Facial Karate Chop (the Jesus way)

So much has happened in the past few weeks that I feel almost as if I have been picked up by a tornado and dropped into the land of Oz. 

Numero Uno:
Not only has summer ended and school started, but I am approaching the end of my first season in Foster Care. Little Man, who has been with me 3 months now, will be leaving me in the next month or so. The situation is truly a great one and I am so very thankful for a family who has a large amount of both faith and love to share. They have stepped up to the plate and taken the challenge of raising two boys because they see it as their calling, their ministry, and their responsibility. To Aunt L and Uncle P, I cannot thank you and your family enough for setting my mind and my heart at ease. After meeting you, I have no doubt that this is God's BEST for Little Man and his brother. To Mama M, you WILL beat this. You will be free to be who God has called you to be. You are a phenomenal woman and you are capable of whatever you set your mind to do. And above all, you are Mama to two of the most precious children on God's green earth... and you always will be! You will all certainly be a part of my extended family... united by love for a child whose name will forever be etched into my heart and mind.

Numero Dos:
I have had to come to terms with the fact that I have been karate chopped in the face by Jesus. Has that ever happened to you? It's not exactly pleasant at the moment, but it has been an experience that has rocked my world for the past few days. Sunday morning my Sunday School class was reading and discussing this passage from John:

Now my soul is troubled.  And what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'?  But for this purpose I have come to this hour.  Father, glorify your name.  (John 12:27-28)

Am I to give up and run away from my calling as soon as it gets tough? Am I to get frustrated and negative about my situation simply because it isn't easy? Was Christ's calling easy? Was it even pleasant? No. He came knowing what was in store for Him... He didn't shy away from the hard and the unpleasant. He sought it out. He overcame sin and death because He chose to.

Therefore... I am committed. I am called. I will stay.

And in 30 years? They'll have to bribe me to leave. (And it better be a good bribe!)

And during these next 30 years? I'll laugh and cry. I'll teach and learn. I'll hug and LOVE. I'll hit my knees and pray. I'll be who God has called me to be while following the path He has set before me. I will do everything I can to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the precious children and families that God has placed in my life and in my community... and I will thank Him for EVERY minute of it!

So in conclusion... on August 28, 2042... ask me how it went. :)