Year 2021 Update

 

MISSING TRACK

By Kristen Kelley

2021

Researching, organizing, printing, and purchasing . . . I thank the Lord for the new school year that awaits us. But I will admit my tears.  Preparing to use more school books “here” instead of “there” has not been entirely easy on my heart.

Last March, we were at a conference, thousands of miles away from home, when the pandemic hit.  Up until that point, life had felt like a speeding train.  Traveling to meetings, packing belongings into airline luggage, Brandon studying for his ordination . . . In my mind, I picture what happened next being much like an air raid. The bombs fell, and without warning, the speeding train came to a screeching halt.  When the dust settled, we stepped onto the platform; safe but stationary.  The track in front of us was completely gone. How were we going to move overseas? And when? A year-and-a-half later, the COVID crisis continues, and much in our lives is still “on hold”. 

To be perfectly honest, it can be challenging living without a timetable. What if we’re here for another 6 months? Should I hang decorations back on the walls? Should we let the girls wear the clothes packed in the footlockers? Should we buy a new mattress? But what if paperwork suddenly begins processing? Should my heart be ready to say “goodbye”?  These are new lessons in faith like we’ve never experienced before. 

Psalm 27:13 says, “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”

God is good.  And He is still at work behind the scenes. 

By no means, has this “pause” been completely bad.  In many beautiful ways, COVID has given us the “gift of extra time”.  We’ve been able to make special memories with our families.  We’ve had opportunities to encourage, witness, and serve.  We’ve begun online language classes.  But surrender can be hard.  It isn’t over in a day.  It’s a repeated act and an ongoing state of heart and mind.  Like missionary wife Elisabeth Elliot, there are many times when all I can do is “the next thing.” 

This wait; this schedule; it isn’t mine, Dear Lord.  But I know that the place of surrender is exactly where You want me to be.  Your plan is for me to keep turning the pages of the calendar, not knowing the “when” or the “how”.

Psalm 39:7 “And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.”

Like the beautiful song, by Ron Hamilton, “My Hope Is Jesus”.

And when I let go – giving to God the uncertainties and the unknowns – He “restoreth my soul” (Psalm 23:3).  He reminds me that He is in control.  The earth is His – “ . . . the world, and they that dwell therein.” (Psalm 24:1)  And while He holds the Universe in the palm of His hand, He merely asks that I trust Him.

The pencils are sharpened.  The charts have been made.  The textbooks are on the shelf. I do not know the future, but I can do “the next thing”.  And thus another school year begins.

 

* I pray that this transparent update will somehow encourage you in your walk with the Lord. “Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand, But I know Who holds tomorrow And I know Who holds my hand.” 

 

 

In The Valley of In Between - DINNER #100

IN THE VALLEY OF IN BETWEEN

 Caught “in limbo” . . . Life on pause . . . Stuck in a holding pattern . . . Walking in The Valley of In Between . . .

A valley seems a strange place to be penning “Dinners In The Oven-Devotional #100”, but this is where you will find most missionary families, this summer.  These brothers and sisters in Christ are currently facing new challenges, either on their field of service, or here in the United States, or even in a different country altogether.  During this COVID crisis, they are uncertain and unsettled, and they need our prayers.

Who are they?  These “nomads of the pandemic”?  They are children separated from beloved pets and toys, friends and grandparents.  They are mothers missing their own kitchens, and churches, and photo albums.  They are fathers navigating cancelled flights and changing departure dates. They are large families in small spaces. They are preachers without pulpits, and ministers without meetings. They are furlough-waiters, longing for hugs and hamburgers.  They are deputation-completers, enduring the “final goodbyes” on an endless loop.  They are burden-bearers.

The Valley of In Between can be a lonely and discouraging place . . . I know because I’m here, myself; watching, and waiting; clinging to hope.  

This global pandemic is, indeed, a valley for many of us, and yet, even in a valley, there is no “height nor depth” that separates us from the love of Christ! (Romans 8:38-39)  As the prophet Habakkuk declared, “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” No matter what.

As I dwelt on this thought, the Lord brought to my mind an article I wrote about Habakkuk 3:18, over 8 years ago:

We can put our trust in God to take care of ANYTHING and EVERYTHING we place before that “yet” in our lives!

In Habakkuk 1:5, the Lord tells His prophet, “Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.” God has plans for us that we wouldn’t even believe!

Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” We may not be able to see why certain things are happening in our lives, or why certain things are the way they are, but God is ever working . . .

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil . . .” Whatever you are going through, whatever you THINK you MIGHT have to go through, God is with you!  He is a God Who faithfully keeps His promises, and He has promised us in His Word, “ . . . I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)

And He IS with us, Dear Sisters in Christ!  Even in “The Valley of In Between”.

There may be much that we do not know or have the answers to, but God knows every doubt and concern of our hearts.  A friend of mine recently shared this beautiful thought: “Rest tonight knowing whatever is on your mind is in God’s hands.”

God has taught me much on the journey of missions and motherhood.  I close out this blog with great anticipation for what lies ahead.  I look forward to the next season of my life, when, Lord willing, I can write to you and encourage you from the other side of the world!  It may be this summer, or this fall, or even the beginning of next year, but “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me . . .” (Psalm 138:8)

God has a purpose and a plan – for me; for you. 

Thank you, sincerely, for always allowing me to share from my heart and from His Word.  God Bless!

Glorified Gossip - Dinner #99

I’m afraid we like to share far more than just family photos and delicious recipes, on Facebook, right now.  

During this time of isolation, we somehow feel the need to spread the latest news, as well.  “Did you hear?” Re-post. “This makes me so mad!” Re-post.  “How can they do this to us?!” Re-post. 

Social media is being used as a platform for angry accusations . . . and many of us are only adding fuel to the fire. 

Proverbs 26:20-22 declares, “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire ; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.  The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”

Certainly, some political and COVID-19 Facebook posts are accurate, but many of them are nothing more than glorified gossip; fragments cut and pasted from an original document, or images twisting the truth.  In recent days, I’ve observed dear friends unintentionally sharing one inaccuracy after another regarding CDC requirements and government guidelines.  I’ve watched in sadness as good Christian people spread slander regarding politicians and pastors alike.  

“They lie! They lie!”, the internet articles howl. “They’re making our lives miserable!” “They seek to destroy us all!”  And in a moment of anger and frustration, others join the online mob.  With the snap of our fingers – or the tap of our Smart Phone – we tear down and we burn, without a second thought.

James 3:5 tells us, “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”

As Christians, we should be champions of TRUTH!  We should be the ones most cautious to check, and double-check before we ever re-post the sensational; before we ever share what somebody else supposedly said or did.  Our voice on social media is no different than our voice in tangible relationships.  Our ability to spread gossip is just as dangerous.  Whenever possible, we ought to go to the source itself for verification! 

Is that what the pastor meant? I urge you to take the time to re-play his sermon.  Are those the actual health recommendations?  Visit www.cdc.gov.  Did the governor REALLY say that? Listen to the recorded speech.  Read the information posted on the politician’s OFFICIAL website.  Check the date on the article. Earnestly seek to spread only the truth!

Psalm 15 encourages us to be, “He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor.”

We must not allow ourselves to be so easily caught up in the “Did you hear?! He said . . . ! She said . . .! How shocking!”

We are apart right now, and, in many ways, the online platform is our loudest voice.  Dear Children of Light, may the information we share ring TRUE!

Ephesians 4:25 “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor . . .”

Renovations And Revival - Dinner #98

Who would have ever imagined such a global pause?  I look back at devotionals written during the stress and the business of life, and can hardly fathom the extent to which our world has changed. 

Social media is currently filled with photos of board games and puzzles; of crafts and creative family dinners - evidences of some really great substitutions for all the running-here-and-there that so often dictates our human existence.

Many stores are closed, of course, but during a recent trip to Ace Hardware, an employee remarked to my husband on the unexpected INCREASE in business. It seems like many folks are finally getting around to the house projects that have been on their to-do lists!

There is a renovation project on the way to our local grocery story, and it has been a secret pleasure of mine, watching the progress. Perhaps the owners are being able to sand and paint a little more than usual right now, because the front of the house is coming along quite rapidly. 

The truth of the matter is, through this pandemic, God has given us THE GIFT OF TIME.  Time to notice areas in need of attention - both in our homes and in our hearts. 

Psalm 119:59 says, “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.”

Such a convicting verse.  Are we taking heed and thinking on our ways?  Are we contemplating the direction in which our life has been going?  There are things in my own life that I want to change; NEED to change.  Is it the same for you? 

Government officials are hoping to re-open our borders, soon; to return to “business as usual.” But, in all honesty, I don’t know if we’re ready yet.  Have you and I turned to God with our whole heart? As individuals, have we grown, through this difficulty? Are we learning the lessons that Almighty God wants us to learn?  This week, during an online service, I heard a pastor express it like this: “Normal is not what we need to get back to.  We need to get back to God and His Word.”

How grateful I am for the blessed promise of James 4:8, which says, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”

Being more of a homebody by nature, I’ve probably delighted in this social distancing more than most people.  I confess, I’ve loved the consistent schooling, the extra cooking and cleaning, the crafts, and the crisp spring air! But in the midst of what is really good, I pray I might not lose sight of what is BEST.  I pray I might not miss this opportunity to grow in my relationship with God – to experience a personal revival in my soul!

Lately, I find myself hungering for the Lord.  It makes me think of the verse in Psalms that speaks of longing for God like a deer longing for water.  The story of Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus also comes to mind.    

Do you long for Him, too, Dear Sister? Do you want more of God? What a significant soul-searching time this could be for each of us, if we’d only let it be so. 

Jeremiah 29:13 declares, “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

Driven - Dinner #97

“Mommy’s laughing!” 

I smiled, but deep down inside, the exclamation of our little 4-year-old saddened me.

I interact with people so frequently, as we travel.  I speak to others at our missions table.  I teach.  But, wow!  Do I really laugh so seldom?!  Her exclamation made me recall another recent incident – a game of chase in the backyard - when our 5-year-old giggled and cried out, “Mommy’s having fun!”

How convicting!  Do the pressures and stresses of life control me so? 

When I’m overworking, I can usually feel the achiness all over; even my wrists get sore.  Too often I push myself to that point.  After nearly a decade of marriage, my sweet husband has learned the warning signs, and tries his best to make me rest, but I can be rather determined.  My Grandma Trudy always used to say there was a “Guthrie Stubborn Streak”. I think that in myself that stubbornness sometimes manifests itself in the desire to finish something . . . or die trying.  The tunnel vision sets in and I can become DRIVEN.  Laughing Mommy goes out the door.  The wife who snuggles on the couch cannot be found.  And Kristen Kelley is suddenly blind to all else but THE TASK. 

It would take several pages to describe all that goes into missionary Deputation.  If you’ve ever packed for a road trip, a family reunion, or a week at camp, you understand the general idea.  The Deputation Mama does this same process over and over again.  Church clothes, travel clothes, school books, snacks . . . oftentimes for 2-3 years.  As this part of the journey starts coming to a close, all the preparations for an overseas move are then added to the still ongoing travels to churches. 

The last several weeks have found me here - surrounded by boxes, and bubble wrap, and packing tape. Sometimes in full-out frustration.  Sometimes in sentimental tears.

Why am I telling you this? Because, as wives and mothers, we can all become captive to the pressures of life. We can forget how to laugh, or even how to BREATHE.

I Peter 5:7 reminds us to be “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

For me it is every suitcase yet to be packed; every item yet to be purchased; every "goodbye" yet to be spoken . . . I can give it ALL over to the Sweet Master of my soul.  I can trust Him with every aspect. And I desperately NEED to.

In Matthew chapter 11, Christ says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

When the stresses of life threaten to strangle us, we must ask ourselves whose yoke we are wearing. The light one placed on us by Christ? Or a much heavier one of our own making?

It is CHRIST Who leadeth me beside the STILL waters.  It is CHRIST Who maketh the wind and the waves to cease.  It is CHRIST Who returns the peaceful CALM to my life. 

When I allow that calm to enter my soul, do you know what happens? I can laugh with my husband again.   I can look up from the folding and SEE my daughter when she speaks to me.  I can prepare for an international move without those preparations controlling me. 

In thankfulness to the Lord, I can rise from my knees, declaring, “I am no longer a slave to the task at hand. I am no longer DRIVEN.  I am FREE.”

Unraveled - Dinner #96

When our deputation ministry began, we traveled together as a family and sought to hold onto as much routine as possible.  From one destination to the next, we learned what worked well for us – material for children’s classes, medleys for special music, activities for hotel rooms . . .

Now, for the first time on this journey, we are blessed with a newborn in our lives.  A “rainbow” long worried over, and prayed for, and anticipated.  She’s here!  Beautiful, long-limbed, and with such a head of soft, feathery hair.  We all love her so!  But newborns do cry and bring lack of sleep.  Babies need to be changed and nursed frequently.  Infants create multiple loads of laundry.  And somehow adding this newness to an already hectic lifestyle has left me feeling like a stunned deer in the headlights.  How do I DO this?! 

One evening, as I tried to navigate my way through church conversations, in an exhausted daze, a single word suddenly popped into my mind – UNRAVELED.  It was as though the order and routine I had known up until this point was coming apart at the seams. The thread was being pulled out longer and longer, right before my very eyes. 

It is difficult giving a missions testimony when the baby wakes up as soon as she hears Mommy’s voice.  Speaking to ladies about my book, while an infant wails on my shoulder, fighting gas bubbles, is a little less than ideal.  Trying to fit in a lengthy feeding, before a church service starts, can be emotional at best.

God is beginning to stitch something new – I know He is! - A beautiful pattern involving a family of seven.  Slowly, the embroidery of a calm life is returning to us, but some days, the tapestry looks messy to my human eyes. All I can see is the unraveled string.  “. . . when my heart is overwhelmed”, O Lord, please “lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2)  

I bow my head and cry, “I can’t do this without You, Lord!” The simple fact of the matter is, I can’t do ANYTHING without Him – not the difficult days, nor the seemingly easy ones either. As Christ says in John chapter 15, “. . . for without me ye can do nothing.” Not a single thing.

Whether the stitches are unraveled, or every stitch seems exactly in its proper place, I NEED the Lord! ALL of the time!  And I can do this.  The meetings, the traveling, the long newborn days and nights . . . “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13) 

My Heavenly Father does not leave me helpless.  The Bible says, “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” (Isaiah 40:29)  I am in need of that extra measure of strength, right now.  Are you? May we seek Him together and ever find Him faithful.

Rainbow Baby Poem

Rainbow Baby

By Kristen Kelley

August 2019

The sky can hold such beauty

Following a rain,

As light shines through the sorrow,

Healing from the pain.

The brightness of a rainbow;

Promise from above.

The brushwork of my Savior;

Symbol of His love.

A picture in the heavens;

Blessing brought below;

Sweet sunlight wrapped in blankets.

Oh how we love you so!

Praying In The Storm - Dinner #96

PRAYING IN THE STORM

It is amazing to me how the Lord sometimes pieces things together in our lives.  A missionary friend of mine recently sent me an excerpt from a book on prayer, talking about the beautiful “laments” in the Bible.  It also ended up being the theme for our adult lesson on Job, this past Sunday.  The class material had a step-by-step explanation of what a Biblical lament included, and a couple of us were asked to write one of our own. 

I am currently 37 weeks along with our precious “Rainbow Baby”, and anxiously waiting every day for her arrival.  It is a happy time in my life.  But there are well over 7000 bereaved mamas in the Facebook groups I’ve been a part of, this past year . . . There are recently-widowed ladies in my church . . . There are friends with dissolving marriages and very serious health issues on my prayer list . . . Every day, all around us, are struggling, hurting, grieving people.

Do we know how to pray to God when we encounter trials in our personal lives?  We understand that, as Christians, we ought not doubt our loving Heavenly Father.  But is there a RIGHT WAY to talk to Him in our hours of deepest anguish, and to tell Him how we truly feel? 

In a “lament”, we don’t doubt our Creator, but, rather we show that we TRUST Him – We trust Him by pouring out our heart; trust Him with our innermost thoughts and feelings; trust that He still hears us when we cannot see His face; trust that He knows what is best in every situation. 

If you are walking through a dark valley in your own life, don’t be afraid to pray like Job, like David, like Jeremiah, and like so many others in the Bible . . . Don’t be afraid to pray the very words of Scripture . . .

Perhaps this example will be a blessing to you:

I come before You, Dear Heavenly Father.

I don’t understand why this is happening to me.  My heart is so hurt, right now - so devastated.  I feel broken and shattered in a million pieces.  My circumstances weigh down on my heart like an anvil.  A giant cloud has settled over my spirit and I cannot shake it. The words of others wound me, again and again.  When, Lord, will I find relief?

Deep down in my heart, Dear Lord, I know that You are in control.  You are good and You are God, even when I cannot see Your loving face.  Your Word tells me to “Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us . . .” (Ps. 62:8)  I need Your refuge, Dear Jesus!  I lay this burden of my heart down at Your feet, Oh God.  I know that I can run to You when I have no where else to turn.  “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” (Prov. 18:10) I know that You are the Only One Who can truly help me through this trial.

Please strengthen me, Dear God.  Please help me not to falter or fail in my walk with You.  Please help me to bring You glory in everything I am going through right now. 

“I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.” (Ps. 22:22) You alone can see me through to the other side, Dear Lord.  Please help me on that day to praise You and to rejoice in You, and to not be afraid to share your goodness in my life with others around me.

Thank You, Oh Lord, for hearing me when I pray!  Thank You for comforting my heart, and for Your Holy Spirit reminding me that You are still with me and You are still doing a special work in my life. You see the whole picture from start to finish, Dear Lord, even when I cannot.  I love you, Lord Jesus!

AMEN

In Psalm 23, David declares, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me . . .”

I encourage you to pray earnestly, My Friend.  No matter what you are going through today, you can share the deepest burdens of your heart with God.  He created you and He loves you with an everlasting love.  You can truly cast “all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (I Peter 5:7)

Awaiting A Rainbow

AWAITING A RAINBOW

By Kristen Kelley

The myriad of emotions I feel in my heart as my due date approaches is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever known.  Do I dare to write that?  To share that with the world?  The last time I visited the L&D floor of our local hospital was 2+1/2 years ago.  The last time I visited the L&D floor of our local hospital, I left with empty arms. 

God has brought about great beauty from the ashes, since that sorrowful day.  Knowing my booklet A Letter In Your Loss has now been put into the hands of hundreds of other grieving mamas – that has been something beyond anything I could have ever asked or thought (Eph. 3:20).  But here I am – bereavement author Kristen Kelley – staring labor in the face once again, and praying that this time, there will be life on the other side. Praying that there will be happy tears and smiles, infant cries, and the warmth of sweet baby cuddles. 

Jeremiah 31:13 “. . . for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.”

It can be weighty on one’s heart, seeking to hold out the hope of God to groups where mamas are literally losing their babies every day. I’ve been trying to keep myself busy with various “nesting activities” and not dwell on panic-triggering fears.  Anxiety seeks to infiltrate my heart, just the same.

“My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.” Psalm 57:7

God has not given me the spirit of fear (II Tim. 1:7).  I cling to that.  But I am human.  And the broken heart that God has healed so incredibly, feels extremely vulnerable just now.  Not everyone must work through the difficulty of reliving a trauma, but we all deal with difficulties.  The hymn phrase “all your anxiety, all your care, Bring to the mercy seat, leave it there . . .” keeps running through my mind.

Delivering a live baby often brings with it a sense of maternal strength and power.  I lost so much of that confidence during the miscarriage delivery with our son. My body failed me over and over again on that day. What if it fails me now?

Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

Isaiah 41:10 has long been my “life verse”, and I love how it still anchors my heart – even in this.

What do you cling to in your “this”? You may not be facing your biggest fears as you await the delivery of a “rainbow”.  You may be facing a mind struggle of an entirely different kind.  Do you know where to turn when Satan is seeking to rob you of your peace?

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.”

Look to Our Precious Savior, Dear Sister!  No matter your trial; your dilemma; your fear.

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

Carrying A Rainbow

CARRYING A RAINBOW

By Kristen Kelley

The second Sunday in May . . . I have anticipated the onset of labor pains, on Mother’s Day, before.  I have had breakfast brought to me in bed by my loving husband. I have taken photos in the front yard with my daughters.  I have sought refuge in the church parking lot, and wept the tears of grief. 

This Mother’s Day, I am carrying a precious “rainbow” in my womb. We will be 6-months along, tomorrow, and it is still difficult to put this pregnancy into words. Here we are with only about 16 weeks left to go, and I feel like I am finally letting myself start to think, “This baby might be coming home with us!”

So much that is “baby” has had to be pushed away from my heart and mind the last few years, as I coped with the sorrow of miscarriage – even videos and photos of our older girls when they were born  . . . It feels both exciting and incredibly fragile to be looking at maternity clothes, and nursing pillows, and receiving blankets.

We all have circumstances in our lives for which we need to trust the hand of our loving Heavenly Father . . . Since learning of our pregnancy, I have had to cling repeatedly to the truth that God alone is in control of the outcome. 

“In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:10)

I have always written a few letters to our babies, while carrying them in my womb.  The letters to this Little One are so different from those I wrote in years past . . .

“I feel your movements – especially when I’m wearing my seatbelt or a drinking a delicious shake at bedtime – yet, I still long to hear your little heartbeat thumping like a train.  Having a fetal Doppler has greatly helped to allay my natural fears between doctor appointments.  I couldn’t imagine going 2 weeks or more before being reassured of your well-being within my womb.”

“More people asked if we knew your gender, yesterday.  I fought hard to . . . refrain from automatically picturing the traumatic ultrasound where we discovered we’d lost your brother Joshua.”

“I want to be happy – ONLY happy – about the ultrasound, the rainbow baby shirts, the secret Easter egg reveal . . . but my heart is like a pendulum.” 

On a teeter-totter between fear and hope - even today - the Holy Spirit reminds me of Psalm 42:5:

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God . . .”

Kind church members recently provided a travel bassinet and a travel swing, in anticipation of our new arrival.  When I shared with the girls what we had received, our oldest asked with grave concern, “But why are we getting baby stuff if we don’t even know yet if we’ll be able to keep this baby?”

“Because it’s good to HOPE,” I told her.  “We need to keep hoping that everything WILL be alright this time. And we need to start getting things ready for if we DO get to bring her home. Right?”

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Ps. 27:14)

He can strengthen my heart; the heart of my husband; the hearts of my daughters . . . Each of us have our own worries and concerns.  Our hope must be in nothing else.  Not in “chariots” or “horses” – not in doctors or ultrasounds - but in “the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalm 20:7)

HE alone is my Rock amid the swirling “multitude of my thoughts within me”, and His “comforts delight my soul.” (Ps. 94:19)

As the beautiful hymn declares, “When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.”

“I think God gave us this rainbow baby to keep,” our Cheyenne often tells me. 

I do too, Sweet Girl. Deep down in my heart, I do too.

“Our God whom we serve is able . . .” as the three Hebrew children once said, “ . . . But if not . . .” (Daniel 3:17-18) If not . . . If God chooses another plan – a more difficult road for me - I know with a certainty “. . . his way is perfect . . .” (Ps. 18:30) and “he maketh my way perfect.” (II Sam. 22:33)

This Mother’s Day 2019 “ . . . my flesh also shall rest in hope.” (Ps. 16:9)

Patterned Parenting - Dinner #95

As many of you know, we are expecting a “Rainbow Baby”, and are due this summer! We typically travel as a family to deputation meetings, but I stayed home with the girls for the conference this week, as we didn’t feel comfortable with my going all the way to Louisiana just now. It’s interesting seeing how one chooses to fill the long hours while Dear Husband is away . . . Simple dinners, school work, doctor and dental appointments, lots of 2^nd trimester cleaning and organizing, dark chocolate . . .

Tonight I stayed up late watching one of those movies that requires a handful of tissues . . . Being a big fan of “Fireproof”, and “Facing the Giants”, and basically any movie produced by the Kendrick Brothers, I’d picked up a copy of their newest Christian film - “Like Arrows” – for myself to enjoy. What a powerful message it contains!  “Like Arrows” is one of those movies that truly makes you stop and think . . . “What are we really doing as parents?  Where are our children headed?  What are we doing wrong? How can we improve?”

I have recently begun a study in my devotions that fits right along with this idea of patterning our parenting after God.  There are times when I stop myself and think, “I need to eliminate that type of sentence from my vocabulary.  God doesn’t parent US like that.”  God doesn’t use sarcasm.  He doesn’t use bribery.  He doesn’t change His mind on a whim.  Where do we get our parenting ideas from, anyway?!  As God’s children, we ought to be getting them from God Himself! 

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

So far, I have only scratched the surface of this personal study, as I begin working my way through the book of Genesis.  Tonight, before I head to bed, I just want to share some of these thoughts with you.

What does Scripture say about the parenting techniques of our Heavenly Father?

·         Genesis 3 – He used questions to make Adam and Eve think about and fully realize their sin.  He gave punishments specific to each individual who did wrong. 

·         Genesis 4:3-7 – He set up specific rules and guidelines.

·         Genesis 6:5,8 – He rewarded good and punished evil.

·         Genesis 6:14-7:3 – He was specific and detailed in His instructions to Noah; in His expectations.

·         Genesis 7:4 – He did not keep Noah completely in the dark, but let him know some information in advance.

·         Genesis 8:21,22/9:12-16 – He made and kept His promises.

·         Genesis 11:5-9 – He recognized potential evils and did not leave his people to their own devises.

·         Genesis 12:2-3 – He blessed/rewarded Abraham and those of his descendants who chose to obediently follow God. 

And these considerations are only from the first 12 chapters of the Bible!

“Train up a child in the way he should go . . .” (Prov. 22:6) Scripture tells us.  We have been given a sacred privilege.  God has given US the task of raising the next generation for Him. I pray that as you head into the weekend, the Lord might bless the precious sharpening of your “arrows” (Psalm 127:4).

Psalm 145 declares that our Heavenly Father “. . . is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.  The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” Oh that we might seek to parent as our loving God parents us!