Living Dangerously

A few weeks ago I spoke at a conference in Spartanburg, SC with my dear friends Gwen Smith and Lysa TerKeurst. While we were setting up our resource areas I noticed the booth next to us was selling t-shirts and one caught my eye. It was chocolate brown with pink and white lettering and it said:

Live Dangerously ~ Christ's love moves me to extremes. 2 Corinthians 5:14

I loved it!!! So, I set one aside to pay for later. I had no idea how prophetic that quote would be over the next 24 hours.

The conference was one of the most annointed events I have ever been part of - and I have had the amazing privelege of being part of some very annointed events. The women from Well Spring ministry had bathed every inch of every detail for that event and God showed up in so many powerful ways.

As you may know, my friend Lysa wrote a book called "What Happens When Women say Yes to God." It's my favorite book! She has incredible stories of faith that I know the ins and outs of. I've lived with her through many of them and can say with full conviction that she lives what she writes and speaks about. But as I sat in the audience that weekend listening to Lysa speak, it was like God was speaking directly to me!!! That doesn't happen very often when you know the speaker really well. You've heard the stories, you' ve seen the stories. But God!! It was clear that He was not giving me a review of Lysa's story, He was giving me a preview of my own.

During the last message God clearly spoke to my heart about fears and concerns I have had for the past few years. He answered every one with huge confirmations and told me He wanted me to go home and tell JJ that "God is calling us to adopt a daughter (or two) from Africa." My heart emptied of all fears and filled with joy as I said "Yes, Lord. I will!"

The coolest part is that JJ has been praying for almost 3 years that God would give me the same desire he has to adopt. He was speechless when I told him at 10pm that night when I got home!!
These have been a few amazing weeks. Needless to say, adoption has been the main topic of our conversations and prayers!!! The first and most amazing thing we found out (the day after we said yes to God ) is that JJ"s company will reimburse up to $10,000 in adoption expenses.

The next day I contacted my friend, Deanna Falchook, who is about to adopt three children from Ethiopia. We are feeling led to go through the same agency. She has been an amazing source of help - like Jesus with skin on! We are going to adopt at least one girl, maybe two. We are praying for her to be between 5-9 years old.

It's been a crazy time to jump into this adventure with my speaking season in high gear and me traveling but honestly God has gone before us and done so much already!!! We completed our application in a week and sent it to the agency last week. We also completed the first portion of government paperwork. Now we need to do our homestudy and dosier. We have so much peace and know it's all going to happen in His timing and perfect plans. Thanks for your prayers. I can't wait to share this part of our journey with you!

His love moves me to extremes!