I had almost forgotten about this blog and can not believe that it is approaching six months since I last posted any update. For our five readers (maybe more?), I apologize.
We are in the waiting stage of the adoption journey. Our home study is done, our profile book was created, and now we just wait.....and wait.....and wait. We know that the Lord is in control and are trusting Him. One huge praise is that the Lord provided all of the funds for the adoption. This is a huge answer to prayer. Early on, we felt strongly that we didn't want to go into debt for the adoption. It has been so awesome to see how He answered and provided. Please pray for patience for each of us, as well as a match.
We are stepping back from most junior high ministry involvement this summer. We need a break and a time to pray and seek the Lord in the direction that He would have us. We don't want to continue in junior high just because we've always done junior high- we want to make sure that the Lord wants us there. We will continue teaching Sunday school this summer but will reevaluate our involvement towards September. Please pray for wisdom and leading in this area too.
Hopefully more regular updates will follow....in less than six months!
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Adoption Update
Amazingly, another month has flown by. This has been an exciting month as Danielle and I completed our adoption "portfolio" or profile. This is what the birth-mothers will see as they consider adoptive families for their baby. It was a tedious, yet fun experience as we put together the book to show who we are. We ordered the books from Shutterfly and they will be delivered to the agency next week. After that, the official "waiting period" begins. We continue to trust that the Lord will provide all of our needs and the funding for the adoption, which may occur in two months or two years. It is all in the hands of our glorious God.
Here is the link for the online previous of our profile photo book. Take a look and let us know what you think.
Jeff and Danielle's photo book profile
Here is the link for the online previous of our profile photo book. Take a look and let us know what you think.
Jeff and Danielle's photo book profile
White as Snow
Originally published on December 26, 2009 on Facebook.
Isaiah 1:18 Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they should be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool.
As I sit at my desk and watch the snow fall outside, this verse came to mind. Although not scarlet, the white snow falling now is replacing the dirty snow that covered the ground for the past couple of days after all of the rain and melting. Everything is made fresh again.
The context of the Isaiah verse is startling. The prophet Isaiah is addressing Israel: God’s chosen people. The people have turned against the Lord, laden with sin and iniquity (1:4). The Lord compares them to and calls them Sodom and Gomorrah (1:10), the wicked cities destroyed with fire from heaven as recorded in Genesis. Yet, it appears that Israel continues to the do the outwardly religious activities, by offering sacrifices to the Lord and even calling out to the Lord in prayer (1:11, 16). Yet because of their sin, the Lord considers their empty sacrifices an abomination and will not listen to the prayers offered in sin (1:13, 15).
Isaiah then calls for repentance, a turning from their evil to do good and seek the Lord (1:16-17). Then the Lord will cleanse them and make them as white as snow and pour out His blessings on them. If not, consequences and judgment await for their sinful disobedience (1:19-20, 28-31). In the chapters that follow, Isaiah will expand on the pronouncement of judgment against their sinful disobedience, but also points ahead 700 years to the redemption of sin for all men who call on the Lord in the coming of the promised Messiah- Jesus Christ. His birth will be prophesized (chapters 7 and 9) and His sacrifice on the cross for the sins of man will be detailed in chapter 53. How marvelous!
After study this chapter I find myself considering several things. First, I must consider my own life, as one redeemed from my sins through the shed blood of my Savior Jesus Christ, and as one instructed in Scripture to be a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1). While I do outward actions in service to Him, are there still areas of sin in my life that He finds offensive which is affecting my relationship with Him and even my prayers? Are there areas that I need to repent of? Sins of worry and pride come quickly to mind. How I long to be conformed more into the image of my Lord and Savior! Second, my heart breaks for those relying on their outward religious activities in their effort to be approved by God, for He finds them an abomination and unacceptable apart from Jesus who: was wounded for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities; upon whom was the chastisement that brought us peace, and by his stripes were we healed. For we have all gone astray and turned his own way, but the Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all (Is 53:5-6). Only by calling out to the Lord for the forgiveness of their sins through Jesus Christ’s perfect sacrifice can they be made acceptable to God, despite their best efforts.
As I watch the snow fall this Christmas weekend, I am so thankful to the Lord who sent His Son Jesus, born as a baby in a manger over 2000 years ago and went to the cross for my sins and bodily rose three days later so that while by my sins were as scarlet, He has made me as white as snow.
Isaiah 1:18 Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they should be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool.
As I sit at my desk and watch the snow fall outside, this verse came to mind. Although not scarlet, the white snow falling now is replacing the dirty snow that covered the ground for the past couple of days after all of the rain and melting. Everything is made fresh again.
The context of the Isaiah verse is startling. The prophet Isaiah is addressing Israel: God’s chosen people. The people have turned against the Lord, laden with sin and iniquity (1:4). The Lord compares them to and calls them Sodom and Gomorrah (1:10), the wicked cities destroyed with fire from heaven as recorded in Genesis. Yet, it appears that Israel continues to the do the outwardly religious activities, by offering sacrifices to the Lord and even calling out to the Lord in prayer (1:11, 16). Yet because of their sin, the Lord considers their empty sacrifices an abomination and will not listen to the prayers offered in sin (1:13, 15).
Isaiah then calls for repentance, a turning from their evil to do good and seek the Lord (1:16-17). Then the Lord will cleanse them and make them as white as snow and pour out His blessings on them. If not, consequences and judgment await for their sinful disobedience (1:19-20, 28-31). In the chapters that follow, Isaiah will expand on the pronouncement of judgment against their sinful disobedience, but also points ahead 700 years to the redemption of sin for all men who call on the Lord in the coming of the promised Messiah- Jesus Christ. His birth will be prophesized (chapters 7 and 9) and His sacrifice on the cross for the sins of man will be detailed in chapter 53. How marvelous!
After study this chapter I find myself considering several things. First, I must consider my own life, as one redeemed from my sins through the shed blood of my Savior Jesus Christ, and as one instructed in Scripture to be a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1). While I do outward actions in service to Him, are there still areas of sin in my life that He finds offensive which is affecting my relationship with Him and even my prayers? Are there areas that I need to repent of? Sins of worry and pride come quickly to mind. How I long to be conformed more into the image of my Lord and Savior! Second, my heart breaks for those relying on their outward religious activities in their effort to be approved by God, for He finds them an abomination and unacceptable apart from Jesus who: was wounded for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities; upon whom was the chastisement that brought us peace, and by his stripes were we healed. For we have all gone astray and turned his own way, but the Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all (Is 53:5-6). Only by calling out to the Lord for the forgiveness of their sins through Jesus Christ’s perfect sacrifice can they be made acceptable to God, despite their best efforts.
As I watch the snow fall this Christmas weekend, I am so thankful to the Lord who sent His Son Jesus, born as a baby in a manger over 2000 years ago and went to the cross for my sins and bodily rose three days later so that while by my sins were as scarlet, He has made me as white as snow.
Top Books of 2009
Reprinted from my note originally published on Facebook:
Once again it is time to post my top five books of 2009. Despite finishing graduate school last May, I haven’t done as much reading as I would have liked. However, I have usually been reading at least one book at all times. These five books are the ones that have impacted me and/or stimulated my thinking greatly
5. YOUthwork by Don Pearson and Paul Santhouse. As a junior high youth ministry leader, I really appreciated this book containing 99 practical ideas for youthworkers, parents, and volunteers. The book was obviously written by individuals with many years of youth ministry experience. I learned much from the book and appreciated their perspective.
4. Living by the Book by Howard and William Hendricks. This book presented many strategies for digging into Bible study. The techniques presented for observation, investigation, interpretation, and application have been integrated into my personal Bible study habits. This is a book that I will need to return to repeatedly as I continue to grow.
3. Why We Love the Church by Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck. In a time when many individuals are stating that the church is outdated and must change, this book presented a well researched and stated rebuttal to the arguments being presented by Barna, Viola, and others. In addition to addressing the arguments, the authors were very proactive in stating why they love the church (hence the title): in praise of institutions and organized religion. This book has reminded me why I love the local church that I am blessed to be a part of.
2. Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret by Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor. This was a fascinating biography of missionary and founder of the China Inland Mission Hudson Taylor written by his son and daughter-in-law back in the 1930’s. I was deeply moved by Hudson Taylor’s passion for the people in China and his devotion to prayer and complete trust in the Lord for his provisions. After reading the book, I long for the same passion for those that the Lord has placed in my life, a deeper prayer life, and an unwavering faith in all circumstances.
1. Forgotten God by Francis Chan. For those who know me well, this probably isn’t much of a surprise. Francis Chan has been my favorite “online” pastor for several years and his previous book Crazy Love was my top book for 2008. This immensely practical (and convicting) book about the role of the Holy Spirit (and the tragic neglect of Him) in the Christian’s life is one that I will reread repeatedly for many years to come.
There have been many other good books that I have read this last year; however, these are ones that topped my list.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Update
It is amazing how quick the weeks go by. I have been intending to provide an update for the last couple of weeks, but time has slipped by. There is much to report since my last writing.
Danielle and I have completed the home study portion of the adoption process. Our third meeting in Wheaton discussed our marriage relationship as well as a few other topics. Our fourth meeting was the one in our home. We had this meeting Tuesday, December 15th (I think that was the date). In addition reviewing various paperwork, our case worker had to inspect the house. After Danielle and I spent a couple weeks preparing, the inspection went quite well. We have more that we want to do in the house in preparation, but have been able to sort through a lot of stuff and get rid of a lot of things. As I said, we have much more to do. We learned during our last meeting that the home study was approved and that we have been officially accepted into the adoption program. The next step for us is to put our profile/portfolio together that the birth mothers will be reviewing when they are selecting adoptive parents. We have started working on it using the Shutterfly online photo service. We should have it done in a couple of weeks. This purpose of this profile is to show who we are- our lives and interests. Once we are done with the profile, it is the waiting period. The waiting period could be two months, or it could be two years- we don't know. The agency places an average of five babies into homes each year and there are now 11 adoptive couples (including us) waiting. It is all in the Lord's hands.
The Lord is continuing to provide the funds that we need for the adoption. It has been awesome to see Him provide in a couple of very unexpected ways. One of the ways was so clearly a "God thing" that there was NO reasonable human way to explain it away. He is also continuing to teach us about stewardship and managing our income better. This has meant eliminating eating out for the most part, only purchasing what is essential, and foregoing Christmas presents this year. Thankfully our family understands the reason why we have chosen to opt out of the Christmas exchanges. I trust that Lord will continue to provide the funds needed for the adoption, sometimes in unexpected ways.
That's about it for the update right now. Have a Merry Christmas!
Danielle and I have completed the home study portion of the adoption process. Our third meeting in Wheaton discussed our marriage relationship as well as a few other topics. Our fourth meeting was the one in our home. We had this meeting Tuesday, December 15th (I think that was the date). In addition reviewing various paperwork, our case worker had to inspect the house. After Danielle and I spent a couple weeks preparing, the inspection went quite well. We have more that we want to do in the house in preparation, but have been able to sort through a lot of stuff and get rid of a lot of things. As I said, we have much more to do. We learned during our last meeting that the home study was approved and that we have been officially accepted into the adoption program. The next step for us is to put our profile/portfolio together that the birth mothers will be reviewing when they are selecting adoptive parents. We have started working on it using the Shutterfly online photo service. We should have it done in a couple of weeks. This purpose of this profile is to show who we are- our lives and interests. Once we are done with the profile, it is the waiting period. The waiting period could be two months, or it could be two years- we don't know. The agency places an average of five babies into homes each year and there are now 11 adoptive couples (including us) waiting. It is all in the Lord's hands.
The Lord is continuing to provide the funds that we need for the adoption. It has been awesome to see Him provide in a couple of very unexpected ways. One of the ways was so clearly a "God thing" that there was NO reasonable human way to explain it away. He is also continuing to teach us about stewardship and managing our income better. This has meant eliminating eating out for the most part, only purchasing what is essential, and foregoing Christmas presents this year. Thankfully our family understands the reason why we have chosen to opt out of the Christmas exchanges. I trust that Lord will continue to provide the funds needed for the adoption, sometimes in unexpected ways.
That's about it for the update right now. Have a Merry Christmas!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Adoption Journey Update
I just realized that it has been two weeks since I last provided an update to our adoption journey. I fully intend to write updates at least weekly, but time has slipped away from me.
Since the last writing, Danielle and I have completed our second home study session with our adoption agency. This last session explored our family of origins and childhood experiences. Tomorrow we have our third session. This should be our final session at the agency in Wheaton. Within a couple of weeks we will have our fourth and final meeting, in our home. The purpose of the house inspection is to ensure that our home is safe and appropriate for a child. In preparation, Danielle and I have many items that we want to work on over the next couple of weeks. Most of the work involves cleaning and organizing. However, there are a couple repairs that really needs to be done too. One is a minor roof leak which has resulted in damage to the kitchen ceiling. Both the roof and ceiling need to be repaired. The other is a rotting window frame around our front picture window. Hopefully these can be repaired simply and quickly. Unfortunately, I am no "handy man" and won't be able to tackle the repairs myself.
We continue to trust the Lord for the money needed for the adoption. As stated in a previous post, we both believe that He will provide the money needed in ways that we never imagined. Over the past two weeks He confirmed that for us in a way that can not be explained in any other way but God. More about that some other time- but it is a great story! Of course, we are also being good stewards of our money and have cut/are cutting unnecessary expenses and purchases in order to save and in preparation to move to a single income once we have the baby.
We are so thankful for the prayers and support of our family and friends. We could not go through this without them. Please continue to pray for us.
Jeff
Since the last writing, Danielle and I have completed our second home study session with our adoption agency. This last session explored our family of origins and childhood experiences. Tomorrow we have our third session. This should be our final session at the agency in Wheaton. Within a couple of weeks we will have our fourth and final meeting, in our home. The purpose of the house inspection is to ensure that our home is safe and appropriate for a child. In preparation, Danielle and I have many items that we want to work on over the next couple of weeks. Most of the work involves cleaning and organizing. However, there are a couple repairs that really needs to be done too. One is a minor roof leak which has resulted in damage to the kitchen ceiling. Both the roof and ceiling need to be repaired. The other is a rotting window frame around our front picture window. Hopefully these can be repaired simply and quickly. Unfortunately, I am no "handy man" and won't be able to tackle the repairs myself.
We continue to trust the Lord for the money needed for the adoption. As stated in a previous post, we both believe that He will provide the money needed in ways that we never imagined. Over the past two weeks He confirmed that for us in a way that can not be explained in any other way but God. More about that some other time- but it is a great story! Of course, we are also being good stewards of our money and have cut/are cutting unnecessary expenses and purchases in order to save and in preparation to move to a single income once we have the baby.
We are so thankful for the prayers and support of our family and friends. We could not go through this without them. Please continue to pray for us.
Jeff
Saturday, November 07, 2009
The Home Study Has Started
This past Monday we started the home study portion of the adoption process. We met our case worker for the first time (who is also named Danielle). The initial meeting went very well as we discussed motivation for adoption. Future meetings will cover our families, marriage relationship, and an evaluation of our home. I estimate that we will done with the home study by the middle of December. Next Wednesday we have our second meeting in Wheaton.
Part of our home study process is to complete ten hours of training pertaining to adoption. We are required to read the book Dear Birthmother, a "classic" book about open adoption, or the relationship between birth mothers, adoptive parents, and the child(ren). It has been a thought provoking book so far. We will start discussing it with our case worker during our next meeting. In addition, we also completed eight hours of online training through Adoptive Learning Partners. These informative (yet too basic at times also) pertained to relevant adoption topics such as attachment, discipline, multiracial families, talking about adoption, and creating the profile. Creating a profile for birthmothers to review in order to pick us is the next step after the completion of the home study. More details to follow about that. I would love to have the profile assembled by the end of the year.
Well, that's about it for right now. We'll continue to provide updates along the way, hopefully at least weekly.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
A New Journey
Danielle and I have officially embarked on the journey towards adoption by submitting our initial application just over a week ago. This paperwork had been in process for a number of months, but it never seemed to be the right time to complete it. However, several weeks ago the Lord laid on our hearts to finish it up and the paperwork that we dragged our feet on for so long was completed in about 10 days! We trust that the Lord has this timing in His perfect plans.
This will probably be at least a two year journey that we will take step by step with the Lord leading us. It will be a time of joy and excitement, but at times probably seasons of impatience and discouragement also. We will covet the prayers of our family and friends during all of these times. Much will happen in the coming months and years. I hope that this blog will provide details along the way. This blog has had different levels of activity over the past several years. I have chosen to leave the blog postings from our Honduras experience posted. This was a hard time for us. However, looking back, the Lord taught us much about Himself and us during that process- just as He will be teaching us through this new journey which will hopefully lead us to adopting a baby.
I do not know what form this blog will ultimately take. Hopefully it will chronicle the details of this entire process; providing updates and also posting prayer requests along the way. I do not know if I (Jeff) will be writing all of the entries, whether Danielle will write some on this blog (or start her own). Much remains to be determined.
Here is where we are at right now in the process:
Right now I will keep this blog at the current website address- however I'll probably change it sometime. Let me know if you want to be informed if it moves.
This will probably be at least a two year journey that we will take step by step with the Lord leading us. It will be a time of joy and excitement, but at times probably seasons of impatience and discouragement also. We will covet the prayers of our family and friends during all of these times. Much will happen in the coming months and years. I hope that this blog will provide details along the way. This blog has had different levels of activity over the past several years. I have chosen to leave the blog postings from our Honduras experience posted. This was a hard time for us. However, looking back, the Lord taught us much about Himself and us during that process- just as He will be teaching us through this new journey which will hopefully lead us to adopting a baby.
I do not know what form this blog will ultimately take. Hopefully it will chronicle the details of this entire process; providing updates and also posting prayer requests along the way. I do not know if I (Jeff) will be writing all of the entries, whether Danielle will write some on this blog (or start her own). Much remains to be determined.
Here is where we are at right now in the process:
- We have chosen an agency to work with: The Evangelical Child and Family Agency located in Wheaton, Illinois. After researching and meeting with several agencies over the past two years (we had to take a little hiatus from moving forward while addressing Danielle's chronic hives) and this is the best fit for us.
- We have submitted our initial paperwork (and money) to the agency. This morning we met with their pastoral consultant- the first step. After his report to the ECFA, we will be assigned a caseworker and begin the home study process which will probably take up to 4-6 months.
- The Lord would be glorified through every step of this process and that we would be seeking Him first.
- The home study process would go smoothly. We are not sure what all to expect with this study.
- Finances. Adoption is costly. We have some of the money, but not most of it. We are trusting the Lord to provide the many thousands of dollars needed for this journey that He has set us on. Danielle and I have strong convictions that we do not want to go into debt for the adoption are trusting the Lord. He provided for me to finish graduate school debt free and I believe that He will do it again with this adoption. It will be awesome to see how He will provide!
Right now I will keep this blog at the current website address- however I'll probably change it sometime. Let me know if you want to be informed if it moves.
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