Wow! I am in awe...foolishly in awe, I suppose. For the Bible even declares you can do exceedingly more than we could ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3: 20-21)...and that is exactly what you have done...exceedingly more.
You have deeply blessed this effort. And I wouldn't want to be doing anything else, right now.
This blanket ministry to orphans will touch more and go further than I ever thought possible- frankly, greater than ever crossed my mind. I thought we were just making 100 blankets to get my unsettled heart to focus on what could be done- now. But by the looks of it, a ministry has been born.
Cocoon, Cuddling Africa's Orphans. An outreach you planted in my heart to love on the loveless- to reach those who seem unreachable- so far away and in a world so unfamiliar to me. And as much as I long to cradle those children close to my heart, I will trust you to love them. For now, I will settle to pray over this labor of love- this fabric and thread- knowing you will bring these blankets to those in need...that these blankets will be a symbol of love, of faith, of your heart for orphans...and of my desire to be used for the causes of Christ.
It amazes me how many people have eagerly partnered with me in this effort. People who know me and love me- people who only have heard of what I am trying to do. It amazes me that the day after I sent out my email asking friends and family to help, one fabric store decided to cut the cost of flannel by more than half for that week. And as I stepped out with my own money to start purchasing sale fabric, you multiplied my funds over and over again. It amazes me that by week's end I was heading back to the fabric store to buy as much flannel as I could fit in my cart.
I sit here today with 234 yards of fabric in my house and more money in the bank for this ministry than I've already spent. How many blankets are we making, Lord? Oh, how it would blow my mind, I'm sure, if I saw the big picture!
For now, I am content to sew, and sew, and sew until all the fabric here has been used- to keep my eye out for your sales, Lord, -to diligently and wisely run this small, start-up, non-profit in the name of Jesus and for the love of orphans. I couldn't be more excited to be used in such a way. I can't keep my enthusiasm to myself- it feels like I'd explode if I tried!
This is what it looks like to do things your way and not mine. This is the work you have for me...this is what I am supposed to be doing for Africa's orphans...right now. You directed me to this, and when I stepped out in obedience and willingness to walk an unknown path, you blessed it- greatly!
May I remember this- this moment- this feeling- and do life in this manner...always. For it is so much greater to follow your lead than wail with frustration standing still.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
movement
You have given me direction...an outlet...an action for my unsettled heart. Thank you, Oh Lord, for you are always so very good.
And although this new step is not what I thought I was waiting for, I can see how this is better. Your ways are always better. And I also see how I may not have arrived at this point if I was not so frustrated, so impatient, so anxious to go...move...and do. I see how you were building in me a breaking point of sorts- something to cause the right action in my life. Something to get me to say, "Well, then fine! What can I do now for these children, if we aren't going forward with adoption yet?" Something to move my eyes off my wants and my plan and seek yours...to truly look for you and where you would have me go.
I am walking down a path, today I know was hand-crafted for me. You prepared this for me- I feel it. And it is an amazing feeling to be deeply breathing in what you have planned...to step out and watch you provide. Lord, it was less than 12 hours from when I actually articulated my desire to make receiving blankets for orphans until you gave me a place for that to happen- a church so willing to participate. It was like you were merely waiting for me to move, so you could act. (And I have been thinking the reverse all this time).
I have said (many times) that I see adoption as a God blessed endeavor...something that truly pleases you, an effort you willingly support. I can't help, but think that this too is a God blessed endeavor. To care for these children through something so simple as homemade blankets, pleases you just as much as opening my home. For both require a broken heart and a desire to "defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and oppressed." (Psalm 82:3).
Bless this effort, Oh Lord. Have your hand upon it and bring about your glory as we step out and reach to love on the loveless, the forgotten, the poor and the lonely. As we act as your hands and your feet, provide what is needed to do what you have prepared in advance for us to do.
To you be the glory. Amen!
And although this new step is not what I thought I was waiting for, I can see how this is better. Your ways are always better. And I also see how I may not have arrived at this point if I was not so frustrated, so impatient, so anxious to go...move...and do. I see how you were building in me a breaking point of sorts- something to cause the right action in my life. Something to get me to say, "Well, then fine! What can I do now for these children, if we aren't going forward with adoption yet?" Something to move my eyes off my wants and my plan and seek yours...to truly look for you and where you would have me go.
I am walking down a path, today I know was hand-crafted for me. You prepared this for me- I feel it. And it is an amazing feeling to be deeply breathing in what you have planned...to step out and watch you provide. Lord, it was less than 12 hours from when I actually articulated my desire to make receiving blankets for orphans until you gave me a place for that to happen- a church so willing to participate. It was like you were merely waiting for me to move, so you could act. (And I have been thinking the reverse all this time).
I have said (many times) that I see adoption as a God blessed endeavor...something that truly pleases you, an effort you willingly support. I can't help, but think that this too is a God blessed endeavor. To care for these children through something so simple as homemade blankets, pleases you just as much as opening my home. For both require a broken heart and a desire to "defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and oppressed." (Psalm 82:3).
Bless this effort, Oh Lord. Have your hand upon it and bring about your glory as we step out and reach to love on the loveless, the forgotten, the poor and the lonely. As we act as your hands and your feet, provide what is needed to do what you have prepared in advance for us to do.
To you be the glory. Amen!
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