Well, it has been about nine months since the Chapter I blog on our daughter, Hannah. In that post I noted that Hannah was graduating from high school and waiting on God's direction for the next chapter of her life.
During her period of waiting on God, Hannah continued in her involvement in the worship ministry at our church and in her work with Family Christian Stores. It was in that work at the bookstore that the Lord began to reveal to Hannah the direction for the next chapter of her life.
Here is what happened.
Family stores help to get sponsorships for children through an organization called World Vision. Since our family had sponsored a child (through a similar organization for a number of years), Hannah had an emotional, as well as, spiritual connection with this type of ministry opportunity. With that passion, Hannah found God's favor in her ability to find sponsorships for many children through World Vision by way of Family Christian Stores because she had a true concern for the welfare of these children. This led her to consider looking into this type of work and area of emphasis for her schooling. As it turns out, Cincinnati Christian University has a department for this area of focus called the Center for Urban and Global Outreach
So, in January of this year, Hannah began attending CCU. In a variety of ways, God has shown signs of His confirmation of His direction in her life. It has become increasingly obvious that she is where He wants her to be. We couldn't be any happier with His plan for her.
I believe that the lesson here is to wait on the Lord and He will reveal His plans for us. As a parent, it is a wonderful blessing to see God work in the lives of our children. I am certain that it brings joy to Him to witness how our obedience to His direction and timing brings about blessings in our lives.
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)
So, what about our other children, you might ask?
Our younger daughter Moriah is the eternal optimist. She sees the "silver lining" in every situation no matter how dismal it might seem. Moriah loves: Jesus, her family, The Bengals (especially Chad Ochocinco), The Daraja Choir, our dog, Sophie, cats, Gus and Sadie and her Lionhead Bunny, Lizzie. Moriah excels in her schoolwork and enjoys math (which concerns me...). She has been taking violin lessons and progressing very well. Moriah has a very sweet, gentle spirit. If you are ever in need of encouragement just talk to Moriah and I guarantee you will feel better.
Our youngest child is our son, Noah who is a freshman in high school. Noah loves doing projects with his grandfather Blair or his uncle Tim, playing video games, playing drums, etc. Noah also enjoys playing soccer for the Landmark Homeschool Soccer team. Noah has assisted in the technical areas at church (i.e. stage setup, video editing, lighting, etc.). He plays drums for youth worship and has, on occassion filled in the adult worship services. I admire his work ethic. No matter what he does, he always wants to be prepared and do it well. I wish I could say the same for myself. I can learn from him.
My goal in this blog was not to boast about our children (really, it wasn't) but I guess it is okay to be proud of them. Actually, I probably see more traits in them that I would like to see in myself.
Oh, I can't forget to include the greatest gift of all to me in my life (other than Jesus), my wife, Barb. I know she is God's gift to me. I love her more each and every day. She is more beautiful to me now than the day I met her. Thank you for her, Lord.
In all of this, God has given me more than I deserve.
All I can say is thank you, Lord, thank you for the plans you have for me.
