Son or daughter,
Today I am giving you a devotional thought.
Most Christan's know the story of how the children of Israel complained to God...again. They begged for water. God told Moses to speak to the rock. Instead he lost his temper and beat the rock with a stick. Now Moses was punished for disobedience. He was not punished for losing his temper. (Ex 17)
In life it is easy to lose it sometimes. It's okay. God can handle my anger. He can handle it when I lose my temper. He can handle my frustration. None of these things surprise Him or catch Him off guard. He knows the weakness of my sinful nature. He knows the trials that I go through from day to day. He knows because He has been there. The key is not sinning in our frustration. Remember what Paul says in Ephesians 4:26 "Don't sin by letting anger control you." It is not a matter of getting angry. The problem comes when anger moves us to get even.
Now if human nature is such that we easily fly of the handle, what do we do? The answer is found in Christ. Go to the Rock for water. He is our solid footing. He is our foundation. He is our spring of life. When we daily come to Him, He changes our human nature into His nature. He makes us more like Himself each day that we come sit at His feet. I don't want a drink form the Rock, I want to submerge myself in His grace and mercy. I want to see His face and feel His breath. I want to know that my Rock is always there and He is working to change me from the inside out.
When you go through trials, as you will in the transitions of adoption, I hope we can teach you early on that it is ok to get angry as long as you do not act on the anger. It's a process. It's a lesson for life, a lesson that takes time to learn.
We love you with all our hearts.
Love,
Daddy
Our Family
Friday, September 2, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Don't Lose Focus
Do you ever feel frustrated with life? Even as Christians our lives are not always as smooth as silk. We experience seasons of frustration, wondering, and dismay. The Biblical principal is related to the children of Israel wondering around in a barren desert. Knowing where you are going, knowing that God is in control, but not knowing how in the world you are going to get there.
This has been my life for the past three years. Yes ladies and gentlemen, count them with me, 1, 2, 3. Three long years of searching and waiting. I wish I could tell you today that this blog is all about the answers finally coming. That would be so up lifting, but it's not about that. I wish I could tell you that I have everything figured out, but that will never happen. I wish I could tell you that God sent an angel to me to reveal His perfect will and direction to me, but He has not.
No, rather this is a blog to encourage you! "Yeah right", you say. "How is this going to encourage me?" I don't want to wait 3 years. Last night I was reminding God (as if he needs me to tell Him anything) that I have been waiting for three very long...I'm talking loooonnnnngggg years and still have no answer. I reminded Him that during that time I have been obedient (insert halo here) to do what He has been clear on. I have started Mission 1:27, I have finished my Masters degree, and my wife and I have begun the process of adoption. On all these points I have felt, "maybe this is what I have been waiting for". In the end it may be. But still I am left with the feeling that there is oh so much more and so much bigger things I am supposed to do for God.
As I was reading the Psalms, as I do each night before bed, I felt the Lord impress upon me to read Esther 4. Now my being such a wise and noted Biblical scholar (insert sarcasm here) I knew That Esther 4 contained the popular words spoken by Mordecai, "But if not". Still I felt I should read it. So I did and this is what jumped out at me.
Esther 4:11 "All the king's officials and even the people in the provinces know that anyone who appears before the king in his inner court without being invited is doomed to die unless he holds out his gold scepter." NLT
Huh...ah...That's right ladies and gentlemen, read it again for the full effect of the what in the world does this have to do with me thought.
So I prayed, "God how in the world does this apply to me." Suddenly God answered. In the words of Gru, "light bu-lb". You see this is what we do in life, we lose focus. Esther went boldly into the throne room to make her request before the king. It could have spelled her death. Yet, she found favor with him and in the end he granted her request. Are you ready for it....wait for it...Yes! I get it. I can go boldly before the KING of the UNIVERSE without fear of death, but knowing that I always have favor with Him. I make my request known to Him.
It is so obvious, but we don't do it. We busily sulk and complain, we try to make things happen in ourselves or through other people (see Abraham for an illustration). All we need to do is not lose focus. So to day be encouraged. You may not get the answer you want when you want it, I still have not realized mine fully. Focus on the KING and maybe just maybe He will hold out His scepter and grant your request. After all He is the only one who truly has the power to change your circumstances.
This has been my life for the past three years. Yes ladies and gentlemen, count them with me, 1, 2, 3. Three long years of searching and waiting. I wish I could tell you today that this blog is all about the answers finally coming. That would be so up lifting, but it's not about that. I wish I could tell you that I have everything figured out, but that will never happen. I wish I could tell you that God sent an angel to me to reveal His perfect will and direction to me, but He has not.
No, rather this is a blog to encourage you! "Yeah right", you say. "How is this going to encourage me?" I don't want to wait 3 years. Last night I was reminding God (as if he needs me to tell Him anything) that I have been waiting for three very long...I'm talking loooonnnnngggg years and still have no answer. I reminded Him that during that time I have been obedient (insert halo here) to do what He has been clear on. I have started Mission 1:27, I have finished my Masters degree, and my wife and I have begun the process of adoption. On all these points I have felt, "maybe this is what I have been waiting for". In the end it may be. But still I am left with the feeling that there is oh so much more and so much bigger things I am supposed to do for God.
As I was reading the Psalms, as I do each night before bed, I felt the Lord impress upon me to read Esther 4. Now my being such a wise and noted Biblical scholar (insert sarcasm here) I knew That Esther 4 contained the popular words spoken by Mordecai, "But if not". Still I felt I should read it. So I did and this is what jumped out at me.
Esther 4:11 "All the king's officials and even the people in the provinces know that anyone who appears before the king in his inner court without being invited is doomed to die unless he holds out his gold scepter." NLT
Huh...ah...That's right ladies and gentlemen, read it again for the full effect of the what in the world does this have to do with me thought.
So I prayed, "God how in the world does this apply to me." Suddenly God answered. In the words of Gru, "light bu-lb". You see this is what we do in life, we lose focus. Esther went boldly into the throne room to make her request before the king. It could have spelled her death. Yet, she found favor with him and in the end he granted her request. Are you ready for it....wait for it...Yes! I get it. I can go boldly before the KING of the UNIVERSE without fear of death, but knowing that I always have favor with Him. I make my request known to Him.
It is so obvious, but we don't do it. We busily sulk and complain, we try to make things happen in ourselves or through other people (see Abraham for an illustration). All we need to do is not lose focus. So to day be encouraged. You may not get the answer you want when you want it, I still have not realized mine fully. Focus on the KING and maybe just maybe He will hold out His scepter and grant your request. After all He is the only one who truly has the power to change your circumstances.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Fundriaser
Jenna and I are going to sell t-shirts to help with the cost of our adoption.
T-shirts will be pre-ordered at a cost of $17 per shirt. I know this is a higher price than normal, it is more expensive to print shirts in small runs.
I can get them in Youth sizes –3XL (2XL and above are $20).
Email me back with sizes and quantity if you want... to order.
Shirts must be paid for in advance. Write checks to Mission 1:27. (PO Box 99086, Louisville, KY 40269) Add $2.00 per shirt for shipping.
Thanks for helping to bring our child home!
Darren
T-shirts will be pre-ordered at a cost of $17 per shirt. I know this is a higher price than normal, it is more expensive to print shirts in small runs.
I can get them in Youth sizes –3XL (2XL and above are $20).
Email me back with sizes and quantity if you want... to order.
Shirts must be paid for in advance. Write checks to Mission 1:27. (PO Box 99086, Louisville, KY 40269) Add $2.00 per shirt for shipping.
Thanks for helping to bring our child home!
Darren
Friday, July 22, 2011
Thank You God
It is so awesome when we see God's hand move to confirm the call He has placed on our lives. My wife and I had a moment like this last night. When I got home from the office a letter was waiting in the mail box. Upon opening it, we found that the Show Hope organization had awarded us a $4,000 grant for our adoption. We have somewhere around $10,000 left to raise. With one envelope that amount was cut down to $6,000. Our God is an awesome provider. I have no doubt that the other $6,000 will come in as we need it.
Just a quick note today to remind you, my readers, that God is faithful.
It is also to let you, our child know, God is continuing to our story a master piece.
Love,
Daddy
Just a quick note today to remind you, my readers, that God is faithful.
It is also to let you, our child know, God is continuing to our story a master piece.
Love,
Daddy
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
You Will Have the Best
Dear son or daughter,
Proverbs 31 describes a Godly wife and mom. I want to assure you that you will have the best. I may not know you or when you will join us, but I do know that you will be joining a loving Christ centered family. Because Christ is at the center of our lives, we know that we are in step with His will. I want to assure you that I will love you with all my heart, as i do your sister and brother. Your mom will also love you. She will nurture you and provide for your needs. She will do your laundry, until you are old enough to do it yourself :). She will be with you when your sick and love you when you are being a royal pain...as all kids are sometimes.
Though I'm sure I don't tell her often enough, I love her with all my heart and am thankful that she is a Godly woman both in public and in private. You will have the best.
Looking forward to the day we receive the call or email. Praying for you everyday.
Love,
Daddy
Proverbs 31 describes a Godly wife and mom. I want to assure you that you will have the best. I may not know you or when you will join us, but I do know that you will be joining a loving Christ centered family. Because Christ is at the center of our lives, we know that we are in step with His will. I want to assure you that I will love you with all my heart, as i do your sister and brother. Your mom will also love you. She will nurture you and provide for your needs. She will do your laundry, until you are old enough to do it yourself :). She will be with you when your sick and love you when you are being a royal pain...as all kids are sometimes.
Though I'm sure I don't tell her often enough, I love her with all my heart and am thankful that she is a Godly woman both in public and in private. You will have the best.
Looking forward to the day we receive the call or email. Praying for you everyday.
Love,
Daddy
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Dossier Complete
The next great step in your adoption is finished. Friday afternoon we received the last form for our dossier. It was forwarded to the agency that night. After a quick review by them it will be headed to the Philippines by the end of the week. What a relief it is to have that part completed. No more mountains of paperwork.
Even with this finished, challenges remain. The real waiting begins. During this time we need to raise around $10,000. Country fees are due at referral and then travel expenses. It seems like a huge mountain that we are not equipped to climb; however, we know that God has already climbed that mountain for us. As has been during this entire process, the money will be there when we need it.
Your homecoming is closer now than ever. Many minor details are left to be figured out. And they will be in time. We pray that God will send you to us soon. We'd really rather not wait another 2-3 years.
All of our family and friends are praying with us for a time miracle.
Love,
Daddy
Even with this finished, challenges remain. The real waiting begins. During this time we need to raise around $10,000. Country fees are due at referral and then travel expenses. It seems like a huge mountain that we are not equipped to climb; however, we know that God has already climbed that mountain for us. As has been during this entire process, the money will be there when we need it.
Your homecoming is closer now than ever. Many minor details are left to be figured out. And they will be in time. We pray that God will send you to us soon. We'd really rather not wait another 2-3 years.
All of our family and friends are praying with us for a time miracle.
Love,
Daddy
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The Urgency of Love
2 Corinthians 5:14 says "For Christ's love compels us". The word compel means, to force or drive, especially to a course of action. There is an urgency in Christ's love. It is and urgency to seek forgiveness through the sacrifice of Christ. It is also an urgency to share that same love that we have experienced through our faith In Him. We share that love by telling others about what He has done in our lives or by touching someones need. We also share that love through adoption.
Second only to giving your life for a friend, adoption is the greatest act of love; to take a child that is abandoned, hurting, and fatherless to a life of wholeness peace and forgiveness. That is a great and daunting calling. Yet, God does not call us to do anything without equipping us for the task.
There is an urgency of love. Fell the urgency and act upon it. Consider adoption today. For more information about adoption or for helping those who are, go to www.mission127.com.
.
Darren
Second only to giving your life for a friend, adoption is the greatest act of love; to take a child that is abandoned, hurting, and fatherless to a life of wholeness peace and forgiveness. That is a great and daunting calling. Yet, God does not call us to do anything without equipping us for the task.
There is an urgency of love. Fell the urgency and act upon it. Consider adoption today. For more information about adoption or for helping those who are, go to www.mission127.com.
.
Darren
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