people to know about her based on the art on her body?"  or "I wonder what that means to her and what she feels so strongly about?"  

Maybe a family is driving to church and passes a bar.  A parent comments, “Those heathens, drinking at the bar when they should be in church!” giving the impression that bars are bad, only for drinking, and only heathen, unsaved, ungodly people go there, rather than “I wonder if they serve good breakfast?” Indeed, because of this mindset, it was not until a few years ago that Philip or I even set foot in a bar (they served amazing pizza, by the way.  And we drank water.)

It is so easy to classify people based on preconceived notions without knowing the facts behind the matter, and to communicate this classification to the impressionable people around us.

Having grown up the way Philip and I did, it’s second nature to see someone with random piercings, bold makeup, blue hair, outlandish dress, or whatever combination, and conclude that those styles are “worldly” and those people are “worldly” and therefore incapable of being godly.  Growing up, we unconsciously redefined “worldly” to mean any style that we had previously seen in the world.  We’re given the idea that because someone dresses nicely, they obviously are trying to draw attention to themselves rather than God, they are trying to attract the opposite sex, and therefore are not good Christians. There are no two ways about it, it’s just the way it is.  

From experience, we have come to believe a person’s outward trappings have very little to do with the inner human.  (Their speech and how they invest their time, yes.  Appearance, no.)  Indeed, without actually knowing the person inside, it is impossible to know why they look the way they do.  There can be a huge variety of reasons behind a person’s appearance.

I think maybe part of the root of the issue stems from a child’s perspective of a parent’s comment.  Philip and I discussed this a long time ago when my sister-in-law lived with us for a short time-- how it’s easy to say “I don’t like that shirt, it doesn’t look nice” and the child hears “that shirt is bad, wrong, and sinful.  I will never wear a shirt that even resembles that.”  Or, “we just don’t dance” and the child hears “anyone who does dance is sinning.”  Or, “she moves her hips in church, that’s sensual.” and the child hears “interacting with music is sexual, make sure you never do it.”  Or, “I don’t like the screaming noise electric guitars make” and the child hears “electric guitars can’t be used to worship God.”  The list can go on and on and on with any number of topics.

Yes, things become potentially misunderstood.  But the result is children being raised to see others based surface attributes rather than seeing the person inside and what motivates that person.  Children become hesitant to tell their parents about their activities because they will be classified as someone they are not.  

As children, we were raised to look, dress, talk, and act a certain way because it was what good Christians did.  We did not associate with people outside that bubble.  If we did, it was with the view that they are not like us and we don’t want to become like them.  

Please hear me: God does give commands about sin and holiness.  There are clear commandments that, as Christians, we must follow.  These are not what I’m referring to.  That being said, some principles are, very honestly, individual and cultural, even here in the States.

In some conservative circles, it is easy (and virtually unavoidable) to put ourselves on a pedestal as a better Christian that someone else.  Because someone does not smoke, drink, dress trendy, wear makeup, listen to popular music, have tattoos, cut their hair short or use birth control (to list random examples), they must be more holy, more respectful of the temple of God, a better witness, more devoted to what God says, more trusting of Him, less inclined to draw attention to ourselves, and therefore a better Christian that someone who does any of the above mentioned activities.  These are assumptions based on, well, preconceived nothings. The heart issue and the actual facts don’t come into play.  Granted, this is not a conscious thing, and no one in that position would admit their mindset.  However....  I was there.  I felt that way in the fullest extent.  Philip was there and felt that way as well.

Again, none of these issues are “sin” issues: as in, “Thou shalt not worship any other god besides Me (YHWH)” .  Again, I’m not talking about those issues.  

Even if someone has never said or consciously thought “Anna has a tattoo.  She must be rebellious”, the mindset may still be there. I think the gist of what I’m trying to communicate through this post as well as the last one is to intentionally avoid the fallacy that people are only as they appear on the outside.  Also, even if you have a correct perspective, some of the comments you make to impressionable people around you can communicate things you never intended.  

The Person Inside: Part 1- The Big Picture

First of all, no adoption news yet. But thank you for asking!

This post, however, is about something that I struggle with.  You, also, struggle with it.  Yes, you.  I may not know you, and you may not share my beliefs about Jesus.  However, my rather educated guess is that we have this in common.  Let me explain.

A short time ago I was riding public transportation with a friend.  As we sat and waited for the MAX to move, a young man came and sat across the aisle from us.  He was a little more friendly than I would have preferred: “Does this train go to Portland? Do you have change?  How do I get to Portland?  Where did you get your coffee?  Where can I get coffee?  How far away is the coffee shop?  Can I make it back before the train leaves?  Does the train go by the Rose Quarter? Can I borrow your cell phone?...” (Etc. etc.)  All these questions we very kindly addressed in the briefest manner possible.  

At a later stop, a woman got on the max and asked to sit across from him.  My first impression of the woman was someone who had possibly had a hard life.  Tangled gray hair, a lined face, maybe in her 50s, wearing a very low cut top, looking rather eccentric.  (Mid 50s and lots of cleavage is, simply put, not a good combination.)  I smiled to myself to think of the questions she soon would be bombarded with from the young man across from her.

Quite the contrary.  I have rarely heard anyone so kind and compassionate as this woman.  She proceeded to draw out this young man, show genuine concern and give affirmation.  She led him to talk about his family, his life, all the while being interested in who he was.  She was certainly a bit odd, but not at all how her appearances portrayed her.  

My friend and I discussed the scenario later and we were both humbled by the woman who showed a love and interest in a stranger when we weren't willing to.

Here's my point: People aren't always as they seem.  Let me broaden the spectrum.  The girl who had an abortion.  The young man that is constantly drunk.  The hi-school student experimenting with drugs and alcohol.  A single mother.  The boy attempting suicide.  The teen addicted to porn.  The girl with the eating disorder.  The woman with an obsessive desire for cleanliness.  The girl that you can smell from 10 feet away.  The cross-dresser.

Most of these examples are, for the majority of us, easy to judge as being “wrong”, “foolish” or “strange” in some way, and our natural reaction is to be a bit aloof and aghast at these people or their lifestyles.

However.

What if we knew that the girl was raped at 13 and had an abortion out of sheer terror, shame and helplessness?  If we knew that the young man lost his mother and didn't know how else to grieve?  The student with a horrible home life and no good role models to turn to?  The responsible, faithful mother whose husband divorced her?  The boy whose father never had a kind word for him?  The teen stuck in his addiction and too ashamed and embarrassed to ask for help?  The girl who used diet and exercise to an extreme because it was the only way she felt self-worth?  The lady whose husband died and her home was the only part of her life she felt she could control?  The girl's family had no running water in their home because of their poverty.  The boy who has no solid father-figure to show him how to be a man.

Does our perspective change?  Do we suddenly have a heart of compassion for knowing a bit more of someone's story?  I would hope so.  It is so easy for us to make (and act on) assumptions about people and be clueless to the facts.  We become focused on the outward trappings, the initial impression, the stereotypes.  

Underneath, people are just...  people.  They have emotions, hurts, joys, compassion, and life experiences that make some of us cringe.  They need love, a listening ear, affirmation about their value, and sometimes a good kick-in-the-pants because they are making a stupid decision...  but only after being loved, listened to, and affirmed.

My challenge to me (and to you) is this.  Next time you see someone different than you, whether they fit any of the above categories, are tattooed, goth, poor, homeless, whatever it might be that makes you feel “above” them in any way, ask for God's strength to look past all of that.  Look past the assault to your senses and realize that there is a person inside of them, who may, in fact, have much to offer even someone like you.  People make stupid decisions.  I have, and so have you, and so have the people around you. Do not be hasty to label someone and put them in a box, because you have no clue who the person is inside their skin.  

Random Thoughts on Leadership

Recently, Philip and I were asked to pray about a certain leadership role. For the briefest of moments, I

Hiking to a waterfall while visiting Philip's brother and his family.

panicked. Holy cow, that's scary! That would mean we would be in a position over all those people that I respect! Almost immediately I realized the flaw in my panic. Oops, leadership is a bottom-up position, not a top-down position. That would mean I would be in a position to better serve those people I respect. Hmm. Better perspective. Here’s what I mean:

In Matthew 20, two of Jesus’ followers had just approached Him and asked to rank themselves higher than the other 10 followers. Jesus responds,“You know that the rulers of the [non-Jews] lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave...”

In so many instances, people view leadership as something to hold over someone’s head: I’m in charge so you make my life more comfortable. I’m the top-dog, so you do the dirty work. You’re beneath me, so you do as I say. I’m the boss, so cooperate with me. Ever heard anyone say that? Ever encounter someone with that attitude? Yup, me too.

Here’s the problem. That’s not the kind of leader we’re told to be. That’s not the kind of leader Jesus modeled for us. And that’s not the kind of leader people like to follow.

One of the most well known passages in the Bible about leadership is what I quoted earlier from Matthew chapter 20. Jesus is saying not to be snobby about your position over those that follow, but to serve them. Weird, huh? It’s so opposite of what the rest of the world would tell us.

You've heard the old adage: “do as I say, not as I do”? Jesus wasn’t like that. He always had time for people. He valued children. He ate with the outcasts of society. He showed mercy. He was patient. He was always ready to teach. He did not regard social class. He was not defensive or advance His own agenda. He perfectly carried out the responsibilities given Him, even a HUGE personal cost. He took the jobs that were “beneath” Him. He loved the unlovable. He was not demeaning. He freely gave of Himself. He was not swayed by the political and social pressures of the time. He could not be manipulated or bribed. He was perfect. All the time.

Now, that’s one awesome leader to follow, isn’t it? And one huge job to imitate.

Just before Jesus’ death, He was having a meal with His followers. Now, there was no pavement on the roads, only dirt with open sewers. By the time the dinner guests arrived at their host’s home, slaves would have to wash and dry the guest’s grime-tainted feet. Glamorous job? But that is exactly the job that Jesus took on Himself. Yes, He was Lord, the great Teacher, the Messiah, the Son of God, all powerful. He was the Eternal God in the flesh! But He chose to lay aside His rights and privileges, and wash poop off sweaty feet. After this poignant example, He gives His followers one of the most convicting statements in all of Scripture: “I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” (John 13).

A slave is not greater than his master. My master, my Lord, my God is indeed this Jesus who died so I could live. I am not entitled to any more than He had, regardless of my “position” here on earth.

Philippians 2 also makes the point: “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Hummingbird sticking out his tongue.

Be like Jesus who made Himself nothing, making Himself lower than everyone else, even to the extent of unjustly dying a criminal’s death. That is a tough calling. A tough commandment. A tough example to follow. But it is our standard that we are given by One who did it first and showed us how it looks.

Nope, I most certainly do NOT get it right all the time. In fact, I fall flat on a regular basis and will continue to do so. I’m still human. However, human-ness aside, it remains the command. I must follow.

(We have not made a decision yet, but continue to pray about the opportunity before us. In the meantime, the weight of Christ’s calling and example is certainly foremost in my mind, regardless of the decision we make.)

Encouraging an Adoptive Family 101

For those of you not local or not my FaceBook friends, I was recently interviewed by the Clackamas Review about my art show! You can read the article <HERE>. I'm so thankful for that opportunity and I hope others are encouraged by it as well.

After my last post, I began to think it might have been a bit negative.  I observed to a friend that I rarely have anything to say about adoption until someone comes along and annoys me.  She teased “Stupid people inspire you.  I like it!”.  Umm, I guess there’s truth to that!  In addition to what not to say to adoptive families, she encouraged me to also share what is encouraging to us in the moment.

I had not been annoyed in the last 24 hours and my inspiration was lacking, so I brainstormed with her and came up with a reasonable list.  Now, I can only speak from partial experience-- I’m not actually a mom yet (despite being "paper-pregnant" for a year and a half!).  My guess is, though, that virtually all adoptive families you encounter would approve this list.

Even though every adoption is different, every adoptive parent is the same in their need for encouragement and support.

We have been blessed when people....

• Shoot me a random text only to tell me they prayed for my children that morning.
• Ask how they can be praying for me and my husband in the process.
• Are excited for us every step of the way even if they don’t fully understand the process or our decisions.
• Are genuinely curious about the process and want to learn about it.
• Ask questions, even the hard ones.  It tells us you care.
• Are accepting of "my little brown-skinned kiddos" and talk about race as a natural thing rather than different, weird, or awkward.
• Tell me how cute my kids will be.
• Express true excitement to meet them.
• Understand that my kids are already “mine” in my heart, and it’s hard to be away from them.
• Write me a card of encouragement.
• Share their own dreams to adopt someday.
• Are optimistic about facing the unknowns along side of us.
• Are emotional about our adoption process.

Specific warm-fuzzy moments:

• My mom is buying books for her grandkids.
• There is space on my in-law's wall specifically reserved for their pictures.  (They frequently complain about it being empty.)
• A friend changed her cell phone ringtone to remind her to pray for my kids.
• Another friend had a dream that my kids were home and she got to play with them.
• An older friend turned pale when we explained last month’s almost-disaster (Blog post here).
• A new friend extended friendship to me by offering grocery-shopping services when my kids are home (I fully plan on taking her up on it).
• Someone defended our decision to adopt internationally when another family was extremely critical.
• A young friend informed me she is going to come over to clean my house when my kids come home.
• Seeing the sacrifice of friends as they help with our adoption expenses.  It’s truly humbling.
• Close friends asking if my kids can call them “aunt” and “uncle”.

Truly, this list could go on, and on, and on, and.....  There are many people that have been such an encouragement to us, I could not possibly list every incident.  Almost daily someone is asking how the process is coming along (I wish I had news!).  But these are the things that have, in a large part, kept our spirits up as we plug along.  

Here’s a music video by Audio Adrenaline that’s worth watching, "Kings & Queens".

A Beginner's Guide to Adoptive Families

An evening snapshot of Seattle, WA while we were there for
a missions fundraising dinner last month

So close.  This whole referral thing feels soooo close.   Some days I am simply done waiting.  I know God’s timing will be perfect, though, and I do trust Him.  After we receive our referrals, we’ll wait about another 8 months until the kiddos are home.  There has recently been a new slowdown in the process (surprise surprise...)- this time after the referrals.  I need to keep....  waiting, and trusting.

My adoption art show (click here for pics!) is going well, by the way.  Thank you for asking about it!  Wednesday, I have an interview with a local newspaper about the show.  Maybe I’ll be able to get the community involved and raise adoption-awareness there!

I stopped by a local fruit stand last week and asked to put up a flier for the art show.  After hearing my spiel, the younger guy behind the counter was immediately positive and expressed interest in adopting someday.  In contrast, his co-worker defensively covered her stomach and said “Well, my husband and I want to create our own children.”  Uh, ok?! Good for you?  People’s responses, while usually positive, are so interesting!

The sis-n-law Julianna with her artwork

When you encounter an adoptive family:

Please understand that reasons for adopting are wildly varied.  Some adopt because it is their only way to have a family.  Others adopt because they have compassion, see a need, and want to help.  Others choose adoption to start a family regardless of their ability to have birth kids.  There are a myriad of reasons.  Please don’t pre-judge a family’s motives based on your past experience.

Please understand that families in process have thought and prayed very hard about their decision. We have discussed what “color” our kids will be and how that will affect us.  We have discussed the implications of bringing a child with a complex background into our home.  We have very prayerfully weighed how much to “play God” and choose ages, gender, health status, etc, and how much to leave that in His perfect control.  These are not new issues for us.  Rather, we have lost some precious sleep over them!

 Julianna and me-- opening evening of the art show.
She's afraid I'm going to tickle her in this picture :)

Please understand it’s ok to ask questions and share thoughts, but not with an agenda.  Most adoptive families welcome honest questions and concerns that come from a kind heart and an open mind.  It does not bother me to share with a curious person the amount of our adoption fees, though I may preface my remarks by stating that “our children are priceless”. How are you to learn more about adoption if you don’t ask?  I appreciate loving concerns about the process and our children.  It does bother me to have someone enter a conversation with a soap box or an opinion they are hell-bent to share with me.  Please leave critical attitudes and racism at home.  

Please understand that my children will be as much mine as your children are yours.  My children will be my “real” kids, “our own,” just as though I had given birth to them.  (Blast, this is a long pregnancy!)

Please don’t assume I’m super human and adopting is something that is out of the reach of the average human being.  I think this is the #1 fallacy that I run across.  Yes, it’s a lot of work, expensive and it takes time.  The process is not, however, designed to be impossible.  Adoption agencies are there to help (with numbered checklists and color-coded file folders, by the way!).  I may have superpowers, but they are limited to making pie and harassing my younger brothers.  In the realm of paperwork, I simply have the ability to do as I’m told.  My guess is that you are similarly human.

Philip with our friend's 9 month old daughter, Rylea,
at the opening evening of my art show

Thank you for bearing with me.  I wish I had progress to share with you.  Please keep us in your prayers, and thank you for your love and encouragement! :)

The Coffee Shop Art Show

A few weeks ago, I stopped by the local coffee shop.  They had an art show for the local hi-school, and I contacted the owner of the shop about having my own art show to benefit our adoption.  The owner was happy to have me bring my paintings after the hi-school's art show, and....  ack!!  I'm having my very own art show!  My sister-in-law, Julianna, donated some of her pencil drawings to the show as well (she's completely amazing!), and all the proceeds benefit our adoption.
Many of you all have asked to see the paintings, so you have your wish. :)  I apologize for the angles reflections in the glass- I was trying to avoid them, with limited success. All pictures are matted and framed, unless otherwise noted.  Let me know if you'd like better pictures of any of them.  The art will be up until April 19th. :)  Shipping is $10 if you need it.  Feel free to contact me with any questions or if you'd like to purchase one of them!

The Forbidden Carrot from Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit,
8x8 painting
Minimum donation: 95-

Mr. Jeremy from Beatrix Potter's Mr. Jeremy Fisher,
8x10 painting
Minimum donation: 95-

Damascus Mosque, 8x10 painting
Minimum donation: 95-

Pooh's Picnic, 8x10 painting
Minimum donation: 85-

Lake Village, 8x10 painting
Minimum donation: 80

Priorities from Winnie the Pooh,
5x7 painting
Minimum donation: 45-

Lazy Day, from Winnie the Pooh,
 8x10 painting
Minimum donation: 40-

Not-a-Tail, Eyore from Winnie the Pooh,
8x10 painting
Minimum donation: 85-

SOLD :)

SOLD :)

SOLD :) 

Mom and Cub, 8x10 painting
Minimum donation: 80

Snapshot in China, no mat, floating frame
Minimum donation: 85-

SOLD :)

Raccoon, 8x10 pencil drawing
Minimum donation: 90-

Cub, 5x7 pencil drawing
Minimum Donation: 55-

Fox, 8x10 pencil drawing
Minimum donation: 75-

The Fisherman, 5x7 painting
Minimum donation: 50-

Indonesian Mosque in Sumatra, No mat, floating frame
(hence the outlet behind it...)
Minimum donation: 75-

Wild Rose, 5x7 painting
Minimum donation: 55-

Moments, 8x10 painting
Minimum donation: 70

SOLD :)

SOLD :)

SOLD :)

Tiger, 8x10 pencil drawing
Minimum donation: 90-

Praising God!!

Ok, its official: our agency, Dove, has signed an agreement with another agency in Alabama (or some other random, Southern state) to operate under their umbrella and take over Dove's Ethiopia program.  Everything (including our adoption) will proceed normally.  PRAISE GOD!!!  ::breathing a HUGE sigh of relief::

A brief, vague update

Greetings!  Let me begin by thanking all of you for your prayers, concern and encouragement you have shown to us and our kiddos.  It has meant so much, and we truly know that we're not in this crazy situation alone.

I hoped for an update by Tuesday, but Thursday will have to do.  We have heard from our agency a few times, and are breathing a little easier.  I can't share too many details (not that I have a lot of details) but what I will share is that our agency has a few options ahead of them, and are working hard to make the best decision for kids and families.  In speaking with our agency's director, we assured her of our desire to adopt two kiddos if possible.  She wanted to make sure that no one talked us into it, and that it really is something from our hearts that we feel God has led us to do.  That being the case, she wanted us to know that IF we do end up bringing home two kids, they will likely be birth-siblings, and we likely won't have control over the age/gender.  Which means we could end up with babies, both girls, etc.  I suppose we'll have to trust our loving God that He knows what He's doing.  Which is the best place to be, anyway.  :)

Indeed, we still have no clue what will come of it all, we still are bathing the entire situation in prayer, and NOTHING is certain.  Please join us in asking the Father for a miracle that will enable all the waiting families to proceed with their adoptions with as little headache as possible.  Please join us in asking His specific protection over our little kid or kiddos.  We trust Him to bring them home to us in His perfect timing, whoever they may be.

Bless His great Name.

Beating My Head Agains the Wall, Part 2

There's not good introduction to this post, except that we need prayer, wisdom, and a little emotional space, please. Midnight, this evening, I checked my e-mail. Our agency wrote and said that they had not received the re-accreditation they had applied for, and would be closing in a few months. Yup. We were pretty much speechless, too. Just this past week we were celebrating that we were the 4^th family on “The List” and were expecting a phone call about our kids any day. Now we're kinda at a loss.

The programs director (who has been super wonderful, by the way), sent us a personal message in addition, saying that there might be 4 referrals coming in within a few weeks, and we might be referred a child, though we would have no control over the age/gender. Our agency might be able to complete these last adoptions before they close. Maybe. If not, we would have to seek out another agency and transfer our paperwork there.

It is so true that “man plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9).

Yes, I had a “beating my head against the wall” moment. (Or two). To be faced with the real possibility of bringing home only one child, or maybe even having to change agencies (and wait longer?? with more paperwork??), I certainly had a few moments of frustration. Frustration at God, to be shamefully honest. He clearly led us to adopt two kids, and now that's possibly changed. He clearly led us towards the baby in Pennsylvania, and that changed. He clearly led us into this adoption process, and the process keeps getting longer. He clearly led us to pursue the little boy from Brazil, and that changed. Ok, really? How many more of my heart strings need to be yanked around?

Every single one of those “frustrations” listed above has had a very profound reason for it. We didn't see it in the moment, but looking back, every one of those instances has truly been for our good. Every one. If we had not met the little boy in Brazil, we might not have become excited about adoption at all. God used the Pennsylvania-baby experience to open our hearts to two children. He used the loooooong wait to give me space to process my parents' divorce. I'm glad I didn't drag children through that emotional mess with me. He has been faithful, every moment of this process, even when I don't see Him at work. And He is faithful, still.

We do not serve a manipulative god that enjoys taunting us with false hope. We serve a God who sees. He sees my childrens' needs, He sees their tears and smiles. He sees me over here with arms that ache to hold a little brown-skinned kiddo. He sees my husband who is wrapped around his daughter's finger, even though he hasn't met her yet. And, we serve a God that cares and loves.

As I knelt with hands uplifted, crying out to God, I once again surrendered myself, my family, my kids to His hands. I trust Him. In John 6:68, Peter is faced with the option of leaving Christ. He replies with the question: “Lord, to whom shall we go?” Indeed, our hope is in Him who is Faithful. There is none other.

I have no clue what is ahead for our family. None. Here I thought that (finally!) all my ducks were in a row and we were on the homeward stretch of this journey. And now I have more questions than answers. But it's ok.

I'll keep my blog as updated as I can. We should be hearing more by Tuesday of this next week. I have virtually no other information than what I have shared with you. I'm tempted to say “please don't ask” but I know that your questions are an expression of love and encouragement, and I truly appreciate it.

With that note, I'll sign off and try to get some sleep. Thanks for bearing with me, and thanks for your prayers. We covet them more than ever. 

A doodle while I was waiting at the laundromat today.
I look forward to our kids having a Daddy.

 

Thoughts About Heaven

For those of you that did not hear via FaceBook, we are praising God for the HUGE grant we received for our adoption! It is exactly the amount we needed to complete these last set of fees coming up. Now we can put put our efforts into saving for travel expenses, which is still a comfortable way off! I am so thankful to have that financial aspect taken care of!

My husband's friend, Jer, was diagnosed with a rare heart cancer a while back, and in the last few months, things have gone from bad to worse for him. I've only met the kid once since he lives about 6 hours away, and even then only briefly. In the short time I was around him, Jer struck me as one of those guys that was really sweet. He is not full of himself but is others-focused. He has a kind heart. Everyone seems to think well of him and enjoy being around him. He's just a bit younger than I am, he's military, and has a large, loving passel of brothers and sisters around him. He's one of those people that you think “Him? Cancer? Why?”

I don't envy him any of the pain, medical treatment or emotional upheaval he's gone through. I don't envy his family, who's been through the mill as his condition has worsened over time. I do, however, rather envy his opportunity to see Jesus face-to-face so soon. Ok, it sounds a little morbid. However, soon, Jer gets to see Jesus, our Savior. He will be made perfect, will become like Him, his body not wasted away with cancer. He will have his tears wiped away, his heart and soul made complete. He will be comforted from his earthly suffering. His faith will become sight when he gazes on the One that died to redeem him. Jer gets to be removed from this sin-marred earth. He won't be subject to sickness, aging, school shootings, terrorist bombings, paper cuts, addictions, car accidents, stubbed toes, broken families, bad habits, heartache, or flat tires. His adoption into God's family will be tangible when he goes Home to be with his Abba, his Father that loves him beyond comprehension. He will get to worship before God's throne with Paul the Apostle, Daniel, King David, Samuel, Isaiah, Noah, Rahab, Joseph and Barnabas. Jer will be able to more fully comprehend God's love for him as he meets his Brother, Jesus, who's death paid the adoption-price to make him a co-heir.

Yes, being face-to-face with Jesus is a precious thing. It's what Jer, me, and anyone else that is a born-again believer in Jesus Christ have to look forward to when we leave this fleshly body behind. Yes, I get a little green with envy that Jer will see Jesus soon. It's a good thing green looks good on me.

However.

Paul writes something in Philippians chapter 1 that is quite apt. He says “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yes, what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith...” (v. 21-25)

Interesting. Paul, who had an insanely awesome walk with God, was able to see clearly the benefits of being with Jesus. However, he also realized the work that was before him: investing in the lives of those he came in contact with and completing the work that God had called him to. I'm not sure how it was that Paul had a choice about going or staying on the earth, but the point is that he valued the work God had given him and realized its eternal impact.

Unfortunately, in too-short of a time, Jer's time on this earth will likely be completed. He will be remembered, mourned, and greatly missed. His life will have impacted many people, and his testimony for Jesus will resonate in the hearts and minds of those that knew him. However, his face-to-face investment will be finished. His time on earth to live for the glory of God is complete. His opportunity to actively make a difference for Christ will be over.

My life and your life, however, still has that option. As people that are still alive and kicking, we do have the chance to invest in the lives of those around us and make an impact for God's glory. We do have the chance to make a difference in our families, our community, and around the world. We do have the chance to be that “living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God” that Romans 12 talks about. Make that opportunity count.

There is more I could say, given space and time, but my main point is this: Do something with the time you have to impact others for the glory of God.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

(I'm not a huge Southern Gospel fan, but I love how this song conveys the excitement of being in Heaven)