Recently I’ve been hearing God whispers throughout my days.
For example, three different friends talking about “gratefulness” and the need to become more intentional about that character quality in our lives.
So last night as I was in a van-full of a fabulous Grace Bible Basketball team mates. I was feeling a bit outnumbered and decided to check out some things on my computer to pass the time and let them have “guy talk” without feeling the need to involve me in the conversation.
It was then that God directed in a very unusual way to a website called
One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are.
I downloaded it to my kindle and began reading.
“From all of our beginnings, we keep reliving the Garden story. Satan, he wanted more. More power, more glory. Ultimately, in his essence, Satan is an ingrate. And he sinks his venom into the heart of Eden. Satan’s sin becomes the first sin of all humanity: the sin of ingratitude. Adam and Eve are, simply, painfully, ungrateful for what God gave. Isn’t that the catalyst of all my sins? Our fall was, has always been, and always will be, that we aren’t satisfied in God and what He gives. We hunger for something more, something other.”
True words, that God had been whispering and now I am so grateful for His timing, provision and direction in finding this timely word for my life. I need more gratitude resonating in my heart.
As a way to challenge herself and each of us, the author issued a dare. To find 1000 gifts in a year, she simply suggests finding three things each day that you are grateful for and by the time the year rolls around you will have over 1000 gifts. When you are looking for ways to express gratitude, I suspect you will have less time to complain about what you don’t have,
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”
I found this passage around Thanksgiving and it spoke to me then and clearly was the beginning of turning my heart to gratitude. It appears that in order to truly worship, we must start with gratitude. It seems like that might be a no-brainer, maybe only I am the only one that needs to state the obvious.
“We only enter into the full life if our faith gives thanks. Because how else do we accept His free gift of salvation if not with thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is the evidence of our acceptance of whatever He gives. Thanksgiving is the manifestation of our Yes! to His grace.
I want to be that girl, the one who is grateful
the one who is most satisfied with what God gives me, my daily bread, not looking ahead for any more than that
the one who is scouring my life for His beautiful gifts of grace that I may be missing.
Lord, open my eyes that I may see your simple graces in my life…and let me be a woman of Gratefulness overflowing with your Grace!
Isaiah Cole Karnemaat our 9th child turns 5 today, heretofore the catchy blog title. This will be our 2nd birthday celebration with Isaiah. He came to live in our house in June of 2010. It’s difficult to describe Isaiah’s impact on our family with words.
He entered our lives through a sweet picture in a Bethany Publication, his name was Jin-seok Gim. He was an orphan; I was a mom with 8 kids. We were an unlikely pair. But God is full of grace, mercy and yes…
SURPRISES.
I want you to know that I have successfully looked through every Bethany publication that has come to my house since 1998, when I met Gillian. I have prayed for those “waiting children” and never felt any compulsion to inquire on the case of any one of those precious children. Until on a day in May when the January issue re-circulated through our house, I noticed a boy and wondered if anyone was praying about being his family.
So on a day when Kent was probably busy planting some of the seeds that needed a home to produce a crop for our harvest. I called him and inquired about getting busy checking on a boy who needed a home, little did I know that the harvest that his adoption would produce would be filled with such rich, amazing blessings for so many.
We began the journey and had a pause in July when another family who was also interested in Jin, pursued further testing for a medical condition I wasn’t even aware was a possibility. My social worker, Ann told me that unless this test for Fanconi Anemia came back positive the family was certain they would be adopting Jin. I was saddened by this news, apparently I have no skills at keeping my heartstrings intact until the details are finalized. But I reminded myself that we were praying for a family for Jin, and if we weren’t the family and God had another, at least we could be a part of bringing a child home, in that way. About a month later Ann called again to let me know that the other family had backed out of the process. I didn’t understand, because the test had come back negative once again. Ann relayed that the family’s pediatrician still felt that this disease was a very real possibility and that it could mask itself sometimes. I was certain beyond certain, that God had chosen our family for Jin and he didn’t have this awful disease, God just knew I needed confirmation that this boy was for us. We began going through the paper process, required for us to adopt Jin. At the end of August a surprising phone call came. Jin’s latest blood work indicated a stronger possibility for Fanconi Anemia and our social worker advised us to talk with a Genetic Counselor in Minnesota before proceeding any further with the adoption.
I remember my first call to the orginazation that raises funds for Fanconi Anemia, the volunteer on the other end was very sweet and kind, but when I told her that we were in a process and looking to adopt a boy with Fanconi Anemia, she said. “Oh, I am so sorry.” I remember being really hurt by that, I wasn’t sorry, why was she so sorry.
Hmmmm, because she knew a little bit more about the disease than I did at that point. We then called the genetic counselor. It was a pretty lousy phone call, we met Heather Zierhut, a sweet, articulate, honest soul with a heart for helping families deal with this obscure disease. She didn’t candy-coat anything. We started to get a clearer picture of this foe we were facing, wow was it ugly. We were perplexed.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
I was so sure I knew what God was up to, but alas my grand plan didn’t include this awful news. Those were
praying days,
crying days,
looking for a word from God days.
He spoke in a variety of ways, but in the end the confirmation to proceed with Jin’s adoption was unquestionable for both Kent and I. For that, I am so grateful. We went forward as one, completely aware of an awful disease, but more aware of a mighty God, who frankly moves mountains on a regular basis. A God who promised that He would always be with us, no matter what. He was gracious enough to allow continued confirmation at random moments through the process.
We met Isaiah in person on June 3, 2010. Without a doubt, it was love at first sight, I cannot explain it, he was ours by an extravagant gift from our Heavenly Father, who led us on a journey that would deepen our faith, trust and love for Him. His ways our truly beyond my understanding.
I am daily amazed at the way God has equipped this boy that He has made. As I watch him work a crowd with his sweet smile and love of life. I have lost count of how many people he has met and within minutes they are wanting a hug or a high five. He is charismatic, someone people just love to watch and observe and laugh with. If I were going to equip someone to fight a mighty battle, I’d give them Isaiah’s personality. He’s a “get ‘r done” kind of boy. He would prefer to figure out how to do it with his hands, than have another pair of hands helping him. There have been countless opportunities for growth as we watch him face something, we’re pretty sure he can’t do. Just last week, Kent was playing baseball outside with the boys, out comes Isaiah. Kent shared with me that his heart sank. He just wanted to cry. But the neat thing is that Isaiah is oblivious to the obstacle. Baseball? Why yes I think I’d like that. We’ve faced buttons, zippers and a host of daily tasks that I take for granted, Isaiah always finds a way.
I want to be more like Isaiah.
When there are obstacles I want to think, yep, let’s do this. God has placed me here with this equipment and we can do this together.
I want to love every minute of my life the way I see him loving his.
I want no worries about tomorrow, because God isn’t asking me to live tomorrow yet, just today! Isaiah does that well.
Every experience God gives us, every person He puts into our lives, is the perfect preparation for a future only He can see. --Corrie Ten Boom
Today, I am so thankful that God chose Isaiah to be my son, I am learning far more from him than I could ever teach him. He is a mighty man of God and he just turned 5.
On Christmas Day this year, while we were soaking up the Hawaiian sun, preparing to trek back home. The Musekgon Chronicle printed a story about our family. We appreciated the opportunity to share a bit about our life, our faith and most of all our God.
The call came the week of December 12. We had landed in Fremont after accompanying the Grace Bible Men's Basketball team to Florida. 5 days later we would be leaving for Hawaii for a once in a lifetime celebration for A.L and Marlene Karnemaat. Inserted into these 5 days were as you can imagine, laundry, packing. Also included were basketball games, dr. appointments, and all of the other things we might like to do around the Christmas holiday. Caroling, Christmas parties. I had to let go of baking, (this was before my discovery of chocolate covered espresso beans, had I known, baking could have possibly found a slot).
So this is how it happened. Kent called me and said, "Kim, there is a newspaper reporter who got a hold of me and wondered if she could come and interview our family for a holiday story."
After I stopped chuckling, I said, "Really?? When could we possibly squeeze that in." I have often found God's timing impeccable and I've learned so many huge life lessons because of His timing. I knew this was one of those times, so I mentally buckled in and awaited the ride.
We talked about the logistics and decided we could squeeze it in on Wednesday. Wednesday was dentist day. I would happily cancel dentist day, but it is hard to rent a dental office for the morning and with Isaiah's health, keeping a close look at his mouth is pretty important. The children and I departed the house around 7:30, visited our beloved Dr. Cook and returned home with only 1 potential cavity. This may be a record. The reporter Susan Harrison Wolffis was scheduled to meet us at 1:00. We rolled in around 12:30. The house was in "order", we had a brief preparation talk with the kids.
"This is sort of going to be like the social worker that came and visited us before and after Isaiah came to our house." Kent began. "We want you to be polite, answer her questions, but it may involve a lot of listening." He added. We prayed before she got here and we were ready.
Susan came to our door a little after 1, she had such a warm smile and sweet disposition, I knew this was going to be for the most part an enjoyable conversation. 2 hours flew by as she asked us various questions about our family and how we came to be "this family". It was kind of fun as we each had an opportunity to recount different events we've been blessed to walk through. We were sort of just sitting around talking about our family history together with a very attentive listener. She asked about our faith and how important it was to us. As the time ended she was so gracious and appreciative, and it was like we'd been friends for a long time. She mentioned that the photo journalist would be contacting Kent to set up a time to come take some pictures the next day.
Thursday was another packed day for us, we had Bible Study in the morning, (8:30-12:00) which included the children's program, a dr. appointment in Muskegon at 1:00,which would require a prompt departure from Bible Study directly there. Finally, we had a game at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids and we would need to leave our home at 4:00. While sitting in Bible Study I got a text from Kent saying that Greg, the photo journalist would be at our house at 2:30 and he would like to spend the day with us, perhaps accompany us to the game that night. If I had a vote, this particular Thursday would not have made the top 100 days that I might wish for a photo journalist to capture our life on film. But this was the exact day that God allowed.
Greg met us at our house at the appointed time and began clicking. He asked us to pretend he wasn't there. That was hilarious, while I am sitting on the floor in the kitchen amidst 5 pieces of luggage and doing the "re-pack" dance, Greg is clicking away.The kids just kept talking to him anyway, and telling him what to take pictures of. We left for Grand Rapids and spent the evening with Greg, after the game we ate at Applebee's and Greg asked if he could come back tomorrow. I was glad for the dark of night as my face surely would have revealed a reluctance as we agreed this would be "just fine."
As we left the restaurant, Trent took the four olders home with him and went the back way, while we took the littles and went the front way. (This becomes an important piece). 15 minutes into our journey, we realize why Will was begging for his bed at the restaurant. On Alpine he began ridding his body of his tummy ache. Kent was able to pull off but not as quickly as Will was able to purge. Will is one of our children who cannot have anything dirty touching him, so this required dis-robing. The only articles that had no stomach contents on them were his t-shirt (it was under a coat and a sweatshirt) and his underwear. This is how we began our journey home, I found a beach towel in the back end. 15 more minutes down the road, I received a call from Trent,
"Mom, we are o.k. but we are in the ditch."
I asked Kent to pull off and as I began to try to understand where Trent was and relay this to Kent, Will quips from the back. "Mom, I'm gonna puke!" (Seriously, I couldn't script this stuff , it is amazing). I hand the phone to Kent, open the door and try to help Will outside. He looks at me and says, "You want me to come outside maked (naked)?"
"Yes, Will, so sorry but we need to have this outside." As I grabbed him and placed him squarely on the pavement in the 30 degree chill of night.
5 minutes later we are back in the van heading to the "back way" where the other car is stranded. I grab the 4 kids, leave Trent and Kent to wait for the wrecker and make it home with only 2 false alarms from Will. He did however continue to have troubles through the night. This was sad news for our team who was scheduled to depart for 12 hours of plane rides in 2 days.
Mr. Greg returned the following day and several of our "on the scene" reporters let him know all that he missed. We completed our afternoon and bid our visitor farewell. While in Hawaii one of my cousins let me know that he saw some pictures of our family on MLive. I didn't realize until then that Greg found his way into almost every area of our home. Wow, who knew.
The reason I feel compelled to tell a bit more of the story, is the story was beautifully written and for the most part we were pleased with the way God was displayed. Afterall this was the opportunity that He had brought so we figured He could take care of how He was featured. Since the story appeared we have had so many sweet comments and praises from our friends, family and community. We are truly amazed, that is why you need to know 2 things.
1. We are so very human, just like you. We have faults and failures. But mostly we have a great, BIG God who understands our weakness and uses us anyway. We didn't hope that anyone who read that article would feel the compulsion to go adopt. We didn't agree to do the article so that anyone would think, Wow aren't the Karnemaats just the craziest family you've ever met. We did the story because we felt that God had brought the opportunity to us and we wanted to be obedient and allow Him to do whatever He wanted with us and those who read it.
“God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible. What a pity when we plan only the things we can do by ourselves.” -A.W. Tozer
God has asked some things of us that seemed impossible, and they were. But the minute we said yes, we will follow, He's always provided everything we've needed to accomplish that task. God always finishes what He starts and He wants people who are willing to follow and know that they can't get to the end unless He shows up. He ALWAYS does, because He never leaves. That leads me to #2
2. If there is anything in this life that we have done, it is only a result of His movement in our hearts and lives. It's His work. We can take no credit for it. Our prayer is and has always been to respond to His call with, "Here I am". Abraham responded that way when God asked him to sacrifice his son, his only son, Isaac. (Genesis 22) I haven't always done this successfully. There are times when I have tried to petition God for an alternate route, one that would surely bring Him more glory and frankly would be a lot easier for me. He has denied those requests. Sometimes I understand, sometimes I don't. I doubt that I will understand His plan for Isaiah's illness until heaven, I just won't get it. He doesn't need me to get it. He needs me to know that He will always be enough. If there are harder days ahead, I'm pretty sure there are, God wants me to wait patiently for Him. On that day, He will be there. He will also be there for every moment between now and then.
I love this song that I've been introduced to recently, it describes what I'm trying to say so eloquently.
I was poor I was weak
I was the definition of the spiritually
Bankrupt condition
So in need of help
I was unsatisfied
Hungry and thirsty
When You rushed to my side
So unworthy
Still You gave yourself away...
That's the motion of mercy
Changing the way and the why we are
That's the motion of mercy
Moving my heart
Now I'm filled by a love
That calls me to action
I was empty before now I'm drawn to compassion
And to give myself away
Living for the lost
Loving 'til it hurts
No matter what the cost
Like You loved me first
That's the motion of mercy
God give me strength to give something for nothing
I wanna be a glimpse of the Kingdom that's coming soon...Francesca Battistelli, Motion of Mercy
So that's it, God moving in our hearts has allowed a host of unimaginable events and people into our lives, and we are so much richer because of it. We know Him and His character and His heart in a deeper way through each of those adventures.
My prayer tonight is that
you see Jesus,
you see His heart and
you want nothing more than to follow His path for your life completely, with every turn and bend and surprise He has in store.
Everytime you do I see a glimpse of that Kingdom that is coming and I can't wait!!
