I was talking to Kimmy at dinner last week, and she was pointing out how when you go against God's laws and do what you want, He may not bless you or you can't expect Him to and that you may even be punished.
I don't think that God punishes and I know that sin has its own consequences. But if you look at my marriage now, has God blessed it? It's been horrible from the start. Is that some indicator of something since God has not blessed my marriage?
Bill said something bothersome last night-he said he admitted that he was mad at God for not helping us with our marriage, despite his years of prayers. What does that mean? Is God not hearing his prayers? Does God hear them and not answer them? Isn't it the same when someone is ill and people keep praying for healing, but it doesn't come? I always come back to Chuck Cartwright. He's not going to get any better. People prayed for Hayden and he still died.
In the case of our marriage, Bill is screwing up. You can't just do whatever you want and then pray about something and have it be different. Marriage is such a unique situation in that there are two people involved and that the actions of one impact the other. Someone can be a great person and a great spouse, but if the other person doesn't see it or they're bad, the marriage is not going to be good. And then you're responsible for this commitment you made to the other person. If they take advantage of it, they can act however they want and the spouse has to put up with it.
What else in life does that ever work-where you can do whatever you want, act however you want and there are no consequences? I mean, there are consequences-an unhappy spouse and a bad marriage, but there seems to be no way out of it. You're "stuck" because you said you wouldn't leave. No matter what? That's not fair for one spouse to take advantage of that and make you do this, and make you do that, not because you want to. Why would you want to hold someone hostage?
An analogy could be a job. What if you had a job that you could never be fired from? Then you could do whatever you wanted, maybe not even do the work because there is no threat of being fired. That wouldn't make sense. That would probably never happen. You and the employer "agree" to certain things, but if that doesn't happen, employment ends. I don't think God set up marriage as an excuse to abuse.
On the subject of blessed, one of my kids died. We have been constantly plagued by financial problems. Add that to the horrible marriage, and what does that look like? I know I have many blessings, the greatest of which is salvation and my children, but overall...? It's a struggle. I know everyone struggles, but the struggle is normal for us. Inconsistent or nonexistent income, death of a child, marital heartache. Has God blessed this union? Is He trying to but we keep getting in the way? I don't know.
Are we called to suffer for Christ? Ben also mentioned that in his email to Bill. I know that we can never outdo Christ in suffering, but is that what He wants for us? I know we can grow a lot through suffering, but is that our purpose? I think it's more than that.
I started this blog soon after the death of my beautiful 17-year-old son, Hayden, as a way to deal with my grief. I titled it "Dear Hayden" because at first I wrote as if I was writing to him. My use of the word "dear" ended up being twofold: "used as an affectionate or friendly form of address" and "regarded with deep affection; cherished by someone." Many posts are saved quotes, song lyrics, Bible verses, poems, etc. with credit given to the actual authors as much as possible. Enjoy~
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
True Christian
Ben posted something on his Facebook that true Christians wouldn't take advantage of grace as an excuse to sin. That actually made me think that being a "true Christian" is different than being saved.
You can be saved and mess up being a Christian. It doesn't mean you lose your salvation. Sure, you shouldn't mess up on purpose, but it's comforting to know that when you do, it doesn't necessarily mean you were never saved, it just means that you might not be walking in obedience to the Lord. That's sad too, but it's reassuring to me to realize they're separate. It's the difference between being a child of God and following God. Both are important, and not obeying God can be an indication that someone isn't truly saved, but it is not always the case.
More thoughts from Ben: A true Christian will not treat God's grace as a license to wantonly and consistently sin.
It is impossible for a true Christian to take advantage of (abuse) God's grace.
Romans 6:1-2
Dead to Sin, Alive to God
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
You can be saved and mess up being a Christian. It doesn't mean you lose your salvation. Sure, you shouldn't mess up on purpose, but it's comforting to know that when you do, it doesn't necessarily mean you were never saved, it just means that you might not be walking in obedience to the Lord. That's sad too, but it's reassuring to me to realize they're separate. It's the difference between being a child of God and following God. Both are important, and not obeying God can be an indication that someone isn't truly saved, but it is not always the case.
More thoughts from Ben: A true Christian will not treat God's grace as a license to wantonly and consistently sin.
It is impossible for a true Christian to take advantage of (abuse) God's grace.
Romans 6:1-2
Dead to Sin, Alive to God
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
Loves you the most
This was on Honorine's wall.
The sweetest time of the day is when you pray. Because you are talking to the one who loves you the most.
The sweetest time of the day is when you pray. Because you are talking to the one who loves you the most.
Monday, October 30, 2017
Trust your vision
This was from Goalcast which Honorine posts a lot from. They are very inspirational.
This lady is a sports/basketball commentator (I will have to find her name) and her son had a brain tumor when he was young and ended up being blind. These are lessons she learned from the experience.
Trust Your Vision
Blind Life and Leadership Lessons
1. No peripheral distractions
"Your life is controlled by what you focus on." -Tony Robbins
2. Stay focused on the goal straight ahead and move towards it one step at a time
3. Sometimes true strength means asking for HELP!
When Pride says, "Do it yourself!" But Wisdom says, "Ask someone who knows." Be humble
enough to listen to Wisdom! You'll be proud you did!
4. I Can!
Don't let the things you can't do overshadow the things you can.
5. Trust that eventually you will learn to survive in your new normal.
Change is often difficult, but it is also inevitable. Trust you will survive it. After all, every day
is a new day. And you are still here!
6. One thing worse than losing your sight is losing your vision!
It's not about what you can see, it's about who you are meant to be! Sight is perception of your
present. Vision is faith in your future! (Sight is physical, vision is spiritual)
7. You are significant, so passionately play your position!
Passionately play your position! Why we are here is not for our own glory. Ultimately we strive
to be our best to lead and serve others. In doing so we encourage others to do the same!
So passionately play your position, no matter how bad things get.You see how those fouls in life, if you trust, the vision will come back and will lead you, directly to your purpose. That's how we all win.
Also: Stop hanging out with Worry and Doubt, and make Faith your new best friend!
Speaker: Vera Jones, collegiate Hall-of-Fame athlete
This lady is a sports/basketball commentator (I will have to find her name) and her son had a brain tumor when he was young and ended up being blind. These are lessons she learned from the experience.
Trust Your Vision
Blind Life and Leadership Lessons
1. No peripheral distractions
"Your life is controlled by what you focus on." -Tony Robbins
2. Stay focused on the goal straight ahead and move towards it one step at a time
3. Sometimes true strength means asking for HELP!
When Pride says, "Do it yourself!" But Wisdom says, "Ask someone who knows." Be humble
enough to listen to Wisdom! You'll be proud you did!
4. I Can!
Don't let the things you can't do overshadow the things you can.
5. Trust that eventually you will learn to survive in your new normal.
Change is often difficult, but it is also inevitable. Trust you will survive it. After all, every day
is a new day. And you are still here!
6. One thing worse than losing your sight is losing your vision!
It's not about what you can see, it's about who you are meant to be! Sight is perception of your
present. Vision is faith in your future! (Sight is physical, vision is spiritual)
7. You are significant, so passionately play your position!
Passionately play your position! Why we are here is not for our own glory. Ultimately we strive
to be our best to lead and serve others. In doing so we encourage others to do the same!
So passionately play your position, no matter how bad things get.You see how those fouls in life, if you trust, the vision will come back and will lead you, directly to your purpose. That's how we all win.
Also: Stop hanging out with Worry and Doubt, and make Faith your new best friend!
Speaker: Vera Jones, collegiate Hall-of-Fame athlete
Choose what you think about
Daily devotional from Max Lucado
Choose What You Think About
There are many things in life over which you have no choice. But you an choose what you think about! For that reason the wise man urges, "Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life" (Proverbs 4:23).
Do you want to be happy tomorrow? Then sow seeds of happiness today. Count blessings. Memorize Bible verses. Pray. Sing hymns. Spend time encouraging people. Do you want to guarantee tomorrow's misery? Then wallow in a mental mud pit of self-pity or guilt or anxiety today. Assume the worst. Beat yourself up. Rehearse your regrets. Complain to complainers.
Thoughts have consequences. Healing from anxiety requires healthy thinking. Your challenge is not your challenge. Your challenge is the way you think about your challenge! Satan wants to leave us in a swarm of anxious, negative thoughts. But you have a power he cannot defeat. You have God on your side!
Choose What You Think About
There are many things in life over which you have no choice. But you an choose what you think about! For that reason the wise man urges, "Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life" (Proverbs 4:23).
Do you want to be happy tomorrow? Then sow seeds of happiness today. Count blessings. Memorize Bible verses. Pray. Sing hymns. Spend time encouraging people. Do you want to guarantee tomorrow's misery? Then wallow in a mental mud pit of self-pity or guilt or anxiety today. Assume the worst. Beat yourself up. Rehearse your regrets. Complain to complainers.
Thoughts have consequences. Healing from anxiety requires healthy thinking. Your challenge is not your challenge. Your challenge is the way you think about your challenge! Satan wants to leave us in a swarm of anxious, negative thoughts. But you have a power he cannot defeat. You have God on your side!
Friday, October 27, 2017
Hayden's Bar and Grill
I'm going out to eat with Kimmy tonight and I suggested Canton in case I have to drive Carter to the football game there. When I googled Canton restaurants, the first one that came up was Hayden's Bar and Grill.
Events
K sent this as an FB message to me. It must have popped up in his memories. Originally was from October 25, 2015. It's from his Pastor Dan Smith, who encouraged him to reach out to our family.
Events in your recent past have helped to guide you in the direction that was meant for you. Complete strangers were introduced into your life for a reason. Don't be afraid to reach out. Your life has purpose and significance. Try to be patient if it isn't all crystal clear just yet.
Events in your recent past have helped to guide you in the direction that was meant for you. Complete strangers were introduced into your life for a reason. Don't be afraid to reach out. Your life has purpose and significance. Try to be patient if it isn't all crystal clear just yet.
God speaks today
From A.W. Tozer.
I also believe that God speaks today, to the church and to people, through the Holy Spirit. However, I also believe that, what we hear from God personally will always agree with the words and principals in the written word of God-the Bible. Having the Bible does not mean that God no longer speaks personally to His people, and to hear personally from God does not mean that the Bible is inadequate. The Word and the Spirit work together and are always in agreement. Faith comes from hearing the (spoken) word of Christ. Faith enters the heart when the written word becomes personal and alive in the heart. Up until that time it is considered hope.
I also believe that God speaks today, to the church and to people, through the Holy Spirit. However, I also believe that, what we hear from God personally will always agree with the words and principals in the written word of God-the Bible. Having the Bible does not mean that God no longer speaks personally to His people, and to hear personally from God does not mean that the Bible is inadequate. The Word and the Spirit work together and are always in agreement. Faith comes from hearing the (spoken) word of Christ. Faith enters the heart when the written word becomes personal and alive in the heart. Up until that time it is considered hope.
The end of themselves
From A.W. Tozer
The reason why many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they haven't yet come to the end of themselves. We're still trying to give orders, and interfering with God's work within us.
The reason why many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they haven't yet come to the end of themselves. We're still trying to give orders, and interfering with God's work within us.
Jesus catched me
Excerpt from today's daily devotional by Max Lucado.
Storms come. But Jesus still catches his children. He still sends his angels. Because you belong to him, Jesus sends this message to you: "When you pass through the waters, I will always be with you."
(Isaiah 43:2)
Storms come. But Jesus still catches his children. He still sends his angels. Because you belong to him, Jesus sends this message to you: "When you pass through the waters, I will always be with you."
(Isaiah 43:2)
A grieving mother
Someone posted this on Tammi's wall.
A Grieving Mother
Who is a grieving mother?
She is the one who ignores a baby shower or birthday invitation one day, because the pain is still too raw. And the next, celebrates the small milestones, for she knows how precious they are.
She's the one who boxes up a lifetime of mementos in an afternoon to spare her husband the pain. Yet years later can't dredge up the courage to go through them again.
Who is a grieving mother?
She's the one who holds it together in the big things and falls apart over spilled milk.
Who loves deeply those closest to her, but keeps her heart guarded for protection from others.
She's one who grimaces at the first laughs after loss, but later laughs louder than most.
Who finds joy in the simple things and relishes every day moments.
Who is a grieving mother?
She's one held hostage by dates on the calendar and unexpected triggers.
And one who will always pause for sunsets, butterflies, and sweet signs from above.
She's one who lets go of friends unable to support her.
And one who treasures those who didn't walk away.
Who is a grieving mother?
She's one who can experience an array of emotions on any given day.
And one who wishes tears would come when numbness covers her.
She's one who screams at God one moment and clings to him the next.
Who didn't expect her faith to grow so much from the most important unanswered prayer she ever spoke.
Who is a grieving mother?
She is one as complicated as the grief she carries.
Do not judge the Grieving Mother. She comes in many forms. She is breathing, but she's dying. She may look young, but inside she has become ancient. She smiles, but her heart sobs. She walks, she talks, she cooks, she cleans, she works, she IS but IS NOT, all at once. She is here, but part of her is elsewhere for eternity.
A Grieving Mother
Who is a grieving mother?
She is the one who ignores a baby shower or birthday invitation one day, because the pain is still too raw. And the next, celebrates the small milestones, for she knows how precious they are.
She's the one who boxes up a lifetime of mementos in an afternoon to spare her husband the pain. Yet years later can't dredge up the courage to go through them again.
Who is a grieving mother?
She's the one who holds it together in the big things and falls apart over spilled milk.
Who loves deeply those closest to her, but keeps her heart guarded for protection from others.
She's one who grimaces at the first laughs after loss, but later laughs louder than most.
Who finds joy in the simple things and relishes every day moments.
Who is a grieving mother?
She's one held hostage by dates on the calendar and unexpected triggers.
And one who will always pause for sunsets, butterflies, and sweet signs from above.
She's one who lets go of friends unable to support her.
And one who treasures those who didn't walk away.
Who is a grieving mother?
She's one who can experience an array of emotions on any given day.
And one who wishes tears would come when numbness covers her.
She's one who screams at God one moment and clings to him the next.
Who didn't expect her faith to grow so much from the most important unanswered prayer she ever spoke.
Who is a grieving mother?
She is one as complicated as the grief she carries.
Do not judge the Grieving Mother. She comes in many forms. She is breathing, but she's dying. She may look young, but inside she has become ancient. She smiles, but her heart sobs. She walks, she talks, she cooks, she cleans, she works, she IS but IS NOT, all at once. She is here, but part of her is elsewhere for eternity.
Thursday, October 26, 2017
God is near
Back on track with Max Lucado's daily devotionals.
God Is Near
God never promised us a life without storms, but he has promised to be there when we face them.
Consider the compelling testimony of Jehoshaphat. According to the book of 2 Chronicles, the Moabites formed a great and powerful confederacy with the surrounding nations and marched against Jehoshaphat. It was a military version of a perfect storm. The Jews could handle one army. But when one army allies with another and those two combine with a third? Hear Jehoshaphat's response as he cried out to God in prayer, "We have no power...nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You!" (2 Chronicles 20:12). God responded, "Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's!" (vs. 15)
Expect to see the God of the Ages fight for you! He is as near as your next breath!
God Is Near
God never promised us a life without storms, but he has promised to be there when we face them.
Consider the compelling testimony of Jehoshaphat. According to the book of 2 Chronicles, the Moabites formed a great and powerful confederacy with the surrounding nations and marched against Jehoshaphat. It was a military version of a perfect storm. The Jews could handle one army. But when one army allies with another and those two combine with a third? Hear Jehoshaphat's response as he cried out to God in prayer, "We have no power...nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You!" (2 Chronicles 20:12). God responded, "Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's!" (vs. 15)
Expect to see the God of the Ages fight for you! He is as near as your next breath!
What if
I might write more on this later, but wanted to record this thought:
What if someone acknowledged that they grossly mistreated you for 22 years then continued to do it?
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Your own destiny
It's better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with perfection.
Everything
From Max Lucado's daily devotional 10/19/17
In Christ You Have Everything, excerpts
Contingent contentment turns us into wounded, worried people. But Christ-based contentment turns us into happy people. Death, failure, betrayal, sickness, disappointment-they cannot take our joy, because they cannot take our Jesus. Write this down! In Christ you have everything! He can give you a happiness that can never be taken, a grace that will never expire, and a wisdom that will ever increase. He is a fountain of living hope that will never be exhausted!
In Christ You Have Everything, excerpts
Contingent contentment turns us into wounded, worried people. But Christ-based contentment turns us into happy people. Death, failure, betrayal, sickness, disappointment-they cannot take our joy, because they cannot take our Jesus. Write this down! In Christ you have everything! He can give you a happiness that can never be taken, a grace that will never expire, and a wisdom that will ever increase. He is a fountain of living hope that will never be exhausted!
Jesus' vintage of peace
From Max Lucado's daily devotional for 10/23/17. I looked up the definition of "vintage"-amazing!
Jesus' Vintage of Peace
Jesus promises you his vintage of peace! A peace that "guards our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). God takes responsibility for the hearts and minds of those who believe in him. As we celebrate him and pray to him, he constructs a fortress around our hearts and minds, protecting us from the attacks of the devil.
As the verse fro the ancient hymn declares: A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing: Our helper, He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing. Martin Luther wrote these words centuries after the apostle Paul had written his epistles. Yet had Paul heard the hymn, he would have sung it with hearty conviction. He knew, firsthand the peace and protection of God. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you...do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27).
Definition of vintage: of high quality and lasting value, or showing the best characteristics typical of the person who created it. Lovelovelove!
Jesus' Vintage of Peace
Jesus promises you his vintage of peace! A peace that "guards our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). God takes responsibility for the hearts and minds of those who believe in him. As we celebrate him and pray to him, he constructs a fortress around our hearts and minds, protecting us from the attacks of the devil.
As the verse fro the ancient hymn declares: A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing: Our helper, He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing. Martin Luther wrote these words centuries after the apostle Paul had written his epistles. Yet had Paul heard the hymn, he would have sung it with hearty conviction. He knew, firsthand the peace and protection of God. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you...do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27).
Definition of vintage: of high quality and lasting value, or showing the best characteristics typical of the person who created it. Lovelovelove!
Heaven's helpers
From Max Lucado's daily devotionals-10/24/17
Have your prayers been met with silent sky? Have you prayed and heard nothing? If so, don't give up! Are you floundering in the land between an offered and an answered prayer?
What the angel said to Daniel, God says to you: "Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard" (Daniel 10:12). You have been heard in heaven. Reinforcements have been rallied. God promises in Isaiah 49:25, "I will contend with him who contends with you." Do what Daniel did, and remain before the Lord.
The Scripture promises, "Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not be weary. They will walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).
"He God has put his angels in charge of you to watch over you wherever you go" (Psalm 91:11).
(So encouraging on so many levels-I am heard in heaven? Wow! That is actually amazing. God will contend with those who contend with me? Thank you Lord. And, of course, my favorite verse is in here.)
Have your prayers been met with silent sky? Have you prayed and heard nothing? If so, don't give up! Are you floundering in the land between an offered and an answered prayer?
What the angel said to Daniel, God says to you: "Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard" (Daniel 10:12). You have been heard in heaven. Reinforcements have been rallied. God promises in Isaiah 49:25, "I will contend with him who contends with you." Do what Daniel did, and remain before the Lord.
The Scripture promises, "Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not be weary. They will walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).
"He God has put his angels in charge of you to watch over you wherever you go" (Psalm 91:11).
(So encouraging on so many levels-I am heard in heaven? Wow! That is actually amazing. God will contend with those who contend with me? Thank you Lord. And, of course, my favorite verse is in here.)
You belong to God
Getting caught up on my Max Lucado daily devotionals. If I don't record them in the morning, they're really hard to find later.
You Belong To God -from 10/25, excerpts
God signed his (name)! When you gave your life to him, he took responsibility for you. Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me" (John 10:14). You are a bride; he is your bridegroom. The church is being "prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" (Revelation 21:2). You are his child; he is your father. "You are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir" (Galatians 4:7).
You can have peace in the midst of the storms of life because you are not alone. You belong to God!
You Belong To God -from 10/25, excerpts
God signed his (name)! When you gave your life to him, he took responsibility for you. Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me" (John 10:14). You are a bride; he is your bridegroom. The church is being "prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" (Revelation 21:2). You are his child; he is your father. "You are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir" (Galatians 4:7).
You can have peace in the midst of the storms of life because you are not alone. You belong to God!
Missionary or imposter
Quote from Charles H. Spurgeon
Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter.
(Side note: When I read this, I worried that maybe I am an imposter. I am glad I always question myself though-I think that shows something)
Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter.
(Side note: When I read this, I worried that maybe I am an imposter. I am glad I always question myself though-I think that shows something)
Wasn't given a choice
This was on the Facebook page for I Am A Mother To An Angel
Someone said, "I don't know how you do it."
I said, " I wasn't given a choice."
Someone said, "I don't know how you do it."
I said, " I wasn't given a choice."
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Fear of the Lord
Today's Bible Gateway Verse of the Day.
Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Monday, October 23, 2017
Somewhere out there
Hadn't heard this song in a while but remembered I liked it. I didn't realize how few lyrics there were.
Somewhere Out There
by James Ingram & Linda Ronstadt
Somewhere out there
Beneath the pale moonlight
Someone's thinking of me
And loving me tonight
Somewhere out there
Someone's saying a prayer
That we'll find one another
In that big somewhere out there
And even though I know how very far apart we are
It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star
And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby
It helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky
Somewhere out there
If love can see us through
Then we'll be together
Somewhere out there
Out where dreams come true
A long time
Hopefully I will remember what this means someday.
That's a long time to be away from somewhere you like being
That's a long time to be away from somewhere you like being
Big enough
Quote from Toby Mac
If your dreams don't scare you at times, maybe they aren't big enough.
If your dreams don't scare you at times, maybe they aren't big enough.
The Stone
This is really good. It was on Lydia Kimball's page.
The Stone
by Jessica, Four Plus An Angel
The best way I can describe grieving over a child as the years go by is to say it's similar to carrying a stone in your pocket.
When you walk, the stone brushes against your skin. You feel it. You always feel it. But depending on the way you stand or the way your body moves, the smooth edges might barely graze your body.
Sometimes you lean the wrong way or you turn too quickly and a sharp edge pokes you. Your eyes water and you rub your wound but you have to keep going because not everyone knows about your stone or if they do, they don't realize it can still bring this much pain.
There are days you are simply happy now, smiling comes easily and you laugh without thinking. You slap your legs during that laughter and you feel your stone and aren't sure whether you should be laughing still. The stone still hurts.
Once in a while you can't take your hand off that stone. You run your fingers over it and roll it in your palm and are so preoccupied by its weight, you forget things like your car keys and home address. You try to leave it alone but you just can't. You want to take a nap but it's been so many years since you've called in "sad" you're not sure anyone would understand anymore or if they ever did.
But most days you can take your hand in and out of your pocket, feel your stone and even smile at its unwavering presence. You've accepted this stone as your own, crossing your hands over it, saying "mine" as children do.
You rest more peacefully than you once did, you've learned to move forward the best you can. Some days you want to show the world what a beautiful memory you're holding. But most days you twirl it through your fingers, smile and look to the sky. You squeeze your hands together and hope you are living in a way that honors the missing person you carry, until your arms are full again.
The Stone
by Jessica, Four Plus An Angel
The best way I can describe grieving over a child as the years go by is to say it's similar to carrying a stone in your pocket.
When you walk, the stone brushes against your skin. You feel it. You always feel it. But depending on the way you stand or the way your body moves, the smooth edges might barely graze your body.
Sometimes you lean the wrong way or you turn too quickly and a sharp edge pokes you. Your eyes water and you rub your wound but you have to keep going because not everyone knows about your stone or if they do, they don't realize it can still bring this much pain.
There are days you are simply happy now, smiling comes easily and you laugh without thinking. You slap your legs during that laughter and you feel your stone and aren't sure whether you should be laughing still. The stone still hurts.
Once in a while you can't take your hand off that stone. You run your fingers over it and roll it in your palm and are so preoccupied by its weight, you forget things like your car keys and home address. You try to leave it alone but you just can't. You want to take a nap but it's been so many years since you've called in "sad" you're not sure anyone would understand anymore or if they ever did.
But most days you can take your hand in and out of your pocket, feel your stone and even smile at its unwavering presence. You've accepted this stone as your own, crossing your hands over it, saying "mine" as children do.
You rest more peacefully than you once did, you've learned to move forward the best you can. Some days you want to show the world what a beautiful memory you're holding. But most days you twirl it through your fingers, smile and look to the sky. You squeeze your hands together and hope you are living in a way that honors the missing person you carry, until your arms are full again.
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
The greatest of virtues
This was from a few days ago from Max Lucado's Daily Devotionals.
The Greatest of Virtues
Two essential words deserve special attention: Thank you! Gratitude is a mindful awareness of the benefits of life. It is the greatest of virtues. Studies link it with a variety of positive effects. Grateful people tend to be more empathetic and forgiving of others, less envious, less materialistic and less self-centered.
Gratitude improves self-esteem and enhances relationships, quality of sleep, and longevity. If it came in pill form, gratitude would be deemed the miracle cure. It's no wonder that God's anxiety therapy includes a large, delightful dollop of gratitude.
The anxious heart says, "Lord, if only I had that, that, or the other, I'd be okay." The grateful heart says, "Oh, look! You've already given me this, that, and the other. Thank you, God."
Worry refuses to share the heart with gratitude. One heart felt thank you will suck oxygen out of worry's world. So say it often!
The Greatest of Virtues
Two essential words deserve special attention: Thank you! Gratitude is a mindful awareness of the benefits of life. It is the greatest of virtues. Studies link it with a variety of positive effects. Grateful people tend to be more empathetic and forgiving of others, less envious, less materialistic and less self-centered.
Gratitude improves self-esteem and enhances relationships, quality of sleep, and longevity. If it came in pill form, gratitude would be deemed the miracle cure. It's no wonder that God's anxiety therapy includes a large, delightful dollop of gratitude.
The anxious heart says, "Lord, if only I had that, that, or the other, I'd be okay." The grateful heart says, "Oh, look! You've already given me this, that, and the other. Thank you, God."
Worry refuses to share the heart with gratitude. One heart felt thank you will suck oxygen out of worry's world. So say it often!
Why men are mad
Came across this from a website called Hitting Home which I've come across before regarding other topics. Here are some excerpts from a book written by Dr. Raymond Force.
Mankind in general is prone to sabotaging his own success and then loathing the negative repercussions that follow. Here are a few verses that undergird this thought:
Proverbs 26:27: Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
Proverbs 11:17: The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
From my experience of dealing with men, many a man has dug a pit of anger, bitterness, and laziness only to end up falling in himself. He often does this by:
Failing To Lead His Family Toward The Light
If a man is not leading his family toward the Light, darkness will prevail in his marriage. It is that simple. Though his accusations will be hurled at the disrespect he is receiving from his family, many times, the darkness of disrespect is only present as a result of his leadership away from the Light of God's Word.
Being Loose With His Words
A man's words are like a boomerang. What he gives out will always find a way of coming back to him.
Failing To Protect The 3 Parts Of His Household
Marriage is more than a paycheck. A husband should be looking out for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of his family. If he is not loving his family in these three aspects, negative repercussions will follow, and his temptation will be to get mad at the trouble that his lack of care in all three of these areas has caused.
Some Men Are Still Carrying An Emotional Debt Of Sorts
Many wives are still paying off the emotional debts that wayward fathers and bitter mothers charged to their spouse. However, it should be noted that this is why we teach that a happy marriage is comprised of happy spouses. That is, I like to say that my wife and I do not have a great marriage because we have one another, we have a great marriage because we are filled with God's love and joy before we even see one another.
We often say that people have a God-shaped vacuum, but they also have what I call a Dad-shaped vacuum. That is, many men go through life trying to get out of others what they never received from their dads and moms. Thankfully, God is a father to the fatherless (Psalm 68:5) and only He can succeed where our earthly parents failed.
A wife cannot fix what others have broke. Only God is able to do that. Although her love can help to display what I call God's love with skin on it, ultimately, God has to do the fixing.
(I don't get how this part coming up relates to everything else-oh, well)
Some Men Are Dealing With Relational Injustices
Many men complain to me that they feel there is an unequal playing field when it comes to marriage. Some even feel that an unbalanced emphasis on Ephesians 5:25 without mentioning Ephesians 5:24 is almost empowering women to withhold their love and affection toward their husbands.
Throughout time, women have been tempted to withhold their love and affection toward their husbands because they fail to measure up to their expectations. A woman that has given in to this temptation must realize that when she holds back from loving her husband because he doesn't meet her standards, she is simply holding her love as a ransom until he comes up with the appropriate payment. This is actually a form of manipulation.
Mankind in general is prone to sabotaging his own success and then loathing the negative repercussions that follow. Here are a few verses that undergird this thought:
Proverbs 26:27: Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
Proverbs 11:17: The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
From my experience of dealing with men, many a man has dug a pit of anger, bitterness, and laziness only to end up falling in himself. He often does this by:
Failing To Lead His Family Toward The Light
If a man is not leading his family toward the Light, darkness will prevail in his marriage. It is that simple. Though his accusations will be hurled at the disrespect he is receiving from his family, many times, the darkness of disrespect is only present as a result of his leadership away from the Light of God's Word.
Being Loose With His Words
A man's words are like a boomerang. What he gives out will always find a way of coming back to him.
Failing To Protect The 3 Parts Of His Household
Marriage is more than a paycheck. A husband should be looking out for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of his family. If he is not loving his family in these three aspects, negative repercussions will follow, and his temptation will be to get mad at the trouble that his lack of care in all three of these areas has caused.
Some Men Are Still Carrying An Emotional Debt Of Sorts
Many wives are still paying off the emotional debts that wayward fathers and bitter mothers charged to their spouse. However, it should be noted that this is why we teach that a happy marriage is comprised of happy spouses. That is, I like to say that my wife and I do not have a great marriage because we have one another, we have a great marriage because we are filled with God's love and joy before we even see one another.
We often say that people have a God-shaped vacuum, but they also have what I call a Dad-shaped vacuum. That is, many men go through life trying to get out of others what they never received from their dads and moms. Thankfully, God is a father to the fatherless (Psalm 68:5) and only He can succeed where our earthly parents failed.
A wife cannot fix what others have broke. Only God is able to do that. Although her love can help to display what I call God's love with skin on it, ultimately, God has to do the fixing.
(I don't get how this part coming up relates to everything else-oh, well)
Some Men Are Dealing With Relational Injustices
Many men complain to me that they feel there is an unequal playing field when it comes to marriage. Some even feel that an unbalanced emphasis on Ephesians 5:25 without mentioning Ephesians 5:24 is almost empowering women to withhold their love and affection toward their husbands.
Throughout time, women have been tempted to withhold their love and affection toward their husbands because they fail to measure up to their expectations. A woman that has given in to this temptation must realize that when she holds back from loving her husband because he doesn't meet her standards, she is simply holding her love as a ransom until he comes up with the appropriate payment. This is actually a form of manipulation.
God's love
I've been praying for God to help me feel His love and I realized today that one way he shows it is through other people.
From a child
This was on my daily Bible verse calendar that is on my desk.
2 Timothy 3:15
And that from a child thou has known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
This made me think of all the Bible songs you sang when you were little. I am SO glad you were saved at a young age.
2 Timothy 3:15
And that from a child thou has known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
This made me think of all the Bible songs you sang when you were little. I am SO glad you were saved at a young age.
Birthday boy
Here is more of what I posted on Facebook before I shared your paper on Self-Definition.
October 18, 2017: Twenty years ago today, not only was this beautiful boy born but a new mom was "born" along with him. I can honestly say it is now and always will be my favorite role. I am eternally grateful to God for what He has given me.
I came across the following Self-Definition Assignment that Hayden had written for his Senior Capstone Class dated September 9, 2014. The assignment was to "Define yourself-we want to know where you've been, who you are, and where you want to go." Some things changed since he wrote this-for example he decided he wanted to stay around his family instead of moving to L.A., but I hope it gives you more of an idea of who he was. I hope he wouldn't mind me sharing this. I love and miss you every day Hayden Smith!
October 18, 2017: Twenty years ago today, not only was this beautiful boy born but a new mom was "born" along with him. I can honestly say it is now and always will be my favorite role. I am eternally grateful to God for what He has given me.
I came across the following Self-Definition Assignment that Hayden had written for his Senior Capstone Class dated September 9, 2014. The assignment was to "Define yourself-we want to know where you've been, who you are, and where you want to go." Some things changed since he wrote this-for example he decided he wanted to stay around his family instead of moving to L.A., but I hope it gives you more of an idea of who he was. I hope he wouldn't mind me sharing this. I love and miss you every day Hayden Smith!
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Self Definition
I came across this in your Capstone binder. I'm going to share it for your birthday post tomorrow.
Hayden Smith
Mr. Denzin
Senior Capstone
9 Sept. 2014
Hayden Smith
Mr. Denzin
Senior Capstone
9 Sept. 2014
Self-Definition
I tend to look into the future a lot. I have a lot of dreams. For many people dreams are the only things they have to hold on to. As for right now, I'm just living my life as it goes. I try not to worry about a lot of things but sometimes I can't help but do just that. I'm sure everyone can relate to that. I currently play water polo and have been since my sophomore year. When I started I would basically sit on the bench throughout entire JV games, I wasn't anything special. I was probably the slowest swimmer on the team and I didn't have a lot of knowledge about the game. After the season ended I joined the dive team and ended up getting my varsity letter, but I didn't stick with it. At that point I decided to shift my focus completely on water polo, and I'm grateful I did. I played during the spring and summer off-season and by the time I was a junior I started on varsity. I continued to improve throughout the season, then at the banquet I was chosen to be one of the captains. I played again in the off-season, this time during winter, spring, and summer, and here I am. Continuing to better myself and make an effort to improve every day, trying to make the best of my last year.
I have a lot of interests outside of water polo and my main goal for the future pertains to those interests. I'm really big into film; I love movies, I enjoy screenwriting, and I make my own short films as well. My dream in life is to make it in film. I want to fly to Los Angeles, leave my life here behind and start with a clean slate. My friend and I currently have two screenplays in the process and we're close to being done. In the springtime we plan on entering them into screenwriting competitions with hopes of getting recognized in the process. I've talked to people who are in film and associated with it and they've all told me the same thing; networking. The most important thing you can do it to get yourself noticed and to get jobs is getting to know people. My friend and I met with a guy who has been a cameraman for television shows and edits a lot of big productions. He gave us lots of tips, one of the biggest focuses being networking. Similar to the other weekend when the same friend and I went to a Thirty Seconds to Mars concert; we were in line, waiting to get our CD's signed by the band, when a member of the band's work crew came up to us and asked if we could meet him by a white tent to be interviewed. After we went through the line we met him at the tent where he took us backstage for the interview. The reason for this was because they are coming out with a concert documentary soon and this is what the band does; they interview fans about their lives and how it's affected by music, family, and more. One of the questions my friend was asked was what his dream was, which is about the same as mine. Afterwards the cameraman talked to him and said to make sure he gets to know people and again, networks himself and makes connections wherever he can. One of the biggest reasons I want to move to LA is for that; to make a name for myself. When I was younger I never had dreams of being anything big, anything special. I just wanted to be a normal guy with a 9-5 and pay the bills, but that isn't enough for me anymore. I want more in life than just a boring office job, sitting at a desk and filing papers all day. I would feel like I'm sitting there while my life is passing me by and I can't do anything about it because it's too late. So I'm not going to let it be too late. It's important to have high goals in life because you'll go to great lengths to achieve them, and if you love it enough you won't give up. You'll push yourself to be better in hopes of eventually reaching that goal, and if you never get there, at least you tried. If it ends up that I don't become a screenwriter or a director I won't be upset, I'll be happy that I lived a life loving what I do, and that is film. My dream is a big defining factor for me, and I will work hard to make that dream a reality.
(The last part of the assignment was that they had to tweet a 1-160 character version of their definition to the group)
TWEET: I'm Hayden Smith. I'm a captain of the water polo team. I love film and I aspire to make a name for myself one day. I have a lot of dreams.
Monday, October 16, 2017
You are great
2 Samuel 7:22
Therefore You are great, O Lord God. For there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
Therefore You are great, O Lord God. For there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
Acceptable
Verse of the day from Bible Gateway.
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer
Two hearts
Saw this on two different Facebook pages today.
If two hearts are meant to be together, no matter how long it takes, how far they go, how tough it seems, FATE will bring them together to share their love forever.
If two hearts are meant to be together, no matter how long it takes, how far they go, how tough it seems, FATE will bring them together to share their love forever.
Insecure
A guy once told me "a man is only insecure about a woman when he knows she deserves better." And that really hit me
Who she was
She didn't need to be saved. She needed to be found and appreciated for exactly who she was.
Friday, October 13, 2017
Thoughts of peace
Today's Bible Gateway Verse of the Day
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Shun Evil Counsel
Verse of the day from Bible Gateway from yesterday.
Proverbs 1:8-9
Shun Evil Counsel
My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother;
For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck.
Proverbs 1:8-9
Shun Evil Counsel
My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother;
For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck.
MyiLifestyle
These were all in a little video that Honorine posted. I like a lot of what she posts.
People change for two reasons, either their minds have been opened or their hearts have been broken.
Love is not what you say. Love is what you do.
Anyone can say they care. But watch their actions, not their words.
Sometimes you just have to die a little inside in order to be reborn and rise again as a stronger and wiser version of you.
A clear rejection is always better than a fake promise.
Just because I don't react doesn't mean I didn't notice.
I'm a big fan of people being exactly who they are.
Staying in a situation where you're unappreciated isn't called loyalty, it's called breaking your own heart.
Today I refuse to stress myself out about things I cannot control or change.
A best friend is someone who loves you when you have forgotten how to love yourself.
If it doesn't open, it's not your door.
We don't meet people by accident. They're meant to cross our paths for a reason.
I am full of mistakes and imperfections and therefore I am real.
Deep conversations with the right people are priceless.
If you have power to make someone happy, do it. The world needs more of that.
I care. I always care. That's my problem.
Karma: Think good thoughts, say nice things, be good to others. Everything comes back.
Sleep doesn't help if it's your soul that's tired.
A true relationship is when you can tell each other everything and anything. No secrets or lies.
People change for two reasons, either their minds have been opened or their hearts have been broken.
Love is not what you say. Love is what you do.
Anyone can say they care. But watch their actions, not their words.
Sometimes you just have to die a little inside in order to be reborn and rise again as a stronger and wiser version of you.
A clear rejection is always better than a fake promise.
Just because I don't react doesn't mean I didn't notice.
I'm a big fan of people being exactly who they are.
Staying in a situation where you're unappreciated isn't called loyalty, it's called breaking your own heart.
Today I refuse to stress myself out about things I cannot control or change.
A best friend is someone who loves you when you have forgotten how to love yourself.
If it doesn't open, it's not your door.
We don't meet people by accident. They're meant to cross our paths for a reason.
I am full of mistakes and imperfections and therefore I am real.
Deep conversations with the right people are priceless.
If you have power to make someone happy, do it. The world needs more of that.
I care. I always care. That's my problem.
Karma: Think good thoughts, say nice things, be good to others. Everything comes back.
Sleep doesn't help if it's your soul that's tired.
A true relationship is when you can tell each other everything and anything. No secrets or lies.
Populate your prayers
Another good one from Max Lucado's Daily Devotionals.
Populate Your Prayers With God's Promises
God told Isaiah, the Old Testament prophet, "Put me in remembrance; Let us contend together" (Isaiah 43:26). You should do the same. Take your problem to Christ and tell him, "You said you would help me. Would you?" Remind him of his promises. Populate your prayers with, "You said..."
"You said you would walk with me through the waters" (Isaiah 43:2)
"You said you would lead me through the valley" (Psalm 23:4)
"You said that you would never leave me or forsake me" (Hebrews 13:5)
These prayers of faith activate the angels of heaven. Your answering may not come overnight, but it will come. And you will overcome. Prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. And the path to peace is paved with prayer. Less consternation, more supplication. Fewer anxious thoughts, more prayer-filled thoughts. As you pray, the peace of God will guard your heart and mind. And, in the end, what could be better?
Definition of consternation: a sudden alarming amazement or dread that results in utter confusion; dismay
Populate Your Prayers With God's Promises
God told Isaiah, the Old Testament prophet, "Put me in remembrance; Let us contend together" (Isaiah 43:26). You should do the same. Take your problem to Christ and tell him, "You said you would help me. Would you?" Remind him of his promises. Populate your prayers with, "You said..."
"You said you would walk with me through the waters" (Isaiah 43:2)
"You said you would lead me through the valley" (Psalm 23:4)
"You said that you would never leave me or forsake me" (Hebrews 13:5)
These prayers of faith activate the angels of heaven. Your answering may not come overnight, but it will come. And you will overcome. Prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. And the path to peace is paved with prayer. Less consternation, more supplication. Fewer anxious thoughts, more prayer-filled thoughts. As you pray, the peace of God will guard your heart and mind. And, in the end, what could be better?
Definition of consternation: a sudden alarming amazement or dread that results in utter confusion; dismay
Thursday, October 12, 2017
A Bereaved Mother's Love
This accompanied a video that I wrote about-the post is titled "This Love." I had to listen to the video and stop and write down the words because I couldn't find a transcript. The author, Jessie Snap reposted this from her blog. So glad to have it all officially written out.
A Bereaved Mother's Love
by Jessie Snapp
There is a love so pure, so tender, so strong. A love that spans over a lifetime and pours in and out of other realms. It is higher than the stars that fill the moonlit skies. Wider than the earth itself. It is deeper than the most forbidding places of the ocean. A love that radiates brighter than the sun and pulls just as mercilessly as a black hole. A love that is insurmountable in all regards. It is a love that transcends time and is completely unrestrained. It is free.
There is a love so sacred, so cherished, and true. A love that is incomprehensible to the world around. A love that can exist where others think it wouldn't. A love so perfectly intertwined deep within your heart, your soul. A love that makes the rest of the world look cold and gray because its beauty and depth is unmatched. Yet at the same time, it sheds beauty upon the earth that was never before seen.
Nothing compares to this love.
This love - it does exist. It exists and we live to tell the tale of how it can exist even though unseen. With little tangible evidence remaining, it still survives. But what's more - it thrives. More and more each day this love flourishes and spreads like spring wildflowers in an untouched meadow. The rivers of this love never run dry and the gusts of its winds never cease.
The depth and intensity of such love is the kind you only hear about in fairy tales and happily ever afters - yet it exists in something far from that. This love dwells in uncertainty and shaky grounds. It lingers in silent tears and aching arms. It is the light in the most isolated place. It lives to tell the tale of what was and is no longer. This love rests in the irrecoverable pieces of our souls and the gaping wounds of our shattered hearts. It sways elegantly with joy in the darkest places of desolation and despair. For even in darkness it continues to grow and rejoice.
It is beauty and chaos released in the same breath.
This love - this unchanging, unwavering, unbreakable love - is that of a broken heart. This love belongs to the bereaved mother. For even in death, she loves endlessly. For even in darkness, her love is scintillating. Not even death could extinguish this love, for it is a love like no other. Unmatched and unparalleled - it is truly one of a kind.
The beautiful love of mother and child - put to the ultimate test and stretched far past the breaking point. Yet it remains untouched - only to grow stronger with each pull. The world stands idly by waiting for the bond to break. For the bereaved mother to let it go - to give up. Little do they know, they will wait for an eternity.
The love of a bereaved mother is a force to be reckoned with. A force so powerful that nothing can stand in its way. Time nor death can change it. Sorrow nor pain can break it.
This love - it is our love. It survives where they are not. It is the love that occupies the space in our hearts and in our lives where they once were. This love saves a sacred space for them. It exists only because they lived. It remains even though they left. It is neither theory or fiction - it is an incredible, powerful truth.
The love of a bereaved mother is an implausible, fierce, interminable love that defies all odds.
This love is what has taken root in every single cell of my body and pulses through my veins with purpose and meaning. This love has wiped my soul clean. It has changed my very being. This love lightens the burden of loss. For it is this love that makes the pain more bearable. Perhaps, even worthwhile.
Death does not define me - it is life and this love that defines me. It is this love that has changed the course of my life and separated me from the rest of the world. This love - it is my love. And for the life of me - I will never let it go. It is the one thing that binds my broken soul. This love - it is what keeps me going. It is the echo that ripples from all that I do. And all that I am.
No matter the distance, no matter the time - this love is prevailing. And it is mine.
Definition of scintillating: animated, vivacious, effervescent; witty, brilliantly clever
Definition of scintillating: animated, vivacious, effervescent; witty, brilliantly clever
A calm resolve
Bible Gateway's Verse of the Day yesterday.
A Calm Resolve to Wait for the Salvation of God
Psalm 62:1
Truly my soul silently waits for God;
From Him comes my salvation
A Calm Resolve to Wait for the Salvation of God
Psalm 62:1
Truly my soul silently waits for God;
From Him comes my salvation
Criticized anyway
Quote from Eleanor Roosevelt.
Do you what you feel in your heart to be right-for you'll be criticized anyway.
Do you what you feel in your heart to be right-for you'll be criticized anyway.
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
There are times
Came across this today by A.W. Tozer. I've seen it before but such a good reminder.
There are times when to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in our life, we must walk alone, which goes contrary to our natural inclination. Sometimes we must walk away from the crowd, even the Christian crowd.
There are times when to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in our life, we must walk alone, which goes contrary to our natural inclination. Sometimes we must walk away from the crowd, even the Christian crowd.
Remind God of his promises
Here's the whole thing again-they're just too good. From Max Lucado's Daily Devotionals.
Remind God of His Promises
I remember sitting in high school algebra class, staring at my textbook as if it were written in Mandarin Chinese. Fortunately, I had a patient teacher. He issued the invitation and stuck to it: "If you cannot solve a problem, come to me and I will help you." I wore a trail between his desk and mine. I would remind him, "Remember how you promised you would help?" I still had the problem, mind you, but I had entrusted the problem to the one who knew how to solve it.
The Old Testament prophet Isaiah said, "Put the Lord in remembrance of His promises, keep not silence" (Isaiah 62:6). God invites you-yes, commands you-to remind him of his promises. Find a promise that fits your problem, and build your prayer around it! These prayers of faith touch the heart of God and miracles are set in motion!
An intentional act
Paraphrasing from Max Lucado's Daily Devotional titled, "An Intentional Act".
Oh, I gave this challenge to God earlier today. He has already taken responsibility for the situation. I can be grateful, not fretful.
Oh, I gave this challenge to God earlier today. He has already taken responsibility for the situation. I can be grateful, not fretful.
What we need
Paraphrasing now from Max Lucado's Daily Devotionals. I think this one was from one titled, "A Prayer-Sized Challenge."
As God's children we honor him when we tell him exactly what we need.
As God's children we honor him when we tell him exactly what we need.
Monday, October 9, 2017
Everlasting strength
Isaiah 26:4
Trust in the Lord forever,
For in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength.
Trust in the Lord forever,
For in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength.
How cool
How cool is it that the same God who created mountains and oceans and galaxies looked at you and thought the world needed one of you too.
Friday, October 6, 2017
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Hayden's Spirit
There are no words to describe how I felt when this song came up on my Pandora this morning for the first time. My heart is full. Thank you.
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
It's Not Over Yet
Another one of those songs that I came across while looking for another one where the song itself is not too good, but the lyrics are amazing.
It's Not Over Yet
by For King & Country
They are inside your head
You got a voice that says
You won't get past this one
You won't win your freedom
It's like a constant war
And you want to settle that score
But you're bruised and beaten
And you feel defeated
This goes out to the heaviest heart
(Chorus):
Oh, to everyone who's hit their limit
It's not over yet
It's not over ye-et
And even when you think you're finished
It's not over yet
It's not over ye-et
Keep on fighting
Out of the dark
Into the light
It's not over
Hope is rising
Never give in
Never give up
It's not over
Yea-et-et, whoa
Yea-et-et, whoa
Oh, game set match
It's time to put it in your past, oh
Feel the winter leavin'
It's redemption season
Long live the young at heart (Here we are)
Cheers to a brand new start (Here we are)
We're revived and breathing
To live a life of freedom
(Chorus):
Oh, to everyone who's hit their limit
It's not over yet
It's not over ye-et
And even when you think you're finished
It's not over yet
It's not over ye-et
Keep on fighting
Out of the dark
Into the light
It's not over
Hope is rising
Never give in
Never give up
It's not over
Life is a race we run
So run til the race is won
Don't you ever give up (Here we are)
Oh no never give up (Here we are)
Life is a race we run
So run til the race is won
Don't you ever give up (Here we are)
We will never give up (Here we are)
(Chorus):
Oh, to everyone who's hit their limit
And even when you think you're finished
It's not over yet
Oh, to everyone who's hit their limit
It's not over yet
It's not over ye-et
And even when you think you're finished
It's not over yet
It's not over ye-et
Keep in fighting
Out of the dark
Into the light
It's not over
Hope is rising
Never give in
Never give up
It's not over
Yea-et-et, whoa
Yea-et-et, whoa
Yea-et-et, whoa
Yea-et-et, whoa
Priceless
Remembered this song when looking up the others.
Priceless
by For King and Country
Mirror, mirror
Mirror on the wall
Tellin' those lies
Pointing our your flaws
That isn't who you are
That isn't who you are
It might be hard to hear
But let me tell you, dear
If you could see what I can see
I know you would believe
That isn't who you are
There's more to who you are
So when it's late
You're wide awake
Too much to take
Don't you dare forget that in the pain
You can be brave
Hear me say
I see you dressed in white
Every wrong made right
I see a rose in bloom
At the sight of you
Oh, so priceless
Irreplaceable, unmistakable, incomparable
Darling, it's beautiful
I see it all in you
Oh, so priceless
No matter what you heard
This is what you're worth
More than all the money
Or the diamonds and pearls
Oh, this is who you are
Yeah, this is who you are
So when it's late
You're wide awake
Too much to take
Don't you dare forget
That in the pain
You can be brave
Hear me say
I see you dressed in white
Every wrong made right
I see a rose in bloom
At the sight of you
Oh, so priceless
Irreplaceable, unmistakable, incomparable
Darling, it's beautiful
I see it all in you
Oh, so priceless
Sisters, we can start again
Give honor 'til the end
Love, we can start again
Brothers, we can start again
Give honor 'til the end
Yeah, we can start again
I see you dressed in white
Every wrong made right
I see a rose in bloom
At the sight of you
Oh, so priceless
You're irreplaceable, unmistakable, incomparable
Darling, it's beautiful
I see it all in you
Oh, so priceless
I see you dressed in white
Every wrong made right
I see a rose in bloom
At the sight of you
I see you dressed in white
Every wrong made right
I see a rose in bloom
We can...at the sight of you...start again
I see you dressed in white
Every wrong made right
I see a rose in bloom
At the sight of you
I see you dressed in white
Every wrong made right
Oh, so priceless
See You In A Little While
When I looked up the previous SCC song, I saw the title for this one. Song itself not as good, but amazing lyrics.
See You In A Little While
by Steven Curtis Chapman
I hold your hand and watch as the sun slowly fades
Far in the distance the Father is calling your name
And it's time for you to go home
And everything in me wants to hold on
But I'm letting you go with this goodbye kiss and this promise
I'll see you in a little while
I'll see you in a little while
It won't be too long now
We'll see it on the other side
The wait was only the blink of an eye
So I'm not gonna say goodbye
'Cause I'll see you in a little while
And just one more thing before I let you go
Please tell my little (boy) I love (him)
Though I'm sure (he) already knows
And ask the Father to please tell the Son
That we're ready and waiting for Him to come
I'll see you in a little while
I'll see you in a little while
It won't be too long now
We'll see it on the other side
The wait was only the blink of an eye
So I'm not gonna say goodbye
'Cause I'll see you in a little while
Maybe you'll teach me all the songs they sing in heaven
Maybe you'll show me how you can fly
And I'll hear you laugh again
And we won't remember when
We were not together and this time it's forever
I'll see you in a little while
I'll see you in a little while
It won't be too long now
We'll see it on the other side
The wait was only the blink of an eye
So I'm not gonna say goodbye
'Cause I'll see you in a little while
I'm gonna see you in a little while
The Glorious Unfolding
This song came on the car radio on my way to Bible Study the other night and I tracked it down today. It's beautiful and amazing. I sent it to the Wonderstruck Ladies, to K and to Betty. I want to share it with the kids tonight.
The Glorious Unfolding
by Steven Curtis Chapman
Lay your head down tonight
Take a rest from the fight
Don't try to figure it out
Just listen to what I'm whispering to your heart
'Cause I know this is not
Anything like you thought
The story of your life was gonna be
And it feels like the end has just started closing in on you
But it's just not true
There's so much of the story that's still yet to unfold
And this is going to be a glorious unfolding
Just you wait and see and you will be amazed
You've just got to believe the story is far from over
So hold on to every promise God has made to us
And watch this glorious unfolding
God's plan from the start
For this world and your heart
Has been to show His glory and His grace
Forever revealing the depth and the beauty of
His unfailing Love
And the story has only begun
And this is going to be a glorious unfolding
Just you wait and see and you will be amazed
We've just got to believe the story is far from over
So hold on to every promise God has made to us
And watch this glorious unfolding
We were made to run through fields of forever
Singing songs to our Savior and King
So let us remember this life we're living
Is just the beginning of the beginning
Of this glorious unfolding
We will watch and we will be amazed
If we just keep on believing the story is so far from over
And hold on to every promise God has made to us
We'll see the glorious unfolding
Just watch and see (unfolding)
This is just the beginning of the beginning (unfolding)
Pearls before swine
Matthew 7:6
Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.
Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.
Fill your mind
From A.W. Tozer
Fill your mind with God's Word and you will have no room for Satan's lies.
Fill your mind with God's Word and you will have no room for Satan's lies.
That lyric
After "Safe & Sound" came on Sunday morning, I sent K the song. I told him before I sent it or even looked for it on YouTube that the line that gets me is "Even if we're six feet underground, I know that we'll be safe and sound."
When I looked up the video on YouTube, two of the lyric videos had the screen "frozen" on that part of the song. Amazing. Thank you. Love you!
When I looked up the video on YouTube, two of the lyric videos had the screen "frozen" on that part of the song. Amazing. Thank you. Love you!
The stars
A quote from Calvin & Hobbes (whom you have quoted)
If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I'll bet they'd live a lot differently.
If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I'll bet they'd live a lot differently.
God loves the sound of your voice
Daily Devotional from Max Lucado. (of course)
God Loves the Sound of Your Voice
God loves the sound of your voice-always! God never places you on hold or tells you to call again later. He doesn't hide when you call. He hears your prayers.
For that reason, "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Phil. 4:6). With this verse the apostle calls us to take action against anxiety. We tell God exactly what we want. We pray the particulars of our problems.
What Jesus said to the blind man, he says to us. "What do you want me to do for you?" (Luke 18:41). One would think the answer would be obvious. When a sightless man requests Jesus' help, isn't it apparent what he needs? Yet Jesus wanted to hear the man articulate his specific requests. He wants the same from us. "Let your requests be made known unto God."
God Loves the Sound of Your Voice
God loves the sound of your voice-always! God never places you on hold or tells you to call again later. He doesn't hide when you call. He hears your prayers.
For that reason, "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Phil. 4:6). With this verse the apostle calls us to take action against anxiety. We tell God exactly what we want. We pray the particulars of our problems.
What Jesus said to the blind man, he says to us. "What do you want me to do for you?" (Luke 18:41). One would think the answer would be obvious. When a sightless man requests Jesus' help, isn't it apparent what he needs? Yet Jesus wanted to hear the man articulate his specific requests. He wants the same from us. "Let your requests be made known unto God."
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Not His fault
The other night on the way to Wal-Mart, I had a revelation. I think I've been unknowingly blaming God for Bill's behavior and wondering why I'm being punished for being unhappy with his behavior. I realized that Bill's behavior is not God's fault. Bill has the freedom to make choices, and he's making bad ones.
I realized that I have been holding this against God, like this is how marriage is and I have to put up with it. It's not. What Bill is doing is wrong. And God doesn't like it.
I wrote about this in my notebook at home, but I've been thinking about it because it's whacked.
Bill said that Pastor told him that he was free to remarry if we got a divorce because of my "infidelity." My "double infidelity." When NOTHING happened. But then, because in the case of the Worrells', because Katrina DIDN'T cheat on Steve, he is NOT allowed to remarry.
So, let me get this straight. If Katrina had committed a "sin" with another man, and she was unrepentant about it, Steve would have been free to remarry after the divorce. The reason for this is because unrepentant infidelity is a Biblical reason for divorce. So, IF SHE SINNED in that way, that would have been a benefit to Steve in that he could remarry. Because she DID NOT SIN in that way, Steve is being punished and is not allowed to remarry. That makes NO sense to me. NONE. I may continue this...
I realized that I have been holding this against God, like this is how marriage is and I have to put up with it. It's not. What Bill is doing is wrong. And God doesn't like it.
I wrote about this in my notebook at home, but I've been thinking about it because it's whacked.
Bill said that Pastor told him that he was free to remarry if we got a divorce because of my "infidelity." My "double infidelity." When NOTHING happened. But then, because in the case of the Worrells', because Katrina DIDN'T cheat on Steve, he is NOT allowed to remarry.
So, let me get this straight. If Katrina had committed a "sin" with another man, and she was unrepentant about it, Steve would have been free to remarry after the divorce. The reason for this is because unrepentant infidelity is a Biblical reason for divorce. So, IF SHE SINNED in that way, that would have been a benefit to Steve in that he could remarry. Because she DID NOT SIN in that way, Steve is being punished and is not allowed to remarry. That makes NO sense to me. NONE. I may continue this...
Ask for help
I pretty much write down every one of Max Lucado's daily devotionals.
Ask For Help
In his fine book, The Dance of Hope, Bill Frey remembers the day he tried to pull a stump out of the Georgia dirt. One of his chores as a 12 year old was to search for stumps of pine trees that had been cut down and chop them into kindling. But there was one root system he just couldn't pull out of the ground. He was still struggling when his father came over to watch.
(Side note: Watch how it turns to a capital "F" for father)
"I think I see your problem," his dad said.
"What's that?" Bill asked.
"You're not using all your strength." Bill exploded and told him how hard he'd been working.
"No," his Father said, "You're not using all your strength."
When Bill cooled down, he asked his Father what he meant.
He said, "You haven't asked me to help you."
You don't have to do it alone! Present the challenge to your Father-ask for help! Will he solve the issue? Yes, he will.
Ask For Help
In his fine book, The Dance of Hope, Bill Frey remembers the day he tried to pull a stump out of the Georgia dirt. One of his chores as a 12 year old was to search for stumps of pine trees that had been cut down and chop them into kindling. But there was one root system he just couldn't pull out of the ground. He was still struggling when his father came over to watch.
(Side note: Watch how it turns to a capital "F" for father)
"I think I see your problem," his dad said.
"What's that?" Bill asked.
"You're not using all your strength." Bill exploded and told him how hard he'd been working.
"No," his Father said, "You're not using all your strength."
When Bill cooled down, he asked his Father what he meant.
He said, "You haven't asked me to help you."
You don't have to do it alone! Present the challenge to your Father-ask for help! Will he solve the issue? Yes, he will.
More encouragement
K sent these the other day.
Actually I just woke up one day and decided I didn't want to feel like that anymore, or ever again. So I changed. Just like that.
One of the most courageous decisions you'll ever make is to finally let go of what is hurting your heart and soul. -Brigette Nicole
Actually I just woke up one day and decided I didn't want to feel like that anymore, or ever again. So I changed. Just like that.
One of the most courageous decisions you'll ever make is to finally let go of what is hurting your heart and soul. -Brigette Nicole
Monday, October 2, 2017
Someday
Someday all the love you've given away, will find its way back to you and it will finally stay.
Look up
From Max Lucado's Daily Devotional
Look Up in Faith
We can calmly take our concerns to God because he is as near as our next breath! This was the reassuring message from the miracle of the bread and fish. In an event crafted to speak to the anxious heart, Jesus told his disciples to do the impossible: feed five thousand people. Now, you aren't facing five thousand hungry bellies, but you might be facing a deadline in two days or a loved one in need of a cure.
On one hand you have a problem. On the other you have a limited quantity of wisdom, patience, or time. Typically you'd get anxious. You'd tell God, "You've given me too much to handle." This time instead of focusing on what you don't have, start with Jesus. Start with his wealth, his resources, and his strength. Before you lash out in fear, look up in faith. Turn to your Father for help.
Look Up in Faith
We can calmly take our concerns to God because he is as near as our next breath! This was the reassuring message from the miracle of the bread and fish. In an event crafted to speak to the anxious heart, Jesus told his disciples to do the impossible: feed five thousand people. Now, you aren't facing five thousand hungry bellies, but you might be facing a deadline in two days or a loved one in need of a cure.
On one hand you have a problem. On the other you have a limited quantity of wisdom, patience, or time. Typically you'd get anxious. You'd tell God, "You've given me too much to handle." This time instead of focusing on what you don't have, start with Jesus. Start with his wealth, his resources, and his strength. Before you lash out in fear, look up in faith. Turn to your Father for help.
Encouragement
K sent these two between yesterday and today.
I believe certain people cross your life as guardian angels and some connections can't be explained off words alone. It's a soul thing, a feel.
If you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, don't sacrifice your class to get even. Always take the high road.
I believe certain people cross your life as guardian angels and some connections can't be explained off words alone. It's a soul thing, a feel.
If you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, don't sacrifice your class to get even. Always take the high road.
Persecuted
Yesterday's Bible Gateway Verse of the Day.
Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Side note: Can this even happen from your own church?
Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Side note: Can this even happen from your own church?
Fear of man
This was today's Bible Verse of the Day from Bible Gateway. I was just thinking about the song, "Safe & Sound", so the word "safe" stood out to me.
Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man brings a snare,
But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.
Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man brings a snare,
But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.