A friend of mine from college, Heather Iseminger wrote a sweet little Valentine's devotional about our adoption we wanted to share with you. What an amazing love the Father has granted to us, His children! We are so thankful for the ways God has acted on our behalf and our kids, and so very happy to report that we will be flying home on Valentine's Day- exactly 10 weeks to the day when I left for Ethiopia back in December. Justin flew into Addis this weekend, and the four of us will arrive back in Louisville next Wednesday night, February 15th. This has been a wild, wild journey and God has been faithful every step of the way.
Valentine’s Day
The very name of the holiday has the potential to send us into headlong tailspins of depression that include
two men by the name of Ben and Jerry. As this holiday approaches, I have been reminded of the most immense display of love mankind has ever known.
Last year a friend of mine, Bonnie, and her husband began the process of adopting two beautiful children from Ethiopia. After facing one complicated hurdle after another, Bonnie felt the Lord urging her to go to Ethiopia and remain there until she could finalize the adoption. At the blessing of her husband, she quit her job, packed her bags, and bought a plane ticket.
As I watched Bonnie walk this tear-stained path, I have been reminded of the deep, passionate love God has for me. This fight for her children is a beautiful portrayal of God’s relentless pursuit of us—His children. He will stop at nothing to make sure we are safely in His arms. Because of a mother’s endless love, Bonnie’s children will be flying home with her this Valentine’s Day. Because of our Father’s endless love, we have a heavenly home waiting for us.
Romans 5:8 says, “But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Christ gave His life so we may be called daughters of the King. What incredible, all-consuming love! To know we have a Father in Heaven who will pursue us, fight for us, and even die for us is a powerful love indeed. Jesus has proven He will do whatever it takes to demonstrate His love for His children. Despite the boxes of chocolate or pints of ice cream Valentine’s Day might drive you to consume, be encouraged by the
existence of True Love. A Love only God can give. During the month of February, remember you have been fought for, you have been pursued, you are wanted, you are loved!“Look at how great a love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children. And we are!” 1 John 3:1a
-- Heather Iseminger
Kristy Northcutt was just telling me last week about how things have been going. You all have been in my thoughts & prayers!!!!! Your babies are beautiful, what a blessing :). Continued prayers for all of you, can't wait to see your homecoming pictures!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!! I hope the next time we are up to Cinci to visit Kristi we can meet the whole Gutman clan as well!
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