Learning to Enjoy the Journey, YARD SALE STYLE.

We have been walking this road of adoption for 1 year and 8 months, however for those who have known us and our hearts its been much longer than that.
Our actual journey began in 2006 when we were living in Florida. That was the first time we filled out an application to adopt and even hosted our first adoption yard sale. More about that later.
As our life took different twists and turns and we went down roads that were not at all part of God's plan our adoption journey was put on the back burner and as months turned into years I wondered if our dream was dead.
I remember specific conversations with friends (one in particular in '09) where they asked "at any point will you be too old for this if you don't get started soon?" It made me question again, was our dream dead?
But now I realize after all the little bumps along the way the dream was never dead, it just wasn't time yet. And even now I see all the amazing lessons God has taught me. I don't like pain and discomfort, yet if I ultimately want to see God be glorified in my life there are going to be things He will have to work out in me.

The most amazing thing to me is that all these lessons I've been learning throughout this adoption are not specific to adoption, but life in general. DUH!
The biggest most amazing lesson I recently learned happened in the weeks leading up to the most EPIC yard sale in Maciaszek history.

In March 2010, we were most fortunate to meet several other adoptive parents when we attended our adoption classes. Two families in particular we connected with were Reade and Mollie and Tracey and Jason.
Reade and Mollie only live 2 hours from us and we "clicked" with them and the relationship has come naturally. A year ago they hosted their second adoption yard sale to aid in bringing home their little guy, Aaron. He came home in February. My friend Laurie and I went out there to help with the sale and it was like nothing I had ever seen in my life. Tables lined their road and into their cul-de-sac and they actually had a "pay here tent". There was so much stuff it was hard to know even where to start when they rolled up the garage door that morning. And all the while before and after the sale Mollie kept saying "you know Rachel, you're next for a yard sale like this" and I would blow her off time and time again with "NO WAY!!!!" For some reason it just didn't seem like I could make something like that work. Not to mention, I'm way too lazy to work that hard. But then we changed agency's, suddenly more money would be needed so I went to work cleaning out my own house and suddenly I was having a yard sale. The first date we picked was in September and about 2 weeks from that date I had a mini meltdown and cancelled the sale. It wasn't the right time.
But a couple of weeks passed and more and more things began to pile up in my house (I don't have a garage to store anything), my neighbor caught wind of the sale and began bringing over bags and bags of stuff. So, I began to pray. "Lord, let this yard sale be about you and what you're doing. I have no idea what to do or even where to begin but you already know so I pray that you will do it YOUR way." A couple of days later I talked to Brian and we picked a date. Randomly for us but not for God. He knew exactly what He was doing. It was three weeks away and we still had only 1/2 a room full of stuff and no where to host it. So, I prayed.
One morning I sent out a bunch of texts to friends and asked if they had any donations because we would love to pick them up and would they please spread the word. My friend Lyn text back and said "well I don't have anything but if you would like to have your sale here you are more than welcome. And also, we have a garage that is near empty so you could begin storing stuff anytime you want." SERIOUSLY?!!!! Now don't tell me God doesn't care about the little things. I was amazed.
Then in the 2 weeks leading up to the sale the boys were out of school because we chose a year round schedule and that just "happened" to be when they were off. Nothing is coincidence. God knew the schedule!
So the collecting began, and went on all the way up to the day of the sale. And it was spectacular!!! We filled Lyn's garage so full it almost wouldn't close.

I spent almost every night until the day of the sale pricing and organizing and I had lots of help. 

It was tiring and at times overwhelming but then one night driving home it hit me. ENJOY THIS! This isn't something to "gotten through". This is all part of the journey. Choose to enjoy this part also. So I did. I chose joy in going around picking up stuff people had for us. I chose joy going from business to business asking them to hang our fliers. I chose joy in relentlessly posting on facebook and annoying the heck out of everyone. :0) I chose joy in organizing and pricing endless items, some of which would never sell no matter how many yard sales they were in. 

Then it was Saturday morning, the beginning of the end of this part of the journey and it was bitter sweet. 

It was 4:50am as we headed out to Lyn's and I chose joy. We set up and they began coming. They never stopped until 11am. It was the most amazing sight. The greatest thing I saw that I was unable to get a picture of were the people with head lamps on. It was so dark but they weren't about to miss a great deal. It was hilarious. I've wondered since if some of them got their stuff home, looked at it in the light and thought what a bunch of crap. HAHA!!

Our flyer designed by our good friend Tonya.

 Just some of our amazing assistants.

 Our signs, ready to be planted.

 Jeff getting more signs ready.

Lyn and Kerri cleaning out a microwave so we could sell it.

The night before, we are ready.

Aubrey and I the morning of. See the joy. Its scary, but its there. 

The day. I didn't get as many pics as I was too busy running around like a chicken with my head cut off.

The pay tent. At one point there were 4 of them running it b/c the line was so long. 

My amazing friend Jennifer was in charge of the pay tent and she rocked it out!!!

Little Hayzl (this is the baby I keep) and her mom, dad and brother stopped by too. Love the ear muffs. 

Our beautiful and amazing friend Mollie (Reade was home keeping those cute boys) who drove 2 hours to help us. We love you Mollie!

And finally, our sign. Designed by Mollie and laminated by Jennifer. This will hang in Grace's room as a reminder of all the people who helped to bring her home. 

The lesson here is for you, or me, for anyone on any journey, and lets face it that's what life is. 

Choose joy. Choose to enjoy where you are right now, even if its hard. God never promised us happiness but He did promise that the JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH!!!!! But we have to CHOOSE because He never forces Himself on His people. 

NEHEMIAH 8:10 ...THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18 BE JOYFUL ALWAYS; PRAY CONTINUALLY; GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES FOR THIS IS GOD'S WILL FOR YOU IN CHRIST JESUS.

THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF OUR JOURNEY. BLESSINGS. 

LIFE IN BULLET POINTS (IT'S ALL I GOT RIGHT NOW)

• JAYDEN AUDITIONED FOR THE PLAY THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW AND GOT A PART AS A DEAD INDIAN. HE'S THRILLED, MAINLY B/C HE GETS TO WEAR A CREEPY COSTUME AND HAS SOME SPOOKY LINES.

• JACKSON STILL SPENDS AS MANY HOURS A DAY EITHER PLAYING BASKETBALL OR WATCHING HIGHLIGHTS ONLINE. WELL, THAT AND BALLOON SHOP VIDEOS. 

• JARED IS ONLY $300 AWAY FROM HAVING ALL $12,000 IN MEDICAL BILLS PAID OFF AFTER ONLY 2 & A HALF YEARS. WE ARE SUPER PROUD. HE IS ALSO THE PRAISE AND WORSHIP LEADER FOR OUR YOUTH GROUP. JACKSON AND JAYDEN ARE ALSO PART OF THE TEAM. CAN YOU HEAR ME GUSHING JUST A LITTLE?

• WE'VE BEEN OUT OF SCHOOL ALMOST TWO WEEKS FOR OUR FALL BREAK AND IT COULDN'T HAVE BEEN A BETTER TIME. WE TOOK THE BOYS TO RALEIGH TO DO THE MUSEUMS AND THE REST OF THE TIME HAS BEEN SPENT SLEEPING IN, PLAYING VIDEO GAMES AND JUST CHILLING OUT! ITS BEEN REALLY NICE. 

• WE WENT TO A BON FIRE/PRAYER SERVICE TO SAY GOOD-BYE TO OUR FRIEND DARON WHO IS BEING DEPLOYED TO EGYPT IN A MONTH. HE IS LEAVING BEHIND HIS WIFE, DARLENE AND 2 KIDS, JACE, 12 AND HAYZL, 7 MONTHS. PLEASE PRAY FOR THEM AND ALL HIS EXTENDED FAMILY. HE WILL BE GONE 10 MONTHS. 

• WE HAVE WELCOMED HOME OUR FRIENDS FROM THE CONGO AND MET THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF THIER FAMILY. WE WERE ALSO BLESSED TO SEE LOTS OF VIDEO WHILE THEY WERE THERE. IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL. 

• WE HAVE STARTED (AGAIN) AND ALMOST COMPLETED OUR HOME STUDY UPDATE THAT THE GOVERNMENT REQUIRES. OURS EXPIRES IN FEBRUARY SO WE HAD TO GET STARTED NOW TO MAKE SURE IT DOESN'T LAPSE. THANK GOODNESS WE GET ONE FREE EXTENSION, SADLY WE STILL HAVE TO PAY THE HOME STUDY FEE AND GO TO RALEIGH FOR BIOMETRICS AGAIN!! NOT TO MENTION WE ALL HAD TO HAVE PHYSICALS AGAIN!

• ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO WE SENT OUT 102 SUPPORT LETTERS STATING WE NEEDED TO RAISE A PROGRAM FEE OF $11,360 (OUR TOTAL INCLUDING TRAVEL IS $21,360) AND TO DATE WE NEED A LITTE MORE THAN $6,000 FOR OUR TOTAL!!!! ISN'T THAT AMAZING?!!

• WE RECEIVED AMAZING NEWS FROM OUR FRIENDS WHO WERE RECENTLY MATCHED WITH A NEW BORN THEY WILL WELCOME IN DECEMBER. LOVE IT!!!!

• WE STARTED COLLECTING FOR OUR ADOPTION YARD SALE A LITTLE OVER 2 WEEKS AGO AND NOW HAVE A GARAGE FULL. TODAY A LADY DONATED ALL THE FURNITURE IN HER HOME SHE WAS GETTING RID OF. 

• THIS SATURDAY WILL BE EPIC WHETHER WE SELL IT ALL OR SELL NONE OF IT. GOD IS IN IT AND THATS ALL I CARE ABOUT. THE OUT POURING OF LOVE AND SUPPORT WE FEEL IS OVERWHELMING. WE CANNOT BEGIN TO THANK EVERYONE ENOUGH FOR ALL THE DONATIONS. THE THING I AM MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THIS YARD SALE IS NOT THE MONEY WE HOPE TO BRING IN BUT THE AWARENESS I HOPE WILL BE GENERATED AS A RESULT. PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW THERE ARE 150,000,000 ORPHANS WORLD WIDE AND WE CAN ALL DO SOMETHING TO HELP. WE HAVE BEEN SO BLESSED TO HAVE ALL THE PEOPLE HELPING US AND I CAN'T WAIT TO HELP ANOTHER ADOPTIVE FAMILY DO THIS. 

BE BLESSED!

Hope ~ A Necessary Reminder

This morning I had the privilege of speaking with my very good friend and fellow adoptive mom, Mollie. I was somewhat lamenting of having to endure another mini-home study in order to file an extension with the US Government. It's not a big deal but its a little bit more paper chasing and an updated physical. All of which is more time and more money!

I was sharing (in all my transparency) how, at times its hard not to be frustrated when we are still not matched with a child. She was so encouraging and sent me this short devo to read. I encourage you to read it also. It moved me to tears and it was once again the reminder I needed that His timing is perfect and I will never fail while I HOPE in HIM. 

And so standing on the word He gave all those months ago, we wait with CONFIDENT EXPECTATION. Be blessed!

Hope   

 

And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. 

     Listen with your spirit to Romans 5:2-5. "...Our [Lord Jesus Christ] ... through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

      Beloved one, Jesus has brought you into the grace of highest privilege, and you can be full of joy now, in problems, troubles, and trials, because you confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing his glory. The Greek word translated hope means desiring some good and confidently expecting to obtain it. Your victory is in your Father, in spite of opposition, challenges, or suffering that comes to you. Even when expectation delays, when the waiting gets long without fulfillment, you can have the confidence of your Father that he is working good for you. God-given desire leads somewhere: to learning to endure, to developing strength of character, and to confident expectation of seeing the glory of his love for you. This confidence will never disappoint you because how dearly he loves you will never change. The supernatural power of the Holy Spirit is with you to fill your heart with assurance that your Father loves you. That's why as a Father he can tell you gently and firmly, "Be joyful in hope."

      Listen with your spirit to Jeremiah 17:7. "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." And Isaiah 49:23. "Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed."

      Beloved one, you are in God's waiting room, anticipating and expecting while you are learning the meaning of hope. Be blessed with hope when your expectation is delayed. One of the Hebrew words for hope and wait derives from the same root word. The Hebrew words translated hope mean confidence, twisting in labor pains, waiting, shelter, expectation, patience, security, trust, enduring, expectancy, something longed for. When your temptation to hopelessness continues without fulfillment, your Father says that those who wait for him will never be put to shame. The God of hope fills you with all joy and peace as you trust in him. Be blessed with overflowing with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit in you filling up what is lacking that you can't humanly do. Your Father's eyes are on those who hope, so be blessed with knowing that he rewards those who hope in him. Be blessed with security and safety because your hope is anchored in your Father's love.

      Listen to Psalm 62:5-6. "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken." And 2 Timothy 1:12. "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day."

      Beloved one, be blessed with rest and quietness that come from God. Be blessed in your spirit with a strong sense of standing on a solid rock of God's faithfulness and timing. Be blessed with unshakable confidence that your Father is in charge of your circumstances. Ask your Father the right questions as your gaze is fixed on him. There is never a valley of trouble that he does not intend you to pass through with his wisdom and guidance and grace. He gives his faithfulness and fruitfulness in the face of circumstances that look hopeless.

      Listen with your spirit to Hebrews 6:18-19. "God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."

      Beloved one, your Father cannot lie and will not lie. Be blessed with continued faith in his goodness and unmovable hope as gifts from him that produce encouragement. He will give you perfect understanding in your spirit that he will never change his mind about you. Run to him as your strong and trustworthy security. Take refuge in him so that you hold on to his character and his promises with confidence. Be blessed with remaining in the three-fold cord of faith, hope, and love. Allow your Father to replace your burden with his faith, your disappointment with his hope, and your doubts with his love. Be blessed by offering him a sacrifice of thanksgiving, with singing songs in the night, with connecting with your Father in a special and deep way as you praise him for his unchangeableness. Be blessed with unshakable hope, when everything else is shaken.
  

I bless you in the name of the God of hope.

I'm Looking Forward to...

~not just colder mornings but colder days

~jeans, boots and sweaters

~our adoption garage sale Oct. 13th

~bonfires and s'mores with good friends

~Thanksgiving

~Christmas decorating, Christmas parties and CHRISTMAS!!!

~our friends Mandy and Ray returning with their 2 babies from the Congo

~hearing that Tracy and Jason also have their little angel J home

~receiving our referral and introducing her to the world

There's lots more to look forward to than this but these things are in my immediate sights and I'm thankful they will all be happening very soon!

UPDATE, MUST READ!

Change is never easy.
Waiting is hard.
Patience is a virtue.
All these sayings have never been as true as right now.

First of all change. You must be thinking what on earth could have changed. You're still waiting aren't you? Yes, we are. But in the last two weeks we have changed who we are waiting with. Sadly, we have had to say good-bye to the agency we were working with. Details aren't necessary but believe me when I tell you we agonized over this decision. However, even through the agony we knew we were making the right choice and there was a peace (after the storm and tears) that passes all understanding.

The agency we are now waiting with is Holt International and because of this we had to raise an extra $11,000.
Between, our first application, home study fees, certification fees, authentication fees, running around here and there collecting more and more documents (b/c China will not accept docs over 6 months old), medical exams, and finally dossier fee we have already paid $10,000. Now that we are switching agencies we had to pay another application fee ($300) and once we are matched with a child they will invoice us their program fee which is anywhere from $9,360 (if the child has severe special needs) to $11,360 (if the child has more minor correctable special needs). We think we will be closer to $11,000 since we are in the minor correctable special needs field. Last week when we first heard this number we about choked and for about 1.5 seconds we both panicked! BUT GOD! It's been one week since then and we are only about $1,000 away from having the program fee. WOW!!!!! Its been an intense week and I'm thankful beyond words to the people thus far who have contributed to our cause.
We have always said, we're not asking for help to raise her, just help us bring her home!
We sent out 101 support letters Tuesday and we're already having them come back to us. People never cease to amaze me. We said it in our support letter and I'll say it again. In this whole journey money has never been primary but prayer is!!! We couldn't do any of this without your prayers. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Patience is a virtue and I am continually learning I don't have enough of it.
Once we are matched and pay our program fee we will have about 6-8 months to raise the remainder of our funds needed to travel and pick up our little girl. Our agency recommends having $10,000.00. A large portion of this will of course be airfare and depending when we travel could be much more. We are not at all freaked out by this enormous amount of money. God will provide when He needs to provide. He is never early and never late. I am so thankful for the group of friends God has put in our life to support us with ideas for fundraising and not just on the think tank side but also the execution of it all.

What you can do:
PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!
Pray for us, pray for others adopting. Pray for fund raising ideas. Pray for funds. God is in this, I have no doubt!!!
Please pray for my friends Mandy and Ray. They are leaving for the Congo today to pick up their little angels. The Congo is very unstable and there are a lot of uncertainties. Please pray for peace, comfort and wisdom for every step.
Please pray for my friend Tracy who is leaving Sunday to go to Uganda in hopes she will bring home her little angel J. She and her husband, Jason have been waiting almost 2 years and Uganda is moving so slow. Pray for all the red tape mess she is dealing with and that the right paperwork will be right where it needs to be.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!

The Silence...

I have heard lots of quotes on silence. 

But my favorite is: Silence about a thing only magnifies it. There are, obviously lots of ways to interrupt this quote. This was mine. 

Its been four weeks, FOUR WEEKS!! since we have heard anything from our agency. In my humanness I fail to understand this. How can someone not even send an email or make a call that would only take 2 seconds to let us know, "hey we haven't forgot about you". So, that makes it feel magnified. But only for a minute. 

Then I remembered. About four weeks ago my prayers about this began to change. I began praying God would please protect us from more referrals we would have to reject, I began to pray for the lady who has the arduous task of matching families. I know this journey is not about us but I think I lost sight of that for a minute. 

As my hubby likes to remind me, when God is the quietest He is working the hardest. 

My prayer time is focused more on the needs of others.  And for our situation-thankfulness. Thanking Him its done in His time and for His glory. Thanking Him for all the things we are learning along the way. He is so good. 

And in other adoption news...Our very good friends are on their way, even as I type this, for their first appointment at the Congo Embassy for their little blessings. By the beginning of October they will be home!!! Two less orphans in the world. 

Adoption is and forever will be God's amazing redemptive plan for those cast aside by society. I plan on being part of this plan for as long as He'll allow me to be. 

Hebrews 10:24-26

Amplified Bible (AMP)

²⁴ And let us consider and give ^[a]attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities,

²⁵ Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.

²⁶ For if we go on deliberately and willingly sinning after once acquiring the knowledge of the Truth, there is no longer any sacrifice left to atone for [our] sins [no further offering to which to look forward].

I love this set of scriptures. 

Recently, I had not been attending church very frequently. Part of the reason was because we were spending family time at Busch Gardens but the other reason was rebellion. The details aren't really necessary but I will say I have been convicted and have repented. God is good. The entire time I felt Him in my spirit quietly wooing me as only God can. I have only seen this scripture once in my whole life but He breathed it into me and during my rebellion I couldn't shake it and all it meant. 

During the last few months I have been praying for a family in our church who seemed to be going through something. I didn't know what this "something" was but once when I spoke with the wife she asked I pray that she and her husband would "get on the same page" about some things. He also had not been to church in months. This was all I needed, and I began to pray for them. Since that time I've seen her several times and the only question I would ever ask is, are you on the same page yet? And the most recent time I saw her she said that yes one of her prayers had been answered and that was so exciting but nothing could have prepared me for Sunday. 

I got up Sunday and almost willingly went to church. It was tough, mainly because I was not feeling that great and didn't feel like breathing on everyone. But I just knew I had to go. We got there a few minutes before it started and visited with several friends in the lobby and by the time we entered the sanctuary the music had started. We found some seats and I immediately felt something amazing in my heart. Thats when Jayden leaned over to me and said MOM, look who's up there playing guitar. And there right before my eyes, back where he belongs using his talent for Jesus was my friends husband. I was overcome with emotion as I saw God's answer to mine and so many others, prayer. It filled my heart once again with renewed hope. He answers prayers. Why would I ever doubt that? Its just His timing and not ours. We all have work that needs to be done in our lives. 

I am so thankful for God and for His faithfulness and my only response is to have a heart of thanksgiving and faithfulness right back. 

Jesus Calling devo

Seek Me with your whole being. I desire to be found by you, and I orchestrate the events of your life with that purpose in mind. When things go well and you are blessed, you can feel Me smiling on you. When you encounter rough patches along your life-journey, trust that My Light is still shining upon you. My reasons for allowing these adversities may be shrouded in mystery, but My continual Presence with you is an absolute promise. Seek Me in good times; seek Me in hard times. You will find Me watching over you all the time.

But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
—Deuteronomy 4:29

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
—Hebrews 10:23

The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
- Psalm 145:20

Just another MANIC MONDAY...wish it was Sunday...

Ok, not really but I love this title and I'm thinking this will become my theme on Mondays.

I have really let too much time lapse in between posts and I'm sure all two of you who read it care. ;0)

So, in no particular order (since today is Manic Monday) lets play a little catch up!

August 14th marked our oldest J turning 19! Eeeeek, how is that possible?! I mean, B and I are still in our early 20's. Cough cough...
The very next day he started classes at the local community college and then I knew it was true. I. AM. OLD.
We kept things very low key celebrating with just his (and our) closest friends eating one of his favorite meals (my from scratch pancakes) and lots of cake and ice cream. It was a great night but truth be told from a momma's point of view very very bitter sweet. I still remember the day he was born like it was yesterday, or when he learned how to walk, ride a bike, first day of school, skate board, read etc. I could go on and on. I don't think I will ever fully accept the man he is becoming but gosh I'm proud.

Check out his batman cake, at 19 he is still into all things batman. Only this time its in a very grown up way, if thats possible. :0)
For the record, yes that is a mask and yes he did wash it off and wear it.
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My Aunt Holly (mom's youngest sister) came and visited from St. Louis for a week. It was amazing spending time with her. Having her here was the next best thing to my dad visiting. (I'd say my mom too but she's in heaven)
For the most part, we chilled. And it was nice. We shopped a little, ate out a little, talked till we used up all our words and painted a LOT! I'll explain that last part. After dinner out one night, I was trying to think of something fun we could do together and a movie just wasn't going to cut it so I thought lets go paint! We have a place in town called the Accidental Artist where you can go and paint pottery. Its one of my favorite places. Its so fun and relaxing and way cheaper than therapy. Well, once she got her groove she was in hog heaven. She loved it so much we had to go back three days later and take the two younger boys. We called it a field trip/art day. It was a blast. I was especially proud of Jackson and the plate he painted because he can get really frustrated in situations like that but he did really well.
Jackson painted a plate with the Chicago Bulls logo, Jayden painted an airplane with the Olympics logo, I painted a butter dish and Holly painted a tea pot.
The first time we went Holly painted a plate and I painted a container which I now keep my coffee in.  I forgot to mention Aubrey joined Holly and me and was taking pics with her new iPhone 4s.
 Being silly, its what I live for.

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School is going so well minus science. We just haven't found our groove with it and I'm not worrying about it all. Today marked the beginning of week five and despite the begging to attend public school I think even the boys would agree things are going beautifully. 

I'm also really excited about the bible study they have started with their dad once a week. Its called What Every Man Wishes his Father had told Him. 

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We played hard at Busch Gardens all summer, even earning three free nights in a hotel which made it easier to go since we live 3+ hours away. Jayden ended up riding all the roller coasters, even the dreaded Griffon. UGH. That thing scares me. On one occasion he and his dad rode it 6 times in a row. 

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Two weeks ago I deleted my twitter and facebook accounts and have been finding such freedom in that. I didn't realize how much I was allowing those things to take over my world. Yes, I feel a little out of the loop but its really not that big of a deal. It forces me to be more intentional in my relationships with people, keep things a little more real. 

I've kept my Pinterest account and this blog but thats it. Pinterest and this blog actually add something to my life. All facebook and twitter did was subtract. 

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And last but not least some fun pics for the road. When Holly was here Jayden helped her discover the 

fun of photo booth on her mac. No words necessary for the next group of pics. 

Hopefully I'll be back before the next Manic Monday.

Jen Hatmaker - The Truth About Adoption: One Year Later

Jen Hatmaker - The Truth About Adoption: One Year Later

Hope Springs Eternal

This is a line from a poem written by Alexander Pope in the 1700's. I'm not really into poetry but thought it appropriate because that is what I strive to do everyday. HOPE!
Without hope, despair will set in and eventually... you give up.
I have personally experienced this course in my own life more than a decade ago when I succumbed to the bouts of depression. Instead of continuing in battle, I gave up. It turned out to be the best thing I could have done at that time. I slowly but surely gave up my will and entered into a place of surrendering to God's will. Through medication and some counseling I was bettered.
I don't ever think you ever fully get over something like that, however you choose to live in a different manner. Especially if you want healing to be a permanent fixture in your life. I did. So, I chose. Sometimes I have to choose hourly. Sometimes I don't choose and that's when you'll find me in the fetal position crying out for help. There's the difference though. Now, I cry for help. Because when I am weak, then I am STRONG! Greater is He who lives in me than he who lives in the world. I will not be defeated, I will have the victory because Jesus is my redeemer and He is truth!!!

Why do I dredge up part of my painful past?
As Brian and I were making our way to bed Monday evening we saw an email come through from our agency. It caught me by surprise because it was late. I thought my heart skipped a beat. I pulled up the information about this newest little girl including 4 pictures.
I knew almost right away we would once again have to say no. I forwarded the information to our doctor with my own analysis (something the paperwork did not tell us) and laid down. Like a surge of electricity through a power line, a surge of hope made its way through my disappointed heart and I found myself smiling.

This adoption has been anything but what we thought it was going to be. Our agency is sending us referrals of children whose needs are not even close to being on our list of what we can handle.
We are tired. Tired of saying no. Tired of our thoughts and feeling not being acknowledged. Tired of the unknown. But we are not tired of trusting in an everlasting God whose promises are never to leave us or forsake us.
This adoption is not about us, its about God getting the glory. Its about whatever He wants us to learn throughout this journey. Its about being an example to others in the hard times. (I think I fail more than I have success in this area)
Its not about feelings or goose bumps but about real people with a real heart to make a real difference.
I want so much to see our little girl (whoever she is) come home sooner rather than later. But more than that, I want my relationship with God to be as real as it can be so I can do all He wants me to do, instead of all I want to do!

Please pray, today I feel unable and inadequate. I haven't really dug in his word in a week. Prayer has even been hard. Lift us up. Lift me up. And if you feel led, call me and pray with me. I will not say no!

Love and blessings to all of you. We could never walk this road without you or your support!!

Take God off the Shelf!

Do you do this? Do you have a nice little spot for God on a shelf somewhere in your heart, mind or soul? Do you take Him down just when you need Him but are quick to put Him back when He doesn't work as fast as you'd like Him to?
I have, I do. I know I want to burn my shelf. I am working on it.
This is a reality that, although I've known off and on my whole Christian life, became even more painfully apparent as I've walked this journey called Adoption.
You see, before we even began this process I had spent hours pouring over blogs and websites.  Reading stories and watching videos of "Gotcha day's" and seeing all the fantasy and romance that comes from just the simple thought of rescuing a child. Then once our own journey actually began we sat 2 weeks in a row through adoption class and met several amazing couples also on their own journey. Three of those couples we are now forever joined to. Those three couples received their referrals (being matched with their child) quickly and what seemed in my pathetic mind, effortlessly.
Our dossier was complete, it was in China. Where's our referral? Where God where?? One week turned into 2 and 2 turned into 4 and 4 weeks is suddenly 3 months waiting. Waiting and wondering. Turning down kids b/c their special needs are too severe. Taking God off and putting Him back on the shelf in times of crisis. Crying out, I don't want to do this anymore. I am DONE!!!! What do you want from us??? What do you want from ME??? What am I missing??

I was missing HIM!!! The whole time I was so focused on the end goal I forgot about the ONE who planted the dream in the first place.
Focus on ME Rachel, I am here for you. I am not going anywhere, remember? I told you to wait with confident expectation. I am your HOPE I am your STRENGTH!!!! Put your eyes back and me and stop trying to control everything!!!!!!! I heard HIM. Through all the noise in my head I finally heard HIM. It was beautiful! And there, right there in THAT moment I became totally surrendered.

TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND LEAN NOT TO YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING, IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND HE WILL DIRECT YOUR PATHS. BE NOT WISE IN YOUR OWN EYES, FEAR THE LORD AND SHUN EVIL. THIS WILL BRING HEALTH TO YOUR BODY AND NOURISHMENT TO YOUR BONE. 

PROVERBS 3:5-8

See the part about not being wise in your own eyes? When you try and control things yourself, leaving God out of the equation thats what you're doing. Fear the Lord, shun evil. Now I know it sounds a little harsh to say being wise in your own eyes, controlling things and forgetting God is evil but it is! It brings nothing but anxiety, lack of peace and turmoil. I don't know about you, but I feel completely unsettled when I'm in the drivers seat. These last few days since my own break through have been amazing. This doesn't mean I'm still not checking my email once an hour or racing to the phone when I hear it ring. What it does mean is that I am completely OK knowing things will be when God says they'll be and not a moment before. And you know what? I don't want it a moment before. 

I feel blessed to have experienced this revelation and so thankful people never get in God's way. Like, we didn't somehow miss out on "our daughter" b/c I was being an idiot. God is so much bigger than any of that and I'm so excited to watch my shelf fall!

MY SON DO NOT LET WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING OUT OF YOUR SIGHT, PRESERVE SOUND JUDGMENT AND DISCRETION. THEY WILL BE LIFE FOR YOU, AN ORNAMENT TO GRACE YOUR NECK. 

PROVERBS 3:21-22

Clarity or Trust...A Must Read!

I posted this yesterday on my facebook wall but it bears repeating.

During this adoption we have had so many times when we have cried out "God give us clarity" we have felt so alone at times and isolated on this journey because there is no such community where we live. This fuels my passion all the more to start something, anything so that other adoptive moms and dads don't have to feel this way.

I know there are online groups out there that offer amazing advice and support but there is just something about coming together with others who feel your pain and truly understand what you are going through.

After reading this devotional I know we don't need clarity anymore. We only need to have all of our trust placed in Jesus and to know that He put us here and He will never leave us.

We trusted Him when we signed up to do this thing and we WILL trust Him to see it to completion. It doesn't matter how hard, how painful and how hopeless or helpless we may feel at times (or will feel in the future). We can always trust He has the answer before the question is even on our tongue!!

Continuing to wait with CONFIDENT expectation!!!!!

Enoy and please pass it along!!

By Jim Liebelt
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5 (NLT)

The story has been told of John Kavanaugh, who spent three months in Calcutta, India serving the poor and trying to get a handle on how best to spend his life. He met Mother Teresa there, and she asked him if there was anything she could do for him. He requested that she pray for him. When she asked what she could pray for specifically, Kavanaugh asked that she pray that he would have clarity. Mother Teresa rejected his request. She told him, “Clarity is the last thing you are clinging to and must let go of.” Kavanaugh replied that he longed to have the same kind of clarity that Mother Teresa seemed to have. Hearing this, Mother Teresa laughed and said, “I have never had clarity; what I have always had is trust. So I will pray that you trust God.”

Many of us have made seeking clarity a higher priority than simply trusting God. In issues of faith, when we only seek the "safe path" and live on the basis of what we know and understand, we end up walking the Christian life by sight, not by faith. And this pathway is dangerous to our spiritual health.

Trust is faith in action. I love the example of Abraham. God called Abraham to move from his own country to another. God told Abraham that He would make him into a great nation. That was pretty much the extent of the direction that Abraham was given. Talk about lack of clarity. If I were in Abraham’s shoes, I would have wanted specific details on everything involved before setting out on the journey. I think I would have peppered God with questions like “Where, exactly, am I supposed to go?” and “What am I supposed to do?” Yet, that wasn’t the way Abraham responded. Instead, trusting God, Abraham went.

He just went.

This is why Abraham is called in the Scriptures the “father of all who believe.” Yet, taking a closer look into Abraham’s life, found in the Old Testament book of Genesis, we find that Abraham was also an average person who struggled with real life issues. He made risky decisions. And, he made a number of bad decisions along the way. Abraham did not live a safe life. Ignoring any desire for clarity, he pursued God’s calling on his life. He lived a life of trust.

Today, let’s take a step towards following the example of Abraham. Let’s take up the challenge of faith. Let’s begin to live with less clarity and more trust. Remember, the Bible tells us that we are to “live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

You'll Always be Abefroeman to Me!!!

I get a lot of people who ask me about B's facebook name. Its Abefroeman Sausage-King.
It goes all the way back to 1986 when a little movie with (back then) a little name, Matthew Broderick starred in Ferris Buellers Day off.

Brian was a junior then and living it up in high school. Now he wasn't living in Chicago (the movie was filmed) but that is where he was born and let me tell you, from the stories I've heard, Brian was Ferris.
(See video below for an even more detailed explanation)
Always getting away with it, friends with every single different group of kids, always up to something, dating the prettiest girl and a smooth talker. I'll never forget years later reading through his high school year books and one of the common themes was, I never saw anyone sleep in class as much as you and still pass.  :0)
Of course, there were others like, how good of a friend he was/is, how he was always there for them, how he was so much fun/life of the party and how much people knew he would be a success.

And here we are X number of years later just celebrating his 43rd birthday and I am so blessed I get to do life with him.
He certainly doesn't party the way he used to (I'm sure his liver thanks him) but he is still the life of it. He is still friends with a lot of high school buddies (thanks Facebook), and for the most part always up to something. His latest something is finding the right rifle.

Sometimes you just know something even though you don't know. Does that even make sense? Well sitting at that managers meeting almost 18 years ago I will never forget looking at him and just knowing I was gonna make him mine. It sounds cheesy but I'm glad we took the chance because I wouldn't have my life any other way. B makes this journey of life a blast. He makes me laugh, he's a trustworthy, selfless, and dedicated, a man of integrity and He loves God and our family with his whole heart.

                                                     HAPPY YOU DAY BRIAN!!!! 
                                                                                (a day late)

By the way, if you haven't seen the movie...GO and rent it!!!!

In a Holding Pattern.

This is a term usually for flights, here's its meaning. 
1. The usually oval course flown (as over an airport) by aircraft awaiting clearance especially to land. 
2. A state of waiting or suspended activity or progress. 


This is exactly where we are and how we feel. The last few weeks have been THE most emotionally exhausting weeks since my mom dying almost 9 years ago. 
Our agency has sent us 4 referrals in all and all the kids had severe special needs. It was heartbreaking but it also helped us wake up. We really had to re-group and question why were they even sending us referrals like this. We understand their need and passion to place these children but trying to place them with a family who has clearly and prayerfully thought about the special needs they can handle does no one any good, least of all the child. I am in no means speaking against our agency, their passion is right where it should be and I'm sure they were just being over zealous. We too as the adoptive parents need allys during all this because having to reject one referral was painful enough but FOUR?!
So, as of a week ago we reminded them in the nicest way possible that this is where we are as a family and these are the special needs we can handle.
Its clearly going to be even longer than we originally anticipated but who can say either way because at the end of the day GOD'S got this, not me and its His control I want to be in, not my own. To Him to ALL glory!!! Now you are all caught up on adoption news how about some fun stuff?! This past weekend on a complete whim B and I decided to take the kids plus J's girlfriend, Rachel for some fun in Williamsburg, VA!
It was a blast and a much needed getaway for everyone, especially us!
We spent 2 days playing at Busch Gardens and the third day at the biggest Antique Mall I've ever been to, we also hit the outlets and then it was back to Busch Gardens for Chris Tomlin Sunday night. Sadly, we didn't get to see Chris due to it being standing room only and about 1,000 degrees with no air. 
So, we hit the candy and pretzel stores on the way out and headed home. 
It was such a good time just being together and not thinking about anything at all. Enjoy our pics!

No matter where we go if the ride is longer than 30 mins, Jay always falls asleep. 

 Jay picture jumping!

 Waiting for Pirates 4-D to start. 

Me and my hunny. We are dorks. 

 The most beautiful eagle/owl I have ever seen. 

Jared actually rode this! He is nuts!

 And heres the proof. Its a pic of a pic. (I don't buy those, they're a rip off.)

 Gotta love Land of the Dragons. 

I have a pic of him when he was 2 in these eggs. 

Rachel and Jared

 These pics are out of order, this is the start of our day. They were more excited than they look.

The three stooges. 

Even I got in on the action. 

 In the Williamsburg Trading Post. 

Once again out of order, Jay riding the skyride. I was opposite him. 

See, here I am. 

Who doesn't like the Merry Go-Round?

One of only a handful of things Jack did. Poor kid hates heights and speed. I feel his pain. 

 Me and my hunny again. It was so nice having him all to myself this weekend. (well besides the kids)

The two Rachel's. 

Super cute kids. 

While Jay slept this is what Jack did. Kid never falls asleep until he's in his bed!

Thanks for being on this journey with us. Please keep praying and believing with us.
Waiting joyfully with confident expectation!!!!

Szczęśliwa Rocznica!!

Do you know what the title says? I only know because I used Google translation to write Happy Anniversary in Polish. Why? Well I married one 17 years ago today. 

A little background. 

Brian and I met at a restaurant managers training class in the Fall of '94. The first thing I noticed about him was how cocky and funny he was. Of course I also thought he was super hot. Even though we spent the day together in this class, even eating lunch together we never actually said 2 words to each other. 

Fast forward spring '95. Brian began coming to eat at my restaurant about once a week, without saying a word to me, I might add. I found out later he would only come eat there when he saw my car. HAHA. 

Then one evening, I'm eating at his restaurant (with a date) and decide to be funny.  I go back in his kitchen to see what the hold up is and he asks me out!! Finally!!!

It's the end of March and we go out for our first date, then a second, then a third. Lots of fun, lots of drama and then all of a sudden its June 3rd '95 and I am walking down the aisle wondering if I'm making the biggest mistake of my life. 

And so it began, the building of a life together plus a 2 year old. Oh sorry did I forget to mention I was a ready made family, just add a husband?

We began as two very broken people doing our best to simply survive. Reality set in much quicker for us since we had only really known each other 8 weeks when we said "I do". We began counseling, found a church home and determined that no matter the obstacles divorce would never be an option. Although I'm not going to say we didn't think about it a few times. 

Up until about year 8 we struggled to like each other and just did our best. There were more sad times than happy but we supported each other and pressed on. 

We each went to God separately and found the missing link to our joy. A relationship with Him. We allowed God to make us whole individually and that's when we realized where true happiness comes from. Our relationship blossomed from tolerance to celebrating being together every chance we got. 

As we celebrate 17 years I can tell you that because of God and His mercy and our willingness to submit to His truth we are 2 whole people who come together to make a beautiful couple. We are friends, we love to be in each others company and in fact I miss him most days just when he's at work. 

I love you Brian. Thank you for fighting alongside me for this amazing marriage. Here's to 50 more years. 

                         Szczęśliwa Rocznica!!

My baby turns 15

Today my middle baby, Jackson turns 15.

He was born at 8am May 28th 1997. He weighed 9lbs 4oz and had jet black hair.

His first picture is of him crying and I have the same one of his dad and they look like twins.

My first 6 months of pregnancy with Jackson was full of angst and at one point they told me he was dead. But Brian knew better and even when the doctor was insisting I come in for a DandC Brian called forth life and not death and when we went in they found his heartbeat. From that time and for the next 2 months I was on bed rest but it was worth it.

Jackson has been such a joy to us. His constant smile and determination in every part of life is one the things I love most about him.
I have loved watching him grow into an amazing young man who is determined to let His light for Jesus shine. He has allowed God to mold him and make him and he is constantly aware of his need for Jesus in his life.
He has a passion to let others know the truth and despises negativity in any form. He works hard to change the things within him that he knows aren't godly seeking God daily for strength and truth.
He has an understanding of God's word many twice his age don't have and I am so proud he is not ashamed.

He continues to excel in basketball even though he didn't even start playing until last year. He is tireless in his practice taking advice from anyone he can and watching his favorites play and watching what they do so he can get better.

He is an avid reader and his creative writing abilities blow me away. Look out Brian Jacques and all you Redwall series writers.  Jack will be giving you a run for your money some day soon.

He has his sights set high for his future and will not allow others' to bring him down because he knows with Jesus ALL things are possible.

I am positive this year will bring even more changes as I'm sure there is a drivers' permit in his not so distant future not to mention he will be a FRESHMAN IN THE FALL!!!!!

I look forward to the many milestones I get to be part of in the coming years.

My only prayer for Jackson, is that he remains ever steadfast in his commitment to Jesus and doing all he can to continue to be like him.

HAPPY DAY OF YOUR BIRTH JACKSON! WE LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU KNOW!!!
                                                  ENJOY YOUR DAY!!!!

Catching up, a Referral and Waiting...

I've realized there are lots of holes in this journal of mine.

I've never been that great about keeping up with a journal, even when I was a kid.

However, if for no other reason than to look back some day and see how things all came together I have to be better at this blog.

Since my last post so much has happened I'm not sure where to start.

How about we start at the end and go back? Sounds good to me.

This quick part is actually future but I had to mention it. Jackson Scott Maciaszek will turn 15 on MONDAY!!! I can't even hardly believe it. You would think I could believe it by now, I mean I've been making that statement for the past almost 19 years of Jared's life. I think acceptance is what I need to embrace at this point. I am so proud of Jackson and the young man he is turing into. He loves God with everything in him and is sweet and compassionate. He's once again playing basketball for the summer and spends hours outside as well as hours on the computer doing what he can to improve his performance.

Jack and Jay had end of grade testing this past week and both said they felt confident they did well. Since they are home schooled all the testing does is show me areas they need improvement. Its not like I'm going to make them repeat a grade or anything like that.

I was sick this past week. And I mean the WHOLE week. Sicker than I've been in over 2 years. It started as, what I thought was allergies on Sunday. But by the time I woke up Monday morning I knew I was in trouble. I wouldn't have been quite as put out by getting sick except I started my new job Tuesday. Yes, you heard right, a job. I'm baby sitting a 3 month old 4 days a week. So Tuesday I went to the doc just to see how bad it was. He said he couldn't nail it down to one specific thing so did a full blood work up just to see if there was any infection present. There wasn't. Which means I just had to ride the wave while my body did its thing to fight back. Everyday I just got worse and worse. Today is 6 days since its inception and I'm starting to think I'm on the tail end of it but we'll see.

Brian, Jackson, Jayden and I helped with fund raisers at ECU Baseball concessions most of April and May. The money we raise will help the youth kids go to YFN in Texas in July.

And to my food stuffs. Through my friend Linda I've been able to talk to her sister, Lori who is a nutritionist. That has been excellent and so helpful. Things have been going really well. Last night for the first time in over 8 weeks I allowed myself some pizza and ice cream and it was delish and the best part...no stomach ache.
My lifestyle is pretty regimented. Breakfast is a bowl of fruit. Lunch is salad or sometimes some Ezekiel bread with almond butter and real fruit jam. Dinner is pretty much always a salad with lots of good stuff on it. Throughout the day I snack on nuts, drink about 16 oz fresh carrot/apple juice.
I still stay away from dairy, sugar, and meat. The meals I eat are small, I drink a ton of water, take probiotics and digestive enzymes every day. I've kept the weight off which is nice and besides being sick this week I finally feel like I'm gaining some ground and feeling good.
I would recommend anyone try this. Whether you have health issues or not, I just think this is a great way to eat.

And by far the biggest news!
Brian and I received a referral.
We had to say no. It was a very emotional 24 hours. Heres what happened.
It was a Tuesday afternoon about 3 weeks ago. Our agency called and said they had a referral if we would be interested in looking at it. She said her special needs were not on our list but we could consider her anyway. Of course I said YES and said please send me the email. She explained we had 72 hours to make a decision. WOW, no pressure right? Not to mention but we weren't even home during most of this. We were at the baseball field setting up the concession stands.
I called Brian and let him know. I also called a specialist in this area. His name is Dr. Kolb and he is an amazing man. He is an international adoption consultant for just this specialty. He and his wife have adopted 5 kids from China with special needs in 5 years. His fee is nominal and for that he takes all the information, analyzes it, does a phone consultation, a written report and should you accept the referral walks through it all with you. He doesn't tell you what he thinks you should do, he simply tells you all you can expect based on the information given. And the truth is these reports are not that great. They are very basic and that makes it even harder.
Brian and I stepped away from our concession stands and sat on some steps and prayed before we even opened the email.
And then we opened it. As soon as I saw her face I started to cry. Not because I could see what was wrong with her but because here was a precious little girl who just needed a mom and dad to love and care for her. And I so wanted to be that. We did our best to understand all we could, closed the email and then forwarded it to Dr. Kolb and our own pediatrician here in town. And we waited. And we prayed.
The basics of what we knew about her was this: she had been born with Hydrocephalus which in lay terms is water on the brain. We did our own google search but knew we needed to hear from the expert. So we waited.
He said he would call Wednesday morning between 10 and 11 and I could hardly breathe in anticipation.
But all the while I waited I had a peace. And then the phone rang. And there he was on the other end and Brian was there too and we listened to all he said. He took over an hour with us, talking and explaining all he saw on her report and I knew. Brian knew. Before either of us asked the other we both knew. And there was peace. The peace God talks about in His word, the peace that passes all understanding. It was there. It was all over my heart. Even though I wanted her so desperately I knew she needed something I could never give her. She was too sick. I was heartbroken for her.
We let her go.
Wait with confident expectation. Isn't that God had said? Our little girl, who ever she is, will be coming home soon and all this waiting will be like a dream.
So, we moved on from that moment. I pray for her and pray for the family who will be able to take her home and give her all she needs and I have no guilt, only a peace that my God, the true author of adoption, gives His beloved children.

While I'm Waiting by John Waller is such a great song that reminds me what to do while I wait.

Confidence in WHAT?!

This morning was the second time I've spoken to the lady in charge of finding our referral. Her name is Mary.
She is wonderful. After only 1 minute on the phone with her the first time I felt like I'd known her for years. She is very no-nonsense and her passion is crystal clear. She loves finding these kids their forever families.
After today's discussion I went about my normal Monday routine quietly thinking and breathing a few prayers here and there. You see, our dossier is in China which means she is actively seeking a referral for us. I can't even believe I can utter those words. The excitement that stirs within me isn't even able to be articulated.
So, as I was doing I very quietly heard in my spirit "wait with confident expectation." WOW! Did I make that up in my humanness? Don't over analyze Rach!
Confident-its an adjective meaning to feel or show confidence in oneself or to feel or show confidence in something. (I know you know what it means)
Some synonyms are sure, certain, assured, secure, positive, reliant, convinced, safe.
Here's the truth. In general I have always struggled with self-confidence. If you had asked me 15 years ago could I ever see myself doing what we're are doing with this adoption I would have laughed at you!
But isn't that the beauty of this whole thing. This isn't about me. This adoption isn't about my having self confidence or not. Its about believing in the ONE who keeps me safe, secure and certain. Its about knowing that He is reliable when everything in the world is not. Its being convinced that this journey, at the end of the day will bring glory to His name and we can be assured that whoever our little girl is, He already knows and we can have CONFIDENCE in that!!!!

Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord,
let your heart be strong and take courage.
Wait for the LORD!

Romans 5:1-3

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. ² Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

³ We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.

2 Corinthians 3:3-5

Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.

⁴ We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. ⁵ It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.