God is the good Author and
Life is filled with Plot Twists and Surprising Adventures
Just when I thought I knew where the story was going- along came a Surprising Plot Twist!
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Have you ever surprised yourself?
Sometimes I question—- scratch my head—— and marvel at who God is helping me become!
I like change and transition about as much as pulling out teeth with pliers. Yep, that much! 🙂
We’ve been kicking around the idea of what to do with our emptying nest. Foster Care came to mind. We asked each of our children- got a big “Wow- that’s a great idea.”
Then of course came the next hurdle.
What does Bethany think about someone coming into our home and becoming part of our family? And I quote Miss Bethany-
“That’s really cool. We got an extra bedroom and we love big families. A—– needs a family. When can she move in?”
So, after a bunch of prayer, a lot of mulling over the information, and finally taking a leap of faith- the surprising plot twist our family journey is taking is becoming an EFT family.
What is EFT you ask? 🙂
EFT is the acronym for Extended Family Training. This is the opportunity for our family to open our home and hearts to foster a developmentally disabled adult who would otherwise be in a residential home.
This brilliant idea is birthing a new era in foster care. This approach to fostering, creates a sense of family and life teaching opportunities to help grow independence in a one on one, nurturing environment. The goal is for them to become part of your family- not ‘lost’ in a larger group.
One week into our journey and I’m still a little anxious – but mostly excited. Because of the legalities of fostering, I can’t break confidentiality, but I can share our foster daughter is 19, has autism, and loves playing Special Olympics basketball, bowling, and watching KU everything!
As we’ve opened our home- God is opening and stretching my heart to live a bigger adventure. The adventure has started this week by heading off to the Doctor’s this morning. A—– and I were relieved to find the X-rays confirmed her nose was NOT broken after the basketball hit her in the face Wednesday night. 🙂 Yay!
When we got married 34 years ago, I never dreamed we would provide foster care- much less someone who had a disability. I would have been too scared.
I’m learning to lay down my “pen” and let God write the chronicles of my life. If I was the author of my story, I wouldn’t have written my story quite the way the Lord has. But God is the good Author who is writing an epic story beyond my one dimensional perspective and limited imaginations. I can’t read the end of my story, but I know He promises a good ending and maybe a wild ride with some twists and turns.
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So, as we travel forward, one step at a time, in this journey, let’s pray we all trust and grow as our story unfolds by the Mighty Pen of our Good Author and Father God.
We were asking Bethany today, “Beth- how do you think it’s going to have A—– living with us.”
She immediately piped up- “I love having A—— live with us- pause- but sometimes it’s a little bit awkward.” This profound thought was followed by silliness and giggling.
I was struck by how honest that response was.
We love life- but sometimes it’s a little bit awkward.
Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith;
Mark 9:37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”
What a blessing you are to so many! You and Jeff are definitely a special couple who allow God to use you. It is a privilege to say that we, at one time, went to the same church and shared life together!
Sweet Ruth- we often think with great joy of those “growing” years! Beginning with the strategic placement of Rev. Dick- and his teaching- What an amazing time in the Lord at our little church in an insignificant little town. Isn’t God amazing??!! He meets us where we are- uses whatever we give Him and multiplies it for His kingdom! I love Him! hugs to you and Larry!
Wow, Bethy, can I use your quote from now on?!! Life is definitely a lot awkward! I always find it so amazing (when I know I shouldn’t since it continues to happen) that just when we think we are so comfortable in our roles of life, that God calls us to bigger and better things. I must say I struggle with the better but I know His story has an awesome ending so of course it is always better! We will pray for A– and all of your family as you go through this “awkward” time! May God bless you!
Jodi
Jodi! It’s so great to hear from you! Bethany just makes me laugh. She loves life but she calls them as she sees them. lol- I’m with you- I struggle with the “better” but I’m learning to trust His good Authorship! Thank you for the prayers. We are moving forward one sentence at a time 🙂 hugs
I really appreciate this analogy of God as story writer. My family is in the middle of a plot twist that feels rather climactic (read scary). You aren’t the first person to remind me of this truth and it is reassuring to cling to this aspect of our Savior’s character.
He’s promised to work all things out in the end!
Thanks Cheri- I love your blog!!!! Hugs and prayers for His peace and the assurance that He is the good Author. I feel like that’s what God has been trying to stress to me lately- I know He is the Author but He keeps assuring me He is the Good Author- whether I understand it or not at the moment- just like a great book- at the end of the story- it will all make sense! Praying for you and your family! blessings!
Cindy,
I am so happy for you and for the teenager you are blessing! Thank you for sharing. We may not be done yet either.
Sheryl! So great to hear from you! It’s not what I ever saw us doing but it is GOOD. 🙂 Sending up prayers for you and Joe and your sweet little girl- may the Lord guide you in all your decisions and bless your family abundantly! hugs
How lovely! How absolutely lovely! I am so blessed to know you, Cindy. And blessed always by your family and your stories and your heart.
Thank you Serena! And I treasure you sweet friend! You are such an encourager and your writing ignites in me a desire to know Him more! You are a blessing to me- and to so many! hugs
I can totally relate to this post simply because my life looks nothing like what i would have penned either. Yet, I’m so thankful I too allowed God to take the story in His direction. It’s a challenge, but I love it.
Thanks Carrie! Thankful! That is the key word in this life, isn’t it? Thankful for the trials, the messes, the challenges- BECAUSE we experience the love and power of God to transform our lives! He is Amazing! blessings!
With Jesus, “awkward,” can be fun and rewarding… not necessarily easy, but rewarding.
You guys are amazing! Congratulations on the new addition to the Barclay nest.
Praying for you and so grateful for your continued witness!
Blessings and hugs,
Lisa
Thank you for the prayers- transitions are not my forte but the Lord 🙂 He is good. He is our help. He is our Vision!
Hugs- you are such a blessing and a light!
Cindy,
How amazing, wonderful and exciting. You will all be in my prayers during this new season!!
Love the prayers! We’re just taking it one day at a time. 🙂
How are you all doing? Miss you Amy! hugs to you and yours!
God writes the best stories, doesn’t He? 🙂 Being among writers, I love thinking of the Almighty as Author of the universe and every unfolding story in it. And, tough as it often is, I love how He prepares His “characters” for the next twist in the plot. What an adventure! Please tell Bethy from me that her life story, written by God, is a wonderful adventure, and she is the main character He is leading to the finish-line goal. “Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name.” Malachi 3:16 – a favorite I like to think of as a video we can one day watch! 🙂
It’s funny- weird funny- how in the past- I didn’t like the idea of God or “anyone” writing my story- it felt so – I don’t know- controlling to me. I wanted to live my life- my dreams- be in control- I think it all stemmed from a faulty view of God’s goodness and the gracious, redemptive plans He holds for us. I’ve struggled as I listen to other Christians talking about God like He’s the Great Puppet Master in the sky- pulling our strings or writing a script in which we have no choice or say….. The key component to my misunderstanding God’s Sovereignty – who He is- PERFECT LOVE. Perfect Love is Sovereignty reigning and ruling over our lives for our good and His glory. That I can rest in! 🙂 hugs
I couldn’t agree more. Just when you thought you’ve got everything figured out or you thought it will end the way you do, life has a funny way of sneaking behind you, giving you the surprise of your life.
Thanks for the insight Lux! I’m just taking one day at a time- trying to lay my plans before our good God- knowing He might adjust our course at any moment- because He sees/knows what’s up ahead. blessings! 🙂