Tag Archives: God

Sail Away, Sail Away, Sail Away…

  By Rachel | April 19, 2012 - 1:33 am | Thoughts for the Day
2 Comments

Sailboat at Salt Water Park
Are you tempted to escape when life gets tough?  Do you have things or habits built in to reward yourself at the end of the day?

Instead of facing your troubles, do you try to avoid them, avoid the pain of your situation?

I know I do, and I have.  But at BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) this year I have heard two things that have stuck with me daily-

1. Stop Escaping.

2. Walk Worthy.

We all have different ways we escape.  Food, TV, movies, alcohol, video games, shopping…and please note- none of these things are necessarily sinful in and of themselves- it is the intention of our heart.

Are we going to these things to escape the reality of our life- to avoid dealing with problems-to reward ourselves for all that we have dealt with that day?

That’s what I am tempted to do, especially with food.  I see food so many times as the one thing I can do for myself, my reward, it is the way I relax and something I enjoy. Eating is very comforting to me.

However, I also deal with guilt afterwards, regret for consuming so many calories, and conviction that what I have just been doing certainly seems to fit the definition for gluttony.

And I have been able to hide my habit of eating for comfort because I also love to exercise, and sometimes I do that in excess as well.

Becoming obsessed with our physical appearance is dishonoring to God and a distraction- and unfortunately there have been seasons of my life when I have fallen into that sin.

Truthfully, I have a perfectionistic and obsessive personality- and that can be a good and bad thing.  I work very hard, I demand a lot of myself- I have very high expectations- but I also tend to take things to the extreme.

Sometimes, I swing to avoidance, if I don’t think I can successfully master something or just don’t want to commit to it, I instead do nothing- or the opposite.  One of my friends described me as an all or nothing type of person (I definitely agree).

God has been showing me that some of the habits that I have formed, and even aspects of my personality, needed to be surrendered to Him.  I need to stop trying to control everything, and give Him control.  I need to recognize His sovereignty and rest in His Strength.

I get worn out and need to escape b/c many times I am trying to do it all alone- I don’t seek Him- and find myself worn and weary, beaten down by circumstances and trials.

Matthew 11:28-30

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Psalm 61:2-4

2 From the ends of the earth I call to you,
   I call as my heart grows faint;
   lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For you have been my refuge,
   a strong tower against the foe.  4 I long to dwell in your tent forever
   and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

God is the rock that is higher than I- I need Him- I need to pray, to study His Word, to fellowship with Him- that’s how I will find the strength to successfully face what this life throws at me.

Here are excerpts from two of my favorite songs on this topic:

Blessed be the Name of the Lord written by:Clinton Utterbach

The name of the Lord is, a strong tower.  The righteous run into it and they are safe (Proverbs 18:10).

Your Love oh Lord by: Third Day

I will lift my voice to tell you you’re my King.  I will find my strength in the shadow of your wings.

James 1:1-12 is one of my favorite passages about trials and perseverance.  It is concise and to the point- frank and poignant.

James 1:2-4

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Consider it pure joy- when you face trials.  I am not there yet- but with God’s help I pray that one day I will face trials with joy, knowing that God is building character and maturity in me through the struggles that I face.

Don’t escape- perseverance requires a never giving up attitude.  A consistent desire to work toward a goal, to not let set-backs derail or stop us.

And I hope that in sharing these things with you, maybe you will take some time to consider what might be your escape- or how do you deal with the stress in your life, the times of trial?

The second point at the beginning of this post- something I am trying to do in my life- Walk Worthy.

Walk worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ- there should be evidence in my life that Christ has changed me- how do we know if we are walking worthy?  Test our thoughts and actions against God’s Word.

Galations 5:16-17

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.

Ephesians 5:1-2

 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Colossians 3:5-10

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

1 John 1:5-7

5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

2 John 1:5-6

5 And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Promoting Unity

  By Rachel | March 22, 2012 - 6:38 pm | Thoughts for the Day
2 Comments

holding hands

Have you ever told someone that you would do something for them, only to forget, or find circumstances crowding in- making it difficult to fulfill your commitment?

I had that happen this week.  I told another Mom that we would get our kids together, and I completely forgot.  I didn’t call until almost 24 hours later.  I felt so bad, and I called as soon as I remembered and apologized- but that doesn’t erase the fact that I failed to be faithful to a commitment that I made to call her and get together.

Things happen, unexpected things- and sometimes we have a good reason for being unable to follow through with a commitment- but other times I think (and speaking mostly of myself here) selfish reasons keep us from making that extra effort to reach out to others.

Then why do we say we will do things in the first place?  Is it simply that it feels good to say that we will be there, but when the rubber meets the road- we just don’t want to make the effort?

I have felt convicted about this in my own life- and am trying to no longer say- I will be there, or I can do that- unless I mean it.

Sharing life with others isn’t easy- we all have people in our life we don’t get along with- people who rub us the wrong way.  But esp. within the body of Christ, unity suffers because we are holding onto negative perceptions of people.

For example, when we are not able to fulfill a commitment, we make excuses in our mind and find those valid.  But what about the person who we are not there to help or do not call back?

Do they know why we didn’t follow through?

Do we hold a grudge when people fail to be there when they say they will?  Are you holding onto anger because of something someone said?

These things cause rifts in the church- soon some people won’t talk to other people, and the injuries pile up only because we fail to seek unity- to make it a priority- to foster it- to protect and guard it- knowing that when we stand together we are indeed stronger.

Ephesians 4:1-6, 14-16, 25-32

1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

We are members of one body- I encourage you to read all of Ephesians 4- it is a wonderful passage about the church and the different gifts God has given and His desire for us to be unified in love and purpose so that our ministry will be effective.

At BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) we talked about the seven most essential things that we must hold to- There is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all (see verses 4-5 above).

I pray that we as the church will pursue peace and unity with each other.  Take the initiative to bind up wounded relationships- seek forgiveness and reconciliation.  Be a peacemaker.

Forgive people when they make insensitive remarks or fail to follow through on commitments- that doesn’t mean not addressing the wrong- which in some cases you may need to do- but however they receive it- let us let go of it- to preserve unity and seek peace.

How are you using your gifts to strengthen the church?

How can you seek unity this week?

trust

He Is Able

  By Rachel | March 21, 2012 - 7:54 pm | Hymns I Love
Leave a comment

Stepping Stones over the River Mole, Box Hill, Dorking
He is Able

He is able more than able
To accomplish what concerns me today
He is able more than able
To handle anything that comes my way
He is able more than able
To do much more than I could ever dream
He is able more than able
To make me what He wants me to be

This song has been running through my head today.  Just thinking again about Ephesians 3 and how often I limit God by not believing in the power available to me through Christ.

I pray that today, no matter where you are, what you have done, or how worthy you feel- that you would surrender to God.

To a love that heals, protects, and never fails- that will transform you and allow you to accomplish amazing things- through Jesus Christ- all for the glory of God.

Fighting on My Knees

  By Rachel | March 15, 2012 - 7:41 pm | Random
Leave a comment

Yesterday, I was thinking about Abby Johnson.  If you are not familiar, she used to work for Planned Parenthood and there is a book that tells her story called Unplanned: The Dramatic Story of a former Planned Parenthood leader’s eye-opening journey across the life line. 

I am sure part of the reason she is on my mind is because I am planning to read her book this month and it is sitting on my shelf- but also because her story gives me hope.

Desperate Intercession

It motivates me to pray for the leaders of NOW (National Organization of Women), Planned Parenthood, NARAL (National Abortion Rights Action League)- just to name a few.

Because I serve a God who changes hearts.  He transforms people- bringing them from darkness to light.

Ephesians 5:8-17

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14This is why it is said:

   “Wake up, sleeper,
   rise from the dead,
   and Christ will shine on you.”

 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

So starting today, I am going to pray specifically each day for leaders of these organizations and others.  I am going to pray for God to change their hearts- to awaken them to the truth- to turn them from darkness to light.

Each day I will post a person’s name and a prayer- and ask you to pray with me- that God would change their hearts- all for His Glory.

Matthew 5:43-48 (Jesus spoke these words)

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

 

 

 

Thoughts from George Clooney Interview

  By Rachel | March 15, 2012 - 1:23 am | Random
Leave a comment

I saw this on FB today and wanted to share my thoughts (and hopefully hear yours). The quote below was spoken by George Clooney after a trip to Sudan where he saw senseless violence and ethnic cleansing-innocent people being killed.

Watch entire segment from Today Show where Clooney is interviewed by Ann Curry, click here.

“We are only successful as a human race by how we look out to the people who can’t look out for themselves.”

That was the main quote that resonated with me during the interview.

Except I would say, as Christians, we are called by God to defend the helpless, to speak in their defense, to make their voices heard.

Isaiah 1:16-17

16 Wash and make yourselves clean.
   Take your evil deeds out of my sight;
   stop doing wrong.
17 Learn to do right; seek justice.
   Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
   plead the case of the widow.

I think our passion for life should extend to the unborn- those who are in the womb.  They can’t look out for themselves.

They are wholly dependent upon the woman who carries them in her body.  And they are subjected to whatever choices she makes- regardless of whether she acts in a way to protect and honor their life- or destroy it.

Micah 6:8

8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
   And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
   and to walk humbly with your God.

God calls us to seek justice for the oppressed- to be their voice.  To speak for those who can’t defend themselves. Will you be a voice?

33/52 (explored)

It’s Natural

  By Rachel | March 13, 2012 - 7:58 pm | Random
Leave a comment

I am amazed sometimes by how surprised we are by unplanned pregnancy.  As if somehow we are mystified when the outcome of a choice we have made is exactly what it was designed for.

A greater problem, however, closely related to this- is our blatant disregard for the natural consequences that a course of actions brings about.

But, I think that first- as in any part of our life- if we are taught that we are responsible for the consequences of our decisions- both good and bad- then we understand-even when we make “poor decisions”- that the consequences of those actions are ours to bear.

We have a generation where many have failed to understand this simple truth.  We think that we can act any way we wish and there are not consequences- even that we can escape them and come out on the other side unscathed.

I see this lie rampant among women who have abortions, or who are considering abortion.

They imagine that there will be a simple procedure and then life will go back to how it was before.  But not only will the abortion change you as a woman, the lifestyle choices that so many of us are making- believing that having sex with who we want when we want is better than a committed relationship to one man- we believe the lies.

Believing that a career is superior to being a homemaker, and that if you decide to stay home you are succumbing to the misery of never getting to have what you really want in life- but are under the foot of your husband.

But to those who believe the other lies, that a child will keep you from getting what you really want out of life, will tie you down, will cripple your social life- you could not be more wrong.

The blessed mystery of a baby- of the life that depends on you from the moment of conception.  Forging a bond that is spiritual, emotional, and physical- you know your child unlike any man ever will- what a gift.

The mystery of how a child can change us so much- make us realized how selfish we are- teach us to play and laugh again- to imagine- to explore the world- to dwell on simple pleasures.

The mystery of seeing life from a different perspective- understanding the older generation- esp. our parents in a whole new way- appreciating all the sacrifices they made for us- or maybe learning for the first time about sacrifice and the love that is in it.

Give me perspective, please!

Beginning to see that a child does not cramp your social life- but can make you realize how empty so many of the pursuits of your life truly are.  That there are some things in this life that are beyond price tags and social standing- they are eternal, yes, priceless.

The greatest sadness inside me is that we have taken something that is unique to women- an honor and blessing- and turned it into a burden.  We have resorted to talking about children tying us down and preventing us from doing what we REALLY want.

But if that is a bigger house, a more powerful job, a nicer car, we must ask ourselves- is this truly what we want- or is this what society tells us we SHOULD want? At the end of our life, will we look back and regret that we didn’t have a bigger house- or that we never took the time to have children, to be with our children, to invest in the next generation?

What’s wrong with women following their heart- what they believe is the call in their life without having to apologize for it?

Yet now, when a woman stays home and chooses to step away from the work world to take care of her children- she is criticized and censured for “wasting her time.”  What’s more important than raising the next generation?

I am tired of women saying they speak for me when they don’t have a clue about what’s really important to me.  What I value.  I don’t want to have sex with tons of different men- I don’t think that somehow raises my opinion of women and equality when I see women that are sexually promiscuous.

That is not what I want to teach my daughter.  I want to teach her about self-control and waiting.  About modesty and the truth that yes- TRUE LOVE WAITS.

The love that is worth waiting for is not based on the passion of the moment, but commitment that has staying power.  It isn’t flimsy, waxing and waning – constantly unstable- tossed about by life circumstances.  It is held steady by our will, and our determination to fulfill the vows we spoke before God.  In sickness and in health, in plenty and in want, till death do us part.

Love for our children should bear the same constancy.  From conception- we sacrifice the right to our own will first.  Oh the sweet surrender of that selfishness.  I can’t describe it- but to truly love someone more than yourself transforms you forever.  And it blesses you in so many ways.  But we have to be willing to let go of all that we have known- to allow something new- to embrace change.

My heart aches for our continual demeaning of some of the most precious gifts that God gives us in this life.  God is continually reaching out to us in this life- and one of the ways I believe is through bearing children.  We realize our own frailty, how little we truly have control over.

Before this post becomes too long, I must wrap up.  Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and observations.  Praying that we will consider how we spend our days.

 

Coming Home

  By Rachel | March 13, 2012 - 4:50 pm | Thoughts for the Day
Leave a comment

Heaven

What a blessing to spend the past few days surrounded by family.  As the day approached to travel for my Grandmother’s funeral, I felt a sense of apprehension.  It had been so long since I had been with my family, would it be the same?  Would time make for awkward interactions and disjointed conversations?

I felt the doubts starting to weigh on me a little, and the guilt that I didn’t try harder to be with them, to find time to travel- we are all busy with our children, jobs, and commitments in our home states.

Yet, as I met each one of my family members- I felt the time melt away to insignificance as we came together to celebrate the life of a woman of God we all knew- and were blessed to have shared this life with her.

We laughed, we cried, we told stories, we remembered.  I love the remembering- treasuring the times of the past- we are a forgetful people.  We need to remember.

We need to remember all that God has done.  How many times He has answered prayers.  His Faithfulness, His Love.  How easily we forget and can be filled with doubt.

Remembering can also heal us- or simply remind us that God has healed us so many times before.  He has shared our sorrow, held us in our grief, and given us the courage to embrace life once again- to not run away from pain or seek escape.

Today sorrow and grief are pressing me- I feel the weight in my chest, making it hard to breathe.  Emotions are just below the surface, churning, threatening to spill over at any moment.

But I am not running from the pain or sadness.  I feel the depth of loss, what I will miss, letting memories wash over me.  I know that all this will pass- and what will remain is a confident hope and peace.  My Grandmother suffers no longer, she is at peace with her Savior.  I will see her again.

Someday there will be another homecoming.  A friend of the family sang this song at Grandma’s Funeral- it is a favorite of mine- here are the words.

Finally Home

When engulfed by the terror of the tempestuous sea,
Unknown waves before you roll;
At the end of doubt and peril is eternity,
Though fear and conflict seize your soul.

But just think of stepping on shore-And finding it Heaven!
Of touching a hand-And finding it God’s!
Of breathing new air-And finding it celestial!
Of waking up in glory-And finding it home!

When surrounded by the blackness of the darkest night,
O how lonely death can be;
At the end of this long tunnel is a shining light,
For death is swallowed up in victory!

But just think of stepping on shore-And finding it Heaven!
Of touching a hand-And finding it God’s!
Of breathing new air-And finding it celestial!
Of waking up in glory-And finding it home!

 

 

 

Humanity’s Greatest Natural Enemy

  By Rachel | March 5, 2012 - 2:13 pm | Random
Leave a comment

What makes us strive for self-preservation?  What compels us to try to stay alive through accidents, natural disasters, and illness?

When we see another human being in pain or trapped, like the miners trapped after an explosion in the mine- we all longed to see them reunited with their families- to know that they were ok- and wanted everything to be done that could be to rescue them.

We care about the lives of human beings when a crisis comes.  We ask- Is everyone all right?

At the root of this desire to fight to live, to help others live or survive- is the value of human life.  The sanctity of life- a view that life is precious and worth trying to preserve- worth fighting for.

Life

Lives of loved ones are not replaceable- those who are closest to you- whom you can depend on- their lives are beyond monetary value.

“Civil societies always recognize this vital principle and build their cultural institutions upon it.  They do anything and everything they possibly can to protect the dignity, integrity, and sanctity of life.  Because there are no expendable or disposable people, every life is worth honoring, protecting, and saving.”

***Found in Chapter 3 of Abortion: A Rational Look at an Emotional Issue Kindle Edition by: R.C. Sproul

Why do we typically honor this with those who are already born but fail to extend this to those in the womb?

Do we believe that a fetus feels pain during an abortion?

When the instruments are inserted into the uterus- does the fetus react in any way to this intrusion?

Are they aware of what is being done to them?  Does that change our reaction to abortion?

If we knew conclusively that the fetus was in severe pain- would that change our response?

Humanity’s greatest natural enemy is ourselves.  Our own failure to value life in all circumstances, but instead to pick and choose when preserving it is in our best interests.

Will we choose today to be a voice for the voiceless?  To speak up for those who cannot defend themselves?

To raise our voice in objection to a society that continues to try to convince us that some lives are just worth more than others?

 

 

Confession is Good for the Soul

  By Rachel | March 5, 2012 - 12:24 am | Thoughts for the Day
Leave a comment

embrace

In our Sunday school class, we were talking about the Lord’s Prayer.  We are doing a study where we use the model of how Jesus taught His disciples to pray, to help guide us in our own personal prayer time.

Today, I was thinking about prayers of confession.  Besides communion Sundays, sometimes I don’t really take the time to confess my sins before the Lord.  Honestly, I may consciously think that something is wrong or a bad decision, but sometimes I don’t actually take the time to pray and ask God for forgiveness and if I have wronged someone else, to ask forgiveness from them too.

The most frequent people that I ask for forgiveness are my children and my husband.  The people I love the most unfortunately at times also see the worst that I have to offer.  Very humbling and at times frustrating.

I just wanted to encourage you (as I have been encouraged by this study today) to take time to confess to God.  I know that these prayers have at many times in my life been very therapeutic. Taking time to confess my short-comings also has a tendency of reminding me how very big our God is- and there is comfort in His Power and Strength- in His Lordship in my life.  Being under His Discipline as His child.

There is safety and peace in that- I know He will not lead me astray.

Praying today that we will seek to break the power of sin by openly confessing those things that keep us from greater intimacy with God, and that we would seek to be reconciled with those whom we have hurt- whether by word or deed.

James 5:13-20

13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

 

 

 

 

The Legacy of Women who Love God

  By Rachel | March 4, 2012 - 11:34 am | Thoughts for the Day
4 Comments

tree of light

My Grandmother has passed away.  At the end of life, it is customary to remember all the days before- to think about- what is my legacy?

I can tell you what my Grandmother’s Legacy was to me.  A life spent loving God, serving God, sharing God, living a life honoring Christ.  She modeled, in so many ways, a life that said God is first in my heart.

I remember waking up in the morning when we were staying with them for family holidays or trips- and finding her sitting with her Bible and devotional book and her breakfast.  I knew not to disturb her when she was having her quiet time with God.

I had the thought- and wrote it down in one of my journals I kept as a kid, that Grandma always reminded me how important it is to spend time with God every day, and to put Him first.

My Grandma was a hard worker, and she was tough.  Not that she was lacking in tenderness- there was a sweetness so beautiful in her too- but I admired her work ethic- and how much joy she took from serving her family.

Boxes full of cards can be found in storage here at the house.  Many of them are from Grandma and Grandpa.  Their messages were always heartfelt and tender- talking about missing me, being proud of me, how much they enjoyed being with me and my children.  Their joy over my marriage to Phil.

It matters.  The love of the women who have gone before me.  They have modeled for me what a Godly woman looks like.

Proverbs 31:10-12,25-31

10 A wife of noble character who can find?
   She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
   and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
   all the days of her life.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
   she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
   and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
   and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
   her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
   but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

I am humbled and honored to have known women who love the Lord and serve Him all the days of their life.  To have had the chance to talk to my grandmother about being a Mom, to hear her wisdom and advice- to pray with her.

Through the jumble of emotions, there is joy.  I know Grandma is at peace, she is in the arms of Jesus.  Her suffering is no more- and I know I will see her again someday.
Sadness

I am singing the song below at my Grandmother’s funeral.