I preached a few weeks ago from Ephesians 5 where Paul talks about loving your wife as Christ loved the church.  I have read this passage countless times.  I have counseled men to love their wives using this passage.  I have led several marriage Bible studies with Jill covering this passage.  I am embarrassed to say this, but I never really stopped to think about how Christ loved the church.  I always moved on to the rest of the passage, which is powerful in and of itself.  I have thought about the washing of water by the word, loving her as my own body, and the clear representation of Christ’s relationship with the church in our marriages.  But for some reason, I never really dug into how Christ loved the church.

So early one morning I did a quick skim of the gospel of John, asking the question, “How did Christ love the church?”  Here is some of what I found:

Jesus cleansed the Temple, purifying it from the sin that was so prevalent (chapters 1-2).

Jesus constantly directed the church’s attention to eternity (6:27).

Jesus was willing to lead through rejection (6:41ff).

Jesus was gracious (chapter 8).

Jesus was a shepherd (chapter 10).

Jesus served (chapter 13).

Jesus revealed the Father (14:7ff).

Jesus prayed for the church (chapter 17).

Jesus was strong in the face of criticism (chapter 18ff).

Jesus  was willing to be punished for the sins of the church (19:30).

Jesus forgave and lead into reconciliation (21:15).

I also thought about Philippians 2, the great demonstration of Jesus’ humility.

What an image of love, and this is just a first blush through one gospel.  I have so much to learn about how to love Jill, and she has been so patient with me as I learn.  I am grateful.  I am humbled.  Father, help me to love Jill as Christ loved the church.

Many have asked about Kiril, and we wanted to give an update.  But as God would have it, there is little to update about Kiril, and so much to update surrounding him.

First, Kiril’s case is still in the appeal process, so please keep praying for him and for the judge who will hear the appeal.  If the judge who made the original decision changes her mind, she could simply overturn her own ruling, without the need for the appeal to continue.  Pray for that end, and there are signs of hope, based on the other things that have been happening.

Evan, who is a little girl who also has Down’s, was approved for adoption by the same judge who just two weeks earlier denied Kiril’s adoption.  There has been no real explanation for this seeming discrepency, but we praise God that this judge’s heart seems to be softening.  But wait…there’s more.  There is also another child with Down’s, Baby J, whose family is waiting to go before this same judge for final approval soon.  Do you think God is trying to make a point?

Please continue to pray for these precious children whom God loves.  Pray for this judge, that her heart would continue to soften.  And just so you know who you are praying for…this is Kiril and Evan is below.

This past week was Valentines Day, and since I have never been a “mushy” person- I use to boycott the holiday.  Then God gave me a like-minded husband   and not too long after started multiplying our family like prairie dogs! Every time a “big event”occurred (like adoption court days or bringing home another baby)  it seemed to hover right around Valentines Day.  We wanted to thank the multitudes of people that had been instrumental in the expansion of our family, but we were stuck on just how to do it.  And quite frankly- that was just WAY TOO MANY thank you notes!!!  So we decided to transform the holiday into something that “fit” our personalities better. Thus was birthed the tradition of the Martin’s celebrating “Thankful Heart Day”.  It’s a little like blending thanksgiving and valentines day together.  A day to share your gratitude towards God and others.

This year I sat in my comfy chair and pondered.  It was quiet, in the wee hours of the morning, and I had time to think and pray.  I mulled over in my brain, “am I really I mean REALLY thankful?”  I wanted to be honest with myself and God.  As a mulled, I came to the eye opening conclusion that thankfulness is not just an emotion it is an expression of my spirit.

You see- if it were just an emotional state I would have to like or enjoy my circumstance in order to truly be thankful.  But it is NOT.  Sure emotions play a part, but it is so much deeper than that. 

So I pondered some more and prayed deeply to God about the things in our family that have happened- not just recently- but over the years—hard things- challenging things- bitter/sweet things of God’s divine providence that were many times beyond my understanding as a human. Again I asked myself, “Am I REALLY thankful?”

YES. I am thankful. Looking back at the way God has worked in our lives in the past, in the lives of others, helps me see the current circumstance more clearly.  God has ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS chosen the best for our lives. Sometimes at the moment it is hard to see, but our temporarily clouded vision doesn’t change the Truth of God. He works ALL things for His Glory and our benefit. I KNOW this in my mind even when my emotions are sad. I cannot allow my emotions to choose my gratitude—it is my spirit that must choose.  My spirit that has come to know the Sovereign Creator of the Universe, My God, My Lord, My life, and My Redeemer.  And I say with all my spirit, as Job did thousands of year ago, “I know that my Redeemer lives!”  He is alive and at work in our lives minute by minute whether we choose to see it or not.

So again, yes, I answer to God, yes I am thankful that Jocelyn died.  Tears roll down my face to even say it out loud to you God, but just because I am emotionally sad does NOT change the fact that I have deep and honest gratitude for the way you work in my life.  We continue to see over and over again how you, God, are glorified thru this sad event. How You, God, are using her death to bring other people life and hope when they have been living for years in sorrow, or bitterness, or withdrawal from Your love God.  Yes, I am grateful that you are building our family stronger in faith and trust in You, God. Yes, I am grateful that my children are gaining an understanding of Your sovereignty that far exceeds their age. 

Yes, I am grateful that I have been chosen by the Creator of the Universe to be the proud Momma of the littlest Missionary on earth!  We prayed for 9 months that her life would bring God glory.  We prayed that daily as a family. And it has been answered!  At 5 lbs 3 oz,  Jocelyn Theresa Martin is the littlest missionary I know—launching for our entire family opportunity to share God’s truth everywhere we turn.  Yes, I am grateful that You, God, have made us bold within our soul.  That we fear not to share the Truth we know about you.  We don’t hold back for time is too precious and our days our numbered, You have taught us that God and I am grateful.

So I ask the question again. Can I celebrate Thankful Heart Day this year- truthfully and fully- can I? Well, there is no party or gobs of chocolate harts strewn about, but yes- most assuredly YES! I can honestly say I am thankful.  And with more thanks I say that I am thankful that I have come to a place that I can be thankful!!!! Thank you God for the way fill my days, I wouldn’t change one minute of it- not one.

So it’s been a month…. but we finally got these pictures posted.

It all started with our cousin Lisa.  She lives in Chicago, and she was coming to visit us for the first time.  She had never been to much of the east coast, so we started thinking—where could we take her?  We had an “Adoption Picnic” (a reunion of sorts for our agency) already scheduled at Central Park,NYC for that weekend.  So we thought..what about Providence, RI?  Lots of great historical stuff, beautiful coast, not as many people as NYC.  Perfect.

We were excited to find out that it was “the end of the season” for the coast, so we got an amazing deal on a boat ride around Rhode Island.  It was a tour of all the light houses.  In addition, we got to see many historical buildings, famous mansions, and even pass by some really interesting ships.  The kid favorite was a replica of the Mayflower.  It was out taking people on a tour also.  On this day to RI, we were blessed to take our friends the Carrolls with us and their cute twins, Timothy and Silas.  You’ll see them in the pictures- usually by our little Sarah. That day we also went to Battleship Cove- and got to go inside of real battleships.  For older kids there are great museum features, but we skipped most of that as we only had three “readers” in the bunch.  Plus the Big Guns are WAY more fun! Mom’s favorite- the sleeping quarters-  40+ people packed in there per room—hey, never complain about your room again! oh- and check out their dough mixer!!!

We divided the trips into different days.  We went to NYC for the picnic.  The picnic turned out to be rather lack-luster, so we voted, on a crazy spontaneous whim—LET’S DO IT!!!! Let’s go to the Empire State Building.  It was actually September 11th.  We figured it might help us out, there may be less people there!!  So off we went, Aunt Lisa, our favorite baby sitter Miss Brittany, and the Martin Tribe!!Nothing was really wheelchair accessible—not the battle ship, not NYC, but that didn’t stop us- throw a baby on the hip and Jamie got the stroller- lucky duck.

As we were driving down the streets of NYC trying to figure out where in the world to park our huge van, Dad and Mom looked at each other—“Are we really doing this?” “This is crazy- OUR kids to the top of the Empire State building??” Mom said a quiet prayer to herself—keep me sane and patient!

Hey- when in Rome!!!

So here’s our pix of the two days. What we learned.  Be brave, be spontaneous, try new things even if they are crazy, plan on having fun, take advantage of each moment—ENJOY YOUR FAMILY!

Picture help—for those of you who don’t know… you can click on the first picture, and then watch them like a slide show in larger view.  Once the first one pops up, you can click “next” in the top right corner.

About 10 years ago, my younger sister, Suzanne, introduced me to a new friend of hers.  They met through work related activities.  Suzanne was serving with Young Life Capernaum in Baltimore and Terri was a mom connected to the ministry through her children.  At the time, Suzanne introduced us because (hopefully I quote this correctly) “You guys are like the same person! You HAVE to meet her!”.  Of course back then, Sean and I had just little Jacob, so ONLY GOD KNEW just how much alike we really were!!!

Jim and Terri are the overly blessed parents to 10 beautiful children.  Their family is designed by God and He built it through birth and adoption.  Over the years, God had shaped their hearts, minds, and lives to willingly answer, “Here I am Lord, send me”, I will go where you lead me”.  I am sure if you asked them 40 years ago if they thought they would have ten kids, some adopted with varying special needs, they would have said- No Way! That’s Crazy! Who us? Really?

They have walked where we currently walk.  They have survived the “Diaper years”, but they are still “in the thick of it” since parenting never ends, especially when you have been blessed with kids who have special needs.  Their “baby” is a teenager now and their oldest is a pastor in WV.  We of course can finally say we have a child in the “double digits” (our oldest is 10yrs) and diapers… well, they keep coming around here!

When we first met, Sean and I had NO IDEA we would end up so much like them!!!  We have  built a friendship over the years.  A bonding of “common hearts” for encouragement, insight, Godly wisdom, laughter, an understanding ear, and did I mention laughter- we really need that one! Of course there was also, trampoline jumping, swinging, girly stuff, piano duets with Isaac and Jacob, hikes, running around outside, cookouts that became cook-INs, trips to the fire house, celebrations at church with Beyond Capernaum, and a little much needed “man therapy” for the dads- construction! The dads spent time at their church checking out the site!–as they are building a very large addition.

This past week our families gathered together for what is becoming our annual “Palooza” time of fun, encouragement, bonding, and unsaid reminders of why our families look the way they do. Everything God designs is beautiful!  Just look at creation.  Your family, our families, are no exception.  They are created by God and for God’s glory.  Keeping that perspective is ever important as we raise our children in the “day to day”. God is sovereign and He does not make mistakes!!!  Every child is a blessing from God—sometimes we just have to shift our vision…off of ourselves, and to God’s glory.

Yesterday was a very long day.  Our friend’s son, Logan (age 3), went into an 11 hour surgery to remove a tumor they recently found in the back of his head.  He had been complaining of next pain and been a little off balance.  He recently had a tremor in his right arm and they took him immediately to the doctor.  On Tuesday he had an MRI, and they instantly began planning surgery to remove this very large mass in his tiny little head.  The surgery was Thursday- yesterday. Our whole church was praying, families were praying, work schedules were put aside, and EVERYONE was praying.  Oh Lord, give the doctors wisdom and endurance. Protect little Logan from harm. Guard his little body and protect his brain. 

Surgeries like this are “wait and see”.  Would the tumor be attached to his brain? What would happen? Sometimes your thoughts are so full that you can’t even think!  Is this really real?  And then, in that same train of thought, your life gains IMMENSE perspective! Seriously- I was just complaining about……….  My “light and momentary troubles” have just become like dust.  Something that SEEMED overwhelming, just blew away in the wind.  God swung me around as if to say “Wake up! Get Perspective”

Logan came out of surgery last night.  After 11 hours the doctors successfully removed ALL of it!!!!!! Every bit!!!! And it was NOT attached to the brain, but the bone.  THANK YOU LORD!!! 

Logan has a long recovery ahead of him. His family and he covet your prayers and encouragement.  But OH, what a very GOOD Friday it is today!!!!

He has a “Caring Bridge” site set up for updates.  The address is http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/circleoflove.  This site is restricted, so you will need to enter some information and get approval from the author, but that will just take a minute.  Thank you for your prayers.