Driving in the dark...
I arrived at a beautiful destination in the dark.....I have a picture of what it is supposed to look like, but no real sense of the real..even outside lights were turned off to protect a certain bird, so even the house was shrouded in darkness.
The inside is nice, and I have expectations of what to see when light appears in the morning...the wild chickens are crowing, an unknown bird is singing, it is raining, leaves are dripping, ....the sounds make it different from home....but I still don't know what it looks like....
Many times life is this way..we think we know the destination and we have a picture of what it looks like, but we can't really see it, but must have faith that it will be what we envision...or it may be better or worse...trust....obedience....in others or in what God has in store for us...knowing that He has our best interests at heart...He knows the real destination...even while we may be "driving in the dark"....
Thank YOU that You know the way..your light shines in the darkness...giving direction and life...
Psalm 112:4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
Isaiah 42:16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.
Oh.....the daylight is coming and it is beautiful to see....
Friday, October 28, 2016
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Blogging....
Blogging....
I find I am not blogging nearly as much as I was a year ago...not that I am not learning new lessons everyday...noooooo...I am .....or not that I don't want to share anymore....but, I don't feel compelled, driven, commanded to write as much as before...I believe it is has more to do with seasons in life....
I loved the writing, sharing everyday....I loved the editing, and forming some of the writings into a grief book to share...I love writing about family details, activities....I love digging into God's word, finding His daily message for me and I still do that...I just didn't feel so compelled to blog for whatever reason...and I may continue, but not as much...not sure of the path ....
I more than appreciate the following, the readers who cover the globe, humbling me with their attention.....the personal comments, the personal return stories, the encouragement, the words of wisdom...thank you....
Watching other grief bloggers is interesting...I can almost tell where they are in their personal journey, how far they are into the path of healing by what they are writing about...it is healing for their soul and God has given them words as well in the loneliness, in the changes of life, in the newness of direction, in the processing of events and feelings...
Thank YOU that you give us words to put down into writings...that you work in our hearts to share or grow ...thank YOU for being there every moment....
1 Chronicles 28:19-20 “All this,” David said, “I have in writing as a result of the Lord’s hand on me, and he enabled me to understand all the details of the plan.”
David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.
Philippians 1:3-6 I thank my God every time I remember you.
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
I don't count my writings as worthy as scripture, make no mistake....scripture stands on it own...but He has thought me so much through this process...personalized it again and again...and I have been blessed with a way to share it....thank YOU...
I find I am not blogging nearly as much as I was a year ago...not that I am not learning new lessons everyday...noooooo...I am .....or not that I don't want to share anymore....but, I don't feel compelled, driven, commanded to write as much as before...I believe it is has more to do with seasons in life....
I loved the writing, sharing everyday....I loved the editing, and forming some of the writings into a grief book to share...I love writing about family details, activities....I love digging into God's word, finding His daily message for me and I still do that...I just didn't feel so compelled to blog for whatever reason...and I may continue, but not as much...not sure of the path ....
I more than appreciate the following, the readers who cover the globe, humbling me with their attention.....the personal comments, the personal return stories, the encouragement, the words of wisdom...thank you....
Watching other grief bloggers is interesting...I can almost tell where they are in their personal journey, how far they are into the path of healing by what they are writing about...it is healing for their soul and God has given them words as well in the loneliness, in the changes of life, in the newness of direction, in the processing of events and feelings...
Thank YOU that you give us words to put down into writings...that you work in our hearts to share or grow ...thank YOU for being there every moment....
1 Chronicles 28:19-20 “All this,” David said, “I have in writing as a result of the Lord’s hand on me, and he enabled me to understand all the details of the plan.”
David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.
Philippians 1:3-6 I thank my God every time I remember you.
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
I don't count my writings as worthy as scripture, make no mistake....scripture stands on it own...but He has thought me so much through this process...personalized it again and again...and I have been blessed with a way to share it....thank YOU...
Friday, October 21, 2016
Confetti....
Confetti....
This time of year as you wander through the streets, it has the feel of driving after a huge ticker tape parade...the leaves have blown into piles, swirling around, first here then there...some diligent souls have even raked, bagged and tossed some away.
But the piles are vivid greens, yellows, reds, purples, oranges and browns....the trees are becoming more bare as each day passes or storm winds blow...some already stand in stark nakedness foreshadowing the winter to come...even while we enjoy the colors of fall...
Seasons....each so different and having its own beauty...
In 2 Timothy, Paul is writing from his last season of earthly life exhorting Timothy, a much younger leader in his younger season...the wisdom of the elder encouraging the growth of the younger...the beauty of the fall and winter giving over to the vivaciousness of spring and summer...
2 Timothy 2:1-2 2 Timothy 4:2, 5-7 2 Timothy 3:14-15 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
I don't really know what season I am in, fall or winter, but it is a reminder to let God's beauty shine to those coming behind me..mentoring in a away that God has for me...season after season...
Thank YOU...for your Word, your encouragement, your love...
This time of year as you wander through the streets, it has the feel of driving after a huge ticker tape parade...the leaves have blown into piles, swirling around, first here then there...some diligent souls have even raked, bagged and tossed some away.
But the piles are vivid greens, yellows, reds, purples, oranges and browns....the trees are becoming more bare as each day passes or storm winds blow...some already stand in stark nakedness foreshadowing the winter to come...even while we enjoy the colors of fall...
Seasons....each so different and having its own beauty...
In 2 Timothy, Paul is writing from his last season of earthly life exhorting Timothy, a much younger leader in his younger season...the wisdom of the elder encouraging the growth of the younger...the beauty of the fall and winter giving over to the vivaciousness of spring and summer...
2 Timothy 2:1-2 2 Timothy 4:2, 5-7 2 Timothy 3:14-15 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
I don't really know what season I am in, fall or winter, but it is a reminder to let God's beauty shine to those coming behind me..mentoring in a away that God has for me...season after season...
Thank YOU...for your Word, your encouragement, your love...
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Go gently through this day....
Go gently through this day....
Four years ago, I had just returned from a cruise from New York City north ending in Quebec City with three friends. We had a wonderful time, although looking back, I could take the same cruise again and it would be totally a "new " cruise. I was still in a fog from the care and death of my husband, moving, starting a new chapter of life....
The devotion from Jesus Calling was " go gently through this day"...focusing on Jesus, shepherd..who is leading me in this life's journey..." You can trust Me to get you through each rough patch. My presence enables you to face each day with confidence."
I was struggling with coming back to an empty house, struggling with business questions, business decisions, things I had to do alone-aloneness....after a cruise when my biggest decision was what to choose to order to eat or choose on the buffet lines....
John 10:14-15 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Isaiah 26:7-8 The path of the righteous is level; you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth.
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.
I was still learning this new phase of having my Heavenly Father as my "husband". A different relationship that I had had before... Now four years later I am still learning...it is an infinite journey...leaning on Him, seeking wisdom/ counsel, asking for "red flags" on decisions, asking for "open doors", listening to heart convictions/stirrings...gently going through each day...
thank YOU for your love, your care, your leading...help me lean on You for you promise to take the burdens of each day, lightening my load...
Four years ago, I had just returned from a cruise from New York City north ending in Quebec City with three friends. We had a wonderful time, although looking back, I could take the same cruise again and it would be totally a "new " cruise. I was still in a fog from the care and death of my husband, moving, starting a new chapter of life....
The devotion from Jesus Calling was " go gently through this day"...focusing on Jesus, shepherd..who is leading me in this life's journey..." You can trust Me to get you through each rough patch. My presence enables you to face each day with confidence."
I was struggling with coming back to an empty house, struggling with business questions, business decisions, things I had to do alone-aloneness....after a cruise when my biggest decision was what to choose to order to eat or choose on the buffet lines....
John 10:14-15 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Isaiah 26:7-8 The path of the righteous is level; you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth.
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.
I was still learning this new phase of having my Heavenly Father as my "husband". A different relationship that I had had before... Now four years later I am still learning...it is an infinite journey...leaning on Him, seeking wisdom/ counsel, asking for "red flags" on decisions, asking for "open doors", listening to heart convictions/stirrings...gently going through each day...
thank YOU for your love, your care, your leading...help me lean on You for you promise to take the burdens of each day, lightening my load...
Monday, October 17, 2016
Slow to anger...
Slow to anger....
There seems to be an anger that is disrupting life in general...people are angry about so many causes, rights...some are worthy, some are out of frustration, some are selfish or foolish..." My way or the highway anger"...
I was reading in psalms and "slow to anger" cropped up so I looked it up. There are nine places that God is described as "slow to anger ". The phase is paired with compassion, love, faithfulness, forgiveness, graciousness....
There are over two hundred places where anger is wrath of God and people...angry over many things...
When I look at my anger, it is usually the anger over nor getting my way in some fashion and it definitely is not compassionate or loving...and leads to bad attitudes...bitterness...I want that " slow to anger" which is combined with good things...an attitude of peace and contentment ....not a life defined by anger...or outbursts of evil...
Thank YOU that you show a better way of working through life...that You have patience with us, loving us through life's curves...You filter what is best for us.....help me not to get angry at situations, people...
Psalm 37:8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.
Ephesians 4:26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
Exodus 34:6-7a And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished...
Numbers 14:18 ‘The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.’
Nehemiah 9:17 They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them,
Psalm 86:15 But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
Joel 2:13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
Nahum 1:3 The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.
There seems to be an anger that is disrupting life in general...people are angry about so many causes, rights...some are worthy, some are out of frustration, some are selfish or foolish..." My way or the highway anger"...
I was reading in psalms and "slow to anger" cropped up so I looked it up. There are nine places that God is described as "slow to anger ". The phase is paired with compassion, love, faithfulness, forgiveness, graciousness....
There are over two hundred places where anger is wrath of God and people...angry over many things...
When I look at my anger, it is usually the anger over nor getting my way in some fashion and it definitely is not compassionate or loving...and leads to bad attitudes...bitterness...I want that " slow to anger" which is combined with good things...an attitude of peace and contentment ....not a life defined by anger...or outbursts of evil...
Thank YOU that you show a better way of working through life...that You have patience with us, loving us through life's curves...You filter what is best for us.....help me not to get angry at situations, people...
Psalm 37:8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.
Ephesians 4:26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
Exodus 34:6-7a And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished...
Numbers 14:18 ‘The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.’
Nehemiah 9:17 They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them,
Psalm 86:15 But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
Joel 2:13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
Nahum 1:3 The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Bird's eye view....
Bird's eye view....
When we were in our twenties, we challenged each other to read through the Bible in a year. I had never done it and neither had my husband. Then when our oldest son was in the fourth grade we challenged him and we did it again. We actually paid him a dollar a book. We all made it again.. We have dine it various times since then over past forty year. We used "Walk through Bible" devotionals to help, as well as other reading plans.
In the 90's, we used "Bird's Eye view" by Beth Lambright. And now I find my self doing another 7 week study by Angie Smith, "Seamless, understanding the Bible as one complete story". It is a fast paced overview of the entire Bible.
No matter how many times I read through the Bible or study a passage, there is something new to be learned, applied and soul searching...and I am not a Biblical scholar by any stretch of the imagination...it is just that when we let it, God's living word speaks to our souls and hearts... About everyday things, gives joy, conviction, peace, comfort, and so much more....we never stop learning and He never stops speaking...it is new every time...
Thank YOU for Your Word. Help me listen and learn as well as do....
2 Timothy 3:14-17 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
When we were in our twenties, we challenged each other to read through the Bible in a year. I had never done it and neither had my husband. Then when our oldest son was in the fourth grade we challenged him and we did it again. We actually paid him a dollar a book. We all made it again.. We have dine it various times since then over past forty year. We used "Walk through Bible" devotionals to help, as well as other reading plans.
In the 90's, we used "Bird's Eye view" by Beth Lambright. And now I find my self doing another 7 week study by Angie Smith, "Seamless, understanding the Bible as one complete story". It is a fast paced overview of the entire Bible.
No matter how many times I read through the Bible or study a passage, there is something new to be learned, applied and soul searching...and I am not a Biblical scholar by any stretch of the imagination...it is just that when we let it, God's living word speaks to our souls and hearts... About everyday things, gives joy, conviction, peace, comfort, and so much more....we never stop learning and He never stops speaking...it is new every time...
Thank YOU for Your Word. Help me listen and learn as well as do....
2 Timothy 3:14-17 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Gentle....
Gentle....
I was reading the prophecy in Zechariah about Jesus coming, riding a donkey, righteous, victorious, gentle....this morning and I got stuck on the word "gentle"...
Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
In our harsh world and it seems to be getting harsher, sharper, meaner, gentle doesn't happen too much...it is in the mother or father holding an infant or child, the elderly bending down to pet their furry companion, the hug of compassion in hospice, the nurse encouraging the patient, a myriad of other scenes if you take time to look beyond the cold realities of the harsher side of everyday life...
Gentle....
adjective
* 1. (of a person) mild in temperament or behavior; kind or tender: synonyms: kind, tender, sympathetic, considerate, understanding, ... more
* 2. moderate in action, effect, or degree; not harsh or severe: "a little gentle persuasion" synonyms: light, soft Oxford Dictionaries
I picture Jesus gentle, even though there are times when he showed very strong authority...used strong language to call people out...
he held children, he listened, he drew people to himself by his gentleness...
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 25:15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
Romans 2:4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness (gentleness) is intended to lead you to repentance?
He draws us with his gentleness which is beyond any human comprehension ...we can imitate it, but his is real...
Thank YOU...
I was reading the prophecy in Zechariah about Jesus coming, riding a donkey, righteous, victorious, gentle....this morning and I got stuck on the word "gentle"...
Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
In our harsh world and it seems to be getting harsher, sharper, meaner, gentle doesn't happen too much...it is in the mother or father holding an infant or child, the elderly bending down to pet their furry companion, the hug of compassion in hospice, the nurse encouraging the patient, a myriad of other scenes if you take time to look beyond the cold realities of the harsher side of everyday life...
Gentle....
adjective
* 1. (of a person) mild in temperament or behavior; kind or tender: synonyms: kind, tender, sympathetic, considerate, understanding, ... more
* 2. moderate in action, effect, or degree; not harsh or severe: "a little gentle persuasion" synonyms: light, soft Oxford Dictionaries
I picture Jesus gentle, even though there are times when he showed very strong authority...used strong language to call people out...
he held children, he listened, he drew people to himself by his gentleness...
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 25:15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
Romans 2:4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness (gentleness) is intended to lead you to repentance?
He draws us with his gentleness which is beyond any human comprehension ...we can imitate it, but his is real...
Thank YOU...
Monday, October 10, 2016
Hidden homes....
While traipsing through the brilliant reds, yellows, oranges and some barren fall trees, I was amazed at the amount of hidden birds nests that are coming into view as the brilliant autumn plumage is slowly being blown to the winds....little houses exposed to the fall blustery winds and rains...losing their spring and summer camouflage greenery. Emptied now from their little feathered inhabitants, they hug the limbs struggling to hold their grip on the barren branches....seasons are changing, the houses will mostly fall prey to winter snows and storms, to be built again when the new spring arrives next year...
Now starts the season when we humans begin to hide away in our homes as the new season approaches...confined by snows and freezing rains. Our homes stand stark against gray skies of storms or the blue crispness of icy winter....seasons... So needful...but showing changes in lives in hidden homes or open ones...each with its beauty....
Thank YOU for the beauty of fall, the changes we see, the times to come...times past ....
Deuteronomy 11:13-15 So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul— then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil. I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied.
Daniel 2:21 He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
Acts 14:17 Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Emotional memories....
Emotional memories ....
There are memories in life that are attached to raw emotions of sadness, joy, distress, fear and many others that are not forgotten easily. One of mine was having children or not...
When my husband and I could see the light at the end of the college tunnel and graduation and jobs were in the near future, we decided it was time to start a family as well. We wanted a family as part of our lives. It was frustrating, disappointing, heart wrenching as month after month went by with no pregnancy to announce. We wondered if adoption was going to be our option until finally we were successful. Elation ensued even in the morning sickness. 4 1/2 months into the pregnancy, we miscarried...the pain, the heart break was almost unbearable. I remember those days as if they were yesterday...forty plus years ago...it was a fog of emotional pain as well as hormonal ups and downs....
This repeated itself three more times with no "successful" end...we have five babies is heaven... Finally, on the fifth pregnancy, I was able to carry it to term, with an easy, quick three hour labor and voila, our first son....who has grown into an extraordinary man...
One more miscarriage followed by one more successful pregnancy, a wonderful daughter. It was our desire to have more, but decided the physical and emotional pain of miscarriages was too much, so we adopted two babies who have grown into amazing adults. I don't even think of them as adopted, they were gifts just as our biological children are, just a different entrance...
But the emotional times of miscarriages, births, adoption are seared into my soul...they were heartbreaking and joyful...fulfilling the desires of our hearts, with lessons of God's sovereignty and grace....as a couple we loved one another through the thick and thin, joy and hardship....as I look back, I wonder at the pain, ask why, and why not...God allows good and bad in our lives with a purpose for our surrender to His plans. He comforts in sorrow, dances with us in joy...loves us eternally...thank YOU...
1 Samuel 1:1-20 There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. Year after year this man went up from his town to worship and sacrifice to the Lord Almighty at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were priests of the Lord. Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the Lord had closed her womb. Because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat. Her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?” Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s house. In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.” “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.” Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.”
There are memories in life that are attached to raw emotions of sadness, joy, distress, fear and many others that are not forgotten easily. One of mine was having children or not...
When my husband and I could see the light at the end of the college tunnel and graduation and jobs were in the near future, we decided it was time to start a family as well. We wanted a family as part of our lives. It was frustrating, disappointing, heart wrenching as month after month went by with no pregnancy to announce. We wondered if adoption was going to be our option until finally we were successful. Elation ensued even in the morning sickness. 4 1/2 months into the pregnancy, we miscarried...the pain, the heart break was almost unbearable. I remember those days as if they were yesterday...forty plus years ago...it was a fog of emotional pain as well as hormonal ups and downs....
This repeated itself three more times with no "successful" end...we have five babies is heaven... Finally, on the fifth pregnancy, I was able to carry it to term, with an easy, quick three hour labor and voila, our first son....who has grown into an extraordinary man...
One more miscarriage followed by one more successful pregnancy, a wonderful daughter. It was our desire to have more, but decided the physical and emotional pain of miscarriages was too much, so we adopted two babies who have grown into amazing adults. I don't even think of them as adopted, they were gifts just as our biological children are, just a different entrance...
But the emotional times of miscarriages, births, adoption are seared into my soul...they were heartbreaking and joyful...fulfilling the desires of our hearts, with lessons of God's sovereignty and grace....as a couple we loved one another through the thick and thin, joy and hardship....as I look back, I wonder at the pain, ask why, and why not...God allows good and bad in our lives with a purpose for our surrender to His plans. He comforts in sorrow, dances with us in joy...loves us eternally...thank YOU...
1 Samuel 1:1-20 There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. Year after year this man went up from his town to worship and sacrifice to the Lord Almighty at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were priests of the Lord. Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the Lord had closed her womb. Because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat. Her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?” Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s house. In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.” “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.” Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.”
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Miracle in a cow pie...
Miracle in a cow pie....
Yesterday morning, I was at a Bible study. We were talking about how Mose's mother had faith to out her son in a basket to save him. Can you imagine as a mother handing your child over to the water in a river in a basket so that you could possibly save your son from murder? Not only that, the king's daughter finding him, asking the mother to wet nurse him, being raised in the Kings house, "for such a time as this" to save a nation...miracles, one after another.
Then last night I sat spellbound in a crowd of people listening to a young man whose life had been changed by a shoe box of gifts from Samaritan's purse when he was 7 years old. His parents had died of AIDS in Rwanda, raised by uncles, aunts, a grandmother and finally in an orphanage to be adopted by a family in Minnisota...he spoke of running from rebels through the nights and days, being shot at, hiding in the bushes by day, running by night with thousands of other children..running, running...running...hiding, hiding, hiding ....as a 7 year old, slipping on a cow pie just as he was shot at...miracles, one after another to spare his little fearful life.... To give testimony to the King of Kings...
The goal this year for the Christmas boxes is 12 million. 12 million souls told that someone cares for them...they come with a 12 week Bible study. Last year well over a million children accepted Jesus through that Bible Study alone that they know of...just think of the streets of heaven someday filled with praise for a shoe box...a gift of love...given in the name of Jesus...
Thank YOU for the vision of this one ministry along with so many others that touches lives in a simple gift, freely given...as You gave your Son...
2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Yesterday morning, I was at a Bible study. We were talking about how Mose's mother had faith to out her son in a basket to save him. Can you imagine as a mother handing your child over to the water in a river in a basket so that you could possibly save your son from murder? Not only that, the king's daughter finding him, asking the mother to wet nurse him, being raised in the Kings house, "for such a time as this" to save a nation...miracles, one after another.
Then last night I sat spellbound in a crowd of people listening to a young man whose life had been changed by a shoe box of gifts from Samaritan's purse when he was 7 years old. His parents had died of AIDS in Rwanda, raised by uncles, aunts, a grandmother and finally in an orphanage to be adopted by a family in Minnisota...he spoke of running from rebels through the nights and days, being shot at, hiding in the bushes by day, running by night with thousands of other children..running, running...running...hiding, hiding, hiding ....as a 7 year old, slipping on a cow pie just as he was shot at...miracles, one after another to spare his little fearful life.... To give testimony to the King of Kings...
The goal this year for the Christmas boxes is 12 million. 12 million souls told that someone cares for them...they come with a 12 week Bible study. Last year well over a million children accepted Jesus through that Bible Study alone that they know of...just think of the streets of heaven someday filled with praise for a shoe box...a gift of love...given in the name of Jesus...
Thank YOU for the vision of this one ministry along with so many others that touches lives in a simple gift, freely given...as You gave your Son...
2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
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