The Worst Thanksgiving

As so many will be separated from their loved ones this Thanksgiving, hearts are torn in two. Precious family gatherings, traditions, loving family and friends feasting together will not happen for many this year.  I’ve heard from some friends, overcome with the sadness of not being invited to their daughters’ homes as has always been enjoyed.  

We know that it’s for the best, to protect the ones we cherish.  But still the pain is deep.  This situation points to an epic, true story.

I’m reminded of the love of our Heavenly Father, who made us and enjoyed intimate fellowship with us before the fall in the garden.  Deception and sin won the day and the history of separation from God began since He is holy and cannot dwell together with sinners.  

The painful separation has continued to this day for all humankind.

But God was not content to let us stay away.  He felt the pain of separation due to this disease more than we did.  He was determined to abolish this epic pandemic.  So He sent His Son to provide the cure.  Jesus lived a perfect life and offered it up for us so that we can be cleansed and holy before God once again.  It’s a miracle cure.  We can be united in fellowship with God our Father because of His sacrifice.  To all who believe and receive Him, He gives the right to become children of God. Forever in fellowship with our Father. With an everlasting feast to look forward to! And He’s determined that every tongue, tribe and nation will be present!

May the Lord comfort all who are alone this Thanksgiving with His Presence and love.  We will get through this dark season.  And will love one another more deeply as a result.

Separation, Satisfaction, & Salvation

By far, the hardest part of this pandemic crisis is not getting to see my family.  It’s been a month today since Caleb and his family visited us for St. Patrick’s Day.  Missing my grand daughters as well as concern for my daughter Mary who is in Bolivia weighs heavily on my heart.  

The Lord has met me in my sorrows and taught me about the fellowship of sharing in His suffering. Philipppians 3:10 says, “I want  to know Christ, and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.

The first  part of that verse is understandable and attractive, ‘to know him and his power.’ But the second is not something I would choose, ‘to share in the fellowship of his suffering.’

It’s quite a mystery because it seems to be my suffering I’m experiencing, not his, first of all!  I don’t really get that deep truth, but I can tell you what I have experienced in this time of withdrawal from the ones I love.  The ones that make me feel truly complete as a person, as a mom and a grand mom.  

It’s in the moments where I am completely honest with my sadness, allowing my tears to flow while I share my grief with the Lord about missing them, that He is right here with me, to comfort me and to show me that He too went through the separation from his Father.  I feel closer to him than ever before.  

The amazing part is that he fills me with joy and satisfies my soul so I actually feel like I’m not missing anything!  The thing that I was determined to avoid, more than two weeks’ separation from my grands, has not ruined me! I am learning a lesson that I need to repeatedly learn, that “The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup, he holds my lots, The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, indeed, I have a delightful inheritance.” (Psalm 16:5-6)

He is my Portion, the source of my true satisfaction and well being comes from him alone.  All the other blessings, as great as they are, are not necessary for my joy. He is jealous to teach us this as often as necessary for our hearts to be undivided.  

I had always and will always make it my goal to see my grandchildren at least every other week when this is over.  I just love them and delight in the wonder of their little lives. Tomorrow, Suzanna turns one year old already!! She is walking and talking and I would love to hold her or run after her little self for 24 hours straight right now!!!

This love, this longing, it’s from God and is actually a reflection of his love and longing for us!  He can’t stand to be separated from us. And He goes to great lengths to overcome the distance between us.

Jesus’ last priestly prayer for us before he went to the cross was recorded in John 17:20-26

“I ask for those who will believe in me, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us..Father, I desire that they also whom you have given me, may be with me where I am..I will continue to make your name known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

I am comforted to know that heaven will be a place of eternal union with God and with his family.  I am so blessed that my children believe in him and will be there with me! I pray for all those we love, our extended family and friends, to also trust in Christ’s atoning blood so they will be there as well.  I pray for my grandchildren and great grandchildren, etc. to believe and be with us in Paradise!

John 17:3 “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

                                                       

What Are You Looking Forward To?

With our lives on hold for the most part, it’s a good time to make a bucket list of what you hope to do when life resumes.  I’ve been blessed with a good bit of travel already, but still hope to do much more in the future! So there’s that. And of course, just spending as much time as possible with my family.  I love my kids and grandkids to the moon and back. Our precious moms as well.

One thing that is pretty certain is that this life is short.  I hope I’m still middle aged at 54, but that would be the best case scenario!  I can’t complain, but only count my many, many blessings. I am so happy to know that the best is yet to come.

The blessings of this life satisfy for a little while, but not fully or finally.  Only God can satisfy our deepest needs and desires. He really can! He made us with a void that only He can fill. He is actually jealous for us to know this is true.  Kind of like a jealous husband. He has a right to our hearts since He made us for HImself. He is the only One who knows you fully and loves you fully.  

Sounds too good to be true?  I know. But it is. I have tasted and seen how good, how personal,  how true, how faithful, how loving, how patient, how forgiving He is.

This is not about religion.  This is about a relationship with your Creator.  And it’s about preparing for the trip of a lifetime that will last forever and ever.  Way better than any destiny you have experienced. Your ticket there is simply to trust in Jesus.  

Are you ready for the next adventure?  To a beautiful place that is free from sin, politics, viruses, sadness, suffering, injustice, intolerance, hatred, violence and unemployment?!  I pray so!

Life & Death

This month will be one for the books.  A virtual shutdown of our country is at hand as we seek to limit and destroy the virus that is killing us.  Already over 5000 have succumbed to its wrath. A deadly enemy indeed has halted our lives as we knew them.

As we have more time than we’d like to be quiet and unemployed, I am feeling led to write.  I’ve never taken a writing course and am not very good at it. But still I think it’s a worthy endeavor for my own soul and maybe to share with others.  Written words can be powerful and immortal. I hope mine will serve in some way to offer hope in this dark time.

I pray I get to see my grand babies this month.  Ellie is heading to 5 years old in June! And Suzie will be one on the 18th of this month!  Wow! What joy they bring to my heart! What wonder it is to watch them grow and discover this good world God made for them.  They are with their wonderful mom and dad as well as their grandparents an hour from us. Chris, their grandpa, has a heart condition and surgery that was postponed til June due to this COVID season.  

We pray for our moms, Chris, and all those who are older or with health conditions that make this virus especially dangerous.  That they will all be safe and protected from its reach.  

My daughter Mary is in Bolivia where she has taught fourth grade for the year.  They are on lockdown there, only allowed out once a week in the morning. She is on spring break this coming week and will stay with friends for good company.  She could’ve fled home like I wanted, but decided to stay in case school reopens. The airports have shut down and the borders are closed as Bolivia seeks to limit the virus’ access.  So far they have about 100 cases. I pray they can reopen, but if not, I pray Mary can come home.

Death is a terrible thing.  It means separation from those you love in this world.  And it can mean separation from the God who made and loves us as well.  Our sins have caused the biggest problem, so much more than this crummy virus.  After all, this thing is temporary. But death is forever.  

The only way to have true well being in this life and the next is through a relationship with God.  Jesus made a way for us to be reconciled to God. Isaiah 59:1-2 says

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or His ear dull that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.”

This chasm was bridged by our Savior’s life, death and resurrection.  

I grew up hearing about this great Savior named Jesus.  I might have heard about him too much if that’s possible.  It’s not! But it wasn’t until I went off to college and was inadvertently in a Bible study mainly because the chocolate chip cookies were so good, that I began to take this gospel personally.  I remember it dawning on me, slowly but surely, that Jesus died for my sins. That He was a personal God who loved me and knew what was best for me. It was truly amazing to be born again.

It still is, it still is amazing to be His daughter.  He speaks to me through His Word, He hears my every single prayer.  He is not just up there, He is right here in my self isolation. Never to leave, to withdraw, to stop loving me.  

He is my source of true joy and peace.  Knowing I’m safe in His Hand no matter what happens.  This is true life and well being.

If you’ve read this far, I hope you will consider opening your heart to him as well.  He is waiting to be your Savior and Lord.

John 1:11-12 says

“He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

Dad

It was January 30, 2005, 13 years ago, that my dad passed away.  We were with him to send him off. I remember saying to him, ‘it’s ok Dad, you’re about to cross the finish line,” to which he winked in response!  That was a big deal since he hadn’t blinked in a long time.  I was comforted and hope he was too.  He then ceased to breath, giving up the ghost, as they say.  I distinctly remember sensing that his spirit left the room through a specific spot.  That room is still holy ground for me.
I remember walking with dad, about 25 years ago.  My family lived in Maryland and my parents would visit a couple times a year.  We were strolling with baby Caleb and Daniel in tow.  I asked dad a question to test his spiritual understanding.  I said, “Dad, when you die and get to the pearly gates, and Jesus meets you there and asks, “Bob Fantini, why should I let you in to heaven?  What will you answer?? He said, without missing a beat, “Lord, you know all things, you know I’ve trusted in You!”
I was ecstatic!  I knew in my heart he was a shoo-in.  Here was a man who respected and loved God, who sought to follow and obey, but like all of us, he was imperfect.  His faith wasn’t in his good works to save him, but in Christ’s atoning work.  He trusted His Savior to save him.
I can’t wait to see him in heaven.  I love and miss him so much!  He was a great dad.  His love, affection, generosity, kindness and devotion help me to understand my Heavenly Father.

iPhone Blogging

Here I am, at the end of 2017 and remembering I have this old blog.  I hardly ever use a computer or iPad, but desire to write now and then.   I don’t even type (text) with two thumbs on my phone, so I’m quite handicapped according to my daughter’s assessment!
I do have a keyboard that can be used to type on my phone, so there’s that. And I just discovered I can actually publish on my blog from my phone.
All this to say I hope to write more in the new year!
Why? Because life is good, because the Lord is so good, and I want to treasure up His gifts and wisdom and share anything that might bless others.
Happy New Year to all who may see this!

Not My Will, But Yours Be Done

Not my will. But yours be done. Luke 22:42
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Matt.6:10

Jesus prayed the words He taught us to pray.  He was in the garden of Gethsemane, crying and sweating drops of blood, under such heavy duress we will never experience.  He was asking His Father if there was another way, any other idea He might have, to save people from their sins.  He understood that the Father's plan was to sacrifice the perfect Lamb of God, the God Man: Himself.  He knew all his days led to this most important and costly sacrifice of His body.  His spirit was in agony not because of the physical torture that awaited him as much as the spiritual agony He would endure.  For the Father's will was to crush Him under the weight of the world's sins.  That's a lot of weight.  And this punishment He would suffer would separate Him from His Father for the first time in all eternity.  This is what He agonized over.  And yet, He surrendered, and later cried, "Abba ('Daddy'), Father, why have You forsaken Me?”

Thank God Jesus said yes to God's plan of redemption for us.  This is our way of salvation.  Our gift of righteousness bought with His blood.

And He calls us to pray, "not my will, but Yours be done."
What significant plans might God have for your life?  This morning I was
prompted to pray this prayer at 6 am, right when I was about to go back to sleep to catch up on the hour or two I'd missed in the night.  But as soon as I prayed for His will to be done, I was energized.  I got out of bed and began having a very productive day.  The best part was babysitting my precious grand daughter while her mom tried to catch up on much needed sleep.  Ellie and I took a nice stroll around our neighborhood.  So peaceful!

As I pondered the power of this prayer, 'not my will but yours be done', I thought of how amazing it is.  The implication is that we can choose to do the opposite, 'my will, not Yours be done!'.  In fact, this is our natural, default mode.  And how difficult it can be!  Doing life on our terms, in our strength. But if we learn to pray this prayer from the heart, and give God permission to lead us, we can experience peace, power and momentum, as we go with His plan.  And who knows the many things He has prepared for us to enjoy!  And when it's hard, as it will be sometimes, we can know we are smack dab in the middle of His will.  So it will be well with our souls.

Maybe his plan for you or me will be heroic,  but most likely not!   Whatever it may be, let's embrace His purpose for our lives.

Changing Seasons and Priorities

Well here we are, already immersed in the last summer month here in New England, and clinging to it like it's the last.  After last winter, who can blame us?  All right, I know I'm lumping everyone together and some may not agree, but I think most New Englanders would.  You see, last winter was one we will never forget even if we'd like to.  The records were set in snowfall amounts and we thought it might never end.  But lo and behold, the miracle of spring and then summer were indeed performed once again.  This time we only wish for longer than usual as a quid po quo.  But fall has already snuck in the air way too early!  I am believing for a very long summer and then a good bit of indian summer to boot.

The seasons will change sooner or later though, and we really wouldn't want it any other way.  I know there are parts of the country where this isn't so, and I have no desire to live there.  Visit, yes, stay, no.
I can't choose a favorite season because each one has many charms for me.  The winter with it's barren beauty and snow cloaked splendor.  The spring with its budding life to astonish and astound.  The summer with the ocean breezes, fresh mountain streams.  And of course, the fall with the incredible boasting even as the leaves fade and die.  Yes, each season is a gift with many boxes to unwrap.

These weeks before the school year begins (and, yes, we still have a college student in our midst here at home!) always press for reflection and planning before the fall ensues.  What commitments should I take on?  Projects?  Goals?  It begs me to slow down, stop weeding, gardening, running or resting and actually think and pray.  Lord, what is it You're calling me to do and not do?  I don't want to just do anything because I think I should.  What is the Lord saying for this time and season?  I need to seek Him for this and soon!  I've started but am far from finished.

I just remembered a great resource from a very wise pastor's wife, Carolyn Mahaney.  I plan to use this to help me think and pray through my priorities for this next season.  You can find it here as well:
http://girltalkhome.com/blog/Yearly_Planning/

Now I'm off and running, seeking to enjoy and be faithful in these waning days of summertime!

Passing Thoughts

Today is my future daughter-in-law's bridal shower!  Hannah is so lovely and we are thrilled about her upcoming marriage to our son, Caleb!!  This is our first wedding!

Two weeks ago, our son Daniel graduated from Babson College with his MBA!  He is the first in our family to graduate from undergrad and grad studies!!

Last year at this time, our daughter Mary graduated from Bradford Christian Academy. She is our last child to graduate high school and has just finished her freshman year at college.

John, our third son, just completed his junior year at Gordon College.

As I contemplate life's chapters, I'm aware of how fast and fleeting this life is.  My husband Paul will be 50 this September!  Now that's a milestone for sure!  Although we still feel pretty young and even look pretty good, we know that grand-parenthood won't be far off, as well as the predictable aging process!  So much to look forward to, so much to reflect on and be grateful for.

Here's a question for you:  do you know your great grandparent's names?  They were around not that long ago!  I find it interesting that, as much as we're consumed with our dear families, our heritage will not be long remembered.  In fact, sadly, most of us do not even continue to relate to most of our relatives very long after our parents die.  Sad but true.

So my point is, what are you investing your life in?  Are you building something that will last?  Here's a place to start: the kingdom of God. Yes, the Name of Jesus will endure forever and ever, and His family will not perish but only be translated from this life to the perfect one.  What you invest in the work of building His Kingdom here and now will last forever!

Ephesians 3:21 "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Food for thought..now time to get ready for the bridal shower!!!

Empty Nesting

What happened?

This place used to be bustling all the time.  Quiet moments were few and far between, if found at all.  But now the kids have grown and gone to college and the house is too quiet.  I need to find out how other moms
have navigated these waters.  Sometimes my living room is a lonely room. It is strange indeed. 

Today at Bible Study, the  little children came up from their classes to sing us some songs.  It brought me back to when my little ones did the same.  We have it on video somewhere.  I remember it like it was just yesterday.  But it was a long time ago!  How I love and miss them.  I look forward to enjoying their little ones some day!!

The seasons teach us that there is always change ahead.  I remind myself that the goal was for my kids to grow up, after all!  I am happy that they are all well and forging ahead in God's good plans for their lives.  I just miss the good old days.  I miss the noise, the laughter, the playing, yes, even the fighting a little bit!  I just miss them.  I am thankful they're all close by and come home regularly.  I'm very thankful they'll all be home next week for Thanksgiving!

How I thank God for each one.  For their personalities, gifts and weaknesses.  I pray for them to know and love God through all the blessings and challenges life brings their way.  I pray for godly spouses and children for them.  I pray they'd all be close to home so we can enjoy them!  But with that I add that 'not my will but Thine be done!'

And I pray for grace to ride the wave of this new season of my life.  To make the most of all the opportunities God gives to me.  Making wise use of my days and evenings.  I love to cuddle with my honey when he's home, enjoy hospitality more than ever, and  am even trying my hand at some sales opportunities with the bakery.  I continue to volunteer at the Pregnancy Care Center which is chuck full of divine appointments.  I want to be a useful tool in my Master's hands, making His great gospel known to others through my words and deeds.

  Isa. 46:4  "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.  I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."

Don't Stumble Unawares

"We're not unaware of the enemy's schemes." 2Cor. 2:11b

Or are we?  If we are unaware of his schemes, we may be unwitting instruments used in his schemes.  Something to ponder. 

The context of  this verse is Paul's urging the church to forgive someone who had caused grief.  You see, the enemy's schemes are often quite simple and repetitious:  divide and conquer.  Sowing seeds of distrust and disdain. The disunity of the Body of Christ renders us weak and ineffective.  Our witness to the gospel is undermined by this scheme of the devil.  Remember Jesus said that all men would come to know Him by our love for one another?

We must put on humility, forgiving where necessary, asking forgiveness when we give offense.  Offering comfort and love.

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness , and patience, bearing with one another and,if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.  And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." Colossians 3:12-13

My Thoughts and Prayers for the Families in CT

All the tinsel,
all the toys
are empty to compare
with the treasure of life that's born,
and the grief that we now bear.

How could it be that just this day
they hugged and kissed goodbye,
not knowing it would be the final time
to hold them oh so tight?

O Lord, please send your Spirit down
to comfort those who mourn,
the ones in shock and disbelief
from whom these precious lives were torn.

You who give your only Son
who wept, suffered and died.
You know the darkness and the pain
and collect each tear that's cried.

Baby Jesus, help us see
the precious gift you are;
the hope wrapped up you offer us
of life beyond the stars.

A life that's free from suffering.
The life You bought at Calvary.
That spans into eternity;
away from all this pain and misery.

Come, Savior, Come and make it real
to hearts in darkness and alone.
Show them your love and set them free
to hope in the eternal Home.

The Light of the World

     It's wonderful to be together, to celebrate the Light of the World!  What a gift light is!!

  Could you imagine what it would be like to wake up tomorrow morning to find that the sun had burned out and our days would be dark as night?  Awful thought, huh?  The days are short enough in the winter.  How we treasure the sunshine we get to enjoy!

    Sunlight is the fuel of life, providing energy for every life form..  It warms and brightens our days and our moods. It helps us to see clearly.  My house looks pretty clean when it’s dimly lit.  But bright lights expose the mess.  I’ve learned  that I now need my glasses to clean thoroughly these days!!

       Recently Paul and I flew over SuperStorm Sandy on our way to a conference. It was amazing to look below us and see the ominous, dark clouds, and see the brilliant sunshine above.  The people on the ground below were completely separated from the beams of sunshine and many were suffering the terrible effects that storm brought.  In the same way, our sin separates us from a holy God and hides his face from us. Without Christ, we are all  in spiritual darkness.

  But the promise we celebrate at Christmas is that God who said, 'let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

  The Christmas lights we enjoy can be a reminder of that first Christmas, when the Light dawned..  Isaiah prophesied 600 years before Christ’s birth:

 "Behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.” (Is. 60:2)

It was a long, dark wait for that promise to be fulfilled. but finally the birth of Christ was announced:  “The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” (Mtt 4:16)

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)  

.

This world is filled with light and darkness, physically and spiritually.   The blessings can be unspeakable and so can the misery.  This was not God’s original plan!  He made us to enjoy a relationship with Him and one another that would be complete joy.  But sin entered the scene when Adam and Eve chose to disobey God, and the rest is history. Poisoned by sin and alienated from God,with broken relationships and broken hearts, the human race has wandered ever since, seeking fulfillment in everything but God.

In this dark world, God offers us light.  Ps. 119 says: “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

The mystery of Christmas is revealed in the gospel of John:  The  Word became flesh and dwelt among us.  In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

I don’t know where you are in your journey.  Maybe you are suffering depression or some other sickness. Our church is filled with many health challenges, so we can relate.  Perhaps you are lonely or grieving the loss of a loved one.  Or maybe you’re just uncertain or fearful about your future..  Whatever darkness you may be experiencing, I pray God's light would shine into your life and give you hope, healing, and guidance.  Most importantly, I pray you would receive the gift of forgiveness He offers to all who acknowledge their need.  Jesus paid the penalty for our sins.  He made us, loves us, and is calling us to trust Him even now.  He can dispel the darkness with His pure light. Our sin which is like a huge storm cloud, separating us from the light of His face, can be completely swept away by the power of His forgiveness.  He guarantees a lasting hope that is not based on our circumstances or our performance, but on  Christ’s life, death and resurrection.

His desire is for us to let Him into our lives.  To open our hearts to the Light of His love.  That may sound intimidating to you, and so it should!  It’s one thing to dim the lights and hide, but to let the Lord shine His light into the closets of our lives means being willing to confess our sins and let Him in.  This reminds me of an old booklet I have called, “My Heart, Christ’s Home.”  Here’s a passage:

“One evening I invited Jesus Christ into my heart. What an entrance He made! It was not a spectacular,emotional thing, but very real. It was at the very center of my life. He came into the darkness of my heart and turned on the light. He built a fire in the cold hearth and banished the chill. He started music where there had been stillness, and He filled the emptiness with His own loving, wonderful fellowship. I have never regretted opening the door to Christ and I never will - not into eternity!

He has said, "Behold I stand at the door and knock: if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20). If you are interested in making your life an abode of the living God, let me encourage you to invite Christ into your heart and He will surely come.”

Ladies, the Savior is interested in a relationship with us more than anything else. Just like we aren’t ultimately satisfied with stuff at Christmas or any time. It’s relationships that matter. God created us for a relationship with Himself.  He sent His Son on a  mission to reconcile us to God!  When we receive Him as our Savior, He forgives us and adopts us into His family forever.  He promises to never leave or forsake us! There’s simply no greater need we have and no greater joy we can experience than this!

I was blessed to grow up knowing about Jesus from my wonderful parents and church, but it wasn’t until I became a young adult that I began to grasp the significance of God’s love for me and my need for Him.  Away at college, with the innocence and security of childhood long gone, I realized just how much I needed forgiveness and guidance. One of my favorite verses meant the world to me at that time:  Proverbs 3:5&6:  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” The light began to dawn while reading passages like this one. I had known about Jesus but hadn’t trusted him with all my heart.  I began to take His promises personally.  

Like this one:

“Yet to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God!”  

Like a Christmas present given to us by God, He offers the perfect gift  of His Son to us. To receive and believe Him is what we’re called to do.

We must become like children to grasp the wonder of Christmas. The amazing truth that God did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us, and will graciously take care of us..
He is more thoughtful than we ever imagined Santa to be!!  And thankfully, He doesn't count our sins against us!  Childlike trust in His love and care empowers our  faith.  We love Him because he first loved us.

Jesus said about us:  “You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Hiding a lamp under a basket would be like hiding our Christmas lights! Jesus has shone his light into our hearts and calls us to let His light shine through our lives. Like the moon, which has no light in and of itself, but reflects the light of the sun, we reflect God’s light as we allow Him to shine through us as we seek to be a blessing to others.

Now I must admit that one of the reasons we have this Tea is to shine the light of Christ. He is the greatest gift!  Our precious Savior, the Light of the world,  who came and pierced the darkness of this lost and broken world to rescue us from sin and separation from Himself.  He lived the perfect life we’re incapable of and died the death we deserved in order to offer us forgiveness and the hope of eternal life. A life that starts here and continues in the new heaven and earth, where there will be no more darkness at all.  No more sin and suffering!

May we remember that this life; this valley of the shadow of death, is just a part of the journey, not our final home.  One day soon the heavenly city will appear.  The end of this age is described in the gospel of Mark, “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven..then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory..”(Mark 13:24-26)

This world as we know it will pass away and usher in the new. The future home for all who believe is described in the last book of the Bible, Rev. 21:23-24  “And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.  By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day-and there will be no night there.” May we set our hearts on the lasting hope we anticipate there!

Finally, let me close in prayer with this familiar blessing from the Bible:  “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”

Of Mac and Marriage

I was thinking about an analogy for the debate regarding the definition of marriage.  It goes like this:

Imagine Steve Job's invention of the Macintosh computer.  It's a different baby than Windows in more ways than I understand.  Suffice it to say that the Mac is not a Windows, although it can function in much the same way.

Now imagine with me the reality that God invented marriage and declared it to be a union between a man and a woman.  This is clearly defined in his holy Word.  Now fast forward to this generation and the desire to change the definition of God's creation.  It's like calling a Mac a Windows.  Call it what you will, it is not the same thing!  Steve Jobs might just turn over in his grave!  Out of respect for him and due to the legal rights of his company, this redefinition would not be possible.  In like manner, try as we might, it is not possible to redefine marriage since we didn't make it up to begin with.  This will only lead to more confusion in this already mixed-up world of ours.  Apples are apples, after all.

Encourage!

Hebrews 3:12 “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you and evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.  But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today”, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”


Hebrews 10:24 & 25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”


I love these verses.  They are certainly sober warnings, but they also contain great promises for productivity.  The first is more negative: be careful to look after one another because you will be tempted and tried and need to stay strong by being reminded of the great and precious promises of the gospel.  The second points the way to fruitfulness: through regular fellowship we are strengthened and encouraged to keep our love and our pursuit of good works strong.

We need each other.  That’s why God gave us the church.  We are the body of Christ and relationships are not optional.  The fellowship is not about the coffee and donuts!  It’s about putting courage into each other-that’s what encouragement means.  And how we need it since we are swimming against a very strong current of sin within and without.

Are you your brother’s keeper?  Sounds like we’re supposed to be!

Loneliness

Loneliness reminds me
that the party in this life will not last,
that when I go, it will likely be alone,
that changes are constant and one thing remains:
My Lord is always by my side.

Loneliness reminds me
that laughter and tears are all a part of life,
that solace is found in a constant Friend,
that busyness is not always best.

Loneliness is a friend because
it teaches me to go to the One
who knows me best,
loves me most,
counts the number of hairs on my head.

Loneliness is not chosen,
but sometimes given
to tutor and train me
and prepare me for the Day
when all this world will be swept away.

Being alone is not lonely,
Feeling alone is.
Because of our Savior’s pledge to
never leave or forsake us,
we are never truly alone.

So remember the gift
of constant companionship He offers
to all who would have Him.
And embrace your loneliness
in His arms.

Let Him hold you and love you
as only He can do.
Let Him whisper sweet somethings
into the very heart of you.

His words are a treasure and
His promises a firm foundation
to build your life upon.
So when the winds and the rains come
when the storms are in full force
you will be fortified and ready
to face them.

With the Lord at your side,
with His words in your heart,
you can be strong and
 face the giants in the land.

So loneliness is a friend
calling you and calling me
to come and meet the One
who can fill our soul’s emptiness
with His fullness.

Come now, forlorn soul,
and enjoy fellowship
with your faithful Friend.

He Holds It All Together

Col.1:17 “And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

Do you ever feel like you can’t hold it together?  Like the wheels are spinning out of control?  If not you personally, maybe those you love or the church you belong to?  I’ve been there and am often aware of frailty and weakness inside and out.  How on earth are we going to do this thing?  How can we make it happen?  

The good news is we don’t and we can’t!  This verse came to mind as I reflected on the last ten years which contain the sum total of our church’s history so far.  God has not only held it together, He has built it.  We certainly played our part, with His empowering grace. But, just like our faith, it’s a gift from God.  Not from ourselves, so that there’s no room for boasting.

It is good news, very comforting and encouraging to really think this one over:  IN HIM all things hold together.  Coming apart at the seams seemingly?  Run and hide in the One who keeps it all together for us!

Ten Years In

It was ten years ago we took the plunge and planted King of Grace Church.  What an amazing ride it has been!  God has faithfully kept us and grown us into a wonderful community of believers intent on knowing the Savior and making him known.  I want to reflect on some of the lessons learned and glorify the Lord.

When I say ‘a ride’ I mean it!  The early years were a roller coaster ride!  The ups and downs of church planting were enough to do me in.  I had to learn to fix my eyes upon the Savior in order to stay relatively sane.  If I focused on such things as numbers I was sure to be as unstable as they were.  

I have seen God’s faithfulness proven again and again.  He has always been there, each and every time we have gathered together.  Whether the small and precious gatherings for care group (which are still, by the way, the heartbeat of our church), or the Sunday worship times.  His Presence has met and nourished and encouraged and propelled us forward to this day.  He is the most faithful one and the Head of our church.  

He promised to provide all our needs and has done so without fail.  Whether it’s just enough to pay the bills or the need for a worship leader, He has answered every time.  Of course we prefer the cushioned life, but have learned that He often does not!  He is jealous to show us that indeed He is the only Portion we need.  We can trust in Him to provide in unexpected and unforeseen ways.

Church planting is not for the faint-hearted.  But if God calls, He will enable you to step up to the plate if you’re the pastor, or cheer your man on if you’re the wife.  He will help your kids enjoy the ride as well.  Our four kids have grown deeply in the Lord through trusting Him, serving Him and watching Him come through.  They have never suffered want and have enjoyed serving the Lord in so many ways that simply would not have been possible without the church plant.

As we celebrate this tenth anniversary, I must give honor where honor is due.  It just so happens to be to my husband, so please excuse me.  Paul has poured out his sweat and tears (thankfully no blood!) to love this church with all his might.  I have seen God meet him and enable him in astounding ways to serve faithfully the precious people entrusted to his care.  I get to see him at home and am so thankful that he is the same man who walks into church.  His passion is Jesus and all he wants to do is be faithful.  His comfort zone was engineering, but he enjoys the grace and pleasure of God in preaching and pastoring.  He is also an amazing husband and father, always keeping his day off for the good of his own soul and ours.  

After parenting, church planting has been the most challenging thing we’ve ever done, but also the most rewarding.  What a privilege to serve the Lord and watch Him build His church.

Thank you Sovereign Grace Ministries for sending us and serving us to this day!!!

Motherhood

Motherhood

No higher honor than to nurture and bring forth life,
then to nurture that life to maturity.
No greater joy than to see that life flourish
in a relationship with its Creator God.

No deeper love than that of a Mother
the one who bore you, who bears your burdens,
and holds you always in her heart.

No words can speak her love,
No one but a mom can quite understand its contours.
This love is a life of concern that does not wane with time.
Day after day, her whispers of prayer do not cease.

The gift of a mom is of incalculable worth. 
She is the beauty and grace, sweetness and wisdom
that God bestows upon His creation.

Thank You Lord for my wonderful mom and for making me a mom as well.
No greater joy, no deeper pain can be felt than that of a mom's heart.

'There's no such thing as "now" '

That's what my son Daniel stated to me last week.  He went on to prove it in our conversation since as soon as I tried to say now was now it was no longer so!!  It's true in a way, isn't it?  Now is so very fleeting.  Yesterdays, on the other hand, keep piling up before our eyes.  Regrets, memories, good and bad, stay with us.  But the present flies by into the past in the blink on an eye.

James 4:14b captures the essence: "What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."

Yet it is not meaningless, no, not at all!  We have the challenge from scripture to make the most of every opportunity given to us to do good.  To live in the center of God's will is the best place to be.  There we can have peace and the satisfaction of knowing that, although our lives are like sand through an hourglass, each moment is redeemed as we commit our way to Him with the heart of Mary:  "I am the Lord's servant, may it be to me as You have spoken."