Saturday, August 22, 2009

Lexy's is a legal driver!!!

I don't know which is scarier having my teenager on the road or the thought of continuing to drive her everywhere for the rest of my life.

I could see the excitement on my daughter's face as she practically skipped up the driveway that she had in fact passed her driving test to get her permanent license. I am so proud of her for getting her license and now she will have more freedom to get the places she needs to be.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Our Hope in a Dark Time

“He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom
for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
Isaiah 61:1b
At one time we have all been in darkness, not knowing the Lord. There are also times when we have been serving the Lord when circumstances around us cause us to be thrown into a dark time. I was not expecting to get divorced and was thrown into a deep pit by it. Everyone has been broken hearted or will be before the end of our days. How do we walk through that? Here are a few steps to help you start the process.
We first look to the Lord, through the Word and prayer. When we look to others around us; friends or those at church to help carry one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:20). We can also search out resources from those who love the Lord i.e. radio, books, sermons and devotionals. They relay the Lord’s message to help us walk through the pain that happens in our life.
How do I begin to process this? How can I get through this the quickest? In my experience there is no fast answer. I wish there was a high-speed fix every time but it is hard work. Many tears and small steps to a new stronger, healthier person is the real journey. There is a choice to remain damaged or embrace being whole through the Lord.
Going to the Word is not always our first thought when something has blown up in our life. It’s possible in today’s busy world that it may be hours before you are home to open the Bible. If that is the case, get in the habit of praying and calling out to the Lord. Also be aware that if you are at work and have access to internet there are some sites that have the full bible (http://www.biblegateway.com/ ) that you can read while on a break or in a slow moment at work. Maybe even invest in a small one you can carry in your car or purse, although as our eyes get older we may have to invest in a magnifying glass as well.
Asking for help can be as simple as a text message or email that says “having a rough day pray for me,” meeting for coffee to talk over things or just have a friendly face to feel God’s love, seek out those who will let you have a long good cry and will be supportive. I would encourage all of us to invest in people to hold us up when life gets tough and hold us accountable for our actions. Ask them to pray for you and with you. Be willing to do the same for them. Look for people that are not gossip mongers and that point you back to godly standards and principles.
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27: 17
Teachers that God has called to instruct and share his word are great for keeping us focused and aware of the Lord’s work in us. Daily devotions sent to our email, bible studies by yourself or with others, books that are on certain problems or Christian fiction that just give your mind a break are great tools. Be attentive that all authors have different views so when questions come up on any issue, go back to the original source and see what the Bible says. If you are not sure where to begin, ask a friend or leadership of your church where to start or their favorite authors.
We are all capable through Jesus to walk through the most painful of times and help others do the same. If you are weary or in over your head, call on the name of the Lord. He is there ready for the asking. If you have never asked Jesus into your heart and are wondering how, all you have to do is ask him to forgive your sins and be Lord of your life. When we have done this, we are welcomed to the fold my brother or sister in Christ. Please share your experience with me and I will rejoice with the angels my friend.
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13