June 3, 2013

Good morning all-

Much has happened in the last couple of days.  Mark and I watched our 3 year old nephew and then we had a Birthday party for Austin's girlfriend.  Life has so many dynamics.  When I look at the little girl that walked in our wedding and now see her pregnant with her 2nd and her little son, who by the way reminds me of her, it's just astounding how time and life roll on.  She suffered a huge loss last year, her mother took her own life.  It was sad and she was young.  Her father on the other hand, who is Mark's dad too, is going to celebrate 79 years this year.  He was supposed to go first but when depression steals a life we are left with the results.

It's been a time for me to reflect on the loss of my mom, because so many are suffering around me.  The difference is that they are in their 20's and I was in my 40's.  I think the hardest event in life is losing your mom, that of course is if all your children have survived.  For some reason it's the maternal spirit that guides you, loves you when no one else will and fills you with hope.  When that spirit leaves this earth, it's hard to know which way to turn.

Recently, my sons friend's mom passed away suddenly.  He had to travel half way around the world to see her hooked to hoses but he made it just in time to say good-bye.  Within 48 hours of him coming home, she was gone.  He hadn't touched her in 3 years.  His only contact was a still body where the spirit had already taken flight.  Can you imagine?  All his friends think he's being melodramatic.  I know he's not.  He constantly says the same things and worries if he can make it without her.  He lost his job two days before she died.  Basically, he has been hit with the two biggest things that can happen to a person and he must persevere.  I can't explain to his friends what it's like because you must experience the heart wrenching loss of a parent to get it.  You feel empty, lonely and in some ways you know that no one will love you like she did.

He will be in pain for a while longer.  I need him to cling to Jesus, which he really isn't doing right now.  His faith was one that waved in the wind anyway and now it's waving furiously.  I keep putting Christ in the middle because I believe his faith will become stronger through his great suffering.  Because at the end of the day, it's our faith that will propel us through hard times, not our own strength. No one gets that until they can't get out of bed in the morning.  Then an epiphany strikes and you realize that your purpose was not locked to a person, it's sealed with His blood.

I hope today finds you well my sisters and I hope that you are clinging to our Father.  His hand is near and His strength is before us.  We must continue to fight the good fight and look for Him in all circumstances.  We must do our duty as His daughters and pray for those that can't pray for themselves.  I pray today that God would favor You and keep you all of your days.  May He bless us all!


Ephesians 3:6 NIV:

    This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

Deuteronomy 20:4 NIV:

    For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.

My prayer today:

O, Lord, guide the steps of Your people.  It seems that as the world gets more selfish and evil we rely on our own strength and not Yours.  You state for us that we are Your heirs.  Heirs are taken care of, provided for, and taught how to be leaders.  We, as Your daughters, stand before You today with gladness in our hearts, for we know, that You are our strength.  Go before us today and fight for us, fight for our children and fight for those to come.  Keep us from evil and give our hearts a renewed spirit.  We see You, morning through night, because we know that Your will must be our will.  Protect the lost as they try to make sense of the challenges they face and help all of us trust You more.  I am a servant who falls just like everyone else but You are my King and You lead me by still waters.  Reign down on us and fill us with Your Holy Presence.  We cry out to You from the plains, the mountains and from every nation, be with us today Lord and bless Your people.  In Jesus name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...

(sorry, no time to proofread today)