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One hundred and twenty-five blankets are headed to Kenya in just a couple of weeks and my heart could not be more filled with joy.

Bless those delivering, serving and loving on those children.  Hold them in the palm of your hand providing protection and wisdom.  Be with them at every turn as they seek to do all that you hold out for them.

Bless the children receiving the blankets.  May the blankets never be lost, just like Your love can never truly be lost to us.  And may the blankets never be taken, just like Your presence in our lives is a constant.  May those blankets represent Your love and may they provide a comfort, strength and peace to each and every child. 

I am honored to be a part of this effort and humbled that you would use me.  Thank you for the direction and action you granted at a time I needed so desperately to 'do.' 

Thank you for the people who have stepped up to financially make this happen.  Thank you for the children who have such faith and obedience that they gave of their own resources.  I especially thank you for "O."  -an 8 year old girl who wrote a simple, but powerful note: "Thank you for making blankets for the orphans."  I wept when I read it, Lord...and my heart was filled when I saw $75 of her own money she gladly gave to children she most likely will never meet.  Bless her for her generosity and giving heart.  Bless the days ahead of her that you clearly are going to use to mold and build a true servant for your kingdom.

I ask that you would guide me as the thoughts of what to do with Cocoon grow.  Are we to offer an opportunity for people to purchase the satin/flannel blankets and in doing so also pay for an orphan to receive that very blanket?  Having such a physical reminder with my own children has made a powerful impact.  They each cuddle up with their 'duplicates' and pray for the child who will receive its match.  Our middle child has constantly prayed that the "African children can sleep well on their mats loving on their blankets...may they be safe...and full...may they be loved and protected...and may they be given parents to hold them."  I echo those prayers as I wonder what you have planned for this effort...this ministry...this outreach. 

I would not be honest if I did not remind you, Lord, that I'd rather be doing the loving and protecting...the holding and the feeding.  But, you know that.  And I am grateful  I can also say that I am filled with great joy in this wait as I seek to be obedient to your calling on my life. 

A friend just yesterday said, "you seem so joyful."  I am.  I absolutely am filled to the brim with joy...and not because my circumstances of wait and wonder have changed, but because my perspective on the wait has been adjusted.  I no longer see me waiting- I see you working.  I see you asking me to 'do' and I gladly say "absolutely, Lord.  Whatever it is you call me to- I will obey you gladly."  And that makes all the difference in the world.

I am all about you, Lord, and doing what needs to be done.  Please continue to use me where I am and take me where I can only go with you.  For that is true joy!