Passports

"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere." -Psalm 84:10

We went to the local post office to get our passports made. A simple task turned into something straight out of a Stephen King novel. We had an appointment and got there at 11:05. We didn't leave until 12:15! We even filled out the applications online in hopes of expediting the process.

It took 30 minutes for the lady to come and meet us. She started to fall asleep at the table (picture someone who has had too much to drink). We had our three kids in tow which added to the fun. We had to get the manager twice. The first time the guy came out, he said, "Kathy, are you okay?" She came out of the stupor long enough to tell the guy she was fine and off he went. Kathy went back to our application, and tried writing a zero. She made a few "air" zeros and then dozed off again. We went for the manager a second time. He pulled Kathy to the backroom for a few minutes. She returned and was upset that we told on her. "So, you told them that I was falling asleep? I wasn't sleeping. You'd know it if I was sleeping!"

We hope Kathy mails our checks and forms to the government and doesn't pitch them in the trash because we told on her.

Adoption Journey-Day 105

"The virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us." -Matthew 1:23

We had our final piece of paper notarized which completed our Home Study application pack. A friend of ours from church had a great suggestion about hand delivering the paperwork. Our coordinator lives almost 40 miles north of Mansfield, but it was a blessing to know the forms got there. We put a bow and a To/From sticker on the manilla envelope to keep the Christmas spirit.

Dear Father, thank you for Jesus. Your precious holy Son. You are with us and we praise you now and forever!

Bible Journey- Adam & Eve

"the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being." -Genesis 2:7

When our heavenly Father grants me the grace to experience His word, my life is forever changed. Pastor Daniels gave a sermon about the wise men doing whatever it took to reach Jesus. That got me thinking about how the entire Bible is really a series of journeys taken by people who were in need of a relationship with their Creator. The adoption journey is a mirror that reflects God's larger plan of calling His children to a life that they could never have or make on their own.

The first journey was given to Adam and it took him from dust to life on the breath of the Father. Can you imagine? No cars, airplanes, buses,etc. Adam arrived in Eden by the breath of God. He saw beautiful trees grow and a river run. Adam was put in charge of taking care of paradise. As he obeyed, the Father gave him more responsiblity. Adam had been given the task of naming all the living creatures. He followed instructions. God wasn't finished with Adam.

The second Bible journey was given to Eve and it took her from one Adam's ribs to life, once more on the breath of God. The Father escorted her to Adam and the first travelers were loved by their Creator and each other. What I learn from this passage is that God is not only the Author of life but also the Author of Journeys. His timing. For His will to be done. Today is a gift. We are right where we need to be.