Do not be Anxious...

Really?
How can we really make ourselves not be anxious.  We pray, we fast, we distract ourselves, we trust the peace of God to flood our hearts and minds... but low and behold we are still anxious.

This holding pattern we have been in can stop any time now, thank you very much.
We have distracted ourselves with a cruise (intended for all five of us), the holidays, a puppet show for 100+ kids in our home, and all kinds of other activities.  We've taught the kids new games each time we have visited them, gave them some gifts for the holidays and instilled hope in them for the future.

There are two more days to wait.  All the paperwork has been turned in.  The Judges have had plenty of time to discuss this case with each other, different Social Workers, and lawyers.  We've been told that they are negative toward us but nobody really knows what is going to happen.
Monday could go one of two very different directions.  One way would be for us to get the kids (finally), celebrate, and begin bonding as a family!   The other way is to gather ourselves together for another long fight all the way to the capital of Kiev for a Supreme Court hearing as many as 12 months into the future.  Seriously?
And I'm not supposed to be anxious.
Time to think about those who are suffering...

One way that I have learned to deal with stress and discontentment over the years is by thinking of others.  I heard it once said that there will always be someone better off than you and someone who is suffering more than you.  So, we take deep breaths, write, pray for others, and hope for the best.

Lord be with all the precious babies, children, kids and teens who will never know what the word 'family' means.  Comfort them, send your church to hug them and care for them.  Help us to fight for them.

And Lord, thank you for all the precious babies, children, kids, and teens who are blessed enough to have families.  Who have parents, siblings, Aunts, Uncles, Grammies and Grandpas who love them.  Guard their hearts and minds with your love and peace.  Help them to change their worlds.

"Do not be anxious about ANYTHING.  Instead, in EVERY situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.  And the peace of God that surpasses ALL understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6-7 (I added the caps)