“A family is a haven of rest,
a sanctuary of peace
and
most of all
a harbor of love.”
-Manny Feldman
Two weeks ago the Lord opened the door for us to take in 3 children (2, 6, 8),
and we even had their mom for a few days.
We did not know any of them and it is a long complicated story…
but the Lord has worked out many seemingly impossible details.
Emma and “Sweet Girl”
We are taking it one day at a time…
building relationships.
“Peaches” and Emma
Our daughters are learning to give like they have never given before.
Olivia giving “Sweet Girl” a piano lesson.
chopsticks
Jeff and I are trusting God to provide in ways that seems foolish to the world.
We are excited to be homeschooling these precious souls,
with the consent of the mother and the social worker.
We don’t know how long we will have them…
then again, do any of us know how long we will have any of our children?
“Peaches” and her Poppy
To be completely honest it is difficult to pour out all you have
and to love completely knowing that one day you will have to say good-bye.
nap time
Can we love fully and be guarded at the same time? Is guarding ourselves selfish?
The key to all of this is to remember that it is
NOT about
us having more or being more,
it is COMPLETELY about
giving more and doing more,
because THIS is what God has brought us to do for TODAY.
This day is the Lord’s,
our time is His,
our resources are His,
our lives are His,
our children are His,
which means we make no demands on Him.
Most of us Christians will say those things, but do we live that way? Are we willing to give up our time? Are we willing to empty the bank account to give? It’s all easy talk. Do we give only as much as ‘we want’ to? Do we only give on the condition that we receive gratitude, love, reward, praise? It’s tough stuff…but it’s good stuff!
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this:
to visit orphans and widows in their affliction,
and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
James 1:27
If we feed, clothe, LOVE, and teach today and He chooses to remove them tomorrow
then we will take comfort in knowing that we were faithful to
care for the least of these when He asked us to.
Little Man and Poppy
Our daily mission is to teach them as much Truth as we can while we can…
and to give them as much love and stability as we can.
If the Lord brings us to your mind we covet your prayers.
Julia says:
Thank you so much for sharing this. I’ve prayed, and I will continue to pray for you ALL (including the birth mother).
My husband and I adopted three of our foster children. I understand how hard it is to love and nurture children, knowing that the “plan” for the children is reunification with the birth family.
I’m praying for the Lord’s will, for strength and guidance, for blessings in unexpected places, for peace and unity, and more than I can write. Please know that someone in Missouri is lifting you up in prayer!
Please update us as you are able. Blessings to you all.
Linda says:
They are so precious! I will put you and your family in my prayers. I’m sure God will provide for you all.
Linda
Kathy says:
Thank you, Julia! That means SO MUCH to us!
Leslie from Virginia says:
I soooo love what the LORD is doing in your family! Thank you for sharing it…..and giving GOD the glory!
Deb Meyers says:
I am honored to pray for you! Thank you for this post.
Wendy O. says:
May your household continue to be blessed. May God provide all that you need to do this very big thing! My folks provided foster care to many children for over 20 years (3 are now my younger brothers via adoption) and, as I was the only child still at home when they started that journey, I know that what you’re doing takes sacrifice on everyone’s part. By pouring goodness and mercy and love into their lives in the “right now”, that is all that you can do. I pray God will bless those little kids and their mother, that He would pave the way for all of them. Thank you for doing this thing for the Lord and for the kids.
tammy says:
Lord Bless you all!! His grace is sufficient. I praise God for this testamony.
Renata says:
I am praying for you Kathy & family. After a reversal that didn’t work we are now considering long term fostering. It isn’t our first choice for this point in our lives, but it is always something we planned to do when we were a bit older. Maybe God wants us to do it earlier. We are praying completely for His guidance & will in this matter as we always have. This post comes at a perfect time as I am trying to get the courage to make the phone call to begin it all. I know you guys are a blessing to these precious children ~ may you be building life-long bonds!
((HUGS))
Renata:)