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| Juliana. Loves reading and imagining possibilities. Future tae kwon do master |
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| Alex. Loves science, logic and has a heart for justice |
It makes sense the very nature of God is that of a loving community of relationships. We understand the One God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit all of the same essence yet distinct in their own way. All three living as one in relationship with each other.
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| Savannah. A natural leader. Loves dance. |
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| Jaylen. Always happy. Loves to "drive" everything i.e.Mario Cart, toy trucks, plates, chairs - whatever he can imagine as a steering wheel. |
God, however has not restricted the idea of family to those with whom we share DNA. In fact It seems that it is God's intention that we see beyond those connections to find a broader definition of family. In chapter 12 of the book of Genesis in the Bible “The Lord said to Abram, 'leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.” Notice God called Abram away from ties of biological family to do his will. God wanted to use Abram to bless others in this new place. Abram receives the promise from God that “all families on earth will be blessed through you.” This is interesting because it is radically inclusive. It's not just the Hebrew people, it's not just this kingdom or that one. Likewise it is not for all individuals, it is for all families. Being part of a family, an active part of a family means that we are necessarily in relationship with others. Our own ideas, passions, desires, fears are all in play in the context of the on-going dynamics of multiple relationships. It is when we are selfish and insular that we deny ourselves the blessings of God.
This model of relationship expands. Families are not supposed to isolate themselves either but share the blessings they have with others. Chapter 12 of Exodus describes the instructions for the first Passover. In it it says “...each family must choose a lamb or a young goat for a sacrifice, one animal for each household. If a family is too small to eat a whole animal, let them share with another family in the neighborhood. Divide the animal according to the size of each family and how much they can eat.” Family has always been and remains important to me. My ideas of family are expanding though. For instance our friends Mike and Nancy have become such beloved friends that indeed they are a part of our family even though we are separated by 200 miles and not a lick of DNA. God brought us together. My biological father was adopted as a toddler; I was adopted by my step-father; After having two children of our own we adopted three children in 2008 and am currently trying to adopt their youngest sibling who was born in April of 2010. Family in all these cases had nothing to do with being biologically related it's all about choosing to be in relationship with each other.
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| Julian. A deep thinker. Loves action and adventure. |
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.” Ephesians 1:5-8
My three youngest all have special needs. If you know them you probably already know this. If you are interested here is a link to an article I would like you to read so that you may understand them better and perhaps make being in relationship with them a little easier.
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