“Strong!”

Hubby and Jase many years ago.

“Papa is strong!” He declared, adding as much depth as his two-year-old voice would allow and clenching his fists, holding his arms up in the typical fashion to show strength.

My husband sat at the end of the table.

Our grandson sat on his mother’s lap, just next to Papa.

I was across the dining table from our daughter and grandson.

My husband didn’t hear his declaration, he was looking at work emails and other conversations were happening, so I was certain our grandson’s voice blended into the pleasant chatter.

So, Bubba said it again.

“Papa is strong!” With all the inflection and emotion of the first.

But he didn’t pause for a response this time.

Instead he repeated himself three times, one after another, all the time focused upon my husband.

He still didn’t hear him, so I interrupted.

“Sweetheart, did you hear Bubba? He’s talking to you.” I smiled at my husband, knowing he’d not want to miss this.

“No, I’m sorry,” he turned. “Sorry, Buddy, what was that?”

“Can you tell Papa what you said again?” Our daughter prompted.

Bubba realized he had Papa’s attention, so he smiled broadly before speaking again.

“Papa is strong!” He burst out pumping his arms to show his enthusiasm.

My husband smiled as only a blessed Papa can.

Bubba was questioned by his mother, “What about Daddy?” And they turned to face the opposite end of the table where his father sat.

“Daddy is strong!” “Daddy is strong!” “Daddy is strong!”

And we all laughed and agreed with him.

Bubba was content with his announcement being so well received and conversation returned.

Our daughter and husband took the little ones home after dinner.

Our family went to our church’s Movie Night.

We watched Show Me the Father by the Kendrick brothers.

If you’ve not seen it, I’d recommend it, it was wonderful.

It’s not a film for entertainment, but rather for teaching and encouragement.

It’s about fatherhood.

This morning in prayer, I spoke with the Lord about the emotions the movie brought up in my heart.

He reminded me of our grandson’s declaration at dinner.

Then, He reminded me of scripture.

Psalm 68:5 KJV — A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.

Titus 3:7 KJV — That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Romans 8:17 KJV — And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

For the Christ follower, we are joint heirs with Jesus and can call to our Heavenly Father just as Christ did.

That precious child’s security in his father and grandfather is only a glimmer of the safety our souls find in the salvation granted by our Heavenly Father through the sacrifice of His Son.

Children long to have security in the strength and protection of their birth father, and whether we realize it or not that same longing resides in every heart who has yet to find safety for their souls in a personal relationship with their Heavenly Father.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your sacrifice. Thank You for Your obedience to Your Heavenly Father through which You both suffered and died to save me. Thank You for Your Resurrection! Thank You for the beauty I enjoy in Your salvation and the love of my Heavenly Father. Lord, for those whose experience with a father on Earth has been painful, even tragic, I humbly request that You reach them where they are and heal them completely. Let them see the truth, that You are not like us, You are perfect, holy, righteous, just. Please let their hearts be turned toward You and find healing from the pain of broken relationships and unfaithful people. Lord, let those who know You and are known by You, those who are fathers right now live honorably. Give them wisdom, guidance, and understanding to raise children who will call upon Your name because they want to emulate their father, because they want the same relationship with You that their father has. Thank You, Jesus. Thank You for showing us the Father. In Your name, Lord, I pray. Amen.

Birthday Party!

I can hardly believe it’s already been two years since the birth of our grandson.

Since we had plans (great grandma’s birthday party) for that day, we had a party yesterday.

He seemed to enjoy it and we did too.

Even though we’d been working all morning to set up, our first guests found us still trying to get things finished.

Wonderful people that they are, they jumped in and helped!

There were the usual things which come with trying to have a party.

The wading pool had to be dumped and refilled.

We had to find a lid for the pulled pork to keep the yellow jackets out of it.

The heat kept causing the balloons to burst at random, startling anyone nearby.

The bubble guns stopped working after floating in the pool for a while.

But the children played, splashed, ate, ran around, drank a lot of juice and water, squealed, laughed, and pretty much enjoyed themselves.

Upon retrospect, I again am impressed how God works in the little things.

Like the moment when I realized I failed to get a bag for our gift and the only wrapping paper we have is Christmas paper.

God, gave me an idea.

Use another bag to cover the printing on the large bag I had on hand.

(If you want to see that project it’s posted here: https://hopestreasurechest.wordpress.com/2022/08/15/another-craft-moment/)

It then became a “teachable moment” in the car this morning as I talked about how God is constantly giving me ways to supply my needs and sometimes my wants, especially when I least expect it.

I had just shared with our teens last week about using what God gives you, and then the Lord gave me another opportunity to walk in that.

Life is not about having, it’s about serving and relationship.

First and foremost, serving God and walking in a daily relationship with Him.

Then our relationship with others is a natural opportunity to live out the relationship you enjoy with Jesus.

1 John 1:7 NKJV — But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Whatever things God places in our lives, we need to be asking Him how He would have us use those and thankful for the opportunity.

Whether it’s a family party or a unseen moment of unexpected provision God supplies through our stewardship, it is both a pleasure and privilege to serve the Lord Jesus, for He first served us.

John 13:14 KJV — If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your service to us. Thank You for not only creating us, teaching us, healing us, You died to save us! Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding me of the privilege and joy of serving others. Thank You for the provision which You supply, often before I realize the need. Lord, thank You for helping me to be creative yesterday. Thank You for showing me that the important things are people, who have eternal souls. Lord, please continue to teach me how to wait upon You for direction and guidance. Please help me not to plan things myself, but rather to lean upon Your Word and look for the answers there first and always. Lord Jesus, I am waiting upon You for these things and I thank You that I need not fear, only patiently wait with hope. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Scripture in practice

The Lord used our grandson to bless my heart in an unexpected way.

He’s a busy toddler and I had spent the majority of his time with me watching him closely.

I’m very blessed by his sweet temperament and he obviously doesn’t try to do things he shouldn’t, he just has very little self control.

To help him learn, I stay near him or take him with me as I go about the house.

We were in the kitchen together and he’d gotten tired of the spatula I’d given him to play with.

His eyes locked on something he wasn’t supposed to touch and his face betrayed him.

I was close enough to remove him if he chose to reach for it.

He put out one hand slowly and then his face registered a look of shock and then horror.

With his other hand he smacked the back of the hand which was reaching out and said, “No! No!”.

With both hands back in submission, he turned to look at me with sorrow on his face.

I scooped him up and kissed him and told him how proud of him I was.

Then I placed him away from the temptation with new and safe to be played with kitchen items.

His joy returned quickly as he inspected the new “toys”.

And I praised God for this little teaching moment in my life.

Mark 9:43 NKJV — “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched—

Our grandson was an excellent example of how my flesh wars against what I know to be true and right.

I’ve caught myself longing for something I know isn’t God’s will for me and have been shocked at my own selfish desires.

And although I don’t hit my own hand, I do beat myself up on the inside.

The Lord reminded me that He is right with me.

Matthew 28:20 KJV — Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

When I am tempted, I know I can look to Him and find a way out.

1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV — There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

God is faithful and His mercy is new daily.

He has secured salvation for my soul and He guides and directs me daily, for these things I am so amazed.

I praise God for His blessings, including this small lesson through our young grandson.

My heart finds such peace and comfort in His Word and His daily blessings.

I pray yours does as well.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your guidance and truth. Thank You for teaching me through this moment and guiding me in ways I least expect. Lord, thank You for Your help and how You are directing me daily. Lord, please continue to hone my heart to be more like You. Please help me to walk in Your ways and carry my cross daily with joy, because You suffered for me and I can always find joy in suffering for some of my greatest lessons have come through the deepest pain. I know You are working at all times and Your ways are great. I love You, Jesus. I glorify Your name. Amen.

Despite the mess

Our daughter was nursing our grandson.

When she suddenly realized there was a problem.

Without being too graphic, anyone who knows babies understands: sometimes it gets messy.

I grabbed two old towels and wrapped him in one.

As she handed him over he spit up.

More mess.

I left her to cleaning herself and carried the baby to the other bathroom.

I put another towel on the floor and began to remove soiled clothes.

I changed his diaper.

In a fresh diaper and clean from all mess, he was laying on his back looking up at me.

He smiled.

Of course I smiled back.

We had several minutes of smiles and babytalk before his mom and dad came in with fresh clothes.

Much later I was blessed to sit in the rocking chair and rock him to sleep wrapped carefully in a blanket.

This morning I was reflecting upon our day yesterday.

And the Lord brought to mind this moment I shared with our grandson.

As a baby he’s completely unaware of the fact that he stopped all other activities with his mess.

He wasn’t embarrassed by his mess.

He was completely oblivious.

He’s not old enough to understand how his life suddenly stepped in and made our lives change.

What he was aware of was the love.

His little face when I was talking with him up held joy and security.

He obviously also felt better, but his smile said so much more.

His little smile said, “I’m happy to see you”.

Later, as he drifted off to sleep, his little face held peace and comfort.

And I see a beautiful picture of God’s love.

He loves me so much, that He cleaned me up from the stains of sin and death.

And it’s a continually thing, because I am a sinner and I need His cleansing daily.

As our grandson grows, he will become aware of his messes, like our granddaughter already has.

And when she’s made a mess she runs for the loving arms of her parents.

I too get to run to my Savior.

His arms are open.

His Word is ready to clean me, to shine truth into my mess and teach me how to put off those things which lead me to sin.

His voice is speaking to me, honing my heart, changing my perspective of the circumstance, and giving me guidance to live by.

And I can smile at Him, because I know He loves me.

Despite the mess I might have made, He loves me.

Because my favorite place to be is clean and warm, wrapped safely in His grace, resting in His peace.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your salvation. Thank You for shining Your truth into my heart and mind. Lord Jesus, please continue to teach me and hone my heart that I might not sin against You. Let nothing stand between us, but remove whatever would hinder our relationship, because You alone are worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. I never want to miss a moment with You, nor to have my walk with You hindered. Thank You for our family and the lessons I’m learning. Thank You for Your faithfulness and unending love. Lord Jesus, You alone are worthy. I praise Your holy name! Amen.

Surprise!

Yesterday was a bit crazy.

But it was a really good day!

Before I got school going my daughter called.

She was requesting our Anne to come help for the day as pregnancy had kept her up most of the night.

Our granddaughter is a busy one-year-old, so we completely understood the desire for extra help.

All of us piled into the car a short time later.

Originally, I was just going to drop Anne off.

When I went in to give my love to Sis, I realized things had changed.

She was having contractions.

We stayed to see if they’d leave.

They didn’t.

Thankfully, our son-in-law was only a little over an hour away, so he headed home.

We are staying at their house so it’s more comfortable for our granddaughter.

Our school day had major changes, but valuable lessons in it all.

It was obvious that our sweet little girl was trying to figure out why her parents had not returned.

But good news was on the way!

There’s nothing like that moment when you see a text from your son-in-law after hours of waiting.

Our precious grandson was born yesterday evening and we are so thankful!

What a wonderful surprise!

He wasn’t due until the 26th of this month, but God’s timing is perfect.

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 40:5 KJV — Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for our grandson. Please continue to heal and strengthen our daughter. Please keep Your hand upon this precious baby. Lord, from the moment we heard another baby was on the way I have lifted them up to You. Please bring this child up in Your ways and give his parents the understanding of how to raise him to love and honor You. Lord, place Your hand upon him and guide his steps that he might be a godly man, a mighty man of valor. Lord Jesus, thank You so much for this precious new gift! We are humbled by Your blessings. Thank You. May Your name be glorified throughout the whole Earth. Amen.

Three years ago today

Wow!

The days have swiftly gone, like dried leaves in a strong wind.

How blessed it has been.

God has truly done marvelous things in these three years.

When our Sis married, we gained a son.

Our other children gained a brother.

We all were granted a huge blessing.

For truly, he loves all of us and most importantly, he loves Jesus.

Through this wonderful new family, God has granted such encouragement to us.

Tim has supported Sis as she’s continued to follow her education, because he knows she feels called by God to do it.

And God has blessed them in that.

Both of them have supported us as we walked this road of struggle, first with injuries to Anne and Bell, then with my illness.

Along with that, they opened their home to us.

I spent a major part of last summer living with them while we tried to figure out what to do about my inability to live in our house.

Often Jase or Anne was there as well.

When it was clear God was moving us, Sis packed, and Tim hauled things in his trailer.

They helped unload and unpack when we got in this house.

There are so many little things they have done to bless and encourage us.

Of course the best occurrence in these three years has been our grandchildren.

Both the birth of our first granddaughter, over a year ago, and the expected birth of our first grandson next month.

Near Tim’s birthday, this spring, I asked him how he felt about his birthday.

I can’t recall the exact phrase, but it was something like:

“Really blessed. I had no idea God was going to bless me so much. I have a beautiful wife and I’m the father of two children, although our next is still in the womb. Yeah, I’m really blessed.”

My husband and I agree.

God has truly blessed them and us.

So much has happened in three years.

What an incredible God we serve!

Happy Anniversary, Tim and Sis.

We love you!

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for family. Thank You for creating the entire social and human relations with the first family, Adam and Eve. Lord, none of us deserve Your blessings, but we are so grateful for it. Our hearts are full of wonder at Your works. As we walk into another day, please continue to lead us. We want our families to be a reflection of You to those around us. Thank You so much for these three years. Thank You for our daughter and son-in-law and their children. Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace poured out upon us. We praise Your holy name, Jesus. Amen.