Numbering Eight

It's been a little over two weeks since we got Joshua. We've had two very busy and eventful weeks! Joshua is doing very well and feeling more and more like he's one of our own. He attached to me fairly quickly. I think that somehow he knew that I'm his new mommy, because he almost immediately turned to me for safety and comfort. We've spent the last couple of weeks training him in our rules and establishing who is the boss. He gets it. He challenges it, too. But what kid doesn't? The good thing is that he responds well to discipline and changes his heart. It's different, not spanking. I've come to appreciate the blessing of spanking a lot in the last couple of weeks. But, we're getting there without it. God is in this and he's not limited by the restrictions placed on us.

One interesting emotion I've encountered is the feeling of not wanting to invest so much of myself into him. Given that he is not going to be staying in our family forever, I have felt like he won't even benefit from the training he's receiving here. So I've had to remember that I am not doing this for any other reason than to obey the Lord. The final results are in his hand. And you never know what could happen in the future, or what kind of impact you could have that you never fathomed would take place.

I have been thinking about the scripture in Matthew 18:5-6 and 10.

"And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who trusts in me to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around the neck.

Beware that you don't despise a single one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father."

There have been a few times in the last couple weeks when I've begun to despise having Joshua here. We've had some pretty challenging days, not just with him but with the other kids as well. Even though in my head I could tell myself that we're all adjusting to a new family member and he's adjusting to us, my emotions and my will were not so happy with the situation at times. But as I ponder God's heart for children, it changes my perspective on them. They go from being a burden and an emotional drain to being precious jewels in God's treasure chest. I have known most of this for a long time. But I think I'm finally beginning to "get" it.

The other day, I was talking to my chiropractor and he commented that training Joshua must be fun. "Fun?" I said, "What do you mean?" He answered, "Well, you get to see him change and grow and improve under your care." I had never thought of it that way before. I tend to get caught up in the daily grind of character formation and forget to step back and look at the amazing honor I have been given to mold six little lives into people that love the Lord and bless the people around them. The other day, as I was trying to get the kitchen clean and dinner made at the same time and the "little ones" as we call the younger three were trying unsuccessfully to get along, I took a moment to remember the conversation I had with my chiropractor and thank the Lord for this tremendous blessing and privilege. It was amazing how quickly my heart went from grousing and complaining to soaring in joy.

The Lord told us that he wanted to use this experience to make us into the family that he wants us to be. In fact, I have reminded him and myself of this several times in the last couple of weeks. I am glad to know that he is not wasting any time.

Joshua

We went and picked up our little boy today. His name is Joshua and he is two years old. He is a very sweet and cheerful boy. He has quickly befriended the kids, who are also happy to have him as part of the family. I believe that we will have him for about six months. His parents are pretty serious about getting him back and very concerned about him. So they are working hard to make sure they get to the place that they can give him a good home. That's a good thing to hear.

Here We Go!

We were informed today that we have been selected to foster a little boy, two years old. I will be meeting with his social worker on Monday. Given that there are no surprises, we should be able to welcome this little one into our home next week. :) This situation is moving toward reunification. That means that his parents are getting help and he will hopefully be able to go back home eventually. God is good!

Life!!!

Today I met the neatest old lady over the onions in the grocery store. I noticed her because of her face. It was just a glimpse, but it struck me as the sweetest countenance I had seen in a long time. I thought, "With a face like that, she must know Jesus." Then I noticed the WWJD bracelet on her wrist. So I said, "Excuse me, but your face has the sweetest countenance I have seen in a long time." When she heard that she grabbed me in a big hug saying, "Oh, thank you! That made my day! I hope it's Him in me that makes you say that." I replied, "When I first saw you, I thought that you must be a Christian, but then I saw your bracelet and knew." She told Joel that he has the best mommy. She may think that I made her day, but she really made mine just by being there in the store.

I've been thinking a lot about the rights and wrongs of this world and the value of life. New life, old life, life that is not capable of making any tangible contribution to society. I have a neighbor who is 91. She lived through the Great Depression, WWI, a whole century of history is living next door to me. She is a poet, but she used to be a reporter. Actually, she confided the other day that poetry is getting old and she's branching out into editorial work. I would love to see what she has to say! She has an interesting perspective on life, politics, religion, family and on and on. I love to talk to her because she is a wealth of experience and wisdom. She's living on social security with the love and help of her family.

I have another soon-to-be neighbor moving in on the other side of me. She has a daughter who is mentally retarded. I've only met the daughter once, but she is thrilled to meet new people and learn their names. When we met, she was completely enamored by Aaron. She has nothing to give material wise, or even intellectually, but brightens up the atmosphere when you are with her.

So much life! So much potential!

You're probably asking, "Where are you leading me, Christal?" I'll tell you. It's ObamaCare. There are way too many things wrong with it for me to list here. But the two that just really, really get me are public funding of abortions and euthanasia. The Bible says that Satan wants to kill, steal and destroy. This bill will promote just that for the unborn and for the elderly, our future and our past, the source of our greatest riches. Please, contact your representatives and senators and voice your concern for this bill. We need an enormous public outcry against this. I recently read a quote. "Apathy is the glove that the hand of evil wears in order to keep from skinning it's knuckles while it smashes babies against the wall." Please, do something.