36 hour count down

A dear friend gave me this verse this week - "May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Romans15:13

I guess I rarely think of God as a God of HOPE. It's really a no brainer, but it's more natural for me to see him as the God who honors planning and "sound judgement", or that He's solemnly enduring the drudgery with us to the end.  But a God of HOPE causes me to imagine his face as smiling on me, confident, laughing even.  That's the face I need to see when I'm worried,  fearful and tearful.  His face can bring me back to hope.

Kenzie and Liam, Valentines Day in Vancouver, 2005

I was praying today that I could actually get on a plane and leave my babies.  That might be the ultimate test of my faith right now.  Thank goodness He's smiling on them too and has HOPE for them during this time of our absence.  It's weird that these life events that are so hard, gutwrenching and scary can also yield the most absolute joy and excitement as well.  I guess He really needs to continue growing my heart so I can handle all this "emotion"!

Anyway, thanks so much for all your prayers,  comments, calls and emails.  They are truly encouraging to us!  And for those of you I didn't get to call or contact in the last few weeks, I am sorry I didn't get to connect - you are in my thoughts and prayers tonight!  May God cause YOU to overflow with hope tonight in whatever you are facing.

Much love to you in Jesus,
jill