Because He Knows...

Isaiah 33:22

For the Lord is our judge
the Lord is our lawgiver,
the Lord is our king;
it is he who will save us.

I know I have read this verse many times before. It is one I have highlighted in my Bible. But this morning I READ this verse. You know? So, this is what I'm thinking.

1. He wrote the law so He knows it like no one else.
2. He is alone is our judge; so He knows when we break His laws like no one else would.
3. He is the king who has the power to forgive and overrule the judge. (Him)
4. Because He is king, he knows all things, including that we can never keep His laws.

Common thread? HIM! He does it all. Our only responsibility is to acknowledge that we need Him; that we cannot keep these laws. For me, that comes easily since I spent much of my life failing miserably. But, thanks be to God who gives us the victory, He stepped up in my place and took the punishment. Death had to occur to satisfy the law. However,  He didn't stay dead. So now, because He did not stay dead, I don't have to stay dead either. Because He has become me. Mind boggling. Amazing.

He knows the price needed like no one else because he made the laws in the first place. Now the lawmaker, the judge and the king are all satisfied. Full circle. All about Him.

WOW! Feeling blessed, feeling free, feeling indebted ... all to Him. Now I just need to remember to LIVE that his amazing sacrifice on my behalf will not be useless.

His birth is the greatest gift ever to all of mankind. I'm thinking of a chorus we used to sing:

"Isn't He wonderful, wonderful, wonderful?
Isn't Jesus, my Lord, wonderful?"

Yes He is!

Merry Christmas!

Coverings

A few days back Royce and I were having one of those lazy days just driving casually along, not talking much. Actually, I was driving, which makes this revelation a tad more interesting, since for a few moments I was completely caught up in God's presence. I could hear Royce telling me something in the background but he sounded a little like Charlie Brown's teacher -- you know, blah, blah, blah....nothing personal about his talking, I had just left the car for a few minutes.

The sky was blue, blue with large fluffy white clouds scattered around. Off to one side were white swirls of clouds that looked like brush strokes on an artist's pallet. Gradually, I realized we were under a huge tent; one with a stunningly blue top and sides with wisps of white flurries and billowing cotton balls. The sides came down to the ground, forming not only a canopy but a bubble completely encapsulating us in a protective covering. All around me, people were going about their business; driving, talking, walking, shopping. Trees were growing in the atmosphere provided by this amazing covering; flowers bloomed along the side of the road and birds flitted here and there overheard, obviously enjoying the sunlight and shadows alike.

The thought crossed my mind that God could have left out the sky when He created earth. We could be constantly looking up at a huge black hole that goes on forever with only other planets far away here and there. We could be constantly worrying about drifting out into outer space and getting lost in that blackness or drawn up to one of the stars or planets far, far away. But, no, in His graciousness and love, the Lord made a beautiful sky to cover His creation and because of that we feel settled, covered and loved under this amazing piece of God's handiwork.

My friend, Cynthia and I share a love of the sky and it's beauty but up until now, I only saw the beauty. Who hasn't felt comforted by the blue sky and beautiful sun shining down on us? Even a cloudy rainy day can bring comfort and a sense of closeness. And who hasn't peered into the clouds to find animals, faces, even angels looking back at us?

And so, in those few moments I was caught up with the Lord, I thanked Him over and over for this beautiful canopy that covers us every day. To me its a reminder of His presence that covers us, protects us, and goes with us wherever we travel. Nothing is out of His control and all things are working together for our good if we love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Today we rest under the canopy of the sky as well as the canopy of His presence and feast on the love He is constantly giving. Because He loves, He gives .... everything we need to succeed in this world that he created just for us.

And we rest in His promises over our families and over us, even when pain and darkness comes to our lives, even when threatening storms cloud the horizon, even then, still we rest in His promises.  Just like the sky that will remain until He speaks otherwise, His love and care over us will remain until the end of time.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11

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.

It's Time For A Change

We were busy emptying out the house; piece by piece. No one realized Little T was on the couch until his head popped up. "People are taking stuff everywhere and I don't understand what's going on. I am SO confused!" Bless his heart, he had no idea he was voicing Grandma's feelings as well.

It is a mega season change in our lives; one that has been hovering on the horizon for a few years now. You know how one season blends into another without much notice and then one day you wake up and snow is everywhere, or it is 80 degrees at 9:00 in the morning? It's then you realize, the season really has changed. I think that's where we are. Still not sure though, if it's snow or hot because I'm not sure which direction the season is going.

Seriously, we have sold our beautiful home, given away or sold truck loads of 'stuff,' filled up a very, very large trailer-sized dumpster, two pods, two storage units, and one basement. The rest came with us. Let me say right here, storage units are right up there with laundromats. Necessary, useful, hot, miserable and annoying. Having said that, I am thankful for them. It's a new experience to 'run by the storage unit.' Please tell me this aspect of our new season is temporary.

We decided to make this move because we are not as young as we once were. The house seemed to get bigger every time we cleaned it, the yard grew so big there wasn't enough grass to cover it and bare spots popped up everywhere. Then, of all things, the steps going down to the lower level got higher and steeper and took much more energy to descend and then ascend again. On top of all that, our once young and lively brood of grandchildren decided to grow up. Of course we have a few that are still young enough to think sleeping at Grandma's house is really cool, and for that we are very thankful, but most of them prefer their girls, their cars, college and/or their jobs. Shudder.

So, here we are. In between houses, but not in between homes, thanks to family who love us. We can only pray they continue to love us long enough for us to find a new place. Or, maybe when our time runs out here, we can move on to the next family. The upside is, no housework, no yard work, no cooking .....hey this isn't so bad after all!

God is faithful in every season and His love and grace are sufficient for any challenge.

Sleepless in Sharpsburg

It is that time late at night when I have been in bed for a while but sleep isn't anywhere to be found. I have thought through all the 'challenges' of the day and pondered on the causes of each. I have rehearsed in my mind exactly what I should have said and how I should have responded but didn't. Next time though I will. Next time I will know just what to say. Uh-huh.

And there has been the time of prayer; of thanking the Lord for His endless mercy to me and to my family. You have to understand, I am a Mom and a Grandma, so my prayers can get pretty specific at times. In the midst of prayers for healing, deliverance, salvation, restored relationships, are requests for a lingering cough, a missing tooth, a new bike, a good game, and someone to play with at recess.

So, here I am in the night. Everyone else in the house - and who knows how many or how few that may be - are all asleep. It is quiet and dark. Even if they were awake I could not explain my thoughts to any of them. Some things are so deep inside that even those closest to me do not know about them. Some of them are so deep inside I can only guess at their origin and certainly cannot put those thoughts and feelings into words. I struggle. I toss around in the bed. I refuse to open my eyes because I am determined to go to sleep. I write books, clean house, prepare meals, finish my family cookbook, make movies and take photographs; all in the stillness of the night, without leaving my bed.

Finally, after several hours, my spirit begins to quiet. I sink a little deeper into my pillow. It is even quieter than before. I feel relaxed, I feel loved, secure. It is OK if I cannot form words for my heart thoughts. I begin to feel warm and loved. There is a gentle covering of all the days struggles.

He is here.

He wraps His strong arms around me and gently holds me. Tears fill my eyes and slip down my cheeks; tears of love. He is here and nothing else matters. I know He understands every feeling,  every memory, every pain, every dream, everything that is 'me.' He gets it - He gets me. And amazingly, He loves me.

In the gentleness of the night He has come to hold me and all is right inside. My heart is still beating, my mind is awake, but I am not here - I am with Him and all is well.

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.
2 John 1:2-4 

Who Was The Masked Man??

Thirty years ago I was a single mom with three children and a new found relationship with Jesus Christ. After much prayer, screaming, crying, surrender and soul searching, I had accepted that I would be single forever. Jesus fulfilled my every need, and I was completely in love with Him, but there was still this little nagging deep inside that longed for my soul mate here on this earth. It was something the Lord chose not to take away. I wondered why.

Then one day, I heard something. It was far off in the distance, very faint. Remember the old Western movies when they would put their ear to the ground and then stand up and say, "one rider on a fast horse." It was kinda like that. I passed it off and went about my day.

A few days later I heard it again, only stronger, closer. After that I would be working away or just sitting and thinking and there would be this flash of something white. It always passed so quickly I could not tell what it was, much less describe it. The sightings and the hoof beats grew closer and I saw them and heard them more and more often. One day I was able to distinguish a cape; another day I saw a sword; later there was the glimpse of a beautiful steed tossing his mane in the air.

By now, I was enthralled with the mystery heading my way. Could it be? Could it POSSIBLY be? But no, I had told the Lord I only wanted Him and that I would stay single for Him forever. But now this. What exactly was this? Every day it grew closer and closer. Then one day, I heard the Lord say, "unencumber yourself."  I knew I was making room for something or someone new in my life.

Late in December the sightings had become daily and the sound of the hoof beats thunderous. Then early one morning in late December the phone rang.

"Hey Booger. Can I come go to church with you?" It was my old flame, Royce.

And the rest, as they say, is history. My knight in shining armor had arrived!

My dear Royce, you rescued me, covered me, loved me, paid my bills, held me close and loved my children. It's been an amazing ride - the best of my life! I know the Lord sent you to me and for that I am forever grateful. He knew just who I needed.

Happy Anniversary Dear!