Persevere

I just couldnt help posting about this timely message.
You see, this was the "message" in youth group service last night.
Ive been going to Hear "E" play bass guitar in Youth group and be an extra set of eyes and hands. I have assured "E" that once we get "Little G " home it may come to an end. (I think he tried to hide a smile.....)

Perseverance.

What a nice word.
It applies to so many things in my life right now.
Since Im blogging about our adoption and Down Syndrome awareness I just knew it would be the post for today.
Perseverance n. : the action or condition or an insistance of persevering: steadfastness.
Persevere: to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of difficulties, counter influences, opposition, or discouragement.

Oh how I love that, Steady persistance in a course of action....

So the scripture reading was about Joseph. Genesis 37.... read it if you dont remember. You know the one, the youngest of was it twelve??? Loved by his father and sold into slavery by his brothers.... Sold into slavery. Then harassed by his bosses wife, wrongly accused and thrown into jail.
FORGOTTEN.
Or so it seems.
But God had not forgotten him.
Two years later a former inmate remembers him and through a chain of events he becomes second in charge!!!!

The message was ended by talking about no matter if youve been betrayed, hurt, lied to..... God knows.
Keep your focus on Jesus Christ.
Just focus on him...... and STOP acting like you are broken.
STOP being broken........

I will end this post to ask if anyone is out there and reads this, please pray for our adoption process and for "Little G" . The news I have gotten this morning breaks my heart and it seems like it may take a miracle to bring her home.

I am so thankful that I know a miracle worker.
In fact, He is my best friend.
I choose to persevere.
And focus on Him.

Wordless Wednesday

Hubby and Great Dane having a talk......


Husband at Powerlifting meet - 1st place Masters division
650lb squat



$250 VW part!!!! (thats a fuel pump in case you didnt know!)

Homecoming...... thats my son!

My mom and Dad with "E"

Princess........

"not me" Mondays

Okay so Ive seen a trend and Im not sure if Im supposed to "follow" a blog to do this. I thought it was cute and dont know what to write other than.

"it wasnt me" that sat in my PJs until noon reading blogs about families and how Ds affects their lives! Nope not me!

I also didnt call the Adoption agency director about our adoption...... since I said I wouldnt.

Sundays post

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cA3t1HW1Ow

Let me just say..... I thought I posted! Really... I did!!

Just a few thoughts

Today is full. Completely, utterly cram packed with action........
Our youngest is going to homecoming........ yes, with a girl. And there will be dancing, corsages, and going out to dinner without parents in tow. ( we did the shopping adventure the other day and he is NOT a shopper. Never has been. I feel bad for his future wife.) While I am waiting on him to inhale his lunch so we can pick up her corsage before the florist closes I thought I might want to post todays thoughts.

First, our adoption Bible verse:

Proverbs 24:12 "Once our eyes are opened we cant pretend we dont know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act.

These are also wonderful verses that are written all over the folders FULL of important papers. Three of them!!!!


1Samuel 1:27 " For this child I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition which I asked of Him."

Proverbs 31:8-9 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute- Speak up and judge fairly. Defend the rights of the poor and needy."

James 1:27 "Religion pure and undefiled with God and father is this, to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation- unspotted to keep himself from the world."

Hosea 14:3 " In you the orphan finds mercy. "

Psalm 68:5-6 "Father to the fatherless, defender of widows- this is God, whose dwelling is Holy. God places the lonely in families."

Matthew 18:5 "And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me."

Isiah 43:5-6 "Do not be afraid for I am with you,
I will bring your children from the East and gather you up from the West.
I will say to the North, "Give them up!" and to the South, "Do not hold them back!"
Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth."

Proverbs 25:25 "Like cold water to a weary soul, is good news from a distant land.


And I close with this one.
I know this is a favorite by many but I choose this verse to be for my "little G"
God loved her before I knew her. He knew her while she was being knit in her mothers womb!!

Jeremiah 29:9-14a NIV
"For I know the plans I have for you declares the LORD, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you." Declares the LORD "

"Little G"

So, since our little one isnt home let me tell you a little bit that I know about her.I love the "thoughts" of her so much. Yet dont "know her" as a person.

Through a chain of events we ended up here. Adoption. Then choosing to adopt a child with "special-ness" Its just what we were meant to do. We chose a child from Ecuador since going through our system wasnt an option. (our church is very involved in Ecuador and many have learned Spanish as a result) There wasnt a little girl on Reeces Rainbow.... so I asked around. And we found HER. You know.... "The one" I know she looks nothing like us. But sometimes when I look at one of the pics I have of her it makes me think of the pics of me at that age. Glasses and ponytails. And DH does have dark hair. We arent supposed to share pics of our little ones and many dont share names. She isnt "ours" yet. But a little painting of a picture will do wont it?????

"Little G" was born in a hospital on Nov 24th 2005. Her mother checked out of the hospital but didnt take her home with her. I am thankful that she knew that she couldnt do this and left our little one in a safe place. At 5 days old she went to the Orphanage. I actually got an e-mail from the family that picked her up at the hospital and named her. What a treasure. Her name is beautiful!!!!! (Im sure your first guess will be it!)

She was born with cataracts which were removed around one year of age. They tried contacts but she kept getting eye infections. She has worn glasses to replace the lenses and we hope that we can make progress with that here in the states. One thing that is hard for us is that the Orphanage doesnt keep her glasses on her. They cant afford to replace them. I am not sure how they decide when. But since Christmas, when she started walking, we rarely get pics with them on her. :( You know, she is blind without them...... sigh

Her medicals also show a heart murmur that they are watching and letting close on its own. She started walking at 39 mos because of her Lax hips. When our Adoption Director visited in Aug she said that "little G" was always moving and very busy. I also heard form an adoptive mother that "little G" wanders around with her arms outstretched wanting to be picked up and loves to be held. Sounds perfect doesnt it?

"little G" isnt speaking yet but can point to body parts when asked and a few other things. (of course she is asked these things in Spanish!) Which we are trying to learn. My daughter and I know sign language and we are hoping that we can start ASAP to facilitate communication. I also want to make a comunication board and possibly a book to take to Ecuador with us so maybe she can point at a pic for me to know what she wants/ needs. It shall be fun.

She gets to go to a special preschool 3 days a week and they say she has "blossomed" since starting.

I have learned alot through this journey and just hope and pray we can get her home very soon....anthat she will love her Dora bedroom and her new family.

31 for 21

So Ive still been reading blogs on the list of bloggers doing the "31 for 21" thing. I have enjoyed reading them so much. But Im only at number 35 out of 118 on the list! Wowee Zowee Batman!

Wonderful Wednesday

Just wanted to let you all know that today was a beautiful, busy, and fun day.
Got up and helped Eric home school.
Went to my first "art class" in over five years. The teacher was great. She just let me do my own thing and seemed to appreciate what I was working on even though it wasnt her style. I liked her and think it will stay on my schedule to get me out of the house and doing something that God has gifted me to do.......
I went to UWF for a conference on disabilites and it ended up being over... .they said it went until 3pm but at 2:15 everyone was packing up. I did catch up with one person and ended up with three pamphlets for three different services. Not too shabby since I missed it!!! ha ha! So I may make few phone calls tomorrow.
Had a friend on my mind as I was headed to the mall to see if I could find things for "E" for homecoming. Come to find out she was at the same mall so we hooked up! Was way amazing. We then went to TJ Max to hunt some more and then Starbucks. Had a great catch up time and I felt so blessed.
Then my mother called to see how we were doing. I didnt have the heart to tell her church was starting soon and sat outside and enjoyed hearing her voice. Theres nothing like a mother is there?!
Went in for Worship with our FAB youth group. I was so blessed as several of my Peeps asked how I was..... I could tell they really meant it. So I let myself go a bit and cry out some tears that were tired of being held in. I think they understood. I really am okay. I really trust God to know whats best for "little G" and for us. He has made sure she is loved, and in the best orphanage possible. I am just so sad at missing out on her 3rd year...... it really breaks my heart that she has a perfectly good family waiting for her....... I hear the orphanages are having to turn little ones away since they have been so backlogged. I pray this is a rumor and not the case. Our lawyer went to the New council director and took the the old director along. Hen eloquently spoke of the need to get the adoptions moving. I pray he hit a sensitive spot. We have a 45 day deadline for our immigration paperwork.......... sigh.

It was a great day.
Filled with my sisters in Chist and love......
BTW.... did I tell you DH bought me Pansies on Tuesday????
Now what guy just brings home three trays of pansies "just because?" He kills me........

31 for 21- How much fun!

Okay, Im going to have to set a timer and allot a certain amount of time Im allowed to read other blogs. Ive been enjoying reading the stories and seeing beautiful little families loving each other and loving life. This has been a treat and I thank everyone for a glimpse of your reality.
I hope you stop by and leave a post......

Today and yesterday were filled with Home schooling, guitar lessons, sewing little felt dolls- see previous post, cooking and laundry, organizing "little G's " room.( yes again.) My sister just moved and sent the most wonderful outgrown toys, books, TV shelf..... if only we could knock a wall out and add onto the room! ha ha! If only I had a little girl sleeping in there......

Hopefully soon.

You are preaching your own Eulogy each day of your life!

So yesterday was such a busy day that I wasnt able to post. Not near a computer..... but living life......loving life! So in the 31 for 21 count.... this counts as Sundays post. I will post this eve for today.
We went to church. What a moving experience. This was the second Sunday in our new sanctuary. It is such a beautiful place to gather to worship. It was communion Sunday and I loved praying with my husband at the beautiful altars. I am finding a deep need to be in this place and with these people. My heart aches..... and they have been "family" for so long. Just being there makes me feel like Im at home. This quote, title for Sunday, is from our pastors sermon. It may be paraphrased. My brain has a way of doing that.......
We came home to change clothes and drive to Mississippi to see my sister and her family. What a great day! The drive was horrible. My husband is an awesome driver. Its everyone else that really pushes me over the edge. Pouring rain....... was hard on this nervous person. But we made it there in one piece and she had food ready for lunch at 2pm! They have lived in Japan for too many years....... we enjoyed the fried rice and corn soup. Then Pizza for dinner! She had boxes of things to bring home for "little G ". Today in between schooling and guitar lessons I will sort and store things. I am moved by her generosity.... their willingness to share with a little girl they have never met.......... My sister has always been the most generous person Ive ever been around. She is teaching the girls those same traits. My heart was full when they brought out a little Japanese backpack with pages of stickers in it for "Little G". It was all I could do to not cry. I cant wait for them to come and stay the weekend in "little G"s room. it is quite a bit smaller than they are used to. But I have beds ready and waiting.

What Ive been up to lately

Well, we have been preparing to fly to visit the Orphanage and I wanted gifts to give the children in the Toddler house and for the Tias. I hunted around the internet and found a few ideas at "Purl Bee" website. Sorry I havent figured out how to link things. Ive tried.... and given up.

The first project is felt dolls. The pattern was designed by a lady that sells her stuff on Etsy named Mimi and shared a simplified pattern with Purl Bee. Its kept me busy and I havent gotten much knitting done as a result...... I am going to tweak the pattern to make little boy soccer players for the boys. Then leave the extras for the psych. team to give children that have just arrived and need therapies etc.

I'll post pics later for the Tia's gifts.

21 for 31

Okay, so I just signed up to blog the whole month of October.
I know, I am laughing too! I mean really, I can do things.
I can do some things fairly well.
But blogging. Not so much.
SO here it goes. Ive already gotten behind because, well, we werent a family with a loved one that had Down Syndrome last year. So I didnt know.......
So last year this time I was the excited parent to be. The excited Adoptive parent to be if you want to be technical about it all. Stars in my eyes. Ink not yet dry on the application form and fees sent. "oh, she is so special you will have her home by Januruary." But we are dealing with a third world country. New Hague laws. And newly elected officals...... Fall turned into winter turned into Spring turned into summer and now I smell fall in the air again. The newness and the excitement are mixed with a dull ache. A "little G "sized hole in my heart. The empty room ....... the clothes....... the toys. Waiting for a sweet little girl that has captured our heart.
The first pictures we saw of "little G" were the cutest ever! Such big eyes....behind such big glasses, cute little waterfall on the top of her head.(you know that little bunch of hair) She aged six months from that day to the next update we got all in one fell swoop. Then the months have ticked past and she has learned so much. She is now walking and drinks from a straw. (part of her therapy is to blow bubbles with the straw in her drink Im told)
I just got a new update yesterday. new pictures. New stories about a little girl that visits me in my dreams........ sigh. I dont get as excited as I used to when we got a new update. TO see how much she has changed hurts. I WANT her to be making milestones and learning new things. I just wanted to be part of the crowd cheering her on.
We are supposedly so close as far as the paperwork is considered. But her country is so far away. And weve been in this same place, waiting since April. (and were told then that we'd hear something within two weeks )
I am tired.
I amWeary.
Iam Worn down.
Yet.... still trusting that this is where God wants us.
And here I will remain until we bring "little G" home.

Through the Looking Glass- Our perspective

I was just reading a fellow bloggers post (Down with OZ) about Down Syndrome and the reactions and stares from others.I had to smile. I pray no one has seen us when we forget our manners.... when I see a child with Down Syndrome I wonder "do I say something?" "Do they want to be left alone?" You know the thoughts... I just nod and smile and see where it leads. Many times I think I must be thought of as "a little off" . Some lady held her child tighter after I told her how beautiful her son was...... huh......I know, these days you never know. But really? Really?

So back to my story. I read this blog and just had to share. Husband was in "big box store" (they can pay for their advertising..... no freebies here!!!!) He happened to run into Married daughter. They were chatting it up and a mother and her 18 year old daughter happened by. Husband does a double take. "Hey, she has Down Syndrome!" (or something of the sort) He is so excited, beaming from ear to ear. So, if you are a parent or family member of someone that just happens to have an extra chromosome. Just know that we dont mean to offend you. We just get so excited that we forget our manners. Really.... we have waited over a year now to bring a special little person into our family. We mean no harm..........

Awesome!

So I am posting a picture of the double rianbow I got to drive under on the way home Monday afternoon. It was so briliant as I came across the I-110 bridge I just kept laughing and telling God how awesome Magnificient and Grand He was..... I dont know..... do you think God likes hearing compliments on his artwork like I do? Well I told him anyhow..... "Man You really outdid yourself this time.... " I dont know if I have Ever seen such a vinbrant double FULL rainbow before.....I pulled over and got cell pics but weve been having trouble getting pics off the phone. Thankfully I found this pic of it on our local news website. It doesnt do it justice but I tell you........ I cant wait to meet Him! Plus the Revelation song was playing!!!!

Been having ups and downs with the adoption but that isnt slowing me down. God is still God. I am right where I am supposed to be and rest in that. Today should be "the day" the Childrens Council meets for our approval. But last week we got the call from our agency telling us that they were meeting the next day, we'd get approval and start with the next things on our list. So I called everyone and started preparations in full steam ahead mode. Was a little too quick so it was a huge blow to get the call that the Council in fact Did not meet and would meet a week later. I lost it. It wasnt pretty. So after a thorough exam at the Dr. I am moving forward.

We tried not to let it drag us down but after several nights of no sleep because of the excitement then the sadness we just werent up to celebrating much over the weekend. Yes it was our 22nd Anniversary on the 12th. I love him more now than I did then and am glad that He is the one I get to grow old with.

Our Immigrations paperwork was sent in last week and that takes 10 days to process at the Lockbox facility and then is sent on to the next office. I am not sure how long it takes there but I called and they think maybe first part of next week they will have our paperwork to start on it. Sigh.......

September first

Well we are home again after a little trip to Tampa and then Orlando. P had meetings with DJJ there and we left E with his grandparents. The Hotel was FAB! There was an Emeril restaraunt downstairs and we splurged on dinner the last night. The food was great! We took the river taxi over to City Walk and got frozen yogurt for dessert and enjoyed just being together.

While I was done I knit several small things and started a little Shrug.

P met up with some Gym buddies in Bradenton and My sister in Law and mother in law rode with us so we could go by " A Yarn Outlet" in Oneco. I was sad to find out they had more fabric than yarn. the selection was INCREDIBLE and I couldnt resist a few fat quarters, some size 2 double pointed needles and two skeins of yarn. We had taken the Jetta in to have the transmission worked on Again so I was nervous to spend more money. Needless to say it wasnt pretty, after 4 years of being a proud VW owner the novelty is wearing off.

E is starting guitar lessons to hone his skills on the Bass for youth band and we are starting 10th grade. This will be my fourth time so maybe I will learn something this go around. He is a willing and eager student so I look forward to the time we will share getting him ready for PJC.

August

Hey! When did a new month get here?!

Probably while I was still celebrating my birthday and forgetting that each new day was a tick on the calendar. So a week later and I had gained weight (too much eating out and desserts!) but my birthday was throughly celebrated and off we go to Ga for a trip to my parents. On the way there we ate Dinner at the first Chick-fil-A outside Atlanta. I had heard of it , being chick fil a fans but this wastotally by accident. I was excited as I had it on my "places to visit" list. Had a short little jaunt to Dahlonega and enjoyed the Hummingbirds, the Falls- went up for a walk on Sat. Church service on Sunday was just wonderful. They sing the old Hymns and are traditional. Whereas we are contemporary....... each has its pluses. I loved singing songs that I hadnt sang in like, ten years! ( I have to call Mom and see how service was yesterday. They were having service up at the falls! How great is that!)

We came home to finish off youth week at our church. Went to Mobile, Al and did some community service. Then they had a party in the evening. Friday they built a wheelchair ramp and then Sat several went to someones house instead of out to the beach. I guess E isnt a beach person.

While in Ga We put up green beans and peaches- since the corn wasnt ready they sent us home with corn they had put up, some peas and okra. Yummm...... But I gained even more weight! I sure hope all this housework waiting on me will help me get the extra lbs I found off!!!!!! Plus I am not like my mother. We dont have dessert every evening!

So, adoption update. Jaci sent new pictures and updates while she was in Ecuador. First off our adoption is NOT dependant on her getting her new accreditation approved. That is very good. At this rate there is no telling how long it will take them. She said the hold up was that the council was deciding the details on the home visits we are required to have post placement. That was completed at that meeting we were waiting on so she hoped things would move real fast. She was going to work on getting the I-800 done. We should hear about our grant with Show Hope the end of the month.

Waiting and sewing

Just an update. NO news yet! But adoption agency director said she would share her acid relief tablets with me.
Made little G a book to send with a story I wrote. Adoption agency director flies this weekend. Also sent the cutest little doll made by carters.
I also am working on a project called a Buttercup bag. This is another free pattern by the same Talented person that made the Itty Bitty Baby dress that I made nine of back in May for little G. I ended up sharing a few since..... well it did seem like too many..... and they are just hanging in the closet. Thankfully Hannah loves them, they fit perfect- we all know how pretty little girls feel in a dress made just for them!

Cake and even more happy thoughts!

Just wanted to let you know we are waiting to hear good news from the Childrens Council. They met on Thursday and the lawyer in Ecuador spoke with the head of the council and she said things went "excellent". She said the whole council would meet Tuesday- tomorrow and we should hear good news. Now I am not quite sure if its good news about our agencies accreditation or the "stamp of approval" for us to travel. Just one or both would be great.
Our Church's Ecuador mission group comes home today. I cant wait to see and hear of thier wonderful stories. I cant wait to see Mama Yolis for myself when we travel. She was a beautiful peorson and touched many lives. My teenagers to name a few. I sent a few gifts to the Orphanage and hope they got to "little G" safe and sound.
Im turning 39 again today so Im off to enjoy life and looking forward to the cake my husband made yesterday. (Thank you Alton Brown for the wonderful recipe! "P" is an Alton fan.......)

Thinking happy thoughts

I have just completed a beautiful knitting project Called "Mary Mary"

and the beret called "tickle" for our precious "little G".

I also started "Blossom" which will be a matching red dress.

I am just praying she doesn't grow out of another size of clothing

before we get to bring out little princess home from Ecuador.

The patterns are in a book by Louisa Harding called "Bizu bizoo".

(Means "Kisses Kisses" in French.)

I would love to knit all little girl patterns in the book

I was so excited to see the sizes went from infant to 3T.

Since I know I will be a grandma one day-"Ya- ya" I hope.

I know the book will be one that will get much use.

SO far the directions are well written and I recommend it!

Although in the hat and the dress Ive started

I am choosing to knit in the round

instead of the way the pattern is written

to eliminate the need for sewing it up in the end.

Why if its not necessary??

No news on the adoption front.

I have been doing pretty well at remaining optimistic lately

and not so many tears.

God sent me a few special pick-me-ups

this afternoon as I was helping oldest daughter get to work.

A favorite song came on "Waiting"

I was doing my best at the Karaoke as I drove.......

and there was a billboard.

"Patiently wait on God"

( I felt like the movie Eagle Eye)

Only God speaking in a HUGE voice.

I didn't know that God was really just encouraging me

before the rug got pulled out from under us.

I found out a couple had withdrew from their adoption

because their paperwork process was being difficult in Ecuador

and their agency is also having trouble getting their Hague accreditation renewal....

like our agency.

I am not sure why they decided to withdraw

when its only been 3 months since they have received their referral.

It doesn't really mean anything for us..... just FELT bad.

(this is the second family that I know of that has done this)

Then right before bed I checked my e-mail again.

(note to self: "Do not, repeat, Do Not check e-mail before bed!")

The only agency in Canada doing adoptions in Ecuador filed bankruptcy.

From what I understand this means these families have lost their money

and potential children no matter where they are in the process.

I will be making sure about the details.

Again, this means nothing for our adoption.

But it FEELS horrible.

How are we any better than they are?

I keep trusting that God has not shut the door

and we do keep taking baby steps forward.

We keep developing the character

that is what we need as an "end result"

to prepare us for eternity.

Thinking happy thoughts.

One foot in front of the other.

That is all this life is about.......

(this post was edited on March 7,2012 to add photos we had

but legally werent allowed to share)

This post has been "most visited on my blog" and I felt like adding photos

might add interest to those visiting years later.

Under His wings,

Anna

Adoption update

Lets just start this off by saying, " Yes, we are still waiting."
(I really do need to have a button made to wear when I am out)


New news for today is hopeful. My adoption agency said she recieved our daughters paperwork and is having it translated. Once that is done we can work on the last huge form sent to the USCIS (U.S. customs and Immigration services) I did call that office today to ask questions about the two forms that I need to work on and thankfully they are very efficient and she helped me immensly. So that started the day off on a good note.



Our adoption agency has recieved "little G's" papers from the lawyer in Ecuador and is sending them to be officially translated. (The translator was very moved by our adoption so I was told)Once she gets the translations we will have a phone conversation to get the rest of the last big form with the USCIS done. (I-800) That will go in the mail and once that is processed we are ready on this end to travel. I am not sure what the hold up is on the Ecuador end for our approval but until we get this done I suppose it doesnt matter. I had thought that we needed the approval to get "little G's " papers. So today I am feeling happy knowing we are taking one more little baby step closer to bringing her home!So maybe about the time we get everything together on our end they will have our approval as well! We also will hear from Show Hope about our adoption grant application and if thats Gods will we may get a grant to help pay for our travel expenses. the whole process has been beyond my wildest imagination. I have always known how BIG God is. But knowing things and living it out is so different.

Heres a sweet poem someone listed on our Adoption group. I dont know the name of the author, sorry. It is applicable for so many other places we may find ourselves waiting on God for an answer. I hope it touches someone else like it has me:

Desperately, helplessly, longingly I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly God replied.

I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate....
and the Master so gently said, "Wait."

"Wait? You say wait?" My indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened?
Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked,
and Im claiming your Word."

My future and all to which I relate
Hangs in the balance and you tell me to wait?
I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign.
Or even a 'No', to which I'll resign.

You promised, dear Lord, that if we believed,
We need to but ask, and we shall receive.
Lord, Ive been asking, and this is my cry;
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply."

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate
as my Master replied again. "Wait."
So, I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
and I grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting...... for what?"

He seemed then to kneel,
and His eyes met mine...
and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.
I could give you all you seek and pleased you would be.
You'd have what you want, but you wouldnt know me.
You'd not know the depth of My love for each saint.
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.
You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair,
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.

You'd not know the joy of resting in me.
when darkness and silence are all you can see.
You'd never experience the fullness of love
when the peace of My Spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
but you'd not know the depth of the beat of my heart.

The glow of my comfort late into the night
the faith that I give you when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask
from an infinite God who makes what you have last.

You'd never know should your pain quickly flee,
what it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.

Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But oh, the loss if I lost what I'm doing in you.
So,
Be silent my child.
and in time you will see,
that the greatest of gifts,
is to truly know me.

Though oft my answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still, "Wait."