In my last post I talked about prayer...I would like to challenge anyone who lays their eyes upon this to...Pray. Pray for someone that is hurting, who is sick, or dying. To the family of those who died, or to anyone needing the love of God. You don't even need to know the persons name...just pray.
I though I would share with you quick about a trip I had to our local grocery store before Christmas...the guy who bags groceries and carries them to the car for you, struck up a conversation with me..and of course I started having a conversation back(which is so out of my character...you all know that I am so shy and never am talkative..ha..)...as he was placing my bags in the car...he started talking about having to take care of his Dads house and that it is giving him so much trouble...there was a house fire and in order to sell it he has to fix it up...as we talked more he went on to say that his sister left town because she didn't want to deal with it...and left it for him...just so you know this young man was just that...young. My heart started to feel for him...such big responsibilities for such a young guy. But my mind was thinking...why was his Dad not helping or a Mom. Then it came out before I could ask... no mention of his Mom...but his Dad died in that house fire. I still don't know his name...but I pray for him. God knows who you are praying for even without a name. I have seen him a couple of times since...we always talk and I try to say something comforting and ask how he is doing...and always end our conversation...I will be praying for you. Somehow whether you are a believer or not...knowing that SOMEONE...ANYONE...is praying for you is comforting. Many times over the last few years we had many praying for us...some of who we did not know...but OH...could we feel it...it is some how miraculous, magical and LOVING.
So...I challenge myself and you...Pray...you may never know the difference it will make to someone.
We are the hands of GOD...take this challenge and be HIS servant.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tuckered out
Have not written a post for some time...I have not been feeling well and have been saving my energy for my little munchkins. The other day was quite exhausting...I was wiped out by 5pm. Heard the news of many sad things...so I was literally praying ALL day...death, sickness, broken hearts, broken lives...it was so worth it...the one thing I could give to so many hurting...it was nothing compared to the suffering of others. I prayed for these people to have God's comfort, accept his love, and to follow his ways. I don't want you to think that this is the first time I had prayed and because it was new...it made me tired.
It was just that oh....so many where needing prayers. I kind of felt like I had a split personality...one going on as normal with the daily chores, housework, watching the kids, cooking. The other in a constant conversation with God...
I am amazed with his commitment to listening to all of our requests.
Ever since I have become a believer, I have tried hard not to do the "bargaining prayer", if you give me this ONE thing then I will ______________. That is not how God intended prayer to be...he wants us to have an intimate conversation with him...a conversation about thankfulness for the blessings he has given us, our failures, our hopes and our needs...real needs...not wants. Does he always answer our prayers, YES each and everyone, though it may not always be answered the way "we" want it to be. But like any loving FATHER, he knows what is best for us, knowing that maybe that prayer that we consider unanswered was the best thing for his child.
Paul prayed continually...he...was just that... a prayer...I can only imagine how tired he was at the end of the day.
Psalm 17:6
I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer.
Psalm 66:20
Praise be to God,
who has not rejected my prayer
or withheld his love from me!
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
It was just that oh....so many where needing prayers. I kind of felt like I had a split personality...one going on as normal with the daily chores, housework, watching the kids, cooking. The other in a constant conversation with God...
I am amazed with his commitment to listening to all of our requests.
Ever since I have become a believer, I have tried hard not to do the "bargaining prayer", if you give me this ONE thing then I will ______________. That is not how God intended prayer to be...he wants us to have an intimate conversation with him...a conversation about thankfulness for the blessings he has given us, our failures, our hopes and our needs...real needs...not wants. Does he always answer our prayers, YES each and everyone, though it may not always be answered the way "we" want it to be. But like any loving FATHER, he knows what is best for us, knowing that maybe that prayer that we consider unanswered was the best thing for his child.
Paul prayed continually...he...was just that... a prayer...I can only imagine how tired he was at the end of the day.
Psalm 17:6
I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer.
Psalm 66:20
Praise be to God,
who has not rejected my prayer
or withheld his love from me!
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
The placement of doors
I was recently talking with a good friend of mine about "God's plan" for the two of us and which doors he is going to place before us. Both of us have had grief strike us in different ways the last few years, her losing her husband and me with my Glory babies. God works in wonderful, but very mysterious ways. He is always placing doors in front of us...some we choose for ourselves with the free will he gives us...others are just a factor of this broken world we live in. Some doors are full of celebration, others are full of sorrow and grief. Earlier this week my friend joked...I have already had door #1...I am ready for door #2...and we laughed...oh, so true my heart felt the same way!!! I was thinking, now what do I do...where do I go from "HERE"...what is your plan for me..wanting to "move" to the next door he is ready to give me.
I always envision God standing to the side of a big red velvet stage curtain saying "OH...my child not yet...you can't peek...you can't see ALL of my plan for you. Not until you are with me will you see the whole story...the play is still being written for you".
He always has a great way of placing friends and our conversations to "subtly" remind me of his promises and faithfulness.
I always envision God standing to the side of a big red velvet stage curtain saying "OH...my child not yet...you can't peek...you can't see ALL of my plan for you. Not until you are with me will you see the whole story...the play is still being written for you".
He always has a great way of placing friends and our conversations to "subtly" remind me of his promises and faithfulness.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
That day
It is hard to believe that four years ago today I buried my sweet Elijah. How those hours that we were able to hold him went too quickly. The painful breach birth, the sadness in the eyes on the nurses and our doctors face, still being filled with joy when my doctor said "its a boy", all of us knowing what the day would bring for us...and the grief to come. My doctor was wonderful, I have heard from others that theirs were not...she came in late that night an sat on my bed...what a kind and loving heart she had. Our hospital social worker...my friend...she was so supportive and caring. Friends calling or stopping by nice enough to understand that I "just couldn't". Our pasters that came quickly from holidays with their families to place their hands on me and pray. Our friend and funeral director that made the funeral happen before the New Year. I could not bear to start the New Year with a funeral. Anyone who does not believe in GOD things, if they were with us that day would....BELIEVE.
It is hard to think that I had any moments that day to reflect by myself..but as I lay sleepless in the hospital that night, I watched the news, the TV was filled with news about the Tsunami. I looked at the images and did not feel sorry for myself any longer. These people ...sssssssoooo many. Their children, spouses, families, friends all gone. Their homes, places of work, places of worship, places to provide water...food...all gone. God blessed us...my family, friends and brothers and sisters from our church rallied around us. We were able to go back to the comforts of our home and grieve...many were not able to. Though I was grieving for our loss, my heart broke for all of those on the TV...so many gone.
As another New Year approaches...I am reminded that he will fill us up, as he did four years ago, with what we need each and everyday. I trust in HIM fully. I am RENEWED in his faithfulness, grace, mercy, hope, and love.
Revelation 21:5
He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God.
It is hard to think that I had any moments that day to reflect by myself..but as I lay sleepless in the hospital that night, I watched the news, the TV was filled with news about the Tsunami. I looked at the images and did not feel sorry for myself any longer. These people ...sssssssoooo many. Their children, spouses, families, friends all gone. Their homes, places of work, places of worship, places to provide water...food...all gone. God blessed us...my family, friends and brothers and sisters from our church rallied around us. We were able to go back to the comforts of our home and grieve...many were not able to. Though I was grieving for our loss, my heart broke for all of those on the TV...so many gone.
As another New Year approaches...I am reminded that he will fill us up, as he did four years ago, with what we need each and everyday. I trust in HIM fully. I am RENEWED in his faithfulness, grace, mercy, hope, and love.
Revelation 21:5
He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Happy Birthday-Elijah
Happy birthday sweet boy...you are 4 years old today!! So wish I could be with you to sweetly wake you up this morning to whisper...Happy Birthday big boy. Seems like just yesterday I held you in my arms...cherishing every moment that I was allowed. Singing a special song, touching your long fingers and snuggling you and placing your head on my shoulder...
Though my heart still breaks because I miss you sssssssssssooooo much...I know that you are in loving arms... Though these last four years have gone so slow for me I know that time for you is no issue...that you do not feel the sadness or sorrow that I feel since we have been apart. You only feel an abundance of LOVE.
Not only am I your Mommy, but I am also your sister in Christ, and we will be in the FOREVER before long... I know that we both praise our Father each and everyday...just that the location is different...you get a better view of his awesome KINGDOM.
Enjoy your day...big guy...missing you...
LOVE YOU,
Mommy
Though my heart still breaks because I miss you sssssssssssooooo much...I know that you are in loving arms... Though these last four years have gone so slow for me I know that time for you is no issue...that you do not feel the sadness or sorrow that I feel since we have been apart. You only feel an abundance of LOVE.
Not only am I your Mommy, but I am also your sister in Christ, and we will be in the FOREVER before long... I know that we both praise our Father each and everyday...just that the location is different...you get a better view of his awesome KINGDOM.
Enjoy your day...big guy...missing you...
LOVE YOU,
Mommy
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Snapshots
As we celebrated Jesus's birth, singing, worship, time with family, presents, food and more food...I was happy to have my loved ones around me...so many are not with us anymore and my heart breaks...within the last five years our "picture" of life has changed. Those visual snapshots that include images of people are missing people from years before. Pictures in my head that are full of memories including people that have meant so much to us. Within five years we have lost 2 good friends, my two grandma's, Shane's two grandpa's, and our two Glory babies...I remember those special ones in only snapshots in my memories...seeing friends in passing meaning to talk just a moment, but having conversations making you laugh and laugh. Spending moments at the cemetery with a friend full of laughter and tears about our Lord and his mysterious ways. I have snapshots of my grandma making her special eggnog and her hollering at my grandpa to turn up his hearing aids, or my other grandma bringing out the big box full of gifts with all the tags still on...ha..ha. Shane's grandpa last year this time...savoring every moment with all of his grandkids...mustering up enough energy to still "wrestle grandpa style"
When we were trying to get a Christmas picture of us and the kid's... I kept thinking...this is only half. Normally we would need two more spaces in this picture...and it hits me again...there will always be missing kids in my pictures, at the table, tucking in at night, sending off to the first day of kindergarten, etc...Knowing that so many other families were feeling the same way this year.
Over the last few years...I pray, sometimes not even knowing what to pray. He always listens and answers. Late one night he placed these words in my head when I was at a loss for how to pray...
God bless my children with me...with you...and are yet to come.
What a perfect prayer he placed in my heart...words to the emotion in my heart. He never fails me that is for sure...I don't know if we will ever have anymore children naturally or by adoption...but there are so many more ways to impact the lives of children...so I think that the last part of the prayer..."and are yet to come"...he leaves the door open and the unknown yet to be seen...he is not going to let me see all of his plan yet..ha....
Praying that those who hurt because someone is missing from your snapshot, that God will soften your heart to him, and allow truth and trust in him to fill the emptiness in your heart...he will fill it up.
When we were trying to get a Christmas picture of us and the kid's... I kept thinking...this is only half. Normally we would need two more spaces in this picture...and it hits me again...there will always be missing kids in my pictures, at the table, tucking in at night, sending off to the first day of kindergarten, etc...Knowing that so many other families were feeling the same way this year.
Over the last few years...I pray, sometimes not even knowing what to pray. He always listens and answers. Late one night he placed these words in my head when I was at a loss for how to pray...
God bless my children with me...with you...and are yet to come.
What a perfect prayer he placed in my heart...words to the emotion in my heart. He never fails me that is for sure...I don't know if we will ever have anymore children naturally or by adoption...but there are so many more ways to impact the lives of children...so I think that the last part of the prayer..."and are yet to come"...he leaves the door open and the unknown yet to be seen...he is not going to let me see all of his plan yet..ha....
Praying that those who hurt because someone is missing from your snapshot, that God will soften your heart to him, and allow truth and trust in him to fill the emptiness in your heart...he will fill it up.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry CHRISTmas
Wishing you all a Merry CHRISTmas...praying all eyes that see this, will have their hearts filled with the love of our KING...I bet the celebration in heaven is quite the get together. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORD...
1 John 4:9
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
1 John 4:9
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
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