Adoption thoughts

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/july/10.18.html?start=1

I'm not sure how to add links, so I am trying a couple of things. I hope it works.

This article was sent to me by someone I would call an adopted mother. She is not my mother by birth, but has claimed me as her daughter. Although I do already have a birth mother, whom I am very close to, I have aunts that are like second mothers to me as well. We all experience a form of adoption in our lives. When Joe and I got married, my family wrapped their arms around him. He calls them mom, dad, brother, etc. We have friends that we would call brothers and sisters. The church is our adopted family. I can't tell you how many people I know, including ourselves, that have been cared for like family through other Christians or even a church congregation. Even Jesus left his home town, lived life with and poured into his disciples. They had a bond of brotherhood.

The beauty in adoption is that we are accepted as we are. We don't have to earn love from the other person. We see faults in each other and even talk about most of them, but we love each other all the same. We confide in each other, correct each other, and encourage each other. That is what God does for his children. He has open arms ready to give us a voice. (Read the article about this.) He picks us up, brushes us off (which sometimes hurts), encourages us, and corrects us. He warns us about sin because He knows how bad it is for us. He does it because of His love for us. It is not a effort to control us. We don't deserve all of the goodness He offers. We don't deserve being adopted. But just the same, we ARE adopted and I am sooooo thankful for it.

HOW DEEP THE FATHER'S LOVE FOR US

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
And make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulder
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Fingerprints went through!

At least that is what we were told. Joe and I got our prints done this morning. I REALLY hope we don't have to do that again, though. We had to leave the house at 6am to get there and wait in line for a little bit. We went through 3 lines before getting the prints. Thankfully, since we got there early, we didn't have to wait too long in the other lines. The woman who did Joe's prints, said his did fine. YAY!

I also have some exciting news for ME. We got patio furniture!!! I can't believe it! I plotted myself on the couch every morning willing myself to be content. But then Joe's co-worker went to Home Depot and looked at the patio set thinking of us. He came back and told Joe about this great deal. When we got there, the set he was talking about was gone, but the one I had been eying for months now was on sale. Actually, it was the bigger version of the one I wanted for way less than the price. I had also gotten paid for some of my extra summer work. Ever since we put it up, we have spend MUCH time back there talking and praying. I have enjoyed quiet time listening to the birds sing and have been reminded that God answers even the simplest prayers. We have even been able to see our neighbors and spend time with them. It has definitely been one more reason to trust God in providing what we need for this adoption and life afterward. I can see my heart changing about many things and softening in many areas. My hands are slowly letting go of their clutches and opening to receive His best for me.

Now we wait for the referral. I honestly have no idea how long that will take. Joe is the eager beaver and believes it will be any day now. I am a little more reserved and think it will be at least a couple of months. Either way, I am content for the time being. Just knowing that it is all just around the corner excites and stresses me at the same time. So, taking this time to rest and wait is just fine with me.

If you need me, I'll be sitting on my patio enjoying the view. . . : )