A Mother’s prayers – still before God

Three of our grandchildren were living with us.

It was a joyful time, in the midst of a sad time.

Bedtimes were part of the joyful time – a time of quiet talk – a time of prayer – an assurance of love. For Kaylee, the youngest, it included a time of singing. It was a song I had composed, just for her:

Sweet dreams, my Kaylee Joy;

sweet dreams to you.

Dream about rainbows,

dream about sunshine,

dream about teddy bears, too.

And as she fell asleep, my singing changed to humming, and the humming diminished as I tucked her blankie around her and tiptoed out of the room.

It was during one of those times of humming that the memory came.

Just two musical tones of my humming brought the memory – tones of a first, then down to a fifth. (You musicians know what I mean!)

With those two tones, I saw her – my mother.

She was young. Her hair dark, short, parted on the side, and wavy. I was a baby – how old I don’t know, but young enough that I was still in her arms. I looked at her through baby eyes. I saw my chubby forearm and hand. My hand was touching her soft cheek. And she was singing:

When I pray, I will pray for you,
For you need His love and His care.
When I pray, I will pray for you,
I will whisper your name in my prayer.

At the close of the day, when I kneel to pray,
I will remember you.
You need help every day, this is why I pray,
And I will remember you.

When I pray, I will pray for you,
For you need His love and His care.
When I pray, I will pray for you,
I will whisper your name in my prayer.

I knew the entire song – one I hadn’t heard sung in years, but now I heard only the first of it because, you see, the memory was so short. Perhaps only seconds. But long enough to place me back in my mother’s arms – to remember her holding me, singing to me, loving me.

The memory suddenly poured from my eyes and flowed down my cheeks.

I was glad Kaylee had fallen asleep. I left her bedroom and cherished the ever-so-brief thoughts, thanking God for that special reflection.

And I’ve since thought more about the words to that old hymn. Mama prayed for me. My faith first lived in her (2 Timothy 1:5). And her prayers for me are still worship before the Lord God (Revelation 5:8, 8:4).

When their mothers had gone to be with the Lord, both my friend, Becky, and my cousin, Sherri, shared their feelings of emptiness with me. Besides their normal feelings of grief and loss, they both said, “I feel like my most faithful prayer warrior is gone.”

When my time came, and my mother was gone, I understood. I felt much the same as Becky and Sherri, until I realized that my mother’s prayers were still powerful and alive before God. A golden bowl holds the incense, which are the prayers of the saints, and the smoke of that incense continues to rise before God. I was encouraged and in turn, encouraged Becky and Sherri with that insight from God’s Word.

Let it also encourage you, my friend. Gain strength in that knowledge, my friend. Your mother’s (and/or grandmother’s) prayers are still before the Lord God. The fragrance of those prayers continues to rise up to God, as sweet worship to Him!

And to me, it’s as though she’s still singing,

When I pray, I will pray for you,
For you need His love and His care.
When I pray, I will pray for you,
I will whisper your name in my prayer.

~~ ~~ ~~

April 21, 2014

The hunt is over!

The children have gone home. Plastic eggs are emptied. Candy wrappers, whipped by the wind, litter the corners of the yard. Pieces of chocolate are smooshed on the sidewalk. The children are happy and hyper, from oodles of sugar and time spent with family. It was fun. The hunt is over. Its origins were pagan, but our celebration today is not.

The celebration today is of new life — the new life Jesus brought when He came to us — when He taught us — when He died for us — when He arose for us. This is what we teach our children.

The celebration today is one of “realization.”

Oh! This is what He meant when He said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he died; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”

Oh! This is what He meant when He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him . . . Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves . . .”

The celebration today is “relational.”

We celebrate this new life in Christ, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world . . . he adopted us as his children . . . “

We remember His suffering and His death — with reflection, worship, communion. A Savior whose love is greater than all love — for you and for me, His child.

We rejoice in His resurrection. Our Savior lives! Our Father loves!

The celebration today is “unending.”

It didn’t start, nor does it end with a date on the calendar. The celebration starts when you realize that Jesus Christ is your Savior — when you become His child — when you experience new life in Him. And it never ends.

The hunt is over, friend. Jesus has come!

Link to “Become a Believer”

John 11:25, 26; John 14:6, 11; Ephesians 1:4,5

April 16, 2014April 18, 2014

THIS is because of Easter!

THIS is because of Easter, my friend.

New Life! The celebration of our Savior’s Resurrection. The promises it brings. To you. To your children. To me. To my children.

New Life in Christ!

The old is gone! The new has come!

And it’s all because of Jesus!

This is my daughter, Amber, and my son-in-law, Jesse! This is their new life in Christ!

Click here to read Jesse’s story.

You may have heard about Jesus and have wondered how you can truly know you are a believer – a Christian. It’s not by your “works,” my friend. It’s not by what you do. The “Law” given in the Old Testament was God’s plan for that time period. It showed us that no matter how hard we tried, we could not follow the “Law” completely. We needed a Savior, and that Savior is Jesus Christ!

The Bible is full of Jesus!

(Old Testament and New Testament)

Perhaps you’ve heard or memorized a well-known Bible verse, John 3:16: God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will have life forever!

Wow! Isn’t that awesome?

God loved you so much that He gave Jesus for you! Jesus suffered and died on a cross, was buried, then rose from the grave three days later. He now sits at the right hand of the Father – and an entire, awesome eternity is planned for us!

When I was young, I learned about God’s plan of Salvation through what was called the “Romans Road.” It includes some verses from the Bible that show us how to become a Christian, so I am going to use those verses (from the book of Romans) to show you God’s plan:

~ We sin. No matter how hard we try, we can never be good enough for a Holy God. (Romans 3:23)

~ We were lost, but God’s gift to us is eternal life through Jesus! (Romans 6:23)

~ If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

So becoming a Christian involves recognizing that we fail – are sinful; realizing that Jesus Christ came to save us and give us eternal life; and confessing and believing!

It’s a grace thing! God is merciful!

Say a prayer, something like this:

Lord God, I know that I’m a sinner, but I trust that Jesus Christ died on the cross for me and rose from the grave three days later. Thank you for your gift of salvation. Help me to be the kind of Christian you want me to be. In Jesus’ name.

It’s not by coincidence that God has led you to this site, to His Word, and to His plan for you today. Isn’t He wonderful? When you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, God sends His Holy Spirit to fill you. You are a new creation!

Now, I encourage you to delve into God’s Word – the Holy Bible – and read, read, read more about Him – and to pray, pray, pray to Him. You’re going to learn about how much He loves you and wants to bless you!

Tell someone about your decision today! I would love to hear from you through “comment” or message!

April 15, 2014April 15, 2014

This Faithful Jesus . . .

The two blind men sat at the roadside.

“Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.

“Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”

Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. (Matthew 20:34)

They followed him to Jerusalem, where, a few days later, He would be crucified.

His earthly ministry was coming to an end, but, as I wrote in my last posting, we know what happens after His crucifixion: He rises from the grave. He lives!

And Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Dr. Thomas Constable, in his expository (Bible study) notes of this verse, writes,

“His example of faithfulness, as expounded in this epistle, should be a continuing encouragement to all believers. He is as faithful to His promises now as He ever was, and He always will be faithful to them.”

This same Jesus — this faithful Jesus — died on the cross for you! If you do not yet know Him as your Savior, I encourage you to accept Him, believing on His suffering in your place and in His Resurrection! Let Him touch your eyes, as he did touched the blind men’s, and let Him bring His light into your life. (Link to Become a Believer)

He mercifully saved me and my family! He will do the same for you!

I’ve been reading and studying and contemplating the healings Jesus performed during His ministry on earth — healings like those he brought to the two blind men. So many healings. The people crowded and pressed Him. They were desperate people, as we are desperate people. He had compassion on them, and He still has compassion — on us. Jesus Christ is the same compassionate Savior today!

I’ve witnessed His compassionate healing upon myself and my loved ones: from drug addiction, from broken families, from holes in a newborn’s heart, from a diagnosis of spreading cancer, from grief, from pain . . .

He is still the Lord, Son of David, who has mercy on us!

“He is as faithful to His promises now as He ever was, and He always will be faithful to them.” (Dr. Thomas Constable)

“What do you want me to do for you?” he asks.

Yes, our faithful Jesus still cares.

April 13, 2014April 14, 2014

“Hosanna!”

Part 3 of Thoughts on Lent

We reflect. We ponder. We meditate upon it.

His birth. His ministry. And now, the days leading up to His crucifixion.

Jesus sends for a donkey. Prophecy is fulfilled: “See your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

He enters the city of Jerusalem, knowing what comes before Him – persecution, whippings, suffering, crucifixion.

The people come in throngs. They spread their cloaks on the road in front of Him; they lay branches down. “Hosanna!” they shout! “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

As we reflect and ponder and meditate, we know what happens next. We know that after just a few more days of absorbing the teachings of Jesus, the shouts of “Hosanna!” will turn to “Crucify Him!”

But we know what happens! We know the fulfilment of prophecy. We rejoice in the resurrection.

So today, those of us who are fasting, those of us who are sacrificing something, and those of us who are contemplating the events during this time of Lent, can join together, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

April 9, 2014December 16, 2014

I miss them both so much I could cry.

I miss them both so much I ~~could~~ cry.

Yes, I miss them.

And yes, I cry.

March 4 and April 4 were the dates.

The first year was difficult; grief coupled itself to other pain; I grieved with an already broken heart. But new life came near the end of that first year: Luke and Jackson — and their beautiful little lives evidenced the heritage started by the two who had gone. But the enemy, who steals, kills, and destroys, came and stole a chunk of that new life from our little Luke. Grief worsens when one is beaten down.

During the second year, the grief lifted just enough that I could breathe without pain. I found comfort in the Word I had known for years. I trusted in its promises. I saw our Lord stop by the whipping post. I saw the stripes on His body – one, for baby Luke. I believed “by His wounds, we are healed.” I remembered His suffering and His death on the cross. I saw it as amazing grace. I remembered it with communion. I learned to trust and believe.

Now I’ve entered the third year, and I have hope. Much hope. I’ve learned that the period of mourning should be limited – for my good. Little by little, I’m letting the grief go. I’m trusting in the great Comforter – in His love, His grace, His finished work, His mercy, His promises, His healing for Luke, and His healing for my family.

This third year begins in the spring – not by coincidence, but by God’s plan and by His mercy.

Spring is here, and Spring brings new life that abounds in every direction – north, south, west, and east.

I step out of my house and look to the north. The cherry tree buds. Grass, beaten by the worst winter, shows signs of healing, signs of green, as my soul my body, beaten by grief and pain, bask in the sunshine, warmth, and renewal of spring.

I look to the south and see a yellow house where a renewed and restored family now lives in the house of the two who are gone — the house steeped in heritage and love. I see evidence of those promises I read and believed. Evidence of His mercy, His forgiveness, His restoration, His grace.

I look to the west and see a beautiful sunset, knowing that His mercies will be new in the morning, reminded of His faithfulness.

But it’s when I look to the east that I find the greatest hope. I look into the blue eastern sky and know that’s where I’ll see my Savior.

Where I’ll meet those I’ve lost.

Where the grief and pain will be gone.

Where the enemy is no more.

Where every forever day will bear new life.

Where hope will be manifested.

And where I’ll never remember the dates, the grief, the pain.

March 12, 2014March 13, 2014

ABC’s Resurrection and 40 days of Lent

Part 2 of Thoughts on Lent

Yes, I’ve been contemplating these 40 days of Lent. I’ve been listening to and observing others. Some people share what they are “giving up” for Lent: chocolate; complaining; social media, etc. Some people don’t share – it’s personal – or perhaps it’s sacred. Some people, on the other hand, are not observing Lent, for whatever reason.

And yes, as I ponder, I’m still looking toward Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

But today, I’m “mulling over” my response to a different Resurrection – the television drama recently aired by ABC.

Watching it was tough for many; some “opted”out:

My friend asked, “Did anyone watch that new show, Resurrection last night? I don’t think I’ll watch it again. The thought of opening my front door and seeing my son standing there is almost more than my heart can take . . . it was difficult to watch but I couldn’t seem to turn it off.”

People responded,

“I didn’t watch it. The premise seemed a bit creepy. And having lost a son who is buried in a rural Missouri cemetery, I don’t think I could handle it.”

“I didn’t watch it . . . I just thought that it would be too hard!”

She replied, “You were wiser than I was . . . I went to bed with an aching heart.”

An aching heart. Aching over the loss of her son, and, similar to the drama, about 30 years ago.

In the first episode of Resurrection, the little guy, Jacob, “comes to” in the middle of a beautiful green rice paddy in China. We know he’s been dead because we’ve seen the previews and we’ve read just enough about the plot to know what’s going on. When we see him reunited with his parents, we are touched in various ways. We are perplexed We are elated. We believe. We do not believe.

And so the drama continues and closes with yet another “resurrection,” leading the viewer to the next episode.

But the most surprising thing about this drama, which, I suppose, separates it from others, such as The Returned or Believe, is the pastor, asking a question of his congregation, and of himself about faith. The scene is set in the snow-white church, outside and in. The choir wears white robes. The pastor and parishioners are all dressed in dull greys or black, but Jacob and his mother, Lucille, in stark contrast, wear orange and red, separating them from the others, evidently revealing their faith, thus setting the tone for the pastor’s question: “Isn’t that what it means to have faith?”

I place no faith in the script of a television drama.

But the whole scenario, the entire premise, causes me to think about people, reaching and yearning for the resurrection of the body and for eternity. It makes me thankful for the faith I have found in Jesus Christ – his death, burial, and his resurrection. And thankful for the Word of God that gives me the expectation kind of hope I have as His child. That faith brings the grace that heals my friend’s aching heart and my own aching heart – aching for my loved ones who have passed – and aching for eternity.

My parents both died at the age of 87 – just one month apart. My heart was aching. People tried to console me: He had a good life. She lived a long life. It was true. Each did have a good and long life. Typical comments, meant to console. But they didn’t. 87 years isn’t enough. Life is too short.

My heart yearns for eternity. That’s my consolation. Eternity. The resurrection – not the television drama but the resurrection of Mama and Daddy and my friend’s little boy, and all those we have loved who put their faith in the resurrection of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

God put it there. The longing for eternity. He put it in my heart, and He put it in all hearts. That’s why we can’t seem to turn it off. It’s no wonder we’re writing and watching and reading about returning and resurrecting! We look forward to that day – seeing our loved ones again – the resurrection of the old bodies and the receiving of the new. And it’s all because of Christ’s resurrection! Looking toward Easter Sunday with great joy! The 40 days continue!

. . . the few days of their lives . . . He has also set eternity in the hearts of men . . . (Ecclesiastes 2: 3; 3:11)

April 3, 2013March 5, 2014

And now it is a Wednesday . . .

It was a Wednesday. The first Wednesday in April. The sun was shining. Evidence of spring saturated the outdoors and permeated the halls of Maple Lawn. As I neared her room, I saw the hospitality “cart” outside her door – a lovely collection of cookies and orange juice, coffee and fruit – a “notice” that the family would need sustenance – as we would watch and wait.

Several of us were there – my sister and brother, some cousins, my aunts and uncle. We went in and we went out. Heads slowly shook in sadness and in heartbreak. Aides and nurses came in and stood by her bed. They cried. We could do no more to keep her here with us. My mother was dying.

She’d put up a good fight. She wasn’t created to die, most obviously detected in her steadfast resolve and perseverance. God had originally made her for eternity. It’s the story of the Garden of Eden and of love and of perfection – of sin and of death. It’s the story of a body that should have been perfect and could have been perfect, but of course, wasn’t. It’s the story of a downward spiral of health problems and a broken spirit that just gave up, especially in the last month.

For years, she had plodded forward – literally plodded forward. Her crippled feet and shrunken stature, stenotic spine and withered muscles, cancered blood and arthritic bones impeded her once vibrant step, year by year, month by month, and day by day. Only one purpose kept her going – Wayne. She couldn’t leave him. He needed her. Til death do us part, they had said, and a promise is a promise. And the love grew stronger than the promise. So she loved him and served him until the day he didn’t need her any longer. And that day was one month before.

So it was a Wednesday. The first Wednesday in April, one year ago now. And I needed that lovely offering of sustenance on the hospitality cart, as I watched and waited and sang to her and whispered sweet memories in her ear, and finally observed her right hand lift to meet His as the Lord took her home. And in the middle of that Wednesday, the promise of spring and new life was stronger than the heartbreak of holding my Mama’s broken, still body, and my sustenance was found in more than cookies and orange juice, coffee and fruit.

And now it is a Wednesday. The first Wednesday in April, one year later. Today, I again need that lovely offering of sustenance – and I find it in God’s Word.

I remember my mother – and I think of faithfulness, of a promise, of unending love, and of perseverance. I cherish the memory of the one who gave me life – of the one who showed me, through example, her faith in God. I hear her whispering, “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. . . earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:23-26)

March 13, 2013April 21, 2015