Last weekend we here at the Harbor hosted a seminar in which the speakers (not me and Mark, but a couple including a husband who is a Chaplain and a wife who is a Physicians Assistant), presented a biblical framework for children, as well as medical evidence that the birth control pill does indeed cause abortion. It was a controversial and compelling presentation. I urge my Christian brothers and sisters to cease using the Pill and educate yourself by reading the following short book, available online:
"Does the Birth Control Pill Cause Abortions?" by Randy Alcorn
The audio from the seminar will be podcasted soon and I will post that here.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
God is Enough
This afternoon and evening I have felt almost tempted to despair--as mentioned two days ago in my post entitled "Raw," we are walking through three hard things right now. In addition to these three things, half of my family is now flying to America. Zoe, Abby Grace, and Mark are in the air over the Pacific. Them traveling, coupled with my heavy heart, can be a recipe for fretful, unbiblical thinking. In this weary state I am more prone to take worry to the next level and actually visualize what would happen if their plane wrecked or if we had a massive earthquake here on the Ring of Fire where I live. I'm asking the Lord to control my thoughts and keep me from going there. In addition, I led Bible study tonight (on contentment--perfect!) and so being in fellowship and the Word allowed my heart to be engaged in battle on the side of victory.
Tonight, as many other nights, I have to ask myself, "So? So what? So what if the worst came to pass? What if you did lose everyone? What if all your babies and your husband did die? What if?" And my heart has a choice to make now and everyday that is a walk of faith. By God's grace only and by the power of Christ in me, I am able to say, "God is enough." I have to decide NOW that God is good and sovereign and that nothing, NOTHING, is outside His will. If those things did happen, God is enough.
I'm praying Psalm 73:25-28 tonight--Lord God please align my heart with this Psalm and make it true of me to the very depths of my soul:
"Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.
If you have 2 minutes and 50 seconds I urge you to watch this video of a portion of a sermon by John Piper proclaiming that God is enough. We are tempted to worship the gifts (children, safety, family, security) more than the Giver (God Himself). This poignant video combats that and I long for a heart that truly, always, and fully believes God is enough.
Tonight, as many other nights, I have to ask myself, "So? So what? So what if the worst came to pass? What if you did lose everyone? What if all your babies and your husband did die? What if?" And my heart has a choice to make now and everyday that is a walk of faith. By God's grace only and by the power of Christ in me, I am able to say, "God is enough." I have to decide NOW that God is good and sovereign and that nothing, NOTHING, is outside His will. If those things did happen, God is enough.
I'm praying Psalm 73:25-28 tonight--Lord God please align my heart with this Psalm and make it true of me to the very depths of my soul:
"Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.
If you have 2 minutes and 50 seconds I urge you to watch this video of a portion of a sermon by John Piper proclaiming that God is enough. We are tempted to worship the gifts (children, safety, family, security) more than the Giver (God Himself). This poignant video combats that and I long for a heart that truly, always, and fully believes God is enough.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Looking Back
A dear friend and fellow adoptive parent is aware of our struggles as we wait on the Lord to bring healing in the way I mentioned in my last post. This friend emailed Mark and me today with an excerpt from the second page of John Newton's autobiography, "Out of the Depths." So good.
Looking Back
For us, however, there is a time coming when our spiritual warfare
will be finished, our perspective enlarged, and our understanding
increased. Then we will look back upon the experiences through which
the Lord led us and be overwhelmed by adoration and love for Him! We
will then see and acknowledge that mercy and goodness directed every
step. We shall see that what we once mistakenly called afflictions
and misfortunes were in reality blessings without which we would not
have grown in faith. Nothing happened to us without a reason. No
problem came upon us sooner, pressed on us more heavily, or continued
longer than our situation required. God, in divine grace and wisdom,
used our many afflictions, each as needed, that we might ultimately
possess an exceeding and eternal weight of glory, prepared by the Lord
for his people.
Looking Back
For us, however, there is a time coming when our spiritual warfare
will be finished, our perspective enlarged, and our understanding
increased. Then we will look back upon the experiences through which
the Lord led us and be overwhelmed by adoration and love for Him! We
will then see and acknowledge that mercy and goodness directed every
step. We shall see that what we once mistakenly called afflictions
and misfortunes were in reality blessings without which we would not
have grown in faith. Nothing happened to us without a reason. No
problem came upon us sooner, pressed on us more heavily, or continued
longer than our situation required. God, in divine grace and wisdom,
used our many afflictions, each as needed, that we might ultimately
possess an exceeding and eternal weight of glory, prepared by the Lord
for his people.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Raw
It's been a rough five days. It's been a week on which I will look back and say, "Yes, that was a very sad time, but God was and is good, in spite of the circumstances that seemed to be shattering around me." Three things in particular are troubling us now.
As I have said before on this blog, physical, earthly adoption mirrors our spiritual adoption as children of God. Just as God the Father pursued us to make us His own children when we were far from Him, adoptive parents move towards their helpless adoptive kids and make them their own. And in both adoptions, a work of the Spirit must happen. When we are born again as Christians, the Holy Spirit comes to reside in us and converts us from children of darkness to children of light. Well, I am learning anew that the Holy Spirit must also convert earthly adopted kids--only God can convert their spirits from the heart of an orphan to the heart of a son or daughter. Only God Himself can bring healing and restoration and convince a once-orphaned child that he or she is now a dearly loved heir. Waiting for that conversion is painful and brings with it a host of burdens.
In addition to the above hard lesson, I have become aware over the past few days of a crises taking place in my own nuclear family back in Colorado. It has me saddened to the core. Someone exceedingly precious to me is suffering greatly and no end seems in sight. I am on my knees begging God to bring healing and I do indeed feel so worried.
Lastly, as you may know, my sweet mother-in-law continues to suffer from ALS (a terminal and painful disease). Mark and I are having a sort of relay-trip to Denver over the next two weeks to see her. He'll go first, then I'll go, and he'll come back. Mark has felt his mom's suffering pressing on him and he wants so badly to alleviate some it. The three little girls will make the trip with us (in shifts) but we are forced to leave Rebekah here, as the US refuses to grant her a second visa. These travels, too, have me anxious.
It's no coincidence that in the Bible study I lead here at the Harbor we have just memorized the following verses, which I am taking to heart and trusting to be true and life-giving:
As I have said before on this blog, physical, earthly adoption mirrors our spiritual adoption as children of God. Just as God the Father pursued us to make us His own children when we were far from Him, adoptive parents move towards their helpless adoptive kids and make them their own. And in both adoptions, a work of the Spirit must happen. When we are born again as Christians, the Holy Spirit comes to reside in us and converts us from children of darkness to children of light. Well, I am learning anew that the Holy Spirit must also convert earthly adopted kids--only God can convert their spirits from the heart of an orphan to the heart of a son or daughter. Only God Himself can bring healing and restoration and convince a once-orphaned child that he or she is now a dearly loved heir. Waiting for that conversion is painful and brings with it a host of burdens.
In addition to the above hard lesson, I have become aware over the past few days of a crises taking place in my own nuclear family back in Colorado. It has me saddened to the core. Someone exceedingly precious to me is suffering greatly and no end seems in sight. I am on my knees begging God to bring healing and I do indeed feel so worried.
Lastly, as you may know, my sweet mother-in-law continues to suffer from ALS (a terminal and painful disease). Mark and I are having a sort of relay-trip to Denver over the next two weeks to see her. He'll go first, then I'll go, and he'll come back. Mark has felt his mom's suffering pressing on him and he wants so badly to alleviate some it. The three little girls will make the trip with us (in shifts) but we are forced to leave Rebekah here, as the US refuses to grant her a second visa. These travels, too, have me anxious.
It's no coincidence that in the Bible study I lead here at the Harbor we have just memorized the following verses, which I am taking to heart and trusting to be true and life-giving:
"6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
--Philippians 4:6-9
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
A few of my favorite things--Spiritual Growth Books
I truly believe you are what you read. Smut in, smut out. Fluff in, fluff out. Reading and watching crap isn't profitable. That's why I avoid vampire romances. Really, ladies, you're reading that? C'mon. But I digress.
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul teaches us to think about things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, excellent, and praise worthy and "the peace of God will be with you" (Philippians 4:8-9).
I have a few spiritual growth favorites and can't encourage you enough to read them. I feel especially strongly about the first two, as they have played a strong role in shaping my faith.
1. Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist, by John Piper--a true classic and powerful exposition of the Christian faith. The thesis of the book is a slightly tweaked version of the Westminster Catechism and is my life mission statement: The chief end of man (the reason we are alive) is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever (is to enjoy God fully, which gives the Him credit and honor that He deserves). The book is dense and challenging but so worth it--rich truth in, rich truth out.
2. Heaven, by Randy Alcorn--I began reading this book after Mark's mom was diagnosed with a terminal disease in 2009. As she suffers in her sickness our family is increasingly heavenward in our thinking and dreaming. Heaven is a lengthy study of what the Bible says about heaven, what we can expect, and what the Lord will bring to pass on earth and in heaven in eternity. One of my favorite ideas from the book is that this life is the before life--heaven is the real life (not the after life). We were made for heaven and it's coming for those who believe. After 13 years of following the Lord, this book changed my life, in that I began to truly imagine, expect, and live for what is promised to come.
By the way, Alcorn also wrote Heaven for Kids, which both Zoe (8) and AbbyGrace (6) have read and enjoyed very much.
3. Calm My Anxious Heart, by Linda Dillow
4. Radical: Taking back your faith from the American Dream, by David Platt
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul teaches us to think about things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, excellent, and praise worthy and "the peace of God will be with you" (Philippians 4:8-9).
I have a few spiritual growth favorites and can't encourage you enough to read them. I feel especially strongly about the first two, as they have played a strong role in shaping my faith.
1. Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist, by John Piper--a true classic and powerful exposition of the Christian faith. The thesis of the book is a slightly tweaked version of the Westminster Catechism and is my life mission statement: The chief end of man (the reason we are alive) is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever (is to enjoy God fully, which gives the Him credit and honor that He deserves). The book is dense and challenging but so worth it--rich truth in, rich truth out.
2. Heaven, by Randy Alcorn--I began reading this book after Mark's mom was diagnosed with a terminal disease in 2009. As she suffers in her sickness our family is increasingly heavenward in our thinking and dreaming. Heaven is a lengthy study of what the Bible says about heaven, what we can expect, and what the Lord will bring to pass on earth and in heaven in eternity. One of my favorite ideas from the book is that this life is the before life--heaven is the real life (not the after life). We were made for heaven and it's coming for those who believe. After 13 years of following the Lord, this book changed my life, in that I began to truly imagine, expect, and live for what is promised to come.
By the way, Alcorn also wrote Heaven for Kids, which both Zoe (8) and AbbyGrace (6) have read and enjoyed very much.
3. Calm My Anxious Heart, by Linda Dillow
4. Radical: Taking back your faith from the American Dream, by David Platt
Monday, April 30, 2012
A few of my favorite things--Daily Reads with the Kids
There are a few books that we read our kids almost every day. They are edifying for all of us and I highly recommend them to any Christian family with one or more children, ages 5 and above.
1. Big Truths for Young Hearts, by Bruce Ware--this is a systematic theology book written in concise, simple language so that children and adults alike can understand "big truths" about God. I wholeheartedly agree with A.W. Tozer who said, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." In my opinion it's never too early to teach kids the truth about God. They think about Him and ask questions about Him, themselves, reality, heaven and more--so why not lay a solid groundwork from the very beginning. Additionally, you as a mom or dad will learn a ton too. Other than the Bible itself it's my highest recommendation for parents of school age kids.
2. The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name, by Sally Lloyd-Jones--awesome kids' bible. Let me be frank: there are a lot of stupid kids' bibles out there. Don't get one of those. Be educated and get your kid a bible that isn't going to water down the character of God. Most kids' bibles make the sovereign king of the universe look silly. This kids' bible is beautifully illustrated, well-written, theologically sound, and captures the picture of Christ throughout both the old and new testaments. Mark often reads it to the kids before bed.
3. Operation World: The Definitive Guide Prayer Guide to Every Nation, by Jason Mandryk--this book will broaden your worldview and increase your concern for people around the globe. After a quick theology lesson from #1 above, the kids and I always read the nation listed for the day in this large book. It has opened our eyes to countries and people groups we never knew about. Each day provides a brief lesson in social studies and church history. Together we pray for the countless people around the world who are poor either spiritually or physically. It's truly eye opening.
If you don't want to get the book, Operation World has a great web-site including Prayer Videos for many countries. These are 3-minute videos highlighting the nation's prayer needs, as well as a national praying for their country.
4. And don't forget the Bible.
1. Big Truths for Young Hearts, by Bruce Ware--this is a systematic theology book written in concise, simple language so that children and adults alike can understand "big truths" about God. I wholeheartedly agree with A.W. Tozer who said, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." In my opinion it's never too early to teach kids the truth about God. They think about Him and ask questions about Him, themselves, reality, heaven and more--so why not lay a solid groundwork from the very beginning. Additionally, you as a mom or dad will learn a ton too. Other than the Bible itself it's my highest recommendation for parents of school age kids.
2. The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name, by Sally Lloyd-Jones--awesome kids' bible. Let me be frank: there are a lot of stupid kids' bibles out there. Don't get one of those. Be educated and get your kid a bible that isn't going to water down the character of God. Most kids' bibles make the sovereign king of the universe look silly. This kids' bible is beautifully illustrated, well-written, theologically sound, and captures the picture of Christ throughout both the old and new testaments. Mark often reads it to the kids before bed.
3. Operation World: The Definitive Guide Prayer Guide to Every Nation, by Jason Mandryk--this book will broaden your worldview and increase your concern for people around the globe. After a quick theology lesson from #1 above, the kids and I always read the nation listed for the day in this large book. It has opened our eyes to countries and people groups we never knew about. Each day provides a brief lesson in social studies and church history. Together we pray for the countless people around the world who are poor either spiritually or physically. It's truly eye opening.
If you don't want to get the book, Operation World has a great web-site including Prayer Videos for many countries. These are 3-minute videos highlighting the nation's prayer needs, as well as a national praying for their country.
4. And don't forget the Bible.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
A few of my favorite things--Adoption Books
I hope this blog is an encouragement to anyone pursuing or contemplating adoption. Here are my favorite adoption books, which I heartily recommend.
1. Adopted for Life, by Russell Moore--this book gives the theological framework for adoption: we adopt because God first adopted us. It provides a robust paradigm for adoption from the Bible plus the author's personal experience.
2. Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-Centered Adoption and Orphan Care, by Tony Merida and Rick Morton--this book calls the church back into the act of caring for orphans, either through adoption or myriad other creative means. It's a great resource for anyone burdened for orphans but unsure of where to go or what to do.
3. Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew, by Sherrie Eldridge--I just read this book a couple months ago and felt like I was reading about our very own family. It is tough, but truthful. The author herself is adopted. I'd recommend it to anyone who has had their adopted child home for a couple of years (it may be too overwhelming if you just brought your baby home). It was an encouragement to me. Eldridge also has a website at www.sherrieeldridge.com.
4. After the Dream Comes True, by Michelle Gardner--this book gave a hopeful and realistic look at what adoptive families can expect and prepare for.
5. Here's a resource I haven't yet taken advantage of, but plan to study along with my friend and fellow adoptive mom starting very soon (by the way, everyone needs one or two or ten adoption buddies--it's a blessing to walk the road with others):
http://empoweredtoconnect.org/
This tool is a Christian's guide to the book, "The Connected Child"--it looks like a 12-section guide for the book, along with Bible study tools grounding your methods as an adoptive parent in the Word of God. I'll let you know how it goes.
6. The Bible
I have read about5 billion 20 books on adoption and could have easily listed a few more. A lot of them say relatively the same thing. A lot of them pertain to people adopting babies, not 12-year-olds, so I skimmed them. There is a lot out there. My main encouragement to potentially adoptive parents is to walk closely with the Lord and depend on Him alone for strength, wisdom, and guidance. The book of James says that God gives "wisdom generously to all without finding fault" (James 1:5). We have found this to be true many times when we have been confused and uncertain about what to do.
I also encourage you (and ME!) to pray that God, "out of his glorious riches may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being" (Ephesians 3:16). The strength to parent is not within us. It comes from God alone. And this feels even more true when parenting a wounded child.
Lastly, dwelling on our Lord as an adoptive Father and meditating on the Cross and the lengths God the Father went to adopt us is hugely peace-giving. I am a sinful, imperfect parent. But He is not. He beckons me when I am distant. He pursues me. He provides for me. He loves me. While I was His enemy, He sent His son to die for me, that I might be His child. That is Truth. Meditating on Truth gives new life to this adoptive mom every time.
Galatians 4:4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[a] Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
1. Adopted for Life, by Russell Moore--this book gives the theological framework for adoption: we adopt because God first adopted us. It provides a robust paradigm for adoption from the Bible plus the author's personal experience.
2. Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-Centered Adoption and Orphan Care, by Tony Merida and Rick Morton--this book calls the church back into the act of caring for orphans, either through adoption or myriad other creative means. It's a great resource for anyone burdened for orphans but unsure of where to go or what to do.
3. Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew, by Sherrie Eldridge--I just read this book a couple months ago and felt like I was reading about our very own family. It is tough, but truthful. The author herself is adopted. I'd recommend it to anyone who has had their adopted child home for a couple of years (it may be too overwhelming if you just brought your baby home). It was an encouragement to me. Eldridge also has a website at www.sherrieeldridge.com.
4. After the Dream Comes True, by Michelle Gardner--this book gave a hopeful and realistic look at what adoptive families can expect and prepare for.
5. Here's a resource I haven't yet taken advantage of, but plan to study along with my friend and fellow adoptive mom starting very soon (by the way, everyone needs one or two or ten adoption buddies--it's a blessing to walk the road with others):
http://empoweredtoconnect.org/
This tool is a Christian's guide to the book, "The Connected Child"--it looks like a 12-section guide for the book, along with Bible study tools grounding your methods as an adoptive parent in the Word of God. I'll let you know how it goes.
6. The Bible
I have read about
I also encourage you (and ME!) to pray that God, "out of his glorious riches may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being" (Ephesians 3:16). The strength to parent is not within us. It comes from God alone. And this feels even more true when parenting a wounded child.
Lastly, dwelling on our Lord as an adoptive Father and meditating on the Cross and the lengths God the Father went to adopt us is hugely peace-giving. I am a sinful, imperfect parent. But He is not. He beckons me when I am distant. He pursues me. He provides for me. He loves me. While I was His enemy, He sent His son to die for me, that I might be His child. That is Truth. Meditating on Truth gives new life to this adoptive mom every time.
Galatians 4:4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[a] Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
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