Fully living

I was challenged through some different readings yesterday and by the Holy Spirit to embrace the full life right now. The only way to really live fully is with an attitude of gratitude for the moments. When we wish for things to come we are silently telling God, "What you have given today isn't enough." When we regret or exalt the past we are telling God, "What you have given today isn't enough."

Colossians 2:6-7 says, "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness."

He wants us to know and live the full life and so a little burble of thanks now and then won't cut it. Gushing out thanks constantly renews our mind, fixes it on Jesus and gives us peace (Phil 4:4-8, Hebrews 12:2, Romans 12:2)

~April's jelly beans rattling in the booster seat

~the smell of clean clothes fresh out of the dryer

~Ryan's kind, affirming words about my mothering

~a big hug from Jake after a hard lesson learned

~Understanding God better through parenting

~My mom's voice and laugh in the morning

~the smell of coffee in the morning

~shiny floors

~folding laundry (yep, I said it)

~Hannah's text message

~Filling up, resting in God's Word at Bible study

Scripture Memory

I am so blessed to be digging in deep to Colossians. The Holy Spirit is taking Paul's words to the faithful followers at Colosse and impressing them on my heart in Omaha, NE. He is reminding me to remember the freedom I have when because I have chosen to trust in Christ. It is a beautiful thing that God is doing in me day by day. Slow, but good.

Read THIS quick post about Scripture memory for more inspiration today.

Saturday Reflections...

Lord, thank you for...

~little boys doing somersaults at football practice.

~Steam rising from the lake early in the morning

~Mama deer with her babies on my run

~Those hugs from Ryan I just melt into

~Brester kids calling Ryan, "Mr. Honker"

~Flashlight tag in the backyard

~Hallie's reputation at school...helpful, kind, smart

~laughing

~Trust and optimism seen in my friend, Mindy.

~Saturday morning cartoons

~Seeing "MOM" written at the top of Zac's school paper with hearts and stars around it

~Hallie's attitude about schoolwork

~Jake's leadership at football

Have you considered adoption?

God is so good to us. While we were yet sinners He died for us. Why would he do such a thing? Because His love for us is crazy. It doesn't make sense to the world and it is extravegent. Christ didn't listen to the temptations of Satan and this world, he knew that love would cost Him, but he did it anyway so that we could be his forever. Temporary pain for an eternal gain.

And this gracious gift is without any strings attached. But, when we believe we are changed. We become a new creation with new thoughts and Christ begins to transform our minds and actions so that our desires are his desires, our hurt is his hurt and our longings are his longings. We accept the gift and in doing so become more like him. "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Cor 3:18

Certainly, scripture tells us of how passionate God is about the orphan. "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families." Psalm 68:5-6

So, when we take the orphan in as one of our own we emulate Christ. There are huge unknowns when you say yes to the orphan and invite them to be called your son or daughter. But, if we trust in the Lord we can be sure he will supply all we need to care for and passionately love these children. As believers we do not live with a spirit of fear, we can trust in the goodness of God. We become more like Christ when we care for the orphan. It does not make sense to a selfish world, but it is a thing of beauty. When our hearts are burdened for the fatherless, just like the Lord's heart, we should be moved to action. Not convenient action, but something that requires more of us than we think we have. When we are weak, He is strong!

If any of these words or anything in your past has sparked something in you to adopt, please don't ignore the calling of God. Have you, as a person transformed in mind and action by Christ, considered adoption?

Running for Melia

I wanted to let you know about an organization called, Brittany's Hope.

Ryan and I were introduced to this non-profit organization through our adoption agency, Holt International, after we were matched with our dear daughter, Melia.

Melia has been diagnosed with a complicated congenital heart disease and because of this diagnosis she is considered to be a special needs child in the adoption world. Brittany's Hope helps place children with all kinds of special needs into forever families and they support orphanages around the world that are caring for these wonderful children who have not yet been adopted.

Brittany's Hope offered us a matching grant for our adoption if we were willing to raise awareness for their organization and for the needs of special kiddos around the world.

On September 25th I am going to run the Omaha Marathon in honor of my daughter, Melia and to raise funds for Brittany's Hope. If you would like to contribute please click HERE. One possible suggestion is $26 for each mile I run, but any amount will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, dear friends, for joining me in our effort to bring Melia home and help these amazing, special needs children all around the world.