I've been counting my blessings lately. It is so easy to get stuck seeing only the negatives in our life when we are at a standstill. But, I have found many wonderful blessings since my layoff last fall that I would like to share with you here.
1. I had the time (that we always wish for) to sort and clear out my old apartment in preparation for my move....there are still those last two boxes in my room...lol!
2. I have the time for reading my Bible. Something we also say we wish we had...we try to read but are so tired. Colossians 4:2 says to devote to prayer with an alert mind. (NLT)
3. I have had the time to cook. I mean, actually COOK...not microwave meals! This has helped in my endeavors to increase my family's health.
4. I have had the time to reevaluate my life's goals. What does God want for me? What do I want so that I am LIVING and not "just making it through".
5. I have had the time to search for the "right fit" for a job. Honestly, there are not many jobs posted available for my skillset. So instead of sitting around twiddling my thumbs (or napping all day) I pulled out my little Mary Kay nametag and went to work!
Ultimately, I have found myself sharing more than pleasantries with many people that cross my path during the day. Not just about what I do for a living with Mary Kay, but what LIVING for God is all about. I was reminded today, that God honors obedience above sacrifice, therefore, I am seeking to obey God with each day I live...I know He is my provider....that, my friend, is a blessing!
(2 Chronicles 31:21 - In all that he did in the service of the Temple of God and in his efforts to follow God’s laws and commands, Hezekiah sought his God wholeheartedly. As a result, he was very successful.)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly...AND The Blessings!
I have started on a new journey in life, but not just for this new year. I have also grown to embrace all facets of life: the good, the bad, the ugly...AND the blessings. So, I hope to capture my thoughts again and share...maybe you will be encouraged or maybe you will encourage me!
First of all, a recap of the missing year of journaling in my life:
When someone told me that God has promised that 2009 was "the year of healing and restoration in families", I actually laughed out loud. I thought, "well, goody for you, mister, you just don't know about MY family"..."I've prayed about my family for 15 years and NOTHING I ever do is pleasing to them"..."so, okay, let's see if God really told you this promise".
For someone that was raised in church, but found my own relationship with God over the years, this was probably the most sarcastic I have ever been about God. It made me feel sick that I had such a low expectation of God. Afterall, He had brought me up from such low places, enabled me to become a very strong woman and guided me in single-parenting...why would I think He wouldn't come through for me in regards to my family.
I believe the starting point of my healing was in February, when my oldest son was admitted to a week's stay at a mental hospital for suicidal depression. He had been struggling with this for a couple of years and I had tried every solution for help that I could (much prayer, health supplements, better sleeping habits, aromatherapy, counseling, teaching him to pray & journal), I knew it was a more serious problem when he was making comments at school. Even though it was one the hardest things I ever had to do for my child, in a way, it was one of the best things I could have done for him. I bought him a grown up Bible and he was reading it on his own. He came home with a loving attitude and appreciation for me, his mom. For me, it was at that moment of no control that I learned to lean on God for His support...again!
The next opportunity God used in the process of healing my heart was when I attended the Women of Faith Conference in Indianapolis with my best friend, T. I had attended many WOF conferences before and always came away lifted up and spiritually encouraged. This year was quite opposite. Not that it wasn't inspiring...it was. But the speakers all shared very deep and personal heartaches with us. We laughed together, cried together and prayed together. There was a supernatural healing presence in this huge auditorium...and God KNEW just which seat I was sitting in. Little by little, the layers that had protected the hurt in my heart from my family were slowly being pulled away. God was using my tears to cleanse the grit that had seeped in causing so many little irritations that caused pain every time I even thought about my family. Mind you, I LONGED for healing and wholeness...I longed to be loved and accepted by my family...I longed for my children to have happy times with their grandparents (something I never had).
So from May to June, God was super busy! I had the opportunity to sit across from my father at my own kitchen table and talk for 2 1/2 hours. We cried together, we forgave together and we healed together. Wow, I always longed for a hug from my dad that made me feel safe and loved.
During the rest of the year, my healing had its ups and downs. As the layers come off, there is a vulnerability that is quite scary. I mean, 15 years is a long time for scar tissue to build up, and is quite painful when removed.
Some of the miracles and setbacks that took place include: In August, I received good news that I was approved for a 3-br townhouse on a Friday...and was told the next Monday that my job was being eliminated. (Where are you, God? It's me, Joy!) I continued the moving process for October 3rd and was extremely grateful to God...as HE DOES KNOW BEST! I was given the blessing of being paid through October, but released from duties, which allowed my full attention on sorting/packing for my move.
During this time, the boys had started back to school. Both of them on ADD medicine and one on an antidepressant. Copays were still expensive on all of these meds, not to mention my acid reflux med. So far, things were improving for the boys at school and both boys received all A's and B's...something that has never happened in all their years of school previously. They both test with high scores and high IQ's, so they both were given an IEP to allow more 1:1 time with their teachers. I believe this was a blessing from God to give them a room assignment where its okay for boys to be a little fidgety in their seat.
With the time off from work, I was able to spend more time in prayer and reading the Bible. My relationship with God was strong in prayer and praise, but not so much in reading the Word. Through this personal time with God, He began to bring me into alignment with Him. He brought me to focus on Him and not what others say or do. I learned that He is the Almighty Healer...for physical and emotional needs.
Then came the holidays.
Holidays are always tough for me. The boys have to split time with me and going to their dad's house. Holidays were always a special time for me growing up, so as a single parent for 9 years, it is still hard to be alone. Everyone is quick to invite you to Thanksgiving, but now, Christmas...not so much...they have plans with their family, they are so sorry, they say. Well, I was determined to have a wonderful family Christmas with my boys. The boys and I were safe and happy...we didn't need a lot of gifts. Besides, we were supporting Advent Conspiracy with our church and wanted to build relationships with each other.
Relationships, huh? Relationships with family? Well, it was a good year, God. Thanks for the healing. Thanks for the blessings of the year. Thanks for the opportunity to share my home with others when they need a haven of rest. Thanks for opening communication with my dad.
Then my brother called and said he had rented a cabin in Branson over the Christmas week and was inviting everyone down. YIKES! (Thankfully, he was there a week prior praying for our family visit.) Well, this would be the first time in 15 years that so many of us would be in one place. (I live in STL, my sister in Springfield, MO, my brother in Nashville, my folks and younger sisters in NC) I made plans to attend for all of us, not just the sake of my boys. I was determine to try...again. Of course, when following Christ, we will meet with opposition. And, hoo boy, did "hell" break loose the day before I was to leave...almost causing me to change my plans. Instead, I was able to call my father for encouragement. I even told him that I really needed him to be my dad and explained the situation that had been thrown my way. He was wise in responding and asked me "what was the reason I was going to attend the family gathering...to remember that and not be robbed of a blessing by not going". Wow, what a blessing it turned out to be.
God was still healing me on my drive to Branson and the silly little drive to Walmart with my mother. For the first time, in my adult life, I actually felt love for my mother and could hug her genuinely. I even enjoyed the trip to Walmart with her and my sister! Sounds crazy, I know, but God was still working to fulfill His Promise...it was the last week of December! I have posted a family pic to prove God's faithfulness. We laughed together, cried together, forgave together, healed together and prayed together. If I had not been there to see it myself, I would have never believed it could happen.
I want to share with you that God will keep His promises, but He also wants to bless you with more than just keeping His promises. After the Christmas week at the miracle cabin in Branson, my parents came to see us in STL and spend several days with us through New Year's. This was a great visit for all of us, but it was fun to see my boys getting time with their maternal grandparents. I got to spend time with my little sister as we are both adults now. I have that emotional connection with my family that has been missing all my life.
Thank you, my Heavenly Father!
Christmas Day 2009 -My family with 4 of 5 siblings...I know God has my baby sister in His Hands!
First of all, a recap of the missing year of journaling in my life:
When someone told me that God has promised that 2009 was "the year of healing and restoration in families", I actually laughed out loud. I thought, "well, goody for you, mister, you just don't know about MY family"..."I've prayed about my family for 15 years and NOTHING I ever do is pleasing to them"..."so, okay, let's see if God really told you this promise".
For someone that was raised in church, but found my own relationship with God over the years, this was probably the most sarcastic I have ever been about God. It made me feel sick that I had such a low expectation of God. Afterall, He had brought me up from such low places, enabled me to become a very strong woman and guided me in single-parenting...why would I think He wouldn't come through for me in regards to my family.
I believe the starting point of my healing was in February, when my oldest son was admitted to a week's stay at a mental hospital for suicidal depression. He had been struggling with this for a couple of years and I had tried every solution for help that I could (much prayer, health supplements, better sleeping habits, aromatherapy, counseling, teaching him to pray & journal), I knew it was a more serious problem when he was making comments at school. Even though it was one the hardest things I ever had to do for my child, in a way, it was one of the best things I could have done for him. I bought him a grown up Bible and he was reading it on his own. He came home with a loving attitude and appreciation for me, his mom. For me, it was at that moment of no control that I learned to lean on God for His support...again!
The next opportunity God used in the process of healing my heart was when I attended the Women of Faith Conference in Indianapolis with my best friend, T. I had attended many WOF conferences before and always came away lifted up and spiritually encouraged. This year was quite opposite. Not that it wasn't inspiring...it was. But the speakers all shared very deep and personal heartaches with us. We laughed together, cried together and prayed together. There was a supernatural healing presence in this huge auditorium...and God KNEW just which seat I was sitting in. Little by little, the layers that had protected the hurt in my heart from my family were slowly being pulled away. God was using my tears to cleanse the grit that had seeped in causing so many little irritations that caused pain every time I even thought about my family. Mind you, I LONGED for healing and wholeness...I longed to be loved and accepted by my family...I longed for my children to have happy times with their grandparents (something I never had).
So from May to June, God was super busy! I had the opportunity to sit across from my father at my own kitchen table and talk for 2 1/2 hours. We cried together, we forgave together and we healed together. Wow, I always longed for a hug from my dad that made me feel safe and loved.
During the rest of the year, my healing had its ups and downs. As the layers come off, there is a vulnerability that is quite scary. I mean, 15 years is a long time for scar tissue to build up, and is quite painful when removed.
Some of the miracles and setbacks that took place include: In August, I received good news that I was approved for a 3-br townhouse on a Friday...and was told the next Monday that my job was being eliminated. (Where are you, God? It's me, Joy!) I continued the moving process for October 3rd and was extremely grateful to God...as HE DOES KNOW BEST! I was given the blessing of being paid through October, but released from duties, which allowed my full attention on sorting/packing for my move.
During this time, the boys had started back to school. Both of them on ADD medicine and one on an antidepressant. Copays were still expensive on all of these meds, not to mention my acid reflux med. So far, things were improving for the boys at school and both boys received all A's and B's...something that has never happened in all their years of school previously. They both test with high scores and high IQ's, so they both were given an IEP to allow more 1:1 time with their teachers. I believe this was a blessing from God to give them a room assignment where its okay for boys to be a little fidgety in their seat.
With the time off from work, I was able to spend more time in prayer and reading the Bible. My relationship with God was strong in prayer and praise, but not so much in reading the Word. Through this personal time with God, He began to bring me into alignment with Him. He brought me to focus on Him and not what others say or do. I learned that He is the Almighty Healer...for physical and emotional needs.
Then came the holidays.
Holidays are always tough for me. The boys have to split time with me and going to their dad's house. Holidays were always a special time for me growing up, so as a single parent for 9 years, it is still hard to be alone. Everyone is quick to invite you to Thanksgiving, but now, Christmas...not so much...they have plans with their family, they are so sorry, they say. Well, I was determined to have a wonderful family Christmas with my boys. The boys and I were safe and happy...we didn't need a lot of gifts. Besides, we were supporting Advent Conspiracy with our church and wanted to build relationships with each other.
Relationships, huh? Relationships with family? Well, it was a good year, God. Thanks for the healing. Thanks for the blessings of the year. Thanks for the opportunity to share my home with others when they need a haven of rest. Thanks for opening communication with my dad.
Then my brother called and said he had rented a cabin in Branson over the Christmas week and was inviting everyone down. YIKES! (Thankfully, he was there a week prior praying for our family visit.) Well, this would be the first time in 15 years that so many of us would be in one place. (I live in STL, my sister in Springfield, MO, my brother in Nashville, my folks and younger sisters in NC) I made plans to attend for all of us, not just the sake of my boys. I was determine to try...again. Of course, when following Christ, we will meet with opposition. And, hoo boy, did "hell" break loose the day before I was to leave...almost causing me to change my plans. Instead, I was able to call my father for encouragement. I even told him that I really needed him to be my dad and explained the situation that had been thrown my way. He was wise in responding and asked me "what was the reason I was going to attend the family gathering...to remember that and not be robbed of a blessing by not going". Wow, what a blessing it turned out to be.
God was still healing me on my drive to Branson and the silly little drive to Walmart with my mother. For the first time, in my adult life, I actually felt love for my mother and could hug her genuinely. I even enjoyed the trip to Walmart with her and my sister! Sounds crazy, I know, but God was still working to fulfill His Promise...it was the last week of December! I have posted a family pic to prove God's faithfulness. We laughed together, cried together, forgave together, healed together and prayed together. If I had not been there to see it myself, I would have never believed it could happen.
I want to share with you that God will keep His promises, but He also wants to bless you with more than just keeping His promises. After the Christmas week at the miracle cabin in Branson, my parents came to see us in STL and spend several days with us through New Year's. This was a great visit for all of us, but it was fun to see my boys getting time with their maternal grandparents. I got to spend time with my little sister as we are both adults now. I have that emotional connection with my family that has been missing all my life.
Thank you, my Heavenly Father!
Christmas Day 2009 -My family with 4 of 5 siblings...I know God has my baby sister in His Hands!Saturday, June 27, 2009
The Little Girl Who Could
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.
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.
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
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