On Sunday we sang the song "Oceans". I love the reminder that this song gives me every time I hear it. In my human nature, am not going to walk out and venture far into unknown waters. I like "safe". What exactly does the song mean when it talks about being called out upon the waters? I think that it has to do with stepping out in faith, just like Peter did when he walked on the water with Jesus. God doesn't want us to stay in our comfortable spot on the boat watching the world around us. He beckons us to participate. He desires us to trust Him and learn more about Him with every passing day. Isn't that the point of life? To know God better and make Him known to the world? If it isn't what we are doing, it should be. I still need so much help in this area of my life. My tendency is to seek safety and comfort. And yet, when I look back at the times of difficulty and trials, like Wayne's cancer, I have never felt so close to God as I did during that time. If you have grown up in the church, you have heard people say, "Be careful what you pray for! You never know how God will answer that prayer!" But, if we believe that God is sovereign and has an amazing plan for our lives, maybe we are just praying what God wanted us to in order for our hearts to be prepared for Him to stretch us and grow us deeper. I have wrestled with this for the past year. Although we have stepped out of the boat, like when we adopted the boys, I still don't want to venture out because I don't want to go through the difficult times. At the same time, I long to be closer to God. So where does that leave me? That is where this song spoke deeply to me this Sunday. This life is not about me...it is about Him. The cry of my heart is for Him to take me deeper than my feet could ever wander and that I would follow Him, no matter what it costs. I do not want to allow fear to cripple me. You see, my fear is that by surrendering and telling God to use me as He wants, that He is going to bring Wayne's cancer back. But I'm not God and I cannot fear the unknown and what God may use to draw me closer to Him. I need to run with abandon and let Him lead me through whatever it is that will draw my heart to Him and for Him to get the glory!
"Oceans"
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now
So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
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Wayne flew out of Midway Airport on Tuesday, May 29th, for work. While he was waiting for his flight, he met a young girl with brain cancer. She was around Abigail's age (about 14-17). She was on the way home to Nebraska with her mom. They had just visited Lurie Children's Hospital. Before Wayne could get her name, he had to board his flight. He is hoping to find this young lady and encourage her and her family on their brain cancer journey. Would you pray with us that we locate her? I posted about it on my Facebook page and we have a couple leads, but pray that God allows us to encourage this family on their difficult journey. We have been amazed at how God has used Wayne's cancer to open doors to help share encouragement with others facing the same cancer. Thank you for praying with us!!
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School is almost out! We have taken a few field trips in the last few weeks. The first field trip was to Blackberry Farms on their free day! We visited an old school, watched pottery be made, learned how they made clothes, and watched a blacksmith work.
In our Wednesday class, we have finished up learning about Explorers and the Renaissance. We did a fun project where they colored pictures like they were Michelangelo, although I later learned that he really painted standing up. We finished our last class yesterday with a final exam. The kids all did amazing!
Joella and DJ hang out a lot at night while the rest of the kids are at swimming. They both enjoy watching Umizoomi!
Our next field trip was to Kline Farm where we watched them sheer sheep. We then were able to take some wool and dye it. We also saw pigs, horses, chickens, and sheep. The kids had a great day, especially when they got to try games that kids played in the "olden" days.
Shan Chen joined the swim team! He is doing great. It is amazing that nothing stops this kid.
Our homeschool garden project is growing. We have blueberry plants, green beans, snap peas, spaghetti squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, and cantaloupe.
On Saturday, I spent the whole day in Munster at a swim meet. Because we have kids in every age category, we get to spend many hours at the pool.
Abigail's 15th birthday is in about a week. We went on our date on Monday. We went shopping and ate ice cream...can't beat that right?
My Wednesday afternoon class dressed up for Faces Through History. Naomi was Joan of Arc and Sophia was Cleopatra. Everyone did such a great job!
Sophia as Cleopatra and her friend Luke as Julius Caesar.
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