hope. faith. love.

We just got off the phone with the eldest of the, soon to be official, Smith children and I cannot imagine what a joy it was for them to hear their son’s voice on the phone because I, myself, was delighted to hear him say “tell my mom and dad that I love them and that my brother and I are waiting for them.”

Already I can see— in his mannerisms, his actions and his words— that he was born (he was created) to be the person that he is becoming. I am honored to know him and to be able to watch him step into his destiny. THANK YOU, Mark and Jenn for being such amazing hands of God in him taking that step.

In my head I am watching a mother and father take their toddler by the hands, one on each side, as he skips along, at times lifting both feet off the ground and swinging between his two parents. That toddler is not afraid to jump. He knows that his parents will hold his hands and not let him fall. John is much bigger than that toddler; and his jump—his risk— is greater too. But, in his eyes and in his voice I see and I hear that he trusts you with his future.

I want to trust God like that. John does not know what tomorrow holds. And he has been waiting a long time; and he still isn’t certain of how much longer he will have to wait. But he called today and said “we will wait for you.” And he knows that you will come.

I too don’t know what tomorrow holds. But when I begin to worry or to doubt what God has planned for me I will close my eyes and think of the moment John first walked into the room that first day and remember to hope. And I will think of his voice on the phone this afternoon and remember to be sure of what I hope for and certain of what I do not yet see: to have faith!!!

Perfect Timing

Timing is everything. Or so they say. I’m not really sure what I think or how I feel about this statement yet. But, one thing I’m certain of is that time is nothing to God. He knows all, sees all, orchestrates history and never, for one second is time out of His control.

Mark and Jenn are here and it has been really cool talking to them about God’s perfect timing in their whole adoption process up to this point, and all of us being able to look ahead with the assurance that He hasn’t missed one step and thus the faith and knowledge that He’s not going to.

When Lauren was here I was talking about wanting to make a photo book of God’s faithfulness in my life thus far and maybe being able to add to it in the future. Lauren said something about being an author, the best story she has to tell is that of her relationship with Christ. True story. When I think back over where I have been and look forward to where I might be headed I am baffled at the perfection of God’s timing—and I want to be able to share that with others.

Thinking about all that, I want to learn to worry less and trust God more. I mean, I know that my eternity is secure. So, I think I’ll stop worrying about the control I will never have over circumstances and other people and rejoice in the fact that I get to live each day with the One who created time and who is made happy when I rejoice in seeing His hand in my past, present and future.

January 13, 2008

First, Happy Old New Year. (Whatever that means. Something about the old calendar and when New Years used to be celebrated.) This basically marks the end of the holiday season in Kiev. Christmas garland is being sold for cheap so as not to have to store it until next year, the fireworks have dwindled back to once every other evening or so and the fridge isn’t quite as full as it had been for the past couple of months.

It was good to be at KIBC this morning. I missed worshiping with people there. I missed praying with Isaac during prayer time and watching Emily feel out her place as worship leader (she’s grown a lot in the month I have been gone and it was really a blessing to see her spread her wings a bit more this morning than I think she’s felt free to in the past. :o). I missed hugs and prayer updates from Katy. And I was glad to be able to do the power point again. I was also excited to see one of our Iranian members come to English Bible Study since we weren’t having Farsi Bible Study and really excited to see several people jump at the opportunity to interpret for him when he walked in. I saw a beautiful picture of His Church in my friends this morning and I am still thanking God for the unexpected blessing that I found in that.

"Letter to Me"

Dear Lori,

If asked by a man with Brad Paisley album qualities, say yes.

                                                                                       --Future Lori


I should be doing my Russian homework...I don't know when I will have time to do it tomorrow...but the Internet is more enticing at the moment.

My attempts to write a blog about why I would marry a Brad Paisley album (and I would) have thus far been unsuccessful. But, let me just say that if a man as sweet, fun-loving, clever, talented, down to earth, romantic and funny as Mud on Tires or 5th Gear asked me to marry him, I would have a hard time turning him down.

Being a girl who grew up in the south, it's just all so relatable.

I mean, who doesn't think that "finding $20 in the britches that you wore last week" is one of the greatest things ever?

And what girl doesn't think that there's something intensely romantic about dancing in a restaurant after hours?

The few times I've sat next to my dad in church, I know he's been thinking that if this "Long Sermon" would end, he could be communing with god the best way he knows how.

Brad's mad guitar skills are pretty sweet too. And add that to every boys fantasy of actually being in a car chase and you've got a great song about outrunning "Mr. Policeman" ;o)

I could use a guy making "Easy Money" to help fund my mission endeavors. :o)

I love the hymns that find their way into the mix of each album. You don't get a Brad Paisley album without one.

He totally fights for the girl he wants; manages to get rid of all other suitors. I mean, they "Never Would Have Worked Out Anyway."

And every girl I know wants a guy who thinks "She's Everything."

I mean, he is "Still a Guy,"

But he knows that it's the "Little Moments" that count.

And who doesn't want some Spaghetti Western Theater every day????


So, yes, hands down, send me a man who enjoys life, loves me, and can strum a guitar. :o)