Saturday, December 18, 2010

Just finished telling someone to embrace their BIG "BUT"


Now you would have to have been at The Mom Squad Christmas Celebration in order to understand what I am speaking of, but Donna VanLiere's message truly touched me. If you weren't there, hope to see you next time. You truly missed a powerful time in Christ. If you were there, then you know what I am referring to. Even as Danita Harris of Channel 5 News put it as our very first guest speaker years ago, our situation may look grim, "Oh BUT God...." He is the author and the finisher. So let's keep encouraging each other and remembering that we may be out of a job, BUT.....he cheated on me, BUT....I feel lonely, BUT. The BIG BUT covers it all because God covers it all. Thank you Lord for reminding us to keep our eyes upon Jesus and not on our circumstances. Sometimes when I ask one of my children for help they respond, in a little hip hop fashion, "I gotchu Mommy." They are so happy whenever they are able to help me or give me the confidence to know they have my back so to speak. Well, we can truly depend upon God all the time. We can trust Him, no matter what. Thank you Donna for blessing us with your godly wisdom.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Waking with a Heavy Heart This Morning


You know, we have so much to be thankful for. But in the midst of it all, many of us are suffering and it almost seems like holiday times make the suffering that much worse. So many people I know are without employment, are struggling to keep the basics going like utilities, gas in the car and food on the table and yet, wanting to feel the joy of the holiday and participate in gift giving, etc. Some of us have elderly parents with declining health, some of us have lost loved ones that will especially be missed this time of year. Some of us have children that are away defending our country or are just living in other states but due to financial challenges or weather conditions are unable to be with us this year. Life seems hard sometimes and the Bible speaks of long suffering. I hold onto the promises of God. That is truly what keeps me going through all of the times that I just don't understand. Since God promises that He WILL see us through EVERYTHING, I am confident I WILL make it through but its tough holding on sometimes. There are days when I wish...I wish...I wish this could be different, or that. I wish certain things had never happened to me. HA! In fact, there is one specific scenario that I still, believe it or not, wish it was alllll just a dream - NO - I mean a nightmare and that one day I will wake up. Silly I know but when I think about it, it brings such sorrow and so many questions. Today is one of those days. My dear friend in Idaho has been going through so much for the past couple of years. She just e-mailed me that her Mom's health is rapidly declining on top of many other devastating circumstances. I am deeply saddened. I wish I could help her...and yet, I can by praying for her and everyone. I guess in the stream of life, praying seems the least we can do but it is also, in light of whatever else we do, the MOST we can do for someone and for ourselves. Please help us all Lord. You know our needs, as well as, the desires of our hearts. Your Word tells us that we have not because we ask not. Hear our prayers oh Lord, I AM asking not only for myself but as an intercessor for others. We need you desperately and in no way do we wish to appear ungrateful. You know our hearts. We are your children. Help us... everyone of us that are lonely, experiencing health problems and financial stress - PLEASE HEAVENLY FATHER, bring comfort and healing and employment. Bring us comfort and joy while You bring us through times of devastation Holy Spirit. And please know we love and adore You and thank You for all You provide, especially for providing a Savior for this world. We ask all things in the Precious Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen and Amen.