It May Be Friday, But Sunday Is Coming!

I just really feel the need, the urgency, to tell you "It may be Friday, but Sunday is coming!"

The hardest day of Easter week is Friday.  It's the darkest day.  It's the day Jesus died on the cross.  It's the moment He paid the ultimate sacrifice for us.  It's the day where all hope seems lost except we know Sunday is coming.  Sunday, oh sweet Sunday, Jesus lets the world know no grave can keep Him. He is risen, and He gives hope to man.

On many sad, hard days of waiting in this adoption.  I found myself saying, "Sunday is coming."  It's that hope that got me through difficult times.  I knew the dark days of waiting would pass.  God's timing is incredibly perfect!  My jaw has dropped several times due to amazement in the past few weeks as we learned the details, the timing, of Anirudha's life.  Perfect timing that I could not see at the time allowed us to be the ones to adopt him.  There were things that had to happen so he could be ours.  AJ is a true miracle story that celebrates Sunday is coming.  Sunday, the day that made it possible for God, our Heavenly Father, to adopt us as His own.

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”  Romans 8:15

to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. Galatians 4:5

He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,  Ephesians 1:5

If you are going through a difficult time, please know Friday has to happen.  Friday requires brokenness.  Friday requires holiness.  Friday requires sacrifice.  Friday requires faith.  And when Friday is finally over, Sunday will come.  Dear Friends, Sunday's a coming!  It is.  Remain faithful and thankful until it gets here.

Have courage to be like one of the criminals on the cross beside Jesus who cried out, "Jesus, remember me."  

Luke 23:39-43

39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

In the midst of waiting in a four year Friday, I have prayed for God to remember us many times.  And He did indeed remember us! 

The song "Always" has been very special and encouraging to me.  The chorus is
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true

My God will come through always, always

It may be Friday, but Sunday is coming!  Always.

Waiting

AJ is waiting for us!

I was thinking of the book Charlotte's Web this morning. It's one of my favorite children's book, and there is a line on waiting that is quite profound to me.  

"Life is always a rich and steady time when you are waiting for something to happen or to hatch."

While waiting for AJ's passport is frustrating at times, I find that it is also a rich time in our family. Everyone takes turns encouraging each other because it is an emotional roller coaster.  Lots of hugs have been given.  We have used our time much more wisely than normal.  There is the need to make sure everything is ready daily.  We have made extra effort with Brody to have good quality time with him as he will not be traveling with us.  There have also been sweet conversations with Brody as we confirm in his heart he is loved greatly, and our love for him will never change.  Brody in return has had exciting conversations with us as he plans all the things he wants to do with his brother.  All the precious words said lately have made family life rich indeed!  

When waiting we can dwell on all the negative things or we can be thankful for the positive things that are happening.  Taking a step back to put life in perspective is very important. Good is happening daily so why not enjoy it! 

Update-

*Week 5 of waiting for AJ's passport

*Passport status changed to "printing" yesterday 

*We have been told Anirudha is eager for us to come

*We are excited he knows about us 

*We have his clothes packed and ready to go

Orphan Sunday

The Brice Family- I see hands waiting to hold more children!

Yesterday was Orphan Sunday, and my prayer was "Lord, please let our family make one less orphan in the world."  This time next year, Lord willing, we pray an orphan will be a part of our family.  Our picture above makes me smile, but I want there to be more children in our pictures.  Brody was praying last week, and his prayer became so desperate.  He was talking to God, "Please give me baby.  I don't care if it's a boy or a girl, if it's one or two, if it's little or big, if it's black or white or brown, God please give me a baby."  Of course, I got teary eyed hearing him cry out to God.  It was so precious just hearing how much his heart has change in the past year.  He is open to whatever God has planned for our family.

Waiting is hard, but it is also a blessing!
I see how our hearts have changed during this time of waiting.
I hear how our prayers have changed.
I know we are dependent upon God to multiply our family.
I desire for our family to be completely available to God.
I'm thankful we all stand together saying, "God, use us however you desire!"
I will wait upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised!