Life to the Full

This is a picture of my Dad and his Dad. I'd say it was taken somewhere in the late 1960's in front of the Alamo. My Dad's life on earth ended unexpectedly in November of 1976 at the young, so very young, age of 36. I've passed that number by 10+. It's crazy. 

 

I've been looking through old photo's. In particular, photo's that encompassed the last probably 7 or 8 years of our life. It's made me see Jeremiah 29:11, "life to the full," the life God came to give us, so differently.

 

We're in the midst of changing seasons and many things we loved, things that weren't available to us the last three years, will be again. And, things that have been available to us the last three years, won't be. And, this struck me. God is ever faithful and He has provided life in abundance whatever our situation. Sadly, there have been times we didn't grab it. We passed for whatever reason seemed reasonable at the time, or out of sheer ignorance, and it's heart-breaking we missed it. But, there is life in those pictures that is full and absolutely amazing. God provided it. We chose it and wow!

 

Comparison, remorse and regret are ugly things. From satan, I'm thinking. So, I'm choosing, we are choosing, not to go there. Reflection, however, is a good thing. We are moving into our new season with open hands, an open heart and full-on excitement. And, a daily prayer not to miss anything, any opportunity He is providing, any blessing He is pouring out. Because, whatever they are, whatever they may look like, they are unequivocally good! And, I never again want to miss His good, specifically tailored for us, because I am looking somewhere else or at someone else's "good."

Promise!

 

The Lord says, "Forget what happened before,

and do not think about the past.

Look at the new thing I am going to do.

It is already happening. Don't you see it?

I will make a road in the desert and rivers in the dry land."

 

-Isaiah 43:18-19 (NCV)

On The Horizon

You know when God gives us Words, makes promises, we would love, most times, for them to happen ... oh, right now. Immediately if not sooner. In fact, it would be great not to wait and for all the answers to each Word to be visible and the direction and next steps be provided in writing. But, that's not what faith and trust are about. Faith and trust are about believing in what we cannot see until it becomes real. This picture reminded me a bit of that. It can be pretty bleak and barren looking in the land of waiting. But, the promises, those cattle, they are out there. You can even see some of them. And, they are slowly making their way to the forefront. And, while the wait and the believing are somewhat painful at times, they are always worth it. Because the cattle on a thousand hills all belong to Him! (Psalm 50:10)

Surrounding Kids

Syria is falling apart, children are dying and fleeing the country. Israel is threatened on all sides. People are committing suicide on what is becoming a daily basis. Fires are burning all over the United States and people are losing their homes and families. Our country is on the edge of a very frightening health care system that will throw us all into chaos. The government is working heartily to replace parents with psychologists, public schools and public policy. Women and children are being trafficked. Real. Life. Issues. And, the news (and politicians) can't seem to grasp the importance of this in their reporting, finding Miley Cyrus's, and the equally-frightening-for-participating, Robin Thicke's, crude, over-sexed, under-dressed, unspeakably sad behavior more noteworthy than "real life." These are NOT hero's people. They are not even worthy of emulating. They are broken and in need of a Savior. Aren't we all, for that matter.

 

Our children are being constantly pursued by satan for his plans, his version of right (which is wrong). He is working constantly to devalue human life, morals, all that is sacred in this world and the next. And, by all appearances he is winning, except that he's not. He hasn't and he can't win because he's already lost. He is the deceiver. That's his job. So, he's working desperately to take all he can with him to hell and sadly, our moral climate, our country, our people, our government, our world are allowing just that.

 

I am thankful for a God who is bigger than satan. I am thankful for a God who has already defeated him. I am thankful that we have a Savior we can look to when all seems bleak and I am thankful as believers we know the end from the beginning. It's all there in black and white (and red depending on your version). Truth. It's God's Word.

 

Praying the above for my kids, my friends' kids, kids I am in a position to influence, kids in general. And, frankly for adults, too. Repenting of where I have failed in this, as well. Praying, too, that my kids will be the ones who are pointing others to Jesus. The One who is and always has been in the thick of it, as we should be. Making a difference. Making a change. Introducing others to Jesus with our lives because ... He is the One who saves us! 

How Deep

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that left Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

A Little Linky Love

 

Ain't it the truth people! Joy, happiness, positive attitudes ... it is an absolute CHOICE! Not one I always make, but I strive to. :)

And, on another topic, I have read so many good things this week, I thought I would share a few. I'm sure I'll miss some, but here goes ...

 

On throwing a party ... good read by Jon Acuff from Stuff Christians Like.

On the church. And, personally, I've been on both sides of the coin and this piece rocked it. We are called to love the church. The bride of Christ. The end.

 

On Ethiopia. Another perspective, in many right and true perspectives, but I loved what she said,

"What Ethiopia showed me is that there’s no such thing as Haves and Have Nots. We’re all selling ourselves on the corner without grace. We’re all split and bleeding without love. We’re stronger together. We win because we’re not alone. We’re all the Haves, set apart in purpose, placed in the light of community, taking chances every day, carrying the burdens of another because we're able, loving not out of obligation but desire, stubbornly believing in the face of all we see that we were made for truth."

On healing. I love Alan Smith. One of my favorite teachers. He's solid. And, while you are there, might want to read other good stuff on his blog, too.

 

And this, on calling to our Heavenly Daddy, from Zach Neese. So good!

 

Selah

Psalm 65 - A Hymn of Thanksgiving

God, you will be praised in Jerusalem. We will keep our promises to you.
You hear our prayers. All people will come to you.
Our guilt overwhelms us, but you forgive our sins.
Happy are the people you choose and invite to stay in your court.
We are filled with good things in your house, your holy Temple.

You answer us in amazing ways, God our Savior.
People everywhere on the earth and beyond the sea trust you.
You made the mountains by your strength; you are dressed in power.
You stopped the roaring seas, the roaring waves, and the uproar of the nations.
Even those people at the ends of the earth fear your miracles.
You are praised from where the sun rises to where it sets.

You take care of the land and water it; you make it very fertile.
The rivers of God are full of water. Grain grows because you make it grow.
You send rain to the plowed fields; you fill the rows with water.
You soften the ground with rain, and then you bless it with crops.
You give the year a good harvest, and you load the wagons with many crops.
The desert is covered with grass and the hills with happiness.
The pastures are full of flocks, and the valleys are covered with grain.

Everything shouts and sings for joy.