Wired

So I didn't win the scholarship to "She Speaks" {tiny sigh}

It's all good though because I know that My big and wonderful Heavenly Father is in control of all things

Things big and small , things heavy and light .......

Whether I go this year or the next or even at all rests with Him.

I have a desire to go, to begin to learn how to tell this amazing story of His faithfulness, power, and grace as it has played out in my life over the last seven years. To tell it in such a way to point people to Him.  As I have prayed I've realized that it is more than just this one story.

There is a popular story told to illustrate spiritual gifts.

A group of people are assembled in the fellowship hall of a local church preparing for a celebration. A woman comes in carrying a large cake. As she enters the room she stumbles and falls, the cake tumbles down with her.

Immediately a man rushes to her side "are you ok? Here, let me help you up"

Another pipes up and begins organizing and directing others. "Mary, get the first aid kit." "Bob, could you go and get a mop?" "Nancy, please see if we can get another cake."

A woman cannot help herself but to say "Oh my if you had been looking where you were going this wouldn't have happened"

A fourth man begins to regale the woman with a tale of a time when he found himself in a similar embarrassing situation

The first time I heard this story I realized "that's me!"

The woman who stumbled and fell    ha ha ............ No


It struck me that I would be the one with the overwhelming urge to comfort and encourage the one who was on her face. Possibly in pain, most likely embarrassed.


The first guy probably has the gift of service or helps .... first on the scene to get to work


The second guy obviously a leader begins to delegate

Third gal, most likely a prophet, regardless of feelings is compelled to point out the truth of the situation.

Then there is the fourth guy, or me! The one who wants to comfort and encourage.

Scripture tells me it is how God has wired me ...

Romans 12:6
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."

Recently a leadership role in a ladies bible study was offered to me and I accepted. I have received some very valuable training and encouragement from a host of godly women. I am blessed to be part of such a wonderful ministry. I know that it is part of God's sovereign hand in my life, leading, guiding, preparing me for future ministry.

So, for now I will continue on the path He has set before me, and I will try my best to encourage whomever He brings my way.

Boats, Helicopters and Faith

A man trapped in his home as flood waters rise.

A rescue boat comes by as he is climbing onto the roof of his house.

"don't waste your time on me" he says "the Lord will save me"

He spends time in prayer asking the Lord to save him.

After awhile another boat comes, by now all that is above the water is his roof.

"Oh no,  save someone else" "my faith is strong" "the Lord will save me"

More time in prayer ....

soon he is treading water

a helicopter hovering above him drops a life preserver

"no, no, my faith will not waver " "the Lord will save me"

sadly, the man drowns ....

when he gets to heaven he falls before the Lord

"Oh Lord, I had such faith! Why did you not save me from the flood waters??"

The Lord looks at him with eyes full of love, smiles and says

My child, I sent two boats and a helicopter ......




This is one of my all time favorite jokes. I love it because it is clean and it is also such a good illustration at how often we do not see how our heavenly Father is caring for us. We have our own ideas of what his help will be, how it will look, and when it will come.

A week ago my son, who has been incarcerated at a local regional jail for the last fifteen months was transferred. With less than two months left to serve he has been sent to a processing facility to determine which penitentiary he should go to. Most likely he will remain there for the duration of his sentence since the process usually takes longer than the total time he has left.

Once again I find myself assaulted by worries. The enemy whispers lies.

Today as I was walking and praying I asked God why he has allowed the enemy to attack me once again. I thought I had won this battle months ago yet here I am  again being tossed about by worry and fear.

This joke came to mind and when I returned home from my walk I spent time in His word.

Two boats and a helicopter ......

I found a boat today in Proverbs

I need to keep my eyes open for the next one .....

My First Multitude Monday list

1. My salvation in Christ Jesus

2. the ease at which I can move about, health and wellness

3. a helpmate who loves me, cares for me and makes me laugh

4. children whom I love dearly

5. comfort ... I have all I need and so much more

6. the word of God and the freedom to pursue it openly

7. a beautiful day full of sun ... it's been a bitter winter

8. quiet time to seek Him and reflect on what He has done

9. friends who have come alongside when i needed them most

10. a new community of brothers and sisters in Christ

Trusting

My dear friend Heather was listening to K-LOVE radio and described a challenge they were talking about.

The challenge was to come up with one word that you would want to describe your life for this coming year.

Her word is faithful.

you can read about it here

At the end of her post she asks "what is your word?"

That one was an easy one for me

Trusting

As I look ahead I see so much to come
My children are spreading their wings

one will go off to college in the fall

the youngest will have a drivers license

My daughter will be graduating from college, applying to medical school and possibly joining the military

Our prodigal son will be returning home from jail to begin the process of learning to live sober, drug free

As I look behind me I remember the great pain that came with last year ....

Oh these children of mine

they walk around each day carrying with them pieces of my heart

Do they know?

Do they see how tender, how fragile my mother heart is?

How it aches with each disappointment they face
each time they stumble and fall
I am there
falling, hurting
right along with them

As I write these words I think of  Jesus
"he wept"
tears of grief
of anger, indignation
at the consequence, the destruction that  sin brings
for those He loves
Mary, Martha, Lazarus ....

you
me

I carry Him with me every day
for each triumph
He smiles with me
for each heartache
He weeps with me

He holds my mother heart in His hands

and there I trust ....