As I sit by the fireside, watching the dancing flames within the hearth, I can't help but think, reflect, and rejoice over this previous year. Every year I tend to spend some time just reflecting on what the Father has done for me and for our family in the current year as well as look ahead toward the year ahead. Today, He has reminded me that I am thankful for the blessings and the losses.
He has blessed us with a new job that provides well in finances, time and improved work environment. He has blessed us with an incredible church family that is seeking after the Father and focused on bringing others to the Lord. God has brought many new people in our life that have touched, encouraged, and uplifted us. We have come to value the friendships that God has grown stronger in these past years and months. To be honest, I could easily be overwhelmed by all the treasures He has laid before us these past 12 months. He always out-blesses us!
Today, however, I am also thankful for all the losses of this past year. God has taught and continues to teach me that loss is for our benefit as well. The losses grow my faith, draw me closer to my family and help me see Him in a new light. No one wants to travel the road of loss, but God never has us take that journey unless it is for our absolute benefit. Is it painful? Yes, sometimes it is very painful. Will we always discover all the "whys" and "hows"? Not always. Yet, despite all that, God IS ALWAYS faithful. He will make the darkest night like the noonday sun by the rich light of His love and blessings.
This year, our family walked through a loss. It was sad, but I have no doubt that God designed it for our benefit as a family. I am so much closer to my husband, my kids are much happier because God chose to remove an unhealthy relationship from our life. I see that He has blessed the others as well- confirming that it was best for all. God is always faithful and works all circumstances for our good.
I do not know that is ahead for us this year, but I rejoice in whatever He has for us. He has never failed us and I know He will be faithful in the year ahead. Where are you today? Are you in the middle of a loss? Seek Him! He will bring you blessings despite it. Are you overwhelmed by all the blessings He has showered on you? Rejoice in all that He has done!!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Sleep Not
Tonight, we watched the movie "The Nativity" which came out a few years ago. I love the way it depicts the birth of Christ and the very realistic relationship of Mary and Joseph. In the end, the shepherds come and worship this newborn gift to all mankind. Mary reassures them that this babe was a gift for all and welcomes their adoration. Most scholars believe that the wise men actually came several months or even years later, but the movie shows them coming that night as well. They worship and honor the King with three treasures of gold, frankincense , and myrrh. What a sight it must have been! Can you imagine it? I can just picture the awe and wonder etched in their faces.
Later, I thought of Anna and Simeon who recognized Jesus as the Christ child when his parents took him to the temple for circumcision. Most of their lives had been spent searching for what their eyes finally beheld. But, what of those that slept through the events of that night? What of the priests and others in the temple who never saw the King in their presence? What of the people on the streets who saw but did not recognize? They were so close to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and yet, they did not see. They slept through the most beautiful heavenly celebration witnessed by human eyes.
I don't want to sleep through what God is doing now- in our world- or pass by the work of His hands because I am too busy. Father, awaken my spirit to your work. Open my eyes to witness and truly see You- please do not let me just pass by the opportunities You have for me. Prepare my heart as you did Anna and Simeon to witness and see the King of Kings who will return again. Friend, let us not sleep through God's work and let our eyes see His reflection in each day!
"In Jerusalem at the time, there was a man, Simeon by name, a good man, a man who lived in the prayerful expectancy of help for Israel. And the Holy Spirit was on him. The Holy Spirit had shown him that he would see the Messiah of God before he died. Led by the Spirit, he entered the Temple. As the parents of the child Jesus brought him in to carry out the rituals of the Law, Simeon took him into his arms and blessed God: God, you can now release your servant; release me in peace as you promised. With my own eyes I've seen your salvation; it's now out in the open for everyone to see: A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations, and of glory for your people Israel. Jesus' father and mother were speechless with surprise at these words. Simeon went on to bless them, and said to Mary his mother, This child marks both the failure and the recovery of many in Israel, A figure misunderstood and contradicted— the pain of a sword-thrust through you— But the rejection will force honesty, as God reveals who they really are. Anna the prophetess was also there, a daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She was by now a very old woman. She had been married seven years and a widow for eighty-four. She never left the Temple area, worshiping night and day with her fastings and prayers. At the very time Simeon was praying, she showed up, broke into an anthem of praise to God, and talked about the child to all who were waiting expectantly for the freeing of Jerusalem." (Luke 2:25-38 MSG)
Later, I thought of Anna and Simeon who recognized Jesus as the Christ child when his parents took him to the temple for circumcision. Most of their lives had been spent searching for what their eyes finally beheld. But, what of those that slept through the events of that night? What of the priests and others in the temple who never saw the King in their presence? What of the people on the streets who saw but did not recognize? They were so close to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and yet, they did not see. They slept through the most beautiful heavenly celebration witnessed by human eyes.
I don't want to sleep through what God is doing now- in our world- or pass by the work of His hands because I am too busy. Father, awaken my spirit to your work. Open my eyes to witness and truly see You- please do not let me just pass by the opportunities You have for me. Prepare my heart as you did Anna and Simeon to witness and see the King of Kings who will return again. Friend, let us not sleep through God's work and let our eyes see His reflection in each day!
"In Jerusalem at the time, there was a man, Simeon by name, a good man, a man who lived in the prayerful expectancy of help for Israel. And the Holy Spirit was on him. The Holy Spirit had shown him that he would see the Messiah of God before he died. Led by the Spirit, he entered the Temple. As the parents of the child Jesus brought him in to carry out the rituals of the Law, Simeon took him into his arms and blessed God: God, you can now release your servant; release me in peace as you promised. With my own eyes I've seen your salvation; it's now out in the open for everyone to see: A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations, and of glory for your people Israel. Jesus' father and mother were speechless with surprise at these words. Simeon went on to bless them, and said to Mary his mother, This child marks both the failure and the recovery of many in Israel, A figure misunderstood and contradicted— the pain of a sword-thrust through you— But the rejection will force honesty, as God reveals who they really are. Anna the prophetess was also there, a daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She was by now a very old woman. She had been married seven years and a widow for eighty-four. She never left the Temple area, worshiping night and day with her fastings and prayers. At the very time Simeon was praying, she showed up, broke into an anthem of praise to God, and talked about the child to all who were waiting expectantly for the freeing of Jerusalem." (Luke 2:25-38 MSG)
Friday, December 21, 2012
On Guard
Sometimes, as a parent, I wonder if we are doing enough. Parenting is hard. I want to raise sons that will honor the Father, and live a life that is reflective of that. In the midst of all the hard challenges we face in the parenting journey, I sometimes doubt myself- especially as a homeschool parent. It is so much easier to just "do what everyone else does" than to be different, to stand out. I, like most who homeschool, often worry about the future of our sons and if we are doing enough.
Today, we stopped by a store while in the midst of running some errands. Caleb, our oldest, noticed something painted on a vehicle close to us that would not be good for little eyes- or adult eyes for that matter- to see. He stated, "Mom, make sure you do not look at that vehicle. It says something that we do not need to look at." I felt such pride at the realization that he, at 12, is already trying to be on guard for our spiritual well-being. I thanked him, but told him to make sure and "protect" himself as well and not look at it. He readily agreed. He is learning to be an man of integrity and that lesson will carry him far in life. Other skills he can learn, but a life lived for Christ in hope and genuine faith is the greatest confirmation that we did our job, as his parents.
I know we have much still ahead of us, and I know that with God's grace we will walk those tedious days ahead. But,... I am thankful for the hope and joy brought by Caleb thoughts and actions today. Thank you, Father, for the glimpse into my son's heart today and for the hope that springs anew from my heart about his future and the plans You have for him. Grow his love for You in his tender heart and seal it for the plans You have for Him.
Today, we stopped by a store while in the midst of running some errands. Caleb, our oldest, noticed something painted on a vehicle close to us that would not be good for little eyes- or adult eyes for that matter- to see. He stated, "Mom, make sure you do not look at that vehicle. It says something that we do not need to look at." I felt such pride at the realization that he, at 12, is already trying to be on guard for our spiritual well-being. I thanked him, but told him to make sure and "protect" himself as well and not look at it. He readily agreed. He is learning to be an man of integrity and that lesson will carry him far in life. Other skills he can learn, but a life lived for Christ in hope and genuine faith is the greatest confirmation that we did our job, as his parents.
I know we have much still ahead of us, and I know that with God's grace we will walk those tedious days ahead. But,... I am thankful for the hope and joy brought by Caleb thoughts and actions today. Thank you, Father, for the glimpse into my son's heart today and for the hope that springs anew from my heart about his future and the plans You have for him. Grow his love for You in his tender heart and seal it for the plans You have for Him.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
In a Panic
Okay, I confess, I have been in a panic for the past several hours. I am waiting on the last, major Christmas present to arrive for one of our sons. The Saturday after Thanksgiving I ordered this gift online because it was exactly what we were looking for as well as being an incredible price. Since I had almost 4 weeks until it would be needed, I took the free shipping option. Plus, I have ordered from this website before and have found that the items tend to arrive prior to the expected date. Now, here I sit...one gift short for Christmas and due to our travel dates, it is likely that I will be figuring out a "Plan B" at the last minute.
This afternoon, the doorbell rang and in excitement I ran to the door to find the UPS truck delivering a package. Yes! It arrived on time... until, I read the box and realized that it was not the long awaited item. Ugh! This package was something I ordered for school this next semester and certainly could wait until after Christmas. However, it was full of packaging material that was perfect for packing a very fragile gift that I had been trying to wrap for several days. Each time I started to wrap it, I would just stop because I wasn't sure how to do it without risking breakage. At least, this was a blessing.
As I was finishing up that project, I felt the Lord nudging my spirit saying, "Don't I always provide? I always meet your needs. I will in this other issue as well." Immediately, my heart was at peace and I knew that all was okay with the long awaited package. Either it will arrive on time or God has another gift in mind for that child that we are to give him. I think - more than anything- it is a matter of trusting that God works out all the details of our life for our benefit and good. It is easy to say that when all is going well, but in the midst of the Christmas hectic schedule when your last gift doesn't seem to be coming.... well, trusting can be hard in those moments. Too often our human nature tries to figure out a solution on our own, but I think God just wants us to stop, breath in His peace and trust. Usually, that is when the perfect resolution appears in God's divine timing.
So, today, I wait- at peace- and trust that either it will arrive soon or we will find something even better. I will praise Him as I wait and just savor the intimacy of a God who cares and provides for all the details of my life.
This afternoon, the doorbell rang and in excitement I ran to the door to find the UPS truck delivering a package. Yes! It arrived on time... until, I read the box and realized that it was not the long awaited item. Ugh! This package was something I ordered for school this next semester and certainly could wait until after Christmas. However, it was full of packaging material that was perfect for packing a very fragile gift that I had been trying to wrap for several days. Each time I started to wrap it, I would just stop because I wasn't sure how to do it without risking breakage. At least, this was a blessing.
As I was finishing up that project, I felt the Lord nudging my spirit saying, "Don't I always provide? I always meet your needs. I will in this other issue as well." Immediately, my heart was at peace and I knew that all was okay with the long awaited package. Either it will arrive on time or God has another gift in mind for that child that we are to give him. I think - more than anything- it is a matter of trusting that God works out all the details of our life for our benefit and good. It is easy to say that when all is going well, but in the midst of the Christmas hectic schedule when your last gift doesn't seem to be coming.... well, trusting can be hard in those moments. Too often our human nature tries to figure out a solution on our own, but I think God just wants us to stop, breath in His peace and trust. Usually, that is when the perfect resolution appears in God's divine timing.
So, today, I wait- at peace- and trust that either it will arrive soon or we will find something even better. I will praise Him as I wait and just savor the intimacy of a God who cares and provides for all the details of my life.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Let Us Adore Him
Last night, as I tucked each of the boys in bed, Carson was trying to remember the words to a particular Christmas song that was on his mind. He loves music and has been singing Christmas songs all month. He hummed the tune and I recognized it as Oh, Come All Ye Faithful. I began to sing it and he joined me. Then, Kendall wanted to sing Jesus Loves Me which I did... several times through.
As I walked out of their room, the chorus to the song still was ringing in my heart.
"Oh, come let us adore Him,
Oh, come let us adore Him,
Oh, come let us adore Him,
Christ, the Lord."
I felt such a mix of emotions. That is what, as a parent, that I am striving to do for my children. Point them to the Savior. Teach them to adore Him. Have Him become their Lord.
In the midst of a hard day when things are not going smoothly and I have dealt with numerous frustrations... I need to come and adore Him.
When I have dealt with one parenting situation after another and I grow weary...I need to come and adore Him.
When the dishes need to be washed, laundry is waiting to be folded, and the floors need a sweeping... I need to come and adore Him.
Perhaps in those moments when I stop myself in the middle a need and just praise and adore Him, those are the moments when I am living out a life of adoration before them. Hearing Carson sing those sweet words became so convicting. That is what I want for my sons.... to point them to the Savior. To teach them to adore Him and have Him become their Lord. That is the greatest gift any of them could give me.
As I walked out of their room, the chorus to the song still was ringing in my heart.
"Oh, come let us adore Him,
Oh, come let us adore Him,
Oh, come let us adore Him,
Christ, the Lord."
I felt such a mix of emotions. That is what, as a parent, that I am striving to do for my children. Point them to the Savior. Teach them to adore Him. Have Him become their Lord.
In the midst of a hard day when things are not going smoothly and I have dealt with numerous frustrations... I need to come and adore Him.
When I have dealt with one parenting situation after another and I grow weary...I need to come and adore Him.
When the dishes need to be washed, laundry is waiting to be folded, and the floors need a sweeping... I need to come and adore Him.
Perhaps in those moments when I stop myself in the middle a need and just praise and adore Him, those are the moments when I am living out a life of adoration before them. Hearing Carson sing those sweet words became so convicting. That is what I want for my sons.... to point them to the Savior. To teach them to adore Him and have Him become their Lord. That is the greatest gift any of them could give me.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Up the Mountain
I love the mountains.... the colors I see that appeal to my eyes and the rich mix of scents that flood my nostrils. The crisp coolness that pricks my skin and awakens my soul to new experiences that unfold while I am there. I love the mountains...unless it is a spiritual mountain that God is asking me to climb. My human nature wants to find the "short-cut" road through the valley that would enable me to miss the difficult climb. I think I am like most of us out there. We want to draw closer and more like the Father, but we just don't want that journey to have any mountains to climb along the way. Yesterday, there were several statements in the message at our church that really convicted me in regards to my attitude regarding those difficult challenges we face.
These were stated and /or prepared by our pastor, Garry Jordan.
"The road to victory is always through the trial."
"When you can't see the way, God is the way."
"Trials do three things for us:
1. Make us ready for God's answer.
2. Helps us learn what to count/value in life. To see and what God sees and know what God knows.
3. To gain victory over the evil one."
"'I will make this mountain a way for you.' said God."
"Victory is not gained by what we do but by who we believe and receive from the Father."
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:2-5
My friend, I know that trials and temptations are not our natural source of joy. However, when you have climbed the mountain and reached the top, there is great joy. Sometimes, God asks to do things that aren't natural to us, but they are always for our benefit and good. I believe God is asking us to find joy- not in the trial- but in what He is going to do through it for us. Whatever the struggle you are facing, God is working out the details for your good, benefit, growth, maturity and strength. In the end, you will have a much broader perspective of God and His love for you and there is no greater mountain-top experience than that.
These were stated and /or prepared by our pastor, Garry Jordan.
"The road to victory is always through the trial."
"When you can't see the way, God is the way."
"Trials do three things for us:
1. Make us ready for God's answer.
2. Helps us learn what to count/value in life. To see and what God sees and know what God knows.
3. To gain victory over the evil one."
"'I will make this mountain a way for you.' said God."
"Victory is not gained by what we do but by who we believe and receive from the Father."
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:2-5
My friend, I know that trials and temptations are not our natural source of joy. However, when you have climbed the mountain and reached the top, there is great joy. Sometimes, God asks to do things that aren't natural to us, but they are always for our benefit and good. I believe God is asking us to find joy- not in the trial- but in what He is going to do through it for us. Whatever the struggle you are facing, God is working out the details for your good, benefit, growth, maturity and strength. In the end, you will have a much broader perspective of God and His love for you and there is no greater mountain-top experience than that.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
The Heart Went Dark
Several years ago we purchased a pre-lit Christmas tree. This year when we put up the tree, half of the lights were off and I could not get them to work. I decided to buy some additional lights to string on the tree and all was good until yesterday. Now, there is a dark strip right in the heart of our tree. As I inspected it, I couldn't find the cause of the darkness, but it is there staring me in the face.
Yesterday, part of the heart of America went dark as well. A gunman chose to take the lives of 20 children, 12 girls girls and 8 boys, as well as 6 adults who died trying to protect the children entrusted to their care. Suddenly, we as Americans are facing the darkness... it is staring us in the face. Many are angry, frustrated and focused on "fixing" what went wrong. Most of us are hurting and frightened by the prospect of a world where our children are the chosen victims. Our senses are tinted with fear and grief. Suddenly, we are fully aware of how vulnerable we are to the darkness of our society.
I am not going to fix the lights on our Christmas tree. It is a reminder that we live in a dark and fallen world. I need to see the reminder of that and draw my children into my embrace. I need to tell them that I love them deeply. I need to be reminded that there are presents that will go unopened, cuddles that will occur no longer and Christmas stockings that will remain empty because families were robbed of precious lives yesterday. I also need to realize that I am to be a light for Christ in this dark world. Just as the lights shining brightly in my Christmas tree bring joy and hope- that is what I am to be for this world. Let us fall on our knees today and ask God to make our light brighter, in His strength, and let us beg Him for peace, mercy and grace for the families who suffered such indescribable loss yesterday.
Father, please heal our brokenness. Please whisper Your heart to ours and allow us to be a light for Your Kingdom in this world that suddenly seems darker than ever. We do not need solutions. We need You. Stir a desire for You in our hearts- one that cannot be quenched.
Yesterday, part of the heart of America went dark as well. A gunman chose to take the lives of 20 children, 12 girls girls and 8 boys, as well as 6 adults who died trying to protect the children entrusted to their care. Suddenly, we as Americans are facing the darkness... it is staring us in the face. Many are angry, frustrated and focused on "fixing" what went wrong. Most of us are hurting and frightened by the prospect of a world where our children are the chosen victims. Our senses are tinted with fear and grief. Suddenly, we are fully aware of how vulnerable we are to the darkness of our society.
I am not going to fix the lights on our Christmas tree. It is a reminder that we live in a dark and fallen world. I need to see the reminder of that and draw my children into my embrace. I need to tell them that I love them deeply. I need to be reminded that there are presents that will go unopened, cuddles that will occur no longer and Christmas stockings that will remain empty because families were robbed of precious lives yesterday. I also need to realize that I am to be a light for Christ in this dark world. Just as the lights shining brightly in my Christmas tree bring joy and hope- that is what I am to be for this world. Let us fall on our knees today and ask God to make our light brighter, in His strength, and let us beg Him for peace, mercy and grace for the families who suffered such indescribable loss yesterday.
Father, please heal our brokenness. Please whisper Your heart to ours and allow us to be a light for Your Kingdom in this world that suddenly seems darker than ever. We do not need solutions. We need You. Stir a desire for You in our hearts- one that cannot be quenched.
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