There once was a little girl who could. She just “knew” she could. What made her think that? Perhaps it was when she was three years old and gazing into the picture of an angel watching over the children crossing the broken bridge in the midst of a scary storm. Perhaps knowing there were angels with her in room because she could feel their presence.
From a very, very young age she knew God was real and He lived in her heart. What made her think that? Perhaps it was how broken her heart felt when listening to the poem “No Time To Pray” when her daddy read to her at bedtime. Perhaps it was how warm and happy her heart felt when she played on the swing-set, singing songs to God that only she knew the words.
When she was five years old, she knew that prayer was powerful and that God listened to hers. What made her think that? Perhaps it was when someone gave some groceries to her family and there was a box of Ding-Dong’s for the kids. Perhaps it was when she changed schools in the middle of the year and was a big answer to prayer to a bad situation.
She didn’t know it, but the innocent relationship she had with God would only bring times of questions and trials. There would be a battle raged to tear her away from “knowing” and “doubting”.
When did the doubt start to creep in? Perhaps it was when her parents had a prayer meeting at their house and she felt God’s presence and began clapping and praising God in her own childish –kindergartner way, but was sternly reprimanded by her daddy. That didn’t make sense to her, since that was how they prayed at church.
When did she learn that life-long dreams end with disappointment? Perhaps it was when she was nine years old and announced she wanted to go to college. Her daddy told her she could be anything she wanted to be when she grew up, yet didn’t have her parent’s support when she graduated. That didn’t make sense to her, since she thought they would be proud of her.
When did it become clear that she could only count on God? Perhaps it was when going through divorce from her husband that had made vows to the end. Perhaps it was when her family wasn’t there for support during that time. That should have made sense to her, since it had been that already.
She didn’t know it, but she would have to make a clear choice to follow God. There was a time when a struggle of good and evil pulled her into making a committed choice when she was almost 12 years old.
When did she realize she made the right choice? Perhaps it was when God said He would fill her voice with song if she only opened her mouth to sing. She did and within three weeks was singing a solo with the youth choir “I’m Yours, Lord”. She began to believe she could.
When did she understand that God would help her with hard choices? Perhaps it was when she became a single mother with two toddlers. She turned on a dime and created a healthy home environment for her children with God as the center. She continued to believe she could.
Will she ever know why her life seemed so hard? Perhaps it was so she could encourage others to believe and pursue their relationship with God despite the tough times. Perhaps it was so she could raise her sons to be godly and nurturing daddies. Perhaps it was so she could help save lives of those hurting. She believes she could…and should.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
“God Knocked On My Door”
She answered the door with a baby on her hip, eyes red and sad. “Hon, you look like you could use a hug…would that be okay”? The tears flowed the moment she and her baby were enveloped in a hug by a stranger. After a moment, her story spilled out. Her boyfriend, the baby’s father, had left her two weeks ago. She lost her job last week. She didn’t know anyone and her family lived long distance. Little did she know the heart and arms that had just embraced her had also embraced very similar circumstances.
It was a warm sunny afternoon with the promise of spring on its way. I was out walking the dog with my youngest son while he went from door to door with his fundraiser for the American Heart Association. My oldest son was out trying to get his kite to fly. I was singing in my heart and thanking the Lord for my blessings.
I was thankful for the wonderful weekend we had experienced. Small group with friends from church on Friday evening went well, even with me serving as facilitator. Church on Saturday afternoon was inspiring. A barbecue and games night with a college friend and her family was fun. Just a few months ago, none of these activities would have been in our schedule.
My health was improving and I had more energy to be active with my boys. My oldest son’s health had improved and was enjoying life. He was running and laughing like a normal 11 year old boy. My youngest was overcoming his shyness with people and books. He picked up a chapter book and started reading on his own free will. Finances were in decent shape again with my tax refund. The car was freshly oil-changed and had new belts, etc. The boys had freshly trimmed haircuts. The dog had been groomed. And my pampering session to get my hair done was coming next weekend. Ah, yes, life was finally feeling like it should. And it felt good.
We knocked on the last door on the second floor and heard a dog barking which started my dog barking. It seemed no one was home, so we turned to leave. After taking a moment to wave hello to my oldest son down by the pond, I was still on the landing when I heard the door open. Turning back around, my youngest son told her he was raising money for the AHA and asked if she would like to donate today.
When she answered the door it appeared she had been crying. My first instinct was to hug her. Knowing not everyone is a “hugger”, especially from a stranger. I asked if it would be okay. She nodded and the moment I hugged her and her baby, I felt her burden. It didn’t take long to learn her story. It all seemed so real, almost as if I were reliving my story all over again. When I looked into her eyes and told her, “I have been right where you are and you are NOT alone anymore”, she began to sob uncontrollably. Immediately, I reached for her arm and began to pray for her. It is not uncommon for me to pray spontaneously with friends in person or on the phone, however, it is not normal for me to pray with someone I don’t know. She calmed down and her baby started giggling. I told her I would bring some contacts and phone numbers for temp agencies and other assistance that had helped me.
I put dinner in the oven then typed up some resources for my new friend. She smiled this time when she answered the door and invited me in. I assured her again that she could call me anytime day OR night. I also mentioned to her that it was my faith in God that had truly gotten me through my tough times. I truly understood how rough it is to not have any family support either, but that God’s family is my family. She said it was real nice that I prayed with her and gave her a hug. For once, she thought maybe some people really do care. She declined my invitation to dinner, but promised to stay in touch.
How horrible I felt when I lost the scrap of paper with her phone number, so I made a point of stopping by the next two days. She wasn’t home either time. I continued to pray for her and her baby, that God would wrap His arms of love around her, give her strength and peace.
Last night when I knocked on her door, she met me with a huge smile! She was thrilled to see me and gave me a hug this time. Her eyes looked rested and she seemed to stand a little taller. She was pleased to tell me of the contacts she had called and the places she had gone. I was proud of her taking steps of action to take control of her situation instead of remaining a victim of circumstance.
I invited her over to watch a movie with me this weekend and told her she was welcome to come along with me to church on Saturday. She said she would like that very much. I said goodnight and she said she had been telling everyone she met that “God knocked on my door” this weekend.
Matthew 22:37-39 – Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (NLT)
I am only His servant sharing His unconditional love with those I meet. God gains all the glory when another soul is touched by our life stories. We are “Jesus in skin” to all those around us.
So I guess I can say that “God knocked on my door” this weekend too…the door of my heart!
It was a warm sunny afternoon with the promise of spring on its way. I was out walking the dog with my youngest son while he went from door to door with his fundraiser for the American Heart Association. My oldest son was out trying to get his kite to fly. I was singing in my heart and thanking the Lord for my blessings.
I was thankful for the wonderful weekend we had experienced. Small group with friends from church on Friday evening went well, even with me serving as facilitator. Church on Saturday afternoon was inspiring. A barbecue and games night with a college friend and her family was fun. Just a few months ago, none of these activities would have been in our schedule.
My health was improving and I had more energy to be active with my boys. My oldest son’s health had improved and was enjoying life. He was running and laughing like a normal 11 year old boy. My youngest was overcoming his shyness with people and books. He picked up a chapter book and started reading on his own free will. Finances were in decent shape again with my tax refund. The car was freshly oil-changed and had new belts, etc. The boys had freshly trimmed haircuts. The dog had been groomed. And my pampering session to get my hair done was coming next weekend. Ah, yes, life was finally feeling like it should. And it felt good.
We knocked on the last door on the second floor and heard a dog barking which started my dog barking. It seemed no one was home, so we turned to leave. After taking a moment to wave hello to my oldest son down by the pond, I was still on the landing when I heard the door open. Turning back around, my youngest son told her he was raising money for the AHA and asked if she would like to donate today.
When she answered the door it appeared she had been crying. My first instinct was to hug her. Knowing not everyone is a “hugger”, especially from a stranger. I asked if it would be okay. She nodded and the moment I hugged her and her baby, I felt her burden. It didn’t take long to learn her story. It all seemed so real, almost as if I were reliving my story all over again. When I looked into her eyes and told her, “I have been right where you are and you are NOT alone anymore”, she began to sob uncontrollably. Immediately, I reached for her arm and began to pray for her. It is not uncommon for me to pray spontaneously with friends in person or on the phone, however, it is not normal for me to pray with someone I don’t know. She calmed down and her baby started giggling. I told her I would bring some contacts and phone numbers for temp agencies and other assistance that had helped me.
I put dinner in the oven then typed up some resources for my new friend. She smiled this time when she answered the door and invited me in. I assured her again that she could call me anytime day OR night. I also mentioned to her that it was my faith in God that had truly gotten me through my tough times. I truly understood how rough it is to not have any family support either, but that God’s family is my family. She said it was real nice that I prayed with her and gave her a hug. For once, she thought maybe some people really do care. She declined my invitation to dinner, but promised to stay in touch.
How horrible I felt when I lost the scrap of paper with her phone number, so I made a point of stopping by the next two days. She wasn’t home either time. I continued to pray for her and her baby, that God would wrap His arms of love around her, give her strength and peace.
Last night when I knocked on her door, she met me with a huge smile! She was thrilled to see me and gave me a hug this time. Her eyes looked rested and she seemed to stand a little taller. She was pleased to tell me of the contacts she had called and the places she had gone. I was proud of her taking steps of action to take control of her situation instead of remaining a victim of circumstance.
I invited her over to watch a movie with me this weekend and told her she was welcome to come along with me to church on Saturday. She said she would like that very much. I said goodnight and she said she had been telling everyone she met that “God knocked on my door” this weekend.
Matthew 22:37-39 – Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (NLT)
I am only His servant sharing His unconditional love with those I meet. God gains all the glory when another soul is touched by our life stories. We are “Jesus in skin” to all those around us.
So I guess I can say that “God knocked on my door” this weekend too…the door of my heart!
Monday, February 02, 2009
AFTER AWHILE (Modern Day Version)
This is my personal experience and modern-day version of the poem "After Awhile".
After awhile, you learn that text messages and emails aren’t real conversations;
And you learn that “MUAH” and “MISS U” don’t make up for time spent together;
And you begin to learn that a peck “hello” and “goodbye” aren’t real kisses and the promise of a present...just doesn’t exist;
And you learn to draw boundaries, and communicate clearly and calmly, even when you’re scared of how things might turn out;
And you learn to focus on “what is” and not “what if”;
After awhile, you learn that “three red flags” promotes a pattern or problem;
So call up a girlfriend, go out to dinner, have a good laugh or cry;
And you learn that you really can be independent;
And you really are intelligent;
And you really do deserve respect!
~Joy Darlene DeBoard
After awhile, you learn that text messages and emails aren’t real conversations;
And you learn that “MUAH” and “MISS U” don’t make up for time spent together;
And you begin to learn that a peck “hello” and “goodbye” aren’t real kisses and the promise of a present...just doesn’t exist;
And you learn to draw boundaries, and communicate clearly and calmly, even when you’re scared of how things might turn out;
And you learn to focus on “what is” and not “what if”;
After awhile, you learn that “three red flags” promotes a pattern or problem;
So call up a girlfriend, go out to dinner, have a good laugh or cry;
And you learn that you really can be independent;
And you really are intelligent;
And you really do deserve respect!
~Joy Darlene DeBoard
Friday, May 30, 2008
Tender Hearts
We don't have pets and haven't dealt with a lot of "life/death" incidences. However, just Wednesday night we were driving along the outer road parallel to the interstate, when a baby dear came across our path. It was about 5:45pm and in a very rare location for seeing deer, so thankfully the two cars in front of me were already stopped to make a turn. The deer ran headfirst into the fence separating the outer road and interstate, then jumped straight up and over it. Within seconds, the deer was hit and skidded around and bounced between three lanes of traffic. To say the least, it was disheartening to watch and my boys were completely distraught.
Of course, this has been the conversation topic for the rest of the week every time we are driving. Besides the typical kid questions of "Will he go to heaven, Mom?" to "Did he die right away?"...questions have also been "What happens if that was a person that got hit on the highway?" "Would they go to heaven?".
Interesting for them to personalize the situation, but I took it as a teaching moment about safety, listening and following directions (ie from mom when they may not know danger is nearby), as well as teaching on how precious LIFE is to us AND how important it is to always be living our life making right choices to follow God.
Of course, this has been the conversation topic for the rest of the week every time we are driving. Besides the typical kid questions of "Will he go to heaven, Mom?" to "Did he die right away?"...questions have also been "What happens if that was a person that got hit on the highway?" "Would they go to heaven?".
Interesting for them to personalize the situation, but I took it as a teaching moment about safety, listening and following directions (ie from mom when they may not know danger is nearby), as well as teaching on how precious LIFE is to us AND how important it is to always be living our life making right choices to follow God.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Blog Tour of Israel
Hello, My Blogger Friends!
For some of you that are on this blog site, I think you will find my friend's personal blog of interest. Thanks to the wonderful world of eNetworking with Facebook, I have found over 60 friends from college! One of my most recent contacts is actually living in St. Louis with his family. Right now he has gone on an archaeological dig in Bethsaida, Israel.
I am sure he will appreciate your prayers while he shares of his travels. You can find him at www.johncarnett.com.
Enjoy!
For some of you that are on this blog site, I think you will find my friend's personal blog of interest. Thanks to the wonderful world of eNetworking with Facebook, I have found over 60 friends from college! One of my most recent contacts is actually living in St. Louis with his family. Right now he has gone on an archaeological dig in Bethsaida, Israel.
I am sure he will appreciate your prayers while he shares of his travels. You can find him at www.johncarnett.com.
Enjoy!
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