Some of you already know that our sweet Ari (our foster daughter) has returned home to her mama. Our hearts ache deeply. We know that God is working out a perfect plan. As we follow the journey of what He desires to accomplish in and through us we will have trials and sorrow. In the midst of our heartache we have joy for Ari's mama. We know that Ari is everything to her. We know that she loves her deeply and will not harm her. We are so proud of Ari's mama and the progress she has made. With all that said, I cannot help but think of Our Father God who placed His sweet baby boy into the arms of another. The arms of a world that did not receive Him with a warm embrace. When God gave to us Jesus, He knew He would suffer greatly. That sacrifice and surrender is beyond what I am capable of not only doing, but even comprehending. So we rejoice at what the Lord has done and continues to do. We thank you our mighty army who have battled for us on your knees. He has brought to us such great peace as we walk this out with Him.
" The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
may the name of the LORD be praised."
Job 1:21
Once again, God works a wonder. Did you know that He is in the "Wonder Working" business? (and by the way, He has NO competition!!) On the very first day without my sweet Ari the Lord sent me these pictures of Libi Faith. Every moment of every day my God walks beside me and perfectly cares for me...no one will ever convince me other wise. I marvel at Him! His timing is absolute and He is perfection!! These photos are of Lora Clements with Libi Faith. Lora and her husband Neil were in China the last 2 weeks adopting their sweet son Daniel. Daniel was at the same orphanage with Libi Faith. Neil and Lora only had the opportunity to be with Libi briefly but said that she is a "sweetie". This seems to be the general opinion of all that have been with her. You will not have to convince us of that...we think she is pure sugar!
Almost rolling over! I had a friend who had
a dream of Libi Faith and this was the image she saw!
We affectionately call this her "angry elf" face.
Given to her by her big brother, Jack.
What will we EVER do with that hair!!!
Be sure to check back soon for a special delivery of Libi Faith Christmas!!!
6 comments:
Oh Amy, what awesome insight about God sending his Son into a hostile world!! I cannot comprehend it, either, but what a great reminder of what He has done for us! Libi Faith is ADORABLE... love the "angry elf" face. ( -:
Merry Christmas! May God be with Ari and her mama in a special way.. and with the Arnold's, too.
Linda Thomas
Amy and Family,
Our hearts are so touched by the story of sweet Ari. What a cloud of witnesses you have been to her and her momma. Sarah Groves sings a song about not always knowing why we have the suffering in life, but having complete faith that what God has planned is good. I know your hearts are heavy and we certainly do not know what is going to happen in the coming years- but we know who holds tomorrow. We WILL be praying for your family, for sweet Ari, and for her momma. We celebrated at those beautiful pictures of Libi Faith. My goodness was a dollbaby!!!! Keep posting as you get news!
I read this and it reminded me of you:
A mother is likened unto a mountian spring that nourishes the tree at its root, but one who mother's another's child is likened unto a water that rises into a cloud and goes a long distance to nourish a lone tree in the desert.
Dear, dear Amy and family,
My heart aches with yours as you walk the road that God has paved for you. What is so amazing about our God is that even in the midst of great pain He gives us joy in seeing how He works! And seeing how He works in our lives demonstrates to us His great love for us. It's quite overwhelming! You are so right about His timing always being perfect...I marvel at Him and how he works in the details of our lives...He is so personal with us!
Know that you all will continue to be lifted up in prayer to our God who is the God of all comfort.
And my prayers are for sweet Ari, also!
In His great love, Lisa Myers
Dear Amy & Brad and boys,
You are in our thoughts and prayers as we think of Ari going to be with her mama. You provided such a wonderful, nourishing place for her. Jacob, Joel and Jack you were so gentle and kind with Ari! God blesses those who bless Him. We are praying for peace in your hearts and grace for Ari. We are so happy to have had time with you recently.
Leslie & Don Kaiser
Hi Brad and Amy, It is great to hear an update on sweet Ari. Thank you for stepping out in faith and into her life when she was in need. I LOVE your analogy of God sending His Son into this hostile world, God is THE "great high priest who IS touched with the feeling of our infirmaties" isn't He?
Your Libi sure sounds sweet :-) I can't wait until you get her. I was just thinking the other day about Caleb's bio mom and wondering if she thinks of him. With some of the background we know on her, I can't help to think that she does. It is bittersweet! Sweet in that we love him sooo much and he is such a fun, smart and cute boy that we so enjoy and bitter because she does not know him. Anyway, just rambling a bit!
Hope you all have a Merry Christmas!
Jill Lehman
Thanks so much for sharing your heart. It is a privilege to read about how God is working in your family. He does take perfect care of His children!! He will continue to take care of your hearts in the situation with Ari going to her Mamas. Hopefully you will soon be able to hold little Libi Faith in your arms and lavish love upon her- no longer from a distance.
We will continue to pray for you all!
Our love, Ed, Marilyn and Lena
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