Resolution

New Years Eve is the time that a lot of people make resolutions about next year. For me, the word resolution is more about looking back than forward. So you can feel me on this, this is from Websters on line dictionary (and no smarties :) I do not look up every word I blog, as is evident by my spelling!)

Resolution:Main Entry: res�o�lu�tion Pronunciation: \ˌre-zə-ˈl�-shən\ Function:noun

Etymology: Middle English resolucioun, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French resolucion, from Latin resolution-, resolutio, from resolvere

Date: 14th century

1: the act or process of resolving: as a: the act of analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones b: the act of answering : solving c: the act of determining d: the passing of a voice part from a dissonant to a consonant tone or the progression of a chord from dissonance to consonance e: the separating of a chemical compound or mixture into its constituents f (1): the division of a prosodic element into its component parts (2): the substitution in Greek or Latin prosody of two short syllables for a long syllable g: the analysis of a vector into two or more vectors of which it is the sum2: the subsidence of a pathological state (as inflammation)3 a: something that is resolved <made a resolution to mend my ways> b: firmness of resolve4: a formal expression of opinion, will, or intent voted by an official body or assembled group5: the point in a literary work at which the chief dramatic complication is worked out6 a: the process or capability of making distinguishable the individual parts of an object, closely adjacent optical images, or sources of light b: a measure of the sharpness of an image or of the fineness with which a device (as a video display, printer, or scanner) can produce or record such an image usually expressed as the total number or density of pixels in the image <a resolution of 1200 dots per inch>

synonyms see courage

 

I love to journal, I've been writing stories and sharing via this medium for years. My Great Aunt Janet used to say, "Watch what you do and say you'll end up in her book." She knew from experience. The funny thing about blogging is, it is really a public forum about your life... and I am a hyper private person, and not much of one to have a focus on me. I want to document this journey for our kids, and for those who come behind us if there is a mistake we make they can learn from or if by God's grace we do something that is right we want to share it!

This is a set up to tell you that you may read things that are here that you didn't know or that are not well known and to keep you from blowing a gasket as you learn them.

 

For a start... this business of resolution. "5: the point in a literary work at which the chief dramatic complication is worked out".  In May Mark and I were approached by a family, a young girl and her folks, about the adoption of her unborn baby. No, we did not share it with many people, but it was a huge event in our lives. We met with the family and their daughter. Fell in love with them all, and forged a friendship. Our girl as I will call her is precious. She is beautiful, smart, talented, and funny. Her family is all this and precious to us. They have become good friends. One of the things that Mark and I knew when we met her was to keep our expectations of this idea low, and just meet her to encourage her as a young woman in need of support and some extra love. We told her the truth. Her choice to give life to her baby is the best choice she will ever make, and one she will never regret. She will be able to live with herself and not be haunted by demons from her past over a choice made by someone to young really to know better who was drifting through a fog, hardly able to make a good choice for herself, much-less about a baby. She is a hero. A good Mom.

 

For a short season our girl was sure of her choice to place her child for adoption. We went to a lawyer in Pensacola and we began the paper work process knowing that we should have our date and hopefully be home by the time she had baby boy. Shortly before our first Doctor's visit, our girl made some different choices than we were comfortable with, and right after our Dr. visit, she "moved" temporarily. We knew we could not ride with her on this roller coaster, and we were sure that we needed to back up and stay focused on our kids from UA. That our ministry was just that, a ministry to her, but that her baby was not our son. 

 

In my heart, I have to say, I had let myself start to think that we might in fact be about to have a baby. I am really not that hot around little guys and gals. I am way more comfortable with the bigins... they can tell you what they mean and they mean what they tell you :) most of the time! But here I was dreaming like a crazy woman of this family of six kids and two dogs and our lovely "quiet" (haha) home in this city I have come to really love. When our girl moved, my heart broke. I was hurt and a little angry, but mostly at myself. I knew better having worked at a CPC than to think that this precious girl would do anything but want what all Mama's want which is to hold their little one. I slipped up and hoped for her to mean what she was saying, even though I knew when I talked to her her eyes said she wanted him. I love her. She is a beautiful person. She is going to make a wonderful Mother. I believe in her. 

 

Her Mom called a little while ago to tell me that our girl had baby boy. That they are healthy and beautiful and doing well. That the family is ok. Resolution.

 

Does your mind trick you sometimes? Do you ever stop to think what all God has brought you through in a year? Or do you, like me and so many, just race by and "forget" what has gone on in your life? Seriously what all God has allowed you to experience to learn from? To gain, "resolve" ( synonyms see courage )from?

 

It is amazing. This idea of being still to know that He is God. Not to think He is God, not to ponder, or debate, deliberate, entertain, meditate, mull (over), question, ruminate on this fact... but to KNOW,comprehend, grasp, understand that in point of fact HE IS GOD. He doesn't make a mistake. He can even make good out of our past pain. Baby boy is here. Some how in some minuscule way we had the blessing and privilege of being a part of his life even for a short time. We were able to encourage our girl that she is right to feel for him and want him. Resolution my friends. Praise God!

 

Here is what is the best part is... I want to share this article:

Be Still and Know that I Am God

February 27, 2006

by Jason Jackson

The admonition, �Be still, and know that I am God� (Psalm 46:10), is often misunderstood. In this brief article, Jason Jackson explores the meaning of the sacred text. Study this devotional with us.

�Be still, and know that I am God� (Psalm 46:10). God�s people are commanded to �be still� in this verse. The imperative gives a solemn duty to those in a covenant relationship with God�Israel in the Old Testament, but today, it is given to Christians (cf. Galatians 3:26-29).

What does it mean when God�s own are commanded to �be still�? The injunction is not given to restrict the mobility of God�s people. The duty represents a spiritual disposition that ought to characterize those to whom God�s unfailing promises have been given.

The word translated �be still� comes from the Hebrew term raphah. This word is found in various forms in the Old Testament, with different shades of meaning. It refers to that which is slack, or to let drop, or in some instances, to be disheartened or weak. When used of a person (as opposed to some inanimate object) it often has a negative connotation.

Interestingly, �be weak� is here commanded. In other contexts, those who let their hands �drop� from work are condemned. Those who are disheartened are commanded to take courage. In contexts where �being still� is condemned, we find that certain obligations were being neglected, and God�s people were admonished to take initiative to fulfill their duties.

Sadly, there are those who are far from �still�; they �do all the work� and give God none of the credit. They believe that by �lifting up their hands� and by �taking courage,� they can survive and thrive by the sweat of their own brow. They can do it all on their own, without any divine dependence.

Here is the irony in this term �be still.� While we must take the initiative to fulfill our responsibilities and live our lives, the uncertainties of living in a world of sin and woe will continually challenge us. Personal initiative is no substitute for reliance upon God (cf. James 4:13-17).

This command��be still��forces us to think on two things: that we are finite, and that God is infinite. That being the case, we need to drop our hands, go limp, relax, and �chill out.� Christian people ought to �come, behold the works of Jehovah,� (v. 8) that we may enjoy a calm confidence in him who gave us his Son.

�Shall he not also with him freely give us all things?� Paul reasoned (Romans 8:32). Psalm 46:10 encourages us to reflect on what God can do in the face of what we are unable to do.

Spiritual serenity, the psalmist admits, ought to be cultivated in spite of the shaking mountains and agitated waters (vv. 2-3; i.e., figures for the difficulties we face in life). This spiritual calm, that God commands, does not come from a lack of troubles; it derives from a steady, deep reflection on the ways God has intervened in history on behalf of his people (cf. Romans 15:4).

So as your world crumbles around you, the call from Scripture is: don�t flinch in faith in God. Stand still�not because of a self-made confidence, not because you are the most composed person in the face of disaster, not because �you�ve seen it all.� Be still because of what you know about God.

It is �God�s past� that provides calm for �our future.� Know that he is God! Know it, not merely intellectually, but practically, spiritually, and emotionally. He is your God. He is the ruler of kingdoms of this earth and the all-powerful Creator of the Universe.

If you are the last man or woman standing, be still. �God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth do change� (Psalm 46:1-2a). Hallelujah!

Resolution... Amen?

 10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
       I will be exalted among the nations,
       I will be exalted in the earth."

 

He will be exalted among the nations. He has been, and He will be... and by some amazing choice on His part fully cognizant of our frail humanity, He has chosen Mark and I to participate in His plan. He has invited us to go to a nation, and love people and children, and ask them to join our family. Who are we? My mind is blown by His love for us... by this plan of His to write us into His story. Watch out, He is writing you into it too. How is that for a resolution?

 

Happy New Year... Welcome 2008. Welcome!

Jenn