Finding Balance

God has been teaching me a lot of things lately. Humility is one of the things. I have had...let's say...hands on experience with it in the past few days. I am reminded in all of the things going on around me that Gods grace is always sufficient, it is enough. When I fail Him, He is there, He takes the broken pieces and mends me. 

One thing that I've been wrestling with lately is finding a balance. Between spending time with The Lord, family, ministry, work, friends, and all that goes with each of those elements of life, I sometimes feel like my plate is full. Being a very one-track-minded person, it's sometimes hard for me to find a balance. A lot of times I focus on one thing, and then the other things suffer. When I have my entire focus on work, family suffers, my friends see I am disconnected, my ministry is dry and I feel empty because am missing out on the most important part of my day, my time at the Saviors feet. The same happens, with different scenarios. It's hard to keep a balance. That's why in my own strength I am not able to keep it all in perspective, and to keep my priorities straight. I need His strength in place of my weakness. His mind in place of my one-track one. His heart in place of my selfishness. His beauty resting on me, to replace my ugly sin.

May the mind of Christ my Savior live in me from day to day

By His love and power controlling all I do and say.  

May the love of Jesus fill me as the waters fill the sea 

Him exalting, self abasing. This is victory. 

May the peace of God my Heavenly Father rule my life in everything

That I may be calm to comfort sick and sorrowing.

May His beauty ever rest upon me as I seek the lost to win

And may they forget the channel, seeing only Him.

Catching up

Here is a quick update on what's been going on around here. Dad Mom and Grace just got back from a 2 week trip to Bulgaria, bringing home with them our two newest additions, Jeremiah and JoyAnna. It was a great celebration when they returned... And it's been a few days but overall the adjustment is going well. Yes, I stayed home with the kids during the time that part of the family was away. Aside from a few minor cotastrophies, everything went well (LOL!!!!). We definitely would not have made it through, first of all, without The Lord's unending grace, and secondly, the support of family and friends. God is so good. When we thought we would give up during this oh so long adoption process, and we stopped holding on, He held on to us. He said, "I have brought you this far, and I won't let you down now." Yes.... There were times when our faith was tested. There were times when doubt crept in. There were times when the devil had us down. But looking back over it all, I can see that He is faithful, and He is always there, encouraging us, getting us onto the next step. Even when tears stained our pillows through endless nights. When joy was shadowed by sorrow. When waiting became harder and harder to do. He kept whispering assurance to our hearts. Giving us encouragement. Hope. And....finally, after heartache and heartbreak, waiting....and ..... More waiting.....prayer after prayer after prayer, the joy unspeakable of finally being united as a whole family is worth every ounce of hardship, every sleepless night. 

Lord, thank you, thank you.....