So,  a couple of months ago Ang tells me “when it is time to change the nursery into a big boy room, I think I know what God wants us to do” – to which I said “go on. . . .” – -She said that it should be a big blue sky with some small white clouds all around, and all the names of God found in scripture should be written on the walls.

SWEET!! . . .fast forward a couple of months - and here are some pictures (even though it is still not completely done! It needs a few touch-ups around the clouds and a few more names)

Here is a picture of the nursery, where the top half of the room was bright yellow, the bottom half a blue, and there was a light green wave separating those two halves.

After two coats of primer. . . .  which doesn’t air out very well when you can’t open the windows (11 degrees outside!)

Finally, a few pix from the room as it looks today.

It was amazing to think about how fast the past 7.5 years have gone! I have spent many an hour/day/night in that nursery with little babies. . . they are growing up, which is both sad and exciting. Heavenly Father, I trust you to guide our family into the future, and I trust that you will not let me forget the wonderful hours of the past.

http://gigglepotz.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/halloween-pumpkin.jpg

I just thought I would put down some of my thoughts on how and why my and I went trick or treating last night. Here is an email I sent to a friend a couple of days ago about this issue. By the way, our firefirefighter, superman, spiderman, minny mouse, and pegasus had a great time:

Great question – we do allow our children to dress up for Halloween; however, no witches, ghosts, bloody skulls, etc… – really nothing that celebrates death, violence, or darkness. In coordination with this, our Fall decorations around the house are pumpkins, corn stalks, cute scarecrows – no black cats, ghosts, witches, mummies, etc…We have a great family time trick or treating around our neighborhood, and is honestly, one of the biggest ways we meet many of our neighbors (kids and adults), since they are rarely just “out and about” during other times of the year.

In the past few years, this whole experience has led to many conversations about witches, mummies, ghosts, violent characters (you the kids with an axe stuck in their head and “blood” that is all over their head), and other things that we believe have made them aware of how our beliefs/behaviors are different from the world’s.

Other “teaching moments” that come up during this time include greediness and even lust with candy, as well as nutritional things about candy and certain ingredients that we find in the candy themselves (because we rarely have candy or a lot of sweets in our house). This participation without celebration of darkness is how Ang and I have decided to walk the line of “in the world, but not of the world”. I would love to hear from others on this as well.

Peace

Ted

P.s. we also have our own theories on what to do with the Easter bunny and Santa Claus – so this conversation can continue throughout the year

This is a video of the “Feed” – which is our church’s way of doing announcements – enjoy!

The Feed 7.31.2010 from Ben Sanders on Vimeo.

Thanks again Ben!

- http://miketodd.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c65c453ef010536d4981b970c-pi

Why do they call them leaps?

Because it’s not just a step. . . it’s not even a jump. . . it is something that you are choosing to do that inherently has quite a bit of risk – it is pushing you to the edges of your ability or capacity.

Why are they so good?

I believe that they are a critical part of our spiritual race because it forces us to rely on God who promises to be reliable and that in our weakness (or vulnerability – i.e., whatever is being risked in the “leap”) His strength is made perfect. Then at the aftermath of the leap. . . whether it turns out exactly how we thought it would or not. . . God is once again shown to be both GOOD and FAITHFUL. . . . thus, giving us memories or stories to share with each other that both edifies the Church, and constructs protective barriers around our heart from the bitter root of unbelief that tries to grow from time to time. These stories of God touching our lives in profound ways when we need it the most becomes the comforting evidence that He is always with us, and always wants what is best for us. They also can be seeds that are sowed to our children and grand-children.

Sadly, many of us are so far removed from the enslavement of the Hebrews in Egypt or the parting of the red sea – or even the passover to feel a tangible peace and comfort from recounting those stories. . . . but when we “leap” at God-ordained moments – new stories are born. . . . fresh evidence is discovered for us personally – that can inspire us to not just land from the leap, but to run full-speed ahead into whatever God has in store.

I took a leap today. . . . and no I can’t tell you what it is – not yet at least — but, I believe it is what God is calling me to do. . . . and once you believe something . . . . truly believe something  – there is no reason to simply walk to your opposition or decision. . . no, look at what David did with Goliath in 1 Sam 17 – he ran to meet the giant, why delay when you know that victory is at hand?? David needed no last minute preparation. . . his life WAS his preparation – same way with your leaps of faith – God has been preparing you for this moment for longer than you could ever know. . . trust Him. . . and take off!

 
 
If you learn to trust me – really trust me – with your whole being, then nothing can separate you from my peace.  Everything you endure can be put to good use by allowing it to train you in trusting Me.  This is how you foil the works of evil, growing in grace through the very adversity that was meant to harm you.  Joseph was a prime example of this divine rehearsal, declaring to his brothers: “you meant evil againt me, but God meant it for good”.  Do not fear what this day, or any day, may bring your way.  Concentrate on trusting Me and on doing what needs to be done.  Relax in My sovereignty, remembering that I go before you, as well as with you, into each day.  Fear no evil, for I can bring good out of every situation you will ever encounter. 
 
—-From the “Jesus Calling” devotional by Sarah Young.  Genesis 50:20; Psalm 23;4.

and finally, one of my favorite passages of scripture (Hebrews 12:12-13) because it fuels me to live to the edge of my possibility:

¹² So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. ¹³ Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.

Some recent insights:

1. Lie/expectation that the world teaches us: that if we give our kids the best of who we are we will always feel loved by them, and get their best in return. . . how many of you know that is not how it works – at least not in the short run. You see. . . . kids are often times on their “best behavior” around other people, and then forget about things like manners, being nice, and respectful when around their own parents/siblings. Not unlike why many spouses get the left-overs of their spouse when they are at home, because there it is safe to be tired, stressed, and cranky. Do not let how your child treats you sometimes to determine your joy as a parent nor your measure of whether or not your child knows they are loved.  

2. God says  – me too: It is at this point that I feel even closer to God, because that is exactly what we do to Him – He easily gave His best for us – several times throughout history, and of course the greatest being His own son for us. . . . and yet we often times give Him our left-overs, our worst – our inauthentic praise, extra money at the end of the month, sour attitudes, complaining tongues, shortest memories of his blessings, least amount of trust, and shortest patience.

3. Always remember: Modeling in relationships is one of the most powerful ways that our children learn anything about relationships. . . . even more than what we tell them. That being said, there is no way to model grace to our children without us being treated unfairly or badly by them. Their mistreatment of us opens the door of opportunity for us to show grace to them. . . it is at this point of receiving what they do not deserve, without strings attached, that brings the awareness of God’s heart = unconditional love.

Keep loving your children of all ages well

We spend quite a bit of time on our letter, because we feel that having clear, intentional communication is very important – especially when you KNOW that people are going to be reading it. We just feel like this is yet another opportunity that God gives us each year to give Him glory by sharing the story of the past year as witnesses to what God is up to in our lives. So, here is the letter that we wrote and the video recap of our multiple celebrations!!!

THE LETTER:

The adventure continues 2009

Philippians 4:6: “do not be anxious about anything, but through prayer and petition submit everything to God, and He will give you a peace that passes all understanding.”

What a wonderful year this has been full of so much adventure. The year had such a difficult beginning with the loss of Ted’s aunt and uncle (Phil and Louie Rieman). They were such tremendous servants of peace and love, dedicated to trying to bring the Kingdom of God to everyone they encountered.  They are greatly missed –

Inspired by their legacy and the injustices witnessed through his trip to India, Ted began a journey to grow greenLockers (www.greenlockers.org – his non-profit organization) this past year, and God continues to bless the project with over  17 schools participating producing 9,000 lbs of supplies, which were given to 23 different charities in the area, as well as to orphans in Mexico and India. Ted continues to love teaching and mentoring students at Bethel, and has been humbled and honored by the influence that he holds on campus and in our community.

Angela feels privileged to be at home enjoying the little moments each day with the kids. She continues to equip psychology students teaching at Bethel one night a week. With a passion for family and fulfilling relationships, she loves getting to mentor several young women on campus as well as developing new curricula for the premarital counseling seminars at our Church.

As blessed as we feel with all of that, it pales in comparison to the newest addition to our family. Dane Justice Bryant was loaned to us on 3.3.09, and our lives have been enriched ever since. He is such a good boy with his favorite activities including pulling himself up on anything he can grab onto, and trying to sneak away from us to crawl as fast as he can to the dog food and water bowls!! J. Elliana, Kya, and Dakota are great with him – they love him so much!

Elliana started Kindergarten this year. . . she is growing up way too fast (ok, now I sound old J). Her and Kya both love their new public Montessori school that they are attending. Dakota gets to have some great time with Mommy and baby Dane in the morning, and he loves to “read” books.

Amidst the planning, and efforts to raise kids well, fulfill responsibilities at work, church, and in our community. . . . we were interrupted in September of this year. Since we know God loves interrupting our lives (i.e., look back at our track history the past 10 years), we decided to listen. What we heard was a call to help the broken children all around us by becoming a foster family. We have completed the paperwork and begin training early next year, with our first placement probably happening in March sometime. . . . the adventure continues J.  We are excited and nervous, but have decided – like most of the rest of this year – to live in Phil. 4:6. God has got our back, and so we are committed to love boldly in the opportunities He places before us.

We love you all so much, and are incredibly blessed to have you in our lives. We hope and pray that you and your families have the opportunity to love, and be loved, like never before this Christmas season!! Peace & love to all!

THE VIDEO

Christmas celebration 2009 from Ted Bryant on Vimeo.

So, chalk this up to a way in which becoming foster parents has already made us more intentional parents – we no longer have any time to linger in figuring this out. Don’t get me wrong, . . .  I feel like Ang and I communicate well, and are on the same page 99% of the time when it comes to parenting, but that reality is not an excuse for not thinking through these concepts and getting them on paper. The way that I see it – it will only improve our parenting and our family as we have something that we can return to and remember where our focus is – AND it is a tremendous tool to create a COMMON LANGUAGE of intention and purpose in our family that we can pass on to our children. .  . . . so, . . . yes. . . this will be hanging in our house

Here is what we have come up with

THE VISION (why do we do what we do):

The Bryant family has been given tremendous privilege, talent, resources, and heart to do great things for the Kingdom of God, and we will live to that purpose because we believe that loving other people first as Jesus does – without the worldly conditions of status, characteristics, beliefs, or past behavior – is the highest call given to us.

THE MISSION (what are the steps that we take towards the vision):

As a family we seek to always give God maximum glory by worshiping Him through all of our daily activities – regardless of the circumstances.  This starts with daily submitting our priorities, attitude, time, service, and provision to the LORD.  In addition to studying the truth found in the Bible, we will critically educate ourselves in the opportunities that God has placed before us and seek with great perseverance to be the best stewards of His gifts, which He has so generously poured out to us. If God’s revealed will is somehow in conflict with our own wants and levels of comfort, we will choose to “get over it” and trust Him. We refuse to believe that the greatest life that God wants for us is one of ease, but one that is full (Jn 10:10) – living at the edge of all possibility – accepting both the good days and the difficult ones. The Bryant family will always stand to fight against the enemy and his lies, and will not shrink back from the mantle of carrying the good news to ALL the world.

THE VALUES (how do we treat each other):

1. We choose truth over lying in every situation – regardless of the consequences that may follow.

2. We will treat each other with unconditional love – being accepting, respectful, and kind.

3. We will seek to serve one another before receiving.

4. We will encourage each other in every activity – choosing to build up, and never to tear down.

5. We will choose to view conflict as a tool for unification instead of division.

6. We will be grateful, not greedy.

7. We will sharpen each other to be healthy spiritually, psychologically, physically, intellectually, and socially.

8. We will generously give grace to each other – choosing forgiveness over condemnation.

9. We will try our best knowing that is all God ever asks of us no matter the result.

10. We will stand up for one another, and be there for each other no matter the sacrifice.

11. We will genuinely listen, seeking understanding not only of words but of the heart.

12. We will bring our fun with us; wherever God takes us .

- I encourage you, at whatever stage of life that you are in – to take the time to do this . . . establish your focus in life. . . it is worth the time and effort!

Once again, I can’t believe how God continues to expand our hearts to love him so much – our other children just adore him, and Ang and I are grateful for the honor of raising Dane Justice Bryant – here is a video recap of his first year. NOW listen, I am an amateur at the whole movie making thing – so please don’t judge – these songs were specifically selected to be a prayer for our relationship with him, and how he will honor God throughout his life. He was dedicated to God this past year, and that is a commitment that Ang and I take very seriously. . . . . and we are going to have a lot of fun along the way!!

Dane’s first year video from Ted Bryant on Vimeo.

In the past 6 months we have:

- received CPR and First aid training for infants through adults

- been through a wide assortment of medical testing – bloodwork (including our children), TB tests, physcals, etc…

- started praying about a wounded soul coming into our home

- been to 30 hours of training

- read numerous articles (and tested on them)

- had a water test done

- background checks

- prayed more

- seen the disbelief in others eyes (and diagnosis of insanity) when telling them our news

- been drawn to the severe need all around us for GOOD foster homes

- spent countless hours completing over 50 pages of paperwork

- cancelled plans for a major trip this summer

- rejoiced at the perspective of the honor it is to truly help another human life.

- grieved the loss of convenience, comfort, and predictability that was hoped for in several areas of our life

- been drawn closer to God than ever before. . . . He really is in control

- reevaluated finances, eating habits, priorities, and spiritual goals within our own family – we want to be ready. . . . as ready as anyone can be.

God called Ang into this very strongly 6 months ago. . . . and He showed me, only after I trusted my wife AND opened my heart to actually hearing God. I’ll admit it, I didn’t ask the question for a long time because I was scared of what the answer might be. I felt like Joseph (only on a much smaller scale), needing to be visited by and Angel to confirm what his Mary had told him.

No angels for me, it just took my submission of the prideful and arrogant thought that I subconsciously held onto: “God has got to tell me eveything that He wants to do in this family, He needs to tell me first before we move forward – He will always go through me on the big stuff – I am the head of the household remember.”

PLUS –  You know – I backed off my schedule a little bit this Spring so that I could focus more on what I felt called to do with greenlockers. . . . it was all about me, me, me - ”What gives God? – How am I supposed to get things done that you have called me too when you keep adding stuff to our plate?, we don’t have time for this, and we already have not slept in 7 years – I thought we were just getting to the point of balance – what are you trying to do here?”

Praise God He is patient when we seek Him. . . and Praise God that He is willing to trust us with bringing His kingdom – even when I act so selfish and childish (Ang has been so steadfast throughout this whole process – just AMAZING).  Then on the way to work one day when I was genuinely open to hearing God’s voice I heard Him say “Ted, do you really think you are going to be the only one that I am going to use in your family to do great things? . . . Have you seen your wife lately? She’s amazing! . . . and I have amazing things in store for her too. . . trust me!”

So, I am leaving right now to get fingerprints. . . . let the wonderful adventure of being part of God’s kingdom take its next step. . . 1, 2, 3. . . JUMP

My Highlights

1. It all starts with Kya’s 4th birthday – it was great to be able to celebrate with Nana and Papa at the water park. Later, I took the older two for some go-kart runs!!
2. Lots of fun family photos!
3. Dane’s first taste of “solid” food – ok. . . nearly liquefied sweet potatoes – but it still counts!
4. A baseball game with the older two kids
5. First days at school for the kids
6. Lots. . . and I do mean lots. . . of pictures of Dane the last few months
7. My new Block class at Bethel – doing a team building low ropes course!
8. TREMENDOUS dedication to Phil and Louie at Manchester’s Peace garden – such an honor to be able to call them family. Also, a retirement dinner for Gary Zimmerman.
9. I don’t think bath pictures ever get old!!
10. Finally, a great day at Potatoe Creek State Park yesterday – playgrounds, a mile hike in the forest, a prairie maze, picnic, and of course Dakota found his hiking stick – just his size!!

My highlights:

1. Silverhawks Baseball game with Elli and Kya. . . and the ice cream of the future (dippin dots) – for the past 20 years!!!

2. Dress up time – caped crusaders and the hat club

3. Open house for Elliana’s and Kya’s new school – they were pretty pumped to get a locker!!

4. Actual first days of school for both (Kya’s picture is at the end).

5. Typical reading time in Kya’s bed – it is getting a bit crowded!

6. The smiling Dane show!

7. Boy group pictures, and then a little love from big sis!

8. Squeeze from Nana, and then had to get Dane in ND gear for the first game of the season!!

He loves the backpack!! So do we

Here is his first eating experience with “yummy” squash!!

Yeah – he liked it!!

First hair cut – yes, I know. . . crazy that he needed a hair cut at 4.5 months old!

Getting some love from Papa at Kya’s 4th birthday party

Videos of Dane’s giggle box

Same night, but this time with Kya being the entertainer:

Here is a video of some really good times – God’s creation is amazing!!!

If you want to know more about their journey, and be able to keep up with all that they are doing check out their BLOG