Patiently Awaiting God's Timing

I wish I could say I have stuck to this title over the last 2 1/2 years, but I haven't. Patience is not easy, but it is one of the nine character traits of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). God wants us to live by the Spirit and walk in the Spirit; therefore, we need to be patient people.

Monday, July 14, will be 2 years since our dossier (pronounced "doss-ee-ay") was logged in at the CCAA (China Center of Adoption Affairs). Two years waiting for our daughter, Kylie! We long for the day we will hold her and tell her we love her. We know that God has a plan and a purpose for the long wait. Ultimately, God is in control. I have learned that we need to trust God to give us patience during those times when all we must do is wait. Our desires are worth waiting for...Kylie is worth the wait...God is worth waiting for. Psalm 27:14 says, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

God has taught me a few things while waiting for Kylie. He has showed me that it's not about what I want in my life rather it's what God wants. God knows what is best for each of us. God has been teaching me and maturing me as I wait for Kylie. Lamentations 3:24-26 tells us to wait for the Lord and that He is good to those whose hope is in Him. In addition, I have had the privilege of telling others about Christ and what He's doing in my life. I usually get asked the question, "Is Karsten your only child?" My reply is, "No, I have another son who lives in heaven, and I have a daughter in China who we're waiting to adopt." From there I am able to share God's goodness and faithfulness. God always has a purpose for everything He does and I truly believe He has a purpose for our waiting. I have to keep believing God that He is who He says He is.

How I pray that I choose to learn and grow in the Lord as I wait rather than complain. Complaining never changes the outcome anyhow. I serve a patient God...oh how He has been so patient with me over the years! 2 Peter 3:8-9 tells us, "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." If a thousand years are like a day to God, then our waiting 2 years is probably less than a minute to Him. Waiting for God doesn't mean we sit around and do nothing. Walk with God and live for Him. He is what really matters.

Love & blessings~
Jennifer

Treasures in Jars of Clay

First let me start by saying thank you for the sweet comments, emails, and for your prayers for Kylie. I know that God is still working. Yesterday I was thinking about what to post on the blog. In the adoption process, we have been in the "waiting period" for almost 2 years so it's only about once every month we receive an update from the adoption agency. (The next referral batch will be for the February 2006 LID, our's is July 2006). So I began to pray and ask God to help me what to say. I believe that the Holy Spirit living inside me does give power to my words so it isn't just me, it's God speaking through me. He truly is amazing! I was thinking about and remembering my friend, Paige Pickard, this morning. Today is her birthday. She would have turned 33 today. God took her home to heaven when she was 17. I always remember Paige as being a one-of-a-kind friend. She had a glow and sparkle about her that I had always envied. Paige wasn't like most of my other friends when I was a teenager. She lived that separated life (that I now know about). What made her different than my other friends? Paige loved Jesus. She lived a godly and holy life. After she departed this earth, God used Paige to have an impact for Christ. I heard things at her funeral that I had never heard. I wanted what she had. God used Paige to plant seeds in my life and then God did the rest. I didn't surrender my life to Christ right away; in fact, it was 5 years later when I gave my life to Christ and trusted Him as my Savior. I thank God for Paige. I want you to know that if you are going through a difficult season in your life right now, hand it over to God. If you don't have a personal relationship with Him then tell me, I want to pray for you. God will not waste a single hurt that we endure. He is loving toward all He made and is faithful in keeping His promises.

I know of other people who gave their lives to the Lord after Paige's death. Thinking of Paige, I am reminded of how our lives here on earth are so short compared to eternity, whether it's a really short time like Kyler's or someone who lives to be 100. James 4:14 says, "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist (or vapor) that appears for a little while and then vanishes." I realize in my own life I need to be doing more for Christ. Think of all the persecuted Christians in other countries that are being imprisoned or even killed for telling about Jesus. How I pray to have more boldness and courage in witnessing to others.

I am weak, that's why I need Jesus. Those of us in Christ are His personal representatives. 2 Corinthians 4:7-8 says, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." How I pray that we draw attention to the treasure that is inside us and not to ourselves. I want to end by asking you all to please pray for continued strength and comfort for Paige's mom, dad, and sister. I think Casting Crowns' song "Who am I" would be perfect to listen to. Enjoy.

Love & blessings,
Jennifer