Hello New Hope Family, Glad You Asked!

Pastor David's sermon message Sunday from 2 Kings Chapter 4 was great, wasn't it? Did it convict you like it did me? The reminder that we are to Ask, Listen and Trust God is critical as believers.

His thoughts were so timely: Just last month, our New Hope Church family collected nearly 100 suitcases for One More Child, an organization with a local location providing Christ-centered services to vulnerable children, struggling families and foster children.

After his message, I felt God wanted me to share a condensed version of Kara and my journey as foster parents. And talk about timing: It was our foster daughter's birthday Sunday, and we had a great time celebrating her!

Leaning In

As foster parents, Kara and I have had to lean into ASKING God for certain things, LISTENING to God and His Word and TRUSTING in His perfect will.

When we told people we were going to be foster care parents, we heard a lot of opinions. Many were so foolish, the Holy Spirit had to help keep my mouth shut. You know what they say about having nothing nice to say? Through those opinions, Kara and I had to continue to lean into God’s calling on our lives. He called us to be people who were going to be comfortable being uncomfortable for Him.

About a month after taking in our foster daughter, we found out Kara was pregnant. It was hard navigating our next steps and even harder when we found that AJ had some heart issues; minor issues, but issues nonetheless. At that point we could have backed out and said we can’t or we won’t or we shouldn’t or maybe later in life we’ll do it. But I’m glad God has walked with us every step of the way to keep those lies from creeping into our way of thinking.

He Does Beautiful Things for All of Us

God continues to remind us that He is doing something beautiful and redemptive by having this sweet girl in our home. The foster care system isn’t perfect, case managers aren’t perfect, the judges aren’t perfect and God knows I’m not perfect. But through these imperfections, God has brought her into our lives. Her smile is big and her laugh brings so much joy to my heart.

CJ now has a “twin” who looks absolutely nothing like her but, regardless, they tell everyone they’re twins with no shame. She loves her little sisters with so much care and concern. She makes me cry when she asks,“Daddy, can I give you a hug and kiss?”

The last year and half has been a joy to be her dad and a greater joy to point her to Jesus as her Savior. Every night I tell her I love her and every night I ask who loves her more. Without fail, she responds by saying “Jesus.” All this happened because Kara and I have Asked, Listened and Trusted God.

What is God putting on your heart to ask of Him?

Are you listening to God or simply hearing Him?

How much are you trusting God in whatever season of life you're in?