When Plans Fall Through

25 Oct

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We have been told reunification was coming for over 6 months now. Little E has had four days of over night visits for the last 7 weeks. It was all set. We would stand before the judge in just a week and a half and wait for him to declare reunification of our foster son of over 1 year with one of his biological parents.

I have mentally made a list of all that I should pack and send “home” with him. How do you pack up a two year old who loves you as a mom and dad, and whom you love as a son, in any way that he will understand you are not another person to walk out of his life? That is a question I have mulled over for 4-6 months.

All the planning, all the crying, all the disciplining and decision making was to culminate and we were to find a new normal in a few short weeks.

That all changed with a phone call yesterday.

In short, one parent’s bad choices caught up with them and thank goodness before reunification had taken place. As these plans fall through we can shake our head at this adult’s repeated poor decision making, or we can say “thank God He revealed this before E was reunified.”

My mom told me earlier this week that her Sunday school class had a special time of prayer for us. Thanks be to God! The prayers of the saints are being heard and God’s will is going forward. We have seen the protective hand of God upon this child even and especially a midst all the pain that life has dealt him.

When plans fall through, when expectations stop short, when what we had anticipated dies, God is there with every twist and bend. He is there in every valley and mountain peak.

Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

When plans fall through His arm is outstretched so that we do not fall but have hope,  joy, and peace that passes understanding though they may ebb and flow as the ocean tide.

What plans have fallen through for you today dear one? Have you entrusted your requests to God? Have you enlisted the prayer support of even one or two other individuals? God is not silent when your plans fall through. He uses the Body and His Word to speak love over your situation and grace in the presence of pain.

Take heart this weekend friends.

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A Lovely Weekend Away

1 Oct

A few weeks ago three friends and I set off camping to a nearby beach location. It was such a wonderful time of fellowship and refreshment, as well as adventure. We all need a chance to step away from the everyday and venture into God’s creation to fellowship with Him void of the usual routines.  Wouldn’t you agree?

Pictured below are some highlights from that trip. This week it is Ron’s turn to venture out on his own. Can’t wait to see how his adventure goes! I will be back on Friday with a post. Until then, enjoy a smattering of past posts and the pictures from my travels.

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The Salt and Light of Fostering

23 Sep

Salt and Light of Fostering

We continue to pour into the life that God has allowed to grow and flourish within our home for the last year. We, and those in our sphere, have sought to be the salt and light of Jesus to our child.  Today we await yet another decision on reunification with his biological parents. In the waiting, I would like to pause and remember our foster care journey as documented at This Temporary Home, and invite you to join me over at iBelieve to read my confessions as a first time foster mom. Click here to read this post.

Thank you for your prayers for our Little E. and thank you to the over twenty-five new e-mail subscribers of This Temporary Home in the last weekend. Your presence is an honor and a trust. Enjoy this look back with us at our foster journey from the earliest days to the present.

  • Tomorrow’s Race (here)
  • Pour Another Cup (here)
  • Simple Addition (here)
  • Lessons for Everyday (here)
  • Lord Give Me Eyes to See (here)
  • I Must Remember This (here)
  • Confessions of  A First-Time Foster Mom (here)

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Of Our Crosses and Christ

3 Sep

Along the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. (Matthew 27:32, NLT)

It is beautiful that in the body of Christ we no longer are forced to carry another’s cross, but it is our privilege to do so as a member of the family of God.

Because Jesus bore the cross of Crucifixion for our sins, we are free to bear one another’s  daily burdens in prayer.  Richard Foster said this of intercessory prayer:

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Who needs help carrying their cross today in your sphere? Be a willing Simon for them.

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!~ Helen H. Lemmel

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New Beginnings

30 Aug

Emily first day of CCC 2

 My Dearest Emily,

This is a letter you will most likely not read for some years, yet one I am hopeful will be etched on your heart long before your eyes glimpse the words on the written page. This season of your life has been marked with numerous new beginnings. From your first loose tooth to the first day of school and a baptism in between, the winds of change haven’t ceased to blow.

Over three weeks ago, Daddy was reading a Bible account to you and the boys before bedtime, as is customary in our home. I was busy cleaning up the many pieces of creativity you had left strewn in your room. In case you haven’t noticed, Mama has some Martha-like tendencies. As Daddy was reading to you from the The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name
you bowed your head in prayer. At the conclusion, of the text, you told your Dad that you had asked Jesus into your heart. To put it another way, you had prayed and put your faith and trust in Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Daddy asked you to share the news with me when I entered the room and we hugged you and kissed you now our sister in Christ with joy, and I will admit, a little apprehension. The only apprehension that we both had was the question of certainty you knew the decision that you had made. Did you fully understand the gospel and what it means to be a Christ follower? Then I was reminded of the verse in Matthew 19:14:

But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”

We have heard your prayers prayed in the “prayer chair” (a rocking chair that was a baby gift to Emily), “Lord Jesus, thank you for taking the punishment. It should have been us that got the punishment; not you. Please be with all the people of the world. Be with those who are hurt because they believe in you. Please be with the kids that don’t have mommies and daddies. I love you Jesus. Amen.”

We pray that you will remain in Christ Jesus unto the end just as the Son abides in the Father. May you bear much fruit and walk in obedience to Jesus all your days, the same as you followed Jesus’ model of baptism as a public witness of your faith in Christ.

Yesterday was your first official day of Kindergarten. The good news is, there was no crying for me at the door (nor I for you) because with Classical Conversations, like Ruth with Naomi, where you go I go! I look forward to continuing to teach you at home, and I am so excited about all that we will learn in this next year. I am grateful to observe first-hand how God is preparing you to be able to defend the hope that you have in Christ. (1 Peter 3:15)

Emily first day of CCC

Dearest Emily, as with all new beginnings we focus on the good and neglect to remember that there will be days of struggle and pain ahead. The good news is, He has promised us joy in the end. Take heart, Emily, for in all your days and in all your ways, Christ Jesus is with you, He has already overcome the world. He is with you in each new beginning until the day of the new heaven and new earth. (John 16)

I love you my precious princess and sister in Christ,

Mom

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The Waters of Life

19 Aug

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Shells were created at the command of God the moment when time, space, and matter came into being. Created from the breath of God to provide a protective outer layer for sea life, they are one day discarded and many wash ashore.

Along their journey, the ocean rolls and tumbles the shells in tumultuous waves and in calm water until one day, finally, they settle in the sandy shores which beach combers traverse in search of beauty. Some shells are taken home as a memento, while others sit along the shore and eventually are bleached by the sun. Washed white in the brightness of day.

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We too are tossed and tumbled, even pummeled by the waters of life. We can be hit by crashing waves that swell out of seemingly calm waters. In the dark of night we may fear what we will find when the sun’s rays glimmer on the water we thrash in.

I have gulped for air a midst thrashing waves.; uprooted by swells of life I did not foresee coming. I have cried in the dark hours before the break of day and seen God’s Son wash white His saints that lay weary and beaten along the shores of life.

These verses bring me hope in such a time as this:

This I declare about the LORD; He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.

The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.  When they call on me I will answer; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a  long life and give them salvation.” (Psalm 91:2-6,9-10, 14-16, NLT)

Did you see it? Troubles and evil will come, but they will not conquer us. Night terrors are to be expected as are arrows that fly in the day.  But, we are to make God our refuge and his faithful promises our armor and protection.

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Recently our friend, Aaron Walp, D. Min, preached a sermon that I would like for you to take the time to listen to. His sermon entitled, Rip Tide, Thrash or Thrive can be found here, or simply view the link from Vimeo below. You will need the Joseph Four Step to break the grip of the rip in your life. Don’t miss out on this mighty word from God!

Rip Tide: Thrash or Thrive from Calvary Baptist Church on Vimeo.

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A Lesson on Self-Worth

16 Aug

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“And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. “ (John 8:32, NLT)

How do you determine a truth from a lie? What is your litmus test for determining the truthfulness of thoughts that enter your brain?

Let’s step back a moment and travel to the food court inside our local mall. It was my husband’s day off and we were famished and ready for lunch. Ron took our daughter to place the order while my son and I located a table in the unusually busy food court. We found a table and borrowed a few chairs from other lone patrons and were happily people watching waiting for our food to arrive.

Off to my left was a Tropical Café Smoothie. (We have tried that as lunch before, but convincing the children that a smoothie was indeed a meal did not venture well for our family.) As I scanned the line of waiting customers, my eyes fell to a beautiful, tall, slender blonde. She was dressed in a black tank and dress jacket, with trendy jeans. She had long hair and perfect makeup, instantly allowing me to dub her Makeup Girl. She certainly had the look of a makeup counter saleswoman. You know the beautifully intimidating type that we “normal” women may shirk at asking for assistance in the case that we appear less than knowledgeable about powder, eye-shadow, and lip-glosses.

To finish reading the rest of this post, click here to go to iBelieve.com.

Thanks for reading friends!

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15 Things I Don’t Do Well

5 Aug

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A few years ago I read a fellow blogger’s post about things she didn’t do well. I loved the concept and wish I could find the post again.

We as a society put on our happy face for Facebook pictures, Instagram, and Twitter posts. Likewise, bloggers, while often writing about the mishaps of life, also post only flattering images, picturesque scenes, and happy endings.  It is possible after reading bloggers for sometime to idealize them.

For those who know me in real life, this is not an issue. Amen?!

Just in case I post more of what I do right rather than the grace-based life I live, here is a bird’s eye-view of things that I don’t do well (in random order).

  1. Getting laundry out of the wash before I have to rewash the load.
  2. Flossing teeth.
  3. Cashing checks in a timely fashion. My mom almost refuses to give me a check anymore. I am trying to do better in this area. 🙂
  4.  Buying organic. I don’t do this unless it is on sale. I know there are certainly health benefits but the cost is astronomical and I can’t bring myself to do this.
  5. Making my kids eat their vegetables. We really need to work on veggie intake. They love fruit, but very few veggies make the cut.
  6. Finishing one book before starting another. (I am in the middle of  at least four presently.)
  7. Reading all the books that I purchase. I shop for bargain used books almost weekly and have a running list in my head of classics to look out for. I am afraid to count the total number of unread books in my household; that may lead to another post altogether!
  8.  Buying everything at the grocery store in one trip a week. Gracious! We make several trips to the grocery store. Thankfully there are two within walking distance so this isn’t a issue.
  9.  Meal planning. (Hence the preceding point.) A few weeks ago I declared that I would make one Pinterest recipe a week. This has helped increase the average nights a week that I cook and also make it fun. Pretty much, it is a game time decision on what to cook for dinner with the ingredients that I have.
  10.  Letting my kids play in the grass. We stay in the water and sand during the summer months, but until it cools off we don’t dig in the dirt as often as we could. I am too afraid of snakes and critters to romp in the grass very often.
  11. Dusting.
  12. Staying on task when I am cleaning. I go from one cleaning project to another. I am a little ADD when it comes to cleaning. I easily trail off chasing bunnies and clean from one spot to the next.
  13.  Keeping in touch with friends and family who are out of town.
  14. Converting my videos to DVD’s for our family to watch.
  15. Spelling…and grammar.

Thankfully the Christian life is not a checklist akin to Pinterest ideals. Christ looks at the heart and our obedience to walk in His ways. Whether we buy organic or not, meal plan or decide spur of the afternoon what we will eat for dinner, or finish one task before starting another, Christ is not checking off a list. Rather, He wants us to do everything walking in His presence and as an offering unto Him.

There you go. What about you? What are some things that you don’t well?

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Keep Doing Good

31 Jul

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 If you have read here for any amount of time you will know that I am a morning person and a goal in life is to  wake up before my children and have my breakfast and quiet time. This summer I have slept in until 6 AM most days…I realize, it could be worse.

Yesterday, I rose before my husband  got back from the gym. Before the kids were up, I had already prepared the coffee, and poured a cup. Yes, I know man doesn’t live on coffee alone, but it helps! As I was saying, I had prepared a cup of coffee, but that was as far as I had gotten. Each time I sat down to eat, then to read my Bible, one of my three children would arise asking for a drink, more breakfast, a t.v. show, and on it went.

As I kissed Ron goodbye (he had already returned and prepared for his day),  and as I started to shut the door behind him, two more requests sounded. He looked at me in sympathy and told me he would be praying for our day.

Wife, mother, grandmother, can you nod your head emphatically?

Some might say I haven’t developed a sense of independence in our children. Well that may be, but they are all 5 years of age and under. The truth of the matter is, children require attention at no fault of their own.

We played, read, and I vaccummed the whole house and it was only 10:30 AM. After I took the trash outside and breathed the fresh air of a beautiful day, I decided to take the kids to the pool. I had toyed with the idea all morning and just wasn’t sure I had it in me.

We loaded up our supplies and made way to the community pool with noodles, swimmies, and towels in hand.

Maybe 10 minutes into the experience a snack request was made, then a bathroom break, followed by more snack requests, juice box requests, and then multiple potty breaks ensued.

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In short we had a great time. The kids all practiced their swimming and played and giggled with me and each other. Then it was time to go.

Everyone was changed and in their proper seats in the double stroller when one of the boys said, “I have to potty.”

Four simple words, but oh the stress that encompassed me. That was enough for me to declare, “I need a break!”

Are you there dear one? Are you in need of a break? A time-out, away, a respite?

It is never just one stress that pushes us to the point where fists are clenched and sighs are heavy. It is the combination of multiple stresses unaddressed, absent in prayer, and pushed beneath the surface. I know, I am there, I have been there, and in all likelihood I will visit this place again.

Thankfully, God’s Word does not remain silent on the topic of fatigue, in Galatians 6:9, Paul instructs the saints:

Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Dear reader-friend, whatever good you need to keep doing, do it. In due season you will reap if you do not give up. Let the words of Christ as penned through Paul encourage us and admonish us today. God is not slow in fulfilling His promises for He makes everything beautiful in His time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Keep doing good, as I purpose to do the same,

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Waiting on the Rain

26 Jul

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How many times have I prolonged the children’s requests to play outside because dark clouds filled the skyline, only to end the day puddle free?  I have often thought I worry too much about the rain. I heed the omens of dark skies and miss adventures of the everyday.

If I am not careful, I will waste my days waiting on the rain that never comes.

Tuesday the kids and I piled into the car under clear, sunny skies. We headed to the beach for a few hours of fun. As we approached the shoreline the sheet of gray-blue cloud coverage threatened to cancel our plans. I parked our car and initiated a conversation with a mom of three in the truck next to us. “What do you think about this weather?” “I am hoping it holds off,” she replied. “The forecast says a 30% chance of rain…it looks like more than that to me,” I offered. She continued to put sunscreen on one of her boys as I made my way to the pay-station. If she was willing to risk it, so was I.

I snapped a picture of the darkening skyline and sent it with this text to Ron, “Stupidity or raising the risk?” I had already answered the question in my own mind but wanted him to be clued into our morning decisions.

We had not been on the beach five minutes when the wind kicked up, and the cooler breeze blew our towel up the beach. As the sand began to whip in the air and sting our eyes, I called to the kids to pack it up and head to the car. I mumbled complaints under my breath and picked up Little E as it was much faster to carry him than wait on him to fix his ever troublesome flip-flops.

The wind continued to pick up and the beach become desolate of people as the parking lot bustled with activity. I snapped a few more pictures and passed out snacks to the children already buckled in their seats. At least we could watch the storm come in.

That’s when it hit me. Risking an adventure in the face of rain cancellation makes for a better story.

We snacked and watched the rainstorm. It sprinkled a bit as the darkening sky now filled our 360 view. Only one sliver of the shore held any patch of blue sky. We pulled out and started our journey back to the house.

I continued to snap more pictures and text them to Ron. It poured as we parked our car in the drive.

Then as I unloaded the kids, the rain subsided and the sun broke through. At least we could splash in the puddles.

“Mom, it’s sunny now. Can we go to the pool?” Emily inquired. Well, why not? The rain had already come and gone. Another adventure awaited. “Why waste our bathing suits and sunscreen?” I thought. “Okay, Emily. Load up kids.”

As it turned out, we had a wonderful morning at the pool. The kids played, snorkeled, and laughed.

All because we didn’t waste our day waiting on the rain to come.

What dark skies are threatening the horizon which cause you to hesitate when He calls you to go forth? Ask yourself this question today, “Do I want to waste my life waiting on the rain that may never come?”

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Living this day in light of eternity because heaven is our home,

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