In the Learning...Praise!

I am learning a few things about myself in this amazing journey God has us on...

One is that I am not consistent in my form of communication:)

There are seasons that I blog, seasons that I post snip-its on Facebook, seasons that I send more intimate email updates, and seasons where I appear to be missing in action.  I also have not taken a photo with my big girl camera for a very long time:)

There have been times where I have beat myself up about that lack of consistency.  

But I am learning grace can be extended to myself as well as others.  

Our days are FULL.  

We homeschool, Aaron played basketball and starts football tomorrow, the girls ride horses, Melika leads youth worship, and both Melika and Kylee are part of a human video team for fine arts.  

AND, this newly turned 40 mama has finally decided to do something that I have always wanted to do...I am participating in a sprint triathlon!!  

(AND, my baby girl, who thinks she is allergic to exercise, 

is doing it with me as my birthday present!!)

(Sprint because the distances are shorter...250m swim, 10 mile bike, 2.1 mile run)  

In the world of triathlons this is a baby race...in MY world...it is HUGE!!!

So, fitting training into an already busy schedule can be challenging.  

There is more I am learning in this journey...

motherhood does not equal wonder woman!

I am sure I am not the only one to find myself battling that syndrome.  

So often we place pressure on ourselves to be all and do all in our homes, for our husband, for our children, and in ministry.  

When in reality...I cannot do anything with success or excellence 

without the intervention of my Heavenly Father!!

When my focus and my praise is on HIM, 

instead of what I have or have not accomplished,

HE makes all things good in HIS time!!!

And Christ's time and way is always PERFECT!!

This next thing I have been working on learning for quite some time...

Christ is working behind the scenes (without my help)

even when things appear to be standing still!!!!

I am not quite sure if it is the type "A" in me or some other reason,

but I love for a decision to be made and then run that race until it is accomplished!!

WAITING IS HARD FOR ME!!

There is much waiting at this leg of our journey...

waiting for hubby's healing or surgery for his foot, 

waiting on immigration clearance,

waiting for our dossier to be mailed to the Philippines,

waiting for the official match for the boys,

waiting to see how God will provide financially for this adoption,

waiting to know the extent of the water damage on our home 

and if the insurance will cover any of it,

waiting to put the house on the market,

waiting to know if we will be here or in a different home 

when we bring our boys to their forever family,

yep...lots of waiting:):)

But, it is in the waiting that we have the privilege 

of resting in God's unfailing peace.  

When there are things for us to do,

 it is far too easy to try to take back some of the control 

that belongs in father God's capable hands!!

In these moments where I relinquish control to the one who had it all along...

then I am pliable in his hands.

In those moments HE can shape me and form me in HIS likeness.  

So in this season, 

where there is much to do,

grace to extend,

capes to remove,

and control to be relinquished (again)...

I am learning much as I praise the ONE who is worthy, righteous, honorable, loving, gracious, faithful, kind, unwavering, all knowing, most powerful....

In the learning as in the waiting...my heart will choose to praise!!!