God Is Bigger Than The Boogie Man

"God is bigger than the boogie man. He's bigger than Godzilla or the monsters on T.V."  I love this Veggie Tales song.  It was written for little children with a message that is simple and easy to understand. I guess that is what makes it work for me.  As we all know, the boogie man is very real and comes in all sizes and shapes. He infiltrates any aspect of our lives that he can get even a toe hold in. Even the slightest unhealthy mindset can open a door to his deceit. And once in, he sets up shop with all kinds of lies and insults. He can mess up a really beautiful day in a heartbeat. I know the popular thing to say now would be, "if we let him." Well, duh! Who ever intends to "let" him do anything? It's just that we get caught up in living our lives and he slinks around waiting for just the right moment. Sometimes he can slip in there before we even realize it.

Thank goodness, Jesus is never taken by surprise in anything, much less by the antics and deceits of this guy. The Lord is always covering, protecting, caring and helping His children. If the enemy slips in past us, Jesus is there waiting for him. We all know He  is bigger than any deceit, any interruption or blockage the other guy can sneak into our lives. Someone once told me, "It's good to know all about your enemy and then forget him." I like that. We know what he is capable of so we are not taken by surprise nor drawn into his schemes but we do not focus on him but on the One who saved us and took us as his own. We concentrate on the One who is constantly by our side; leading us in the way that is right for us.

 Finally, brethern, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of a good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Phil 4:8

We all have had times of pain in our lives; some more than others. Of course my mind goes back to the year 2000 and the horror of the burn unit, but I can also name many other battles, places of pain and discouragement the Lord has brought me through over the years. The bar was raised a little higher with each victory. Every time He brought me out, He brought me up a little higher. I love Him more with each new revelation; and I have discovered that Isaiah 45:3 is true; there are treasures in the darkness and riches in the secret places. We don't have to be afraid in the dark times; He is there.

Today let's remember the victories; let's remember the celebration of answered prayers and then let's dig down inside to get what we need to reach up high and take hold of His hand. Above all of the frustration and confusion, there stands Jesus in complete control.

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross; despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Heb 12:2

And oh, one more thing: God is bigger than the boogie man!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-WeeIn9sRY

Mamma Hugs

It isn't Mother's Day; it isn't her birthday; it is no where near the holidays, but this past week I've been missing my mom. She passed over to dance in the heavenlies in 1995. Wouldn't you think I would be over missing her by now? But, no. 

What I wouldn't give to see her face, hear her voice and get one of those strong, encouraging hugs. Is it just me, or do Mom's have a way of connecting with our emotions in a way no one else can....ever. Her hug was different from anyone on earth.

Perhaps its because we just moved into our new house. When Mom was here with us, any big change; or any small change, was discussed at length with her. We could sit for hours talking about nothing, which is not to say we agreed on everything. Far from it; but we talked about everything. She pushed my buttons on a regular basis and I'm sure I did the same for her, but when two people are so close the button pushing is just part of the relationship.

I remember her laughing and telling me she wished she could be around to see me when I get old. Of course it was so she could say, "I told you so." She's probably laughing right now and saying it from Heaven... Heaven.. her home now; my future home. (big sigh here.) One day, Mom, we are going to hook our arms and walk around Heaven for about a thousand years and catch up. We will laugh at all the silly things that bugged us about each other; we will remember and be amazed at how the Lord kept us all those years, and we will remember the fun, the laughter and the intimacy.

And there will be joy. Joy at seeing each other and joy at finally being with Jesus. How wonderful it will be to stand beside my Mom and talk to Jesus. Maybe, just maybe, He will wrap his arms around both of us at one time for a family hug. 

But for now, I am content and happy in our new home while deep in my heart and memory is a lovely lady who is a great example of a wife, mother, grandmother and person. Her life struggles growing up as the oldest of six children, living through the depression, sending a husband and four brothers off to war plus the later struggles with a husband who was wheelchair bound would make a book so staggering some would doubt it's truth. My mom was of 'that' generation. She was strong, competent, hard working and committed, but also loving, encouraging and funny. Early on I learned that humor and positive thinking gets me through a lot of hard places. 

Thanks, Mama, for loving me and never giving up on me. You always saw things in me that no one else did .... not even me. When you were on this earth, I had a protector, an encourager and a friend. I love you in a way that defies words. Save me a seat at dinner - I will see you one of these days.