Blessed Joy Noelle Lewis Aquino?

Tuesday Nov. 5th, after 13 months of being home with us, the Lewis clan stood before a judge to have our adoption finalized. It was a great experience. We have wonderful lawyers and had a wonderful judge. Yesterday morning Joy Joy sat at breakfast repaeating to herself, "Joy Lewis, Joy Lewis, Joy Lewis". Then she would forget and call herself, "Joy Lewis Aquino". Being quite frustrated at this, she would shout AHHH, then start over; "Joy Lewis, Joy Lewis, Joy Lewis".

Though the actual court date was great, it was somewhat anticlimactic. She's been with us for 13 months, learning our family and living the life of a funny little girl. Her spunk and humor fit our family so well. My brother, Chris says that if we had searched all of the Philippines, we could not find a better personality fit than Joy Joy. This is so true. She has the sweetness of mommy and the spunky sense of humor of dad....a perfect fit. She loves her Uncle Chris and Aunt Summer, but no one comes close to the level of my dad, Paw Paw. 

It is interesting that we have had few questions about her when we are out in public. Here we are a family of four very white people and a little golden brown Filipino. Yet no one asks. That is until the 5th. It was almost as if in the spiritual realm people could sense that this child was now ours. We were in Ben Franklin looking at some craft items when a little old lady walked up, "Can I buy that ornament she is holding for her. I've been watching her. She is so sweet. I'd just love to buy it." I said that she could...I have learned something about blessing. You may not want to receive, but in so doing you steal the blessing of the one wanting to give. So she handed my a $5 bill and we bought this pretty red sparkly ornament. Now we will always remember that day and the very sweet old lady. Later that day at the mall, someone else stopped to ask me about our adopted daughter. Maybe the difference is in her, now she knows that she belongs to a forever family.

As we arrived at church last night Joy proudly walks in and declares to all that will listen, "I'm a Lewis now". She knows she belongs. When picking her new name we wanted to make it special for her, keeping a part of her old name as well as the new. We also wanted to have a family connection. So keeping with the pattern of our oldest, we chose an "N" Christmas name for the girls. So we have Natalie Brooke and now Joy Noelle. My wife and I are Christmas nuts, so this is fitting. I will blog about the significance of their names closer to Christmas.

Suffice it to say, the Lewis clan is a happy family this week. And most importantly, Joy Noelle is a very happy part of our clan. She may not look like a Lewis...Welsh and very white, but by the grace of our God she has been grafted in just as we have been grafted into God's family through Christ.

I pray as you read this blog today, that you will find the direction that you are seeking concerning adoption. No it's not easy and yes it is expensive. But it is worth every penny and every moment of time you put into it.

So welcome to the family Joy Noelle. As you declared, you're a Lewis now!

Love,
Daddy

Laugh!

Has God ever made you laugh? Sometimes laughter can come from a lack of faith. We think, "there's no way God can do that". At other times His challenges become laughable because we are so used to being uncomfortable. His next request is just humerus. The Shunemite woman experienced this.
 
2 Kings 4:11- 17 "One day Elisha returned to Shunem, and he went up to this upper room to rest. ¹² He said to his servant Gehazi, “Tell the woman from Shunem I want to speak to her.” When she appeared, ¹³ Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tell her, ‘We appreciate the kind concern you have shown us. What can we do for you? Can we put in a good word for you to the king or to the commander of the army?’” “No,” she replied, “my family takes good care of me.” ¹⁴ Later Elisha asked Gehazi, “What can we do for her?”Gehazi replied, “She doesn’t have a son, and her husband is an old man.”

¹⁵ “Call her back again,” Elisha told him. When the woman returned, Elisha said to her as she stood in the doorway, ¹⁶ “Next year at this time you will be holding a son in your arms!” “No, my lord!” she cried. “O man of God, don’t deceive me and get my hopes up like that.” ¹⁷ But sure enough, the woman soon became pregnant. And at that time the following year she had a son, just as Elisha had said." NLT

'"No my Lord' she cried". You can almost hear both pain and laughter in her voice as she grapples with her own faith. Do I dare to believe for what I have wanted for so long? Can I really see an answer to this great need? Too often we look at our situation and our own ability to meet a need, rather than looking to the one who has all power and the ability to answer any prayer or perform any miracle.

My wife and I are laughing at this point in our lives. I have just assumed the role of Lead Pastor at my home church, having served on staff for 14 years. Building staff and sharing my vision for the future is more than a full-time job. Before any of this came up, we were in the process of adopting a little girl...for all most four years! We brought her home last October, but the finalization is still ahead...hopefully in the very near future. 

So with all of this, a new role at church and finalizing our daughters adoption, God shows up yet again. The first time He told us to adopt I wept tears for the hurting child He would lead us to. I have to admit this time I'm laughing. I'm thinking, "you want us to do what? We haven't finalized the first adoption, but You are calling us to do it again?" Joy's adoption has cost us four years and $25,000 (most of which was raised). Now, You are leading us to a place that will only take one year, but will take $35,000 or more. (hear me laughing in the background.) It's not that I wont do it, I will. It's not that God cannot drop $40,000 in our laps, He can. But now Lord, now?

Yet in the midst of my laughing, I know that if the Lord has called us to adopt again, we will. And if we are willing, He will provide.
 
By the way, my wife has already found a little boy in China and is already picking out names! I told her "if you name him, we'll have to keep him. :)

So I wrongly figured this blog was very soon coming to a close. It may, in actuality, become a integral part of my life again. God always keeps us wondering what's next. That is the excitement of fully relying on Him

In the end, with my laughing heart and all, I thank God that He has chosen us for this task and I pray that He is preparing another little heart to join the ever expanding Lewis clan. 

So when God calls you to do the insane...laugh. He understands!

 

Update

I realize that I have not posted very often since Joy came home in Oct. If you have read my previous post you understand why. If not, here is a simple explanation: until Joy's adoption is finalized, we have to be careful of what we post.

Today I am happy to announce that our final consent to adopt has been approved by the Filipino government. This means that all her paper work will soon be to us. We will then take it to our lawyer to have her adoption finalized here in Louisville. At that time we will change her name to, Joy Noelle Lewis, and she will be an American citizen. Pray with us that this last step will be quick and easy.

Joy is doing very well. Her behavior and attachment to all members of the family are normal now. She is blessing to us and our family. Her favorite person, no surprise, is my dad who we all call Pawpaw. Or at least we used to, until Joy started calling him Poppy. I think it may stick.

Joy's health is good. We have had no issues while weaning her off of one of her medications. This is a blessing. The Doctor here said it was a pointless medicine that was doing nothing for her. She has been off of it for more than two months, with no seizure. Thank God!

All in all we have had a pretty easy transition in comparison to a lot of our friends. We look forward to this four year process being behind us. She will soon have all of the rights an privileges of every American. As she continues to grow in her faith, I know that God has a divine plan for her little life. We are blessed to be a part of it.

Darren

Checking In

I know I have not blogged much since we went to get Joy Noelle. Her adoption is not finalized for several more months. During this time we are not allowed to write, post pictures, or give details about her. I can say it has been a very busy few months. She has settled in very well. Lots of doctors, dentist, and other appointments.

As soon as her adoption is finalized, I will fill you in on our progress. I will also post lots of pictures for you to see.

Thanks for standing with us during this process.
Darren

Happy Birthday!

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

Today is our little girls 7th Birthday. In the Philippines her birthday has come and gone. We hoped so much to be there with her. We are ready to bring her home. All we need is a release to travel. We have begun to pack. We are watching plane tickets daily. We are so ready to move to the next phase of our lives.

"One year ago today we submitted paper work requesting to adopt you. I never thought it would take this long. Daddy and mommy hope you had a great birthday. I am happy to say it will be your last in an orphanage. When we get home, we will throw a big party for you. I can't wait to meet you and hold you. I know God has blessed you today whether  or not mommy and daddy were with you. We will see you soon. Happy birthday Joy Noelle!"

Love,
Daddy

The Stress of Silence

Here we are, still waiting. I am convinced that the Filipino Government is being used of God to teach me patience. For the last several weeks we have been waiting on that final call giving us permission to travel. But still we wait. It looks like we will defiantly miss our little girls 7th birthday (Sept. 21). Please pray that we will hear soon and for our sanity. I know in the end it will be worth it.

On a side note. We have started an online consignment store through eBay. Please check it out at the link below. All the money raised goes to missions work and orphan care.

www.theblackschnauzer.blogspot.com

Thanks,
Darren

Birthday

Our little girl will celebrate here 7th birthday September 21. It has been our hope to have her home by then. Our agency advised us to have a box ready to send to her in case we do not hear in time. So this weekend we went birthday shopping for our little girl. If we do not hear by Friday of this week, we will have to send the box to her, as we will not make it by her birthday. Please pray with us that we hear soon. We are waiting on her visa interview and our travel release. That's it. We're so close. Thanks for your continued prayers.

Expecting Trials

Each morning I have a basic routine. Once the kids are off to school (thank God), I settle into my office for the day, make a cup of coffee, and spend a half an hour or so in devotion and prayer. Today I felt led to write the devotion, rather than read it.

A few weeks ago a preached a two week series on the attacks of the enemy.  As believers we should not be surprised by these attacks. We should expect them and to some extent welcome them. Contrary to many in the church world today, I believe attacks are a sign that we are doing what is right. If you are not where you need to be in God, the enemy does not need to bother with you.

When a Christian couple seeks to adopt a child, attacks will come. You see not only are you fulfilling God’s will for your life, but also for the life of the child you will adopt. So in a sense when trials come you are really fighting the fight for your child.

As my wife and I have moved through these 28 months of paperwork and waiting, we have continually been under financial attack. Why finances? In short, if you don’t have the money to adopt…you can’t.  So here is a partial list:

Emergency Appendectomy $3,000

Tires $500

Dental Work on me $300

Emergency room visit and follow up for our son $1,200

Dental work on my wife $1,200

Air conditioner on vehicle that was 200 miles out of warranty $600

Scans to check my liver function $500

These are a few of the major things. There are a host of smaller expenses like car batteries, doctor visits, etc., etc., etc. We also had a freak hailstorm that caused $12,000 of damage to our home. (Thank God for State Farm.)

 Do you see a pattern of weirdness here? Now I am never one to blame all of our trouble on the devil. Some things are just life. That said, when you experience a constant barrage of trials, it’s probably not a coincidence.  This list equals $7,300.

Think about it. The devil knows who I am. He knows where I live. He knows I need money to adopt. He also knows that if I am willing to adopt, God has control of my wallet. If I were not spending money on the adoption, I’m likely to give it to God anyway.

Here is the point. I’m not writing to you as an appeal for money. God has faithfully provided for our adoption. I am writing to help prepare you for what is to come. Expect it. I now laugh about it. How am I going to pay all these bills (some are already paid)? I don’t know, but I do know a God that can help me pay them. He will provide as I have need. He always does.

“So Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior, I affirm again today that you have complete control of every aspect of my life: my marriage, my family, my finances, and my future; therefore, there is no need to worry or fret. I will instead rest in the knowledge and peace of my God. I will seek You and find You as Your WORD says. I will serve only you with my full heart. If one day I have nothing at all, I will remember that I am still rich because I have a relationship with You. Help me to be a positive influence on those seeking to adopt. May I always be willing to share our story.  Now Lord, bless those reading this that are in the midst of a storm. Be the lighthouse on their stormy sea. Keep them safe and as with Jabeez, may they prosper in all that they do.  Thank you for the opportunity to adopt Joy Noelle. May your peace reign in our home and lives, Amen.”

Visa and Medical

Just a quick update. We are waiting for our little girl's visa and medical appointments. Once these are finished we will be able to travel. It is still our goal to have her before her B-day, Sept. 21st. Please pray with us to that end.

Give 1 Save 1

As our adoption comes to a close, we are pleased to take part in one last fundraisier. Give 1 Save 1 is an organization committed to helping familes like ours raise much needed funds for adoption. Please take a moment, watch our video, and if you are able doante a dollar or more. We are so close to bringing our little girl home. Thanks you for being a part of her story. http://www.give1save1asia.blogspot.com/

A Quick Note

The light is appearing at the end of our adoption tunnel. We are in the very last stages before we can travel to bring home Joy Noelle. We are excited and ready to begin this new phase of God's plan. I am writing less often now because there is very little to say that I have not said already. My plan is to keep the blog going until after her adoption has been finalized, about 6 months from her arrival in the US. At that point I can post picture. Until then I hope that you will check in on occasion. For now we wait to have our fingerprints updated...because it's obvious to everyone that our fingerprints change every few months. We are also waiting for her visa approval. At that time we will be cleared to travel. Thanks for your continued prayers and support.

A Letter to My Daughter

Dear Joy Noelle,

I like being able to write my blog to you by name now. It was such a great surprise to receive pictures of you openeing the box we sent you. The smile on your face makes all the waiting worth it. We can't wait to meet you for the first time. Your room is ready and you have a closet full of new clothes.

Today will beign the last stages of your adoption. Yesterday we recieved an email that your birth certificate is here. It should make it to us today. So tomorrow morning we will apply for your Visa, the last step before we can travel to get you.

We are so excited to have you as a part of our family. Our Christian heritage will become part of your story. You will be loved and taught to love others no matter what they look like. Jesus cared for people from all walks of life and from many cultures. We will do our best to keep you connected to your native culture, but we also want you to be a part of ours.

In the days ahead you will have many, many firsts. Your first day of school in America, meeting your family, and our church family, as well as so many foods that will be new to you. I hope you will aclimate well.

Mom and I know that you will be scared. Natalie and Micah will be traveling with us to make it more easy on you. Once you are here, we will do everything we can to help you become whatever God wants for your life. I'm already praying for His divine will and call to be placed on your little heart and mind.

We love you so much already. I can't wait ot hold you soon.

Love,
Daddy

Guess What?

Guess what? We are working on more paperwork and we are waiting more. Isn't life grand. Now that we know our little girl is coming, it would be nice if the paperwork would move on already. But this, as most other aspects of the adoption process, moves at its own pace. We have all the forms filled out and ready to go. All we need is a copy of her birth certificate so we can make formal application for her visa. Our prayer is that we will be able to travel by the first of September. Please pray with us that all our other paperwork will not expire as we wait. This, of course, will add more time. 26 months and counting :/

In the mean time, fundraisng has gone well. We are only $600 short of our $6,100 goal. We so appreciate all who have donated to make this dream a reality. I hope each of you will have an opportunity to meet our little girl when she gets here.

Darren

God will provide as we obey.

Today there is urgency in my heart. I met with a missionary last week. He has dedicated his life to the children of Cambodia. A few weeks ago he received an email notifying him that they will be loosing 90% of the funding for his orphanage. There are 62 beautiful children in this home. Here they are feed, educated, loved, and nurtured in the things of God. While it is true that my wife and I need $3,000 to complete our adoption expenses, I believe that as we are obedient to help raise these urgent funds, God will be faithful to provide for us.

The orphanage must bring in $100 per month per child. What we are seeking to do is find 100 people, churches, or businesses that are willing to donate $500 per year, each year, for the next four years. These funds will ensure the orphanages stability for four more years. If you would like to help us with this project, please fill out the attached pledge form and return it with your donation. This is an urgent need. The funding source will run out in the next few weeks.

Help us save this orphanage.

Darren

100% of your donation is tax deductible and will be sent to Cambodia through our Orphan Care ministry, Mission 1:27.

Surprised by Joy

As I sit in my office today, the words to that old Etta James song rings through my head, "At last". Monday afternoon, while waiting in line to pick up the kids, my cell phone rang. It was the call that we have waited for......for 25 months (here I'm yelling). We are officially approved to adopt our little girl. At this time we are not allowed to post her full name or picture, so I will just call here Joy....which is one of her names.

As my head spins around the final paperwork and the final payment of $6,100 due by the end of this week (ouch), I am reminded of a book by C.S. Lewis, "Surprised by Joy". In his case, Joy was both the emotion and the name of his wife. The theme of this book is finding Joy in this life. Lewis recounts the ups and downs of mortality and our never ending search for happiness.

Though we have time of great emotion, true Joy is only found in Christ. It is because of the grace and direction of Christ that we are adopting. It is an honor to be used by Him in this way. To imagine that the God of the universe would entrust us with such responsibility is indeed humbling. Joy is now and forever will be part of the Lewis clan. Her life will be dedicated to Christ. Through the journey, I have no doubt we will continually be "Surprised by Joy".

We can't wait to meet you!

Love,
Daddy

"The hardness of God is kinder than the softness of men, and His compulsion is our liberation."
                                                     C. S. Lewis, "Surprised by Joy"

BLAH BLAH BLAH

It has been a while since I have been able to write. Spring break, ministers meetings, and the busyness of life. I wish I could write today about our approval, but I can't. I wish I could tell you that our little girl is on her way to us, but I can't. I wish I could tell you how I'm not frustrated by all this, but I can't.
I know all the sayings we use, "All in God's time", "You don't want to rush it", "His time is better than ours"...blah blah blah. I know all these things are true but platitudes don't help. Really there is only one thing that does, WORSHIP.

When I'm down and frustrated worship lifts me back to reality in Christ. Those things that I set aside temporarily are brought back into their rightful place. I know God is in control but sometime I want to forget...so I can have a little pity party over in a corner all by myself. While there, I despise happy people. I'm sure none of you experience this. After a time of self doubt and frustration I pull myself up and make myself focus on what really matter in this life...Jesus.

Once I am lost in His grace and mercy, He reminds me that He is in control. Worship causes me to sense the arms of Christ wrapping around me, loving me, calming me. Yes, this process is really annoying me. In the end it's just that, only a process. When the process has come to a completion and our beautiful little girl is in our arms, somehow I bet that the wait will no longer seem long but worth every minute.

We do thank all of you for your continued prayers and for the support that you continue to give us.

Darren

Something Bigger

God has placed within human nature the desire to accomplish something greater than ourselves. Most would not think twice about switching jobs if the new opportunity would fulfill them more...even if the money was less. Money does not equal happiness. It is a fact of life we all desire to give back, to change a life, to make a difference. Those who do not have this desire are viewed by society as selfish. Still as much as we think we would do the right thing, when God brings opportunity we find many reasons to say "no". You might say we find baggage to hide behind. "I don't like change." "I think I'm more suited for ___." "But I've been here forever." "I'm really in over my head."

There was a famous king who dealt with this problem as well.

1 Samuel 10:20-23 "So Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel before the Lord, and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen by lot. 21 Then he brought each family of the tribe of Benjamin before the Lord, and the family of the Matrites was chosen. And finally Saul son of Kish was chosen from among them. But when they looked for him, he had disappeared! 22 So they asked the Lord, “Where is he?” And the Lord replied, “He is hiding among the baggage.” 23 So they found him and brought him out, and he stood head and shoulders above anyone else."

We can all identify with Saul. He was not ready to become king. Israel had never had a king before. How was he to know what to do? The point is when God calls us to do something beyond our scope of reason, He intends for us to do it. Sounds obvious right? But it isn't. We often forget who God is and what He is capable of. Verse 24 says, "Then Samuel said to all the people, “This is the man the Lord has chosen as your king. No one in all Israel is like him! “And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!" When God directs you, follow.

Don't look at your inabilities, rather, look at God's ability. He is bigger and stronger. He has the power to change you into what He wants you to be. It is not rocket science but we tend to forget.
Two years ago, God called us to start the process of adoption. Some days we wonder if He will ever finish it. In our humanity we ask if He knows what He is doing. Our faith tells us that He does. We know that He does all things well in His timing and in His way.

"So today, I submit myself again to Your will. I ask you to take the baggage of self-doubt, worry, confusion, and money out of my way. Don't allow me to hide behind it. Instead push me to step into the divine purpose you have for my life. Amen"

Turn From Your Sin

There is a very concerning trend occurring within the church.   People will admit their need for Christ, but they will not turn from their sin. This is not how it works. You do not come to Christ but keep doing all the sinful things you have always done. True repentance is coming to Christ with an open heart acknowledging that you are in need of forgiveness and turning for your sin.
(all references form the NLT)

·         Matt. 4:17 “From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

·         Matt. 18:3 “Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.”

·         Acts 20:21 “I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.”

·         Romans 2:4-11 “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?  But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 He will judge everyone according to what they have done. 7 He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. 8 But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. 9 There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile.[a] 10 But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism.”

No one gets into heaven by the skin of their teeth. You are forgiven and changed or you are not. It is that simple. Much of this is the churches fault. In an effort to not offend, we have become soft on sin. We need to return to a balance of preaching grace and judgment. Heaven is real, but so is hell.
Heaven is forever, but so is hell. Some of you may need to come back to God and say, “I want you in my life and I don’t want to sin anymore.” We are not judging by making sin apparent in a person’s life. That cry is a cop out and expresses the human desire to half do what’s right. God desires, He demands, our full repentance. I freely take of the chains of sin and put on the chains of Christ.
May we always be ready to speak the truth, teach our children, and spread God's love. He is a God of love, but He does not tolerate disobedience.

"God give us the strength to live as we need to live, to stand as we need to stand, to teach as we need to teach. May our families not be lost, but may every member come to know you for who You are; a wonderful and merciful God who gave His life for us. May we be willing and ready to share this good news with our world. May you use our lives to touch the world...whether it be through adoption or loving those around us. Amen!"

The Two Faces of Disney

My wife and I have been struggling with television lately. "Kids" channels are now introducing to our children many things that we disagree with. There are good things too, but those are becoming fewer. When I was a kid cartoons were on Disney...not today. Now they are all situational comedies. Most of which portray middle school age kids kissing, young ladies wearing very little, attitudes that would have gotten me smacked, and much more.

As an example; the other day my kids and I were watching "Good Luck Charlie". This is a show that revolves around the Dunken family and their toddler Charlie. Great and innocent premise right? Not really. In last episode I saw, the mom kept lying to prove to her husband that she did not need his help...bad from the start right. Well in the end, he finds out, but is there any remorse, no. In stead she says, you mean I can't lie to you, what kind of a marriage is this. (Not a direct quote) This is a normal theme for this show. Perhaps it should be called, "This is How You Lie Charlie".

On another show, "Sweet Life on Deck" gay characters are often portrayed. All of this is done to cause our children to be comfortable with what the world sets as right. Instead, we should be following what the Word of God says is right. Humor is a dangerous thing when it comes to our kids. If they can get us to laugh we become comfortable with the issue being pushed on us.

Disney needs to remember that they are here to entertain, not push sociaital issues at our kids. They need to return to the basics of Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse. If not, soon Christan parents will be forced to turn it off; thus loosing a large portion of their base. I love Disney World, I love the old cartoons, but something is seriously a mis.

Philippians 4:8 says "Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about these things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
"God help us to parent wisely, as you would have us do. Help us to trin our kids in the truth of Your Word, not in what society dictates."

Know and Do

Ephesians 5:17 "Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do."
I have read this verse many many times over the years, but today it really jumped out at me. This is great advice from the apostle Paul; however, it is not easily accomplished. We go through seasons in our lives where, as the word says, our prayers feel as if they are hitting a clanging ceiling and falling back to us. At other times we know quickly what we are to do. The variation of these times in our lives teach us much about the character of our God, about our faith, and about what God wants us to learn.

The Word also says, that sheep should know the voice of their God. What do we do in the times that we are praying and waiting but all we hear in return is silence? What do we do when this is an extended time? The simple answer, but hard action, is to wait. Wait on the right time, wait on His voice, wait to see if our situation changes or a way is made clear.

In those rare times that we hear God speak quickly, we need to jump to obedience and act. There are a few times in my life I knew quickly what I was to do and never really questioned it. One was my calling into ministry and along with it the school I was to attend. Second, was marrying my wife. Third, was our adoption. Fourth, was my returning to school. There have been other more minor things. These times are great, to hear God's voice and do it. There is no greater pleasure.

If you are in a season of silence. Remember that your confidence and your faith is in an eternal and loving God. Remember the words to the old hymn, which is also taken from scripture; "For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day."

Take heart seasons of silence often develop into seasons of great joy. Seek to know God's will and do it!