Quote from Randy Travis on Facebook today (he had a stroke recently but I think he's still alive):
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you. It's what you leave behind when you go.
My own note: You left us so much! Thank you! Love you SO much!
Monday, October 31, 2016
A New Approach
I started the new Grief Bites series today which is sub-titled A New Approach to Growing Through Grief. It already starts out with such a positive spin-that is hard to find on this subject. I printed out the whole introduction but I don't know if I will record the whole thing or just excerpts.
Grief is simply any situation that has broken your heart, or anything that has attempted to break you spirit or your relationship with God and others.
(My comment: "simply"-interesting word choice, but I also love the word "attempted" in this sentence. I so wish that this blogger had smiley faces!)
Grief is often thought of as a destructive intruder, but few realize that grief is one of the most powerful teachers you can learn from. When embraced, Grief will teach you how to love God and others much more deeply, how to live a fuller life, and to not take life or ordinary moments for granted.
Grief is like a storm that uproots all things familiar, but after the torrential storms of grief hit, life becomes crystal clear and gives a fresh brand new perspective on God, life, and everything else for that matter.
When one goes through grief, the invaluable opportunity to understand, love, know, and experience God more deeply immediately begins. He is the key to creating a more vibrant purposeful life in spite of grief.
No matter what you are facing today, God DOES have a plan to see you through. Don't give up...He WILL help you get your breath back after life knocks it out of you and He is faithful to show you fresh new perspectives and life lessons through any grief experience you face.
My comment: This is going to be good-looking forward to it.
Verse:
Psalm 34:17-18
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Grief is simply any situation that has broken your heart, or anything that has attempted to break you spirit or your relationship with God and others.
(My comment: "simply"-interesting word choice, but I also love the word "attempted" in this sentence. I so wish that this blogger had smiley faces!)
Grief is often thought of as a destructive intruder, but few realize that grief is one of the most powerful teachers you can learn from. When embraced, Grief will teach you how to love God and others much more deeply, how to live a fuller life, and to not take life or ordinary moments for granted.
Grief is like a storm that uproots all things familiar, but after the torrential storms of grief hit, life becomes crystal clear and gives a fresh brand new perspective on God, life, and everything else for that matter.
When one goes through grief, the invaluable opportunity to understand, love, know, and experience God more deeply immediately begins. He is the key to creating a more vibrant purposeful life in spite of grief.
No matter what you are facing today, God DOES have a plan to see you through. Don't give up...He WILL help you get your breath back after life knocks it out of you and He is faithful to show you fresh new perspectives and life lessons through any grief experience you face.
My comment: This is going to be good-looking forward to it.
Verse:
Psalm 34:17-18
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Appreciation of the Mystery
I just wrapped up Day 45 of the Grief Bites series. There is another series to follow, so the one I just completed was sub-titled Finding Treasure in Hardships. Today's devotional was just a wrap-up and prayer, but here is the Scripture tied to it. It is amazing and I love the title which I used above! I love you too!
Appreciation of the Mystery
Ephesian 3:14-21
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height-to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Appreciation of the Mystery
Ephesian 3:14-21
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height-to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Friday, October 28, 2016
The Heart of God
Day 44 of Grief Bites. One more day left in this series, but there is a 60-day reading plan that this lady has that I will start once this is done. The series wasn't phenomenal, but it was helpful. Here are some excerpts from today's devotional and pretty much all of the verses.
It was through salvation that I found the love of God...but it was through grief that I found the heart of God.
The devastation of losing a loved one is horrific, and the greater you loved someone, the greater your grief will be.
There is hope though.
God is an incredible source of comfort and hope after you lose someone you love.
The loss of a loved one is deeply, deeply painful.
Grief brings many heartaches, challenges, and questions. It can lead to despair.
Verses:
Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
Psalm 31:9
Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble;
My eye wastes away with grief,
Yes, my soul and my body!
Psalm 56:8
You number my wanderings;
Put my tears into Your bottle;
Are they not in Your book?
Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds.
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Psalm 30:5
For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.
Jeremiah 31:13b
For I will turn their mourning to joy,
Will comfort them,
And make them rejoice rather than sorrow.
Psalm 22:24
For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted;
Nor has He hidden his face from Him;
But when He cried to Him, He heard,
Revelation 21:4
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.
It was through salvation that I found the love of God...but it was through grief that I found the heart of God.
The devastation of losing a loved one is horrific, and the greater you loved someone, the greater your grief will be.
There is hope though.
God is an incredible source of comfort and hope after you lose someone you love.
The loss of a loved one is deeply, deeply painful.
Grief brings many heartaches, challenges, and questions. It can lead to despair.
Verses:
Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
Psalm 31:9
Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble;
My eye wastes away with grief,
Yes, my soul and my body!
Psalm 56:8
You number my wanderings;
Put my tears into Your bottle;
Are they not in Your book?
Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds.
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Psalm 30:5
For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.
Jeremiah 31:13b
For I will turn their mourning to joy,
Will comfort them,
And make them rejoice rather than sorrow.
Psalm 22:24
For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted;
Nor has He hidden his face from Him;
But when He cried to Him, He heard,
Revelation 21:4
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.
Thursday, October 27, 2016
On the day I die
This was on Faithit today and it looked familiar, but when I searched for it on the blog, I didn't see an entry for it. It's interesting. It's by John Pavlovitz.
On the Day I Die...
On the day I die a lot will happen.
A lot will change.
The world will be busy.
On the day I die, all the important appointments I made will be left unattended.
The many plans I had yet to complete will remain forever undone.
The calendar that ruled me so many of my days will now be irrelevant to me.
All the material things I so chased and guarded and treasured will be left in the hands of others to care for or discard.
The words of my critics which so burdened me will cease to sting or capture anymore. They will be unable to touch me.
The arguments I believed I'd won here will not serve me or bring me any satisfaction or solace.
All my noisy incoming notifications and texts and calls will go unanswered. Their great urgency will be quieted.
My many nagging regrets will all be reassigned to the past, where they should have always been anyway.
Every superficial worry about my body that I ever labored over; about my waistline or hairline or frown lines, will fade away.
My carefully crafted image, the one I worked so hard to shape for others here, will be left to them to complete anyway.
The sterling reputation I once struggled to so greatly maintain will be of little concern for me anymore.
All the small and large anxieties that stole sleep from me each night will be rendered powerless.
The deep and towering mysteries about life and death that so consumed my mind will finally be clarified in a way that they could never be before while I lived.
These things will certainly all be true on the day that I die.
Yet for as much as will happen on that day, one more thing that will happen.
On the day I die, the few people who really know and truly love me will grieve deeply.
They will feel a void.
They will feel cheated.
They will not feel ready.
They will feel as though a part of them has died as well.
And on that day, more than anything in the world they will want more time with me.
I know this from those I love and grieve over.
And so knowing this, while I am still alive I'll try to remember that my time with them is finite and fleeting and so very precious--and I'll do my best not to waste a second of it.
I'll try not to squander a priceless moment worrying about all the other things that will happen on the day I die, because many of those things are either not my concern or beyond my control.
Friends, those other things have an insidious way of keeping you from living even as you live; vying for your attention, competing for your affections.
They rob you of the joy of this unrepeatable, uncontainable, ever-evaporating Now with those who love you and only want to share it with you.
Don't miss the chance to dance with them while you can.
It's easy to waste so much daylight in the days before you die.
Don't let your life be stolen every day by all that you've been led to believe matters, because on the day you die, the fact us that much of it simply won't.
Yes, you and I will die one day.
But before that day comes: let us live.
On the Day I Die...
On the day I die a lot will happen.
A lot will change.
The world will be busy.
On the day I die, all the important appointments I made will be left unattended.
The many plans I had yet to complete will remain forever undone.
The calendar that ruled me so many of my days will now be irrelevant to me.
All the material things I so chased and guarded and treasured will be left in the hands of others to care for or discard.
The words of my critics which so burdened me will cease to sting or capture anymore. They will be unable to touch me.
The arguments I believed I'd won here will not serve me or bring me any satisfaction or solace.
All my noisy incoming notifications and texts and calls will go unanswered. Their great urgency will be quieted.
My many nagging regrets will all be reassigned to the past, where they should have always been anyway.
Every superficial worry about my body that I ever labored over; about my waistline or hairline or frown lines, will fade away.
My carefully crafted image, the one I worked so hard to shape for others here, will be left to them to complete anyway.
The sterling reputation I once struggled to so greatly maintain will be of little concern for me anymore.
All the small and large anxieties that stole sleep from me each night will be rendered powerless.
The deep and towering mysteries about life and death that so consumed my mind will finally be clarified in a way that they could never be before while I lived.
These things will certainly all be true on the day that I die.
Yet for as much as will happen on that day, one more thing that will happen.
On the day I die, the few people who really know and truly love me will grieve deeply.
They will feel a void.
They will feel cheated.
They will not feel ready.
They will feel as though a part of them has died as well.
And on that day, more than anything in the world they will want more time with me.
I know this from those I love and grieve over.
And so knowing this, while I am still alive I'll try to remember that my time with them is finite and fleeting and so very precious--and I'll do my best not to waste a second of it.
I'll try not to squander a priceless moment worrying about all the other things that will happen on the day I die, because many of those things are either not my concern or beyond my control.
Friends, those other things have an insidious way of keeping you from living even as you live; vying for your attention, competing for your affections.
They rob you of the joy of this unrepeatable, uncontainable, ever-evaporating Now with those who love you and only want to share it with you.
Don't miss the chance to dance with them while you can.
It's easy to waste so much daylight in the days before you die.
Don't let your life be stolen every day by all that you've been led to believe matters, because on the day you die, the fact us that much of it simply won't.
Yes, you and I will die one day.
But before that day comes: let us live.
What it really says
This is from the Max Lucado flip calendar. I have referred to this before in other posts, so here is the actual wording for October 26th:
We can't always see what God is doing
but can't we assume
he is up to something good?
Find Your Shine
Day 43 of Grief Bites
Find your shine
Your shine is all about the talents, spiritual gifts, personality, and gifts God has custom created inside of you that makes you truly special. It's your God-given passions...your joys...your ultimate pie-in-the-sky-high dreams and contentments.
Nobody can tell you what your "shine" is...you have to figure it out with God for yourself.
You develop the shine every day of your life because you will be constantly growing in your relationship with Christ and allowing Him to change You from the inside out as a person.
Verse:
Matthew 5:16: Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Find your shine
Your shine is all about the talents, spiritual gifts, personality, and gifts God has custom created inside of you that makes you truly special. It's your God-given passions...your joys...your ultimate pie-in-the-sky-high dreams and contentments.
Nobody can tell you what your "shine" is...you have to figure it out with God for yourself.
You develop the shine every day of your life because you will be constantly growing in your relationship with Christ and allowing Him to change You from the inside out as a person.
Verse:
Matthew 5:16: Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
I Will Give You Rest
Day 42 of Grief Bites. Only 3 more days left-sad!
Matthew 11:28-29
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
There is no place to take
Hopefully I will remember what this means without explaining it. We will see. Love you!
The Eyes of the Lord
Day 41 of Grief Bites
1 Peter 3:12
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
1 Peter 3:12
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
God Is Still Good
Jennifer Bowerbank shared this article and even though the title of it is, My Marriage Fell Apart, but God Is Still Good, it really dealt with all types of loss. It's really good. I wonder if I have titled any other posts with the same title. I will check later. Here are some excerpts. It was written by Laura Captari and appeared on a website called Boundless.
God doesn't promise us a certain outcome; He promises us Himself.
Tears streaming down my face, I wanted to scream at God. Never in my life had I felt such overwhelming desperation, fear and loneliness. In this torrent of emotions, Satan whispered, How could God be good if He takes from you the one thing you love most?
Where is God? And what does it mean to be in relationship with Him as we walk through hardship? How do we make sense of good dreams being ripped out of our hands?
Romans 8:38-39: For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I can't pinpoint the day or the moment I believed the lie of the "Christian American Dream," but a thousand moments shaped my expectations for God and what He owed me. Somewhere along the way, I mistakenly came to believe that if I do the right thing (obey God's commands, surrender my life to Him, etc.), God will give me what I want and bless me with _______. I filled in the blank with my desire for a godly husband and children to love and nurture...
None of us are exempt from the struggles of living in a broken world. Life happens, and following God doesn't mean you will be "protected" from pain and loss.
Messy. That's what life is. Whether you follow God or forsake Him, it's messy. After all, Jesus Himself said: In this world you will have trouble, and Peter admonished early believers, Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. One way or another, disappointment and suffering are inescapable. I looked to God's promise that "If you love Me and obey Me, I will make all your dreams come true," but I couldn't find it--because the world isn't Disneyland, and we don't exist to be entertained and happy and safe.
HERE'S WHAT GOD DOES PROMISE YOU
God doesn't promise us a pain-free life, a happy marriage, a healthy body, a house full of kids or a job we love. These are good dreams, but they're not guarantees. God doesn't promise us a certain outcome, He promises us Himself.
And where my heart bucks up against that truth and pushes back and says that's not enough, it's because I don't fully comprehend and live in the abundant reality of who Jesus is. How easy it is to view Him more like a vending machine-mechanistic, distant, and impersonal-forgetting "how wide and high and deep is the love of Christ." (Ephesians 3:19)
How do we untangle our expectations of what we think God owes us from what His Word actually promises us? We can cling even tighter to our dreams, trying frantically to piece back together the broken shards of glass, or we can release them into our loving Father's hands. We can pour our hearts out to God and invite safe people into the struggle with us, to be a witness to our pain and tangibly embody the love of God that feels so abstract. To grieve with us and hold out hope when we're on the edge of despair. To believe for us when our faith us shaky. To help us make sense of suffering, and when there are no answers, to rest in the rock-solid truth of what we know. God is here. Right now, in these moments of desperation and pain and longing.
You may feel like your life is over, that you will never be whole again. You may have a lot of questions for God. I did. Some days I still do. But I'm learning, bit by bit, to loosen my grip on the things I kept so close. Instead, I'm holding my dreams loosely and holding tightly to my loving Father's hands.
My (tragedy) has revealed how many things I was expecting and even demanding of God and how easy it is to use our relationship with Him as a means to the end of "the good life", rather than realizing He is the ultimate dream, the end, the One in whom we live and move and have our being."
(Acts 17:28).
God may not always give us what we want, but we can rest in knowing that He is at work, and perhaps especially, in the midst of darkness and loss. Shattered dreams aren't just something to survive. Recent research...suggests that the most life-shaping moments are often those that involve pain, trauma, and loss. Tragedy disorients us, often resulting in posttraumatic stress, but it also provides the opportunity for posttraumatic growth. Pain rips open wide our souls to God, so He can shape us into men and women we otherwise wouldn't-or couldn't-be.
One day, "Everything sad will come untrue," Samwise Gamgee reminds us in The Lord of the Rings, but it may not be today or even in our lifetime. God may not restore things exactly like they were before, but He will be there-He will meet you in those desperate places where your worst fears come true.
So next time you find yourself facing lions-perhaps even standing by helplessly as they rip your dreams to shreds-remember the story isn't over yet. There's beauty even in the midst of loss. There's hope even in the midst of pain. I can't guarantee you'll get a fairy-tale ending, but what I can tell you is this: Jesus will be there. He will sustain you. And He will birth new dreams out of shattered ones. This is the metanarrative that gives us courage and strength in the midst of suffering.
I can't pinpoint the day or the moment I believed the lie of the "Christian American Dream," but a thousand moments shaped my expectations for God and what He owed me. Somewhere along the way, I mistakenly came to believe that if I do the right thing (obey God's commands, surrender my life to Him, etc.), God will give me what I want and bless me with _______. I filled in the blank with my desire for a godly husband and children to love and nurture...
None of us are exempt from the struggles of living in a broken world. Life happens, and following God doesn't mean you will be "protected" from pain and loss.
Messy. That's what life is. Whether you follow God or forsake Him, it's messy. After all, Jesus Himself said: In this world you will have trouble, and Peter admonished early believers, Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. One way or another, disappointment and suffering are inescapable. I looked to God's promise that "If you love Me and obey Me, I will make all your dreams come true," but I couldn't find it--because the world isn't Disneyland, and we don't exist to be entertained and happy and safe.
HERE'S WHAT GOD DOES PROMISE YOU
God doesn't promise us a pain-free life, a happy marriage, a healthy body, a house full of kids or a job we love. These are good dreams, but they're not guarantees. God doesn't promise us a certain outcome, He promises us Himself.
And where my heart bucks up against that truth and pushes back and says that's not enough, it's because I don't fully comprehend and live in the abundant reality of who Jesus is. How easy it is to view Him more like a vending machine-mechanistic, distant, and impersonal-forgetting "how wide and high and deep is the love of Christ." (Ephesians 3:19)
How do we untangle our expectations of what we think God owes us from what His Word actually promises us? We can cling even tighter to our dreams, trying frantically to piece back together the broken shards of glass, or we can release them into our loving Father's hands. We can pour our hearts out to God and invite safe people into the struggle with us, to be a witness to our pain and tangibly embody the love of God that feels so abstract. To grieve with us and hold out hope when we're on the edge of despair. To believe for us when our faith us shaky. To help us make sense of suffering, and when there are no answers, to rest in the rock-solid truth of what we know. God is here. Right now, in these moments of desperation and pain and longing.
You may feel like your life is over, that you will never be whole again. You may have a lot of questions for God. I did. Some days I still do. But I'm learning, bit by bit, to loosen my grip on the things I kept so close. Instead, I'm holding my dreams loosely and holding tightly to my loving Father's hands.
My (tragedy) has revealed how many things I was expecting and even demanding of God and how easy it is to use our relationship with Him as a means to the end of "the good life", rather than realizing He is the ultimate dream, the end, the One in whom we live and move and have our being."
(Acts 17:28).
God may not always give us what we want, but we can rest in knowing that He is at work, and perhaps especially, in the midst of darkness and loss. Shattered dreams aren't just something to survive. Recent research...suggests that the most life-shaping moments are often those that involve pain, trauma, and loss. Tragedy disorients us, often resulting in posttraumatic stress, but it also provides the opportunity for posttraumatic growth. Pain rips open wide our souls to God, so He can shape us into men and women we otherwise wouldn't-or couldn't-be.
One day, "Everything sad will come untrue," Samwise Gamgee reminds us in The Lord of the Rings, but it may not be today or even in our lifetime. God may not restore things exactly like they were before, but He will be there-He will meet you in those desperate places where your worst fears come true.
So next time you find yourself facing lions-perhaps even standing by helplessly as they rip your dreams to shreds-remember the story isn't over yet. There's beauty even in the midst of loss. There's hope even in the midst of pain. I can't guarantee you'll get a fairy-tale ending, but what I can tell you is this: Jesus will be there. He will sustain you. And He will birth new dreams out of shattered ones. This is the metanarrative that gives us courage and strength in the midst of suffering.
Monday, October 24, 2016
My Son
This is on The Tenors' newest CD, Under One Sky. I liked the tune of it but didn't think it applied to me much because the title is My Father's Son. I was at your grave yesterday though and it was playing and I could see where it applied to you and me. Here are the lyrics.
My Father's Son
I was young when I was told
Take a chance before you're old
Live a life you're proud to share
Don't look back and don't be scared
Say your prayers and don't be late
When in doubt, just keep the faith
Learn to walk before you run
And soon you'll be a man, my son
Now I am right where I belong
I hear your voice, and I am strong
And I will carry you with me
Til journey's end, I'll always be
My father's son
My father's son
He left me lessons all around
Like keep your feet on solid ground
Let your words and honor be
The truth and strength for all the world to see
Now I am right where I belong
I hear your voice, and I am strong
And I will carry you with me
Til journey's end, I'll always be
My father's son
My father's son
Find the one, don't let her go
In your heart you'll always know
Raise your boy to love his mom
Cuz soon he'll be a man, my son
Now I am right where I belong
I hear your voice, and I am strong
And I will carry you with me
Til journey's end, I'll always be
My father's son
My father's son
I'll always be my father's son
(The part "Now I am right where I belong" I took to meant that you are where you belong now, "I hear your voice" I took to mean you could hear me singing to you there, and father could also mean Heavenly Father. Love you!)
My Father's Son
I was young when I was told
Take a chance before you're old
Live a life you're proud to share
Don't look back and don't be scared
Say your prayers and don't be late
When in doubt, just keep the faith
Learn to walk before you run
And soon you'll be a man, my son
Now I am right where I belong
I hear your voice, and I am strong
And I will carry you with me
Til journey's end, I'll always be
My father's son
My father's son
He left me lessons all around
Like keep your feet on solid ground
Let your words and honor be
The truth and strength for all the world to see
Now I am right where I belong
I hear your voice, and I am strong
And I will carry you with me
Til journey's end, I'll always be
My father's son
My father's son
Find the one, don't let her go
In your heart you'll always know
Raise your boy to love his mom
Cuz soon he'll be a man, my son
Now I am right where I belong
I hear your voice, and I am strong
And I will carry you with me
Til journey's end, I'll always be
My father's son
My father's son
I'll always be my father's son
(The part "Now I am right where I belong" I took to meant that you are where you belong now, "I hear your voice" I took to mean you could hear me singing to you there, and father could also mean Heavenly Father. Love you!)
Problems
Day 40 of Grief Bites
Problems in life are not always bad. In fact, they can powerfully reveal "idols" we hold higher than God in our hearts and lives.
Problems in life are not always bad. In fact, they can powerfully reveal "idols" we hold higher than God in our hearts and lives.
Great Worth
From Day 38 of Grief Bites
God will never leave you or abandon you...and His heart absolutely broke when someone chose to leave, abandon, mistreat, or reject you.
People who have been deeply hurt have an incredible ability to unconditionally love others. They have a compassion that is stronger than most.
God can take your life experiences...and hurts...and make them into something of great value for His Kingdom.
You have great worth, great value, and a great purpose. Please never doubt that.
Verses:
Psalm 34:19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.
John 15:18: If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.
Psalm 27:10
When my father and my mother forsake me,
Then the Lord will take care of me.
Isaiah 53:3
He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief,
And we hid as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, we did not esteem Him.
Psalm 139
(This is long but good. I'm going to put it on the fridge).
O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.
You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.
Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend into heaven, You are there.
If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, "Surely the darkness shall fall on me,"
Even the night shall be light about me;
Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,
But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both alike to You.
For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me.
When as yet there were none of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.
Oh, that You would slay the wicked, O God!
Depart from me, therefore, you bloodthirsty men,
For they speak against You wickedly;
Your enemies take your name in vain.
Do not I hate them, O Lord, who hate You?
And do not I hate them with perfect hatred;
I count them my enemies.
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
God will never leave you or abandon you...and His heart absolutely broke when someone chose to leave, abandon, mistreat, or reject you.
People who have been deeply hurt have an incredible ability to unconditionally love others. They have a compassion that is stronger than most.
God can take your life experiences...and hurts...and make them into something of great value for His Kingdom.
You have great worth, great value, and a great purpose. Please never doubt that.
Verses:
Psalm 34:19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.
John 15:18: If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.
Psalm 27:10
When my father and my mother forsake me,
Then the Lord will take care of me.
Isaiah 53:3
He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief,
And we hid as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, we did not esteem Him.
Psalm 139
(This is long but good. I'm going to put it on the fridge).
O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.
You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.
Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend into heaven, You are there.
If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, "Surely the darkness shall fall on me,"
Even the night shall be light about me;
Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,
But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both alike to You.
For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me.
When as yet there were none of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.
Oh, that You would slay the wicked, O God!
Depart from me, therefore, you bloodthirsty men,
For they speak against You wickedly;
Your enemies take your name in vain.
Do not I hate them, O Lord, who hate You?
And do not I hate them with perfect hatred;
I count them my enemies.
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
Troubled water
I came across this a few times on Facebook:
I asked God, "Why are you taking me through troubled water?"
He replied, "Because your enemies can't swim."
I asked God, "Why are you taking me through troubled water?"
He replied, "Because your enemies can't swim."
Thursday, October 20, 2016
A Special Place
Day 36 of Grief Bites. Not all of these are about grief necessarily, but all kinds of problems which is still helpful.
I believe God has a very special place in His heart for those who have been wrongfully hurt, mistreated, rejected, or betrayed.
We do not war or struggle against flesh and blood. There are actually spirits and principalities who make it their mission to create division, chaos, conflict, and heartache in the relationships the God meant to be our closest.
we can choose to be right or righteous...but not both
I believe God has a very special place in His heart for those who have been wrongfully hurt, mistreated, rejected, or betrayed.
We do not war or struggle against flesh and blood. There are actually spirits and principalities who make it their mission to create division, chaos, conflict, and heartache in the relationships the God meant to be our closest.
we can choose to be right or righteous...but not both
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Study of May
I've been thinking about the word "may" in relation to that verse in Ephesians that refers to the commandment, "Honor your father and mother" because it the only commandment with the promise that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth. It stood out to me the other day how much the word "may" is in the song Forever Young. Here goes:
May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
Climb on every rung
And may you stay forever young
May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the light surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
And may you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever
May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
Your song always be sung
And may you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young
And may you stay
May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
And may you stay forever young
It's clearer to me how this is more of a wish or hope. It's not saying you will or shall. It's wishing something good for someone else. Of course, everyone wishes for a long life in general. How can this be a promise though when the word "may" is involved? Hmmm...have to think about that one.
May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
Climb on every rung
And may you stay forever young
May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the light surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
And may you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever
May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
Your song always be sung
And may you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young
And may you stay
May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
And may you stay forever young
It's clearer to me how this is more of a wish or hope. It's not saying you will or shall. It's wishing something good for someone else. Of course, everyone wishes for a long life in general. How can this be a promise though when the word "may" is involved? Hmmm...have to think about that one.
Wisdom and Instruction
Day 35 of Grief Bites
Proverbs 1:7:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:7:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
19 years ago
After much trouble trying to post a picture of you from my phone, I was finally successful and posted the following with it:
19 years ago today this beautiful crazy boy came on the scene and changed our hearts and lives forever. (This picture is from my phone-he would often take pictures of himself and I would find them later). If someone told me then what was to come, I would never have believed them, but I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Love and miss you always Hayden Milton Smith! (I do!)
19 years ago today this beautiful crazy boy came on the scene and changed our hearts and lives forever. (This picture is from my phone-he would often take pictures of himself and I would find them later). If someone told me then what was to come, I would never have believed them, but I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Love and miss you always Hayden Milton Smith! (I do!)
The Best
Linda Lane (she used to work with Grandma Joonie) made this lovely statement under a picture that Dad posted today for your birthday:
We aren't always given forever, but sometimes we are given the very best.
More visible
There was a little story somewhere about an albino squirrel which is pretty rare and I felt compelled to write the following part of the story down:
"because the fur makes the animal more visible to predators, most albino animals are killed while they're young"
"because the fur makes the animal more visible to predators, most albino animals are killed while they're young"
Forgiveness
Day 34 of Grief Bites
Forgiveness is NOT condoning another person's behavior or excusing the wrong they did, and it does not mean we foolishly or continually throw ourselves into a bad situation. Forgiveness is simply a loving courtesy we extend to others because God extends that same love and courtesy to us. It is taking someone off of our hook and placing them at the altar of God...and trusting God to deal with the person in His way and His time.
Job was blessed after praying for the ones who had offended him.
Forgiveness is NOT condoning another person's behavior or excusing the wrong they did, and it does not mean we foolishly or continually throw ourselves into a bad situation. Forgiveness is simply a loving courtesy we extend to others because God extends that same love and courtesy to us. It is taking someone off of our hook and placing them at the altar of God...and trusting God to deal with the person in His way and His time.
Job was blessed after praying for the ones who had offended him.
Monday, October 17, 2016
Right relationships
Day 33 of Grief Bites
Verses:
Ephesians 6:2-3:
"Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."
Proverbs 11:29:
He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind,
And the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.
Verses:
Ephesians 6:2-3:
"Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."
Proverbs 11:29:
He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind,
And the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.
Holding us down
Day 32 of Grief Bites
In times when we painfully cry out, "God...where are you??" as we look up hurt and bewildered, and wrongfully believing God is allowing us great hurt, harm, and devastation, God may be in the middle of holding us down for our own wellbeing.
(Example of a parent helping to hold down their hurt and screaming child in the hospital so they can get treated/helped by the doctors)
You are not being punished...He may be simply refining and purifying you at the present moment.
Verses:
Isaiah 40:31:
But those that wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings as eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Lamentations 3:25:
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.
In times when we painfully cry out, "God...where are you??" as we look up hurt and bewildered, and wrongfully believing God is allowing us great hurt, harm, and devastation, God may be in the middle of holding us down for our own wellbeing.
(Example of a parent helping to hold down their hurt and screaming child in the hospital so they can get treated/helped by the doctors)
You are not being punished...He may be simply refining and purifying you at the present moment.
Verses:
Isaiah 40:31:
But those that wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings as eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Lamentations 3:25:
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.
Be still and wait
Day 31 of Grief Bites
God is never to be submissive to us. We are to be submissive to Him and His Will.
It was not easy to be still or wait...but I learned more through that valley than any other time in my walk with God.
He's got this!
Verses:
Psalm 27:14:
Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Proverbs 3:5-6:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him
And He shall direct your paths.
Psalm 27:13-14:
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.
Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
God is never to be submissive to us. We are to be submissive to Him and His Will.
It was not easy to be still or wait...but I learned more through that valley than any other time in my walk with God.
He's got this!
Verses:
Psalm 27:14:
Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Proverbs 3:5-6:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him
And He shall direct your paths.
Psalm 27:13-14:
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.
Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Friday, October 14, 2016
I Know
Kevin T. Browning posted this poem either on the 13-month anniversary or 1 year. Not sure. Just came across it today:
I know you're feeling sad today
because I had to go.
I know you have so many things
that remind you of me so.
And though you cry as you recall
the times you spent with me.
I know your pain would turn to joy
if only you could see.
I'm in Heaven with Jesus now.
We laugh, we sing, we play.
He holds me gently in His arms.
I know no pain today.
And though we're parted for a while
Jesus has promised me
He'll someday bring you here
where we'll live for eternity.
(I'm not sure about placement of all periods, but that's how I wrote it down for some reason. Love you!)
I know you're feeling sad today
because I had to go.
I know you have so many things
that remind you of me so.
And though you cry as you recall
the times you spent with me.
I know your pain would turn to joy
if only you could see.
I'm in Heaven with Jesus now.
We laugh, we sing, we play.
He holds me gently in His arms.
I know no pain today.
And though we're parted for a while
Jesus has promised me
He'll someday bring you here
where we'll live for eternity.
(I'm not sure about placement of all periods, but that's how I wrote it down for some reason. Love you!)
Eyes off our situation
Day 30 of Grief Bites
Sometimes, the best way to take our eyes off our situation is to refocus on Something greater.
Verses:
Psalm 103:10
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our inquities.
Psalm 103:12
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Sometimes, the best way to take our eyes off our situation is to refocus on Something greater.
Verses:
Psalm 103:10
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our inquities.
Psalm 103:12
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Valid Purposes for Trials
From Day 29 of Grief Bites
Why does God allow us to go through trials...particularly trials of longer length?
Deuteronomy 8:1-11 (have to read this)
The Bible shares with us that there are valid purposes for trials:
1. To humble us
2. To test us
3. To know what is in our hearts
4. To reveal whether we will keep God's commandments or not
5. To humble us to reveal what we hunger for, whether it be good or bad
6. To show us our great need for God's Word
7. To show us His provision
8. So we will know in our hearts that God loves us and cares enough about us to discipline us
as His own-just as a loving parent disciplines his own son
9. As motivation to "keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to
fear Him"
10. To applicably teach us how to walk in His ways and to fear Him
11. To eventually bring us to a better place so we will be freed up to "bless the Lord your God for
the good land which He has given you"
12. To free Him up to bless us at a greater level after we obey, walk in His ways, and fear Him
13. To teach us our need for Him so we will not forget to obey Him and we will not reject or neglect
Him in the days to come
Trials are difficult and they truly show us what we are made of. They reveal the true condition of our hearts, what we think, and what we believe. They ultimately reveal what we truly think about God.
Allow whatever situation you are in to refine you...not define you. Allow life's trials to bring you closer to God.
Verses:
Lamentations 3:22:23
Through the Lord's mercies were not consumed;
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is your faithfulness.
Proverbs 3:11-13
My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor detest His correction;
For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
For Deuteronomy 8:1-11, its about the Israelites in the wilderness and most of those numbered points come from the passage
Happy is the man who finds wisdom
And the man who gains understanding
Why does God allow us to go through trials...particularly trials of longer length?
Deuteronomy 8:1-11 (have to read this)
The Bible shares with us that there are valid purposes for trials:
1. To humble us
2. To test us
3. To know what is in our hearts
4. To reveal whether we will keep God's commandments or not
5. To humble us to reveal what we hunger for, whether it be good or bad
6. To show us our great need for God's Word
7. To show us His provision
8. So we will know in our hearts that God loves us and cares enough about us to discipline us
as His own-just as a loving parent disciplines his own son
9. As motivation to "keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to
fear Him"
10. To applicably teach us how to walk in His ways and to fear Him
11. To eventually bring us to a better place so we will be freed up to "bless the Lord your God for
the good land which He has given you"
12. To free Him up to bless us at a greater level after we obey, walk in His ways, and fear Him
13. To teach us our need for Him so we will not forget to obey Him and we will not reject or neglect
Him in the days to come
Trials are difficult and they truly show us what we are made of. They reveal the true condition of our hearts, what we think, and what we believe. They ultimately reveal what we truly think about God.
Allow whatever situation you are in to refine you...not define you. Allow life's trials to bring you closer to God.
Verses:
Lamentations 3:22:23
Through the Lord's mercies were not consumed;
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is your faithfulness.
Proverbs 3:11-13
My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor detest His correction;
For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
For Deuteronomy 8:1-11, its about the Israelites in the wilderness and most of those numbered points come from the passage
Happy is the man who finds wisdom
And the man who gains understanding
On the Horizon
This song comes on Pandora sometimes because some film scores are on it sometimes. I don't like the tune of the song very much but I kept hearing bits and pieces of lyrics, so I looked them up. It is from the movie, "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" by Howard Shore. The lyrics are really good. Annie Lennox sings it.
Lay down
Your sweet and weary head
Night is falling
You've come to journey's end
Sleep now
And dream of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across the distant shore
Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see
All of your fears will pass away
Safe in my arms
You're only sleeping
(Chorus)
What can you see
On the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea
A pale moon rises
The ships have come to carry you home
And all will turn
To silver glass
A light on the water
All souls pass
Hope fades
Into the world of night
Through shadows falling
Out of memory and time
Don't say "We have come to the end"
White shores are calling
You and I will meet again
And you'll be here in my arms
Just sleeping
(Chorus)
And all will turn
To silver glass
A light on the water
Grey ships pass
Into the West
The title of this song is "Into the West" which I find odd because that phrase only occurs once at the end. Weird!
Where I Belong
The words of this song were printed out on something I saw from Evan Kimball's committal service at the cemetery from yesterday. It is by a group named Building 429. I don't think I've heard the song before-I will have to listen to it. (As I was typing this, Angels Calling came on Pandora-thanks! I sent the video of this song to Lydia Kimball this week).
Where I Belong
Sometimes it feels like I'm watching from the outside
Sometimes it feels like I'm breathing but I am alive
I won't keep searching for answers that aren't here to find
All I know is that I'm not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong
So when the walls come falling down on me
And when I'm lost in the current of a raging sea
I have this blessed assurance holding me.
All I know is I'm not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong
When the earth shakes I wanna be found in You
When the lights fade I wanna be found in You
All I know is I'm not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong
Where I belong,
Where I belong, where I belong
Where I Belong
Sometimes it feels like I'm watching from the outside
Sometimes it feels like I'm breathing but I am alive
I won't keep searching for answers that aren't here to find
All I know is that I'm not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong
So when the walls come falling down on me
And when I'm lost in the current of a raging sea
I have this blessed assurance holding me.
All I know is I'm not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong
When the earth shakes I wanna be found in You
When the lights fade I wanna be found in You
All I know is I'm not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong
Where I belong,
Where I belong, where I belong
May
This is a verse that Pastor read/referred to in his sermon this past week and Dad pointed it out to me and asked why this didn't apply to you. I didn't have an answer at the time, but I'm thinking about it.
Ephesians 6:1-3: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honour your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."
The first word that stands out to me is the word "may." I looked this up recently linked to the name of a song, Come What May. May is a wish or a hope. The verse doesn't say you "will" live long on the earth. I think that obeying your parents/honoring your father and mother definitely increase your chances of making it through childhood alive and into adulthood and beyond, but it's obviously not a guarantee.
An example that often comes to mind is if a child goes to cross the street and listens to their parent who tells them it's not safe or to look both ways. I don't really have to go into the value of a child obeying their parent in general.
But that doesn't mean that all "good", obedient children will live a long life. What about children who are stillborn? They never had a chance to obey or to not obey their parents, or infants, toddlers, etc. God has a master plan that transcends all else-to increase His kingdom. Everything else falls under that.
Plus, all children disobey their parents at some point because we are all sinners. So the opposite of that is why do children stay alive or have a long life when they don't obey their parents which happens constantly. There wouldn't be any children!
I don't really know where I'm going with this, but the Bible has general principles and some we have to consider what it's really saying and how that applies in life. The Bible doesn't specifically say, "don't smoke" but that is something that Christians should know is a bad thing to do, for example.
Like everything else, we have to trust God on this one. He wouldn't give a promise He couldn't keep. He must have meant something else by this, or no obedient children would die young. God said it, I believe it, that's all there is to it! Praise His Holy Name! Love you boy!
Just realized something else-this verse is directed to children. It explains obedience to them in terms that they can understand, that obeying their parents will benefit them overall, that it's not a punishment or anything -that there is no purpose to it. Not that we need a reason to obey God, we just need to do it but God still chooses to explain things to us as His children. He knows that actual children need this extra little explanation and promise. I'm going to look up the definition of promise really quick. It doesn't say "you shall live long on the earth or even you will live long on the earth. It says you may live long on the earth. Amen!
Definition of promise: (as a noun), a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen. This made me think to compare this promise to other promises in the Bible and the wording. The promise of the rainbow came to mind first, so I looked up how that is worded in Genesis 9:11: Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth." Those are strong words: never again. Much stronger and different meaning than the word may.
You almost have to look at it like you have the answer already and that you have to make the equation fit the answer, like Carter's math worksheet the other night: God made a promise that if children obey their parents that they may live long on the earth. Children still die young. God doesn't give promises that He can't keep, so there must be more to it than we are understanding. I still think that a lot of it hinges on the word, "may".
Ephesians 6:1-3: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honour your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."
The first word that stands out to me is the word "may." I looked this up recently linked to the name of a song, Come What May. May is a wish or a hope. The verse doesn't say you "will" live long on the earth. I think that obeying your parents/honoring your father and mother definitely increase your chances of making it through childhood alive and into adulthood and beyond, but it's obviously not a guarantee.
An example that often comes to mind is if a child goes to cross the street and listens to their parent who tells them it's not safe or to look both ways. I don't really have to go into the value of a child obeying their parent in general.
But that doesn't mean that all "good", obedient children will live a long life. What about children who are stillborn? They never had a chance to obey or to not obey their parents, or infants, toddlers, etc. God has a master plan that transcends all else-to increase His kingdom. Everything else falls under that.
Plus, all children disobey their parents at some point because we are all sinners. So the opposite of that is why do children stay alive or have a long life when they don't obey their parents which happens constantly. There wouldn't be any children!
I don't really know where I'm going with this, but the Bible has general principles and some we have to consider what it's really saying and how that applies in life. The Bible doesn't specifically say, "don't smoke" but that is something that Christians should know is a bad thing to do, for example.
Like everything else, we have to trust God on this one. He wouldn't give a promise He couldn't keep. He must have meant something else by this, or no obedient children would die young. God said it, I believe it, that's all there is to it! Praise His Holy Name! Love you boy!
Just realized something else-this verse is directed to children. It explains obedience to them in terms that they can understand, that obeying their parents will benefit them overall, that it's not a punishment or anything -that there is no purpose to it. Not that we need a reason to obey God, we just need to do it but God still chooses to explain things to us as His children. He knows that actual children need this extra little explanation and promise. I'm going to look up the definition of promise really quick. It doesn't say "you shall live long on the earth or even you will live long on the earth. It says you may live long on the earth. Amen!
Definition of promise: (as a noun), a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen. This made me think to compare this promise to other promises in the Bible and the wording. The promise of the rainbow came to mind first, so I looked up how that is worded in Genesis 9:11: Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth." Those are strong words: never again. Much stronger and different meaning than the word may.
You almost have to look at it like you have the answer already and that you have to make the equation fit the answer, like Carter's math worksheet the other night: God made a promise that if children obey their parents that they may live long on the earth. Children still die young. God doesn't give promises that He can't keep, so there must be more to it than we are understanding. I still think that a lot of it hinges on the word, "may".
Obvious
Someone posted this for a recent teen who died in the area (there have been a couple). It doesn't really say anything profound, but I wrote it down anyway.
When a goodbye is so unexpected and sudden, when the pain seems unbearable and the loss impossible, sometimes we have to look back and remember in order to look forward and remember.
When a goodbye is so unexpected and sudden, when the pain seems unbearable and the loss impossible, sometimes we have to look back and remember in order to look forward and remember.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Come Thou Fount-Chris Rice version
The ladies sang this at church on Sunday and it seemed like they missed a verse. I looked up my version and it didn't include the missing verse, so I don't know if it's just part of the Chris Rice version that plays on Pandora. Either way, it's beautiful. I'm recording the whole song again. You must like this song because it comes on a lot. It is a song that men like for some reason. Love you!
Come, Thou fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace,
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
While the hope of endless glory
Fills my heart with joy and love,
Teach me ever to adore Thee,
May I still Thy goodness prove.
Here I raise my Ebenezer,
Hither by The help I've come,
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God,
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.
Oh, to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be,
Let that grace now like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to Thee:
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love,
Here's my heart, oh, take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.
Oh, that day when freed from sinning,
I shall see Thy lovely face,
Clothed then in the blood washed linen
How I'll sing Thy wondrous grace!
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my ransomed soul away,
Send Thine angels soon to carry
Me to realms of endless day.
Come, Thou fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace,
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
While the hope of endless glory
Fills my heart with joy and love,
Teach me ever to adore Thee,
May I still Thy goodness prove.
Here I raise my Ebenezer,
Hither by The help I've come,
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God,
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.
Oh, to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be,
Let that grace now like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to Thee:
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love,
Here's my heart, oh, take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.
Oh, that day when freed from sinning,
I shall see Thy lovely face,
Clothed then in the blood washed linen
How I'll sing Thy wondrous grace!
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my ransomed soul away,
Send Thine angels soon to carry
Me to realms of endless day.
Favorite verse
This was in Day 20 of Grief Bites which is my favorite verse:
Isaiah 40:31:
But they who wait upon the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings as eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31:
But they who wait upon the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings as eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Most painful goodbyes
This was on someone's Facebook post today. Not sure where it came from.
The most painful goodbyes are the ones that are never said and never explained.
Our #1 Priority
From Day 27 of Grief Bites.
It is vital to make God our #1 priority during times of loss and grief. Only He can truly guide us through a loss or grief experience where we make it to the other side of the experience in better shape.
The worst thing that can happen during times of loss or grief is to reject or neglect our relationship with God.
His love is extravagant and He will be found by anyone who seeks Him with their whole heart.
Once we feel the presence and love of God, our entire heart and the world around us takes on a whole new meaning.
We become alive for Him...and He then can mightily use us to be "life" to others.
Personal notes:
Definition of "extravagant": lacking restraint in spending money or using resources; costing too much money; exceeding what is reasonable or appropriate; absurd
I have never heard this word to explain God's love. I'm torn on it. I like the "lacking restraint" part. "Absurd" is ok but I don't want it making fun of His love. His love did cost too much-the life of His Son. Hmm...interesting.
It is vital to make God our #1 priority during times of loss and grief. Only He can truly guide us through a loss or grief experience where we make it to the other side of the experience in better shape.
The worst thing that can happen during times of loss or grief is to reject or neglect our relationship with God.
His love is extravagant and He will be found by anyone who seeks Him with their whole heart.
Once we feel the presence and love of God, our entire heart and the world around us takes on a whole new meaning.
We become alive for Him...and He then can mightily use us to be "life" to others.
Personal notes:
Definition of "extravagant": lacking restraint in spending money or using resources; costing too much money; exceeding what is reasonable or appropriate; absurd
I have never heard this word to explain God's love. I'm torn on it. I like the "lacking restraint" part. "Absurd" is ok but I don't want it making fun of His love. His love did cost too much-the life of His Son. Hmm...interesting.
Monday, October 10, 2016
Gaping hole
This is a quote from Christopher Walken that someone posted to the Kimballs' wall since this week is the one-year anniversary of Evan's accident. I think you liked him as an actor. I'm guessing you did since he is somewhat "alternative." Love you!
Someday you will be faced with the reality of loss. And, as life goes on, days rolling into nights, it will become clear that you never really stop missing someone special who's gone, you just learn to live around the gaping hole of their absence. When you lose someone you can't imagine living without, your heart breaks wide open, and the bad news is you never completely get over the loss. You will never forget them. However, in a backwards way, this is also the good news. They will live on in the warmth of your broken heart that doesn't fully heal back up, and you will continue to grow and experience life, even with your wound. It's like badly breaking your ankle, that never heals perfectly, and that still hurts when you dance, but you dance anyway with a slight limp, and this limp just adds to the depth of your performance and the authenticity of your character. The people you lose remain a part of you. Remember them and always cherish the good moments spent with them.
Side note totally unrelated to this: I was talking to Mrs. Lovett at senior night for the water polo boys, and she reminded me about the barbershop quartet some of you guys were trying to put together for the talent show. You guys admitted that you were really bad. Ha ha!
By the way, Robbie Amori is playing water polo this season! Of course, he says he wished he joined the team sooner. I know he did it because of you! He is so special! I'm glad you were friends. Love you!
Someday you will be faced with the reality of loss. And, as life goes on, days rolling into nights, it will become clear that you never really stop missing someone special who's gone, you just learn to live around the gaping hole of their absence. When you lose someone you can't imagine living without, your heart breaks wide open, and the bad news is you never completely get over the loss. You will never forget them. However, in a backwards way, this is also the good news. They will live on in the warmth of your broken heart that doesn't fully heal back up, and you will continue to grow and experience life, even with your wound. It's like badly breaking your ankle, that never heals perfectly, and that still hurts when you dance, but you dance anyway with a slight limp, and this limp just adds to the depth of your performance and the authenticity of your character. The people you lose remain a part of you. Remember them and always cherish the good moments spent with them.
Side note totally unrelated to this: I was talking to Mrs. Lovett at senior night for the water polo boys, and she reminded me about the barbershop quartet some of you guys were trying to put together for the talent show. You guys admitted that you were really bad. Ha ha!
By the way, Robbie Amori is playing water polo this season! Of course, he says he wished he joined the team sooner. I know he did it because of you! He is so special! I'm glad you were friends. Love you!
Delight in God
Day 26 of Grief Bites.
Our focus:
1. Delighting in God
2. Doing our responsibilities
3. Waiting on God to work in His time in His way
Question from God: "If our lives...or circumstances...never changed, would we still love Him and continue to be devoted and loyal to Him?"
One of the best promises God gives to us is that He will be making up for all the heartache, pain, tears, frustrations, and failures we experience in life.
I can guarantee you this: One day, all of God's children will experience the happy ending they crave, God has a purpose and plan through EVERY situation.
Verses:
Joel 2:27b: My people will never be put to shame
Our focus:
1. Delighting in God
2. Doing our responsibilities
3. Waiting on God to work in His time in His way
Question from God: "If our lives...or circumstances...never changed, would we still love Him and continue to be devoted and loyal to Him?"
One of the best promises God gives to us is that He will be making up for all the heartache, pain, tears, frustrations, and failures we experience in life.
I can guarantee you this: One day, all of God's children will experience the happy ending they crave, God has a purpose and plan through EVERY situation.
Verses:
Joel 2:27b: My people will never be put to shame
Brokenhearted
Day 25 of Grief Bites.
a bad marriage is a heavy burden
Verses:
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart
And saves such as have a contrite heart
Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds
Looking up definition of contrite: feeling or expressing remorse or penitence, affected by guilt
a bad marriage is a heavy burden
Verses:
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart
And saves such as have a contrite heart
Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds
Looking up definition of contrite: feeling or expressing remorse or penitence, affected by guilt
Loving life
Day 24 of Grief Bites.
Sometimes we faultily believe that we can't love or enjoy life...or have joy...unless all is right in our life, relationships, and world.
God wants to give you an abundant life, a life filled with His blessings and favor.
Blessings are not what we originally think they are though.
The truest and purest blessing is God Himself.
As we tap into and receive God's true blessing...His heart...life takes on a whole new meaning. And in the process, we find our own heart again.
God is bigger and better than anything you're facing.
Verse:
1 Thessalonians 5:18: In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Sometimes we faultily believe that we can't love or enjoy life...or have joy...unless all is right in our life, relationships, and world.
God wants to give you an abundant life, a life filled with His blessings and favor.
Blessings are not what we originally think they are though.
The truest and purest blessing is God Himself.
As we tap into and receive God's true blessing...His heart...life takes on a whole new meaning. And in the process, we find our own heart again.
God is bigger and better than anything you're facing.
Verse:
1 Thessalonians 5:18: In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Friday, October 7, 2016
Life song
From Day 23 of Grief Bites:
You have a life song that the people around you need to hear. If you give up, you shortchange all the people around you...and yourself.
You have a life song that the people around you need to hear. If you give up, you shortchange all the people around you...and yourself.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Because Redemption
These are becoming few and far between for some reason. From #OCA today. It was written by Tiffany Nardoni. Here are some excerpts.
I never thought I'd be here. On the other side...And then suddenly, I was blindsided.
And let me tell you, I didn't know if I would make it. I didn't know how to survive. I had only read about the loss of a child. I had never known the complete picture, I had only empathized with the stories. I found myself here, lost and alone. Yet surrounded by...friends and family,...Still, alone.
He fought hard, you guys. And he won.
He did not win in the way we see it. In fact, too often I get caught up in all I've lost...But the truth is, he won. He won because he lived his (17) years to the fullest. He was loved. He knew full well his place in our family. And now he is with his Creator, the one who loves him more than even I could. He is healed...He no longer feels pain and hunger... He is whole. He is well. He is beautifully held by Jesus Himself. I no longer have to worry...for him...Although, I'd do it all over again. To have him here with me, I'd do anything. I'd sacrifice and strive and hurt for him. But I don't have to. (God spared us ALL of that). That's over. As much as it pains me now, I know there is complete healing for me, too. Because (of) Jesus. Because (of) redemption. Because He will make all things new.
And here I am, I'm on the other side. One day at a time, we hold on, press on, survive. And then one day I realized I am not just surviving, I am living again. I am joyful. Because there is joy, I am free. Because there is redemption.
Free. Laughing and playing and joyful. Just like my (Hayden) was. He would not want me dwelling in grief. No, I am not to dwell in it. I will lean in. I will lean in to grief because I recognize this is where healing begins. I will rest though, in our Savior's arms. And with His strength I will fight the battle of despair that this world says I should succumb to. (Hayden) won. I am winning. The battle isn't over, but we know Who wins the war.
I never thought I'd be here. On the other side...And then suddenly, I was blindsided.
And let me tell you, I didn't know if I would make it. I didn't know how to survive. I had only read about the loss of a child. I had never known the complete picture, I had only empathized with the stories. I found myself here, lost and alone. Yet surrounded by...friends and family,...Still, alone.
He fought hard, you guys. And he won.
He did not win in the way we see it. In fact, too often I get caught up in all I've lost...But the truth is, he won. He won because he lived his (17) years to the fullest. He was loved. He knew full well his place in our family. And now he is with his Creator, the one who loves him more than even I could. He is healed...He no longer feels pain and hunger... He is whole. He is well. He is beautifully held by Jesus Himself. I no longer have to worry...for him...Although, I'd do it all over again. To have him here with me, I'd do anything. I'd sacrifice and strive and hurt for him. But I don't have to. (God spared us ALL of that). That's over. As much as it pains me now, I know there is complete healing for me, too. Because (of) Jesus. Because (of) redemption. Because He will make all things new.
And here I am, I'm on the other side. One day at a time, we hold on, press on, survive. And then one day I realized I am not just surviving, I am living again. I am joyful. Because there is joy, I am free. Because there is redemption.
Free. Laughing and playing and joyful. Just like my (Hayden) was. He would not want me dwelling in grief. No, I am not to dwell in it. I will lean in. I will lean in to grief because I recognize this is where healing begins. I will rest though, in our Savior's arms. And with His strength I will fight the battle of despair that this world says I should succumb to. (Hayden) won. I am winning. The battle isn't over, but we know Who wins the war.
Love doesn't hurt
I found this quote from Liam Neeson. I think I've seen it before but I'm not sure if I recorded it here.
Everyone says love hurts, but that is not true. Loneliness hurts. Rejection hurts. Losing someone hurts. Envy hurts. Everyone gets these things confused with love, but in reality love is the only thing in the world that covers up all pain and makes someone feel wonderful again. Love is the only thing in this world that does not hurt.
Everyone says love hurts, but that is not true. Loneliness hurts. Rejection hurts. Losing someone hurts. Envy hurts. Everyone gets these things confused with love, but in reality love is the only thing in the world that covers up all pain and makes someone feel wonderful again. Love is the only thing in this world that does not hurt.
Gifts from God
Day 22 of Grief Bites
All gifts from God have great value
Verses:
Psalm 30:11-12
You have turned my mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
To the end that my glory may sing praise to you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.
Isaiah 61:1-3
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for the morning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
All gifts from God have great value
Verses:
Psalm 30:11-12
You have turned my mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
To the end that my glory may sing praise to you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.
Isaiah 61:1-3
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for the morning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
NO ONE KNOWS
This is a thought or perspective that has been "percolating" for a while and it's amazingly comforting:
NO ONE KNOWS exactly what happens to us after we die. NO ONE.
We do know that as believers we are in the presence of the Lord after death which in itself is wonderful and beautiful and sufficient. But this world is not what it is all about-there is more than we can see and we know that God has something far better planned. There are things going on in Heaven right now that we cannot even imagine, fathom or comprehend. The happenings of this world (non-salvation-related) are nothing compared to what awaits us in eternity in Heaven.
Hayden's life was not cut short. That WAS his life as planned by God. He was given 17 years, 10 months and 3 days here-no more and no less! He is not missing out on anything that he "should have been" doing. That was his story. That was and is part of our story, FOREVER from eternity past and for eternity future.
Some people die before they're born, some only live a few minutes after birth, some live only a few years, some barely make it out of their teen years, some live until 100-that's just how it is! No one is guaranteed a "full" 70-80 years. We all can hope for that or assume it or presume that our children will outlive us, BUT THAT IS NOT HOW IT WORKS! (I am not yelling with the caps-just emphasizing points).
People, there are things we DO NOT KNOW! Praise God for that! The world tells us-your child died, that is horrible, heartbreaking, gut-wrenching, you'll never get over it, etc. You can be sad and act however you want the rest of your life without excuse or that is your excuse. You can lay in bed all day, feel sorry for yourself, mope around, etc. "Everyone grieves differently" (I hate that phrase). Everyone needs time to grieve in their own way, but the sad part of all of this is the separation and the people left behind. The person that is with God now HAS IT MADE. No more sin, sorrow or sadness for them. They are already where we are all headed as believers. If you love that person who died so much, you should be happy for them that they are in the best place ever now. No more problems, nothing! Just pure happiness and joy in the presence of the Lord.
The possibilities of what our loved ones are doing right now are endless! They could be helping God run the universe for all we know! (Not that God needs any help!) They could be right beside us and we just can't see them. They could be watching everything we do and assessing, assisting, etc. Those are lame ideas but my point is that WE DON'T KNOW! God tells us very little in the Bible and few if any have been back to tell us what happens after death.
Anyway, even though we miss Hayden terribly (this ended up in third person for some reason-sorry) we have to let it sink in that he is WITH GOD and he is FINE. He is better than FINE. He is even more AMAZING than he was here, even though that seems impossible. His death drew a TON of attention to Christ and the Gospel. I know that many, many people were saved at his funeral and continue to be or at least contemplating the things of God as a result of this unimaginable situation. He is safer than he ever was here and he will NEVER DIE there!
If someone told me a year ago that I would feel like this hopeful some day, I would never believe them! I would think that I would be curled up in a corner somewhere wishing I was dead and buried with my sweet boy. Believe me, I have been in those dark places. Day after day, for so many months, every fiber in my body screaming inside my head, "He died! He died!" It still seems hard to believe, but that is my reality. I have to accept that. There is still not a day that goes by that my eyes don't tear up for some reason or another-usually while listening to music, but that's beside the point.
When our circumstances change, the only way to effectively deal with them is to alter our perspective. That's the only thing we can truly change and control anything. (The song, "Just Be Held" is on Pandora right now-it isn't on very often-thank you!) I read somewhere-I think it was on the Max Lucado calendar at home-(I know I'm going to botch this up): When we don't know what God is up to, can't we assume it's something good? Come on! This is so true. God MADE us. He MADE Hayden. He MADE everything. He knows what he's doing! He loves us! Thank you Lord! Give Hayden another giant kiss for me today!
NO ONE KNOWS exactly what happens to us after we die. NO ONE.
We do know that as believers we are in the presence of the Lord after death which in itself is wonderful and beautiful and sufficient. But this world is not what it is all about-there is more than we can see and we know that God has something far better planned. There are things going on in Heaven right now that we cannot even imagine, fathom or comprehend. The happenings of this world (non-salvation-related) are nothing compared to what awaits us in eternity in Heaven.
Hayden's life was not cut short. That WAS his life as planned by God. He was given 17 years, 10 months and 3 days here-no more and no less! He is not missing out on anything that he "should have been" doing. That was his story. That was and is part of our story, FOREVER from eternity past and for eternity future.
Some people die before they're born, some only live a few minutes after birth, some live only a few years, some barely make it out of their teen years, some live until 100-that's just how it is! No one is guaranteed a "full" 70-80 years. We all can hope for that or assume it or presume that our children will outlive us, BUT THAT IS NOT HOW IT WORKS! (I am not yelling with the caps-just emphasizing points).
People, there are things we DO NOT KNOW! Praise God for that! The world tells us-your child died, that is horrible, heartbreaking, gut-wrenching, you'll never get over it, etc. You can be sad and act however you want the rest of your life without excuse or that is your excuse. You can lay in bed all day, feel sorry for yourself, mope around, etc. "Everyone grieves differently" (I hate that phrase). Everyone needs time to grieve in their own way, but the sad part of all of this is the separation and the people left behind. The person that is with God now HAS IT MADE. No more sin, sorrow or sadness for them. They are already where we are all headed as believers. If you love that person who died so much, you should be happy for them that they are in the best place ever now. No more problems, nothing! Just pure happiness and joy in the presence of the Lord.
The possibilities of what our loved ones are doing right now are endless! They could be helping God run the universe for all we know! (Not that God needs any help!) They could be right beside us and we just can't see them. They could be watching everything we do and assessing, assisting, etc. Those are lame ideas but my point is that WE DON'T KNOW! God tells us very little in the Bible and few if any have been back to tell us what happens after death.
Anyway, even though we miss Hayden terribly (this ended up in third person for some reason-sorry) we have to let it sink in that he is WITH GOD and he is FINE. He is better than FINE. He is even more AMAZING than he was here, even though that seems impossible. His death drew a TON of attention to Christ and the Gospel. I know that many, many people were saved at his funeral and continue to be or at least contemplating the things of God as a result of this unimaginable situation. He is safer than he ever was here and he will NEVER DIE there!
If someone told me a year ago that I would feel like this hopeful some day, I would never believe them! I would think that I would be curled up in a corner somewhere wishing I was dead and buried with my sweet boy. Believe me, I have been in those dark places. Day after day, for so many months, every fiber in my body screaming inside my head, "He died! He died!" It still seems hard to believe, but that is my reality. I have to accept that. There is still not a day that goes by that my eyes don't tear up for some reason or another-usually while listening to music, but that's beside the point.
When our circumstances change, the only way to effectively deal with them is to alter our perspective. That's the only thing we can truly change and control anything. (The song, "Just Be Held" is on Pandora right now-it isn't on very often-thank you!) I read somewhere-I think it was on the Max Lucado calendar at home-(I know I'm going to botch this up): When we don't know what God is up to, can't we assume it's something good? Come on! This is so true. God MADE us. He MADE Hayden. He MADE everything. He knows what he's doing! He loves us! Thank you Lord! Give Hayden another giant kiss for me today!
Come what may
This is the title of a song that's been coming on my Pandora recently, and I love the thought of it:
Come what may
Hidden power
From Day 20 of Grief Bites-this one was especially good-lots of notes! Love you!
Going through loss teaches the worst lessons and the best lessons (I just recorded the best):
It has the hidden power to be one of the best because loss truly refines and sifts your life,
relationships, goals, dreams and your beliefs. Not a fun process...not at all...but you gain a truly
authentic life that is more genuine and real than ever before.
If you are battling loss, it is easy to think that God didn't protect you. It is easier to think that nobody cares and that nobody can relate to what you are going through.
Although your pain is great, please don't miss out on the little gifts God has for you.
You now have what many do not have: the ability to truly empathize and encourage others who are going though loss.
Help others
2 Corinthians 1:3-4: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Deuteronomy 31:8: And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.
Going through loss teaches the worst lessons and the best lessons (I just recorded the best):
It has the hidden power to be one of the best because loss truly refines and sifts your life,
relationships, goals, dreams and your beliefs. Not a fun process...not at all...but you gain a truly
authentic life that is more genuine and real than ever before.
If you are battling loss, it is easy to think that God didn't protect you. It is easier to think that nobody cares and that nobody can relate to what you are going through.
Although your pain is great, please don't miss out on the little gifts God has for you.
You now have what many do not have: the ability to truly empathize and encourage others who are going though loss.
Help others
2 Corinthians 1:3-4: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Deuteronomy 31:8: And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.
Living in the moment
From Grief Bites, Day 17, 18 and/or 19
living in the moment
Proverbs 31:25: She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future
pressing forward
living in the moment
Proverbs 31:25: She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future
pressing forward
Monday, October 3, 2016
Don't You Fear
This song came on my Pandora over the weekend and it's incredible. It's by Ben Everson.
(I couldn't find the lyrics written out to it, so I had to listen to it and keep stopping to write the words down, so it's probably mixed up).
You can search all of this life
And never understand
Why the storms and all the strife
Seem unguarded by God's hand
Chorus:
Raise your weary head
And lift your tired eyes
Christ has conquered death
And He listens when you cry
There's no valley, there's no place
There's no danger you must face
Alone
For He walks with you
(Favorite line): And He cries your tears before you do
He is there, He is here
Don't you fear
His Word will be your guide
His voice will be your light
His hands will give you strength
With His Spirit by your side
Chorus (with different 4th line):
Raise your weary head
And lift your tired eyes
Christ has conquered death
He will raise you to the skies
Why are you cast down my soul
And why have you no song
Hope thou in God
He is your tower strong
God is my salvation and strength
And He is now my song
Hope thou in God
He is your tower strong
Chorus:
There's no valley, there's no place
There's no danger you must face
Alone
For He walks with you
And knows your steps before you do
There's no valley, there's no place
No where that's beyond His grace
Be strong
For He walks with you
He is there, He is here
Don't you fear
(I couldn't find the lyrics written out to it, so I had to listen to it and keep stopping to write the words down, so it's probably mixed up).
You can search all of this life
And never understand
Why the storms and all the strife
Seem unguarded by God's hand
Chorus:
Raise your weary head
And lift your tired eyes
Christ has conquered death
And He listens when you cry
There's no valley, there's no place
There's no danger you must face
Alone
For He walks with you
(Favorite line): And He cries your tears before you do
He is there, He is here
Don't you fear
His Word will be your guide
His voice will be your light
His hands will give you strength
With His Spirit by your side
Chorus (with different 4th line):
Raise your weary head
And lift your tired eyes
Christ has conquered death
He will raise you to the skies
Why are you cast down my soul
And why have you no song
Hope thou in God
He is your tower strong
God is my salvation and strength
And He is now my song
Hope thou in God
He is your tower strong
Chorus:
There's no valley, there's no place
There's no danger you must face
Alone
For He walks with you
And knows your steps before you do
There's no valley, there's no place
No where that's beyond His grace
Be strong
For He walks with you
He is there, He is here
Don't you fear
Beautifully fragile
From I Am A Mother To An Angel Facebook page from over the weekend:
We are all just a car crash,
a diagnosis, an unexpected phone call,
a newfound love, or a broken heart
away from becoming a completely
different person.
How beautifully fragile are we
that so many things
can take but a moment
to alter who we are
for forever?
Samuel Decker Thompson
So they ask why
Love people so well they ask you why.
This is me: Why did you love me so much? Love you!
This is me: Why did you love me so much? Love you!
Healing
From #OCA the other day:
Healing. It does come if you allow it and work through the grief. It's hard work. It's exhausting. And there are days you just want to give up and crawl under a rock and never come out. But you do.
-Sarah Shin
Healing. It does come if you allow it and work through the grief. It's hard work. It's exhausting. And there are days you just want to give up and crawl under a rock and never come out. But you do.
-Sarah Shin
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