Settling In

It's been six years since we learned of Riley's eye disease. It's presence has changed many things about our lives along the way, but for the most part we've been changed for the better. God has used this disease as an instrument to change so many of our mindsets and circumstances. It has certainly been uncomfortable along the way, but we have seen immeasureable blessings be produced on this path.

In November of this year I stood back and took a deep breath. We have reached a time in our lives where we have settled in. This eye disease is stable, though we know that can change quite literally in the blink of an eye. Our kids are healthy. Our finances have started to recover. I took that deep breath in from that crisp Autumn air and breathed it out with a big sigh of relief.

Three days later.

Three days later I sat a few rows behind Riley in a church service, Something about him caught my eye. I knew.

Shortly after that Riley received his second major diagnosis. Unrelated to his eye disease, catching us completely off-guard, a new set of concerns.

But God. God has brought us to a place where love and grace and trust abound. He has already pulled us through the wilderness and set us on sold ground for such a time as this. We're okay. Our hearts have taken pause for some natural grief, but we have not forgotten who wrote this marvelous story.

We've decided not to share the details of Riley's diagnosis at this time. He's 15 now and we'd like for him to decide who he shares with on his own terms. This hasn't knocked the wind out of his sails at all.

We don't know where we go from here at this point. We are awaiting some referrals. We have received some wise counsel.

We do know this. None of this is a surprise to God. He wrote this story and it is absolutely amazing. God must have big plans for this boy's life,

Following the Sifter

About the time that the uncomfortable sifting began, God spoke to my heart about a task he had for me. I knew that on my own I didn't have the strength to complete this task. I was mentally, emotionally and physically worn out. The past eight years had taken a toll, but the past few days had done me in. And then I was called. He called me to a place where the sifting would not stop, but His protection would remain constant. He opened my eyes to see that places, people and resources that were being removed from my life were for MY good and I was to let them go.

This verse came to my mind often:

"I am the vine and you are the branches. If you remain in me, and I in you, you will produce much fruit. Apart from me, you can do nothing." John 15:1-4.

He continually spoke to my heart about pruning people, places and things in my life that were not fruitful or good for me.

During this process of pruning and sifting I began to feel a freedom unlike I had known before. There were times of grief and sadness. There were days when I thought the journey was too hard.

I am better for following the Sifter.

I took on the task with Him, through Him, and only by His grace, and it was good. Of course, it was so very good. The task brought new places, new people and some new freedoms into my life that filled in where the others had been removed.

His plans are better than my plans. He is so good to me.

On the Sifter

This is the story of how God is refining me, Joy. 

It took me long enough, but when I finally figured out that God was doing some sifting in my life, I finally decided to just let it happen. In my life, God is the sifter. He's the one that refines me in ways I can not refine myself. He created me. He loves me. I am his.

Early on, God gifted me with this verse:

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31-32.

It was truly a gift. Read this part again... "and when you have turned back..."

Did you hear that? There was an end in sight! Not within my sight of course, but within HIS sight. The Sifter. My Sifter.

The days and months to come would be filled with so many emotions and trials, but God had already promised to keep Satan at bay, to pray for me, and to see me through for HIS purpose.

He is so sweet to me.

See ya soon!

Sifting Joy

The best thing about this daily walk with God is the continual sifting. God has this amazing way of pointing out and straining out those things in our heart that do not bring him glory. We're in a new season in our home. Our adoption has been finalized for over two years now. Our middle child's eye disease is in a state of being stable. Our oldest child has chosen the college he will attend next year. The days are flying by so fast, but the busyness does not excuse me from following him. Over the last year I have been sifted daily. It's been uncomfortable. I've watched God prune people and distractions from my life. I've seen him add new things that have brought insurmountable joy. All of these things were necessary to help me look more like him. There's still plenty more sifting to be done.. I'm looking forward to this new journey of sharing my thoughts with you. I hope you'll join me.