The Making of M.O.M.

On Easter Sunday we went to my parents' house and Elizabeth, Paw Paw and I planted a little garden. PawPaw bought this little greenhouse thing, with these little pods where you plant the seeds. We planted all sorts of stuff and then watered and waited. It's been a few weeks and look how our garden has grown!

I must confess that I kill just about every living plant that has entered our house. The only thing I have managed to keep alive, and even it wasn't green, was some bamboo that my grandmother bought from the dollar store. Hopefully, we can "transplant" these and they will grow.

On a side note, and in keeping with transplants, Tricia got another "call" and there might be another set of lungs available. The transplant team is in route to look at them, and if it's a match, she might be in surgery as early as this evening. Please lift this family, as well as the donor family, up in prayer.

I know that all things work together for the glory of God and those who love Him...

I've been thinking a lot today about the role of foster parents. Then, out of the blue, the Holy Spirit revealed to me something absolutely amazing...I HAD (unofficial) FOSTER PARENTS!!!

When I was in senior high school, my relationship with my father began to get shaky. At that time, my best friend's family accepted me into their home. Although I didn't spend copious amounts of time there, when I was there I was family. Now, I've moved 13 hours away from not only my best friend, but her family as well. And although my communication with them is limited, I have no doubt that they had a profound impact on my life. They loved me as their own, even though they didn't have to. They prayed for me as their own, even though I didn't know it. They think of me as their own, even though I'm never there. For this, Mr. Jim & Mrs. Mary, I am eternally grateful.

As Luke and I continue to journey down this path towards foster care, God continues to reveal just how he's molded, shaped and trained me for this position. Even before I was His, He knew this was the path I would choose and He prepared my heart and my mind. I am reminded of two scriptures:

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Psalm 139:13-16

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Before Christ died on the cross, for me, He knew the choices I would make. Before I was even a clump of cells, growing inside my mother's womb, He knew all of my days and all of my choices. I am continually astounded that the Creator of the Universe reveals these things to me. What a Mighty, Amazing and completely Personal God I serve!

I'm reminded of a portion of a song by Mercy Me that says:

Your love, is extravegant.
Your friendship, it is intimate.

He is extravagant. He is intimate. Thanks Mr. Jim & Mrs. Mary for playing such a profound role in my life. Though to you it might feel trivial, God knew from the beginning, and He knows even the end. I love you guys...

Mr. Jim & Mrs. Mary with Elizabeth (age 7.5 mos)