His love endures forever

This weekend I was watching old videos of my kids when they were little.  They were so cute and I was so patient with them when their cuteness turned into a meltdown.  I can tell I was much younger and had so much more energy! I cannot imagine having small children at the age I am now.

There’s a video where my oldest (about five at the time) is explaining the concept of PRETEND to me.  “Mom.  I’m pretending this is a fire.  You know? Pretend? Do you understand what I’m talking about? You know, fake. Not real”  And he wasn’t being ugly or sassy…he was just explaining this concept to his mother…who might not be smart enough to get it!!  At the same time, my younger son (about two) is looking through his dad’s tackle box, pulling out a plastic frog. “Dad, you caught that? Did you caught that frog?” then grabbing some tools…which have ALWAYS been his thing. Give the boy something to do with his hands and he’s a happy camper.  Drawing and drumming are his “hands-on” things right now.  I didn’t get very far into my daughters videos. (Of course there are fewer of them…poor thing.  It’s just not fair!) But I did get to watch her take her first bite of cereal…and take her first steps. 

These babies are now 18, 15, and 10.  I teased them that I was watching the videos so I could remember when they were CUTE!  But honestly they are a gift from God even now.

Of course watching those videos also stirred up old memories that are not of cute babies but of shameful behavior and bad decisions.  I looked at some of the things that I dealt with, and I just mourned for the girl that felt like she had to put up with them.  For the time she wasted and for the abuse her heart took.  It could easily have led me back to a dark place.

But then I stopped and thanked God for getting us all through that safely.  For putting up with my nonsense and giving me time to come to my senses and come back Home.   For bringing my kids through healthy and whole.  For bringing us to our “new” life.  For giving me another chance to do better. 

My heart doesn’t always understand why He chose to keep me safe during those times.  I don’t always understand why He gave me time to repent.  But I suppose it is because of His enduring love.  I am His child and I guess He just wasn’t ready to give up on me.  I understand a little about the love that a parent has for a child.  I’m weak and sinful and I love my children more than I can describe.  How wonderful God’s love must be for us??!! It is indescribable…amazing…beautiful…steadfast…eternal.    His love endures forever.  (Check out Psalms 136 sometime)

Lord, please accept my “thank you”.  It seems so small in comparison to what You have done for me but it’s what I have to give.  Use my life…you bought it with Your blood so it belongs to You. I want to live…from this day forward…in a way that honors You. Lord please help me to find the way to do that.

“May the Lord grant all your requests”

  Psalm 20

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

 1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
       may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.

 2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
       and grant you support from Zion.

 3 May he remember all your sacrifices
       and accept your burnt offerings.
       Selah

 4 May he give you the desire of your heart
       and make all your plans succeed.

 5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious
       and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
       May the LORD grant all your requests.

 6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
       he answers him from his holy heaven
       with the saving power of his right hand.

 7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
       but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

 8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
       but we rise up and stand firm.

 9 O LORD, save the king!
       Answer us when we call!

I came across this in my reading the other night.  It has a little different tone…like a blessing being prayed for others.  I like that!

I have written before about a friend that is facing some very trying things….things that seem so unfair.  I could pray this prayer for him.  From beginning to end.  I want the Lord to answer him in his distress.  I want the Lord to give him the desire of his heart.  I will shout for joy when he is victorious because I know that he puts his trust in the Lord. 

But, also, I would pray this for all of my friends.  I want them to know the Lord will hear them in their distress and that He will send help and support.  I want them to know the saving power of the Lord’s right hand.  I will shout for joy and raise a banner to God when their plans succeed because of the trust that they place in the Lord! 

I want you…..my friends….to know that I want all of this for you.  May it be so in your life. Today and always. 

I read the news today…Oh boy…

Recent Headlines: 

Mother uses high pressure car wash spray to discipline young daughter

University student body president found shot to death in North Carolina

Boyfriend accused of burning toddler

Murder, abuse, death….ARGH!!! What is happening to this world!? Has everyone gone crazy? Are my children safe? For that matter am I?? It’s enough to make me want to run and hide!!  Isn’t there any GOOD NEWS to report?

Good news:  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV)

Good news:  “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24 NIV)

Good news:  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

Good news: “He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:6 NIV)

I need to refocus.  I need to set my mind on God things.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 )  Good advice from Paul to people much like me…living in a world that was corrupt and full of disappointments…the world that has been overcome by a living, loving, risen Savior!