Oct 3, 2007

encouragement sometimes comes on a poster or on a beach

My women's bible study started up 2 weeks ago, my leader Sherry is guiding us through the book of Genesis. At first I was disappointed when I heard we'd be doing Genesis, as at my church we spent 3 years going through verse by verse, just the year before. I felt like I wasn't ready to delve back into that same book, not that I knew it all, but that I was hoping for a fresh taste of the Word.

I sat doing our first lesson on the beach...we had a day that hit in the 90's and my 4 little ones asked for a "swim." I toted my bible study bag (a large gardener's bag, green canvas, surrounded by many pockets for storage-though each week I desperately try to find the pocket that I deposited my car keys into)~ a chair and an iced coffee to the lake. We were surrounded by others who had a similar idea of how to spend the school day afternoon, much to my surprise.

As I prayed and reread my chapters (1 & 2) and began to answer the lessons questions, I found myself crying. The thought and care that went into creation, the order that God set in place, the authority that was given to mankind through Adam. It set my heart full of His Holy Spirit, it washed over me and covered me with the loving arms of my God. I apologized to God as I looked out over the "creation" he set before my eyes on this day that He had given me. I was reminded that God's Word is active, alive and speaks constantly to us, no matter how many times we have read it or studied it. Many times God needs to remind me, how true that is today.

When I got to class Thursday morning (yes, my whole family goes-minus my Knight who is off in his daily battleground)...and sat chatting with the women that too desire to grow in their love and knowledge of Him. I looked up and saw this poster on the wall- I knew it would be important to me in the coming days, so I scribbled it down in my notebook. Back then I didn't know about the situation in Guatemala and how it might affect my family.

Today as I await the phone call from our adoption agency, and get the current information of Guatemala and the status of our adoption-these words soothe my heart and remind me that He is able to keep me today (and tomorrow...) I will share them with you, maybe you too want to scribble them down-or link to me to encourage someone else that may need a reminder...

Trust in His timing

Rely on His promises
Wait for His answers
Believe in His miracles
Rejoice in His Goodness
Relax in His Presence
Psalm 37:34 Don't be impatient for the Lord to act! Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you, giving you the land (the whole earth, a territory, a city, the people of the land, the inhabitants). You will see the wicked destroyed.
Psalm 27:14 Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous (grow strong, be encouraged, press on, prevail!) . Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

8 comments:

javamamma said...

Great poster. Praying for God's hand to come through!

Cahleen @ The Alt Story said...

It's wonderful how we can find encouragement in seemingly small things -- sometimes these "small things" speak volumes! Speaking of encouragement, you really encouraged me with your sweet email! I haven't responded yet because I'm waiting for a chance to really sit down and write you a good response. Until then, keep being the wonderful mom that you are to your sweet little kiddies!

Kathy Cassel said...

I followed the link from another blog to yours. That is really sad about Guatamalan adoptions. Every child needs a family.

Your children--and your kitten--are beautiful!

Nunnie's Attic said...

Kimmie,
I found this scripture and it so aptly applied to your situation that I had to share:
Colossians 1:9-11
9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully

Hope this brings you some peace. And your post today was beautiful, as usual.

Love,
Julie

Praise and Coffee said...

I could say it over and over (in fact I do)...
He IS faithful.

There was a time in my life of great pain and I would literally speak out loud- Lord You ARE faithful, I believe it!

Blessings,
Sue

Amrita said...

May God bless you as you walk thru the Word.
Thank you for the encouragement. God gave me a vision from Ezk 34 about four and half years ago and sometimes I feel its dimming and feel impatient. I need to wait on the Lord specially thru disappointing times.

Christin said...

You sound so at peace now. God, you are more than enough!!

Great verses, Kimmie!

Jenni said...

What a wonderful reminder of God's care for us, Kimmie. We must remember that nothing takes Him by surprise...He is LARGE and IN CHARGE!

(((HUGS)))

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