Boo Boos

In the last 2 days my youngest son (5 yrs old) has been fairly significantly injured twice. He first dropped a pretty heavy item on his toe and it essentially popped off the toenail. This was a really dramatic and painful experience. Then today he was standing on a stool to put something up and slipped, only to bump his chin on the counter-top and bite his tongue really hard. Needless to say, lots of bleeding and crying (for the whole family).

I'm sure every parent could say this, but I HATE WHEN MY CHILDREN GET HURT!!!!! It breaks my heart to see them in pain.

Ocasionally when I have these parental moments, I think about God. I think about what a pitiful, selfish, and insensitive father I am in comparison to my heavenly Father. It's so hard for me to picture this, but my Father loves me tons more than I love my precious, soft, wonderful son. I really can't fathom that He would love me that much.

Why is that so hard for me? Why is it so hard for me to mentally or emotionally grasp God's amazing love for me? I feel like it would revolutionize my life if I could live with a consistent emotional understanding of His love. I feel like I'd be full of such joy and contentment. I feel like my life would be so quicly rid of the things I do in search for life. I spend so much of my time and energy searching for life, fulfillment, and satisfaction. But if my heart were full of the amazing love God has for me, I'm sure I would be set free of this pursuit.

So, the age old question persists, "Why doesn't God help us experience this love on an emotional level consistently?" And the only answer I have at this point is that He wants me to trust Him that His love is true whether I feel it or not. He wants me to take Him at His word. His love is a proven historical fact. He loved me so much that He gave His Son for me (and you!). He also says that one day He will bring me to a place where this love is the constant reality of my existance. Wow! I can't wait to be there!!!

Logged In!!!

Well it's official. Our family is officially logged in to the Chinese Center for Adoption Afairs. The ball is now fully in their court. They can accept us or reject us during this waiting process. It's just another reminder that we're not in control of life. We have worked realy hard and paid a lot of money, but we may still not get a daughter.

They are saying that the typical wait at this point is 14 - 18 months, which would put is in the summer/fall of 2008. This is when the Olympics will be in Bejing as well. It would be intriguing if they overlap. At least there will be a lot of the world's attention on China at that time.

Bonnie & I have each read a book on Chinese adoption and feel like our hearts are getting more and more ready.

Easter In The Theater

We're excited about the opportunity we have to worship together this Easter at The Classic Center in downtown Athens. Even though a good number of students go home for the weekend, it will be a lot of fun to be all together for one celebration service. The Classic Center is a beautiful facility in the heart of our city.

We'll be enjoying the baptism of one of my friends as well. It will be fun to hear his story and watch him "go public" with his faith in Jesus.

if you're in town, we'd love to have you join us at 11am on April 8th. It will be a lot of fun!

Preparing My Heart

I'm reading a book called "The Lost Daughters of China." It's a great book written by a lady who adopted a little girl from China. God is really using it to move my heart and help me better understand the adoption process. I really don't know how all of this is impacting my life right now, but I know it's lingering in the back of my mind at all times. There is so much about this journey that I don't really understand. I've zealously stepped into this adventure and I really don't know what it all means. Either way, I sense that God has led us to do this beautiful thing and I know it's going to be a huge blessing to our family. It's going to stretch us in some great ways. I know it will be life-changing for one special little girl named Ellie.