An Overdue Celebration Post!

With everything that has been going on with Dad, I let time get away from me.  But that’s not to say that we aren’t incredibly happy with the step that our youngest recently took.

On Sunday evening, May 5, our youngest took a step in obedience to his Lord and Savior and was baptized!  We don’t have a baptismal at the church.  Instead we rent out the local YMCA and make a church-wide celebration out of it.

My husband was privileged to be able to participate, and it was a wonderful moment for our family!

I can’t tell you how thankful I am for what I see God doing in his tender young heart!

What made it even more special was that our neighbor got baptized too!  What a great day!

After the service part, the kids all jumped in the water for a swim party, then we met back at the church for a pitch-in super.  Fun, fun, fun!

On this beautiful sun-shiny day, I wanted to take a moment and simply praise God.  :)

And We All Take A Breath

When I posted Thursday, I was at one of the lowest points I can ever remember being.  Your comments, emails and notes brought tears to my eyes over and over again.  In a good way. 

God used your love, encouragement and kind words to wrap around my aching heart.

Dad had his heart catheterization last night and blockages were found in several places his bypass surgery replaced 20 years ago.  Since surgery is not an option now, they will treat him with several blood thinners as well as oral meds to control his heart rhythm.

All in all, today was a good day for him.  Not only has he had no more scary heart moments.  They sat him in a chair for a few hours, and if his kidney function improves, they may actually let him come home in the next day or two. 

And so continues our crazy roller coaster ride. 

This afternoon, I got to talk to him on the phone for a few minutes and he sounded really good.  Mom said he was even telling his silly stories and jokes to the nurses.  So I know he was feeling better.

We thank God for the gift of more time. 

And we all take a breath. 

These tiny little flowers which bloom by my driveway are certainly less regal than the violet irises that tower over them.   Yet, I love them.  They remind me of the way God’s children gather round and support each other.  They remind me of you, and they’re beautiful.  :)

I Have 15 Minutes To Spill What’s Inside

This season has been one where I walk day by day seeking God’s grace to go on with the normal—to actually see what is in front of my eyes.  Instead of worrying about what’s going on 646 miles away.

My schedule won’t let me sit still, even though I sometimes want to hide for a day.  I’m the launderer, the cook, the driver, the cleaner, the mower, the mom, the wife, the daughter, the worrier.  I wish I wasn’t the last.  I try not to be. But always in the back of my mind, I carry the burden of worry.  And it steals the joy of the moment.

In ten more minutes, I put on my smile, pick up the boys and we head to a soccer game.  The normal part of my life.  But my mind is 646 miles away.

Monday night, Dad’s pacemaker/ defibrillator kicked in and saved his life.  Thankfully, he was walking into a doctor’s appointment and help was nearby to wheel him into the ER.

I thanked God that Dad was in the right place for the crisis.

I spoke to mom Tuesday around 7:30 and she said Dad was doing well and would likely come home the next day.

At 8:00, he had a seizure and coded.  The wonderful  hospital staff brought him through the crisis.

And again, I thanked God that Dad was in the right place at the right time. 

Today, he sits in the ICU, 646 miles away, with a future that is anything but certain.  And I feel like God is asking me to do the impossible.  To leave Mom and Dad totally in His hands.

I feel like the Israelites in the wilderness who, having just witnessed the miraculous hand of God, acted as though they had not.  They fretted, and worried and wondered if they were in the right place.

Pray for me and my family, friends.  I want so badly not to let God down.  Or insult His loving care by worrying that something could happen outside of His plan.  Didn’t I just see God TWICE put Dad in exactly the right place to receive the care he would need? 

I know in my mind that God loves Mom and Dad more than anyone could.  He sees their pain.  He sees their hearts.  So why do I keep grasping for control of a situation that is totally beyond my reach?

It seems like the more I try not to cry in front of my boys, the less I can stem the flow of tears. 

After praying with my family, my little guy said, “Mom, how can I make you happy?”

I wish it were that easy.  That he could simply do something and make me happy.  To make me do what God asks us to do.  To Trust and not worry. 

In reality, I know that until I give it to God, I mean REALLY and truly give every part of my heart’s desire over to Him, I will forfeit the joy God still wants me to feel where I am.

 

My 15 minutes are up.  I need to get my troops ready for the evening and not worry about the fact that I haven’t been able to contact mom at all today.  My parents are totally in the Care of their Lord and Savior, the Master Physician. 

I feel a little better having spilled to you.  I hope I haven’t chased you off.  Sadly, I’m not a very good example when it comes to leaving burdens where they should be left. 

But with your prayers and reminders, I’ll try to do better.  I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your encouragement.

Love you all!

Shine Your Light

Usually by now, I’ve had the family outside freezing their fingers off as they hang lights on the trees in the yard.  But I’ve been slow to find the inspiration this year. 

We’ve been praying with all our hearts for the daddy of one of my little guy’s friends who was diagnosed with cancer this fall. 

Sadly, his battle ended far too quickly last night.  He leaves behind a beautiful wife, a baby girl, and what surely must be a heartbroken little boy. 

I know God has a reason.  But I can’t imagine what it is right now.  And it stinks.  When I think of the little boy, my heart breaks.  My eyes are puffy, my nose is sore, and I can’t stop the tears.  Why didn’t God answer our prayers the way we all wanted?

I dreaded telling my son this morning. 

But I shouldn’t have.  Leave it to a child to lead the way through the sadness.

He simply thought about it for a moment, and said, “So now he knows what Heaven is like.” 

His words were exactly what I needed to hear.  They represent the very confidence God wanted to give us when He sent His son to be born in a manger.  Jesus didn’t promise to heal every hurt.  Rather, when all was said and done, He promised to go and prepare a place for us.

The wonder in my little guy’s words come straight from the light in his heart. 

And so this morning, after I put him on the bus, I found my inspiration to decorate.  

However, instead of decorating the trees, I’m going to put the bright colorful lights in every window of the house.  I want to remind myself that the light we have inside because of Jesus, should always shine out brightly.  So that those who’s flames are flickering, as well as those passing though dark shadows, can be encouraged.

Thanks, kiddo, for letting His light shine through you.

I hope you’ll join me in prayer for this family.  And let your light shine out this season as a reminder of God’s promise to all!

A Lovely Reminder Of The Reason For The Season

The Christmas Season is so hard to keep simple.  Before you know it, the reason for the season is lost amidst the hurrying and scurrying.  

This video, shared by a friend on facebook, brought tears to my eyes. 

I hope you enjoy it as much as my family did!

Share Your Hope

You know that feeling you get when you fall asleep dreaming of a snow day, and wake up to rain instead? Many of us are waking up to a rainy day.

I had to remind myself as much as the boys that the result of this election was no surprise to God. He knew long ago who would win. And as I think about where we are now, two things stand out to me.

First, God has rightly checked our desire to hang hope on a man. There is no place to go but our knees as we face an uncertain future decidedly hostile to God’s values. But there is also no better place to face it from!

And second, this election is proof positive of the enormous mission field our country has become. Most people simply don’t know God. And in troubled times, they turn to the man who promises the moon, instead of the One who made it. Sadly, they have no idea how much God greaves their misplaced trust. Nor can they comprehend the accountability we will face over our country’s disregard for ethics, morality and human life.

Now, more than ever, we need to reach out in love and share the unshakeable hope we have God’s Son. Only then will eyes be opened, hearts be changed, and our country be healed.

2 Chronicles 7:14 and Jeremiah 29:11…These are not the promises of a politician. They are promises we can count on.

Get out your umbrellas and let’s get to it! There are a whole bunch of people who are looking for the hope we (still) have. :)

A Christian’s Response To Current Events

My silence here of late is not the result of my having nothing to say.  If anything, I have too much to say. 

It’s also not a lack of time that keeps my fingers off the keyboard.  I’ve actually abandoned one unfinished post after another.

The truth is, I’ve been struggling with how to blog about light-hearted things when I feel so deeply burdened for our children and our country.  

And since this isn’t a political blog, I’ve not felt the freedom to share what’s on my heart.

Yet, here I sit, unable it would seem, to move on until I actually talk about what keeps me up at night. 

Come swim with me in the deep end for a few minutes…

* * *

I freely admit that I am conservative wife and mom.  I believe in moral absolutes, personal responsibility, and the sanctity of truth and life.  Those core beliefs set me and our family apart mainstream America.

I’m speechless and heartsick over what I see in the news.  The tragedy in Libya.  Politicians who underestimate our intelligence.  And a mainstream media which doesn’t even pretend to be objective anymore.

I’m even more distressed over the stories my children bring home about conversations with friends.   Sadly, many adolescents are disconnected and uninformed about issues that will have a critical impact on their futures.

Adding to their confusion, each day, classes at the middle and high school levels tune in to “Channel One News” for “perspective” on current events.   This media outlet, which is designed for children, slants its coverage so far to the left that my boys tell me it’s hard not to laugh out loud at what (and how) things are covered.  Yet, few of their friends see the obvious bias.

Classics in literature are being dropped from school reading lists to make room for modern books with edgy content.  A recent selection my ninth grader was required to read promoted alternate lifestyles.

I could go on and on with evidence of a political agenda being forced on our children in their classrooms.    And it awakens the mama bear in me.

We as parents are incredibly naive if we don’t believe there is a battle going on for the hearts and minds of our children.   The bias against morality and responsibility is everywhere. 

Many would have our children believe that Christianity and moral values are outdated and irrelevant.  And that conservatives who stand by such values are bigoted and hateful.

It is a constant struggle not to feel discouraged and defeated.  And yet, God is still on the throne and prayer changes things.   

And here is where God has ignited a passion inside of me.  It  has to do with what we as parents must do.  

• Pray!  Pray a whole lot more!  Pray for our children, and our grandchildren.  Pray for our leaders.  Pray for truth to be revealed and lies to be uncovered.  Pray for Israel.  Pray for wisdom.  And most of all, pray for God’s mercy.  We need it.

 

• Simplify.  Free up the calendar to spend MORE time with the children and grandchildren.  Be available.  Put down the cell phone.  Listen to them.  Help them filter what they take in against the fabric of Truth in God’s Word.  The most important thing we can give them is a solid foundation and a moral compass.  

 

• Stand.  Stand up for our Savior and the values He lived.  Include Him in our conversations with friends, neighbors, and acquaintances--even when ridicule seems likely.   And stand up for truth.  When we do, we give courage to others, including our children, to do the same.     

 

• Vote.  I’ve heard some say there isn’t a good choice.  I beg to differ.    When we choose a president, we are not choosing a spiritual leader.  Our Local Pastors serve in that role.  Instead, we are choosing someone to lead our country and protect its people, including those still in the womb.  If it isn’t clear, PRAY about it.  Pray for direction.  Then go and vote.

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.

1 Timothy 2:1-4

The Message (MSG)  Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

Remembering 911

As my boys approach an age where they will be drawing their own conclusions about the events of September 11, 2001, I thought it might be time to share some of my own reflections.  Things that made the tragedy feel deeply personal.  Some of which, I’ve never publically shared before. 

It was August, 2001.  My best friend and her husband had recently moved to Florida to pursue a new job.  Not long after their move, their nine month old son was injured and my friend and her husband found themselves living a nightmare.  My heart ached for them, and I told her to say the word and I would be on a plane.

She said the word, and I began preparations to make the trip. 

I didn’t share this with anyone for years.  Partly because of how deeply personal it was, and partly because I didn’t understand it myself. 

But in the days leading up to my flight, I could not shake a heavy feeling of impending tragedy.  I actually felt as though there was a good chance I would not be coming home.

I wrote three letters, dated August 24, 2001 and tucked them into the family photo album.  I wrote one to each of my two sons, and then one to my husband.  I told them how deeply I loved them, and how I trusted that God would continue to lead them and meet their every need.    

Several days later, I was standing at a gate, saying goodbye to my husband and our two little boys, who were 4 and 2 at the time.  I had tried to prepare my oldest son for what was about to happen.  But all he knew was that his mom was getting on a plane and leaving him.  And he sobbed.

In my heart, that heavy feeling remained, and I cried through most of the flight.

In the ten days that followed, I was incredibly thankful for the time I was able to spend with my friends.  I couldn’t change their circumstances.  And there wasn’t much I could do physically to help.  But I trusted that in spite of it all, my presence would be a comfort.

I thanked God for the friends back home who cared for my boys while my husband went to work each day.

And I thanked God for a husband who wanted to help, even if that meant sending his wife on a plane and caring for two small boys on his own.

I missed my family more than I ever thought possible.  By the time I boarded the plane for my return trip, I could not wait to hug them again.  I thought of little else as I watched the lightening from storm after storm light up the clouds beneath the plane.

As the pilot landed and taxied to the appropriate gate at the Philadelphia International airport, I breathed a sigh of relief.  I had made it home in spite of how deeply I had thought I would not.  My husband and boys were waiting for me.  And I hugged them tight.

Feeling silly to have felt such impending doom, and even a little embarrassed about the letters I had written, I told no one.

We got home in the wee hours of Tuesday, September 11, 2001.  I thanked God for the gift of being allowed to tuck my two little boys into bed one more time. 

When I awoke, I was still feeling that sense of awe, that God had given me a gift that I couldn’t explain. 

As the events of that terrible day unfolded, my husband and I spent most of it standing in front of this couch, riveted to the Television in this room.  My two year old and his big brother played downstairs away from the horrors of what we were seeing. 

I remember thinking of all those moms and dads who would not be coming home to tuck their little ones into bed.  And I wept.

*  *  * 

 

I don’t know why God lays some things on our hearts the way he does.  But I’ve come to wonder if the heaviness I felt was the sorrow of the Holy Spirit over what was about to happen.

Every year, at this time, I’m reminded of the gift God gave me that day.  A gift so many other parents did not get.  Sometimes, I even take the letters out and read them again.

I look at my children, and I think of those little boys and girls who are growing up without their mom or dad.  And I pray for them.  I pray that God will be their all. 

I pray for the husband or wife that has had to go on alone.  

And for the parents who lost the light of their lives.

For the many many soldiers who have given their time, and even their lives to keep tragedies like this from again touching our shores.

I pray, too, that those in our country who strive to push God out of our government,

               out of our schools,

                             and even out of their lives,

will one day realize how much

                 that very same God

                                      loves them.

The Empty Tomb In The Garden: And He who Fulfilled God’s Greatest Promise

I took the photos in this post on a trip to the Holy Land during my senior year in College.  The picture above is of the Tomb in the Garden, taken in the late afternoon light.  It is the site many believe to be the actual tomb in which the body of Jesus was placed. 

Like our Savior, the large stone has long been gone. 

Yet, the site easily conjures echoes of voices.  Voices of those that had come with nothing but questions and heavy hearts. But who left with a hope and energy and excitement that would change their lives forever!

^{1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared.}

^{2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb,}

^{3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.}

^{4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing;}

^{5 and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living One among the dead?}

^{6 He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee,}

^{7 saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”}

^{8 And they remembered His words,}

^{9 and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.}

^{10 Now they were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; also the other women with them were telling these things to the apostles.}

^{11 But these words appeared to them as nonsense, and they would not believe them.}

^{12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he *saw the linen wrappings only; and he went away to his home, marveling at what had happened.}

^{Luke 24:1-12}

While I stood in front of the tomb, it was easy to see why the women who came in the morning, when the sun would have been shining from the other direction, would have had to enter the tomb in order to see Jesus.  The carved out ledge, where His body was placed, was inside and to the right.

The picture below (in the afternoon light) shows a couple peering in--just as Peter and John would have done as they ran up to it.  With the light from this angle, they would have seen right way the empty grave clothes on that ledge.

Visiting the site was incredibly moving for me.  It made the resurrection story come alive in my mind as I envisioned the first disciples and the wild swing of emotions they experienced.

Yet, it isn’t the site that makes the story so remarkable.  It is Jesus Himself!  The One who loved us enough to fulfill God’s greatest promise. 

The One who was born to die in my place. 

And the One who died a horrible death willingly to take the penalty for each and every one of my sins. 

And the One who rose from the dead, left this grave, and thereby conquered death once and for all—not only for me.  But for each and every person who claims His forgiveness! 

May you have a wonderful Easter Celebration with your family!

Indiana Storms: Praise and Prayer

Thank you for praying!  Some storms tracked north of us.  Many tracked south.  But we had very little in the way of anything at all!  We feel SO fortunate, friends!  The sun actually came out while I was waiting for the second bus run!

Pray, though, for those well south of us who lost so much.  It’s hard to watch the news and not feel heartsick over what they are going through.

Dear Lord,

Be with the families that lost loved ones.  Wrap your loving arms around them and meet their needs.  Reveal your love in a tangible way and draw them close to you. 

Be with the rescue workers and families who must sort through the rubble.  Make their eyes and ears sharp and give them the strength to do what must be done.  May the rebuilding process yield praises along the way.

A Marriage Poem

My husband and I got married over 15 years ago!  Man, I feel old!

Have I ever told you how we entered our reception hall?  (Keep in mind, my husband is the KING of practical jokes.) 

He purchased foam-disc-shooters shaped like the star ship enterprise—enough for most of our wedding party-- and encouraged them to go full-auto on the guests as we came through the doors.  I kid you not. 

It still makes me laugh just thinking about all those mouths hanging open as they ducked the discs!  Lol!

Where does time go? 

And where are those blasters??  I bet the boys would love those things!

More importantly, though, how is the marriage we began that day holding up?  Are we closer today than we were when we made our promises?  Some days, I would say, “YES!”  And others, I would say, “Mmm, ask me tomorrow.”  Right? :)  

Let’s face it, the moment our first needy newborn crossed our threshold, our focus shifted.  Hobbies and things we once did together for fun, often got pushed to the rear of the stove. 

We don’t mean to neglect ourselves or our spouses.  But caring for a family takes time.  And there’s only so much to go around. 

So how do we keep our families intact? How do we protect our marriages?  Do we need to focus more on our spouses?  Less on our children? 

Or is it something else altogether?

A pastor I went to college with posted this to facebook last week and it’s so well said, I wanted to share it.  Coming on the heals of Valentines Day when we declare our love, this is a powerful poem that will make you think.   

What does it take, to be the partner God calls you to be?  

“It’s not the love that sustains the promise.  It’s the promise that sustains the love.” 

“We don’t fall out of love, we fall out of repentance.”

Wow. I think he hit the nail on the head, don’t you?

Driving In Pea Soup

Several schools had delays because of the fog this morning.  But oddly enough, ours did not.  This is what our bus stop looked like.

Isn’t it creepy looking?

Once we parked, we had to put the windows down so we could listen for the diesel engine of the bus.  It was eerie to hear the traffic on the highway,  but not see a thing!

We all had fun waiting for it to appear out of the grayness!

Three families I know are facing futures which are shrouded just as completely as the road above.  Only for them, it’s not much fun.  One father found himself jobless last month.  The other two see the writing on the wall. 

It’s a scary place to be.  Unlike my carload of kids, who knew what was coming through the fog, these fathers and mothers have no idea what if anything will appear. 

Will they find another job before the money runs out?  Will they be able to keep their house?  Where will they be this time next year, and how will it affect the children?  It’s hard to face the unknown.

We’re praying for these friends.  Praying they have a clear sense of God’s leading through the grayness.  Praying for wisdom as they seek new opportunities.  And praying for God’s peace to settle their fears until He reveals His plan.

“…For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.  Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Luke 12:6-7

Join me today in praying for the many families just like them across our struggling country!

For those of you wondering…Praise God for little blessings!  Our new internet service is up and running!

Family Update

As we enjoy the last of the fall color show, the holidays are gearing up backstage!   I don’t know who I was kidding to think that after the fall rush, things would naturally calm down!  Lol!  That was a dumb thought!

Things never naturally slow down—especially at this time of year.  We barely get to put down the rake before we’re swept away by the holiday train.  We start making lists, searching sale ads, and filling up the calendar. 

If we don’t intentionally set those things aside, Thanksgiving gets lost in the shuffle.

So that’s what I want to do today.  I want to intentionally stop.  To take a breath.  And to just give thanks for the fall we’ve had!  That, and set the stage for this month of Thanksgiving. 

Things I am thankful for:

• It’s been one of the most beautiful falls we’ve ever had.  The weather has been warm and the colors have been beautiful!
• All three boys enjoyed a great soccer season!  Each of them grew  in their skills and their game.  We’re proud of their hard work.
• The garden produced well!  We now have plenty of salsa, zucchini, and peppers that will be wonderful to use over the winter!
• We’ve been blessed by the fellowship of a new small group.  Our study has been on “community” and how important relationships are to each of us in our daily walk.
• The older boys have enjoyed our church’s new youth group format.  I’m thankful they are developing some great friends!
• My little guy is enjoying school and he is well on his way to becoming a great reader!  I just LOVE sitting down with him to read and having him tell me, “YOU be quiet.  I want to do it.”  Lol!
• And finally, I’m thankful that, in the midst of an uncertain economy, and an uncertain job market, my husband still has a job.  There have been times where we have felt an uncomfortable amount of uncertainty.  I think it’s God’s way of keeping us close to Him and seeking His direction! 

What are you thankful for?  What has God been doing in your life this fall?

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1

Unmeasured Strength

On September 11, nearly 10 years ago, while many of us cried in front of our T.V. sets, Lauren Manning found herself fighting for her life.  

She was running late that day as she entered the lobby of the North tower and approached the bank of elevators.  Her office with Canter Fitzgerald was on the 105th floor.  

It was while she was still moving towards the elevators that she felt the building move.  Then, a wall of fire burst through the elevator shafts and engulfed her.

Burned over 82 percent of her body, Laura Manning fought for her life for three long months. 

Unmeasured Strength is her dramatic story.  Wanting desperately to live to see the face of her ten-month-old son again, she determined to do whatever it took to recover.   No matter the odds.  No matter the pain. 

This week, as I’ve reflected on the coming anniversary of such an infamous day, I’ve been deeply touched by her story.  She not only wanted to live to return to her family.  She wanted to live on behalf of nearly 700 coworkers who had died. 

That awful day, she had shared both the terror and the pain of the fallen.  And in the weeks and months that followed, while her life hung in the balance, she felt the love and support of their families. 

She could not give up.  People around the world were praying for her.

So she fought fiercely to deny the terrorists even one more victory.

It’s a story every American should read.

*  *  *

My Own Reflections

At 14, 12, and 7, my own boys are watching the 911 anniversary coverage with a new depth of understanding.

Perhaps that’s an oxymoron.  How can anyone possibly understand  such horror?  

Yet, Lauren’s story has powerfully reminded me that even in the face of unspeakable evil, God’s grace abounds. 

There is no doubt that Lauren’s own strength and courage played a huge role in bringing her through her incredible ordeal. 

However, I believe it was God’s grace that spared her life, orchestrated her transport before the buildings collapsed, and saw her through some of her darkest days.

I believe it was also by God’s grace (and not simply good luck) that her husband wasn’t lost that day.  He had planned to attend a breakfast at Windows of the World, and instead, he stayed home to help a neighbor. 

I’ve heard other stories of God’s grace as well.

Yes, there is undeniable evil in the world.  And although evil men determined to wipe out masses that day, God’s grace rescued many. 

Whether, as in Lauren’s case, He brought them out of the flames, or as in her husband’s case, He allowed circumstances to prevent them from being in harms way, the result was the same. 

God’s grace gave some a second chance at life.  Why those and not others?  We may never know.

But for some of those people, it was the chance to go on serving God with a stronger determination and urgency.  For others, it was a chance to make the decision of faith they had been putting off.

My prayer this year, as we commemorate 911, is that those events would cause us, each one of us, to look at our relationship with God. 

Whether we choose to see it or not, God’s grace is active throughout our lives.  Maybe not in the dramatic kind of way that Lauren experienced.  But it is there nonetheless in many little things. 

Do I respond to Him with appreciation for the work He does in my life? 

More importantly, do I thank Him for the sacrifice He made me, as well as for every human being, when He gave His life on the cross?   At enormous personal cost, He embodied grace, took my place, and made it possible for me to have all my wrongs forgiven and wiped away.  He made it possible to know for certain I have a home forever with Him, no matter what befalls me here on Earth.This beautiful family has a second chance because of God’s grace.  Many others did not.

I don’t know where Lauren is in her relationship with God.  But I pray that He will continue to reveal Himself and His incredible grace  with each new day she faces.  And that if she doesn’t already, that she--and all of those touched by tragedy--will know God and feel His comfort.

Not just know God in the I-acknowledge-there-is-an-all-powerful-Being-up-there kind of way. 

But in the I-have-an-infinitely-loving-savior-who-longs-to-be-a-central-part-of-my-life kind of way.

Lauren, your story and your courage are amazing.  Please know that you and your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.  May God richly bless you.

Fine Print:  I received a copy of Unmeasured Strength to review.  However, when I agree to do a review, I share what I really think, whether good or bad.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Mirror, Mirror…

Our pastor’s sermon this week was entitled “American Idols—Preventing good things from becoming God things.” 

It’s easy to marginalize idolatry.  Since there are no statues in our closets, and our living rooms are alter-free, we’re good, right?

But what about our hearts? 

Unfortunately, forms of idolatry can (and do!) exist today—even in well educated and modern hearts, and we needn’t travel to tribal villages to see it.  We simply need to look in a mirror, and ask ourselves some questions. 

And this is where Pastor Ken challenged us to go beyond the obvious.

What do we run to for refuge?  In what ways to we try to find peace of mind?  And where do we retreat to when we want to feel safe?

Could it be an area of our lives where we feel we do pretty well in?  Where people rarely criticize us?  Where we like to be involved because it’s a “safe” haven for us? 

I hadn’t thought of it like that before.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Psalm 91:2

Have I let talents or gifts become my refuge?  My place of fulfillment?  My means of validation?  Good question.

Dear Children, keep yourselves from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.

1 John 5:21 (NLT)

I’m not sure if I conveyed the idea properly.  But what do you think?  Is it possible to use our gifts and talents in such a way that we rely on them for things God wants to provide? 

Obviously, I’m still trying to wrap my mind around it.  :) 

It’s thought provoking—and I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Prayer For My Mom

As I type, my mom is in surgery getting a brand new knee.  And I’m praying all goes well.

When she was a little girl, she and her sisters often rode the train into Philadelphia after school from their suburban home in Paoli, Pennsylvania.  Her mother worked in the city, and her older sisters were in charge until she got off work.

Obviously, things were different back then.  But it was still a busy city.  And one day while trying to cross the road alone, she was hit by a car. 

Her leg was badly injured and doctors didn’t have the kind of equipment they do today.  They had no way of knowing how much damage was done to her knee.  And even if they had, I’m not sure what they would have done.

In fact, no one knew until just a few years ago when she fell at work.  The tests she underwent showed that several tendons were simply gone.  She had favored that leg all those years for a very good reason!

There is never a good time to undergo knee surgery.  My dad depends on her to help him with some of his most basic needs.  However, the doctors finally told her, it is now or never.  You need to decide.

As scared as she is, I’m so glad she chose to have the surgery.  I know that her recovery will probably be much more difficult than it is for most.  But I’m proud of her decision.  And I know Dad will do just fine.

Pray for the doctors and their wisdom.  And pray that Mom will do better than anyone could hope.  I won’t know anything until this evening.  But I’ll keep you posted.

Thanks, friends!

Spring Storms, Flowers, And A Faith That Stands

I love Spring!  With as much rain as we got yesterday, we ought to have a bumper crop of flowers!  They stood like islands in the yard, seemingly unaffected, as the storm water rose. 

I like to think that our children will weather the storms of life just as well.

School Update:

Thankfully, the boys’ first day back to school went without incident.  Police officers patrolled the halls throughout the day.  Unfortunately, there was yet another threat of violence after school to be investigated. 

It’s probably just a prank.  However it can’t be ignored.  School officials are pleading with parents to talk with their children about the seriousness of making threats.  Recess has been cancelled and crosswalks closed for the remainder of the year.  And attendance is understandably down.  No one feels quite safe.

Pray for our community, yes. 

But pray, too, for the youth of our country.  So many children and youth lack the parental guidance they desperately need. 

On the Friday of the shooting, kids with texting lit up the phones of the adults in their lives, looking for reassurance and a roll model on which to pattern their response.  There is a spiritual battle going on for their hearts and minds.  If we don’t tip the scales on the side of faith, who will?  If we don’t point them to God, which way will they go?  To whom will they turn?

God has opened a door in our little community to talk about the tough stuff.  Kid’s want to know what to think and who they can count on.  But it isn’t just here. 

Vivid reports of disasters and wars bombard our youth more than ever.  And they have questions and fears about what it means for them.  Whether you have children or not, you can influence the young people God has placed in your path. 

When an adult is too busy to listen, an opportunity is lost for all eternity.

But when he or she stops to listen, a lifeline is cast.  A bridge is built.  And a seed can be planted.  A seed that, with care, can grow the kind of faith that can weather any storm.

Some Things To Be Thankful For

Although the local news is gradually moving on to other headlines, many families are still working through what happened Friday at the middle school. 

Even so, there is much to be thankful for:

• Thankfully, the 15-year-old boy who was shot has made it through two major surgeries.  Today, he was upgraded from critical to serious.  Praise the Lord!  Keep him and his family in prayer!  His road to recovery will be a very long one.
• The shooting took place at the door to the cafeteria, where the entire student body was gathering to await the first bell.  And only one student was physically harmed.  Thank you Lord!  It could have been so much worse.
• My boys are talking about the scary things they saw and heard, instead of keeping things bottled up inside.  Which is good, EVEN if it gives ME nightmares in the process.
• They have spring break this week which gives families a little extra time to work up the courage to face school again. 
• Soccer started last week.  So we have a welcome distraction and a great outlet to run off some stress.  I might just have to join them.  (Wouldn’t they be surprised!) 
• All in all, we are doing well.  And I SO appreciate all the prayers going up from family and friends.       

On a lighter note, my boys must not be as traumatized as their mama.  Because they were pretty put-out with me for not letting them have an air soft war tonight.  Call me a crazy mom.  But the thought of them dressing up like the swat guys that had to walk them to the rest room Friday just doesn’t sit well with me.

I’m not sure when or even if it ever will again.

The tragedy makes me ultra sensitive to our culture’s casual take on violence as entertainment.  I know air soft guns are toys.  And video games are just that.  Games.  But just because our culture says it’s the “in” thing for teens to do, doesn’t make it right.  Or edifying.  Or even healthy.  Exposure breeds callousness.     

I’ve always been careful about what I let the boys be involved in, especially on the video game front.  We don’t allow them to play or even watch the more violent games.  And it has put them in a tough spot with some of their friends. 

But I figure, if there is enough questionable material that it has to be rated T for Teen, or M for Mature, we simply don’t need to feed it to our brains.  And I’ve been really, really proud of their holding to our rule, even when they are over at their friends’ houses.  I know it isn’t easy.

To be honest, I’m not sure which is harder:  Parenting teenagers, or being one. 

If you have teenagers, or have already made it though this stage of parenting, I sure would appreciate any words of advice you can offer.  Sometimes, I feel incredibly inadequate.  And all I can do is pray that God will lead us through another day.

Where Do You Go For Shelter?

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, our long awaited rain turned to ice.  Although it was beautiful and we needed the moisture badly, the rain stung, and the dampness went straight to my bones.

I had a few things to do in the woodshop which, thankfully, is insulated and tight.  However, it is unheated and you have to hike across the yard to get there.  The whole time I was working, I was thinking about getting back inside. 

The shelter of the shed was no comparison to a snuggly blanket by the warm fireplace.

That shed is like the shelter we often settle for in life when things get tough.  We seek out shelter in places that can’t sooth our souls or give peace to our hearts.

We hide out at work when things are tense at home, or busy ourselves with things when relationships get awkward.  Some of us find comfort in talking to friends, or eating large quantities of chocolate.  (What??? :) Ok, I confess.)  And some, unfortunately, turn to drugs, alcohol and other destructive things.

Everyone wants shelter from the tough stuff in life.

Lucky for us, God is right there waiting for us to seek His help.  He doesn’t care what a mess we’ve made of things in the past, or how ugly we feel on the inside.

He simply wants us to turn to Him and trust.  There is no peace like the peace of knowing He loves us and wants to bless us.

We used to sing a chorus in youth group that I still find myself singing when I’m feeling at my end.

I hope you enjoy the words as much as I.

The Shelter Of The Love Of God

(Adapted from Psalm 91)

The shelter of the love of God

is my refuge and my light.

I trust in Him to Guide my days

and protect me through the night.

 

Chorus: 

Because I come to Him in love

and trust him in all things:

He answers when I call His name,

He shelters me with His wings.

 

My faith is in the Lord alone,

His Word my help and shield.

When thousands stumble by my side,

His faithfulness is revealed.

 

Ever safe within His love I’ll be,

secure through all my days.

The wonder of His mighty love

always fills my heart with praise.

 

 

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;

My God, in Him I will trust.”

Psalm 91:2

Remember…

It’s the 11th day of the eleventh month.  Veteran’s Day.

Thank a Veteran!  :) 

Pray for those serving away from home.

Pray for their families.

And pray as though they’re family.

Because, someday, it just might be one of your children laying his life on the line.