Dear Psalm:
I was writing tonight, and Daddy reminded me of something that you do. He wants me to record it for you, so you will always remember.
You love to lead the prayers over our meals.
No matter where we are--here at home, at Nana and Poppa's, even out in the restaurants--you volunteer to lead the prayer over our food.
And you do such a great job!
You say, in an appropriate tone of voice and manner:
"God is Great,
God is Good,
Let us thank Him
For our Food.
In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen."
You bless us all, sis. And we pray that your heart be this sensitive to God all the days of your life!
We love you,
Mommy and Daddy.
P.S. You're four years old.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
My Little Singer
Dear Psalm:
So, lately you've been singing non-stop and everywhere we go.
It makes me smile.
We were in Hobby Lobby this weekend--I was shopping for fabric--and you were singing Christmas carols one after another, in succession.
When you sing, it's like it's not for attention. You don't sing too loudly and you're not trying to be obnoxious. In fact, to me, it blends in with the background store music, because it's on tune and pleasing to the ear.
Several people took note of you in the store, smiling as they listened to your songs.
Another lady stopped and talked to me about the gift you have.
"She sings better than any little girl her age I've ever heard," one lady said. "Does she sing a lot?"
"All the time," I said. "She's around music constantly--at church, at home, everywhere we go."
And it's true. You have been around music your whole life. It's no wonder you love it, no wonder it's such a source of comfort for you already.
After we left the fabric department, I strolled around the rest of the store.
You started singing, "Jesus Loves Me," sweetly, almost hauntingly, slowly paced--as if it were "for somebody."
I let you sing, wondering if someone around us really "needed to hear it" at that moment, wondering if it was one of God's gifts just for me.
Either way, I am amazed by you, by your God-given gifts and talents.
I can already SEE some things He is doing in you.
And I am amazed and humbled. I am so very proud of you, my daughter.
Love,
Mommy
So, lately you've been singing non-stop and everywhere we go.
It makes me smile.
We were in Hobby Lobby this weekend--I was shopping for fabric--and you were singing Christmas carols one after another, in succession.
When you sing, it's like it's not for attention. You don't sing too loudly and you're not trying to be obnoxious. In fact, to me, it blends in with the background store music, because it's on tune and pleasing to the ear.
Several people took note of you in the store, smiling as they listened to your songs.
Another lady stopped and talked to me about the gift you have.
"She sings better than any little girl her age I've ever heard," one lady said. "Does she sing a lot?"
"All the time," I said. "She's around music constantly--at church, at home, everywhere we go."
And it's true. You have been around music your whole life. It's no wonder you love it, no wonder it's such a source of comfort for you already.
After we left the fabric department, I strolled around the rest of the store.
You started singing, "Jesus Loves Me," sweetly, almost hauntingly, slowly paced--as if it were "for somebody."
I let you sing, wondering if someone around us really "needed to hear it" at that moment, wondering if it was one of God's gifts just for me.
Either way, I am amazed by you, by your God-given gifts and talents.
I can already SEE some things He is doing in you.
And I am amazed and humbled. I am so very proud of you, my daughter.
Love,
Mommy
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Sometimes I Worry
Sometimes I worry...
I cannot help but think about my health, my age, my seemingly increasing lack of energy, and I worry that I am not up to par as a Mommy.
My heart wants to sing with you, dance with you, play with you, but my tired body--at the end of a day--is difficult to persuade.
I wish I had more energy, sissy. I wish I could be the playmate that I know you need on weekdays when your sisters are not with us.
Sometimes I worry about that.
I am so thankful that God brought your Daddy to me, and that he blessed us with you. You are a living, breathing answered prayer, did you know that? I owe so much to my heavenly Father. He has truly given me the most precious gift in you.
And I wish I could express that to you in a way you could understand right now. How much I truly adore you and love you. There are no words to describe what you mean to me. Sometimes I worry that I will never be able to express to you the depth of LOVE I have for you. All I have are these letters and a limited lexicon. And, truly, no word ever spoken by humankind can describe how much I love you. No way.
Sometimes I worry that I will not be there for you when you need me. On afternoons when I pick you up from school, and you march out of your building in a line of your classmates, I wonder at you, your day, wonder how things went for you, and I worry because I haven't been there with you for hours--did you need me?--and all I can do is pray that God will be with you, giving your favor and protection and guidance in my absence.
(I know He did, of course He did, but sometimes I worry.)
Darling girl, I love you, and though I sometimes worry that I won't always be here with you, for you, I can promise you that you will always be in my heart, my thoughts, my consciousness. And when our Lord takes me to see Him, I know He will take care of you--lead you and guide you--until that time when we are reunited. I trust Him completely.
I just want to be there for you always. I want to be there to hear your stories, laugh with you, cry with you, celebrate with you. I pray that our Lord gives me those opportunities for many, many years to come.
I trust in Him. He knows what's best.
Sometimes I worry, but I trust Him for your life. I know He will take care of you. I have prayed over your future, and all of the generations to come through you.
You are special, Dear One.
He has a plan for your life, and He will see it come to pass if you trust Him.
(I don't have to worry about that.)
-------------------------------------------------
I love you, darling. And now I must go get your chocolate milk in your sippy cup as I promised several minutes ago. Thus far, you have been patient, but I suspect you will come after me soon if I don't get this done! ha! You're delightful, you know that?!? You remind me so much of someone I know....Ah....Me!!! :D
I cannot help but think about my health, my age, my seemingly increasing lack of energy, and I worry that I am not up to par as a Mommy.
My heart wants to sing with you, dance with you, play with you, but my tired body--at the end of a day--is difficult to persuade.
I wish I had more energy, sissy. I wish I could be the playmate that I know you need on weekdays when your sisters are not with us.
Sometimes I worry about that.
I am so thankful that God brought your Daddy to me, and that he blessed us with you. You are a living, breathing answered prayer, did you know that? I owe so much to my heavenly Father. He has truly given me the most precious gift in you.
And I wish I could express that to you in a way you could understand right now. How much I truly adore you and love you. There are no words to describe what you mean to me. Sometimes I worry that I will never be able to express to you the depth of LOVE I have for you. All I have are these letters and a limited lexicon. And, truly, no word ever spoken by humankind can describe how much I love you. No way.
Sometimes I worry that I will not be there for you when you need me. On afternoons when I pick you up from school, and you march out of your building in a line of your classmates, I wonder at you, your day, wonder how things went for you, and I worry because I haven't been there with you for hours--did you need me?--and all I can do is pray that God will be with you, giving your favor and protection and guidance in my absence.
(I know He did, of course He did, but sometimes I worry.)
Darling girl, I love you, and though I sometimes worry that I won't always be here with you, for you, I can promise you that you will always be in my heart, my thoughts, my consciousness. And when our Lord takes me to see Him, I know He will take care of you--lead you and guide you--until that time when we are reunited. I trust Him completely.
I just want to be there for you always. I want to be there to hear your stories, laugh with you, cry with you, celebrate with you. I pray that our Lord gives me those opportunities for many, many years to come.
I trust in Him. He knows what's best.
Sometimes I worry, but I trust Him for your life. I know He will take care of you. I have prayed over your future, and all of the generations to come through you.
You are special, Dear One.
He has a plan for your life, and He will see it come to pass if you trust Him.
(I don't have to worry about that.)
-------------------------------------------------
I love you, darling. And now I must go get your chocolate milk in your sippy cup as I promised several minutes ago. Thus far, you have been patient, but I suspect you will come after me soon if I don't get this done! ha! You're delightful, you know that?!? You remind me so much of someone I know....Ah....Me!!! :D
Saturday, August 11, 2012
No Matter What They Tell You...
Dear Psalm,
Today, these days, I've been thinking about all of the things I need to tell you, feel impressed to tell you. Things that you may, one day in the future, desperately need to know.
Tonight, as I sit here typing with you and these things on my mind, I wanted to share some things with you.
"No Matter What They Tell You..."
...God is real, alive. He can hear you, know you. You can talk to Him just like a friend.
...the Bible is important. Learn as much of it as you can. Don't trust anyone's word for it. You must read it for yourself, know it for yourself. (They're going to try to "fix it" and "correct it" one day. If this happens, find the oldest copy you can to read.)
...there is no government on this planet--in the past, present, or future, that can give you true fulfillment, true happiness. But all of that is obtainable here on this earth through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
...the problem with any government is that it is run by people. Given enough time and money, human greed will take a toll on what, in the beginning, was promising or good about it.
...God loves people, all people. And it is not his will that anyone should perish, fall into a spiritual darkness, be lost, unhappy, unfree.
...you can do all things through Christ Jesus our Lord who gives us strength. Life can get overwhelming, taxing, even oppressive. Sometimes, if you're not careful, you'll get down in the dumps, anxious about everything. This is why you need to pray and stay in the Word of God. His Word will challenge you, inspire you, uplift you, encourage you to keep going.
...God is in control. He knows EXACTLY where you are, what you're going through. Never forget that, Sissy.
...I love you with ALL OF MY HEART. You have NO IDEA how much I love you.
No matter what anyone tells you, darling, you must TRUST GOD for every part of your life and life itself. Don't buy anything, follow anyone, go to school anywhere, or marry anyone, without seeking God's will about it first. These things are too important.
And there may come a day, when you're older, when you start to realize that every step--every single step--is ordered of our Lord, and you look for him and anticipate recognizing His plan wherever you go, whatever you do. In that day, you will realize that it's important to think about and pray about where you will go for drive through dinner, whether you need to even leave the house at all.
I have failed our Lord more times than I can count, Psalm. I wish I could tell you I haven't failed Him, but I have. But when you fail, sis, I want you to know that it's not over. Our Lord is a loving and forgiving God who will wrap His arms around you and pull you gently back to Him. Do your best to follow everything He says (in His word and through His spirit). Do your best not to mess up. But he is there for you if you do fail him.
1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness."
Mommy loves you, darling.
love mommy
Today, these days, I've been thinking about all of the things I need to tell you, feel impressed to tell you. Things that you may, one day in the future, desperately need to know.
Tonight, as I sit here typing with you and these things on my mind, I wanted to share some things with you.
"No Matter What They Tell You..."
...God is real, alive. He can hear you, know you. You can talk to Him just like a friend.
...the Bible is important. Learn as much of it as you can. Don't trust anyone's word for it. You must read it for yourself, know it for yourself. (They're going to try to "fix it" and "correct it" one day. If this happens, find the oldest copy you can to read.)
...there is no government on this planet--in the past, present, or future, that can give you true fulfillment, true happiness. But all of that is obtainable here on this earth through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
...the problem with any government is that it is run by people. Given enough time and money, human greed will take a toll on what, in the beginning, was promising or good about it.
...God loves people, all people. And it is not his will that anyone should perish, fall into a spiritual darkness, be lost, unhappy, unfree.
...you can do all things through Christ Jesus our Lord who gives us strength. Life can get overwhelming, taxing, even oppressive. Sometimes, if you're not careful, you'll get down in the dumps, anxious about everything. This is why you need to pray and stay in the Word of God. His Word will challenge you, inspire you, uplift you, encourage you to keep going.
...God is in control. He knows EXACTLY where you are, what you're going through. Never forget that, Sissy.
...I love you with ALL OF MY HEART. You have NO IDEA how much I love you.
No matter what anyone tells you, darling, you must TRUST GOD for every part of your life and life itself. Don't buy anything, follow anyone, go to school anywhere, or marry anyone, without seeking God's will about it first. These things are too important.
And there may come a day, when you're older, when you start to realize that every step--every single step--is ordered of our Lord, and you look for him and anticipate recognizing His plan wherever you go, whatever you do. In that day, you will realize that it's important to think about and pray about where you will go for drive through dinner, whether you need to even leave the house at all.
I have failed our Lord more times than I can count, Psalm. I wish I could tell you I haven't failed Him, but I have. But when you fail, sis, I want you to know that it's not over. Our Lord is a loving and forgiving God who will wrap His arms around you and pull you gently back to Him. Do your best to follow everything He says (in His word and through His spirit). Do your best not to mess up. But he is there for you if you do fail him.
1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness."
Mommy loves you, darling.
love mommy
Thursday, July 12, 2012
"Never Say Never": Grandma's Advice
Dear Psalm:
Your grandmother, my mother, is a very wise woman who taught many, many, many things over my life-time.
I cannot say that I always readily accepted her wisdom with enthusiasm, but I can tell you that in hindsight, and with this many years of my own under my belt, I have realized that she was right about just about EVERYTHING.
I thought I'd share this particular advice with you now, just in case you need it sooner rather than later.
She would say to me, "Never say 'never' to God. If you do that, you will find that He will lead you to do whatever it is you say you're 'never' going to do!"
:)
It has been my experience that this is absolutely the truth!
If you don't want to teach third grade Sunday School, then don't say, "I'd NEVER teach that class!" or "I'll NEVER drive that bus! Those kids are CRAZY!" or "I'll never pray out loud in front of people" or just WHATEVER it is you dig your heels in about and tell God you're not going to do!
Ha. Ha.
If you get a chance, ask Daddy about the time he said he'd "NEVER go to another Chi Alpha service again!" Yeah.
Just thought I'd share this bit of advice with you, in hopes that it spares you many hard lessons in the future.
Love you, dearie, Mommy
Your grandmother, my mother, is a very wise woman who taught many, many, many things over my life-time.
I cannot say that I always readily accepted her wisdom with enthusiasm, but I can tell you that in hindsight, and with this many years of my own under my belt, I have realized that she was right about just about EVERYTHING.
I thought I'd share this particular advice with you now, just in case you need it sooner rather than later.
She would say to me, "Never say 'never' to God. If you do that, you will find that He will lead you to do whatever it is you say you're 'never' going to do!"
:)
It has been my experience that this is absolutely the truth!
If you don't want to teach third grade Sunday School, then don't say, "I'd NEVER teach that class!" or "I'll NEVER drive that bus! Those kids are CRAZY!" or "I'll never pray out loud in front of people" or just WHATEVER it is you dig your heels in about and tell God you're not going to do!
Ha. Ha.
If you get a chance, ask Daddy about the time he said he'd "NEVER go to another Chi Alpha service again!" Yeah.
Just thought I'd share this bit of advice with you, in hopes that it spares you many hard lessons in the future.
Love you, dearie, Mommy
Monday, July 9, 2012
The Best Kept Secret
Dear Psalm,
I want you to know something--and not just with your head, but with your heart. Our Lord, the Lord God Almighty, is an AMAZING GOD and there is none like him anywhere and for ALL TIME.
I don't care WHO comes along and tries to tell you differently: There is NOTHING as exciting, as fulfilling, as wonderful as living for the Lord.
There's a Christian song that says it best. One of the lines repeats: "You're the best kept secret..." He is, Psalm.
I don't understand why people aren't lining up in droves to get to know Him, be in His presence, kneel at altars all over this planet, trying to get as close to Him as possible.
Life is BETTER with Him. Period. No, exclamation mark.
I just wish I could figure out a way to tell the world, to share this. He is the author of Joy, of Fulfillment, of Peace. He heals our bodies. He fills us with His presence. He comforts us, guides us, protects us, NIGHT AND DAY.
He doesn't have to do these things--after all, who are we? But He does, Psalm. He does because He loves us.
I wish people knew that. That He loved us. No, more than that. That He loves us as deeply as He loves us.
The entire Bible--which people twist and turn out of context to support their own immature and/or incorrect ideas--is a testament of His love. I wish people would just read it, once, all the way through, and with as open a mind as possible. No, more than that, even. I wish, before they read it, that they would ask God to open their eyes to what they're reading: The greatest testament of love of all time.
Psalm, I want you to know that it is my DEEPEST PRAYER that you will know Him and grow in Him every day of your life. That you will "hear" Him speak to you, guiding you, teaching you, loving you, in the midst of your life, in the midst of your greatest highs and most disappointing lows.
My soul's prayer is that He will not be a secret to you.
I love you, always and forever,
Mommy
I want you to know something--and not just with your head, but with your heart. Our Lord, the Lord God Almighty, is an AMAZING GOD and there is none like him anywhere and for ALL TIME.
I don't care WHO comes along and tries to tell you differently: There is NOTHING as exciting, as fulfilling, as wonderful as living for the Lord.
There's a Christian song that says it best. One of the lines repeats: "You're the best kept secret..." He is, Psalm.
I don't understand why people aren't lining up in droves to get to know Him, be in His presence, kneel at altars all over this planet, trying to get as close to Him as possible.
Life is BETTER with Him. Period. No, exclamation mark.
I just wish I could figure out a way to tell the world, to share this. He is the author of Joy, of Fulfillment, of Peace. He heals our bodies. He fills us with His presence. He comforts us, guides us, protects us, NIGHT AND DAY.
He doesn't have to do these things--after all, who are we? But He does, Psalm. He does because He loves us.
I wish people knew that. That He loved us. No, more than that. That He loves us as deeply as He loves us.
The entire Bible--which people twist and turn out of context to support their own immature and/or incorrect ideas--is a testament of His love. I wish people would just read it, once, all the way through, and with as open a mind as possible. No, more than that, even. I wish, before they read it, that they would ask God to open their eyes to what they're reading: The greatest testament of love of all time.
Psalm, I want you to know that it is my DEEPEST PRAYER that you will know Him and grow in Him every day of your life. That you will "hear" Him speak to you, guiding you, teaching you, loving you, in the midst of your life, in the midst of your greatest highs and most disappointing lows.
My soul's prayer is that He will not be a secret to you.
I love you, always and forever,
Mommy
Friday, July 6, 2012
Butterfly Hollow: A Story
--This story is currently under construction--
Introduction
Did you know that there was a time when butterflies could not fly? It's true. For several hundred years, butterflies lost their wings. This is the story of how they lost their wings, forgot them altogether, and then regained them. Now, if only they can keep them!
Dedication
For Psalm
A Story Inspired by You,
A Prayer for Your Life,
From Your Mommy
The Story
Once upon a time, long, long, ago, there was a community of butterflies that lived in a place called Butterfly Hollow.
These butterflies were beautifully colored--with the brightest hues of yellows, oranges, reds, and blues the world has ever seen!
All day long, the butterflies in the hollow played or perched on the limbs of tall trees, and on the petals of brightly colored flowers. Sometimes they danced across the softly flowing brook, letting the tip of their foot touch the cool waters.
At night, the butterflies would find rest in the softness of the green, mossy banks, letting the quiet noise of the stream lull them to restful sleep.
It was so beautiful there, such a wonderful place, in Butterfly Hollow.
----------------------------------------------
No one knows exactly how it happened, or, more precisely, who started it, but there came a Fearful Dread upon all who lived in Butterfly Hollow.
The Fearful Dread was not a person or thing, exactly. It was a belief that somehow embedded itself into the minds of every member of the community.
No, no one knows how it started, but in a very short span of time, the butterflies came to believe that they would be safer, more comfortable, if they did not have their wings.
Although we have little but oral histories to rely on for a true account of what happened during this dark time, most believe that there was an original source of this Dread...and that this source had an unimaginable ability to sway the opinion of others.
And so, when this source convinced the butterflies that they would be better if they clipped their wings, that is precisely what they did.
The Fearful Dread consumed them all, even those who occasionally vocalized concern at the practice. Some wondered when was the best time to clip the wings. One idea was that they might consider waiting to clip the butterfly's wings until they were fully formed. Others believed it should be done early and as often as necessary, a type of "pruning," as they referred to it. No one knows precisely who made the decision to clip the butterfly wings as soon as they were fully formed, but that is what they did. For generations.
Yes, for hundreds of years, butterflies in this hollow never stood on anything but the grass beneath them. They did not know what it was like to fly from one flower to another, to descend upon the small leaf of a tree. They never got off the ground.
This was a dark time that came to Butterfly Hollow, threatening its very existence!
Butterflies without wings could not help to pollenate flowers. Butterflies without wings could not hide from predators. Butterflies without wings had a very narrow perception of the world around them.
Introduction
Did you know that there was a time when butterflies could not fly? It's true. For several hundred years, butterflies lost their wings. This is the story of how they lost their wings, forgot them altogether, and then regained them. Now, if only they can keep them!
Dedication
For Psalm
A Story Inspired by You,
A Prayer for Your Life,
From Your Mommy
The Story
Once upon a time, long, long, ago, there was a community of butterflies that lived in a place called Butterfly Hollow.
These butterflies were beautifully colored--with the brightest hues of yellows, oranges, reds, and blues the world has ever seen!
All day long, the butterflies in the hollow played or perched on the limbs of tall trees, and on the petals of brightly colored flowers. Sometimes they danced across the softly flowing brook, letting the tip of their foot touch the cool waters.
At night, the butterflies would find rest in the softness of the green, mossy banks, letting the quiet noise of the stream lull them to restful sleep.
It was so beautiful there, such a wonderful place, in Butterfly Hollow.
----------------------------------------------
No one knows exactly how it happened, or, more precisely, who started it, but there came a Fearful Dread upon all who lived in Butterfly Hollow.
The Fearful Dread was not a person or thing, exactly. It was a belief that somehow embedded itself into the minds of every member of the community.
No, no one knows how it started, but in a very short span of time, the butterflies came to believe that they would be safer, more comfortable, if they did not have their wings.
Although we have little but oral histories to rely on for a true account of what happened during this dark time, most believe that there was an original source of this Dread...and that this source had an unimaginable ability to sway the opinion of others.
And so, when this source convinced the butterflies that they would be better if they clipped their wings, that is precisely what they did.
The Fearful Dread consumed them all, even those who occasionally vocalized concern at the practice. Some wondered when was the best time to clip the wings. One idea was that they might consider waiting to clip the butterfly's wings until they were fully formed. Others believed it should be done early and as often as necessary, a type of "pruning," as they referred to it. No one knows precisely who made the decision to clip the butterfly wings as soon as they were fully formed, but that is what they did. For generations.
Yes, for hundreds of years, butterflies in this hollow never stood on anything but the grass beneath them. They did not know what it was like to fly from one flower to another, to descend upon the small leaf of a tree. They never got off the ground.
This was a dark time that came to Butterfly Hollow, threatening its very existence!
Butterflies without wings could not help to pollenate flowers. Butterflies without wings could not hide from predators. Butterflies without wings had a very narrow perception of the world around them.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
The B.I.B.L.E.
There's a book that we sing about together, "The B.I.B.L.E.," and that's the book I want to talk to you about this morning.
The words to the song go:
"The B.I.B.L.E.,
Yes! That's the book for me!
I stand upon the Word of God,
The B.I.B.L.E.!"
I woke up with an urgency to tell you this...
There is coming a time when this song may not be sung as freely as it is now. There is coming a time when all mention of this precious book and its knowledge may be life-threatening to the person who mentions it.
It already is so in many places on this earth right now, and you are just 3 years old. But there is a move--you can feel it--to wipe this Word off the planet, to prevent its ideas from being shared publicly and freely.
And it is my prayer that as you get older, grow older, that there will be those who have stood up and fought for the freedom to read the Word, and by doing so diligently, have allowed you the freedom to own a copy of this Book, study it, and discuss it freely. I pray that is the state of things when you are my age.
But I must, I must, I must share the following things with you about this book:
(1) It is not just a book of stories.
Psalm, the Bible is full of many stories--some popular, ever-useful for our daily living and spiritual growth. But you should know that these aren't just "stories" made up by man. They actually happened. Many voices now are trying to say that the Bible is "symbolic," or that these stories were not put together by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. I'm here to tell you that they are real.
(2) We mustn't put God in a box.
I think it is comical sometimes at how much we really believe that we KNOW God, or how much we think we know about His creation. We have come up with scientific lists detailing what God can and can't do--we've formulated our own "laws" about His creation. One of the things that I love about all of the stories in the four Gospels is that, when Jesus came, He broke so many of our "so-called" boxes and "laws" about science, government, and sin.
(3) Hide the Word in your heart.
The Bible tells us that we must "hide the Word in our hearts so we do not sin against Him." What this means is that we must start memorizing the Word as early on as we can. Even if we do not understand all of the words, it is important to get the words in our minds. Trust me, the Holy Spirit will teach you what they mean, in time.
(4) Always talk to God.
People make prayer out to be something "mysterious" or even "super-supernatural." Praying is just talking to God. You can talk to him about anything, any concern, need, or even question you have about him. There have been plenty of times that I've just talked to him, asked Him why certain things are the way they are. Many times, I have asked him what certain verses mean. If there is something I read in his Word that I don't understand, I write a question mark and ask HIm to tell me in his time.
(5) Your logic is not God's logic.
Many people will ask you "what you think" about something in the Word of God. Whether they ask to "chip away" at what you believe, or whether they ask you with a sincere heart, I must clarify something to you of great significance. It does not matter "what you think" about the Word of God. It is not your job to take the Word of God, as if it is a poem or short story or speech to be analyzed and discuss it as such. The Word of God, though full of all of those things, is not something YOU read and decide what it "really means," or "what you think about it." For example, there are people who ask, "Well, the Bible says that it's a sin to gossip. Do you really believe this?" "You really believe people will go to hell if they __________________?" Your answer MUST be: "It's not up to me. I'm not God and I'm not the ultimate judge. The Bible says ___________________________. And I believe what the Bible says."
(6) Know the Word. Know how to find things in the Word.
Lots of people talk about the Bible as if they know it. But, if the truth be known, they are going off of what they remember, what people have told them, or movies. (Seriously.) Don't fall prey to this. Even at my age, at this current state of things, I have heard people say phrases that they believe to be in the Bible that are not there. If you don't know better, you may start believing that old wives tales, legends/myths, and even words from Shakespeare are in the Bible. It does the followers of Christ NO GOOD if we are ignorant. The Bible tells us, "My people perish for lack of knowledge." We must know the Word and how to find things in the Word. If we don't KNOW if it's in the Bible or not, we shouldn't say it at all.
(7) Share the Word of God, in any way you can, in any way you know how.
Sister, I know you will know this. I know that you will read the Word and that God will give you understanding. I pray that right now as I type. But the heart of the Gospel, the Good News, must be shared. It's not okay to know the truth and "hide it" and never share it with anyone else. Jesus has called us to share this news with others. Do it in any way you can, in any way you know how, and as the Holy Spirit leads you and guides you. Share the stories of the Old and New Testament to encourage people when things get tough. Share verses of consolation, challenge, and inspiration as needed, and as guided to. Use whatever means available to share biblical principles with those who work and learn and live around you.
(8) Live the Word.
It's not enough to know it and share it, Sissy. You must LIVE the Word. There are too many people who say one thing--that they know God and His Word--and they live a life contrary to the Word. Don't be confused, sis. These people may know something in their heads, but they are not living it out. That means they are not ready to teach, lead, speak into the lives of anyone. Do not heed what they say. Take what they tell you--if they mean well--and pray over it, pray for direction. (Pray for those people, too, that they will learn the error of their ways.) But do not trust the words of people who wield a sword like the Word of God and have no real training or life experience to use it. You must live the Word, whether it's difficult or not. You must live it so as to be a Great Light to those around you.
(9) Respect the Word.
When I was growing up, my mother taught me never to write in my Bible, never to let anything rest on it or get stacked on it. The Bible was not to be covered up or tossed around in the car or in my room. We were to give the physical Bible respect, because it was our own personal copy of the Word of God. While I do write in my Bible--notes as I study--I do not doodle in it or write grocery lists. I still do what my Mother taught me to do. And there is value in that. We must never forget the importance of the book itself.
(10) Yes, humans wrote it. But the Holy Spirit led them, guided them.
I don't care what the scoffers say, you can read the entire Bible and SEE the common threads that run through all of the books included. I don't care how many "inconsistencies" people find, or how many things that culturally shock or anger them, it is readily apparent to anyone who reads the entire Bible that God is in it. We may not understand everything in it. We may think some things too harsh. But I'm telling you right now that the Bible tells us many things--including discussing the HOLINESS of God. Culturally, we may think some things strange, but don't focus on those things that confuse you, focus on the overall picture. (Certainly, ask God for clarity on the Word when it confuses you or when you don't understand it, but don't assume it is a mistake. It's not! There is a reason for ALL THINGS in the Word.) When I read the Word, all of it, in one study, in college, I realized how CLEAR and CONSISTENT the message of God to man.
He loves us, Psalm. Always and forever. He loves us.
The words to the song go:
"The B.I.B.L.E.,
Yes! That's the book for me!
I stand upon the Word of God,
The B.I.B.L.E.!"
I woke up with an urgency to tell you this...
There is coming a time when this song may not be sung as freely as it is now. There is coming a time when all mention of this precious book and its knowledge may be life-threatening to the person who mentions it.
It already is so in many places on this earth right now, and you are just 3 years old. But there is a move--you can feel it--to wipe this Word off the planet, to prevent its ideas from being shared publicly and freely.
And it is my prayer that as you get older, grow older, that there will be those who have stood up and fought for the freedom to read the Word, and by doing so diligently, have allowed you the freedom to own a copy of this Book, study it, and discuss it freely. I pray that is the state of things when you are my age.
But I must, I must, I must share the following things with you about this book:
(1) It is not just a book of stories.
Psalm, the Bible is full of many stories--some popular, ever-useful for our daily living and spiritual growth. But you should know that these aren't just "stories" made up by man. They actually happened. Many voices now are trying to say that the Bible is "symbolic," or that these stories were not put together by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. I'm here to tell you that they are real.
(2) We mustn't put God in a box.
I think it is comical sometimes at how much we really believe that we KNOW God, or how much we think we know about His creation. We have come up with scientific lists detailing what God can and can't do--we've formulated our own "laws" about His creation. One of the things that I love about all of the stories in the four Gospels is that, when Jesus came, He broke so many of our "so-called" boxes and "laws" about science, government, and sin.
(3) Hide the Word in your heart.
The Bible tells us that we must "hide the Word in our hearts so we do not sin against Him." What this means is that we must start memorizing the Word as early on as we can. Even if we do not understand all of the words, it is important to get the words in our minds. Trust me, the Holy Spirit will teach you what they mean, in time.
(4) Always talk to God.
People make prayer out to be something "mysterious" or even "super-supernatural." Praying is just talking to God. You can talk to him about anything, any concern, need, or even question you have about him. There have been plenty of times that I've just talked to him, asked Him why certain things are the way they are. Many times, I have asked him what certain verses mean. If there is something I read in his Word that I don't understand, I write a question mark and ask HIm to tell me in his time.
(5) Your logic is not God's logic.
Many people will ask you "what you think" about something in the Word of God. Whether they ask to "chip away" at what you believe, or whether they ask you with a sincere heart, I must clarify something to you of great significance. It does not matter "what you think" about the Word of God. It is not your job to take the Word of God, as if it is a poem or short story or speech to be analyzed and discuss it as such. The Word of God, though full of all of those things, is not something YOU read and decide what it "really means," or "what you think about it." For example, there are people who ask, "Well, the Bible says that it's a sin to gossip. Do you really believe this?" "You really believe people will go to hell if they __________________?" Your answer MUST be: "It's not up to me. I'm not God and I'm not the ultimate judge. The Bible says ___________________________. And I believe what the Bible says."
(6) Know the Word. Know how to find things in the Word.
Lots of people talk about the Bible as if they know it. But, if the truth be known, they are going off of what they remember, what people have told them, or movies. (Seriously.) Don't fall prey to this. Even at my age, at this current state of things, I have heard people say phrases that they believe to be in the Bible that are not there. If you don't know better, you may start believing that old wives tales, legends/myths, and even words from Shakespeare are in the Bible. It does the followers of Christ NO GOOD if we are ignorant. The Bible tells us, "My people perish for lack of knowledge." We must know the Word and how to find things in the Word. If we don't KNOW if it's in the Bible or not, we shouldn't say it at all.
(7) Share the Word of God, in any way you can, in any way you know how.
Sister, I know you will know this. I know that you will read the Word and that God will give you understanding. I pray that right now as I type. But the heart of the Gospel, the Good News, must be shared. It's not okay to know the truth and "hide it" and never share it with anyone else. Jesus has called us to share this news with others. Do it in any way you can, in any way you know how, and as the Holy Spirit leads you and guides you. Share the stories of the Old and New Testament to encourage people when things get tough. Share verses of consolation, challenge, and inspiration as needed, and as guided to. Use whatever means available to share biblical principles with those who work and learn and live around you.
(8) Live the Word.
It's not enough to know it and share it, Sissy. You must LIVE the Word. There are too many people who say one thing--that they know God and His Word--and they live a life contrary to the Word. Don't be confused, sis. These people may know something in their heads, but they are not living it out. That means they are not ready to teach, lead, speak into the lives of anyone. Do not heed what they say. Take what they tell you--if they mean well--and pray over it, pray for direction. (Pray for those people, too, that they will learn the error of their ways.) But do not trust the words of people who wield a sword like the Word of God and have no real training or life experience to use it. You must live the Word, whether it's difficult or not. You must live it so as to be a Great Light to those around you.
(9) Respect the Word.
When I was growing up, my mother taught me never to write in my Bible, never to let anything rest on it or get stacked on it. The Bible was not to be covered up or tossed around in the car or in my room. We were to give the physical Bible respect, because it was our own personal copy of the Word of God. While I do write in my Bible--notes as I study--I do not doodle in it or write grocery lists. I still do what my Mother taught me to do. And there is value in that. We must never forget the importance of the book itself.
(10) Yes, humans wrote it. But the Holy Spirit led them, guided them.
I don't care what the scoffers say, you can read the entire Bible and SEE the common threads that run through all of the books included. I don't care how many "inconsistencies" people find, or how many things that culturally shock or anger them, it is readily apparent to anyone who reads the entire Bible that God is in it. We may not understand everything in it. We may think some things too harsh. But I'm telling you right now that the Bible tells us many things--including discussing the HOLINESS of God. Culturally, we may think some things strange, but don't focus on those things that confuse you, focus on the overall picture. (Certainly, ask God for clarity on the Word when it confuses you or when you don't understand it, but don't assume it is a mistake. It's not! There is a reason for ALL THINGS in the Word.) When I read the Word, all of it, in one study, in college, I realized how CLEAR and CONSISTENT the message of God to man.
He loves us, Psalm. Always and forever. He loves us.
Monday, June 18, 2012
The Snatchers
This evening, I want to tell you a story about The Snatchers.
The Snatchers are a group of people who have lived since the earth began. In their families, one generation after the other, they have handed down their societal-changing skill of Snatching.
They learn early on in life how to snatch, what to snatch, and, if they prove themselves before they are old, they may even learn why to snatch.
The older ones teach the younger ones. When they are old enough--four or five years old--they begin teaching them their ways. But they don't just teach their own families--they try to get other people to join them, to become a part of their ever-growing group of Snatchers.
Many people have no idea that the Snatchers exist. They don't realize, even, if they live next door to them, because, often, to blend in--and sometimes to be more effective--the Snatchers don't tell people around them who they are. Over time, they have discovered that it's easier to influence families who are completely unaware.
Yes, it's true. Some Snatchers are never found out by those people who live and work around them...though, in one way or another, they leave their mark.
There are some, just a handful actually, people who "sense" what they are, the Snatchers, and they start to ask questions, get defensive, start getting other people to ask questions. And that's when the Snatchers will move "suddenly," somewhere else.
No one can ever discover who they are.
They have spent years learning how to disguise themselves, blend in with various cultures. They have been successful worldwide in their camouflage. And, year after year, they teach their ways to a new generation and make every attempt to "grow their ranks."
But sometimes, on rare occasions, there are Snatchers who wake up and don't want to snatch anymore. You hear about them every once in a while, quietly leaving their families and taking up some other residence far from all they knew. You rarely hear them talk about it much. I suppose we would all like to hear more about them, like what life is like in a Snatchers' family, but most people would rather pretend that the Snatchers don't exist. Honestly, if people were to listen to the "escapee," it would mean they would have to validate their existence, and purpose. And, if the communities validated the Snatchers by hearing and learning about them, their lifestyles and societal intent, then they would have to DO something about it.
Yes, silence often means keeping a "comfortable" life for the majority. So, all too often, the "Powers that Be" choose to ignore any rumors that surface about the Snatchers.
And who can blame them?
Most people don't really want to know that these people exist--and have existed since the beginning of Civilization as we know it. And once people know about them--what they intended to do in every generation--what could they do about it? Snatchers permeate every aspect of society.
Is it better not to know? That's what most believe.
They are sly, the Snatchers. They've been doing what they do for thousands of years. They are good at it. Ultimate deceivers. Professionals in everything they do. Everything they do, they do right.
So, why am I telling you this?
At some point, dear one, you should know about them. You should know that they have, since you were born, been intently after one thing: Your Heart.
They have taken so many, but they will not stop until they get as many as this generation will allow. They feed on the hearts of the people, manipulating them, swaying them into becoming just like them.
I cannot tell you what they look like--just what to look for. Anyone or anything that attempts to sway you from your heart, your internal beliefs, you may be sure, is due to them and/or their efforts.
Watch for those who tell you that what you think and know and believe aren't good enough, that you are "silly" or "naive" to hold to that. Know this: they will say and do anything to make you believe as they do.
And, if you give in to them, their ideas about "being," then they will begin snatching everything you hold dear to you. They will begin to mold your mind in ways that you would never believe possible.
Beware, Dear One. There are very few voices left among us who dare to object to their actions. Very few bold enough to call them on their deceit. And those who speak out must turn to stories to relay warnings of their movements, objectives.
The danger is real, my dear. They want your heart, too. They will stop at nothing. So listen to it while you still can.
The Snatchers are nearing.
The Snatchers are a group of people who have lived since the earth began. In their families, one generation after the other, they have handed down their societal-changing skill of Snatching.
They learn early on in life how to snatch, what to snatch, and, if they prove themselves before they are old, they may even learn why to snatch.
The older ones teach the younger ones. When they are old enough--four or five years old--they begin teaching them their ways. But they don't just teach their own families--they try to get other people to join them, to become a part of their ever-growing group of Snatchers.
Many people have no idea that the Snatchers exist. They don't realize, even, if they live next door to them, because, often, to blend in--and sometimes to be more effective--the Snatchers don't tell people around them who they are. Over time, they have discovered that it's easier to influence families who are completely unaware.
Yes, it's true. Some Snatchers are never found out by those people who live and work around them...though, in one way or another, they leave their mark.
There are some, just a handful actually, people who "sense" what they are, the Snatchers, and they start to ask questions, get defensive, start getting other people to ask questions. And that's when the Snatchers will move "suddenly," somewhere else.
No one can ever discover who they are.
They have spent years learning how to disguise themselves, blend in with various cultures. They have been successful worldwide in their camouflage. And, year after year, they teach their ways to a new generation and make every attempt to "grow their ranks."
But sometimes, on rare occasions, there are Snatchers who wake up and don't want to snatch anymore. You hear about them every once in a while, quietly leaving their families and taking up some other residence far from all they knew. You rarely hear them talk about it much. I suppose we would all like to hear more about them, like what life is like in a Snatchers' family, but most people would rather pretend that the Snatchers don't exist. Honestly, if people were to listen to the "escapee," it would mean they would have to validate their existence, and purpose. And, if the communities validated the Snatchers by hearing and learning about them, their lifestyles and societal intent, then they would have to DO something about it.
Yes, silence often means keeping a "comfortable" life for the majority. So, all too often, the "Powers that Be" choose to ignore any rumors that surface about the Snatchers.
And who can blame them?
Most people don't really want to know that these people exist--and have existed since the beginning of Civilization as we know it. And once people know about them--what they intended to do in every generation--what could they do about it? Snatchers permeate every aspect of society.
Is it better not to know? That's what most believe.
They are sly, the Snatchers. They've been doing what they do for thousands of years. They are good at it. Ultimate deceivers. Professionals in everything they do. Everything they do, they do right.
So, why am I telling you this?
At some point, dear one, you should know about them. You should know that they have, since you were born, been intently after one thing: Your Heart.
They have taken so many, but they will not stop until they get as many as this generation will allow. They feed on the hearts of the people, manipulating them, swaying them into becoming just like them.
I cannot tell you what they look like--just what to look for. Anyone or anything that attempts to sway you from your heart, your internal beliefs, you may be sure, is due to them and/or their efforts.
Watch for those who tell you that what you think and know and believe aren't good enough, that you are "silly" or "naive" to hold to that. Know this: they will say and do anything to make you believe as they do.
And, if you give in to them, their ideas about "being," then they will begin snatching everything you hold dear to you. They will begin to mold your mind in ways that you would never believe possible.
Beware, Dear One. There are very few voices left among us who dare to object to their actions. Very few bold enough to call them on their deceit. And those who speak out must turn to stories to relay warnings of their movements, objectives.
The danger is real, my dear. They want your heart, too. They will stop at nothing. So listen to it while you still can.
The Snatchers are nearing.
Friday, June 8, 2012
"God is Bigger Than the Boogie Man"
There's a VeggieTales song that you know and sing over and over these days; it's called, "God is Bigger Than the Boogie Man." It's got a GREAT MESSAGE, and I wanted to post it here in case it helps you, in the future, to remember the words:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You were lying in your bed,
You were feeling kind of sleepy,
But you couldn't close your eyes because the room was getting creepy.
Were those eyeballs in the closet?
Was that Godzilla in the hall?
There was something big and hairy casting shadows on your wall.
Now your heart is beating like a drum,
Your skin is getting clammy,
There's a hundred tiny monsters jumping right in to your jammies!
Bob: What are you going to do?
Junior: I'm going to call the police!
Bob: No. You don't have to do anything!
Junior: What? Why?
Bob: Because...
God is bigger than the boogie man.
He's bigger than Godzilla and the monsters on TV.
Oh, God is bigger than the boogie man,
And he's watching out for you and me.
Junior:
..So when I'm lying in my bed,
And the furniture starts creeping,
I'll just laugh and say "Hey! Cut that out!"
And get back to my sleeping.
'Cause I know that God's the biggest, and He's watching all the while,
So when I get scared, I'll think of Him, close my eyes and
smiiiiiiiiiiiiile!!!
God is bigger than the boogie man.
He's bigger than Godzilla and the monsters on TV.
Oh, God is bigger than the boogie man,
And he's watching out for you and me.
Monster #1: So are you frightened?
Junior: No not really!
Monster #2: Are you worried?
Junior: Not a bit! I know whatever's gonna happen, that God can handle it!
Frankencelery: I'm sorry that I scared you when you saw me on TV.
Junior: Well that's ok, 'cause now I know that God is taking care of me!
God is bigger than the boogie man.
He's bigger than Godzilla and the monsters on TV.
Oh, God is bigger than the boogie man,
And he's watching out for you and me.
He's watching out for you and me.
Watching, watching, watching!
Out for you and meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Personally, my favorite part is when you sing that last stanza and that ending...Adorable!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You were lying in your bed,
You were feeling kind of sleepy,
But you couldn't close your eyes because the room was getting creepy.
Were those eyeballs in the closet?
Was that Godzilla in the hall?
There was something big and hairy casting shadows on your wall.
Now your heart is beating like a drum,
Your skin is getting clammy,
There's a hundred tiny monsters jumping right in to your jammies!
Bob: What are you going to do?
Junior: I'm going to call the police!
Bob: No. You don't have to do anything!
Junior: What? Why?
Bob: Because...
God is bigger than the boogie man.
He's bigger than Godzilla and the monsters on TV.
Oh, God is bigger than the boogie man,
And he's watching out for you and me.
Junior:
..So when I'm lying in my bed,
And the furniture starts creeping,
I'll just laugh and say "Hey! Cut that out!"
And get back to my sleeping.
'Cause I know that God's the biggest, and He's watching all the while,
So when I get scared, I'll think of Him, close my eyes and
smiiiiiiiiiiiiile!!!
God is bigger than the boogie man.
He's bigger than Godzilla and the monsters on TV.
Oh, God is bigger than the boogie man,
And he's watching out for you and me.
Monster #1: So are you frightened?
Junior: No not really!
Monster #2: Are you worried?
Junior: Not a bit! I know whatever's gonna happen, that God can handle it!
Frankencelery: I'm sorry that I scared you when you saw me on TV.
Junior: Well that's ok, 'cause now I know that God is taking care of me!
God is bigger than the boogie man.
He's bigger than Godzilla and the monsters on TV.
Oh, God is bigger than the boogie man,
And he's watching out for you and me.
He's watching out for you and me.
Watching, watching, watching!
Out for you and meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Personally, my favorite part is when you sing that last stanza and that ending...Adorable!
Our Morning Dance
This morning, you crawled up in bed with me and we watched the end of The Phantom of the Opera. You'd never seen it before or heard the music, as far as I know, and I watched as you would stop moving and respond in your own way to the beautiful and powerful music of that show.
After the movie, they played instrumentals of all of the songs, and we stood up and danced around the bedroom, pointing our toes, smiling broadly, spinning in circles, holding hands, tippy-toeing and stretching out our arms--just you and me.
It was, I must say, one of the most beautiful moments I've had with you. And, honestly, sissy, it was one of the most beautiful moments I've ever had. Ever.
There are moments with you--moments that surprise me, moments with just you--that make me realize how SPECIAL you are and how much you mean to me. You are the MOST precious gift from God, my dear one. I value EVERY PRECIOUS MOMENT with you.
One day, I want to take you to see this musical live. And I've no idea how old you will be when I am able to take you, but I hope--and can almost envision as I type--our holding hands and twirling, right out on the front steps to the theatre, smiling broadly, tippy-toeing...
Thank you so much for that Morning Dance.
(I love you so much, Psalm. So, so much.)
After the movie, they played instrumentals of all of the songs, and we stood up and danced around the bedroom, pointing our toes, smiling broadly, spinning in circles, holding hands, tippy-toeing and stretching out our arms--just you and me.
It was, I must say, one of the most beautiful moments I've had with you. And, honestly, sissy, it was one of the most beautiful moments I've ever had. Ever.
There are moments with you--moments that surprise me, moments with just you--that make me realize how SPECIAL you are and how much you mean to me. You are the MOST precious gift from God, my dear one. I value EVERY PRECIOUS MOMENT with you.
One day, I want to take you to see this musical live. And I've no idea how old you will be when I am able to take you, but I hope--and can almost envision as I type--our holding hands and twirling, right out on the front steps to the theatre, smiling broadly, tippy-toeing...
Thank you so much for that Morning Dance.
(I love you so much, Psalm. So, so much.)
Friday, May 25, 2012
"You're Not My Best Friend"
Yesterday, I got on to you for something--I can't even remember now what for. But, afterward, you were partly stomping and partly huffing as you walked through the kitchen.
You turned to me and declared, "You're not my best friend!"
"I'm not?"
"No," you said.
"Why not, sissy?"
"Because you got mad at me."
I thought quickly for words to say.
This summer, already, you have hit a major growth spurt mentally and physically. I know that my words, my actions and reactions are seriously contributing to your growth and development. I realize, sometimes frightfully, that everything you hear and see me do will impact you in the long-term.
"I didn't get mad at you," I said. "I got on to you. I will always be your best friend, but I am also your Mommy and that means I have to teach you right from wrong."
You thought for a milli-second about that and said, "Oh. Okay!" and gave me a big grin.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You surprise me sometimes...often. I love your free-spiritedness. I love your passion, your liberty, your level of sensitivity. You are three months from turning four years old, but sometimes I think I am talking to a 13 year old. You are so smart, so beautiful, so deep...already.
I will tell you right now--your Mommy is not perfect. I cringe at all of the mistakes and missed opportunities when it comes to teaching you right from wrong, from mentoring you. But it makes me pray harder, BEG God to "cover" my mistakes with His love and guiding hand. I trust Him to do that.
One thing is for certain, Elizabeth Psalm: I will ALWAYS be your best friend, whether you grow to like that or not! And I will always be your Mommy who loves you FIERCELY and FOREVER.
You turned to me and declared, "You're not my best friend!"
"I'm not?"
"No," you said.
"Why not, sissy?"
"Because you got mad at me."
I thought quickly for words to say.
This summer, already, you have hit a major growth spurt mentally and physically. I know that my words, my actions and reactions are seriously contributing to your growth and development. I realize, sometimes frightfully, that everything you hear and see me do will impact you in the long-term.
"I didn't get mad at you," I said. "I got on to you. I will always be your best friend, but I am also your Mommy and that means I have to teach you right from wrong."
You thought for a milli-second about that and said, "Oh. Okay!" and gave me a big grin.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You surprise me sometimes...often. I love your free-spiritedness. I love your passion, your liberty, your level of sensitivity. You are three months from turning four years old, but sometimes I think I am talking to a 13 year old. You are so smart, so beautiful, so deep...already.
I will tell you right now--your Mommy is not perfect. I cringe at all of the mistakes and missed opportunities when it comes to teaching you right from wrong, from mentoring you. But it makes me pray harder, BEG God to "cover" my mistakes with His love and guiding hand. I trust Him to do that.
One thing is for certain, Elizabeth Psalm: I will ALWAYS be your best friend, whether you grow to like that or not! And I will always be your Mommy who loves you FIERCELY and FOREVER.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
You Asked Me How to Pray Today
You've been praying for a while now.
When you were around one year old, we started saying "The Lord's Prayer" together every morning before I dropped you off at Ms. Winnie Phillips' house. Even though you couldn't talk yet, I would say it at a pace that you could follow:
"Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done,
On earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day, our daily bread
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
Lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil,
For thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory FOREVER,
Amen."
[and I always added:]
"Over our friends and family
Over all of Your people who are called by your Name,
Who have the Light of Christ within them,
We pray for blessings and provision and protection...
In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen."
I've said that prayer to you MOST every weekday since you were one. It kind of shocked me one day, when you said, with me, at the end of the prayer, "In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen."
Since then, although you rarely say the prayer with me, there are days when you do, and it's clear that you know ALMOST EVERY WORD.
It's been a true pleasure to pray that prayer with you.
------------------------------------------------------
I remember one day, when I was sitting at the computer, you came up to me and said, "Momma, I pray for Nana and Poppa." You didn't know that your Poppa was battling cancer at the time. I'm not sure that I knew then. But I grabbed your hands and I closed my eyes and we prayed. When I opened my eyes, you were just staring at me, seemingly without emotion, wide-eyed. Then you pulled your hand away and ran into the other room.
You were two.
---------------------------------------------
Right after you turned three, you started praying over all of our meals. And not just "family" meals--with me, Daddy, Allie, and Raylee--but out in public, too, in restaurants, and with our bigger family. "God is Great, God is Good. And we thank You for this food. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen."
---------------------------------------------
Today, March 9, 2012, I picked you up from Ms. Winnie's house. We were driving home and you said, abruptly and angrily, "I'm NOT a baby!"
I said, "I know you're not a baby, sissy. You're a little girl."
You said that the little girl you stayed with had called you a baby.
"Well, you're not a baby," I said. "You're a little girl."
"[She] hurt my feelings," you said, hmmphing and crossing your arms in your carseat. "[She's] not very nice."
"I'm sorry," I said, sympathetically.
Suddenly, I felt the Lord telling me what to say.
"Well, have you prayed for [her]?" I asked.
"No."
"Well, when people hurt your feelings, you need to pray for them. You need to pray for them to be nice."
You thought about that for a second before you responded.
"Momma, you teach me how to pray?"
"Of course," I said, choked up, nearly crying.
"Dear Lord Jesus..."
"Dear Lord Jesus," you mimicked.
"Please help [her] be nice..."
"Please help [her] be nice."
"In Jesus' Name I pray..." I started, and you finished with me, "AMEN."
--------------------------------------
Yes, you asked me how to pray today. And I am moved beyond words.
When you were around one year old, we started saying "The Lord's Prayer" together every morning before I dropped you off at Ms. Winnie Phillips' house. Even though you couldn't talk yet, I would say it at a pace that you could follow:
"Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done,
On earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day, our daily bread
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
Lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil,
For thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory FOREVER,
Amen."
[and I always added:]
"Over our friends and family
Over all of Your people who are called by your Name,
Who have the Light of Christ within them,
We pray for blessings and provision and protection...
In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen."
I've said that prayer to you MOST every weekday since you were one. It kind of shocked me one day, when you said, with me, at the end of the prayer, "In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen."
Since then, although you rarely say the prayer with me, there are days when you do, and it's clear that you know ALMOST EVERY WORD.
It's been a true pleasure to pray that prayer with you.
------------------------------------------------------
I remember one day, when I was sitting at the computer, you came up to me and said, "Momma, I pray for Nana and Poppa." You didn't know that your Poppa was battling cancer at the time. I'm not sure that I knew then. But I grabbed your hands and I closed my eyes and we prayed. When I opened my eyes, you were just staring at me, seemingly without emotion, wide-eyed. Then you pulled your hand away and ran into the other room.
You were two.
---------------------------------------------
Right after you turned three, you started praying over all of our meals. And not just "family" meals--with me, Daddy, Allie, and Raylee--but out in public, too, in restaurants, and with our bigger family. "God is Great, God is Good. And we thank You for this food. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen."
---------------------------------------------
Today, March 9, 2012, I picked you up from Ms. Winnie's house. We were driving home and you said, abruptly and angrily, "I'm NOT a baby!"
I said, "I know you're not a baby, sissy. You're a little girl."
You said that the little girl you stayed with had called you a baby.
"Well, you're not a baby," I said. "You're a little girl."
"[She] hurt my feelings," you said, hmmphing and crossing your arms in your carseat. "[She's] not very nice."
"I'm sorry," I said, sympathetically.
Suddenly, I felt the Lord telling me what to say.
"Well, have you prayed for [her]?" I asked.
"No."
"Well, when people hurt your feelings, you need to pray for them. You need to pray for them to be nice."
You thought about that for a second before you responded.
"Momma, you teach me how to pray?"
"Of course," I said, choked up, nearly crying.
"Dear Lord Jesus..."
"Dear Lord Jesus," you mimicked.
"Please help [her] be nice..."
"Please help [her] be nice."
"In Jesus' Name I pray..." I started, and you finished with me, "AMEN."
--------------------------------------
Yes, you asked me how to pray today. And I am moved beyond words.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Thirty-Seven Years
Darling Sister:
There is something that you need to know about me. One day, it may make a difference to you. Hear me out, please, and try to understand what I'm trying to say.
My mother had me, her first child, when she was 17 years old. Because of her young age, she got to see and experience many things in my life--she would only be 34 when I was 17, after all! It has been a real blessing to have my mother in my life, and even now, as I'm typing this, as I'm 40 and she has just turned 58, I have been SO VERY BLESSED to have her in my life, a daily part of my life!
I try to call her every morning on the way to work. I love talking to her! She is a great source of encouragement to me, an advisor and one of my closest friends. These days, at my age, she has become a dear spiritual mentor and friend of mine. (That happens sometimes, and I know that I have been richly blessed!) But much of this has been made possible because she is only 17 years older than I.
Certainly, there are certain disadvantages to starting a family early, but, looking back, I'm so thankful my mother did.
When I met your father, I had just turned 35 years old. I had never been married before that, never been pregnant. Your father was the first man to ask for my hand in marriage.
We met in November and he asked me to marry him in February. Of course, I accepted! We knew very early on that God had destined for us to be together...I believe it more now, nearly five years later, than I ever have before. God is in this.
We married on September 1, 2007. I turned 36 in October of that year and discovered we were pregnant in December of 2007. As you know, you were born August 16, 2008. That was two weeks before our first anniversary.
You are the most precious of gifts ever given to us, and within the first year of our marriage.
Two and a half months after your birth, I turned 37. I am nearly 37 years older than you, Psalmie.
Trust me when I say that I believe that everything that has happened in my life has been a GOD THING. I can look back over my life--as fast as it's gone!--and see His hand upon my entire life course. I trust Him wholly with my life, and with yours.
But I feel as if I need to tell you...to admit to you my deepest concern...that I am nearly four decades older than you are, and if you need me as much as I need my Mom right now, I just pray that I can leave behind as many words of wisdom as I can so that you will have some part of me, some part of my words, and know that I am with you, always, in spirit.
I will stay on this earth as long as God allows me to. But when it is my time to move on, when I have accomplished what I was called to accomplish here, He will call me home to be with him. The Bible assures me that I will not leave this earth one second before He allows it. So, please, darling, whatever happens to me--you need to know that God has a time allotted for all of us on this earth, and when our time is up, our time is up.
Trust Him, Sissy. Don't be angry or frustrated. Your presence on this planet is not by accident. He allowed your father and I to meet at precisely the appointed time. And He allowed you to be born to us. There is a Great and Magnificent plan for your life, I am sure of it.
That's why we named you Elizabeth Psalm. You are named after John the Baptist's mother (who was given the gift of parenthood later in her life) and my favorite book of the Bible (I hope you can discover on your own its value).
-------------------------------------------------------------
As I am typing this, you are running around the house with a handful of toys. Your father and sisters are watching a movie in the Man Cave. When you saw me here at the computer, crying over this writing, you hugged me and said, "Mommy, don't be sad." And then you made a HUGE grin with your face and said, "Be happy, Mommy!"
I am very happy, Psalm. So very happy.
I love you, darling girl. Always.
There is something that you need to know about me. One day, it may make a difference to you. Hear me out, please, and try to understand what I'm trying to say.
My mother had me, her first child, when she was 17 years old. Because of her young age, she got to see and experience many things in my life--she would only be 34 when I was 17, after all! It has been a real blessing to have my mother in my life, and even now, as I'm typing this, as I'm 40 and she has just turned 58, I have been SO VERY BLESSED to have her in my life, a daily part of my life!
I try to call her every morning on the way to work. I love talking to her! She is a great source of encouragement to me, an advisor and one of my closest friends. These days, at my age, she has become a dear spiritual mentor and friend of mine. (That happens sometimes, and I know that I have been richly blessed!) But much of this has been made possible because she is only 17 years older than I.
Certainly, there are certain disadvantages to starting a family early, but, looking back, I'm so thankful my mother did.
When I met your father, I had just turned 35 years old. I had never been married before that, never been pregnant. Your father was the first man to ask for my hand in marriage.
We met in November and he asked me to marry him in February. Of course, I accepted! We knew very early on that God had destined for us to be together...I believe it more now, nearly five years later, than I ever have before. God is in this.
We married on September 1, 2007. I turned 36 in October of that year and discovered we were pregnant in December of 2007. As you know, you were born August 16, 2008. That was two weeks before our first anniversary.
You are the most precious of gifts ever given to us, and within the first year of our marriage.
Two and a half months after your birth, I turned 37. I am nearly 37 years older than you, Psalmie.
Trust me when I say that I believe that everything that has happened in my life has been a GOD THING. I can look back over my life--as fast as it's gone!--and see His hand upon my entire life course. I trust Him wholly with my life, and with yours.
But I feel as if I need to tell you...to admit to you my deepest concern...that I am nearly four decades older than you are, and if you need me as much as I need my Mom right now, I just pray that I can leave behind as many words of wisdom as I can so that you will have some part of me, some part of my words, and know that I am with you, always, in spirit.
I will stay on this earth as long as God allows me to. But when it is my time to move on, when I have accomplished what I was called to accomplish here, He will call me home to be with him. The Bible assures me that I will not leave this earth one second before He allows it. So, please, darling, whatever happens to me--you need to know that God has a time allotted for all of us on this earth, and when our time is up, our time is up.
Trust Him, Sissy. Don't be angry or frustrated. Your presence on this planet is not by accident. He allowed your father and I to meet at precisely the appointed time. And He allowed you to be born to us. There is a Great and Magnificent plan for your life, I am sure of it.
That's why we named you Elizabeth Psalm. You are named after John the Baptist's mother (who was given the gift of parenthood later in her life) and my favorite book of the Bible (I hope you can discover on your own its value).
-------------------------------------------------------------
As I am typing this, you are running around the house with a handful of toys. Your father and sisters are watching a movie in the Man Cave. When you saw me here at the computer, crying over this writing, you hugged me and said, "Mommy, don't be sad." And then you made a HUGE grin with your face and said, "Be happy, Mommy!"
I am very happy, Psalm. So very happy.
I love you, darling girl. Always.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Generationally Speaking
Dearest Psalm,
I think it is vitally important that you know "from whence you come," at least from a generational perspective. This information may not seem very important to you now, but I have a feeling that it will be very important in days to come.
Your family--on both my side and your daddy's side--is FULL of Christians. More than that, both sides of your family are dominated by ministers. Again, this may mean little to you now, and perhaps for a decade or two, but I can promise you that one day it will all make sense.
God has a way of calling families. I can't say that I understand it all, how he works in generations of people/families, but I have seen it, known it to be true, so I expect it to be something that impacts you greatly in the years to come.
Here's what I know to be true about my side of the family: My great-grandfather was a Baptist minister who was filled with the Holy Spirit and became Pentecostal. The story that has been handed down about him is that he was out in a field, under a tree, praying to the Lord, and he was filled with the baptism of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 1-2+ for more information). This happened in the early 20th Century. He was a minister of the Gospel for his whole life, as far as I know. His daughter, Robbie Jean Williams, my grandmother, your great-grandmother ("Gran Gran"), married John Carl Wainwright ("Pop Pop"), a Navy man who later became a police officer and then a Pentecostal preacher (for nearly 50 years) in the Church of God (Cleveland, TN). He and Gran pastored in Dinuba, CA, Sapulpa, OK, and Muldrow, OK, before they retired for health reasons. My mother, your grandmother, took over for Poppa when he retired, becoming the senior pastor of the Muldrow Church of God (OK). In 2007, right before your Daddy and I got married, we started ministering together as youth pastors of Poteau First Assembly of God. In 2012, we started the credentialing process in the Assemblies of God. This year, God willing, we will have our certificates.
In addition to what I've said, I thought I would add this: My mother is a chaplain at Sparks Hospital in Ft. Smith, AR. She has been called to missions work since she was a young girl. I, too, am called to missions, though the extent of that calling is yet to be known. Your Aunt Amanda (my youngest sister) is the pastor's wife at Maysville First Baptist Church (OK). I have two cousins, Brittany and Chris, who have gone on several missions trips and are in a Christian band in California. Their father is a Men's Minister at their church. ALL of my family, my aunts and uncles, attend church and work in the church in some capacity. They also lead by example on their jobs. God has given us all great favor.
Although my father's side of the family is difficult to know--my father's mom was adopted and we did not know much about her family--my grandmother, Norma, considered herself to be a minister of the Word and did evangelical outreaches from time to time. From what I have heard, she was saved in a Kathryn Kuhlman revival in the Los Angeles area. She attended the Assemblies of God as long as I knew her and had a strong faith and JOY in God until the day she passed away.
My father's father, Rex Allen Harrod, was not a spiritual man, as far as we knew. We do not know if he knew the Lord before he took his own life--due to his terminal cancer. My dad's brother discovered, when he investigated the Harrod family tree, that my grandfather was Jewish--they came from England and were tailors.
Your father's family is FULL of ministers for generations. When one of his family members did a family tree search, they discovered that there have been MANY generations of pastors and ministers in their family. The Yandells consider themselves to be Baptist--your daddy grew up Free Will Baptist. And although your daddy has discovered that there are several Assemblies of God ministers in his family, the family ministers have been predominantly Baptist and Free Will Baptist.
Needless to say, sweetheart, you are covered by GENERATIONS OF PRAYERS and PROMISES. See, Christians tend to pray over their families, and for their families "afar off," and the Bible tells us that God hears our prayers and that those prayers can last long after we breathe our last breaths.
This night, I pray over you, dear Psalm. I pray that you know the Lord for yourself, ask Him into your heart at an early age, and commit your path to Him for Him to direct as soon as possible. I pray over you right now, dear one, for your future, for your husband, for the family you will have together. I pray that you will make wise choices and ask the Lord what to do and what to be before you journey off on your own. I pray that you do not do anything until you KNOW that God has ordained it. I pray over your children, and their children, and I pray that you never stop praying, that you never stop chasing after OUR GREAT GOD who loves us and protects us and spares us from ourselves and others. He has a GREAT PLAN FOR YOU, darling. And no matter what happens to me, I have entrusted you to Him. And I KNOW He will never leave you or forsake you. I love you, Mommy.
I think it is vitally important that you know "from whence you come," at least from a generational perspective. This information may not seem very important to you now, but I have a feeling that it will be very important in days to come.
Your family--on both my side and your daddy's side--is FULL of Christians. More than that, both sides of your family are dominated by ministers. Again, this may mean little to you now, and perhaps for a decade or two, but I can promise you that one day it will all make sense.
God has a way of calling families. I can't say that I understand it all, how he works in generations of people/families, but I have seen it, known it to be true, so I expect it to be something that impacts you greatly in the years to come.
Here's what I know to be true about my side of the family: My great-grandfather was a Baptist minister who was filled with the Holy Spirit and became Pentecostal. The story that has been handed down about him is that he was out in a field, under a tree, praying to the Lord, and he was filled with the baptism of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 1-2+ for more information). This happened in the early 20th Century. He was a minister of the Gospel for his whole life, as far as I know. His daughter, Robbie Jean Williams, my grandmother, your great-grandmother ("Gran Gran"), married John Carl Wainwright ("Pop Pop"), a Navy man who later became a police officer and then a Pentecostal preacher (for nearly 50 years) in the Church of God (Cleveland, TN). He and Gran pastored in Dinuba, CA, Sapulpa, OK, and Muldrow, OK, before they retired for health reasons. My mother, your grandmother, took over for Poppa when he retired, becoming the senior pastor of the Muldrow Church of God (OK). In 2007, right before your Daddy and I got married, we started ministering together as youth pastors of Poteau First Assembly of God. In 2012, we started the credentialing process in the Assemblies of God. This year, God willing, we will have our certificates.
In addition to what I've said, I thought I would add this: My mother is a chaplain at Sparks Hospital in Ft. Smith, AR. She has been called to missions work since she was a young girl. I, too, am called to missions, though the extent of that calling is yet to be known. Your Aunt Amanda (my youngest sister) is the pastor's wife at Maysville First Baptist Church (OK). I have two cousins, Brittany and Chris, who have gone on several missions trips and are in a Christian band in California. Their father is a Men's Minister at their church. ALL of my family, my aunts and uncles, attend church and work in the church in some capacity. They also lead by example on their jobs. God has given us all great favor.
Although my father's side of the family is difficult to know--my father's mom was adopted and we did not know much about her family--my grandmother, Norma, considered herself to be a minister of the Word and did evangelical outreaches from time to time. From what I have heard, she was saved in a Kathryn Kuhlman revival in the Los Angeles area. She attended the Assemblies of God as long as I knew her and had a strong faith and JOY in God until the day she passed away.
My father's father, Rex Allen Harrod, was not a spiritual man, as far as we knew. We do not know if he knew the Lord before he took his own life--due to his terminal cancer. My dad's brother discovered, when he investigated the Harrod family tree, that my grandfather was Jewish--they came from England and were tailors.
Your father's family is FULL of ministers for generations. When one of his family members did a family tree search, they discovered that there have been MANY generations of pastors and ministers in their family. The Yandells consider themselves to be Baptist--your daddy grew up Free Will Baptist. And although your daddy has discovered that there are several Assemblies of God ministers in his family, the family ministers have been predominantly Baptist and Free Will Baptist.
Needless to say, sweetheart, you are covered by GENERATIONS OF PRAYERS and PROMISES. See, Christians tend to pray over their families, and for their families "afar off," and the Bible tells us that God hears our prayers and that those prayers can last long after we breathe our last breaths.
This night, I pray over you, dear Psalm. I pray that you know the Lord for yourself, ask Him into your heart at an early age, and commit your path to Him for Him to direct as soon as possible. I pray over you right now, dear one, for your future, for your husband, for the family you will have together. I pray that you will make wise choices and ask the Lord what to do and what to be before you journey off on your own. I pray that you do not do anything until you KNOW that God has ordained it. I pray over your children, and their children, and I pray that you never stop praying, that you never stop chasing after OUR GREAT GOD who loves us and protects us and spares us from ourselves and others. He has a GREAT PLAN FOR YOU, darling. And no matter what happens to me, I have entrusted you to Him. And I KNOW He will never leave you or forsake you. I love you, Mommy.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Wash Your Hands, Darling
There are so many germs out in the world, darling Psalm. Some are not-so-dangerous. Others are. But all of them have a way of changing you--some more gradually than others--from "clean" to "dirty."
People pick up germs in any number of ways, and almost always by accident. Nobody wakes up saying, "I'm going to do my best to pick up as many germs as I can today!" Because everybody knows that germs have the potential to be very damaging and force us to do any number of things to get cleaned up again.
Germs naturally spread, and fast. They spread by simply talking to other people (carried through the air) or by touching something someone else touched (spread by mutual touch of space). And there is no respecter of person when it comes to germs and germ spreading. Nice people spread germs. Bad people spread germs. One person in a family of five--like the size of your family--can pick up a damaging germ and spread it to his/her family in no time. The truth is that people are carrying and spreading germs all day long, every day. You are, too, darling.
Human beings are germ carriers and germ spreaders. That's why we must be very, very careful and never forget to always, always, always wash our hands.
There are going to be people in the world who believe there is nothing wrong with carrying around germs, nothing wrong with not washing their hands. They may even go to the bathroom and walk out without washing their hands afterward. Everything they touch is affected by their refusal to stay clean.
Some people wash their hands when they think of it. But if they're too busy or wrapped up in something else (muti-tasking, for instance), they may overlook it or forget. Even without meaning to, they are spreading potentially damaging and dangerous germs.
There are people, however, like myself, who are very very concerned about germs. They are careful to think about what they do, in the bathroom, in public areas where they know people are constantly going to and fro, coughing or otherwise, on most of the public surfaces. And so I take precautions.
There is a place very few go, where they go too far, and they let fear overtake them about the germs. They may wear a face-mask so they do not have to breathe the air, or gloves so they do not have to, themselves, touch publicly touched surfaces. They may avoid using public facilities because they are fearful of catching diseases. Some even may stay home instead of going out because they cannot control the germs they will see. (Please understand that you CAN catch diseases. But these people let their fears overtake them.)
Germs are out there. Everywhere. In your home or on the street. Wherever you go. And never forget that YOU carry germs, too.
To stay clean, we must wash daily. We must regularly wash our hands with soap and water. We should, once in a while, do an assessment, "When was the last time I washed my hands?" And then wash up immediately, once we think we may not have washed our hands in a while.
When we do not do these things, we become a germ carrier and spreader. We can make ourselves sick and we can make others sick. Some germs may only cause temporary illness, but others may be lasting--or even permanent. Sometimes, people have to pay a LOT of money to treat the illnesses that germs have caused.
And in all of this practical discussion, dear Psalm, there is a spiritual lesson for us. This morning, as I woke up, I knew I had to sit and write this for you. Because as you grow up and learn about the Holy God Almighty that we serve--Master and Maker of heaven and earth, Creator of the universe, the LORD--and live your life before Him, you need to know that we are incapable of purity on our own. We naturally pick up germs. Yet do not let that be an excuse to wear them around. Wash your hands regularly. If you detect a stain, wash it off of you as quickly as you can. I don't care how many times you have to wash up in a day: WASH UP. I don't care what anybody says to you, tries to make you believe about it being "okay" to wear your personal filth around. It's not okay. He says it's not. So wash up.
One verse that came to mind this morning comes from Psalm 24, and it's about why we need to keep our spiritual hands clean:
"Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? / He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully." Psalm 24:3-4
Another verse that comes to mind is one found in the book of 1 John, and it tells us what we need to do when we realize our spiritual hands have gotten dirty:
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
And while we must be ever mindful of our spiritual germs, we do not have to go overboard and become FEARFUL or paranoid about our germs, as some people do. I want to leave you with one more verse, just in case you need it:
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
I love you, darling Psalm. With all of my heart.
People pick up germs in any number of ways, and almost always by accident. Nobody wakes up saying, "I'm going to do my best to pick up as many germs as I can today!" Because everybody knows that germs have the potential to be very damaging and force us to do any number of things to get cleaned up again.
Germs naturally spread, and fast. They spread by simply talking to other people (carried through the air) or by touching something someone else touched (spread by mutual touch of space). And there is no respecter of person when it comes to germs and germ spreading. Nice people spread germs. Bad people spread germs. One person in a family of five--like the size of your family--can pick up a damaging germ and spread it to his/her family in no time. The truth is that people are carrying and spreading germs all day long, every day. You are, too, darling.
Human beings are germ carriers and germ spreaders. That's why we must be very, very careful and never forget to always, always, always wash our hands.
There are going to be people in the world who believe there is nothing wrong with carrying around germs, nothing wrong with not washing their hands. They may even go to the bathroom and walk out without washing their hands afterward. Everything they touch is affected by their refusal to stay clean.
Some people wash their hands when they think of it. But if they're too busy or wrapped up in something else (muti-tasking, for instance), they may overlook it or forget. Even without meaning to, they are spreading potentially damaging and dangerous germs.
There are people, however, like myself, who are very very concerned about germs. They are careful to think about what they do, in the bathroom, in public areas where they know people are constantly going to and fro, coughing or otherwise, on most of the public surfaces. And so I take precautions.
There is a place very few go, where they go too far, and they let fear overtake them about the germs. They may wear a face-mask so they do not have to breathe the air, or gloves so they do not have to, themselves, touch publicly touched surfaces. They may avoid using public facilities because they are fearful of catching diseases. Some even may stay home instead of going out because they cannot control the germs they will see. (Please understand that you CAN catch diseases. But these people let their fears overtake them.)
Germs are out there. Everywhere. In your home or on the street. Wherever you go. And never forget that YOU carry germs, too.
To stay clean, we must wash daily. We must regularly wash our hands with soap and water. We should, once in a while, do an assessment, "When was the last time I washed my hands?" And then wash up immediately, once we think we may not have washed our hands in a while.
When we do not do these things, we become a germ carrier and spreader. We can make ourselves sick and we can make others sick. Some germs may only cause temporary illness, but others may be lasting--or even permanent. Sometimes, people have to pay a LOT of money to treat the illnesses that germs have caused.
And in all of this practical discussion, dear Psalm, there is a spiritual lesson for us. This morning, as I woke up, I knew I had to sit and write this for you. Because as you grow up and learn about the Holy God Almighty that we serve--Master and Maker of heaven and earth, Creator of the universe, the LORD--and live your life before Him, you need to know that we are incapable of purity on our own. We naturally pick up germs. Yet do not let that be an excuse to wear them around. Wash your hands regularly. If you detect a stain, wash it off of you as quickly as you can. I don't care how many times you have to wash up in a day: WASH UP. I don't care what anybody says to you, tries to make you believe about it being "okay" to wear your personal filth around. It's not okay. He says it's not. So wash up.
One verse that came to mind this morning comes from Psalm 24, and it's about why we need to keep our spiritual hands clean:
"Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? / He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully." Psalm 24:3-4
Another verse that comes to mind is one found in the book of 1 John, and it tells us what we need to do when we realize our spiritual hands have gotten dirty:
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
And while we must be ever mindful of our spiritual germs, we do not have to go overboard and become FEARFUL or paranoid about our germs, as some people do. I want to leave you with one more verse, just in case you need it:
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
I love you, darling Psalm. With all of my heart.
Friday, January 20, 2012
You are Loved
Little Girl,
You are loved.
I remember driving in my car, talking to you, talking as if I had already birthed you. I would look back over my shoulder, to the back seat behind the front passenger seat, and talk to you as if you were there. And just to be clear: all of the conversations I had with you were inspired by faith. At that point, I had not even met your daddy and I had never before been pregnant. But as I drove my car back in those days and felt the hope that only God can give of Greater Things to Come, I spoke to you as if you were there, knowing in my heart--despite what I saw with my own eyes--that one day you would be.
I'm sure that most people would have thought I had lost my mind--and I have a couple of things to say about that: (1) It doesn't matter what "most people" say. It's only WHAT GOD SAYS that matters. He gave me a HOPE that I believed so firmly in that I could actually VISUALIZE the fruition of it. So I spoke to you then, imagining what it would be like to have you, to have my hopes and prayers answered in the presence of you. (2) PEOPLE didn't save my soul. They are not the source of my self-esteem or hope. It's God. I'm telling you: I hope it doesn't take you as long as it did me to figure out that AS A CHILD OF THE MOST HIGH GOD, we will not walk, talk, stand, or live like everyone else--and that's not a bad thing. You will stand out, Psalm, because you are His child. You will be blessed coming and going; you will find SUPERNATURAL FAVOR on this earth because of Him. Welcome it, darling.
Fitting in really is over-rated, anyway.
One day, you will realize that your Mommy is not "the norm" by anyone's standards. And although I spent the first two and a half decades of my life struggling to figure out why I didn't fit in, why I couldn't seem to be "normal." I have finally realized that GOD MADE ME JUST THE WAY I AM FOR A PURPOSE.
And I'm here to tell you that He made YOU just the way you are for a purpose!
You are loved.
I remember driving in my car, talking to you, talking as if I had already birthed you. I would look back over my shoulder, to the back seat behind the front passenger seat, and talk to you as if you were there. And just to be clear: all of the conversations I had with you were inspired by faith. At that point, I had not even met your daddy and I had never before been pregnant. But as I drove my car back in those days and felt the hope that only God can give of Greater Things to Come, I spoke to you as if you were there, knowing in my heart--despite what I saw with my own eyes--that one day you would be.
I'm sure that most people would have thought I had lost my mind--and I have a couple of things to say about that: (1) It doesn't matter what "most people" say. It's only WHAT GOD SAYS that matters. He gave me a HOPE that I believed so firmly in that I could actually VISUALIZE the fruition of it. So I spoke to you then, imagining what it would be like to have you, to have my hopes and prayers answered in the presence of you. (2) PEOPLE didn't save my soul. They are not the source of my self-esteem or hope. It's God. I'm telling you: I hope it doesn't take you as long as it did me to figure out that AS A CHILD OF THE MOST HIGH GOD, we will not walk, talk, stand, or live like everyone else--and that's not a bad thing. You will stand out, Psalm, because you are His child. You will be blessed coming and going; you will find SUPERNATURAL FAVOR on this earth because of Him. Welcome it, darling.
Fitting in really is over-rated, anyway.
One day, you will realize that your Mommy is not "the norm" by anyone's standards. And although I spent the first two and a half decades of my life struggling to figure out why I didn't fit in, why I couldn't seem to be "normal." I have finally realized that GOD MADE ME JUST THE WAY I AM FOR A PURPOSE.
And I'm here to tell you that He made YOU just the way you are for a purpose!
Monday, January 16, 2012
For Psalm, An Introduction
It has been on my mind to do something like this for a long time--perhaps even from my pregnancy with her. But this is it. Finally a blog named for her, for my little girl, Psalm.
I hope, in this blog, to post only those things which can help her, may help her, will help her as she grows and matures into the beautiful young woman of God that she is destined to become.
As I embark on this new blog today, I can hear her voice in the other room, talking to her father about her most recent viewing of Toy Story 3.
She is three.
----------------------------------------------
I hope, Psalmie, that you never have to read this blog to hear my voice, that you can call me any time you have a question or need an answer of some kind. I pray that God will allow me to be here for you as long as I possibly can. But no matter what, I wanted to, needed to, chronicle some things that I think may help you as you grow older, look ahead, look back...
No matter what you read or think of all of the postings on this blog named in your honor, I hope that you will never forget HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU and HOW DEEPLY. You are a source of GREAT JOY for me--you are my miracle, my answer to countless prayers, the product of the love I share with your father.
You are loved deeply and always, little girl. Mommy loves you forever.
I hope, in this blog, to post only those things which can help her, may help her, will help her as she grows and matures into the beautiful young woman of God that she is destined to become.
As I embark on this new blog today, I can hear her voice in the other room, talking to her father about her most recent viewing of Toy Story 3.
She is three.
----------------------------------------------
I hope, Psalmie, that you never have to read this blog to hear my voice, that you can call me any time you have a question or need an answer of some kind. I pray that God will allow me to be here for you as long as I possibly can. But no matter what, I wanted to, needed to, chronicle some things that I think may help you as you grow older, look ahead, look back...
No matter what you read or think of all of the postings on this blog named in your honor, I hope that you will never forget HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU and HOW DEEPLY. You are a source of GREAT JOY for me--you are my miracle, my answer to countless prayers, the product of the love I share with your father.
You are loved deeply and always, little girl. Mommy loves you forever.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)