Yesterday we heard an amazing sermon about Elijah, who according to our pastor, had chutzpah. Apparently this can be translated a number of ways, but for the sake of this post, let’s say that Elijah was audacious. He was bold and daring – he had guts.
I grabbed Russ’ hand as our pastor spoke, and my heart was full of love and admiration for him. My engineer, detail-oriented, “get all the facts” husband, was audacious enough to adopt four children. Details were sketchy at best and there were many uncertainties. Russ took risks that were far outside his level of comfort and has made sacrifices beyond what most people can imagine.
Ministry to the fatherless has no vacation, no salary, no furlough, and it all happens right in your own home. It’s messy and it spills over into every aspect of your life. If your husband is a man who likes things organized and predictable, it can be supremely uncomfortable – and that is what makes it all the more glorious.
We have an opportunity to do something so far outside of our natural inclinations that we are stretched, broken, and made into something new. My husband is becoming more like Christ; Russ is being born into the person God wants him to be.
So all of you out there loving the fatherless – you are audacious – you are amazing. May the Lord give you strength today to do his will and love the children he has brought into your lives. And as our pastor said yesterday, when we get to end of our lives, let’s stand before the Lord able to say, “I’ve got nothing left. I gave it everything I had.”
Lisa
![It's essential to view each member of the adoption triad: adoptee, first/birth parent, adoptive parent (and affected siblings) with compassion. We must listen to each other with open hearts and minds. A reader paid me the highest compliment when she said this post "invites everyone to the table." [link to post in profile]
#adoption #adopted #birthmom #adoptee #fostercare #onethankfulmom #couragedearheart](http://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s320x320/sh0.08/e35/c0.100.800.800/20225256_811064229058296_1511621904560029696_n.jpg "It's essential to view each member of the adoption triad: adoptee, first/birth parent, adoptive parent (and affected siblings) with compassion. We must listen to each other with open hearts and minds. A reader paid me the highest compliment when she said this post \"invites everyone to the table.\" [link to post in profile]
#adoption #adopted #birthmom #adoptee #fostercare #onethankfulmom #couragedearheart")
![I love starting my mornings here in my thrift store chair with coffee and a stack of books. My routine is simple and life giving: Bible (She Reads Truth app is fantastic for reading plans), a few sentences in my One-Line a Day Journal (the only journal I've ever managed to keep), one line in my gratitude journal, prayer, a chapter (or less) in a book for my personal/spiritual growth. Then I organize my day in my planner, all before I turn on my computer. I try not to even look at my phone, other than my Bible app and texts (checking for texts from kids and family), before this is done, otherwise I'm quickly sucked into the vortex of social media, although it happens more often than I care to admit. Our world is so noisy, this little piece of my life is quiet. I'm reminded of who I am and whose I am; my priorities come more clearly into view - love God, love Russ, love my children, my family and friends, love the world. Do what God calls me to do with the gifts and resources he's given me. Live an open-hearted life. This all seems clearer when I start my mornings here. [I share this not because it's the right way to do it, but because there might be something here that speaks to you and is helpful. If so, take it. If not, that's fine. We learn so much from one another when we share our lives.]
#openhearted
#onethankfulmom
#couragedearheart #shereadstruth](http://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s320x320/sh0.08/e35/20214077_128237287780164_1933912572390539264_n.jpg "I love starting my mornings here in my thrift store chair with coffee and a stack of books. My routine is simple and life giving: Bible (She Reads Truth app is fantastic for reading plans), a few sentences in my One-Line a Day Journal (the only journal I've ever managed to keep), one line in my gratitude journal, prayer, a chapter (or less) in a book for my personal/spiritual growth. Then I organize my day in my planner, all before I turn on my computer. I try not to even look at my phone, other than my Bible app and texts (checking for texts from kids and family), before this is done, otherwise I'm quickly sucked into the vortex of social media, although it happens more often than I care to admit. Our world is so noisy, this little piece of my life is quiet. I'm reminded of who I am and whose I am; my priorities come more clearly into view - love God, love Russ, love my children, my family and friends, love the world. Do what God calls me to do with the gifts and resources he's given me. Live an open-hearted life. This all seems clearer when I start my mornings here. [I share this not because it's the right way to do it, but because there might be something here that speaks to you and is helpful. If so, take it. If not, that's fine. We learn so much from one another when we share our lives.]
#openhearted
#onethankfulmom
#couragedearheart #shereadstruth")
Beautiful!
I love this so much! And my daddy is amazing!
This post made me think of my own precious, cautious, audacious-on-behalf-of-our-children husband.
Thanks!
Mary, momma to many, including 2 from Korea and 4 from Ethiopia
Lovely. This made me think of my brave and willing husband also!
I have a Russ – he is introverted, analytical, and was brought up in a family where change was feared. He is amazing for being willing to step into adoption. He continues to amaze me with his sacrifices, and facing the challenges of 2 kids who aren't predictable, and need more than we ever imagined. But God is good through all of it, and your writing today is such an encouragement after a rough morning with the youngest. What is it with the repetitive annoying noises 🙂
That is so wonderful!
Awewsome!
Amen!
Beautiful post! Love this….
My daughter directed me to your post, it is her father you wrote about. My man is brave and big hearted too, bless all those moms and dads who open their tents wide for the children without homes.It is a big battle to engage in .
This is my first time to read your posts and it is beautiful and rich.
Thanks for your post, Lisa. I always enjoy reading what you write, and find it such an encouragement! The thoughtfulness you put into each post is evident. Thanks for sharing.
"I will not give to the Lord, that which cost me nothing.' is what I repeat to myself, sometimes through gritted teeth as I choose to love, and give, and give, and give past what I thought I could. I love this picture of a sacrifice of praise, giving everything we have to the Lord through loving those He sets before us. It frames the challenge with beautiful purpose, and lifts my gaze to God's pleasure at my efforts.
Awesome!