friends and loved ones · who knows?

the bright side of being sick

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It’s day two for my sweet baby girl, Mackenzie.  I’m afraid she’s down for the count.  We won’t avoid a trip to our pediatrician this time around.  We’ve gone from a high fever that seemed confined to bedtime accompanied by a polite cough to a chesty, productive cough, a runny nose and a consistent fever. It is safe to say she is sick.

I don’t love it when my little baby doll is ill.  It is so pitiful to see her lethargic, dragging her passy and blanky around looking for some comfort.   With almost no appetite, I have to work hard at getting her to eat a few goldfish.  I keep her sippy cup filled with pedia light – but a little swig now and then is all she will do.  It is 1:30 in the afternoon and I’m not sure she has even taken 3 ounces today.  Oh my,  it is so hard to see her miserable.

What I cherish is this:  the long periods of snuggling; reading whole books together without her wiggling to get down and explore; watching Veggie Tales and Mickey Mouse Club House all the while cozied up on the couch under our favorite blanket.  My girl wants me to hold her close when she is not feeling well, and I can’t resist indulging her.

Sometimes my heart is sick. Life can give me a good solid kick in the gut sometimes.  And it hurts, no matter if it is a repercussion from my own doing or from another’s actions.  Often I feel as though my heart is bruised, painful to the slightest brush of careless words or thoughtless actions.   Its all a part of a bigger picture, you know, the one that depicts each of us humans as sinners who daily need God’ s grace. There is no way to be a part of this temporary earthly home without injury.

But, the good news I’m experiencing today is this:  He does not take pleasure in my infirmity.  Rather, He wants me to bring myself, wounded and worn, prepared to soak in His healing presence.  Just the way I have such a strong desire to be a part of caring for my daughter in her sickness,  all the more He longs to be at the center of my restoration.  And I wouldn’t have it any other way.  There are times where all I want, no, all I need is for Him to hold me tight and caress my heart and mind with promises of His affection, forgiveness and care.  He always obliges.  always.

The bright side of realizing my own messed up heart is the path to recovery.  Its arriving at a new understanding of His constant, abiding, unfailing presence and peace.  The process is ongoing;  I will never  be able to comprehend the fullness of the depths of His love and mercy until I reach eternity.

There is an old hymn that has been sneaking around in the background of life today – and the words draw me to a place of refreshment –  I find reminders of His promise for healing and hope, that He is every bit and even more than I could possibly imagine.

O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean
In its fullness over me!
Underneath me, all around me,
Is the current of Your love
Leading onward, leading homeward
To Your glorious rest above!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
Spread His praise from shore to shore,
How His love is never-ending,
And it changes nevermore;
How He watches o’er His loved ones,
Died to call them all His own;
How for them He’s interceding,
Watching o’er them from the throne.

O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
Love of ev’ry love the best:
‘Tis an ocean vast of blessing,
‘Tis a haven sweet of rest.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
‘Tis a heav’n of heav’ns to me;
And it lifts me up to glory,
With You evermore to be.

a bit of history

The Long Arm…

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If you had been at the First Baptist Church in Danville, IL on a Sunday night in 1980, you would have seen my family sitting on the front row. My dad, who was the youth and music pastor, my mom who was the church pianist, my sister, Marilyn age 7 and me age 5.

The front row is a complicated place to be when you’re 5. Especially if your dad is a pastor. There are people watching, mostly deacons. Its even harder when the sermon settles in. I tell you its almost an impossible situation.

My sister and I were extremely vibrant and active children. Sitting still was not easy. And so as the scenario unfolded each Sunday evening, typically we would wind up with “the tap.” You may not have experienced this as a child, so let me describe it to you. As the preaching progressed, my sister and I would begin to struggle with the expected decorum. As wiggles and giggles ensued, my dad could reach his arm as long as necessary and tap us on the shoulder. It was almost as if he had some kind of super power. His was a “stretchy arm” that was capable of reaching great lengths to correct inappropriate behavior. And the finger he used for tapping the shoulder was as weighty as lead. At any other time his index finger was completely normal. But at the right time, he could make it seem heavier than a brick.

It was the dreaded tap. If that didn’t bring about a change in my actions, nothing would. (At least nothing that could be done during church anyway…)

Recently, I’ve been reminded of “the tap.” I made a commitment to be healthy and loose weight. Its a lifestyle change that I need to make for myself and for my family. But I should tell you – its not been easy. So, I made it a matter of prayer. I asked the Holy Spirit to help me and He has.

When confronted with difficult choices, there is a tap on my shoulder. “Should I eat that oreo?” And I feel it. Its gentle, but firm. “Melody, you do not need that…” And most often – I don’t. Its so amazing to me because I didn’t think He wanted to be involved in what I was eating.

If you had asked me – I would have said that He cares about every area of my life. Certainly that’s what I learned even at an early age in Sunday School. I even know a lot of verses to confirm the principle. I’m not sure I believe it, though. I certainly don’t eat like it.

As I move through my life on a day to day basis and I am open to the Holy Spirit, I find that maybe He has been tapping me on the shoulder all along. Was I numb and deaf to his encouragement and correction? Its very possible. But the more I am open to Him, His desires and His leading, the easier I find it to move past those difficult, every day decisions and make the right choices. It could be about food, about exercise, about my children, about my response to any given situation – sincerely, it could be about anything and I find Him interested.

I am so thankful for His love and care for me. I know for sure that I could not make it through my life without Him. I pray that I will not be numb, but rather be alert to His presence in my life.

This makes me think of a lesser known verse to a hymn:

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,

When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,

I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

As I set out to live a life that is pleasing to Him, I can move with confidence knowing that He is with me and that He is interested. And I can be sure that if I get off track, He will tap me on the shoulder.

md

(originally written January 19, 2010)

a bit of history

be ye kind…

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I have a memory of my mom teaching my sister and I a verse from Ephesians.  We were very young, it may even be the first Scripture that I ever memorized,  likely because my mom had to say it to us so much.  This is the verse:

“Be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.”  Ephesians 4:32.

I can still hear my mom’s voice saying the words.  Recently I thought about quoting it to my own children, who needed to change their patterns of interacting.  They were fighting.  Yes, that’s right, they were not getting along and I considered tossing it out there.

But, I realized I don’t know it well enough.

(For my readers:  You need to know that what I’m about to say, whether you know me and interact with me on a regular basis, or just read the blog, this is not about you.  Simply put, this is what the Lord said to me today.)

Now, where was I? Oh yes.  He actually whispered to me, “You probably need to be a better example on this count, don’t you think?”    It would be much easier if the verse was about being kind when its easy.  But its not.  Its about treating those who have hurt you with kindness and forgiveness. I am far too self centered to be good at it. He began quietly and gently.  I winced.  This was going to be painful.   These were just a few of His suggestions:

Be kind when… a friend blows you off for something or someone else.

Be kind when… your husband forgets an important date.

Be kind when… your child is deliberately defiant and you need to give discipline.

Be kind when… someone expects a favor, even though they’ve spoken badly about you behind your back.

Be kind when… a girlfriend you trust, tells someone else.

Be kind  when… you find yourself at the end of your rope and are struggling to hang on.

Be kind when… your child says hurtful words in moments of anger.

Be kind when… you’re left out.

Be kind when… a rock and a hard place seem like the only options.

Be kind when… there are damaging words said that wound your spirit.

Be kind when… it seems crazy.

All of these thoughts need me to pause and think.  and pray.

***********************

Heavenly Father,  I long to be the kind hearted, loving person that you desire for me to be.  Will you help me?  Deep down I know I am selfish and I become hard hearted when I am offended or wounded.  Soften my heart so that I am able to show your loving kindness to those around me, even if its difficult.   Thank you for the forgiveness I have experienced because of your son, Jesus’ death and resurrection.  And thank you for loving me enough to remind me.  I love you.  amen.

who knows?

beautiful running shoes

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Tonight I laced up my new running shoes and stepped outside.  I turned on my iphone, chose the couch 2 5K app, put my buds in my ears and headed out down my driveway, walking at a good pace.  Its the beginning of a new phase for me.  I’m attempting to be a runner.

For those who know me, it may be laughable.  As a child I had asthma, and ever since I haven’t been an aggressive exerciser.  So, even though I’ve outgrown the asthma, for me to launch out in this way, is a bit strange. In fact, its completely out of character for me.  But I want to do it for my health, for my sanity and lots of other good reasons.

I looked down at my shoes.  Oh did they feel good.  I had tried to run in my old walking shoes last week and it just didn’t work.  These new runners looked as good as they felt.  I think I could wear them every day. all day.   When my iphone beeped to let me know it was time to run, my shoes seemed to propel me. amazing.

As I continued the cycles of walk- run-walk-run, my feet felt great.  I almost enjoyed the exercise.  What was a bit was unsettling was what I saw.  My neighbors’ houses.   I had forgotten, in my busy life, about all the people in my neighborhood.  As I slowed to a walk at one point I was reminded of something.  My other shoes…  The ones I don’t put on as often as I should.

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!  Isaiah 52:7

Oh, I should put my shoes on more often, the ones with the name brand, “believer” on them…  But, it makes me nervous.  I think of so many others who wear their shoes well – friends who are in China,  in Myanmar, cousins who live in Siberia, other cousins who spent a several months in Papa new Guinea.  These people use their livelihood, wearing their shoes, taking the good tidings to those who have not heard.  I on the other hand am afraid to put them on when I walk across the street to talk to my neighbor…

There was a quote that popped up on my iphone runners’ app tonight, but the words really seem to apply right now:

“If you want to become the best runner you can be, start now.  Don’t spend the rest of your life wondering if you can do it.”  (Priscilla Welch)

Scripture says it this way:

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.  Ephesians 5:15-16

or

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.         Colossians 4: 5-6

These verses tell me to go.  go soon.  Don’t spend time wondering about it;  Let go of the fear because the time may be short.  I need to put on my shoes of the gospel of peace, and get moving.  I may not know exactly how, it may not feel comfortable or natural, but I have to do it.  Like the running, I need to get started – He’ll give me the stamina for the rest.

friends and loved ones

His reputation

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We had a wonderful occasion at church today.  Recently my daughter, Emily finished the communicants’ class.  Today was the high point of the class: she  took the vows to become a member and was able to take  communion for the first time.

I must say that I shed a few tears.  My Emily is a very serious, tender hearted child.  It has been such a pleasure to see her grow in the Lord.  Watching her answer those questions so honestly and eagerly moved this mother’s heart.   Her countenance has the glow of a believer and it thrills me.

He’s living up to His reputation.

Prior to communion, and the children joining our church family, one of our pastors gave a sermon that I will not soon forget.  Well, actually – a good portion of it I have forgotten because there is one thing that he said that continues to ring in my ears.  In fact, its ringing so loudly that its all I can think about…

At one point, we read part of the Lord’s prayer.  Our pastor stopped at one point and made mention of the first phrase, “Our Father, who art in Heaven hallowed be your name…” He said that it means we are to praise Him, and make known His work on the earth, giving glory to His name.   We’re to make His reputation the best known name around the world.  Those are the words.

They are still ringing now.

Well, I have to tell you I’ve known the Lord’s Prayer for a long time, since grade school when we’d say it every morning at the start of the day.  All this time, I believed I had that part down – the hallowed part, that is.

Turns out, its the part I’m worst at.  Do you know why?  Its simple.  I like to work at making my reputation great.  Its not that I don’t praise the Lord or worship Him.  But I know there are times when I promote myself.  Its so true, I’d rather make my name known.  Often I talk about myself and my accomplishments more than His. This is the truth that has really penetrated my heart today.

But, He is more than His reputation.

As I think back on the morning, I am thankful.  When I look at my daughter, I see Him moving in her heart.  As hard as it is to admit sometimes, I see Him working on my heart, too.  Even more important, when I look at the world around me, I see His redeeming love in motion.  He is answering the very prayer He taught us to pray.

What I learned this morning is true; it is important for me to make His name great on the earth.  I should make  more of HIM much more often.  However, I also know that He has a reputation that no one can destroy.  He will continue with His plan to redeem the world to Himself and that is good news for everyone.

I will never read these words in the same way again…

9 Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11Give us this day our daily bread.

12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

This is His reputation and He owns it : His kingdom is coming.  His will is being done.  Power, glory and honor truly do belong to Him entirely forever.  I know its true.  My daughter and I, each in our own way, caught a glimpse of His glory, today…

a bit of history · friends and loved ones

Tiger tails…

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(originally written April 2010)

Tiger Tails…

I can still picture it, though I’m not sure of the name of the place – its as clear as day in my memory. We visited the establishment (my dad, my sister and I) on a semi regular basis in the mornings, on our way to school.

When my sister and I were still very young my dad would get us ready for school on the days that my mom left for work early. Sometimes that meant we weren’t quite ready in time to eat breakfast at home. Two little girls can be complicated for dads – there is hair to brush, and tights to get on and so on and so forth… We knew we were in for a treat when we came into the kitchen if my dad was putting the cereal bowls back into the cupboard.

Tiger tails were in our future.

My dad would drive us to this little donut and coffee shop on the way to school – My memory wants to call it “Mister Donut”? We would go in, enveloped in a haze of smoke mingled with the aroma of strong coffee and pick out our breakfast. Every time my sister and I would get a tiger tail. This was a long, braided sort of donut – of chocolate and white goodness, with a crisp glaze on the outside. They were wonderful, usually fresh and would melt in your mouth. I don’t ever remember picking anything else. not once.

Because of my life as I know it now, I can sincerely appreciate my mom’s diligence in putting out those cereal bowls every morning. But cereal is not as memorable as a tiger tail.

There are so many little memories like this that I share only with my family. Good ones and bad ones. There are only three people on earth who have known me from the beginning, close and personal, seeing all kinds of ups and downs. God has been good to me, to place me with the family I have grown up with. But, It hasn’t always been easy.

Not so long ago, in fact it was difficult. Circumstances grew very complicated and we were divided. When I think back on it now, I’m not sure how I survived. There were many days where I would look back on a few of those sweet memories and I thought I would die – The separation hurt terribly and I wondered : would I have a chance to make any more memories? My heart felt swollen and bruised. That’s all I really want to say about it, because I don’t wish to hold onto any of the bad – only the good.

One thing I do know. I wasn’t really alone. Even in those dark moments that were filled with tears, heart ache and confusion, there was someone there. I experienced His presence and affection in the deep void of my heart, where I had known love. He was there as my family when I needed it the most. It was confirmation of Scripture: There really is a friend who is closer than a brother. (Prov. 18:24)

I carry the love of a fresh donut with me even to this day – or maybe its just the precious tiger tail memory that I love. Soon my family will be meeting with my sister’s family and my parents for a vacation at the beach. (Secretly I’ve been wondering if they have tiger tails there!) No matter! I am prepared to make many new memories that we will cherish for years to come.

Thank you Lord, for my family. and for being a part of that family.

a bit of history · friends and loved ones

petunia’s wisdom

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I read a story with my son today.  It is one of my favorites from childhood.  The illustrations are wonderfully drawn with vivid colors.  As I read it, I heard the words for the first time.  I remembered the tale well enough, but it took on the form of a parable for me…

Have you heard the story of Petunia before?

Petunia was a goose – a silly one, who found a book.  She thought she knew what it was, so she toted it around for days because she had heard her farmer say that someone who treasures a book is wise. Everyone in the barnyard assumed that she was knowledgable because of that book.  The animals asked her for all kinds of advice.

And she gave it to them.  Faulty words based on an incorrect premise.  She had not read the book or any book for that matter;  Petunia could not read.  Worse, she was not wise at all and did not know it.   All the while she marched around the farm, with a proud strut, carrying the book.

At the end of the book, she realizes she is not smart.  I read these words with my own mouth today, and they sounded so different to me than when I heard them as a child…

(from the story “Petunia” by Roger Duvoisin)

“Now I understand.  It was not enough to carry wisdom under my wing.  I must put it in my mind and in my heart… And to do that I must learn to read.”

The application to my heart and mind happened quickly.   How often I think I’m wise, just because I’m around good people and do good things.  I have an “olive tree” app on my iphone.  There is Christian music on the CD player in my mini van.  Oh yes, I’ve got all kinds of wise things that I’m carrying around under my wing.  But, it’s not enough.

The path to true wisdom, all wisdom, is God’s word.  He wants me to love it, know it, think on it, talk to Him and everyone else about it – in the morning when I first get up, during the day when I need to make decisions, in the afternoon when I have a bit of quiet time and in the evening hours before I go to bed.  Yes, that is His desire for me, if I am to be wise.

Psalm 1 says this:

1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

I’m not there yet.  I think because I spend a few moments in the morning and the evening, I should walk around strutting my stuff.  When really, I’ve barely begun the reading. Thankfully there are very specific words in Proverbs 3 just for people like me.

Proverbs 3:1-6 says:

1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck,                                                               write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

These verses are promises for peace and prosperity, for favor with God and man.  But do you know what else?  He promises that while we are still trying to understand it all, He will make our crooked paths straight. HE will always help us figure things out.  There is hope for me and all believers who are longing for His wisdom!

home schooling

Work of Art…

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(originally written February 26, 2010)

Its that time of year. Every year, for the past four years, around this time I’ve begun planning. I am a planner after all. As a home school mom I look forward to it. Its time to think about the coming academic year.

I’m glad that I’m not afraid, or bored or stumped. I love getting ready. I can become completely absorbed in surfing the web, reading reviews of books and curriculum. I like to be “in the know” about what is up and coming. I’ve really been getting into planning what would be the very best thing for my daughter to do in the fall for third grade. Pulling everything together is like a huge art project – is the perspective balanced? Do I have all the shades and hues just right? Is it proportional? (I never was too good at art myself…)

Emily is interested in a lot of things. She likes art, she enjoys science and history. Her drawing skills really surprise me. In her understanding of basic science she takes after her dad ; and that’s far better than mine was at her age. If she could, she would make me read from her favorite history book all day. These are the things she enjoys.

Recently she informed me that she would not like to play soccer this fall, but rather she is interested in archery. She has had brief opportunities shooting a bow and arrow with her grandaddy – and she actually is quite good at it. And she would like to take an art class. Possibly water color. Nervertheless, it is all a bit foreign to me.

More and more as I get to know my daughter, a creation of God himself, I find myself in uncharted territory. At her age I enjoyed things that are almost the complete opposite of what she pursues. Planning an exciting and stimulating school year is challenging, even a bit perplexing.

This spring, as my planning begins, I find myself praying more than last year…

“Lord, Help me! Guide me to the best curriculum for Emily. Please strike me with lightening just in case I’m looking at things I’d like, instead of what would be best for her…” Its a prayer sort of like that.

In the midst of my praying this morning, He spoke to me and reminded me that I can’t plan it. That’s right, I myself, cannot plan the experiences that are best for her. Only He knows what that is. Even if I was the best home schooling mom in the world, (which He told me to stop striving for) I couldn’t accomplish the plans that He has for her.

There is a Scripture verse that I hold on to, that gives me some relief in the planning process. “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21

I am so thankful that no matter what I do, He will continue his work in her heart and life. He is her creator and sustainer – for me that means the sweet young girl that my is Emily becoming- she is His creation. His work of art. not mine. And I know it is beautiful.

friends and loved ones

coffee with Jesus

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It was cold out today.  But I didn’t care, or so I thought.  I went on with my day, dressed like it was spring.  Winter may be having her last tryst, here in the south, but I pretended like the weather was warm wearing a short sleeved shirt and going bare foot in my little flats.

After attending my nephew’s first birthday party, I found out I did mind after all.  I was chilled to the bone. And needed a nice hot drink.  Thankfully I had plans for coffee with a friend at Starbucks.

Life can be complicated.  Sometimes I find myself a little colder than I’d like.  I am a social butterfly, no doubt.  But, often I’m at home alone with my kids and honestly I get lonely.  I need a friend.  a warm smile.  adult conversation.  Who doesn’t?

Yesterday, I had a chat with my Heavenly Father about it.  I told him how my heart was feeling a little low.  He promised that He was here with me, that He loved me.  Often that is enough for my spirits and I can move on with life.  But yesterday it was not.  I needed His promises to have skin on them- tangible evidence.  I asked Him if He could meet me for coffee?

And He did.

But, its not like you’re thinking.  This afternoon, my good friend met me at Starbucks for coffee.  The warmth of our friendship and our steamy beverages warmed my body and my spirit.  She probably doesn’t know it, but she was Jesus for me today.  There is nothing as promising as the smile of a good friend and nothing as hopeful as a conversation full of encouraging words.  Jesus met me for coffee, at Starbucks in Hixson, Tennessee, in the form of my friend.

I really do believe this is how it works.  One of the ways I can experience the loving kindness of my Heavenly Father, is through the friendships He provides.  And, one of  the ways that I can share that love is to do the same for others who need His friendship.

1John 4:7-16 describes this perfectly:

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

And so it is.  The love of God himself, is in those of us who know Him personally.   He asks us to freely love one another.  This makes it absolutely possible that I really did have coffee with Him today, because of the friendship He has provided.

Thank you Heavenly Father for each of the friends in my life who regularly share your love with me. How I’ve come to rely on it!   Help me to remember to share that same love with those you place in my path each day.  amen.

and thank you my dear friend!  Your friendship means the world to me!  md

friends and loved ones · who knows?

drowning in my own sweat…

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This week has been quite busy.  Yesterday, as I ran around town with children in tow, I thought I was going to lose my mind.  texts flying, phone calls coming and going, emails to check…  Reality had come and gone and I wasn’t sure where I was for a few moments, trying to keep it all straight.

At one point I stood in my hallway, almost suffocating, trying to get my head above water so I could think…  All reasonableness had left the room and I had no earthly idea what to do next.  In that moment I had the audacity to say,

“Why aren’t You helping me, here?”

Yep.  That’s how I am you know.  I’m so good at creating my own disasters and then looking for assistance.  When the ship starts going down, I panic and that’s when I start asking for help.  And he says to me, in a very calm and low voice,

“You did not ask.”

Right.  I’m far too independent for my own good.  I create my own difficult tasks, often for wonderful, righteous purposes.  When the work gets too hard, I begin to sweat it out.  And in the end, as I’m drowning in it, I call out for rescue.  I beg for Him to throw me a line.

And almost always this is the kind hope He gives.  Its a reminder that causes me to slow my pace and think on Him for a moment…

4‘This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Tell this to your masters: 5With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people and the animals that are on it, and I give it to anyone I please.  (from Jeremiah 27)

Yes.  He will give salvation and strength to those in need.  I know because I am a slow learner. Amid my own drowning scenes, loud wailing, arms flailing, crying for help, He is good.  He moves in, with an outstretched hand, offering His power.  Why didn’t I just go this route to begin with?  I’ll never know.

As I catch my breath, on the other side of calamity, I find a loving Savior who longs for me to do everything in Him, for Him, because of Him.  Without Him I’m unable to produce the fruit He desires from my life.  No matter how noble, when I go it alone, my good deeds are worthless.

John 15 explains it well:

4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Thank you Heavenly Father for the rescue efforts yesterday.  Help me to rely on you completely and not on myself.  Please.  Will you remind me that my efforts are nothing without you at the core?  Will you remind me to stop sweating it out alone?  Thank you for bailing me out.  I would have not finished yesterday without you.  amen.