Love of Truth

Four years and one month ago, my husband and I adopted from Ecuador. It changed our lives in ways I couldn't possibly imagine or explain. Some very good; some very challenging.

One of the things that continues to challenge and teach me... how important truth is. Our little guy, for some unknown reason, struggles with being truthful.

A lot.

Some of it is the typical lying children do to attempt to get out of trouble, but some of it is so in-consequential it's puzzling, and downright exasperating. Why oh why would he choose this, time and time again, when he knows there will always be consequences?

As I reflect on this, I wonder how many times my Heavenly Father looks upon my life, and as I flounder around, trying to do things my way instead of following His perfect way, He says "Why oh why does she choose to do this when she knows My loving chastisement will be upon her?" (This is rhetorical of course, it's not like our Sovereign God is ever puzzled.)

So I will diligently continue to try to instill a love of truth in my son, as my love of truth continues to grow. I will do my best to obey the commands in the Bible as I teach my son to obey my rules, in the hopes that someday, he will cherish the commands of God as I do. And I will pray that God will heal that little broken heart that we brought home from Ecuador.

~*~ .~*~. ~*~

“ My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,

Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;

For whom the LORD loves He chastens,

And scourges every son whom He receives.”

Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness

to those who have been trained by it.

~Hebrews 12:5b-6, 11

Heaven upon earth

"If there is anything that is a miniature picture of heaven upon earth, it is a pair of Christians happily united,

whose children grow up in the fear of the Lord,

and render to them increased comfort and joy every day.

Oh, how much some of us owe to the gospel for the happiness of our homes!"

~Charles Spurgeon

Smallest Blessing

This morning had me in a bit of a panic. My mission was to get 4 children clean, dressed, fed and to church by myself... on time. I might add that getting any place 'on time' has never been my forte. But with much prayer and coffee I set about my task.

God has blessed my husband and I with 3 children - the 4th child that I am referring to today is a precious foster baby we had the privilege of caring for these last 5 days. He is the most sweetest five month old that I have ever met. He seems to take joy in anything and everything. Those big brown eyes of his will light up, followed by the most precious toothless smile. Often times a squeal or giggle bubbles out of him as he kicks his little legs in excitement.

So back to this morning... I am drying my hair while keeping an eye on the time for baby's morning feeding. And time is a funny thing for me - I have a horrible concept of it - sometimes 5 minutes can feel like an hour, or an hour can fly by like 5 minutes. I had a feeling the next 30 minutes or so would disappear with the blink of an eye. Just then my son Ryan walks in the room. He is dressed, brushed and fed, so I ask him if he would feed baby for me. This would be his first time feeding a baby. His blue eyes light up and with a grin he shrugs and says he'll give it a try. I make the bottle, have Ryan sit and hand him baby who smiles when placed in his arms.

Ryan brings the bottle towards baby who is eagerly reaching for it. I hear Ryan giggle as baby begins to eat. It was the sweetest sight to see. My "baby" Ryan caring for this tiny infant asking questions to make sure he was holding and feeding baby properly. He worried that baby had too much of the bottle in his mouth. But I assured him it was just right. He was concerned that he wouldn't be able to tell if baby needed a break while eating. I told him not to worry baby would stop sucking and would let him know. Ryan took the responsibility of feeding baby very seriously.

It brought unspeakable joy to my heart to see the loving care and concern my son had, and the happiness, smiles and giggles exchanged between the two boys.

We made it to church with plenty of time this morning. And I have cherished the memory of Ryan and baby. It may be a small thing, but sometimes the smallest blessing can fill your heart with the greatest love.

Words of Comfort

One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek:

that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,

to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling;

he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle

and set me high upon a rock.

~Psalm 27:4-5

Saying Goodbye

This is my first blog. I didn't think I had much to say that anyone would want to read, but my husband, daughter and mother thought otherwise. What made me decide to go ahead and give it go was my husband's business trip to Israel. He will board the plane in a moment, and will not return home for 9 days. Not long in the grand scheme of things, but it will be the longest we've ever been apart in the 13 years since the day we met.

I love my husband dearly. He is a wonderful husband and father to our 3 children. Any woman would consider themselves blessed to have him. I happen to be that blessed woman.

Saying goodbye to him this morning was hard. He didn't want to leave; I didn't want him to go. I felt foolish as I fought tears driving home from the airport. After all, many wives do this all the time, and for much longer. But he is my best friend, we do everything together, and I miss him so much already.

For now, my goal with this blog is to update with little stories from home, encouraging bible verses, and maybe a photo or two for him while he's away.

Have a safe trip. I love you Frank!