faith – daily portion

If I take just a moment to think about my extended family, specifically my mom’s side – The Brubacher Clan – I’m overwhelmed with memories- memories that are full of emotions, sounds, tastes and experiences. As I type this I’m literally thinking, “I have no idea where to start or how to convey what I want to say…” but here goes…

The Brubacher family -Reuben and Annie’s family began in 1943 when they were married at a very young age, and their heritage was the Mennonite tradition. Eventually Brethren, and then Baptist – my grandparents raised their family with their faith and God at the very center of life. Later as an adult my Grandpa went to seminary, became a Baptist Pastor and was a shepherd to many congregations in Ontario, Canada over the years.

Both Reuben and Annie have gone on to Heaven now. What they left behind is remarkable. I saw it today when I got my own statement from their estate. I read it like a genealogy from the Gospel of Matthew… “Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers…”

Ours went like this: “The residual beneficiaries of the estate are…. Marvin Ray Brubacher, Donald Lee Brubacher, Rose Young, Sharon Harris, Nancy Switzer, David Brubacher, Ernest Jeffrey Brubacher, Heather Joy Weber, Andrew James Brubacher, Marilyn Young Bosley, Melody Young Day, Daniel Lee Brubacher, David Mark Brubacher, Jonathan Scott Brubacher, Lee Julian Brubacher, Donald James Brubacher, Paul Reuben Harris, Stefanie Anne Ritchie, Mark David Switzer, Kristi Sharon Waun, Angela Jean Pierik, Jenna Elizabeth Ibrahim, Michael David Brubacher and Kara Anne DeKat.

I look at these names and I can’t help but see a lot of people- my aunts, uncles, and cousins whom I love dearly. And then I see in my mind’s eye those people’s spouses and children too. But I can also see all of us as Grandma and Grandpa’s offspring – all of us following Jesus in different ways just like they did. Many giving their lives in His service just like Reuben and Annie did.

Okay – so, here’s the cool thing! Even if these weren’t my people – even if I didn’t get to be a part of the great big, crazy, fun, loud Brubacher family, I have something better! I know it seems impossible that there might be something better. But the truth is: I’ve been adopted into God’s family. Isn’t that amazing?

Right now at my church we are singing a Community Scripture Song together from Galatians 4:4-7. At face value it is fun to sing but, at its core the message is life-changing!

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

I write these words with a heart of thanksgiving – for my earthly family – and for my Heavenly Father who sent his Son so that I could be adopted into His family. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift! AMEN.

Since 1980 I’ve been attending at least one week of Vacation Bible School every summer. No matter my age, no matter where I’ve lived – there’s always been at least one VBS to attend. At age 5 I remember my dad was the king of VBS at our church. There were trophies for learning the most scripture verses in your grade, there was a dunk tank, and there were snow cones not to mention pounds and pounds of homemade cookies and giant coolers full of red kool-aid.

As an adult I’ve loved leading children’s songs, in children’s church or Sunday school, children’s choir- you name it – but especially at VBS in the summer. There are so many great songs of Scripture and Truth to teach that will live on in the hearts and minds of children. I love seeing it happen in real time! Man, it’s great!

I’m leading VBS songs this summer at a friend’s church and I’m carrying on the tradition I learned from my dad all those years ago. We are singing “Hallelu, Praise Ye the Lord.” And let me tell you, these kids are SINGING! (or they *might be* shouting a bit… because we are having a contest to see who can sing the loudest.) It is possibly the most fun I’ll have all year!

This week we are hearing testimonies from missionaries from around the world – and there is a specific focus on prayer. God hears our prayers and God works in powerful ways when we pray – of course, that is true and I believe it. However, these beautiful VBS children did a craft yesterday and it really made things look different to me.

The kids were asked during craft time to write a prayer request on a colorful paper cross. Oh my, the prayers they wrote down. Here are just a few…

“that my sister will get better”

“please stop wars”

“I hope you can love me”

Jesus told us himself in the gospels that we must have faith like little children:

But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Luke 18:16

What a fantastic example for me and everyone who sees these requests! Sometimes in my grown-up world, my faith can be so weak. But – do you realize? He really does hear us! He is powerful to answer whenever we call out to him! This knowledge is worth praising Him with our whole hearts!

Oh wait! I know just the song we can sing!

Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah! PRAISE YE THE LORD!