Another Saturday portrait session in the living room. Grace “fell apart” before I could change her into her dress to take her two year portraits (we even tried chocolate to keep her happy-didn’t work). We’ll have to give it another try very soon! Tomorrow is her birthday!
Here is a great article dealing with theological issues and transracial adoption.
An exerpt:
It’s important to think of parenting as essentially an exercise in identity formation (spiritually first, and ethnically in light of those spiritual realities). So, give considerable time to helping your child think of her or himself as one made in the image of God. The dignity of their lives is derived primarily from this aspect of their identity. Whatever struggles they encounter in terms of social and ethnic identity, they should resolve them in light of this fundamental truth. Also, parents want to help their children ground their identity in Christ if the child is/becomes a Christian. They are being renewed in the knowledge of God, righteousness and holiness through their union with Christ. This is the most profound aspect of who they are and understanding this is critical for putting identity conflicts in their proper perspective. Having laid that theological basis then it’s time to think critically about ethnic culture, experiences, and ideas.
The blog has lost it’s place in my weekly routine lately due to some changes to our family life….
First, we started the school year. John is in first grade and Will is in preschool. I am teaching them both at home and our days are very full!
Second, Bob and I accepted the position of Children’s Ministry Directors at Oakwood Community Church back in August. The fact that I am just now getting around to sharing this news is an indication of how full our days and nights have been.
See that oak tree up on our banner? It is there because it has been a symbol for Bob and I, and our family, as we seek to grow in our wisdom and knowledge of the Lord, train our children in faith and pray that God would grow them into ”mighty oaks”, with a deep-rooted faith in God. Well, this vision has just left the four walls of our home and stretched into the family of Oakwood Church. We are thrilled to work with parents as they train their children to be “mighty oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord, for the display of his splendor.” (Isaiah 61:3)
Of course, we still have no new news about Grace. We have passed the five week mark since her blood was drawn for the DNA test. Time has never gone as slowly as it has during these past two months. She is changing everyday – talking, running and skipping (which is actually more of a gallop.) We look at her and wonder how anything could actually be wrong. But the burden is very real as we often think of what may be ahead. Thankfully, as we try to find time for all we have to do, and to bear the weight of the medical questions, we have Jesus who said “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
To close I just want to share a bit of what I read this afternoon while putting Grace down for her nap. While I was reading I was amazed again by the majesty of our Lord.
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.” Hebrews 1:1-4
“It is easy to find out whether our lives are focused, and if so, where the focus lies. Where do our thoughts settle when consciousness comes back in the morning? Where do they swing back when the pressure is off during the day?…Dare to have it out with God…and ask Him to show you whether or not all is focused on Christ and His glory….
How do we bring things to a focus in the world of optics? Not by looking at the things to be dropped, but by looking at the one point that is to be brought out. Turn your soul’s vision to Jesus, and look and look at Him, and a strange dimness will come over all that is apart from Him.”
-Lilias Trotter, missionary to Algeria
(from A Passion for the Impossible, emphasis added)
