Temple Time

Chocolate. Cookies. Cupcakes. Candy. Ice Cream. Coffee drinks that are basically dessert in a cute cup... There it is. A list of reasons I MUST work out. BUT... over the recent months, I have learned that this list of yummy goodies is only part of the reason I choose to roll out of bed super early after hitting the snooze button only once or twice instead of five or ten times, then lace up the tennis shoes that probably should be replaced sooner than later... shoo-wee.

To be completely honest, I have been struggling whether to continue to post or not. While in this part of the adoption process, there is not much to "update". Yes, we are in the season of waiting, waiting, and MORE waiting. We are confident in knowing that our God is working in our waiting - working ALL things for our good and His glory. BUT... my desire for this blog is to not only keep "our village" up to date on this journey of adoption, but to also encourage and inspire you in whatever journey you are on. If one post can do that for one person, I will keep writing and sharing. My prayer is for every post to communicate genuine transparency and love for our God and result in you choosing JOY that can be found no matter your journey - spiritual, emotional, mental, physical, etc. And for me, I am learning so much about how these different areas of my life influence each other and how they all impact my overall purpose especially in this present season of life. That purpose is simple: to KNOW GOD and make HIM KNOWN.

So, here it goes, friends... The topic that I never, ever really wanted to write about and definitely never post. Something that I hate, but love... I have always been "aware" of my size and battled that silly, 3 digit number on the scale. For me, exercise is a form a therapy, a time to focus on something other than the million other things going on inside this head. I enjoy trying new things and setting new goals in order to keep things interesting and challenging. So, even though drinking LOTS of water and being active has been a part of my daily routine for as long as I can remember, the "battle of the brain" overwhelms me often with doubts, discouragement, fear and a million other insecurities. 

BUT, recently I took some time reevaluate the "WHY?" - Why do I exercise? What's the point? What's the ultimate goal? The answers to these questions resulted in what I now call "Temple Time". In 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 after writing that our bodies are made by God and for God, Paul writes, "Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” Temple Time is a time to focus on your physical and spiritual journeys. The goal is not to become "America's Next Top Model", right? Mercy, NO. The goal is to be healthy and ultimately honor God with your body - the Temple of the Holy Spirit. After an early morning workout, I find myself "alive, alert, awake, enthusiastic" and more ready to dive into God's Word and spend some intentional time in prayer before getting into the busy schedule of the day.  

Accountability is also key and a part of what Temple Time is all about. No competition. No comparisons. Just people that love Jesus and want to help each other be all that God created them to be. I am beyond grateful for my sweet hubby who happens to also be my "personal trainer". Not only do we enjoy working out together and incorporating workouts that we both enjoy, but girls, there is nothing more attractive than a guy on his knees spending time with His Father after spending time training the temple. For 2016, I desired to establish a new morning routine in order to start my day with my God and in HIs Word. I do what I do throughout the day, not because I want to do things FOR Him, but instead just want to be WITH Him and aware of His presence. And although I am still learning the best flow for the morning, I have been so encouraged by the effect it has had not only on the effectiveness of my workouts, but also my study and prayer time. 

1 Timothy 4:8 says, "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come."

Let me challenge you to evaluate your "WHY?" - Why do you do what you do? What is your mission? Your purpose? And how does your daily routine and choices reflect that mission and unique purpose for which you were created? How are you spending your Temple Time?

My next Temple Time goal is quite scary... Well, CRAZY, really, and I would love for you to join in! 100 burpees each day for 30 days (February 18th - March 18th) for a total of 3,000 burpees!!!! I was inspired by a friend who is in the middle of her 30 day challenge now and decided to incorporate it into my Temple Time for the next 30 days. Who's in? 

Worship in Waiting:
"Joy of the Lord" Red Collective
"Open Up the Heavens" Meredith Andrews




  

STOP the Chatter... BE STILL

Floss every day. More water less coffee. Intensify daily workouts. Read and journal more. Color often... These were just a few of my goals for 2016, and I must admit that I have already missed a day or two of flossing and have drank a lot of coffee on these recent chilly days... BUT also and more importantly this year, I desire a heart that is humble and ready to hear God's voice above all others. Every day is FULL of different emotions - highs and lows, and Disney’s “Inside  Out” perfectly illustrates characters to the “little voices” inside our head and shows us how our emotions on the inside effect our actions on the outside. In the movie, Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Anger, and Fear battle it out in a little girl’s head for control. In the end, they learned that they must work together at times in order for each to exist. I could perfectly relate to the craziness going on in Riley's head... especially during this season of life. One thing I noticed is that there was a “little voice” missing… LOVE! BUT, quickly I realized love is not a feeling or an emotion, love is an action - a result of our emotions. Love is a decision, a choice, an attitude. Although our culture commercializes love and portrays it to be something physical, fleeting, and self-serving, we as children of God have experienced and should know true, genuine love is to be sacrificial, selfless and result in an attitude of surrender and service.

Faith is all about love. The love we have received from our Father, and the love we share with others. BUT, I know for me, sometimes those "little voices" in my head completely take over leaving me in a place of self-pity, frustration, doubt, jealousy and the list can go on and on. It is there when it is difficult and almost impossible for me to choose JOY, act in LOVE and truly THRIVE as a child of God. Steven Furtick, author and pastor of Elevation Church, refers to these "little voices" as the Chatterbox. A dear friend of mine who encourages me in my faith and is patient with me while "outwardly processing" the million and one things going on in this head and heart, highly recommended that I read Furtick's book, Crash the Chatterbox. And.... it has been kicking my booty for the past month. It has been exactly what this girl has needed to "process" the day to day and events of the past month or so while bringing every thought captive and being reminded and completely overwhelmed by the truths of God's Word. 

A few weeks ago, we received an email from our adoption agency telling us the good news that our dossier had passed through legalization! We knew that the next step would be a long waiting period, but didn't really realize exactly HOW long. It seems the time-frame for this step in the process is longer than we anticipated. We are so grateful to be at this stage of the process, and here we are, 1 year down... YET... that doesn't make the waiting any easier really. It is literally a moment by moment season that we are in knowing that God is working in our waiting while working all things for our good and His glory. 

Crash the Chatterbox has allowed me to honestly wrestle with thoughts and emotions that I have never really allowed myself to struggle with. I have learned and am still learning how to daily battle and ultimately crash the chatterbox by simply being still. Exodus 14:14 "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." 

"My joy is not determined by what happens to me, but what Christ is doing in me and through me."

In the book, Furtick refers to to an essay titled "Welcome to Holland" by Emily Perl Kingsley. What an incredible perspective it offers regardless of what season or situation your are currently facing. Kingsley writes, "I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this... When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting. After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The flight attendant comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland." "Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy." But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay. The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place. So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would have never met. It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while you catch your breath, you look around... and you begin to notice that Holland even has Rembrandts. But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned." And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss. But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things... about Holland."

"Don't let what you expected keep you from what God wants you to experience."

God has taught Jared and I so much about Him and His heart on this journey as He chooses to continue to reveal Himself to us even in our sad, pitiful attempt to pursue Him. He is sovereign, and His plan is perfect. Whatever journey you are on, be confident in who God is and how much He loves you. He is always good. He is always right. He is always faithful, and He is our Father. You are chosen. You are loved. Don't listen to those "little voices" in your head. CRASH the Chatterbox with the truth of God's Word and let the Holy Spirit fight for you. Friends, SILENCE that Chatterbox with STILLNESS.

Worship in Waiting:

"Ever Be" Kalley Heiligenthal

"Good Good Father" Chris Tomlin

Marvel in the Mystery

Retreat. Rest. Room…. making Room for the Lord is what I have desired during this season. Not just this holiday season, but this season of life. A season that is still and quiet - full of anticipation and preparation. It was a year ago this week that we shared with our families that we had begun the adoption process. This year has been full of highs and lows, but God has been with us every step of the way providing for us and protecting our hearts as we anticipate a phone call and our first trip to meet our little guy. As an official “waiting family”, my heart is ready and expecting to get the call super soon while also accepting the reality of possibly waiting for months and months before seeing his sweet face for the first time. Waiting… Why? How? What do we do? And… for how long? These are questions that I ask myself and sometimes wrestle with daily, but in the end, only one thing I know is certain: God is with us and working in our waiting.

July was our last mission to Kenya before starting the adoption process, and we went knowing it would be our last for quite some time as we prepare to take multiple trips to Haiti and bring our baby boy home. In recent weeks, I have become so very homesick for Kenya, our “Peace Place” and missing our kids and dear friends who are there. We are grateful for the opportunity to send others in this season of not being able to go, but desire to live life on mission here or there and daily look for opportunities to love and serve others. So, I may not be able to go to Africa, but this past Friday, Africa came to me. While working at The Rev, a young guy from Rwanda stopped in and shared his incredible story with me. After having the opportunity to study engineering here in the U.S., he began working as an engineer, but then quit his job and started a business in order to give back to the people of Rwanda. I was so grateful to have met him and hear his accent and his heart. After chatting for quite a bit and making plans to have him and his wife over for dinner sometime, I remembered that I did not know his name. So, I introduced myself again and asked for his name. He smiled. “My name is Emmanuel.” He headed out the door just as tears began to fill my eyes. Emmanuel... “God with us”.

Matthew 1:23 “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

God with us… In the quiet. In the stillness. While we wait. 

He was with Sarah, Hannah, Ruth, and Esther in the Old Testament while they waited for babies, provision and opportunity. In the New Testament, He was with Mary when she was chosen to bring the Messiah into the world. However, in their season of waiting, they were found faithful and obedient. 

Waiting is not fun, and life is not easy or fair. So, why do we expect or think we deserve easy, fun or fair? God’s Word does not communicate that the Christian life will always be easy or even make sense. God sent His Son to provide eternal life. He promised eternal life, not a “peaches and cream” life. We will never know the answers to all of the questions we have or be able to truly understand it all. BUT, He is with us.

Isaiah 55:6-13 “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”

Joy. Peace. Singing… No matter the season. He is Emmanuel, “God with us”. Even on the tough days. Even in the quiet, still seasons when all we have is questions and no answers. Trust Him. Trust His Word. Choose JOY while you Marvel in the Mystery of it all. 

“Joy is not necessarily the absence of suffering, it is the presence of God.” Sam Storms 

Worship in Waiting: 

"O Come. O Come Emmanuel" Jeremy Camp

"Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" Chris Tomlin

Adventure Awaits!

"To LIVE will be an awfully BIG ADVENTURE." Peter Pan

Life is quite the adventure, huh? Every single day brings new experiences and opportunities for adventure. Adventure is defined as "an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity." So... if you don't mind me asking, what kind of an adventure are you on? Although you may not really "feel" like you are on an "adventure" in this moment, everyone is on some type of an adventure that requires us to journey along the way as we travel through different seasons of life. Adventures are thrilling, exciting, difficult, and yes, sometimes scary. BUT... always worth it, wouldn't you agree? Because, with every adventure brings experience and from experience comes growth. 

Are you confident in your journey regardless of what adventures come your way? Trust me, I know it's hard. It's tough. It's life. BUT... What a life we could live if we truly believed that God is working ALL things for our good and His glory! Yes, ALL things... the good. the bad. the ugly. HE is aware. HE is in control. HE is GOD. Do you trust Him?

Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

I have heard this verse my entire life and heard it preached on many times, BUT if you are asking God A LOT of questions about your journey, click the link below and listen to the sermon preached this past week at our church. So grateful for His Word and how we can KNOW that He is working ALL things for our good and HIS glory.

http://harvestmemphis.org/category/media/sermons/

I was also recently encouraged by the following from Jesus Calling: 

"As you become increasingly aware of My Presence, you find it easier to discern the way you should go. This is one of the practical benefits of living close to Me. Instead of wondering about what is on the road ahead or worrying about what you should do if... or when..., you can concentrate on staying in communication with Me. When you actually arrive at a choice-point, I will show you which direction to go.

Many people are so preoccupied with future plans and decisions that they fails to see choices they need to make today. Without any conscious awareness, they make their habitual responses. People who live this way find a dullness creeping into their lives. They sleepwalk through their days, following well-worn paths of routine.

I, the Creator of the universe, am the most creative Being imaginable. I will not leave you circling in deeply rutted paths. Instead, I will lead you along fresh trails of ADVENTURE, revealing to you things you did not know. Stay in communication with Me. Follow My guiding Presence." 

In the Old Testament, God commanded Joshua to set up a memorial to remind them and future generations of what God miraculously did for them on the adventure of crossing the Jordan River.In the “Cooper Cottage” kitchen we have a large jar where we write down our different adventures throughout the year. These “adventures” come in quite the variety: surprises, goals met, little things that made a big difference, lol moments, good times, blessings, verses, and “just because" moments. These moments, big and small, are memorials for our little family for the year 2015, and on New Year’s Eve, we will read each one and remember how God has been faithful to us through the good and the bad. Our home, our “Peace Place”, itself is a memorial of something that only God could have done and is full of small reminders of God’s love and faithfulness to us. What memorials do you have in your home or have written down that remind you of God’s love and faithfulness shown to you and your family? Are these reminders discussed with your children and shared with your guests when they visit your “Peace Place”? 

We desire nothing more than for God to be glorified in our journey. And although joy is not automatic, as children of God, joy is available to us throughout the journey.

This month is National Adoption month, so for the month of November, we will be selling “Cooper Adoption” t-shirts. They are $25 and come in youth and adult sizes. To order yours, just contact me (morgan@befreerevolution.com), let me know your size, and you can pay with either cash or check. Or... you can order your's this Saturday at The Rev from 2-4:00 as we celebrate Silas and World Adoption Day! These t-shirts are not just a fundraiser, friends, but an awesome opportunity for “our village” to rock the reminder that there is “Joy in the Journey”. 

"Now unto him that is able to exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," Ephesians 3:20 

Worship in Waiting:

"Same Power" Jeremy Camp

"Fix My Eyes" for King & Country

31 Reasons & an UPDATE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY week to my hunky, hottie of a hubby! This Sunday, October 18th, we will be celebrating Jared's 31st birthday. Our journey began as two, young kids that just wanted to obey God. Most days, we still feel like those young kids. Yes, I still feel like that young 8th grade girl with a crush. I am so thankful for Jared and his sweet spirit as he is constantly speaking truth and love into my life. He is my confidence and balance as he leads our little family with such humility and grace. And... that is just a few of the reasons I love him! Sooo... here are 31 more!

1. He is a hard-worker.

2. He does the dishes.

3. He is a good example.

4. He is loyal.

5. He is honest.

6. He does the grocery shopping.

7. He is funny.

8. He is thoughtful.

9. He is reliable.

10. He is my best friend.

11. He is smart.

12. He makes me laugh.

13. He is so talented.

14. He provides for our little family.

15. He is patient.

16. He is obedient.

17. He likes my cooking.

18. He is an outstanding teacher. 

19. He listens. 

20. He is faithful.

21. He is so cute.

22. He helps fold the clothes. 

23. He gives the best hugs. 

24. He sits on my cold feet to warm them up.

25. He is kind.

26. He cleans the bathrooms.

27. He compliments my crazy hair. 

28. He writes me sweet notes

29. He surprises me. 

30. He is so handsome.

31. He is already an amazing daddy. 

I am so grateful for all of the “firsts” that Jared and I have experienced together. Our first “date” when we basically just sat beside each other when I was in the 8th grade, and he was in the 11th grade. Our wedding day when we shared many firsts… all in one day. Our first pet. Our first home. our first mission to Kenya, and NOW... our first child. I know that the best is yet to come!

Application. CHECK.
Home Study. CHECK.
Immigration. CHECK.
Dossier. ALMOST...

When we started the journey of adoption almost 9 months ago, we were told that it would be a long, unpredictable process. BUT... here we are, checking things off of the list daily knowing that each step is just one more step closer to bringing this little guy home from Haiti. According to the timeline we were given, we were expecting to submit our dossier in December. ("The term ‘dossier’ when used in the context of adoption refers to a collection of legal documents that are appropriately authenticated and translated and used in international adoption cases to process the adoption of a child in its own country by the adoptive parents. The information that is required differs by country. Normally, records to prove a family's identity, finances, health, and character are included in a dossier." US Legal & Law Definition) However, just a few weeks ago, we were contacted by our agency telling us that a few spots had opened up, and as quickly as we can get everything together for our dossier, it could hopefully be submitted earlier then expected! Whoop! Whoop! Soooo... We have been like two crazy people gathering everything and are so grateful that it is almost, YES, almost complete. After approval, our agency will submit our dossier to the Haitian government.

After our dossier is submitted, we will be waiting to be matched with our little guy, then wait for an invitation to make our first visit to meet him. Because Haiti requires two trips, we will return home after the first trip and wait for the adoption to be finalized before returning back to Haiti in order to bring this little guy home for good. The past nine months have been FULL of highs and lows, but what an incredible journey it has already been! We have definitely experienced many different emotions, and every day brings its own unique joys and challenges. Because we have experienced deep grief, we have also been able to experience true joy. Our God has taught us so much about who He is, revealing Himself to us in our sometimes pitiful pursuit of Him. We are beyond grateful for "our village" made up of friends and family around the world who continue to support us and speak truth and hope into our lives as we prepare to be parents to this special kiddo.  

Your prayers are most appreciated, friends. What a life we could live if we TRULY believed that God is working ALL things for our good and His glory. He just asks us to simply acknowledge Him and obey His Word. I am so grateful that He not only hears our prayers, BUT answers them. Please continue to pray for the following as we desire nothing more than for God to be glorified through this journey:

- God's provision as we apply for grants and fundraise the remaining $20,000 needed
- Our preparation for parenting
- Our child's spiritual, physical, and emotional health
- For those providing care to our child until he is brought home
- The people of Lifeline as they guide us through this process 

http://www.gofundme.com/cooperadoptionfund  

Worship in Waiting: (2 of the Birthday Boy's Favs) 
"My Story" Big Daddy Weave
"When God Ran" Phillips, Craig & Dean

Frappuccinos, Fall, Fed Ex, Friends, Family & Flawless

Friday, Football, Food, Fitness, Fashion, Funky, Forgiveness, Freedom, Faith... Those of you who know me, know my LOVE (well, maybe obsession) with alliteration, so this post is to update you on some Fantastic things happening! 

FRAPPUCCINOS: First of all, I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who celebrated my birthday with me last week! It was Full of all my Favorite people and things with lots of surprises along the way including the cutest headband that I received from my sweet Momma that has mini Frappuccinos on it... so Fun, right? I was completely overwhelmed and humbled by all of the love that I received from so many. Each of you mean so much to me, and I am beyond grateful to share this journey with you. Asante sana! (THANK YOU very much in Swahili) 

FALL: With the cooler temps, Fall is definitely on its way, and I can hardly wait! Fall is my absolute Favorite time of year. So to stick with my tradition of decorating the Cooper Cottage for fall the week after my birthday, the Fall-scented candles, pumpkins, and hues of brown, red, and burnt orange are Filling our Peace Place. 

FED EX: This week has been an exciting week as my hubby was able to Fed Ex adoption paperwork! Little by little, day by day, we are checking things off of the list and are a day closer to bringing our little one home. Next on the list, applying for grants and submitting our dossier to the Haitian government. Stay tune, Friends and keep praying! We still have about $15,000 to raise, lots of paperwork to fill out, and lots of waiting. BUT... Our God is so Faithful and so Full of grace. We know that He is working all things for our good and His glory! (https://www.gofundme.com/cooperadoptionfund)

FRIENDS & FAMILY: Be Free Revolution is a huge part of mine and Jared's journey; and we are humbled to be a part of the BFR Family. This week, The Rev launched their brand new website! (Check it out: http://therevmemphis.com) The Rev is an extension of BFR, and a place where you can "shop and gather for good". I am so proud of Britney and Lacey. Their heart for others and for our God is evident as they respond to His call in obedience seeking after God and His will with their whole heart. They live the lifestyle of Go. Serve. Lead. Love. with such humility and grace; and I would never be able to thank them enough for inviting me to be a part of this mission and investing their lives into mine. They are my mission-buddies, Friends that have become like Family, and 2 mommas that I want to be like "when I grow up". Hey, you 2, keep on keeping on knowing that you are called and loved by God. Remember that when action meets compassion, lives change! Friends are Family that you choose, and I am beyond grateful for Friends like you, Britney and Lacey. Nakupenda, friends. 

FLAWLESS (shoutout to Michelle Pashby and the girls of Faith Walk #68): I gave my life to Jesus at the age of 6, and as a kid, I loved when missionaries came to speak at our church. I quickly Fell in love with travel and the beauty of different cultures, and in the 8th grade, I attended a leadership conference where the mission Focus was a country in Africa. It was that weekend, at the age of 14, I prayed the “Wherever. Whatever. Whenever.” prayer and surrendered my life to Full-time ministry. I left that weekend with a poster that I hung on the wall of my room and still have today that said, “Jesus’ missions trip cost Him His life. How much are you willing to sacrifice to reach a lost world?” I also wrote on a sheet of paper “You are now entering the mission field” and placed it above my bedroom door. Yes, right above my Justin Timberlake poster hanging on the back of my door. Realizing that at 14, I would not be hopping on a plane to head across the big pond anytime soon, my parents encouraged me to Focus on my mission Field right where I was.  I remember it just like it was yesterday. Six years old and sitting on my daddy’s lap right after I asked Jesus to make me a part of His Family and Forgive me of my sins. My daddy asked me, “How do you feel?”. I remember saying, “I feel so clean inside.” From that day on, I just have desired to stay as clean as possible, which has resulted in an exhausting pursuit of perfection. I have learned and am still learning that I am held to a standard of GRACE not perfection. It is because of that grace, that as a child of God, I AM... YOU ARE... WE ARE... FLAWLESS, friends! Quick question: Is He FIRST in your life? Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek ye FIRST the Kingdom of God..." As children of God, we are without any blemishes or imperfections. Perfect. Forgiven. and Free! Let's seek Him FIRST!
  

Worship in Waiting: 

"Flawless" Mercy Me
"First" Lauren Daigle

TRUTH is... "Pretty Is Is Pretty Does"

7 states. 7 countries. 7 years of marriage celebrated. The journey of July has been full of crazy, beautiful adventures with many highs and lows; yet, from creation to culture, God continues to reveal Himself and His glory in intimate, diverse and unique ways. 

"You are wisdom unimagined. Who can understand your ways. Reigning high above the heavens. Reaching down in endless grace. You're the Lifter of the lowly. Compassionate and kind. You surround and You uphold me. Your promises are my delight. Your plans are still to prosper. You have not forgotten us. Your with us in the fire and the flood. Faithful forever. Perfect in love. You are sovereign over us."

Although joy is available throughout any journey, it is not automatic. The last few weeks have consisted of some of the darkest days of my life. Wanting so hard to find joy in the midst of confusion, frustration, and miscommunication, I found myself feeling empty and very much alone although constantly surrounded by so much love and support. After so many tears and prayers, God brought a precious person into my path to speak truth into my life. She encouraged me to write down the lies that I was believing, then use Truth to combat those lies. This concept did not change my circumstances; however, the Truth of Scripture changed my perspective and radically transformed my thought process. I realized that my spirit was starving for Truth, and when fed Scripture, my soul was satisfied and free.

I shared this concept while visiting with the teen girls at Wings of Life School in Kibera slum in Kenya, and my heart was completely overwhelmed as we listed the lies we sometimes believe, then we began to work down the list one by one, battling each with many verses of Scripture. "For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires." Hebrews 4:12

Below is a portion from my list of lies that represent the many different journeys that I am on - spiritual, physical, mental, emotional. Body image and social issues are a daily struggle for me. Working out like a crazy person and wanting to be liked by everyone is absolutely, completely exhausting. No journey is meant to be traveled alone, so whether it is a discipleship group, workout buddy, counselor, spouse, family member, or friend, allow accountability to be the key to living a life built on a foundation of TRUTH.     

I am not pretty, skinny, or smart enough. And... this hair, really?  

Psalm 139:13-18

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body

    and knit me together in my mother’s womb.

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!

    Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,

    as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.

You saw me before I was born.

    Every day of my life was recorded in your book.

Every moment was laid out

    before a single day had passed.

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.

    They cannot be numbered!

I can’t even count them;

    they outnumber the grains of sand!

And when I wake up,

    you are still with me!"

Everyone thinks that I am just a "goody 2 shoes".

Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father."

Galatians 6:9-10 "So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith."

My job is to please everybody and make everyone happy.

Galatians 1:10 "Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant."

I cannot mess up = Pressure of Perfection

2 Corinthians 12:9 "Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me."

Because I am Positive Perky Planning Patty and always "half-full", I am not allowed to struggle or have a bad day.
James 1:2-4 "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

Infertility = Punishment

Psalm 84:11 "For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right."

I am learning that it is ok to not be ok, and it is in these moments that freedom and true joy can be found. Temporary happiness may be found in a number on the scale or in a social circle, but only joy can be found in the eternal power of the Holy Spirit revealed to us through the Truth of God's Word. And just like Grandmother always said anyways, "Pretty is is pretty does."

Adoption Update: Please pray that our home study will be completed very soon so that we can submit our dossier to the Haitian government. There have been many changes in our agency and the Haiti program which has slowed the process down a bit, so pray for patience knowing that God's timing is perfect. Your prayers are most appreciated. Also, please continue to pray for the following as we desire nothing more than for God to be glorified through this journey:
- God's provision
- Our preparation for parenting
- Our child's spiritual, physical, and emotional health
- For those providing care to our child until he is brought home
- The people of Lifeline as they guide us through this process 

http://www.gofundme.com/cooperadoptionfund  

Worship in Waiting:
"Exhale" Plumb
"Touch the Sky" Hillsong United