On Being Strong and Courageous

Some may think this is weird, but I write my prayers out. It helps keep me focused because my mind has a tendency to wander, especially after the concussion. I haven’t blogged in a while and have been wanting to write something about Leisha, but not sure what to write. If you read my posts on Facebook, you already know what she’s going through.  So I thought I’d share part of my prayer time from this morning about Leisha in hopes that it might strengthen someone else’s faith, or even encourage someone to just simply BE STILL and spend some time with God.  He created you! I’m sure He’d love to hear from you…and it’s amazing how it develops into a two-way conversation!! 

11-9-13 

 

Thank You, Lord for that promise – for the hope and comfort in Your Word. On my own I am weak – I am worried – I am afraid. But afraid of what?

Not getting to see Leisha again?  I will see her again, if not here, for all eternity!

Not being there with her?  What can I offer her that You can’t supply? You will comfort her. You will provide for her every need. You will love her. You will never ever leave her!

 When I’m with her, I watch her and wonder what she’s thinking or what she’s feeling. You know her every thought. You know her feelings – both physical and emotional. And You care about every detail. You are the God of all comfort! You will comfort her! You are comforting her – and You are with her and will never leave or forsake her.

It’s not a bad thing that I’m far away. It gives me a better perspective – and makes me trust You to care for my sister. {and props to momma too!}  You created her. You designed her. You were gracious enough to let me be her sister. You love her way more than I do {and that’s a lot!}. I am thankful that she belongs to You.

It’s a hard thing to be far away, but it’s not a bad thing. If I were there, I would be doing everything in my power to make her comfortable and occupied – because I love her, but also because the busyness of “doing” for her keeps me occupied.  I just noticed I said “doing everything in my power”.  I know I can’t do anything in my power.  Especially 1,000 miles away. But being so far away, I can pray. I can trust You. I know how I am – and You do too…. if I were in Memphis I know I wouldn’t spend as much time with You,  trusting You to take care of her in Your power!

You are El Elyon, The Most High and Sovereign God!

You are El Shaddai, The All-Sufficient One!

You are El Roi, The God Who sees!

You are El Olam, The Everlasting God!

You are Jehovah Jireh, The Lord will provide!

You are Jehovah Rapha, The Lord Who heals!

You are Jehovah Shalom, The Lord is peace!

You are Jehovah Shammah, The Lord is there!  

and I know You are there with her! Just as You are here with me.

I am so thankful You are with her and will never leave her. We can visit her but eventually have to leave, hoping that we get to see her again here. But You are with her, will never leave her – and in Your perfect time, she will be in Your actual Presence – beholding Your Face! Not seeing a poor reflection like we see now, but seeing You Face to face!  Wow! That’s true for me too, for each one of Your kids.

It’s so comforting to know and imagine You with her – tending to her needs – and finally, someday saying “Okay, let’s go to My house – to the home I’ve been preparing just for you.”  And she will fully know You! 

Thank You for Your words of comfort – and joy – in Zephaniah 3:17  “The Lord God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing.”  Amen!  and thank You!!



It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas!

The song "It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas" has been running through my head endlessly. Wonder why? It's on the radio and store speakers all the time! (It may be politically correct to say Happy Holidays but they can't take Christ-mas out of all the songs!!)  It's a very nice song but today the thought came to mind... what does Christmas look like? Lights and elves and presents and the smells of evergreens and gingerbread? If so, yep. It looks like Christmas! But Christmas means way more than that to me.

Out of curiosity I googled the meaning of the word "Christmas" for insight in what it 'looks' like. They don't know. =) The word broken down is Christ (I'm smart, huh?) and mas, or mass. There were alot of takes on that....some of them so deep and bizarre I moved on quickly. Basically, mass is a celebration; the word meaning "Ite, Missa Est" or "Go, it is dismissed" (hmmm, telestai?). In the current English translation the words are "The Mass is ended, go in peace". Now we're getting somewhere! I'm pretty simple-minded so what that says to me is the Christmas is Go celebrate Christ!  "Jesus is the Reason for the Season"...so what should that look like?  It should be all about HIM.

Of course Doug and I give gifts to those we love...but we can only love because He IS Love and loved us first.  And we know that He is the best Gift ever!

We've decorated our house with lights...because HE is the Light of the World!

I've done some baking and filled our home with wonderful smells of cakes and breads to share... knowing that He is the Bread of Life. Bread and Life that I need to be sharing with all those that He brings across my path.

I sit here looking at a beautiful Christmas tree in our living room....and am reminded of the tree that He willingly died on for me. and for you.

And my response to that? 

First, accepting His gift of salvation and knowing I am forgiven. That's why He came.  That's why He died....and rose again and still lives! If you don't know about His salvation or have questions about it, ask me! I'll be glad to share!

After that, my response is...to make time to nurture an intimate relationship with Him so I can be more like Him. You can't imitate someone you don't know.
   - to talk to Him
   - to study His Word
   - to be humble
   - to be an instrument of His peace
   - to see people through His eyes
   - to love them without condemnation or judgement. It's His job to convict, not mine!
   - to be light like He is Light
   - to speak Truth..in love
   - to pursue peace

Celebrate Him this Christmas!  Respond to Him! And don't forget the 'mas' part...go.  Go and make disciples. Go teach them what He's taught you. Go in peace knowing He is with you. That's what the name Jesus means...Emmanuel, God with us.

So with my mind and heart set on the right track, on things above...will you join me in singing...

I'M beginning to look alot like Christmas!!!