God of Hope – God my Protector

Our God is a God of Hope. There are countless attributes of God that reflect the countless ways we can place our hope in Him, and trust that He will meet our needs.  He is our Creator, He is Love, He is Faithful, He is Merciful, and He is our Redeemer, to name just a few. Last week I called upon the attribute of God my Protector. As I opened my front door last Thursday I came face to face with smoke and flames pouring down the hill across from my home. As the fire surrounded my neighborhood, the extremely brave firemen came to battle the blaze. My thoughts turned to God. I prayed that He would protect the firemen and everyone in the neighborhood and all of our homes. I prayed that God would “still the winds and increase the humidity”.  I prayed that He would “send His angel armies to fight the battle alongside the firemen and also to keep them safe from harm”. I prayed that God would “multiply the efforts and success of the firefighters a thousand-fold”. And that He would “put a hedge of protection around the homes”. I know there were many others who prayed, and the Lord listened. After two days of fire, we awoke to cool weather, and sprinkles of rain. We went from 95 degrees to high 60’s within three days, and the wind quickly died down. As you look around the community you see that the fire came down to the gates of hundreds of backyards. Not one home was lost, not one life was taken. I can clearly see the hedge of protection that was placed around us. God strengthened and equipped the firefighters; He blessed and protected everyone and all the homes.

I prayed with such boldness and specifics because as I have read the Bible I see there are many times God’s people prayed this way and He moved mightily on their behalf. I prayed this way because He is The God of Hope, and my hope is in Him.

Psalm 104   Let all that I am praise the Lord.  O Lord my God, how great you are! You are robed with honor and majesty. ² You are dressed in a robe of light. You stretch out the starry curtain of the heavens; ³ you lay out the rafters of your home in the rain clouds. You make the clouds your chariot; you ride upon the wings of the wind. ⁴ The winds are your messengers; flames of fire are your servants.

Buddy Blessings

My son and I spent the day at church loving on children with special needs. It was our first time helping with this ministry. One Saturday a month our church hosts an event called Buddy Break. It is a program that started at a church in Florida and is spreading throughout the U.S. Parents of children with special needs (called VIP’s) from all over the community can drop their children and siblings off to be cared for and entertained. These parents are usually  “on” 24x7, without a break. This is a chance for parents to take their break, to get errands done, or just have quiet “me” time. Each volunteer (buddy) is paired with a child for the day. The children have their choice of crafts, bounce house, ball pit, drawing, games, etc. There was a wide range of needs, some more severe than others. Some of the children never stopped running, while others played quietly.  My son was partnered with a sweet 14 year old boy. My VIP never showed up, so I was a floater, helping out wherever needed. All of the children are so precious and truly special. I came away from the day with a much greater appreciation for the hard work and constant dedication of these parents. These families are no different than any other, in that they love their children with all their hearts and they want the very best for them. There is a difference though, in that their journey is much more difficult. I feel so blessed to have two very healthy and strong sons and have my own health too. But I cannot get comfortable in my own blessings. It is so important that we share our blessings with others and show these children and their parents the love of Jesus.  I believe that many blessings were poured out on everyone involved- the parents, the children and the helpers.

 Luke 18:16,  But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

 Acts 20:35, Remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Happy Reunions, Sad Goodbyes

What a wide range of emotions I’ve had over the last few days! It began at the airport as our son came home after a long, four month separation. He had been away for his first semester at college, far across the country. Thank goodness for texting, emails, Facebook and phone calls! Well, our firstborn son, my baby, was coming home and I was so excited! There was a bit of traffic on the way to the airport so we didn’t get there as early as I had hoped. But, God’s timing was perfect. Just as we (my husband, our younger son and me) were entering the baggage area my husband looked up and saw our son entering the area as well. The anticipation had been building for weeks. I caught him in my sight and ran across the room, yelling his name and crying (just like the movies). I was so happy to have him home. I hugged him a lot! What a blessing to spend Christmas with him and have my whole family together under one roof. So that is my happy reunion.

 My sad goodbye, started last night and on into this morning. Over the last four months (yes the same four months my older son was away) we have had the blessed privilege of hosting two international students from China. These wonderful boys lived with us and became a part of our family. They came to America to attend high school where my sons attend. They eat, sleep, study, relax, and have fun with us. They also receive comfort, guidance and discipline (when needed) from us, just like our very own children. It is not always easy, but it always ends up being a blessing! Both boys just went home for Christmas break. It turns out that we will not be hosting them next semester.  One of them will be staying with his family and not returning for second semester and we don’t know when we will see him again. The other will be moving on as well, but he will be able to visit us (hopefully a lot). How quickly our hearts become touched and involved with those who come into our lives. As I dropped one Chinese son off this morning for his flight back home my heart broke and tears flowed. As we hugged we both actually had tears. We said “I love you”, and I told him that we are his American family forever, and I meant it.

 2 Timothy 1:3-4, I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. ⁴ Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.

 

Good Gifts to Share

 

God has blessed each and everyone of us with special talents and gifts with which we can serve Him. Some of us can sing, or dance, decorate, cook, work with our hands, teach, are good listeners, are good with organization, or good with numbers. There are countless unique and individual ways that God equips us. Each one of us has something special in/about us that God wants to use to bless others and bring glory to Himself, as He is the giver of all our good gifts. So take time this week to ask God to reveal to you any talent or gift He has given and wants you to start sharing with others. It could be as simple as calling a friend who God places on your heart, because God knows you are a good listener.

 Exodus 31:3, “and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge of all kinds of crafts.”

1 Corinthians 12:4-6, There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same LORD. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.”

 

Bittersweet

Last week my oldest son graduated from High School. It was an exciting time; filled with many award ceremonies, banquets, luncheons, parties with family and friends and most significant of all, the graduation ceremony itself. The busyness of so many events kept me focused on the joy of the time, in celebrating the accomplishment and completion of a wonderful phase of my son’s life (and mine as well). The busyness is fading and now the reality that my son will be moving across the country is settling in. I just finished putting a photo album of his high school years together as a gift for him. I am so happy for him and proud of him. He has grown so much over the past few years.  I know that he is prepared for this adventure; I hope I am too. As I look over the pictures my heart is torn between joy and melancholy. As much as I long to keep him close to me, I also long for him to continue growing and following the path that God has prepared for him. Growth and change are healthy parts of life; they are a part of the process needed to develop us into the people God desires. We are strengthened and equipped for change as we lean fully on God. God has brought us to this place in life and He is faithful to lead us onward.  I know God will meet my son’s needs and also meet mine.

3 John 1:4, There is no greater joy than to know that my children walk in the Lord.

Lollipops

As I woke up the other morning I realized I was feeling a bit grouchy, before the day even began. I knew I had to stop it in it tracks or the whole day could go in the wrong direction as I influenced the atmosphere of others around me. Usually I focus on a scripture or Christian song and replay it over and over in my mind, changing my train of thought. Well, on this particular day a different kind of song popped into my head. It was a sixties song that goes, “Sunshine and lollipops and rainbows… and everything that’s wonderful”; Well that put a little sunshine into my outlook. Not long after this little ditty began going around in my mind I got in my car ready to head out into the world. You’ll never guess what song was playing as I turned my car on; “Sunshine and lollipops and rainbows…and everything that’s wonderful”. I had to smile and giggle. God is so in the details of my life (and yours too). Some people write it off as coincidence, I know it is the intervention and blessing of God.  He loves to see us smile; it glorifies Him.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Overflow of Peace

Jesus came to bring us peace in our daily lives as we fully trust and rely on Him and His love for us- a love that would die for us.

Life is filled with uncertainty, and change is inevitable for all of us. Change of job, a marriage, a divorce, an illness, relationships, death, birth, moving… Ecclesiastes tells us that there is a time and season for everything, nothing stays the same. And from our worldly view change often brings the opposite of peace. It brings uncertainty, chaos, letting go of the old, stepping out into the new. Change can be very hard. Our first response is to control everything; the process, the outcome. If we can just keep control everything will turn out ok; at least we think. Once things start to go differently than we have planned we are sent into panic.

The only way to maintain peace is by keeping our eyes on Jesus.

 James 1:17 assures us that God “does not change like the shifting shadows.”

Hebrew 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

John 14:27, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

As the world tells us we can have peace by keeping all the control ourselves, by controlling our surroundings, Jesus tells us that peace comes as we surrender all control to Him, despite the change in our circumstances. Surrendering control to Jesus is the proof of our faith. Trusting that His plan is best, that He is all-powerful and mighty to save. He promises that His plan is to give us a hope and a future.

     Prayer and constantly going to Scripture for reminders of God’s attributes is crucial to keeping peace in my heart, mind and life. As I am reminded that my God is All-powerful and mighty- He holds the stars in their place, He created the heavens and the earth, He created me. I stand before Him in fear and trembling, not because I am afraid but because I am in complete awe of Him. I also stand before Him as my loving Father who desires the best for me, He guides and protects me, and my life is laid out before Him.

     As I look back over my life it is very evident that God has been with me every step of the way. As promised, He has never ever left me or forsaken me.  Scripture tells me that He knit me together in my mother’s womb. Stitch by stitch He lovingly created me. He has blessed me with gifts and talents, He has guarded and protected my life, He nudges me back to Him whenever I lose focus. I have seen Him actively working throughout my life. And also in the lives of my family through the years.  

I have a big change heading my way soon, and on my own I do not handle change well.

 My oldest son is getting ready to head off to college next fall. My home will change, my role will change.  I must trust God with this change; this new path I am on.

I must also trust Him with the path set out for my son. I must remember that God created my son as well; He knit him together with a perfect plan and purpose. God alone knows exactly where my son is supposed to attend college. Scripture says that I am to “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  This means I am supposed to train my boys up to follow the Lord, even if they stray at some point in their lives, God is faithful and He will call them back to Himself. I am also to be guiding my children in the path the best fulfills God’s plan and make up of how He has made them. He has gifted each of my boys wonderfully and uniquely, they are not to be cookie cutters of me or my husband. I am to guide them to fulfill God’s desire above my own.  He knows which school will best suit His purpose for his life, which path He has created him for. I have complete peace with where my son will end up and fortunately my son does too. We are trusting and praying that God will reveal and make His college choice very clear to us. Not my will be done, but Yours Father. Just as God has gotten my son to this place in life, He will continue to be with my son through this new adventure. I have a peace that passes understanding about where my son will go, because I know our Father will guard and protect him and use everything for my son’s ultimate good and God’s glory.

      The part I will need to most work on for peace is the change in my own life; change in dynamics, the empty bedroom. I know though, that God will fill the space in my heart while my son is away. I will cling to the Lord and come to Him often in prayer; I will praise God for His faithfulness; and I will eagerly await those holiday vacations when my son comes home to visit.

2 Thessalonians 3:16, ¹⁶ Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

Philippians 4:6-7,  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 26:3, You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.