"Demo Day"

It sure has been a while, friends... And even as I begin, I question whether to continue or just keep these thoughts buried deep within. However, the purpose of this blog is yes, to keep our village posted on adoption updates, but also to encourage others to choose JOY in their journey. Although each journey is different, as children of God, our journeys are all designed to ultimately glorify the same God who is working ALL things for our good and His glory. Yes, ALL things - the highs AND the lows. With so many talented writers and bloggers out there, please know that my goal is not to gain "followers" or even be a real "blogger". My motive and reason for writing, sharing, posting is for that one. The one who feels alone. The one who is discouraged. The one who is struggling to find joy in their journey whatever it may be. So... for the one who just might find themselves reading my scattered thoughts, know that you are not alone. You are loved, and you CAN have JOY in your journey.  

The past few months have definitely resulted in many lessons learned and lots of questions with little to no answers as our little family has experienced many highs and lows, emotionally, physically, spiritually, financially... as does everyone, everyday. Our days are filled with the unexpected. Each moment, unknown to us, but perfectly known by our Father. Some days I wake up, ready the day. Then some days, not wanting to leave my bed, fearful of what the day may hold and the harsh realities faced each day in our world. However, it is those days when I am most desperate for the truth spoken from God's Word. As I glance over at my Bible that I have had for the past 15 years, missing its cover, pages held in place by paper clips, the entire book held together in multiple pieces in an old-school Bible cover, I am reminded of just HOW desperate I am for this Book as the Holy Spirit makes it come alive and speak power and peace into my heavy heart. Friends, my worn out Bible does not represent anything other than a hot mess of a girl that simply can not face the day without it. Some days, even just a word or two from its pages will completely silence those little voices fighting for control in my head and heart. Other days, I read and read, before stopping, allowing stillness, welcoming silence, and waiting for the Holy Spirit to speak. Recently, it has been so many of the verses that I memorized as a child that God has allowed me to hear with new ears as if hearing them for the very first time, coming in and what has felt like completely destroying everything I once thought made me who I am. But these "demo days" are now being RESTORED by the Creator and Sustainer of my heart.

From Broadway shows to the "Summer Movie Series", the Orpheum Theatre is my favorite place to visit in downtown Memphis. The Orpheum was originally built in the 1920s and is a trip back in time with every visit. With massive chandeliers, six levels, and over 2,300 seats, the Orpheum still maintains a glamorous, intimate atmosphere with every experience. 

This summer, thanks to some sweet friends, Jared and I were given tickets to "Dinner on Stage" at the Orpheum. After enjoying live music in the lobby, we were led outside and in through the back door of the theatre in order to experience what life is like "behind the scenes". After being backstage, we were escorted center-stage to our table for dinner with the massive, red curtain drawn not allowing for us to see the many levels of empty seats along with the grand and ornate details of the theatre. After being seated, we were told that our "Dinner on Stage" experience would be unlike any other for over the past 15 years, because this summer, the theatre was being RESTORED. The massive curtain was then lifted to reveal what I once knew as one of the most beautiful to a sight of scaffolding, ladders, plastic, dust, overwhelmed by darkness and emptiness. For a moment, I was quite disappointed, then sitting there center-stage, I heard His Spirit say to mine, "This is what I am doing, dear one. I am RESTORING your soul and will bring your spirit back to a place greater, more beautiful, more intimate with Me than before. The completion will be greater than your original condition, my beloved. Just trust. I am here." 

Photos from: https://www.facebook.com/theorpheum/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10153508351015947

Since that night, I have not only learned to embrace and celebrate this season of restoration, but have also asked God to open my eyes to the possible "demo" going on in other's lives as well. Everyone experiences seasons of struggle, grief, loss, hurt, disappointment. And instead, of comparing, competing, and criticizing, why not be a part of the restoration by speaking life and giving hope? Be the answer to their prayer. The words of Psalm 23, verses I memorized as a kid, have not only left me with a new sense of surrender to my God and His purpose for my journey, but also a new mission in how I love and serve. 

"Although David might have written Psalm 23 from an experience of questioning, wanting, or worrying, he recognized the Lord as his shepherd. Just as David would have always had the best interests of his sheep in mind, he trusted God in this same way. Then he expressed his understanding of God's purpose for his waiting period when he wrote, "He makes me lie down in green pastures (REST), he leads me beside quiet waters (REFLECTION), he restores my soul (RESTORATION). He guides me in paths of righteousness (RIGHT CHOICES) for his name's sake (It is all about God, not about David)" Psalm 23:2-3. David chose to resist the temptation of discontentment by seeing the greater good of this waiting period. Rest, Reflection, Restoration, learning to make Right Choices, and remembering it is all about God and not me are all positive ways to spend any nervous energy that might come my way during my own next waiting period." (Lysa Terkeurst from Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl)

Not only did that night at the Orpheum show me the true beauty of restoration, but now... I can not watch anything on HGTV without basically, well... worshipping the One who Restores. Renovates. Reconstructs. Rebuilds. Recovers. Renews. Revives. Rescues. Redeems. Embrace and celebrate your "Demo Day", friend. 

Adoption Update: 1 year and 8 months in. Things are happening, and we are confident that our God is working in our waiting. Your prayers are most appreciated. Please pray for the following as we desire nothing more than for God to be glorified through this journey:
- Matching process would speed up
- God's provision
- Our preparation for parenting
- Our child's spiritual, physical, and emotional health
- Safe travels to and from Haiti and for the welfare of our friends and family back home
  while we are away
- For those providing care to our child until he is brought home
- The people of Lifeline as they guide us through this process

Worship in Waiting:
"I Shall Not Want" Audrey Assad
"Good to Me" Audrey Assad