"Where is your faith?"

Do you ever have those times when it's blatantly obvious what God is teaching and/or reminding you?

That has been the story of my life for the last several weeks. God has been using several everyday (and seemingly mundane) events and activities in my life - conversations with friends and loved ones, passages I've "happened" to read during my devotions, etc. - to make it crystal clear that I have a lot of growing to do in a particular area of my walk with Him.

That area would be faith.

From a purely human perspective, it seems like nearly everything in my life hasn't "gone according to plan" (ie. "gone wrong") lately, and I have allowed that to cause worry and discouragement in my mind and heart. Sure, I know the (now almost cliche) Christian catch phrases and Bible verses we commonly use when we feel this way: "all things work together for good...," "It's in God's hands," "God knew this would happen before I was born," "God won't give you anything you can't handle," etc.

But do I truly, genuinely, without reserve, believe that?

After taking an honest look at how I have handled life's "curve balls" over the last several weeks, I have to say the answer is no.

God has allowed me to experience a storm of trying circumstances. His intention has been, not to drown me, but to strengthen my faith. Like Peter, I have chosen to look at the wind and the waves and forget the One who orchestrated their design. I have sunk into the sea of worry and anxiety more than once, but God has always pulled me up and helped me continue to walk on that tempestuous sea towards Him.

We may fret over how the bills are going to be paid when our bank balance is low, when we'll get that raise we've been waiting for, when we'll meet "the one," etc - that's normal. It's normal for us as humans to want to know what the future holds so we can be prepared. We don't like to be taken by surprise (well, some of us might...but I digress). We can't see what the future holds, but we know the One who holds the future. God won't allow anything to happen to us outside of His will. And that. my friend, is a truly comforting thought.


Father, 

I don't know how these seemingly impossible things are going to work out. I don't know where the money is going to come from to pay my bills. I don't know how or where I'm going to find work. I can't see how these things are right now working for good and going to work for good in the future, but I know You do. Thank You for taking care of my every need, even the ones that don't cross my mind. 

Please calm my anxious heart. Increase my faith.  Help me keep my eyes off the stormy sea of doubt, fear and worry and on You instead so I may walk on water in the faith and peace only You can give. 

"But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" Matthew 14:30-31

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Prayer of Thomas Merton

This prayer was printed on the front page of the bulletin of the church I attend. With everything that's happened over the last few months - and in some cases, still happening - the timing could not have been more perfect (thank you, Lord!). I hope it will be an encouragement to you, as well.


My Lord God, 

I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. 

Amen. 

 "The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand." Psalm 37:23-24

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Use Them Wisely

Image Source: searchquotes.com

"Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be." James 3:10

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Tragedy in Connecticut

Courtesy of elitedaily.com

No words can even begin to describe the myriad of feelings I experienced when I learned of the tragic shooting that occurred today. Part of my responsibilities as a teacher's assistant involves reading stories to children, helping them pick out books for them to read at home - children the same age as the little ones who whose lives were cut short this morning. How and why anyone could murder such dear ones is unfathomable to me.

"The majority of those who died today were children - beautiful little kids between the ages of 5 and 10 years old. They had their entire lives ahead of them - birthdays, graduations, weddings, kids of their own. Among the fallen were also teachers - men and women who devoted their lives to helping our children fulfill their dreams.

So our hearts are broken today - for the parents and grandparents, sisters and brothers of these little children, and for the families of the adults who were lost. Our hearts are broken for the parents of the survivors as well, for as blessed as they are to have their children home tonight, they know that their children’s innocence has been torn away from them too early, and there are no words that will ease their pain."                                                                                - President Obama

Why was such a terrible tragedy allowed to happen?

How could someone commit such a heinous crime?

 I won't even attempt to try making sense of this heartbreaking situation, because, in all honesty, it doesn't make sense to me. I don't know why it was allowed to happen. I don't know how (and why) anyone could bring themselves to gun down another human being made in the image of God, especially a child.Such acts of brutality rarely ever make sense to our finite, limited minds (humanly speaking). We may never know why a young man was permitted to take the lives of 20 innocent little bundles of joy, laughter and happiness and the lives of 6 of their teachers, this side of Heaven.

Parents, hug your children a little tighter tonight. Fellow teachers and child caretakers, be on the alert.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by this heartbreaking catastrophe. May God give you comfort and peace as you grieve the loss of those dear children and teachers.

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Don't Let the Song Go Out of Your Life

Don't let the song go out of your life

Though it chance sometimes to flow

In a minor strain; it will blend again

With the major tone you know.

What though shadows rise to obscure life's skies,

And hide for a time the sun,

The sooner they'll lift and reveal the rift,

If you let the melody run.

Don't let the song go out of your life;

Though the voice may have lost its trill,

Though the tremulous note may die in your throat,

Let it sing in your spirit still.

Don't let the song go out of your life;

Let it ring in the soul while here;

And when you go hence, 'twill follow you thence,

And live on in another sphere.

- from Streams in the Desert

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Just a Quick Note...

Edited by Myrna Moore

 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.               {John 15:9}

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: {I John 3:1} 

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