EE Mission Day 46 - Quick update

Many of you are probably wondering where we are at.  We have had poor internet access since being back in Kathleen's region, and can only pick up a signal with Corey's computer.  He is on his computer most of the time working.

We are finishing up paper work today and tomorrow for Kathleen (Yana).  I am feeling very much out of my comfort zone today.  Corey is traveling to Yana's birth town today to obtain a new birth certificate, tax ID number, etc. 

Entrance to Government office for Birth Certificate Records

Tomorrow, I will travel to the capital city of this region, with Yana (2 hours away), for her passport.  We don't like being seperated in this manner, but feel it's in the best interest of Mila. 

Mila started with a fever yesterday, and I am very concerned for her.  Please continue to lift us up in prayer.  We have been feeling down and weary this past week, and know that this gives no glory to our Father in heaven.  We have been in country 6 1/2 weeks, and are hoping/praying to come home 2/1.  We continue to praise God for bringing us to these beautiful girls. 

Sorry this is so short.  We have so much to share, but it's difficult to do at this time.

EE Mission Days 41 thru 45 - Quick Summary

Here is a summary of days 41 through 45; during the last week spent in Yana's Kathleen's region:

01/19/2012 (Day 41) - We took our 7th train ride from Mila's region to Yana's region.  Train left at 0730 and arrived at 1650.  We were not able to get the same apartment that we had the first two trips here; thanks to another RR family beating us there ;-)

Mila did very well for her first train ride

01/20/2012 (Day 42) - Finally got back to see Yana (no more leaving this city without her).  Since we had Mila, and did not want to take her to the orphanage, Stephanie and I took turns visiting Yana.

Meanwhile, Mila was getting acquainted with yet another apartment.

01/21/2012 (Day 43) thru 01/23/2012 (Day 45) - Continued our rotation of visits with Yana; with Mila hanging out waiting for the day her sister would arrive.

Yana trying on her winter coat

"What other toys you got in there?"

Mila practicing interaction with a "pretend sister".

EE Mission Days 36 thru 40 - Quick Summary

So, where were we....

We apologize for the gap in posting.  We have been focusing our time between getting acclimated to Mila Gayle, visiting Yana Kathleen and preparing for her "Gotcha Day", as well as communicating with family back home.

Here is a summary of days 36 through 40; the last spent in Mila Gayle's region:

01/14/2012 (Day 36) - Spent the day indoors getting acquainted with Mila, and letting her adjust to her new surroundings.

01/15/2012 (Day 37) - Enjoyed some fellowship with the Eubanks; they brought pizzas over to enjoy with us...

01/16/2012 (Day 38) thru 01/18/2012 (Day 40) - We spent this time getting to know Mila; her likes and dislikes regarding food, toys, and interaction with us. 

Yes, she is picky about eating certain foods.  Yes, she dislikes her teeth being brushed.  Yes, she fights naps.  Yes, she throws a tantrum when she doesn't get her way about something.  Sounds pretty typical to me for a toddler...

With that said, the evidences of Grace abound in her.  She enjoys being held and gives nice squeeze hugs.  She blesses us with her smiles and quiet giggles.  She amuses us with what may be deemed "babbling"; but I think it is her attempt to vocalize and communicate.  She has been a trooper during our car rides; where the motion seems to comfort her.

Over these days, her resistance to baths has diminished; she has started splashing and playing while in the tub having soothing warm water poured over her body.  She moves around alot during sleep, but has started snuggling up against me when restless.

I call this the beginning of her coming out of her "orphanage shell".  She has received, and will continue to receive certain liberties in life that she would have never been given as an orphan.

It makes me think about the liberties we have as Christians.  We are constantly making decisions about whether to pursue Godliness or ungodliness.  As Chrsitians, what a blessing to know we CAN make that choice; that is true liberty.  And just like little Mila Gayle, we sometimes choose to resist and rebel against the love of our Father.

James 1: 19-27  - Hearing and Doing the Word 

¹⁹ Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; ²⁰ for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. ²¹ Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

²² But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ²³ For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. ²⁴ For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. ²⁵ But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
²⁶ If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. ²⁷ Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

EE Mission Day 35 - Meeting Mila's Birthparents

When we arrived back in Mila Gayle's region to finalize her adoption paperwork, our facilitator mentioned to us that Mila's birth parents desired to meet us.  This was something that, although we had heard of and read about from other families, did not really expect to happen to us.  With that said, we told her we were open to meeting them.

When we had our first meeting with Mila ("known as "Gayle" then) back on 12/14/2011, some of  her life story was shared with us:

(1)  She was the second child of her birth parents; has an older sister.
(2)  When her parents heard of her DS diagnosis, she was brought to the orphanage, but her parents continued to visit her for the first year.
(3)  After the first year, when instructed of what Gayle's care needs were going to be, her parents decided to leave her there.  The visitations stopped.

Hearing this brief outline of a 3+ year story left us pondering some "why" questions:

• Why would they stop visiting her?  Was this some kind of rule linked to them giving up parental rights?
• Why would they now desire to see her and meet her adoptive parents?

Simple questions; yet I am certain the answers are far more complex.  It is easy to speculate answers, but the danger can include an ungodly judgement of people.  So, as I reviewed our prayer journal, this line item stood out:

That through the adoption journey, our witness to those "neighbors" we encounter advances (not hinders) the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our facilitator confirmed that when we returned to the orphanage Friday, to sign some final documents and present the donation from Mila's bank account, that we would meet not only her parents, but her (maternal) grandparents...

So, Friday came; we drove over to the orphanage with Mila.  Our facilitator said that she could have lunch there; so as we were walking up to her OLD groupa room, there they were - her birth parents and grandparents...

To make a long story short, the meeting with them was a bittersweet blessing.  We could see the sadness in their faces as they provided us with gifts for her - some clothing, a baby doll, a snowsuit, and her gold Cross necklace from her Baptism. 

I noticed the sadness and shame in her mother's face as she explained to us (through our facilitator who translated) about how, in her country, they just do not know how to properly care for children like her.  Now, that is an easy comment to judge; yet, I am convinced that this is simply how this culture views "special needs" children.  Also, I do not think the good ole USA has it all together, either; with respect to the role of family and how to best disciple a child (notice I said disciple, not just teach).  You can agree or disagree with me on that comment...

Yet, we also experienced the comfort of knowing that they were very very happy that she had a new family that would be able to provide her the proper love and care.  They wanted to take pictures with us.  They asked if we would be willing to stay in touch with them, via Skype, regarding Mila's progress when she is home with us.  Remember the prayer journal line item mentioned earlier:

That through the adoption journey, our witness to those "neighbors" we encounter advances (not hinders) the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We agreed to make contact once we get home and settled.  I pray and hope that doing so will be used by God to draw this family closer to the Lord...

As we prepared to depart, I remember seeing something that will stick with me for a while.  Mila's birth mother gave Mila one last hug and kiss, and then walked over to Stephanie and handed Mila to her, as if to say, "YOU are now her mother".  They offered us God's blessings, and then left.

We waited a couple minutes before leaving.  As we were entering the car with Mila, we could see her birth parents walking down the sidewalk together; not looking back.  I can only imagine what must have been going through their mind and heart...

Time will tell how this particular chapter to our adoption mission ends, but I do know for certain that, one way or another, God will be glorified!

Soli Deo Gloria!

EE Mission Day 34 - Gotcha Day for Mila

Corey and I traveled back to Mila's region on 1/11, and arrived around 11:00 at night. The following morning we were picked up by our facilitator and her husband to complete paperwork that would enable us to take Mila from the orphanage.  Here's a list of what offices we had to go to and paperwork we still needed to complete/finalize.

• Go to court house to pick up court decree.  It wasn't quite ready, so we went to the orphanage which wasn't to far away. 
• We were able to visit with Mila for a short time while our facilitator tended to some business, and went back for the court decree.
• Records office - we went here to obtain a new birth certificate for Mila with her new name, etc. 
• Legalization - necessary for U.S embassy to obtain Visa
• Notary office
• Obtain tax ID number
• Back to orphanage to get Mila
• Passport application/Mila's picture taken
• Go to our apartment, and done for the day.

While we were driving to the orphanage to pick up Mila for her passport photo, I couldn't believe that we had finally made it to this day.  We were going to walk into her orphanage, have her dressed in her new clothes, and take her with us for good. 

When we arrived at the groupa, we gave the caregivers her new clothes.  They dressed her, and I could hardly stand the anticipation of waiting for her to come out.  She was so completely adorable.  Next, they put on her snow pants and coat.  She, of course, was swimming in the 2T coat I brought for her.  Before leaving I asked the caregivers if I could take their picture with her, and they agreed.  I took the picture and we left.  Just like that, it was done. 

When we first arrived at the passport office, I immediately felt overwhelmed.  There were people standing everywhere.  Our facilitator told us to wait, and before we knew it she returned and motioned for us to follow her.  I think it took four tries to get Mila's picture.  She did amazingly well. 

Finally, we were done and driven back to our apartment; where we settled in for the remainder of the day.

Our next blog post will be about our meeting on Friday (1/13) with Mila's birth parents...

EE Mission Day 32 - Court Hearing for Kathleen

So, we finally had out court hearing for Kathleen on 01/10/2012 at 2pm... 

Now, with Mila Gayle's court hearing, we experienced a rather quick (about 15 minutes) process.  The hearing was held in the judge's chamber.  The judge, prosecutor, and city representative, who were all very nice, did not really ask us any of the typical questions we had prepared for; some including:

• Why do you wish to adopt?
• What guided you in your decision to adopt a special needs child?
• Why did you decide to adopt from Ukraine?
• How will you care for the child?
• What role does your government play in helping care for the child?

For Kathleen's court hearing, the event was much different.  First of all, our facilitator told us she would not be there, and that we would have another translator.  She did assure us that this would not be a problem.  Although a little nervous, our trust in the "RR team" here in country helped us overcome what little nervousness we had.  Once we picked up our translator (Nadya), and made introductions, we felt totally comfortable.

We arrived at the court building and waited.  During our wait, Nadya told us some encouraging background on this judge.  This was very comforting...

Entrance to court building

We entered the court room and sat down as we waited for the judge.  Right from the start, we sensed this would be a different experience than the quick session we had for Mila...

The hearing started with the judge introducing the parties involved; the prosecutor, the city official, the orphanage representative, the 2 citizen witnesses, and the court recorder.  The judge then reviews our rights.  Then the questioning started...

Well, fortunately, we were prepared for the questions that we expected with Mila's court hearing, because we received all of them, and then some.  The blessing of the detailed questioning included the opportunity to explain that our Christian convictions led us to our decision to adopt.

After about an hour long session, the judge called recess as she went to process her decision.  After about a 10 minute wait, she returned with blessed news; ruling in favor of our petition to adopt Kathleen! 

Then, after a few minutes, the judge returned to hold what she referred to as the "unofficial business".  We were completely surprised as she proceeded to present us gifts in celebration of our adoption!

Top:  CD of Ukrainian Christmas Carols
Bottom Left:  Orthodox Christian Icon for Prayer
Bottom Right:  Artwork created by residents of Kathleen's orphanage

Embroidered towel that signifies a Ukrainian story of one's life journey (Kathleen's).
The black color signifies sadness (for her leaving her home land)
The red color signifies love she will receive during her journey. 
It was stressed that there is more red (love) than black (sadness) on the towel.  

Doll wearing traditional Ukrainian clothing for Kathleen to have 

She even asked for a picture to be taken of everyone involved...

So, based on the court ruling, we are now parents of Yana Kathleen Kimble!

EE Mission Day 30 - Reuniting with Kathleen

We had a nine and a half hour train ride into Kathleen's region yesterday, and arrived around five o'clock pm.  Igor, our driver, greeted us and took us to our apartment.  We can't really communicate too much with him, but he is super nice. 

We were taken to the same apartment we stayed in last time.  The owners were here when we arrived, and had a meal waiting for us.  They soon left, and we ate the delicious Ukrainian food they had prepared for us.  Our communication with them is limited as well, but I know they are very nice and hospitable.  We praise God for this blessing!

Today, we were overjoyed to see Kathleen again.  It's been two weeks since we've seen her, and we missed her so much.  We were able to visit with her in the recreation room again.  The time went by fast, and we can't wait to see her again tomorrow.  In just two days, we will petition in front of a judge to become her parents. 

There's mama with the camera again!

Where have you been the last two weeks, mama and papa?

I'm on a mission!

Come on, let me get in there!

Standing in my new shoes!

EE Mission Day 29 - "Trolls" or "Neighbors"

1 Peter 1:3-9 - Born Again to a Living Hope

 ³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶ In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷ so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, ⁹ obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.



During this adoption mission (preparation, travel, and soon to be homecoming, Lord willing), we have been and will continue to be blessed with trials.  Relative to the trials other brothers and sisters face in this world, ours have been mild in comparison.  Yet, we are thankful for these trials, as they are ordained in order to draw us closer to our Father in Heaven...

One category of trial has to do with blogging.  I knew that when we decided to share our story (thoughts, feelings, convictions, events), it could potentially spark some comments that would communicate disagreement.  I am okay with that...

With that said, there is a category of commentators, known in the blogosphere as "trolls", that only seem to offer comments that appear to arise from malice; containing many errors of reason (i.e., logical fallacies).  So, why do I categorize these types of comments as a trial?  Well, one reason is that comments like these create temptation to pull out the stops in conjuring up a logically solid, emotionally charged counter-attack.

Well, you might say, what is wrong with that?  Well...


In Matthew 5, Jesus states the following:

Retaliation

³⁸ “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ ³⁹ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. ⁴⁰ And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. ⁴¹ And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. ⁴² Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

Love Your Enemies

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. ⁴⁶ For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? ⁴⁸ You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 5:9 Greek huioi; see Preface
2. Matthew 5:16 Or house. Let your light so shine before others that
3. Matthew 5:22 Some manuscripts insert without cause
4. Matthew 5:22 Greek says Raca to (a term of abuse)
5. Matthew 5:22 Greek Gehenna; also verses 29, 30
6. Matthew 5:26 Greek kodrantes, Roman copper coin (Latin quadrans) worth about 1/64 of a denarius (which was a day's wage for a laborer)
7. Matthew 5:37 Or the evil one
8. Matthew 5:40 Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin
9. Matthew 5:47 Or brothers and sisters. The plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) refers to siblings in a family. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, adelphoi may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters

Cross references:

1. Matthew 5:1 : ch. 15:29
2. Matthew 5:1 : Luke 4:20
3. Matthew 5:2 : Ps. 78:2
4. Matthew 5:3 : For ver. 3-12, [Luke 6:20-23]
5. Matthew 5:3 : [Isa. 61:1; 66:2]
6. Matthew 5:3 : [Luke 12:32]
7. Matthew 5:4 : Isa. 61:2, 3; John 16:20; 2 Cor. 1:7; 7:10; Rev. 21:4; [James 4:9, 10]
8. Matthew 5:5 : Ps. 37:11
9. Matthew 5:5 : Ps. 37:11
10. Matthew 5:6 : Ps. 42:2; Isa. 55:1, 2; John 7:37
11. Matthew 5:6 : 2 Tim. 2:22; [ch. 6:33]
12. Matthew 5:7 : ch. 18:33; 25:34-36; Prov. 19:17; Luke 6:36; 2 Tim. 1:16; Heb. 6:10
13. Matthew 5:8 : Ps. 24:4; 2 Tim. 2:22; [1 Pet. 1:22]
14. Matthew 5:8 : Heb. 12:14; 1 John 3:2, 3; Rev. 22:4; [1 Cor. 13:12]
15. Matthew 5:9 : James 3:18
16. Matthew 5:9 : 1 John 3:1
17. Matthew 5:9 : Rom. 8:14
18. Matthew 5:10 : 2 Tim. 2:12; James 5:11; 1 Pet. 3:14
19. Matthew 5:10 : [See ver. 3 above]; [Luke 12:32]
20. Matthew 5:11 : Heb. 11:26; 1 Pet. 4:14
21. Matthew 5:11 : John 15:21
22. Matthew 5:12 : Acts 5:41; Rom. 5:3; 2 Cor. 12:10; Col. 1:11, 24; Heb. 10:34; James 1:2; 1 Pet. 4:13
23. Matthew 5:12 : See ch. 21:35
24. Matthew 5:13 : Mark 9:50; Luke 14:34
25. Matthew 5:14 : Eph. 5:8; Phil. 2:15; [John 8:12]
26. Matthew 5:15 : Mark 4:21; Luke 8:16; 11:33
27. Matthew 5:16 : Philem. 6; 1 Pet. 2:12
28. Matthew 5:16 : John 15:8; 2 Cor. 9:13; Phil. 1:11; [ch. 9:8]
29. Matthew 5:17 : Rom. 3:31
30. Matthew 5:17 : ch. 7:12
31. Matthew 5:17 : [Rom. 10:4; 13:8; Gal. 3:24]
32. Matthew 5:18 : Luke 16:17; [ch. 24:35]
33. Matthew 5:19 : [1 Cor. 3:12-15]
34. Matthew 5:19 : [Gal. 3:10; James 2:10]
35. Matthew 5:19 : ch. 11:11; 18:1-4
36. Matthew 5:19 : ch. 11:11; 18:1-4
37. Matthew 5:20 : [Rom. 10:3; Phil. 3:9]
38. Matthew 5:20 : John 3:5
39. Matthew 5:21 : ver. 33; [ver. 27, 31, 38, 43]
40. Matthew 5:21 : Cited from Ex. 20:13; Deut. 5:17; [ch. 19:18; Mark 10:19; Luke 18:20; Rom. 13:9; James 2:11]
41. Matthew 5:21 : [Deut. 16:18]
42. Matthew 5:22 : 1 John 3:15
43. Matthew 5:22 : [See ver. 21 above]; [Deut. 16:18]
44. Matthew 5:22 : ch. 18:9; Mark 9:43; James 3:6; [ver. 29]
45. Matthew 5:23 : [ch. 6:15; Mark 11:25]
46. Matthew 5:23 : ch. 8:4; 23:18
47. Matthew 5:25 : Luke 12:58, 59
48. Matthew 5:26 : [ch. 18:34, 35]
49. Matthew 5:27 : See ver. 21
50. Matthew 5:27 : Cited from Ex. 20:14; Deut. 5:18
51. Matthew 5:28 : Job 31:1; Prov. 6:25; [2 Sam. 11:2]
52. Matthew 5:29 : ch. 18:8, 9; Mark 9:43-48
53. Matthew 5:29 : [ch. 13:41; Luke 17:1]
54. Matthew 5:29 : ch. 10:28; 23:15, 33; Luke 12:5; [ver. 22]
55. Matthew 5:30 : [See ver. 29 above]; ch. 18:8, 9; Mark 9:43-48
56. Matthew 5:30 : [See ver. 29 above]; [ch. 13:41; Luke 17:1]
57. Matthew 5:30 : [See ver. 29 above]; ch. 10:28; 23:15, 33; Luke 12:5; [ver. 22]
58. Matthew 5:31 : [See ver. 27 above]; See ver. 21
59. Matthew 5:31 : ch. 19:7; Jer. 3:1; Cited from Deut. 24:1
60. Matthew 5:32 : ch. 19:9; Mark 10:11, 12; Luke 16:18; [1 Cor. 7:10, 11]
61. Matthew 5:32 : Rom. 7:3
62. Matthew 5:33 : [See ver. 27 above]; See ver. 21
63. Matthew 5:33 : Lev. 19:12; 1 Tim. 1:10
64. Matthew 5:33 : Num. 30:2; Deut. 23:21; Eccles. 5:4
65. Matthew 5:34 : James 5:12
66. Matthew 5:34 : ch. 23:22; Isa. 66:1; Acts 7:49; See Rev. 4:2
67. Matthew 5:35 : Ps. 48:2
68. Matthew 5:37 : [Prov. 10:19]
69. Matthew 5:38 : [See ver. 27 above]; See ver. 21
70. Matthew 5:38 : Cited from Ex. 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21
71. Matthew 5:39 : 1 Pet. 2:23
72. Matthew 5:39 : For ver. 39-42, see Luke 6:29, 30; [Rom. 12:17]
73. Matthew 5:39 : ch. 26:67; Isa. 50:6; Lam. 3:30
74. Matthew 5:40 : [See ver. 39 above]; 1 Pet. 2:23
75. Matthew 5:41 : ch. 27:32
76. Matthew 5:42 : Ps. 37:21; Prov. 21:26
77. Matthew 5:42 : Deut. 15:8; Ps. 37:26; 112:5; Luke 6:34, 35
78. Matthew 5:43 : See ver. 21
79. Matthew 5:43 : Cited from Lev. 19:18; See ch. 19:19
80. Matthew 5:44 : Luke 6:27, 28; Rom. 12:20; [Ex. 23:4; Job 31:29, 30; Ps. 7:4]
81. Matthew 5:44 : Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60; 2 Tim. 4:16; 1 Pet. 3:9
82. Matthew 5:45 : Luke 6:35; [Eph. 5:1; Phil. 2:15]
83. Matthew 5:45 : Acts 14:17
84. Matthew 5:46 : Luke 6:32
85. Matthew 5:47 : ch. 6:7, 32
86. Matthew 5:48 : [Luke 6:36]
87. Matthew 5:48 : ch. 19:21; 1 Cor. 2:6 (Gk.); Phil. 3:15 (Gk.); Col. 1:28; 4:12 (Gk.); James 1:4; 3:2; See Gen. 17:1
88. Matthew 5:48 : [Lev. 19:2; 1 Pet. 1:15]

I praise the Lord for His Grace and Mercy in letting me ponder a little on just who these authors are.  I mean, they are human beings created in His image, that have a story to tell from their experiences.  If given a chance to interview these people, some of the questions I would ask would include, but not be limited to:

(1)  Why do we exist?

(2)  What is wrong with the world?

(3)  How is what's wrong with the world made right?

(4)  Do you believe in a god?  If so, tell me about your god.

(5)  Do you profess to be a Christian?  If so, share your testimony.  If not, tell me what you understand about Christianity and why you reject it.

(6)  Tell me about the experiences in your life (both the joyous and the painful) that have helped shape your view of the world.  For example, if you are against adoption, tell me what helped shape that position.

(7)  What do you think you know about me that suggests you can apply what you think or know about one family to my household?

(8)  How may I pray for you?

Colossians 4:2-6 - Further Instructions

² Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. ³ At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— ⁴ that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

⁵ Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. ⁶ Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.



I am hopeful that this kind of dialog could exist.  I am not looking for compromise; I am looking to love my neighbor, in the name of Christ.  I know why I am in this world; yet understand why I am not to be of this world.

I am not looking for everyone to agree with or support what is stated on this blog.  I am not looking to bring glory to myself or anyone else.  I answer to Truth; which is found in His Word.

John 1 - The Word Became Flesh

¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. ⁴ In him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

⁶ There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. ⁷ He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. ⁸ He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

⁹ The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. ¹⁰ He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. ¹¹ He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. ¹² But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, ¹³ who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. ¹⁵ (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) ¹⁶ For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. ¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.