His Grace Abounds this New Year

As this New Year unfolds, God's grace abounds to our family.  Now begins the dawning of the receipt of one of the most marvelous lavishing of gifts that a good and loving Father of all Mankind can give to His beloved children.  Namely, two precious vulnerable and alone children, incredibly beautiful in appearance and spirit.  We are amazed at both his creative handiwork of Nicodemu and Anouarite AND His preservation of their little lives.  We don't know what condition they are in physically, emotionally, or spiritually, but we are certain that the same God that has been holding us for all of our lives, has been holding them for all of theirs as well.  The smoldering wick He has not snuffed out, rather He has protected, defended, and I bet over and over whispered little messages of hope into their un-parented hearts.  He is our portion forever and He is their portion forever!  What promises of hope we have from the God who is unable to be unfaithful.

For you Nico and Anwa, on this new year, these are God's promises to you.  I wish I could hold you and speak these to you, but soon enough my sweeties.

"A bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice."  Isaiah 42:3 and Matthew 12:20

"He [God] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."  Psalm 147:3

"When my father and mother forsake me, then the LORD will take care of me.  I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."  Psalm 27:10, 13, 14   ---- There is a story behind these verses that goes all the way back to God "impregnating" me/us with the desire to pursue you 2 years ago.  I will share this story with you as you grow up with us.  He has brought about the unification of our family.

Now, a promise for us as we go in to get you...
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.  When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you." Isaiah 43:2  --- we will all continue together as a family on this journey of learning to trust without reserve the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

What a year we have ahead of us.  Walking in the will of the Father is rich in blessing!  As we eat our traditional turnip greens and black eyed peas today, we will be wishing not for financial wealth but for more of the wealth that comes from the Father who owns it all.  Pour it on us Lord, we trust you and want all that you have for us this year and forever!  We thank you for gifting us with Nathanael, Nicodemu, Annalise, and Anouarite.  When measured according to God's economy of justice and mercy, we have been made rich!

As Jesus said to His disciples before His death, "I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you", we say the same to the orphans we love who will not be called orphans for much longer!  By God's good grace, we are on our way the minute we get the call!  All the while, we pray for peace in the Congo long enough for us to get in and back out, and will never stop praying for this country that is now dear to us.  That is up to God and we trust He can do the impossible.  A happy new year it is.