Perception Heightened & We are the body

A few gifts from yesterday to share: As we headed to the Library to pick up a few books, as we were leaving, a woman asked if our daughter was from China. Some adoptive families tend to like to keep to themselves, but we love to share our journey, so we excitedly answered, Yes! She quickly shared with us that they were in the waiting stage for their daughter in China, who was named, Ruby. I sat down immediately, because the memory is so fresh, of the arduous wait and how I longed to touch just a piece of China and adoption to make it all seem real. I relate it to the the familiar scents that bring a memory or person feel within reach, when they are not. We used to go to our favorite Chinese restuarant, King Yen, in Spokane, to taste, smell and maybe even catch a glimpse of a Chinese child. She began to share their story, a 4-year process and wait, a hope, currently unfulfilled. One thing that brings slight consolation to a mourning empty-armed Mom and that is empathy. So many offered it to me and I love to share the hope that is and will come. Not only did this sister in China adoption know the Lord, she also shared the love and profession of photography with us. She stated several times, as did we think, "This was no coincidence meeting, but a divine appointment."
Maybe it's because I'm able to see and am looking, but I've noticed so many small blessings, "kisses from God," over the past months. When your in a desperate place, a sensativity for hope and promises become a perception that is heightened. The small things seem to have so much more meaning to me right now.
We met a family in our LifeGroup, who are on the path, as missonaries to Argentina. They are Phil & Wendy Perez and they have such an amazing heart for missions. You can learn more about them and their calling to GO at: http://web.mac.com/philandwendy/Site/Home_Page.html. It takes the whole body, each individual part.

"We Are The Body" ~ (Song #12 on my playlist)
by Casting Crowns

It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in
Trying to fade into the faces
The girls' teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know

But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching

And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
There is a way

A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat
And quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances tells him that his chances
Are better out on the road

Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the Body of Christ

Romans 12: 4 - 8
by: God

4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Please consider devoting something for eternity to Phil & Wendy and the people of Argentina.