Whoever Humbles Himself Like This Child...

I have always loved children. When I was in college, I was a nanny to three lovely girls. They were my pride and joy. Dale and I used to joke that we were going to have 12 kids. Here we are half way to that number!

Many people look at us and think we are nuts. I think we are blessed! Another adoptive mom said on her blog that our children are the only thing we can take with us to heaven. That's why they are so worth our time and investment into their lives.

As I ponder why Jesus tells us to humble ourselves like a child, many things come to mind. First, children completely trust their parents. To those of us who have had good earthly parents, we did not wonder as children if our parents would take care of our needs. We just knew they would care for us. I would doubt my Heavenly Father less with caring for my needs if I went back to this simple faith.

Second, my kids are usually pretty good at doing whatever I ask of them. They may grumble, but seldom do they tell me outright that they will not do something. How many things has God aked me to do? Am I willing? Can I even hear what God is asking me to do or have I moved out of earshot. The closer I am to Him, the more likely I am to hear when He speaks. Ever notice how our children are usually under our feet? They just want to be close to us.

Oh, that I would humble myself like a child and sit at the feet of Jesus. May I listen to His every word and say "Yes, Daddy!" when He asks something of me.

Faith

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and rewards those who earnestly seek him."

Let's turn this verse around a bit. Do you want to know how to please God? You must have faith - no faith, no pleasing. What is faith? To the world it looks like stupidity. It's trusting that your bills will be paid when the checkbook is empty. It's having hope when there is no reason to have hope. It's trusting God's promises when you are staring at a mountain that is in your way.

God says that faith is "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." No, I have never seen heaven, but I am certain I will one day. Why? Because God says so. He cannot tell a lie. If he tells you something, you can be sure it will happen. God cannot be contrary to his word.

As I looked at this picture of my daughter in a flourishing apple tree, I thought how the farmer had once planted a seed with the hope and faith that it would grow into a fruitful tree. Years later it has. May the seed of faith that God has planted in my life grow with each passing year until one day my branches are full of moments when I trusted God, even though I couldn't see him.

Harriet

Life as been full of ups and downs lately, more than usual.
God is in the process of refining me. He is doing so for my own good, but oh how it hurts. You know it is dangerous to pray and ask God to break your heart for the things that break His. God will surely answer your request.

In the midst of much pain, God surprises me in a way only He can and reminds me of His great love for me. Today I received the sweetest letter in the mail. It was from my newest sponsored child in Uganda, Harriet. When I was over in Africa in April/May, I knew the next child that we would sponsor would be one of the kids I would meet on the trip. I did meet Harriet, but I didn't know that I had...until today.

She lives at Rapha, the place I really loved. I had the privilege of being able to spend a few days with the kids at Rapha prior to meeting up with the rest of the team. On one of those days, we were asked to teach the kids a Bible lesson. Due to the great disparity in ages, we taught about Jesus washing the disciples' feet. We then proceeded to wash all of the kids feet.

In the letter I received today Harriet said, "I have never forgotten the day you visited us and washed our feet. I was among the kids and I still remember the song.I thank you for loving me and praying for me. I will also continue praying to God to bless you abundantly for the heavy load you are carrying."

She met me and remembers!!! Do you know how exciting it is to know you have been face-to-face with the child you care for, pray for, write to and love on?! I wish I could remember her. Some day I will go back and re-introduce myself. I have to. She is not just a photo. She is a real, living child who has suffered much. She considers herself my daughter. I have to let her know I truly care for her.

The song she speaks of is "He Knows My Name". It is a beautiful song that talks about how Jesus knows us each by name and sees each tear that falls. What joy God has allowed me to have today, knowing for a brief moment I was able to touch this young girl's life.

To those of you who sponsor children - WRITE TO THEM!! It means everything to hear from you. It says you care. It says that they are about more than just sending a check once a month. It says you thought about him/her enough to interrupt your busy life for a moment. They are so worth it. Wouldn't you do that for your biological children if they were on another continent?

More Hair

Twenty-four hours and a skein of yarn later, my girl has the long hair she asked for. Glad I don't have to take it out for at least 8 weeks!