David's Experience

      In recognition and honor of the incredible job my wife did throughout the adoption process, there exists no amount of appreciation measurable in human terms that can be expressed for her time and persistence.  However, I feel it necessary to reveal the convictions and experience of responding to God's voice from which others can relate or learn.
     The word that comes to mind is "promptings".  When God prompts our inner most being, what we do next not only tests the constitution of our soul, but speaks volumes of our relationship with Christ.  Just after God revealed to Moses that he was to orchestrate the greatest exodus in hisory to free His people, Moses responded by arguing and making excuses as to why he could not fulfill this role.  In ways, this limited his ministry for the rest of his life.  Likewise, I realized I had mounds of maturing to do in my walk with God as He called us to adopt from Africa.  Admittedly, I, like most men that I talked to, was lethargic in my embracement of this idea.  After realizing that all excuses and reasons for not obeying this divine calling were selfish, I responded to God's voice with the assurance of His direction in each step.  Since two more kids gives the maximum our car allows, I thought this would be a good number to stop.  Many months went by with peaks giving us confidence in our decision, and valleys that trialed our patience.  Finally, we are happy to provide a family and home for two of God's children that seem to enjoy their living arrangements.
     Over time I have learned that our Heavenly Father desires more than mere intellectual knowledge of His truth, He wants us to experience it.  For Angie and me, it was adoption.  For others, His calling may be from one of a variety of directives.  Often, in order to obtain new heights in our relationship with Him and refine certain character traits, He will implement or allow a new experience taking us beyond our comfort zones.  It was a challenge for me to sever the walls that fortified my comfort in this area.  It may mean temorary setbacks and episodes of frustraton.  But its worth is priceless from a biblical perspective and the many blessings obedience brings.  Some rewards will not be evident until faith becomes sight.  Whatever the prompting, no matter how counter-cultural or counter-intuitive it may be, God desires the best for us in our submission to Him.  Not everyone is called to adopt, but we are to help "the least of these" and be a voice for those unable to do so.  We are all called to champion and assist the disadvantaged, the homeless, widows, and orphans in some capacity.  We are all commanded to affect the world, families and communities for better  in a biblically inspired way.  Though ill-equipped in skill, talent, and knowledge, I know there will not be a shortfall of grace to complete the given task.  If God is calling you or when He calls you to a new assignment, what will be your initial response?  There will always be a diffidence unavoidable with each step new and untried, yet the blessed gurantee of His unfailing love is the common thread through a mosaic seen perfectly only through the lens of eternity.  
     Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers.
           David Donaldson  
    

Heavy Hearted

Worst drought in 60 years.  What can you do to help??  Pray, Give, Pray

Humanitarian Crisis in East Africa from A Glimmer of Hope on Vimeo.

Way Overdue!!!!!

Ok, so I knew that jumping to 5 busy kids would probably limit my blogging to once a month, but I really didn't expect it to be over 2 months!!!
We are doing well.  Abey and Faith are doing amazing!!!  I am busy and thankful!!!
Faith is a fish, a true water girl.  Abey is growing to like the water more and more.  We are weaning down on all of our doctor appointments.  I have a High Schooler now and Devin is now with Doria in middle school.  Believe it or not school started last week!  I am homeschooling A and F and although that makes me super busy, I treasure this time with them.
I will let some pics tell the story of the past couple months:

Cedar Point:

Hope ya'll had a fabulous summer.