Working Together

A brief update:  1.)We just received notice that our biometric fingerprints are scheduled November 25 at the homeland security office. After that is completed, we will then receive our 797 approval within a few weeks. That is the last piece of paper we need before we can move onto the next step! 2.) We raised about $850 this semester doing the Snack Shack for our homeschool co-op. It was hard work and a lot of cooking, but it is something we did as a family. I want to thank every family who bought snacks and lunches from us.  Many of you gave extra, so thanks. We appreciate your support. 

Thoughts for the day:  I had an interesting conversation with a friend last week. As we were eating lunch, she said something like this, "I wish I felt called to adopt, but I just don't. . .at all! I feel bad about that!" I didn't quite know what to say to her because, truth be told, as Christians aren't we all "called" to different things? Certainly there are things every believer does because the Bible clearly expects it (i.e. tithing, giving to the poor, witnessing, praying, etc..) But aren't we all "called" to different things? I am not just talking about those things that we get excited about (that can be fleeting). But I am talking about that desire God places in us which cannot be quenched, regardless of how difficult things get.  It is the desire that spurs us to action. Daniel was a prophet, statesman and government official. David was a shepherd and a king. Paul was a missionary. Gideon was a judge. Joshua was the leader of the Israelites. Hosea was called to marry a harlot. I have friends who are missionaries. Some who are pastors. Some who foster.  I know those who adopt and those who work at soup kitchens. These things are hard. Yet they press on. What makes one person go to India and another to China? I know I still have so much to learn. Thus, I hesitated to respond to my friend. I wanted to encourage her and I wanted to speak truth. So in essence this is how I responded. God calls us to do different things, because there are different needs. We can't do it all. But we can help each other! (I hesitate to say this because I do not want it to come across the wrong way. I, by no means, intend this to be a plea for financial help. I am just telling you what I told her.) I don't foster, but I can give hand-me-downs to parents who need them. I don't live in a foreign country, but I can pray for my friends who do and provide items when needed. I am not a king (queen), but I can pray for our president. You get the picture.
       Let me give you an example.When we got back from China last time, I was completely overwhelmed with life. Adding a fourth child was exhausting! But I had a friend who offered to take loads of laundry to wash for me. She washed and delivered them neatly folded to me. What a blessings that was! No she did not adopt, but she certainly helped me! Then of course, there were those who gave financially and gave us clothes for Meili and prayed for us. So many pitched in and were a part of that adoption. So I told my friend, there was no need to feel guilty. There was only a need to help as she saw need,  just as hopefully someone will help her in her hour of need. That is what the body of Christ is, after all, isn't it? It is each person doing their part so the gospel is shared, people are loved, and needs are met. It is looking after the needs of others. Sometimes we have to say no for various reasons. (in fact we may need to say "no" more often in this fast- paced culture, but that is a whole different issue!)  But when we can offer help, we should. It takes prayer and discernment. Just this week I was asked to donate to five different causes. How do you choose???? I haven't quite got that one figured out! I am seeking God still. Anyway, I would love to hear your thoughts on this issue. What would you have told my friend? Stay tuned. . . next post will be so cute you won't want to miss it!