An article authored by our son Jordan.
Our View of Work
Jordan Stone
Dec 29, 2008
-- Taken from a sermon preached on Sunday December 28, 2008 --
I believe that most Christians today view their occupation as one of duty not opportunity. Ephesians 6:5-9 ruins such an approach by saying that you should work as unto Christ - for there is indeed no higher calling, no greater labor, no more majestic opportunity than to serve the Lord. This opportunity should completely transform the nature of your occupation, and I believe it should do so in eleven different ways.
1. Our goal is not to make a paycheck and leave, rather it is to deposit the grace of Christ in the officei. God did not place you in your job or in the office to simply show up, make a wage, and leave. Rather He has commissioned you to push back the darkness of sin in the workplace by spreading the knowledge of the person and work of Jesus, His death, burial, and resurrection. You preach the Gospel with your words and show its transforming power by your actions.
2. Gives purpose to the seemingly mundane and unnoticed actions of daily worki. We are working as to God, our service has divine purposeii. "To wash feet may be servile, but to wash his feet is royal work. To unloose the shoe-latchet is poor employ, but to unloose the great Master's shoe is a princely privilege. The shop, the barn, the scullery, and the smithy become temples when men and women do all to the glory of God! Then "divine service" is not a thing of a few hours and a few places, but all life becomes holiness unto the Lord, and every place and thing, as consecrated as the tabernacle and its golden candlestick." - Spurgeon
3. We should work hard i. Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might . . .”ii. We must have a very low view of his infinite majesty if we think that we can honor him by doing his service half-heartedly, or in a slovenly style.
4. Our attitude must be of humble service to others that reflects our humble service to Christi. Ephesians 6:5 – “With fear and trembling, with a sincere heart . . .”ii. It is he who is humble and contrite in Spirit that the Lord esteems, you are to have the mind of Christ, a mind Philippians 2 defines as humble obedience.
5. There is no duplicity in our actionsi. Ephesians 6:6 – “not by the way of eye-service, as people pleasers . . .”ii. The hardest workers, the greatest workers are those who do not simply work when they are being watched, they work hard and well when there is no one around to watch.
6. Our disposition should be marked more by joyful service than dutiful obligationi. Ephesians 6:7 – “Rendering service with a good will . . .”ii. Oh a joyous call it is to work for the King of Kings, and one day sit at His feet and here “well done, good and faithful one”.iii. If there is one person who brings a smile in the office let it be the Christian, if there is one person who brings laughter let it be the Christian, if there is one person who creates an atmosphere of joy and happiness let it be the Christian.
7. Gives us a desire to do good in the workplacei. Ephesians 6:8 – “Knowing whatever good anyone does . . .”ii. Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, so that . . .”
8. Because we know the outcome we are optimistici. Ephesians 6:8 – “Knowing that . . . this he will receive back . . .”ii. We are promised salvation and sealed for eternity, therefore stress, doubt, and worry about that which is temporal should not be the defining characteristic of the Christian worker, rather may the Christian be known for their hope.iii. If the economy tumbles let the Christian be the one who hopes, if jobs are being cut and pink slips are inevitable let the Christian be the one who hopes, if an authority belittles and belidgers let the Christian bring hope.
9. Revolutionize how we relate to those work for us, those we work for, and those that work with usi. Ephesians 6:9 – “there is no partiality with him.”ii. Your work status on the org chart does not – in one way – effect who you are in the view of Jesus. If you have workers underneath you, you serve and treat them as better than yourself. If you have people above you, you serve and treat them as better than yourself.
10. Anything but our best is unworthy to givei. Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men . . .”ii. To coast and float are foreign concepts to the Christian worker.
11. Our attitude and disposition must be one that adorns the doctrine of God our Saviori. Titus 2:10 – “Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.”ii. What a glorious thought, that our disposition in the workplace, our attitude in our vocation can adorn – can make beautiful – the doctrine of God our Savior.
Monday, December 29, 2008
December 7th Titus II Lesson
The Tale of Two Sons
(Better Known as the Parable of the Prodigal Son)
Luke 15:11-24
Introduction
As you well know, the story of the prodigal son is one of the most familiar stories in the Bible. This presents us with one of the greatest hindrances to our study, interpretation, and application of this text. To a great degree, our understanding of this text is filtered through our own experience.
· Parents who have or are presently struggling with wayward children will tend to identify with the father of the prodigal, and look at this text for guidance and comfort for them in the midst of their pain and adversity.
· Those who have fallen into sin will focus upon the wayward son and on the loving and forgiving heart of the father.
· Few of us will choose to identify with the older brother, and yet, in the context of chapter 15, he is the central figure, his sin is most in view, and his reaction to his brother’s repentance and return is our Lord’s explanation for the grumbling of the Pharisees and scribes.[1]
So, let us attempt to set aside the previous interpretations of this parable, as well as our own predispositions and needs, and seek to study this text in the light of its context. Simply put, let us seek the illumination of God’s Spirit as we approach this very important passage of God’s Word. Throughout this series, let us see three things. Let us first see Jesus. John Piper observes: “Jesus did not end these parables with: ‘Go and do likewise.’ And Luke did not end this chapter with: ‘Go and imitate Jesus.’ The point is: look at Him. Consider Jesus. Know Jesus. Watch Him. Listen to Him. Stand in awe of Him.”[2] Let us second seek to find out where the older brother was wrong, and to learn how his attitudes and actions characterize and condemn sin in our lives. Let us third seek to understand the nature of true repentance.
Context[3]
To assist us in understanding this passage, we need to establish the context. All of Luke 15 is spoken as an answer to the accusation of the Pharisees and the scribes in verse 2 that Jesus "receives sinners and eats with them." Verse 1 says that "all the tax-gatherers and sinners were coming near to him to listen to him." And Jesus was making a place for them at his table and encouraging them to stay and eat with him.
Luke uses this word "receive" (prosdechomai) six other times in his writings and every time it means "eagerly await or expect and look for." For example:
In Luke 2:25 Simeon was "eagerly awaiting" the consolation of Israel.
In Luke 2:38 Anna the prophetess spoke to those in the temple who were "eagerly awaiting" the redemption of Israel.
In Luke 12:36 Jesus says, be like men who are "eagerly awaiting" the return of the master from the wedding feast.
And so on. In other words, Luke 15:2 says that Jesus is not just receiving sinners; he is looking for them and eagerly awaiting their coming. He has his eye out for them. The word "receive" sounds passive. But Jesus is not passive. He is seeking sinners and tax-gatherers to come to him and eat with him.
So the Pharisees and scribes accuse him. And all the rest of the chapter is Jesus' explanation to them of what is really happening when he welcomes sinners and eats with them.
The first answer in verses 3–7 is that his receiving sinners is like a shepherd who finds a lost sheep and celebrates with all his friends.
The second answer in verses 8–10 is that his receiving sinners is like a woman who finds a lost coin and celebrates with all her friends.
And in both answers Jesus leaves no doubt about what he means, because in verses 7 and 10 he tells the Pharisees that the lost sheep and the lost coin represent lost sinners, and the being found represents repentance, and the celebration is what God and all the angels are doing in heaven. He is saying: I am the shepherd seeking the sheep. I am the woman seeking her coin. Now in verses 11–24 Jesus gives a third answer to the Pharisees' accusation. When he receives sinners and eats with them, it is like a father who finds a lost son and celebrates with all his house.
All three parables have this in common: being lost and being found followed by great joy in heaven. A lost and found sheep — and a party. A lost and found coin — and a party. A lost and found son — and a party.
Transition
For the next three weeks, we are going to study this third parable -- the tale of two sons. Each week we will focus on one of the three primary characters. This week, I want to narrow my focus to the younger son and consider five aspects of his story:
A man following the natural bent of his own heart
A man finding the ways of sin are bitter
A man awakening to a sense of his natural state
A man turning to God with true repentance and faith
A man received and accepted by God
A Man Following the Natural Bent of His Own Heart (11-13)
First, let us consider a man following the natural bent of his own heart.
“And he said, a certain man had two sons. Now the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them” (vv 11-12).
The younger of the two sons became tired of staying at home. This young man desired to be free from parental restraint. He was convinced that being by himself, away from the eyes of his parents, he would be able to do whatever he wanted, and this “freedom” would make him happy. Of course, to carry out his plan he needed money. He knew that according to Deut. 21:17, one-third of the parental estate would be his when his father died. But he wanted that portion now. He could not wait.[4]
Entirely aside from the fact that in all probability this meant that the entire estate had to be broken up – a considerable portion of the holdings sold and converted into cash and that as a result whatever was left would be seriously affected – he chose to do it anyway. He did this independent of how it would grieve or insult his father.[5]
Sorely as the unreasonable request must have grieved the father, the father gave in. He somehow converted one-third of the property into cash. This cash was given to the younger son, leaving two-thirds for the older one (which he would not take actual possession until the father’s death).[6]
“Not many days afterward the younger son gathered all he had and went away to a distant country…” (vs. 13a)
This young man chose to go as far away from home as he could. What does this remind you of? Does not this folly remind one of the prophet Jonah who seems to have thought that by boarding a ship for Tarshish he could get away from God?[7]
“…and there he squandered his wealth by living extravagantly” (vs. 13b).
What do we have in this passage? We have in this passage a faithful portrait of the mind with which we are all born. This is our likeness. We are all naturally proud and self-willed. We have no pleasure in fellowship with God. We depart from Him, and go afar off. We spend our time, and strength, and faculties, and affections, on things that cannot profit. The covetous man does it in one fashion; the slave of lusts and passions in another; the lover of pleasure in another. In one point only are all agreed. Like sheep, we all naturally "go astray, and turn every one to his own way" (Isaiah. 53:6). Thus, in the younger son's first conduct we see a picture of the natural heart.[8]
A Man Finding the Ways of Sin are Bitter (14-16)
First, we saw a man following the natural bent of his own heart. Next we see a man finding that the ways of sin are bitter. The younger son gathered “all he had,” leaving nothing behind in case his plan should not work out and he should wish to return home; and now, in addition, he spent money right and left until in no time there was nothing left. But things went from bad to worse:[9]
“When he had spent everything, a severe famine arose throughout that country, and he began to be in need” (vs. 14).
His money is gone; the famine arrives. Moreover, this new disaster has struck not only the place where he happened to be living at that time, but the entire country. He himself had nothing left and he could not expect help from anyone else.[10]
“So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs” (vs. 15).
A Jew feeding pigs, unclean animals (Lev. 11:7). How degrading. How humiliating.
“And he was longing to fill his stomach with the carob pods which the pigs were eating, but no one was giving anything to him” (vs. 16).
Hunger was added to humiliation. He was so hungry he wanted to eat the hornlike pods of the carob tree being eaten by the pigs. Why did he not take them? Probably because he tended but did not feed the pigs. No matter the answer, we are definitely told that no one gave anything to him.[11]
Notice two things about verses 14-16:
· First, these words describe a common case. Sin is a hard master, and the servants of sin always find it out, sooner or later. Unconverted people are never really happy. Under a profession of high spirits and cheerfulness, they are often ill at ease within. "There is no peace, says my God, to the wicked" (Isaiah 57:21).[12]
· Second, when we break our attachment with God, you will end up attached to another, and that attachment will be slavery not sonship. It may be drugs, alcohol, illicit sex, an employer, a spouse, a sport, a hobby, a television, a lake cabin, a computer, or books. The attachment may be crude or it may be refined but if we break loose from God, we will be attached to another.[13]
A Man Awakening to a Sense of His Natural State (17-19)
First, we saw a man following the natural bent of his own heart. Next, we saw a man finding that the ways of sin are bitter. Now, we see a man awakening to a sense of his natural state.
“But when he came to his senses he said, How many of my father’s hired men have more than they can eat, and here I am dying of hunger” (vs. 17).
In the midst of his misery this young man begins to think of the home he left. To his humiliation and hunger, there is added homesickness. Literally the original says, “When he came to himself,” that is, when he began to reflect on all that had happened since he left home, and on the question whether he himself was not, perhaps, to blame for that he was undergoing. Serious and perhaps prolonged meditation resulted in his awakening to the fact that even the condition of his father’s “hired men” (i.e., day-laborers) was far better than his own condition.[14]
“I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men” (vv. 18-19).
He arrives at the conclusion that his decision to leave home was what? Simply unwise? A practical error? No, definitely a sin, nothing less. A sin committed against whom? Against his father? Well, first and most of all against “heaven,” that is, “against God” (Hebrews often substituted the word heaven for God). It was God who had given him a wonderful, kind, and loving father; hence “against heaven” and “in your sight” (or: against you). He also now realizes how ungrateful and selfish he has been. No longer has he a right to called a son. He will go to his father and tell him, “I have sinned…make me as one of your hired men.” He awakens to a sense of his natural state.[15]
A Man Turning to God with True Repentance and Faith (20a)
First, we saw a man following the natural bent of his own heart. Second, we saw a man finding that the ways of sin are bitter. Third, we saw a man awakening to a sense of his natural state. Now we see a man turning to God with true repentance and faith. Paraphrasing J.C. Ryle: “Many have reasoned in this way, and are saying such things to themselves every day. Yet thinking is not a change of heart. Conviction is not the same as conversion. Good thoughts are all very well, but they are not saving Christianity. If the younger son had never got beyond thinking, he might have kept from home to the day of his death.”[16]
“So he arose and went to his father…” (vs. 20a).
While many pious resolutions are never carried out, this young man did what he had resolved to do. He started out and kept going. It must have been a long journey, for he had gone to a distant country. Plus he had no money. Yet, to his father he went.[17]
Notice three elements in this awakening and repentance:[18]
First, he comes to himself (v. 17). When you are alienated from God, you are always alienated from yourself. You can't know yourself or relate properly to yourself if you are running from the one who made your self for Himself. You were made by God in the image of God for God. Therefore conversion is "coming to yourself" as well as coming to God. It is discovering where you came from and who you are and why you exist. Running from God is always a running from ourselves. Repentance is waking up to this truth.
The second part of repentance is humble brokenness and a deep sense of unworthiness before God. The younger son says: “I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (vs. 18). Lostness is not something we can make excuses for. We are guilty. We are rebels. We have known our Father's will, and have rejected it. So repentance is a deep sense of how horribly offensive this is to God, and that we have no rights before him at all.
The third part of repentance is that we cast ourselves on God's free, merciful, bountiful provision of grace. We see this in the younger son’s words: “How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! I will get up and go to my father” (vs. 17).
Now notice something very carefully here. At this point many people make a terrible mistake in the way they try to come home to God. The lost son is willing to come home as a servant rather than a son. What the son is saying is: “Look at how rich and generous my father is. Even the servants eat well. Even the crumbs that fall from the father's table would satisfy me more than what the world has to offer.” The focus here is not on the service that he can supply to the father, which the father then would be obliged to compensate. The focus is on the incredible bounty and generosity that he has so foolishly traded for the fleeting pleasures of sin. Repentance is believing that God is so great and so good that the smallest enjoyments of his house are better than ten thousand worlds without him. With that changed heart, the younger son heads home.
A Man Received and Accepted by God (20b-24)
First, we saw a man following the natural bent of his own heart. Second, we saw a man finding that the ways of sin are bitter. Third, we saw a man awakening to a sense of his natural state. Fourth, we saw a man turning to God with true repentance and faith. Finally, we see a man received and accepted by God.
“But while he was still along way off, his father saw him, and his heart went out to him. The father ran, threw his arms around his son’s neck, and kissed him fervently” (vs. 20b).
It is clear that the father had never lost interest in his wayward son. Again and again he must have been on the lookout for him. And now … he sees him in the distance. What does the father do? He does four things before the son says even a word:[19]
He pities him. He interprets the return of “his boy” in the most favorable sense – the son has repented. He is sorry for what he has done.
He runs. He is no longer young. In that part of the world it was generally not considered dignified for an elderly man to run; yet, he runs. Nothing can keep him from doing so.
He throws his arms around his son’s neck. Passionately he embraces his son. Does not this very fact indicate that the father has already in his heart granted forgiveness to his son?
He kisses him again and again.
“And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (vs. 21).
The younger son intended to say more (“…make me as one of your hired men…”) but the father never gave him a chance to say it.
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quickly bring a robe, the best one, and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. Bring on the fattened calf and kill it, and let’s eat and celebrate’…” (vv. 22-23).
Note these brisk commands. His forgiveness leads him to treat his son as an important person. Therefore his servants must bring the best robe, a status symbol, and they must put it on him. On his hand they must put a ring, probably a signet ring (Gen. 41:42), an indication of authority. Sandals must be tied on his feet, for he is not a slave but a freeman. There was also a fattened calf, intended to be slaughtered for some special occasion when important guests were expected. So the father orders it killed that there may be a jubilant celebration. Then the father states the reason for the celebration in these words:[20]
“Because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost, and is found” (vs. 24a-b).
The four words -- dead, alive; lost, found – are meant to be interpreted in a spiritual sense (see Eph. 2:1 and Luke 19:10). The father’s orders were obeyed, with the result:
“And they began to celebrate” (vs. 24c).
Practical Application
Let me close with two comments about this story which relate to the younger brother.
1. First, there is no attempt to minimize the seriousness or the foolishness of the sins of the younger son. Jesus did receive sinners and eat with them, but He never minimized sin. The seriousness of the young brother’s sins can only be understood in the light of his identity (I am assuming) as an Israelite. As an Israelite, this young man would understand several things about the blessings which God promised His chosen people.
· God was going to bless His people in the land. The young man left the land and went to a distant one.
· God was going to bless His people for obeying His law. This included the necessity of living a life that was very distinct (holy) from that of the heathen. This young man went and lived among the heathen as a heathen.
· The Old Testament had very specific legislation to assure that the inheritance of each family was kept within the family, and that the children cared for their parents. This young man deserted his family, permanently lost his portion of the inheritance, and left his father in a potentially precarious position (he had just lost 1/3 of his father’s resources, and had lost his ability to look after him).
For an Israelite, nothing could be lower than to be the slave of a heathen, and to have as one’s job the care of swine.5 This younger son clearly acted in a very wicked and foolish way. I can envision Jesus’ audience sucking in their breath in shock and horror at what this man had done. I can see the Pharisees becoming bug-eyed and red-faced with anger at this man’s sin. Jesus did not attempt to minimize this younger son’s sin.[21]
2. Second, let us beware of any repentance, falsely so called, which is not of the character of this younger son. Action is the very life of "repentance unto salvation." Feelings, and tears, and remorse, and wishes, and resolutions, are all useless, until they are accompanied by action and a change of life. In fact they are worse than useless. Insensibly, they sear the conscience and harden the heart.[22]
[1] Robert Deffinbaugh, Lost and Found
[2] John Piper, Coming to Yourself and Coming to the Father
[3] John Piper, Coming to Yourself and Coming to the Father
[4] William Hendricksen, The Gospel of Luke
[5] William Hendricksen, The Gospel of Luke
[6] William Hendricksen, The Gospel of Luke
[7] William Hendricksen, The Gospel of Luke
[8] J.C. Ryle, Luke
[9] William Hendricksen, The Gospel of Luke
[10] William Hendricksen, The Gospel of Luke
[11] William Hendricksen, The Gospel of Luke
[12] J.C. Ryle, Luke
[13] John Piper, Coming to Yourself and Coming to the Father
[14] William Hendricksen, The Gospel of Luke
[15] William Hendricksen, The Gospel of Luke
[16] J.C. Ryle, Luke
[17] William Hendricksen, The Gospel of Luke
[18] John Piper, Coming to Yourself and Coming to the Father
[19] William Hendricksen, The Gospel of Luke
[20] William Hendricksen, The Gospel of Luke
[21] Robert Deffinbaugh, Lost and Found
[22] J.C. Ryle, Luke
Debi's Russian Journal (Final Trip)
The following is an email sent by Debi to many friends related to our final trip to Russia in November.
T o our praying family and friends: Many have asked for some details as to our trip - I have found that calling and emailing are harder for me right now because of the demands on our family. Thus - I am taking this time before our girls are up to write you some of the highlights and lessons learned from the trip - feel free to ignore or delete this...for it is written for those who have asked and in order for me to not have to repeat everything over and over again. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers and encouragement...we realize anew how broad our circle of friends is - from Mark's office to relatives all over...to friends of friends in prayer groups who have prayed us through the process. We are more than grateful, and humbled, by your caring for the story God is writing in our lives right now. Mark and I desire there to be little of us - and all of HIM as we share with you. It seems as if the best way to share is through snippets of my journal during these last two weeks...I will give you some of the highlights and struggles during this stretching time in our lives. Long ago I read a book that called about having a "God watch" to see what God is doing each day --- this is my "God watch"... I don't think anyone who hasn't done it can quite understand what it is like to be in a foreign country (especially one that is somewhat hostile to the US) and be "at the mercy" of that governments officials who can "at whim" affect the life of a child - and you - just because they can! Our earlier trips had been forthright and smooth, this trip was to be another story. Daily we went before the Lord to ask Him to smooth what seemed to be a mountain in our path - and daily He intervened on our behalf. That did not mean that we didn't get frustrated, or wander some at night "worrying" but it does mean that we learned a bit more of depending on Him minute by minute and trusting the results to Him.
Sat/Sun Nov 8-9: We made it once again! This time a different route - Dallas/Chicago/Moscow/St.Petersburg. Everything went smoothly, no hitches...and we were able to travel with a couple who have been working to adopt their daughter for 2 1/2 years and were going for their referral visit. We felt blessed that our process has taken less than a year and we get to bring Oksana home this time. How is it that Russia almost seems like a second home now? Things are familiar and welcome to us. We were grateful to find out that we have our same driver - Andre - who speaks English and will have Julia as our interpreter again as well.
Mon - Nov 10: Today we experienced the craziness of getting things done in Russia. It was to be a simple and straightforward day - until the first official from whom we were to pick up Oksana's new birth certificate and adoption certificates decided that she didn't want to "believe" our interpreter as to the paperwork and insisted that we get everything notarized. Simple you say? Not in Russia. After a 90 minute drive to the region where Oksana was, we had to turn back around and drive back to St. Pete to get this done...so 4 plus hours later we returned with the notarized court documents! This time she approved. When we asked as to her reason, our rep said "because she can, and she has little power other than something like this to exercise"...legally the notary was not required, but if we refused she could stall things for as long as she chose! This was the beginning of "things to come". Because of this delay - we got to the passport office minutes too late to file for Oksana's passport. Come back tomorrow they say! (did they know it would involve 4 more hours of driving?--or did it matter that they were supposed to be open, but decided to close because of a policeman's holiday?) The highlight of the day was picking up Oksana and having her with us for the afternoon...she continued to be sure of her decision and happily went through the ordeal of the afternoon. At one point, Mark leaned over and said: "How is it that this child - whom we haven't spent a full week with, could already be so ingrained upon our hearts?" It is amazing to us. It is God's doing.
Tue - Nov 11 - Here we go again - a long drive to pick up Oksana and go to the passport office - this time they take the paperwork but say that they cannot possibly process it until the following Monday as they have another holiday tomorrow and they are doing us a favor to get it done in less than 7 working days. Unknown to us, Julia leaves the customary "gift" behind the counter. Oksana came back to the city with us and we spent time working on English during the traffic filled drive. She is to see a friend and then take the bus back to Nicolsky...we enjoy our time with her. Our evening is spent changing plane tickets due to the information from the passport office. At 10 pm or so...we find out that the passport office has mysteriously decided to allow us to come and get her passport at 10 am Thursday morning. Why the change we ask? Because they liked the gift, our rep tells us. We debate on changing tickets back - but decide to wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Wed - Nov 12 - We have a day off...much needed after the turmoil of the days before. We shopped in a little outdoor market, walked to St. Isaacs (but it was closed due to another holiday!) and rested. That evening we have the pleasure of taking some sweet Russian friends out for dinner - we find the faith and simplicity of their lives so refreshing. Mark and I have repeatedly walked away from times like this convicted of the excess in America...and our hearts are encouraged and at the same time burdened for these dear friends who are carrying a heavy burden --- yet who express such joy in the Lord.
Thurs - Nov 13 - Finally something went right - we were able to secure Oksana's passport! One snapshot from today is that once we got back in the van, Oksana just leaned her head on my shoulder and stayed there for the longest time - apparently relieved to have this behind us. Talk about worming her way into my heart?!? After planning to spend the weekend in St. Pete - our rep encourages and almost insists that we fly to Moscow tomorrow (Fri). I personally believe she likes to move you along quickly so her part is complete - and nothing else can happen on her watch! So our quiet afternoon changes - and we spend the day securing plane tickets to Moscow and applying for her travel passport; once again changing our flights to the States...and end up driving Oksana back to the orphanage (making this another 6 hours plus day in the van)...in order to say our good-byes and thanks to those there. The snapshots from today are twofold: Oksana getting sick when she found out we were leaving tomorrow instead of Sunday...can you imagine if you were in her shoes and you can't say the good-byes you planned? The other was the "ordeal" we had to go through to get the $30 out of her bank account. In Russia, a child is not allowed to leave the country with an open back account. So we had to go close and withdraw her money. Simple, you say? NOT! The teller that yesterday said that she needed the adoption cert and altered birth cert - said today that she couldn't close the account as that paperwork had Oksana's new name...not the same asher Russian name which was on her bank account! She asked us to go back and get the original - and we had to explain (rather Julia did) that it no longer existed ...and an hour plus later we walked out with the precious $30...but not after 60 nail biting minutes wondering if another "official" would somehow block our plans for a mere "pittance"...we went home that night very burdened for our sweet Oksana and what she was facing, neither of us slept well. My forever memory from today: after we thanked Yuri (the orphanage director) for his wonderful care of Oksana - he simply said "Please tell others in America that I have more children who need homes!"...oh my! (Consider yourself told!)
Fri - Nov 14 - Andre arrives with Oksana - telling us of the ordeal of leaving the orphanage ---he had never picked up a teen before! Oksana amazes us with her strength...we expected a basket case this morning - and she was "ready" to go! Her "sponsor" Yana met us at the airport for lunch (the women who had Oksana for the weekend fairly regularly) and we got on the plane. I cannot express the emotions to know that the adoption was official and we were headed to Moscow and simply had to deal with the US Embassy! I will never forget Oksana leaning over to look out the window and winsomely saying as we took off "I love Russia"...we assured her that we did too. Another memory is her quickly learning to use the handheld translator we bought - and upon returning from the restroom bringing up the phrase "long time no see!" Mark then whispered to me "That kid is going to make it!" I am overwhelmed by what God has done in the last year - from a simple morning of sewing with a sweet teenage girl. We rented a flat for our time in Moscow - and Oksana immediately checks everything out and announces that she wants to cook dinner...which she did - VERY well after we walked to the nearby grocery store and she snuck the first of her now famous Snickers bars into the cart. She even cleaned up - shooing us out of the kitchen. Wonder how long that will last?
Sat - Nov 15 - God gave us a special gift to make Oksana's transition easier - free long distance in our flat - so she spends some time talking with friends. It s a crisp, clear, cold day as we walk to the Kremlin...it almost seemed as if we were in a movie set. God provided a wonderful guide whom we hired - who spoke fluent Russian and English and told us even more than we needed to know about the grounds and cathedrals there. It is a beautiful place. We went to MacDonalds afterwards (Oksana's fav) and then to the biggest bookstore in the world - where we let Oksana buy some Russian books to read on the plane and once we are home. She is a quick study - no lingering shopping with this kid. We went to bed with the sound of rain - grateful for the clear day earlier.
Sun - Nov 16 - Oksana requested soup and wanted to stay indoors today and read (I think she got chilled yesterday) - so Mark and I trekked to the store and got the makings for soup - Oksana said she didn't like beets(which is the staple of the Russian borscht)---so I made a veg soup with no beets. Then she proceeded to tell me that it was very good, but the wrong color, not maroon! I told her that beets are what make Russian soup maroon! A touch of homesickness hit her in the afternoon - as I came out from tflathe kitchen and observed her going through her photo album with a few tears making their way down her cheeks. I sat next to her and asked her to tell me about her friends and assured her that she was lucky to have such good friends. We arranged for her to call one of our translator friends and then suggested going back to the bookstore as she had already read through one book. Oksana then perked up and led us on an energetic chase for books, hairbands and more snickers! Did I tell you that she walks faster than Mark!?!
Mon - Nov 17 - Today we were picked up to head for Oksana's required physical for the US immigration - UGH! We really went down to the wire with this one - the Drs. office taking their time to do the xrays and all - so that we literally made it to the US embassy to apply for her visa 5 minutes late - but they held it open for us. The US embassy only does intake apps from 10-11 each day - so you can imagine our concern when we left the Drs. office at 10:55! Oksana immediately made friends with the embassy officials and chattered away like they were long lost friends! Crazy girl, she is! She was amazing with the 5+ other children who were having exams for their adoption proceedings...what a gift she has with children! We celebrated the next to last hurdle by another round of McDonalds at Oksana's request. Our "restful" day was complicated in the evening when we found out that a mistake had been made in our flat reservation and they had shorted us one day - we had to move out in the morning! So - once again we scurried to find a new place to rent and packed up things to leave in the morning. NOTHING has been easy this trip!
Tues - Nov 18 - We moved to our new flat before we headed to the Embassy to pick up Oksana's visa. The new place is nice - but it certainly would have been easier to stay put. My memory from today is our daughter going from child to child who was waiting with his/her new parents for a visa and making them smile. A particularly poignant moment was her immediately going up to 11 year old Paulina and Paulina's face just lighting up! Paulina was being adopted by her Aunt and Uncle (living in the US)as her mother had been murdered, and they had gone through incredible difficulty to get her. We spent the hour at the embassy swapping stories with the other families - what a joy filled place it was! Once again - I had a strong sense of God's pleasure in seeing these little ones finding homes...when the same official from yesterday handed Oksana her travel passport with her US VISA - we rejoiced! This time we convinced her to switch from McDonalds to Hard Rock Cafe on a quaint street called Arbat - where she got what she likes and we got something SPICY! (russian food is bland). I cannot tell you the relief we felt to be "done! Oksana spent time back at the flat calling a few friends and then we all watched an American detective show (dubbed in Russian) before bed.
Wed - Nov 19 - At 2:30 pm in Moscow we take off for the US!...Oksana is primed and excited and we are thrilled to be heading home! At 5:00 pm in Chicago we clear immigration - Mark and I both breath a very audible sigh of relief! We laugh as Oksana observes the family before us and grumbles about the ink she will have to put on her finger for the required fingerprint! At 9:30 we land in Dallas - Mark's parents meet us with fudge for our choc-o-holic and take us to our car at the office. Oksana asks us question upon question in the dark about where she is and what is this or that. We arrive home to the girls waiting with a banner across the kitchen arch that says "welcome" in both Russian and English. Hannah made Snickers brownie cupcakes for her new sister - I think everyone has figured out she likes chocolate! We have fun introducing our new daughter to her home and sisters - and then head off to bed (finding out later that Hannah and Oksana stay up till 2 "talking" using the free translation available on the computer! :)
Once home... Oksana has brought much laughter and fun! She has moments here and there of loneliness or wanting to immerse herself in "all things Russian" instead of English - but she has amazed us with her joyful attitude and how she is adapting. A couple of highlights: * Mark nicknamed Oksana "soul-she-nee-ska" (sunshine) while we were in Moscow - much to her delight. So when Hannah and Marin found that out - they proceeded to sing "You are my soulsheneeska" to Oksana on Saturday morning - Oksana just laughed and laughed at that. * Her typing in the translator that Tori had "good taste" when they went shopping one day * God's special provision of a teacher at Prosper High who already speaks Russian whom she met when we visited - not to mention a couple here in Prosper from our church, a gal at Mark's office, and adopted teen in Allen - and so many more! * Watching our world through her eyes...especially when I took her to the pep rally at the high school Friday morning to see Tori's dance team...she didn't know what a band was, a drum line...etc....she laughed, participated and appeared to think we were a bit crazy here in America * upon meeting Jordan and Emily Oksana types on the translator that Emily is "delightful" and Jordan is a "merry fellow" *The girls teaching her body parts in English by singing "head and shoulders, knees and toes.." * Oksana telling our adoption rep (who is from Russia) yesterday that she is happy and living in a fun,crazy, family * The crazy way Hannah communicates with her - by parroting back any of Oksana's Russian (not at all accurately) and the way Oksana just laughs and laughs * Oksana refusing to try some garlic/cheese bread...and Hannah "making" her try it: a big smile on Oksana says "da (yes)...ymmmm.ymmmm!" as she takes another bite This is more than you need to know. We covet your prayers - for as Mark said - one adventure is over and another is beginning. Oksana will be home here working on English until the new semester starts in January. We see her English growing daily - it is amazing to us, but she has a LONG journey ahead. Pray for patience for all of us, for strength to work through all the changes here at home...and for God, most of all, to allow our lives to be a witness to her of His love and that she would come to faith. Mark and I are both amazed as to how this winsome, very independent, and incredibly brave young lady has wormed her way into our hearts...it is definitely from Him. Pray for the friends left behind...and that God would use Oksana to further His kingdom...we love each of you - thanks for sharing the journey! If not for your prayers for us - I am sure this challenging journey would have been - and would continue to be - far more difficult.
Blessings! Debi
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us..." Eph. 3:20
T o our praying family and friends: Many have asked for some details as to our trip - I have found that calling and emailing are harder for me right now because of the demands on our family. Thus - I am taking this time before our girls are up to write you some of the highlights and lessons learned from the trip - feel free to ignore or delete this...for it is written for those who have asked and in order for me to not have to repeat everything over and over again. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers and encouragement...we realize anew how broad our circle of friends is - from Mark's office to relatives all over...to friends of friends in prayer groups who have prayed us through the process. We are more than grateful, and humbled, by your caring for the story God is writing in our lives right now. Mark and I desire there to be little of us - and all of HIM as we share with you. It seems as if the best way to share is through snippets of my journal during these last two weeks...I will give you some of the highlights and struggles during this stretching time in our lives. Long ago I read a book that called about having a "God watch" to see what God is doing each day --- this is my "God watch"... I don't think anyone who hasn't done it can quite understand what it is like to be in a foreign country (especially one that is somewhat hostile to the US) and be "at the mercy" of that governments officials who can "at whim" affect the life of a child - and you - just because they can! Our earlier trips had been forthright and smooth, this trip was to be another story. Daily we went before the Lord to ask Him to smooth what seemed to be a mountain in our path - and daily He intervened on our behalf. That did not mean that we didn't get frustrated, or wander some at night "worrying" but it does mean that we learned a bit more of depending on Him minute by minute and trusting the results to Him.
Sat/Sun Nov 8-9: We made it once again! This time a different route - Dallas/Chicago/Moscow/St.Petersburg. Everything went smoothly, no hitches...and we were able to travel with a couple who have been working to adopt their daughter for 2 1/2 years and were going for their referral visit. We felt blessed that our process has taken less than a year and we get to bring Oksana home this time. How is it that Russia almost seems like a second home now? Things are familiar and welcome to us. We were grateful to find out that we have our same driver - Andre - who speaks English and will have Julia as our interpreter again as well.
Mon - Nov 10: Today we experienced the craziness of getting things done in Russia. It was to be a simple and straightforward day - until the first official from whom we were to pick up Oksana's new birth certificate and adoption certificates decided that she didn't want to "believe" our interpreter as to the paperwork and insisted that we get everything notarized. Simple you say? Not in Russia. After a 90 minute drive to the region where Oksana was, we had to turn back around and drive back to St. Pete to get this done...so 4 plus hours later we returned with the notarized court documents! This time she approved. When we asked as to her reason, our rep said "because she can, and she has little power other than something like this to exercise"...legally the notary was not required, but if we refused she could stall things for as long as she chose! This was the beginning of "things to come". Because of this delay - we got to the passport office minutes too late to file for Oksana's passport. Come back tomorrow they say! (did they know it would involve 4 more hours of driving?--or did it matter that they were supposed to be open, but decided to close because of a policeman's holiday?) The highlight of the day was picking up Oksana and having her with us for the afternoon...she continued to be sure of her decision and happily went through the ordeal of the afternoon. At one point, Mark leaned over and said: "How is it that this child - whom we haven't spent a full week with, could already be so ingrained upon our hearts?" It is amazing to us. It is God's doing.
Tue - Nov 11 - Here we go again - a long drive to pick up Oksana and go to the passport office - this time they take the paperwork but say that they cannot possibly process it until the following Monday as they have another holiday tomorrow and they are doing us a favor to get it done in less than 7 working days. Unknown to us, Julia leaves the customary "gift" behind the counter. Oksana came back to the city with us and we spent time working on English during the traffic filled drive. She is to see a friend and then take the bus back to Nicolsky...we enjoy our time with her. Our evening is spent changing plane tickets due to the information from the passport office. At 10 pm or so...we find out that the passport office has mysteriously decided to allow us to come and get her passport at 10 am Thursday morning. Why the change we ask? Because they liked the gift, our rep tells us. We debate on changing tickets back - but decide to wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Wed - Nov 12 - We have a day off...much needed after the turmoil of the days before. We shopped in a little outdoor market, walked to St. Isaacs (but it was closed due to another holiday!) and rested. That evening we have the pleasure of taking some sweet Russian friends out for dinner - we find the faith and simplicity of their lives so refreshing. Mark and I have repeatedly walked away from times like this convicted of the excess in America...and our hearts are encouraged and at the same time burdened for these dear friends who are carrying a heavy burden --- yet who express such joy in the Lord.
Thurs - Nov 13 - Finally something went right - we were able to secure Oksana's passport! One snapshot from today is that once we got back in the van, Oksana just leaned her head on my shoulder and stayed there for the longest time - apparently relieved to have this behind us. Talk about worming her way into my heart?!? After planning to spend the weekend in St. Pete - our rep encourages and almost insists that we fly to Moscow tomorrow (Fri). I personally believe she likes to move you along quickly so her part is complete - and nothing else can happen on her watch! So our quiet afternoon changes - and we spend the day securing plane tickets to Moscow and applying for her travel passport; once again changing our flights to the States...and end up driving Oksana back to the orphanage (making this another 6 hours plus day in the van)...in order to say our good-byes and thanks to those there. The snapshots from today are twofold: Oksana getting sick when she found out we were leaving tomorrow instead of Sunday...can you imagine if you were in her shoes and you can't say the good-byes you planned? The other was the "ordeal" we had to go through to get the $30 out of her bank account. In Russia, a child is not allowed to leave the country with an open back account. So we had to go close and withdraw her money. Simple, you say? NOT! The teller that yesterday said that she needed the adoption cert and altered birth cert - said today that she couldn't close the account as that paperwork had Oksana's new name...not the same asher Russian name which was on her bank account! She asked us to go back and get the original - and we had to explain (rather Julia did) that it no longer existed ...and an hour plus later we walked out with the precious $30...but not after 60 nail biting minutes wondering if another "official" would somehow block our plans for a mere "pittance"...we went home that night very burdened for our sweet Oksana and what she was facing, neither of us slept well. My forever memory from today: after we thanked Yuri (the orphanage director) for his wonderful care of Oksana - he simply said "Please tell others in America that I have more children who need homes!"...oh my! (Consider yourself told!)
Fri - Nov 14 - Andre arrives with Oksana - telling us of the ordeal of leaving the orphanage ---he had never picked up a teen before! Oksana amazes us with her strength...we expected a basket case this morning - and she was "ready" to go! Her "sponsor" Yana met us at the airport for lunch (the women who had Oksana for the weekend fairly regularly) and we got on the plane. I cannot express the emotions to know that the adoption was official and we were headed to Moscow and simply had to deal with the US Embassy! I will never forget Oksana leaning over to look out the window and winsomely saying as we took off "I love Russia"...we assured her that we did too. Another memory is her quickly learning to use the handheld translator we bought - and upon returning from the restroom bringing up the phrase "long time no see!" Mark then whispered to me "That kid is going to make it!" I am overwhelmed by what God has done in the last year - from a simple morning of sewing with a sweet teenage girl. We rented a flat for our time in Moscow - and Oksana immediately checks everything out and announces that she wants to cook dinner...which she did - VERY well after we walked to the nearby grocery store and she snuck the first of her now famous Snickers bars into the cart. She even cleaned up - shooing us out of the kitchen. Wonder how long that will last?
Sat - Nov 15 - God gave us a special gift to make Oksana's transition easier - free long distance in our flat - so she spends some time talking with friends. It s a crisp, clear, cold day as we walk to the Kremlin...it almost seemed as if we were in a movie set. God provided a wonderful guide whom we hired - who spoke fluent Russian and English and told us even more than we needed to know about the grounds and cathedrals there. It is a beautiful place. We went to MacDonalds afterwards (Oksana's fav) and then to the biggest bookstore in the world - where we let Oksana buy some Russian books to read on the plane and once we are home. She is a quick study - no lingering shopping with this kid. We went to bed with the sound of rain - grateful for the clear day earlier.
Sun - Nov 16 - Oksana requested soup and wanted to stay indoors today and read (I think she got chilled yesterday) - so Mark and I trekked to the store and got the makings for soup - Oksana said she didn't like beets(which is the staple of the Russian borscht)---so I made a veg soup with no beets. Then she proceeded to tell me that it was very good, but the wrong color, not maroon! I told her that beets are what make Russian soup maroon! A touch of homesickness hit her in the afternoon - as I came out from tflathe kitchen and observed her going through her photo album with a few tears making their way down her cheeks. I sat next to her and asked her to tell me about her friends and assured her that she was lucky to have such good friends. We arranged for her to call one of our translator friends and then suggested going back to the bookstore as she had already read through one book. Oksana then perked up and led us on an energetic chase for books, hairbands and more snickers! Did I tell you that she walks faster than Mark!?!
Mon - Nov 17 - Today we were picked up to head for Oksana's required physical for the US immigration - UGH! We really went down to the wire with this one - the Drs. office taking their time to do the xrays and all - so that we literally made it to the US embassy to apply for her visa 5 minutes late - but they held it open for us. The US embassy only does intake apps from 10-11 each day - so you can imagine our concern when we left the Drs. office at 10:55! Oksana immediately made friends with the embassy officials and chattered away like they were long lost friends! Crazy girl, she is! She was amazing with the 5+ other children who were having exams for their adoption proceedings...what a gift she has with children! We celebrated the next to last hurdle by another round of McDonalds at Oksana's request. Our "restful" day was complicated in the evening when we found out that a mistake had been made in our flat reservation and they had shorted us one day - we had to move out in the morning! So - once again we scurried to find a new place to rent and packed up things to leave in the morning. NOTHING has been easy this trip!
Tues - Nov 18 - We moved to our new flat before we headed to the Embassy to pick up Oksana's visa. The new place is nice - but it certainly would have been easier to stay put. My memory from today is our daughter going from child to child who was waiting with his/her new parents for a visa and making them smile. A particularly poignant moment was her immediately going up to 11 year old Paulina and Paulina's face just lighting up! Paulina was being adopted by her Aunt and Uncle (living in the US)as her mother had been murdered, and they had gone through incredible difficulty to get her. We spent the hour at the embassy swapping stories with the other families - what a joy filled place it was! Once again - I had a strong sense of God's pleasure in seeing these little ones finding homes...when the same official from yesterday handed Oksana her travel passport with her US VISA - we rejoiced! This time we convinced her to switch from McDonalds to Hard Rock Cafe on a quaint street called Arbat - where she got what she likes and we got something SPICY! (russian food is bland). I cannot tell you the relief we felt to be "done! Oksana spent time back at the flat calling a few friends and then we all watched an American detective show (dubbed in Russian) before bed.
Wed - Nov 19 - At 2:30 pm in Moscow we take off for the US!...Oksana is primed and excited and we are thrilled to be heading home! At 5:00 pm in Chicago we clear immigration - Mark and I both breath a very audible sigh of relief! We laugh as Oksana observes the family before us and grumbles about the ink she will have to put on her finger for the required fingerprint! At 9:30 we land in Dallas - Mark's parents meet us with fudge for our choc-o-holic and take us to our car at the office. Oksana asks us question upon question in the dark about where she is and what is this or that. We arrive home to the girls waiting with a banner across the kitchen arch that says "welcome" in both Russian and English. Hannah made Snickers brownie cupcakes for her new sister - I think everyone has figured out she likes chocolate! We have fun introducing our new daughter to her home and sisters - and then head off to bed (finding out later that Hannah and Oksana stay up till 2 "talking" using the free translation available on the computer! :)
Once home... Oksana has brought much laughter and fun! She has moments here and there of loneliness or wanting to immerse herself in "all things Russian" instead of English - but she has amazed us with her joyful attitude and how she is adapting. A couple of highlights: * Mark nicknamed Oksana "soul-she-nee-ska" (sunshine) while we were in Moscow - much to her delight. So when Hannah and Marin found that out - they proceeded to sing "You are my soulsheneeska" to Oksana on Saturday morning - Oksana just laughed and laughed at that. * Her typing in the translator that Tori had "good taste" when they went shopping one day * God's special provision of a teacher at Prosper High who already speaks Russian whom she met when we visited - not to mention a couple here in Prosper from our church, a gal at Mark's office, and adopted teen in Allen - and so many more! * Watching our world through her eyes...especially when I took her to the pep rally at the high school Friday morning to see Tori's dance team...she didn't know what a band was, a drum line...etc....she laughed, participated and appeared to think we were a bit crazy here in America * upon meeting Jordan and Emily Oksana types on the translator that Emily is "delightful" and Jordan is a "merry fellow" *The girls teaching her body parts in English by singing "head and shoulders, knees and toes.." * Oksana telling our adoption rep (who is from Russia) yesterday that she is happy and living in a fun,crazy, family * The crazy way Hannah communicates with her - by parroting back any of Oksana's Russian (not at all accurately) and the way Oksana just laughs and laughs * Oksana refusing to try some garlic/cheese bread...and Hannah "making" her try it: a big smile on Oksana says "da (yes)...ymmmm.ymmmm!" as she takes another bite This is more than you need to know. We covet your prayers - for as Mark said - one adventure is over and another is beginning. Oksana will be home here working on English until the new semester starts in January. We see her English growing daily - it is amazing to us, but she has a LONG journey ahead. Pray for patience for all of us, for strength to work through all the changes here at home...and for God, most of all, to allow our lives to be a witness to her of His love and that she would come to faith. Mark and I are both amazed as to how this winsome, very independent, and incredibly brave young lady has wormed her way into our hearts...it is definitely from Him. Pray for the friends left behind...and that God would use Oksana to further His kingdom...we love each of you - thanks for sharing the journey! If not for your prayers for us - I am sure this challenging journey would have been - and would continue to be - far more difficult.
Blessings! Debi
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us..." Eph. 3:20
Welcome to "A Foundation Stone"
This blog was created in order to allow friends and family to stay current with what is going on in the Stone "clan." 2008 proved to be the breaking point. The adoption of Oksana, the wedding of Jordan and Emily, and the changes at Zale (amongst other things) dominated my time and attention. I plan on using this blog to update you on major events in the life of our family, post my most recent lessons in Titus II, and use it for whatever other purpose that it can facilitate. Enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
