Our precious adopted college students - Caitlin and Stephanie, two of the three “salty girls” with whom we spent the weekend. The third gal is below (my niece, Rylen). Unfortunately, Alexa isn’t “salty” yet but we’re praying God’s divine sodium will saturate her life at a young age so she can season the world around her with God’s goodness – just like these gals have.
Last August, we were approached about adopting a few college students. I have to admit, I was reluctant. After all, I look at Proverbs 31 and realize I’m a loooong ways from looking like that woman. I don’t have a great deal of discretionary time and was hesitant to give up what little I do have. And, let’s face it, college students crave delicious food and I’m no Paula Deen. In fact, I’m far from it. Bottom line – I felt inadequate for the task. So, we prayed about it. Shocker – God wanted us to do it. Why? Because it’s never about us – it’s about Him, refining us to look like Him and living out the truths of Titus 2. Just so you know, saying “yes” was a really good decision.
God dropped these two beautiful young women right in our laps. I introduced you to them in a post on September 19th (when Alexa’s hair was much shorter). Let me just say this, what a blessing!! From the start, my time with them has been a true joy (never wasted, always fruitful). I have learned so much from them. Bonus: they haven’t complained about my cooking even once and they love our Lil’ A.
I consider it a tremendous privilege to have walked with these mature ladies. Asking them about their walks isn’t difficult because they really walk with the Lord. They genuinely seek His face. They study and memorize His Word. They serve Him. They invest in and disciple other women. They “do everything in love” (I Cor. 16:14). I am humbled to have walked beside them this year. They sharpened me in ways I never expected, and I pray, I was able to do the same for them as well (Prov. 27:17).
If you think about it, please pray for Stephanie. She has a very full week of finals, research papers & decisions. She will graduate on Friday and prepare to head overseas for the summer. When she returns, she’ll start a job in the “real world.” Also lift up Caitlin who will be traveling a great deal this summer while balancing work, serving in the college ministry and investing in young women.
I’m so excited for these gals and what God has in store for them! I have definitely seen the Lord grow them in ways they wouldn’t have chosen, but I am confident their trials and refinement will not be wasted. If a young man happens to be in the near future, he’s going to have a long Q&A with the “adopted” mama before he can pursue them. I love you ladies and thank God for you!!
The other “salty” girl on my list for the weekend was my niece, Rylen. She was a finalist in the State Bible Drill competition. Alexa and I cheered her on Saturday, and I must say, I was a very proud aunt watching her quote scripture from memory and find key passages in the Bible – all with great poise and in a six seconds (the allotted amount of time for each question). You would’ve never known she was nervous. What a priceless treasure for this 12-year-old to have so many Truths from God’s Word tucked away in her heart as she grows up in Christ, shares with others, and stands firm against the Enemy. Congrats Rylen!! We are so proud of you, and I’m thrilled Alexa has an older role model she can look up to as you seek to follow Christ.
Alexa was quite the hit with the young girls. She gave away lots of hugs & high fives.
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