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I've had a lot of things on my mind lately and not really sure what the Lord wants me to do about them. I thought that I would try to write this post and see what happens, if you are reading it I guess it passed.

The Lord has given Ken and I a passion for the orphan. Over the years that has taken on different forms, mostly in the form of fostering and also adoption. It has not always been an easy road but it has been one that we have loved traveling.

The last few months for us have been a challenge and so I have had to do some serious thinking and praying. I have often said that the Lord sometimes calls us to things that are difficult. I believe that still. The challenge lately has been, knowing that it is hard at times should I encourage others to adopt?

As I have thought and prayed about this the Lord re-opened my eyes to several things:

1. Satan watches and he is cunning and he sees my area of weakness.

Scripture says: "The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one." 2 Thessalonians 3:3

2. If things were always easy I would be totally relying on myself and I would take God out of the equation. I have to rely on Him step-by-step. Oh - wait, sometimes I take God out of the equation even when things are hard.

Scripture says: "But Jesus said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. " 2 Corinthians 12:9

3. God is sovereign, we are where we are because He has placed us right here.

Scripture says: "The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are steadfast for ever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness." Psalm 111:7-8

4. The Lord cares for our family and each of us so much that He sent His Son to earth for us. He hasn't left us to our devices.

Scripture says: "Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. " I John 5:4-5

5. Even with the difficulties I would not desire to change a thing. To be with the Lord in His will in difficulty is much better than thinking things are going smoothly outside of His will.

Scripture says: "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." Psalm 145:18

6. When I am tired I don't respond well to much of anything. Sad but true. I need proper rest in a trial to help me to respond clearly and properly and being in step with the Lord helps me to rest.

Scripture says: "The fear of the Lord leads to life: then one rests content, untouched by trouble." Proverbs 19:23

These are not new things I've learned but I have been gently reminded by my loving Heavenly Father of them lately.

My response to these truths is actually not very complicated. When the difficulties come I need to:

1. Pray, pray, pray. Before I call a friend or eat chocolate I need to have a solid conversation with the Lord.

"I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer." Psalm 17:6

2. Get in the Word. The Lord speaks to me through His Word. I need the wisdom that only comes from God to live my life victoriously for Him.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5

3. After #1 and #2 now I can talk with my husband, call a friend, and grab that chocolate!

The short answer to my ponderings is "yes" I should continue to encourge those that desire to follow the Lord in adoption or fostering. Because it is clear in His Word that the Lord has a heart for the orphan and so those He calls we will encourage.

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14!

As with my last post, I'm late. I'm really trying, it's just that the days move too fast! Daniel celebrated his 14th birthday in January and I wonder again where has the time gone. How is it that it seems just yesterday that this little boy entered our hearts and yet he is so tall? Daniel is our outdoor guy and loves the freedom that comes from being outside four walls.

Daniel's brain is energized by looking at God's creation and his heart is tugged by the less fortunate. Just recently Daniel saw a mailing from one of our local missions that was putting out information on how to donate money so they could feed the homeless. Daniel picked it up and asked me, "Are we going to do something about this?" We are working on helping Daniel understand what he can do to help with those situations.

Daniel with his siblings enjoying the sprinkler many years ago.

Age 4 - playing at a friend's birthday party.

Feeding the pigs at The Farm in Door County, WI. It made his day!

Soccer in his younger years.

He's Snowman in the school program!

Happy Birthday #7!

A close-up of Mr. Smee (guinea pig). Daniel does a great job of caring for him!

Enjoying a family gathering.

Brothers

Hangin' out in the tree.

There is so much to think about! We've helped him choose his high school classes and he's toying with the idea of trying football in the fall. This summer Daniel would like to run a pet-sitting business and we have challenged him to put together a small business plan which he has begun to think about.

Happy (belated) Birthday Daniel!

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May you walk faithfully in the ways of the Lord all your days.

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God holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones."

Proverbs 2:7-8