- 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!

So, we are in the middle of a parenting series at Church (GCC – you can follow this link to watch the full service), and this past weekend really made an impact on Ang and I. Mark Beeson encouraged us think about the vision, mission, and values of our family. Now, Ang and I had thought about doing this before, and there have even been a few times in the past few years that we actually set aside time to work on this. . . . . and . . . . nothing happened – something came up, . . . we just weren’t feeling like it that day, etc….. – you might have had similar days/thoughts.

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!

We are excited and scared today as we take our fingerprints at an agency downtown. Everything then gets sent down to the state, and we have 30 days to get liscensed. What a culmination of a process that began back in August of 2009 when Ang said to me – “I really think God is calling us to be foster parents.” To which I replied. . . . “nah . . .” – I just wasn’t there yet. . . little did I know that God was just up to his old tricks

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