Happy New Year 2014 from the Vogtmans!! And we are ready to have an amazing year full of God's miracles and adventures for our growing family!
Lately, with all the emotions of the adoption whirl winds blustering around I find myself searching for answers and stability. I'm a planner type, love making lists and checking items off! So when the future is uncertain or redirected, then that is a true challenge for me in 'letting go and letting God.' Theses times I more often find myself quoting scriptures, singing songs, and even posting scriptures around the house so that my little mind will not wander into the 'what if' frenzy.
(visit these posts for the latest in our adoption news: Child in a Paper Pile and Standing in the Gap)
I am reminded of His power, faithfulness, and grace. I find confidence in reflecting on 2013 and ALLLL that the Lord brought us through, the ways He provided for us, the people that He orchestrated to be in our lives, and learning more about His love for all mankind- especially for the children.
We know that the Bible tells us, "He who began a good work, will be faithful to complete it." And let's just pray that 2014 is the year for completing the adoption and bringing our kiddos home! ;)
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For Christmas my sister gave me Sarah Young's Jesus Calling Devotional Bible. I've posted before of Sarah Young's writings as it does have a personal way to speak to your heart as if God himself is writing a love letter directly to you. That's what the Bible is anyway, but when Sarah Young changes the perspective and writes in the first person (as if God is directly talking to you) then the reader feels more connected to the writer.
This excerpt is called "Victorious Living"
"I want you to say with confidence: "The Lord is My Helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" This bold confidence is not a denial that bad things happen to My people. It is a declaration of transcendent courage- in the midst of hardships and dangers. The basis for this courage is My tenacious Presence with you; I will never leave you or forsake you. I Myself go before you and will be with you wherever you go.
I am well aware of your fearful tendencies, and I long to help you break free from them. Most of your fear stems from pondering bad things that could happen- leaving Me out of that imaginary scenario. This is a very harmful practice; it is also an exercise in unreality. Although your future stretches all the way into eternity, there is not even one second when I will be absent from you.
While the psalmist David was being pursued by King Saul, he was in constant danger. Yet he was able to write: The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? I am also your strength. Whenever your mind wanders into the future, make the effort to include Me in that imagery. See Me helping you, strengthening you, encouraging you. Instead of being intimidated by tough times ahead, view them as adventures that you and I together can handle. If fearful thoughts start closing in on you, push back the darkness with a shout of "Victory!" - confident in the Victorious One who will never leave you or forsake you.
(From Jesus Lives by Sarah Young)
Click these verses to read more:
Hebrews 13:6, Deut. 31:8, Psalm 27:1
Lately, with all the emotions of the adoption whirl winds blustering around I find myself searching for answers and stability. I'm a planner type, love making lists and checking items off! So when the future is uncertain or redirected, then that is a true challenge for me in 'letting go and letting God.' Theses times I more often find myself quoting scriptures, singing songs, and even posting scriptures around the house so that my little mind will not wander into the 'what if' frenzy.
(visit these posts for the latest in our adoption news: Child in a Paper Pile and Standing in the Gap)
I am reminded of His power, faithfulness, and grace. I find confidence in reflecting on 2013 and ALLLL that the Lord brought us through, the ways He provided for us, the people that He orchestrated to be in our lives, and learning more about His love for all mankind- especially for the children.
We know that the Bible tells us, "He who began a good work, will be faithful to complete it." And let's just pray that 2014 is the year for completing the adoption and bringing our kiddos home! ;)
* * * * * * * * * *
For Christmas my sister gave me Sarah Young's Jesus Calling Devotional Bible. I've posted before of Sarah Young's writings as it does have a personal way to speak to your heart as if God himself is writing a love letter directly to you. That's what the Bible is anyway, but when Sarah Young changes the perspective and writes in the first person (as if God is directly talking to you) then the reader feels more connected to the writer.
This excerpt is called "Victorious Living"
"I want you to say with confidence: "The Lord is My Helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" This bold confidence is not a denial that bad things happen to My people. It is a declaration of transcendent courage- in the midst of hardships and dangers. The basis for this courage is My tenacious Presence with you; I will never leave you or forsake you. I Myself go before you and will be with you wherever you go.
I am well aware of your fearful tendencies, and I long to help you break free from them. Most of your fear stems from pondering bad things that could happen- leaving Me out of that imaginary scenario. This is a very harmful practice; it is also an exercise in unreality. Although your future stretches all the way into eternity, there is not even one second when I will be absent from you.
While the psalmist David was being pursued by King Saul, he was in constant danger. Yet he was able to write: The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? I am also your strength. Whenever your mind wanders into the future, make the effort to include Me in that imagery. See Me helping you, strengthening you, encouraging you. Instead of being intimidated by tough times ahead, view them as adventures that you and I together can handle. If fearful thoughts start closing in on you, push back the darkness with a shout of "Victory!" - confident in the Victorious One who will never leave you or forsake you.
(From Jesus Lives by Sarah Young)
Click these verses to read more:
Hebrews 13:6, Deut. 31:8, Psalm 27:1
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