1. Do pray for the family and their children before, during, and after the process.

2. Do support the family as needed as you would if they were "pregnant." Every family has different needs so, you must listen & observe to truly understand their needs. Some need financial assistance. Some need good listeners. Some need encouragement. Some need all of the above and more.

3. Do seek to be a resource for them. Either in assisting them with their kids, pets, school, or food during the process or after their arrival.

4. Do ask them earnestly how the process is going and what are their upcoming expectations.

5. Do seek to understand them, their reasons for adoption, and adoption, in general. Understanding adoption & the adoption process can assist you in being a positive resource for the family versus a negative one. This also includes all the issues that adoptive children will face and must deal with.

6. Do respect the family's privacy regarding certain issues( such as, cost, child history, etc.) If they want to reveal those matters, they will.

 

1. Don't advise them regarding ages, genders, nationalities, or disabilities. God has ordained the process by which they are pursuing and while it will be filled with ups and downs, He has a purpose in it which may differ from you & your desires. Generally, adoptive seeking parents have already prayed extensively and endured much self scrutiny & thought. A friendly objective perspective is welcomed, especially from those who have experienced the process, but trying to force your beliefs onto the family will generally not yield positive results.

2. Don't be biased. Often times, friends & relatives can tend to favor those children who have blood relations over the adoptive children. All the children are now their kids so, treat them all fairly. The correct term in referring to the adoptive kids is "were adopted", not "is adopted." It refers to the process that they entered the family and it is not associated to their current status in the family.

3. Don't be negative regarding adoption. If you have problems with international adoption, that is your problem. Obviously, the family does not have a problem with it; otherwise, they wouldn't be pursuing it. Your negativity could result in the family withdrawing from your presence. A key responsibility of parents is to protect their children and they will do that, especially if they feel their adoptive children are being subjected to discrimination by friends & family based upon their being adopted or their nationality.

4. Don't refer to the kids as "blood" or "biological" or vice versa. Last I checked, we all are decendants of Noah being that he & his 3 sons & their families were the lone survivors of the flood.

5. Don't make comments regarding the "race" of the child. Adoptive parents should be congratulated for adopting children of a different ethnic background. It is evidence of their love as exhibited by Christ. If you harbor any prejudice against others regarding skin color or ethnicity, that is your problem and a sin that you will have to deal with. THERE IS ONLY 1 RACE, THE HUMAN RACE.

1 Samuel 16:7 - "...For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

6. Don't forget to pray for the family & for the children before, during, and after the process.

7. Don't say "I told you so" when the parents are enduring through adoptive disorders with their child. Many biological kids have more problems than do the adoptive kids because of the luxuries that American kids take for granted.

 

Thanks to Beth Tu. Many of these ideas and concerns were taken from her.

 

Often times, when others discover that we are adopting a child or children internationally, the response is typically like "Oh, that's nice.", "Oh, so you can't have anymore children?", or "Why aren't going to adopt American children?". I think we all have seen the looks or the non-verbal signs. So, to further assist in one's understanding, I will try to explain what I feel is the biblical principle by which we follow which will subsequently give you insight and understanding as to why we are doing what we are doing.

 

PLEASE DO NOT PRAISE US for what we are doing. We seek not your praises, but we do seek your prayers.  Were it not for God & the Holy Spirit's grace upon us, we would not seek to walk such walk. We are able to have more children. God led us to follow such path.

 

Adoption must first be placed into its proper perspective.  That perspective is a heavenly one in which God adopts us as his children having all the privileges of the Kingdom. We are joint-heirs with Christ in the family of God. Adoption in the heavenly sense & earthly sense has the same implications. It is a legal term that denotes an act of transfer from an alien family into the family of the adopters. Spiritually speaking, That transfer is into the family of God. It is a grace, an act of unmerited favor. We are chosen by God and are effectually called from darkness unto light & transformed from children of wrath or of the devil to children of God through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. This regeneration is an act of God by His grace that we are born again as new creatures awakened spiritually whereas, we were previously dead spiritually in trespasses and sins. This regeneration now enables us to properly respond to the call of the Gospel and walk sanctifyingly toward the mark as imitators of Christ.

 

Look at the similarities between the heavenly adoption & earthly adoption.

1. Adoption is not due to any natural relation. We by our born nature are children of wrath (Eph 2:3), not children of God. We were dead in our trespasses (Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13; Genesis 8:21; Jeremiah 17:9). So, by the same grace that God bestowed upon us, why does it seem so strange by today's worldly standards that we likewise seek those not of our own, but those in a foreign land, to bestow His grace upon them?

2. Adoption is an act originating entirely on the good pleasure of God (Eph 1:5). For us, it is the same because I know that my natural desires would have never sought such. I (Spencer speaking, not Leslie) would be that person that said "Oh, that's nice." were it not by the grace of God. That change was brought about by Him.

3. Adoption is the simple gift of God's love to the helpless. Just as these children are helpless in regards to their family destination (they are at the mercy of those seeking them). Were we not helpless to respond to the Gospel & join the family of God apart from His grace?  Eph 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  

4. Adoption results in the everlasting heirship of the family. Does not the grace of Christ now extend to the Gentile also? For all us Gentiles, we now have the same heirship to the family of David & the nation of Israel. Likewise, adopted children shall have full claim of heirship in their adoptive families. We are joint-heirs, not 2nd tier heirs; the same principle shall also apply to adoptive children.

 

I hope that explanation gives you greater understanding to our pursuit of adoption & pursuit to do God's will. If any areas are unclear, please let me know and I will seek to clarify.

As you can see, I am lagging behind in my bloggin.

We have added 2 new links for books & links. May you be blessed & God glorified by them!

 

The number 8 in Hebrew is Sh'moneh (8083-Strong's) which means to make fat, super-abound, and plumpness.  Being that it follows 7 which is symbolic of spiritual perfection, 8 can generally imply or be symbolic of the abundance of perfection.

 

-God's covenants with Abraham were 8 in number.

     1. Sovereignty- Gen 12:1-3

     2. The seed - Gen 12:7

     3. Divine Assurance (rising & walking on Promised Land) -Gen 13:14-17 (According to ancient custom, a property transfer was finalized

     4. The Limits of the Land; The 400 years; The 4th Generation - Gen 15:13-21

     5. Invincible Grace - Gen 17:1-22, The covenant between God & Abraham is not one of equal parties (as an earthly human contract). God

         sovereignly initiates & bestows the covenant on man while also giving him the grace of faith & obedience all the while providing a

         remedy for human disobedience. 

     6. Human Failure & Imperfection - Gen 18:9-15

     7. Spiritual Blessing Rooted in Seed of Isaac - Gen 21:12

     8. Blessing of the angel of the Lord at the Sacrifice of Isaac - Gen 22:15-18

-David was the 8th son of Jesse (1 Samuel 16:10-13).

-On the 8th day, Jewish male children were to be circumcised as God commanded. (Genesis 17:12)

-After Christ foretells his upcoming suffering death, the Transfiguration took place 8 days later (Luke 9:28)

-The miracles of Elijah were 8. The miracles of Elisha were 16 (2 Kings 2:9-Let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me)

-There are 8 references to the Old Testament in Revelation 1.

-8 is also called the domincal number because of the symbolism to the Lord & the Lord's day.

-There were 8 classes of furniture in Solomon's temple (Ark of the Covenant, Mercy seat, Altar of Incense, Candlesticks,

     Tables of shewbread, Altar for burnt offering, Lavers, Brazen sea) 

-The Sabbath was commanded 8 times to be kept Holy (Exodus 20:8, Deut 5:12-repeat; Ex 23:12; Ex 31:13; Ex 34:21; Leviticus 19:3;

     Lev 3:30; Lev 23:3; Exodus 35:2 by Moses). 

 

"9" is the last numerical digit and usually symbolizes the end or judgement; however, here are 2 other important occurrences of the number "9".

 

The fruit of the Spirit is comprised of 9 graces (Please note that it is not 9 fruits of the spirit): (1) love, (2) joy, (3) peace, (4) longsuffering, (5) gentleness, (6) goodness, (7) faith, (8) meekness, & (9) temperance.

 

The gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 are also 9 in number. (1) the word of wisdom, (2) the word of knowledge, (3) faith, (4) healing, (5) the working of miracles, (6) prophecy, (7) discerning of spirits, (8) various kinds of tongues, & (9)the interpretation of tongues.

 

 

"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?
 Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.
 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all
 numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth
 more than many sparrows." Luke 12:6-7

Nothing whatever, whether great or small,
can happen to a believer, without God's
ordering and permission.

There is no such thing as "chance," "luck,"
or "accident" in the Christian's journey through
this world. All is arranged and appointed by God.
And all things are "working together" for the
believer's good.

Let us seek to have an abiding sense of God's
hand in all that befalls us. Let us strive to realize
that a Father's hand is measuring out our daily
portion, and that our steps are ordered by Him.

A daily practical faith of this kind, is one grand
secret of happiness, and a mighty antidote against
murmuring and discontent. We should try to feel in
the day of trial and disappointment, that all is right
and all is well done.

We should try to feel on the bed of sickness that
there must be a "needs be." We should say to ourselves,
"God could keep away from me these things if He thought
fit. But He does not do so, and therefore they must be
for my advantage. I will lie still, and bear them patiently.
What pleases God shall please me."

Press on adoptive seeking brothers & sisters in Christ toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:14

May HE be glorified!

"Day 10....Patiently awaiting...."

 

-"10" signifies the perfection of Divine order.

-10 coomandments represent God's perfect order in his law.

-The Lord's prayer contains 10 clauses symbolic of the perfection in the example how to pray.

-1/10th or 10% represents man owes to God symbolic of the mark & recognition of God's claim on the whole.

-10 plagues were representative of God's judgement (in this case on Egypt).

-Abraham's faith was proven through a cycle of 10 trials (1. His departure from Haran, 2.His flight to Egypt from famine, 3. in the seizure of  

   Sarah, 4. In his war to rescue Lot, 5. In his taking Hagar, 6. In his circumcision, 7. In the 2nd seizure of Sarah at Gerar, 8. In the expulsion of

   Ishmael, 9. In the expulsion of Hagar, 10. In the offering of Isaac).

-Jesus used the phrase "I AM" 10 times in John.

     I AM the bread of life. John 6:35

     I AM the bread of life which came down from heaven. John 6:41

     I AM the Living Bread. John 6:41

     I AM the Light of the world. John 8:12

     I AM One that bear witness of Myself. John 8:18

     I AM the Door of the sheep. John 10:7,9

     I AM the Good Shepherd. John 10:14

     I AM the Resurrection and the Life. John 14:6

     I AM the Way, the Truth, & the Life. John 14:6

     I AM the True Vine. John 15:1,5

 

"11"

 

Up to 11 more days, we await the Sovereign One's directing of our steps in this adoption process.

While we obviously are desiring that God would grant us acceptance of our dossier & a scheduled date, we are prepared to accept Thy will be done.

 

The number "11" in the Bible tends to exemplify disorder, imperfection, disintegration, and disorganization. 

 

Jehoiakim reigned 11 years in Judah when Nebuchadnezzar came & began his disintegrating work on Jerusalem.

Zedekiah reigned 11 years in Judah when Nebuchadnezzar completed the work by putting an end to Israel's rule in Jerusalem.

It was an 11 day journey from Horeb to Kadesh Barnea as Moses led Israel from the wilderness to the Promised Land (Deut 1:2). Had they journeyed 1 more day or the 12th day, it would have taken them to the complete administration of God's perfect laws.

11 Apostles-the disintegration of Judas as an Apostle temporarily left 11 apostles.

11th hour (Matt 20:6,9) is a proverbial saying that is contrary to what is right in order & arrangement.

 

 

Twelve is the number that relates to perfection of government.

There were the 12 sons of Israel or the 12 tribes of Israel.

There were 12 Patriarchs from Seth to Noah & his family and 12 from Shem to Jacob.

There were 12 judges from Othniel to Samson.

King Solomon's reign & temple had numerous references to 12 ( 12 oxen, 12 lions, 12,000 horsemen).

David's musicians were grouped by 12 (1 Chronicles 25).

12 Disciples.

Christ was 12  when first spoke 12 public.

Matt 26:53 - Christ stated that he could call 12 legions of angels down from heaven.

In Revelation, we see 12 gates, 12 pearls, 12 angels, 12 foundations.

 

12 more days, we await God's providence for us in this pursuit of adoption.

 

Please pray for Charlene & Lonnie who are brothers & sisters in Christ. Charlene has been battling cancer for years. 

Please pray for our friends Beth & Steve who hope to find out this week the status of their dossier. Pray for acceptance!

Please pray for our friends Sam & Mattie who have been enduring this process longer than us and the recent law changes regarding adoptive parents age restrictions may impact their current plans. Please pray for God's continued grace upon them as they seek care for the orphans of the world through their pursuit of adoption. Pray that if this door closes and God will open more doors because His grace is so abundant.

Please pray for Tami & Matthew who also recently submitted their dossier and if the Lord wills it, we may be travelling at the same time.

 

Did I mention that we need you prayers?

 

"We may judge of the state of our hearts by the earnestness of our prayers. You cannot make a rich man beg like a poor man; you cannot make a man that is full cry for food like one that is hungry: no more will a man who has a good opinion of himself, cry for mercy like one who feels that is is poor and needy. The symptoms of spiritual decline are like those which attend the decay of bodily health. It generally commences with loss of appetite, and a disrelish for spiritual food, prayer, reading the Scriptures, and devotional books. Whenever you perceive these symptoms, be alarmed, for your spiritual health is in danger; apply immediately to the great Physician for a cure.

The best means of keeping near to God is the prayer closet. Here the battle is won or lost. If a man begins to be impatient because his prayers for any blessings are not answered, it is a certain proof, that a self-righteous dependence on his own merits prevails in his heart to a great extent; for the language of impatience is, "I deserve the blessing: I had a right to expect that it would be bestowed, and it ought to have been bestowed ere this." It is evident that a man who feels that he deserves nothing, will never be impatient because he receives nothing; but will say, "I have nothing to complain of, I receive as much as I deserve." Again, when a man wonders, or thinks it strange, that he does not receive a blessing for which he has prayed, it shows he relies on his own own merits. The language of such feelings is, "It is very strange that I, who have prayed so well, and so long, and had so much reason to expect a blessing do not receive it." Persons who feel truly humble, on the contrary, are surprised, not when blessings are withheld, but when they are bestowed. It appears very strange and wonderful to them that God should bestow any favors on creatures, so unworthy as themselves, or pay and regard to prayers so polluted as their own. This is the temper to which every person must be brought before God will answer his prayers." - Edward Payson (1783-1827)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Listen to a Puritan's prayer.

 

 

 

 

I have not seen anything significant in the Bible regarding the number "13".  There is no biblical support for the fable of it being unlucky whereas, there is more support to the contrary (see Esther). Anyways, here are some Bible occurrences with the numbe "13".

 

1 Kings 7:1 - It took King Solomon 13 years to build his palace.

Esther 3:12,13; 9:1,17,18 - Haman who sought to judge the Jews because Mordecai would not bow down to him so, he issued a decree to kill all Jews, young and old, woman and child, to be carried out on the 13th day of 12th month (Adar, which is ~March). In Esther 7, Esther thwarts the evil plans of Haman by pleading for her people, the Jews, and by revelaing the wickedness of Haman. The result was that Haman was hanged. Later, on that 13th day of Adar, the Jews defeated all their enemies (those who sought to kill them). In fact, Haman's 10 sons were also killed and then their dead bodies were hanged to send a message to God's enemies thus, striking in them the fear of the Lord. The  victory on that 13th day was followed by resting and a day of feasting & of gladness. GOD'S PROVIDENCE ACCOMPLISHES HIS PLAN & WILL NOT BE THWARTED BY HIS ENEMIES. IN THIS CASE, HIS PEOPLE MUST BE PRESERVED BECAUSE THE FUTURE MESSIAH WAS TO COME FROM THE JEWS!

 

1. Esther's real name was a Jewish Hebrew name which was "Hadassah", while Esther was her Persian name which means "star".

2. The book of Esther takes place in modern day Iraq.

3. There is a modern movie on this Bible story called "One night with the King" which like any Hollywood movie isn't going to be completely accurate biblically, but it was quite refreshing to watch a movie that a family can view.

 

 

The number "14" can often be symbolic because it is the 2nd multiple of "7" which is spiritual perfection. That would also be consistent since Christ is the 2nd person of the Trinity.

 

Exodus 12:6; Leviticus 23:5; Numbers 9, 28:16 - The 14th day of the 1st month was the day of the Passover.

Numbers 29 - The annual Feast of the Tabernacles lasted for 7 days which included 14 1-yr old male lambs that were to be sacrificed on each of the 7 days.

 

While Passover was primarily a commemorative ordinance, reminding the children of Israel of their deliverance out of Egypt, it was also a foreshadowing of the great deliverance wrought by the Messiah, Jesus Christ, for all his people from the doom of death on account of sin, and from the bondage of sin itself.  Jesus Christ was the final sacrifical lamb who was without blemish. His work was sufficient; as He stated, "It is finished!"

 

Our facilitator's website is as follows: http://www.ukraineadoption.org/

He & his team have been wonderful and very professional. We appreciate his Christian ethics & beliefs and are glad to unite in the name of Christ for adoption seeing that he first adopted us in His kingdom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The number "15" generally is symbolic of acts brought about by the the energy of Divine grace.

 

Genesis 7:20 - The flood covered the highest mountain by 15 cubits. 1 cubit is ~18 inches.

Leviticus 23:6 - On 15th day of the 1st month was the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Leviticus 23:34 - On the 15th day of the 7th month was the Feast of the Tabernacles.

2 Kings 20:6 - Hezekiah's reprieve from death was 15 years.

Esther 9:18, 21 - The Jews were delievered from death under Esther on the 15th day of the month.

John 11:18 - Bethany, where Lazarus was raised & where the Lord ascended, was 15 furlongs (~2 mi) from Jerusalem.

 

Up to 15 more working days, the Gordon's await the status of their dossier submittal.

Our hopes are to adopt 2 Ukraine orphan siblings, preferably a boy & a girl.

 

Please PRAY for our facilitator who is enduring numerous hardships on our behalf.

 

 

2 Kings 13:10 - Jehoash(Joash), the son of Jehoahaz, began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and he reigned 16 years. 

2 Kings 14:21 - And all the people of Judah (southern kingdom) took Azariah(Uzziah), who was 16 years old, and made him king instead of his father Amaziah.

2 Kings 15:33 - Jotham was twenty-five years old when he began to reign in Judah, and he reigned 16 years in Jerusalem.

2 Kings 16:2 - Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned 16 years in Jerusalem (Judah). And he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God.

 

 

For Uzziah to be king at 16, you know the hand of the Lord must be involved. Who would want to serve their 16 yr old? But through God, all things are possible. That is why we rest in the hand of the Lord during this adoption process because that is the source of true comfort amidst all the uncertainties of an international adoption.

 

Please pray for the country of Ukraine.  For thousands of years, they were never a sovereign country. Their people have been oppressed throughout their history and now they struggle with the issues of government & economics. Americans should be able to relate, but we don't because we have forgotten the struggles of our young nation some 200-400 years ago. Ukraine needs Christ and our prayers!

 

Pray for the Ukraine children who are orphans. Thousands of loving parents such as we desire to show grace & mercy upon them through adoption yet, are struggling for access & the opportunity to help. The children are the ones who suffer and the world will suffer from our failure to provide them loving homes in the next generation.  PRAY for them! 

 

The number 17's significance is generally related with its being the sum of 10 + 7 whereas, 7 is the number for spiritual perfection and 10 is the number for the perfection of Divine order; as a result, 17 is referred to as the number of the "perfection of spiritual order".

 

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.

34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation(1), or distress(2), or persecution(3), or famine(4), or nakedness(5), or danger(6), or sword(7)?

36 As it is written,“For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

38 For I am sure that neither death(8) nor life(9), nor angels(10) nor rulers(11), nor things present (12)nor things to come(13), nor powers(14),

39 nor height(15) nor depth(16), nor anything else in all creation(17), will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Can you see the spiritual (7) perfection & the eternal (10) perfection of the believer's standing in Christ?

Note that the positive assurance of God's everlasting love uses the more weighty number 10 (albeit in a negative sense) versus sources of tribulation thus, showing the power of His love outweighs the obstacles. He is the Almighty!

 

Genesis 7:11 - On the 17th day of the 2nd month was when the heavens were opened up & it began to rain.

Genesis 8:4 - On the 17th day of the 7th month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. (NOTE: Mount Ararat's peak is ~17,000 feet above sea level although this is not necessarily a reference to a certain peak.)

 

Genesis 37:2 - At 17, Joseph has his dream and is subsequently sold into slavery by his brothers.

Genesis 47:28 - Joseph later provides for his father & brothers in the land of Egypt. Jacob lived in Egypt 17 years before his death.

 

There are also other lists of 2 portions of 10 + 7 which equate to 17.

 

Up to 17 more days, the Gordon's await the sign from the Sovereign One....

 

While I have not seen or understood any symbolism in the number 18, here are biblical references of the number.

Judges 3:14 - Due to Israel's evilness, God raised up Eglon, king of Moab, to rule over Israel for 18 years.

Judges 10:8 - Again the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord by serving false gods, God sold them into the hand of the Philistines & into the hands of the children of Ammon. For 18 years, the children of Israel were oppressed by Ammonites on the other side of the Jordan River in Gilead.

1 Kings 15:1; 2 Chronicles 13:1 - In the 18th year of King Jeroboam of Israel (northern king), Abijam(Abijah) began to reign over Judah (southern king) in ~913 BC.

2 Kings 3:1 - In the 18th year of King Jehoshaphat, king of Judah (southern king), Jehoram the son of Ahab became king over Israel (northern king) in Samaria in ~852 BC.

2 Kings 22:3; 2 Chronicles 34:1 - In the 18th year of King Josiah (~640 BC), Josiah does right in the eyes of the Lord & walked in the ways of David and repairs the temple, recovers the law, renews the covenant, reforms the nation, & keeps the Passover.

2 Kings 24:8; 2 Chronicles 36:9 - Jehoiachin was 18 yrs old when he became king of Judah, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 52:29 - In the 18th year of Nebuchadnezzar (~586 BC), Babylon's 2nd invasion or deportation resulted in 832 people captured while prophet Jeremiah who was taken to Egypt by Jews to flee Nebuchadnezzar.

Luke 13:10-17 - For 18 years a woman had a disabling spirit bound by Satan which would not permit her to stand straight yet, Jesus healed her on the Sabbath.

 

Up to 18 more working days, the Gordon's wait for God's hand in their pursuit of the spirit of adoption......

While we did not even know until March 15 that our dossier was submitted, we will continue the walk as we see God's significance in numbers.

 

19 is not a number of great significance; however, I have discovered one.

10+9=19; 10 is the number of Divine order while 9 is the number of judgement.

2 Kings 25:8; Jeremiah 52:12 - In the 19th year of the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, he came unto Jerusalem and burned the temple down. This was the Divine judgement on Israel.

 

Ukraine now has 20 working days to accept or reject our dossier. PRAY for God's hand in the acceptance of it. If it is accepted, we will receive a registration number and hopefully an appointment. Rumors are that appointments have been generally 12-13 weeks later which would place us in Ukraine in June or July, Lord willing.

 

As we count the days, walk with us as we look at the Biblical symbolism of certain numbers. We are not endorsing any allegorical fancies of numerology. We are simply viewing & acknowledging that the correlation or symbolism is evidence of the order & unity of the supernatural design by the Sovereign One.

 

Genesis 31:38, 41 - 20 years Jacob waited to get possession of his wives from Laban (Leah, Rachel) and property

Judges 4:3 - 20 years Israel waited for a deliverer from Jabin's oppression

Judges 15:20, 16:31 - 20 years Israel waited for deliverance through Samson

1 Samuel 7:2 - 20 years the Ark of the Covenant waited at Kirjath-jearim

1 Kings 9:10; 2 Chronicles 8:1 - 20 years Solomon was waiting on completion of the 2 houses (house of the Lord, king's house)

20 years Jerusalem waited between its capture & destruction

20 years Jeremiah prophesied concerning it

Up to 20 more working days, the Gordon's await God's plan for them.

 

NOTE: 7 is the number number for spiritual perfection whereas, 21 signifies the three-fold divine completion of perfection by the triune God; as a result, 20 becomes significant because it is the number just before spiritual perfection (i.e., waiting on God's completion of His perfect Divine Providence).

 

God is great! After being mired with the potential delays of Ukraine halting dossier submittals for the remaining month of March due to a quarterly quota, we discovered that our facilitator was able to get our dossier submitted this past Monday March 12, 2007.

 

Psalm 135:5-7 For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.
6 Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.
7 He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.

 

 

What has happened up to this point? Follow with me.

In 2006, Ukraine had halted international adoptions for almost a year to reorganize. Then, in early 2007, they re-opened their doors & the rush began. There were many already in the process who were stopped in their midst & there was a growing number of people , such as us, joining the process. So, the numbers are considerable especially taking into account my next statements. Dossiers will now only be accepted by American candidates on Monday from 2-4pm. It is estimated that it takes 15 minutes per submittal so, basically 8 dossiers per week are the maximum number that can be accepted by Americans. In addition, there is an annual quota for America ~500-600 and I believe that the number is simply processed dossiers, not accepted. There have been numerous rejected dossiers due to technicalities.

 

What next?  PRAY!

PRAY that GOD will move the case worker reviewing our dossier to be merciful to us & gracious to their children needing a loving family.

PRAY that our dossier is accepted, not rejected.  PLEASE PRAY FERVENTLY FOR THIS!

PRAY that GOD imparts wisdom to the case worker choosing our potential candidates that the children be humble, meek, loving, & obedient.

PRAY, PRAY, PRAY that the Sovereign triune God will fill us with His Holy Spirit so that we can be obedient to Him & His will and glorify Him in the process.

     Isaiah 64:6 ...all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;...

PRAY that we are imitators of Christ during the midst of this walk.

     John 5:30 “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just,

 

 

As we anxiously await our opportunity for our facilitator to submit our dossier, our anxiety is also increasing. Numerous posts on FRUA message boards are showing that an increasingly number of dossiers are being rejected. While we feel that every "i" has been dotted & every "t" crossed, the fear of the unknown can tempt our faith. Get thee behind me, Satan!

 

 

"Do Not Be Anxious" (Matthew 6:25-34)

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Pray for us that we will not question "When will we submit?", "Will it be rejected?", "When will we go?", but "God grant us patience & joy that you have given us the opportunity to walk & grow closer to you. Give us faith to rest in Your Sovereignty & Your Divine Providence. Send us children that are obedient, meek, & reverent. Send us children of your Kingdom, your elect before the foundation of the world. Send us Your Sufficient Grace in raising godly children in the nurture & admonition of the Lord AMEN."