Saturday, December 27, 2014

The hardest thing I have ever had to do...

Maxwell Family Christmas photo 2014

What is the hardest thing that you have ever had to do?

For the longest time I thought closing my company ONYX Marketing Group in 2004 was the hardest thing I ever had to do, leaving behind influence, ego, wealth and income.

The next hardest thing was when we believed that God wanted us to move to Georgia in 2006 leaving behind my mom, Ian’s family, friends, school and neighbors.

Then there was the move to Africa in 2012 (well, that was an easy one for me because my heart’s desire was to move here), but leaving Georgia meant leaving behind our first-born son (Spencer was 18-years old at the time), not to mention comforts and safety that we have always taken for granted.

Next on the REALLY hard list was taking Chloe to High School in Taiwan (!), with her leaving us behind in Africa, while Spencer was attending University in Georgia.  She really wanted to attend the school and it seemed that ALL indications were that she should go there. That was H-A-R-D, but we knew in our hearts that it was the right decision, and it was.

I want to encourage you, the reader to know that throughout these heart-wrenching, faith-testing, control-breaking decisions, we have always felt the hand of God securely on our lives.

My point is this.  The Lord has asked our family to do some REALLY hard things in the past 10- years and He might be asking you and your family to make some hard decisions in 2015.  I am writing this last blog of the year to bear witness and say that I am SO THANKFUL that we didn’t say “no” to God because we loved our lifestyle in Canada or the comfort and safety of Georgia more than we loved Him. 

I am writing to say that there is life after obedience.  And it’s life that is “exceedingly and abundantly greater than we could ask for or imagine”. 

In the back of my bible I have written, “Obedience precedes understanding”.  That is a statement that has had a huge impact on my life and I hope it will on yours too.

I was just at the toddler home celebrating Gabriel and Rose’s 4th birthday.  While I cheer and sing with them, my throat always almost closes shut with the thought of where they might be if we had stayed within the comfort and security of Canada or the US.  I have no doubt that God could have brought someone else to rescue these 84 babies, but the Maxwell family would have lost out on the gift that has been given to us because of our obedience.

Happy 4th birthday Rose and Gabriel. I am so thankful that you are in our lives.
A purse for Rose and a hat for Gabriel.
Don’t miss out on His amazing gifts this year because you are afraid.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Live from Swaziland … Happy New Year everyone.

Janine

Saturday, December 20, 2014

84 + 2 = You don't want to miss this one!

The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find him wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."  Suddenly a heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."  Luke 2:10-14

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

John

Rachel and Leah

Levi

Phoebe

Naomi

Ethan

Portia

Roy

Jacob

Gabby

Jerry

Seth

Lenah

Zachariah

Glory

Mary

Isaiah

Abraham

Timothy

Lori

Abigail

Beth

Christian

Deborah

Isaac

Moses

Titus

Elisha

Rahab

Matthew and Michael

Malachi

Daniel

Lucy

Asher

Nathan

Eunice


Eve

Sarah

Hannah

Samuel

Hope


Peter

Joseph

Andrew

Jared

Joy

Ishmael and Paul

Ruth

Jerimiah

Esther

Joshua

Anna

David


Ben

Miriam

Emmanuel

Enoch

Simon

Hadassah

Souza

Adam

Faith

Robert and Bernice

Thuli

Quinton

Megan

Eliza

Caleb

Bella

Lenah

Aaron

Grace
Joel - arrived December 17th

Junior - arrived December 17th

Baby Shirley - celebrating Christmas 2014 in the US.
Yep, they are my favorites ... Spencer and Chloe Circa 1996.



Our family has grown a lot since March 1, 2012.  Spencer and Chloe now have 84 little brothers and sisters.  My heart is full and I have no words to express my thankfulness to all who have supported the Maxwell family and our extended family.  None of this is easy, but we give thanks to the Lord for giving us this opportunity to serve Him.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

Live from Swaziland ... Spencer and Chloe land in Johannesburg today, and my heart is full.

Janine

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