Out of the Mouths of Babes

Do you wonder why you have to,

feel the things that hurt you,

if there's a God who loves you,

where is He now?

Maybe, there are things you can't see

and all those things are happening

to bring a better ending

some day, some how, you'll see, you'll see

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,

that you still have a reason to sing,

'cause the pain you've been feeling,

can't compare to the joy that's coming

so hold on, you got to wait for the light

press on, just fight the good fight

because the pain you've been feeling, it's just the dark before the morning

My friend, you know how this all ends

and you know where you're going,

you just don't know how you get there

so just say a prayer and hold on,

cause there's good who love God,

life is not a snapshot, it might take a little time,

but you'll see the bigger picture

once you feel the way of glory,

all your pain will fade to memory

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,

that you still have a reason to sing,

'cause the pain you've been feeling,

can't compare to the joy that's coming

com'n, you got to wait for the light

press on, just fight the good fight

because the pain you've been feeling,

it's just the hurt before the healing

the pain you've been feeling,

just the dark before the morning

Ahh....thank you Josh Wilson for putting all those thoughts and feelings to a song. I love it, it helps me remember I am not in charge and all things in His perfect timing and that He does have great things in store for those that love Him.

The other day as we were driving somewhere, my 5 year old foster daughter must have asked me for the 10th time in as many minutes, where we were going. I said to her, honey, do you know how to drive? I didn't think so, all you need to know is that you are with me and that is where you should be. We will get to where we are going when we get there at the right time. I was of course frustrated at that point, but as I spoke, I felt convicted. How many times do I ask God....Where am I going, what is happening next? When will I get there where you want me to be? Wow, almost like He was answering me through my answer to her. Be still my child and know that I am God. Know that if you are with Me, who can be against you?

Yes, the lessons I am learning through this journey He has placed me on. Thank you Lord for this journey you have allowed me to be on!

Ahhh...yes, now I remember!

One of the most important lessons I think I have learned on this journey is simply this:

"It is not about me."

That being said, I am human and unfortunately, it is a phrase that is often forgotten in the midst of this thing we call life. Among all the outings, appointments, church services, work, sleep and everything in between...it is lost.

I find myself often sitting back as if I am viewing someone else's life and wondering if "I" am doing enough. Am "I" doing things right? Will "I" make the right decision? The answer to all of them is no if all of them are focused on "I".

John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world. . . .”

We must continually keep our soul open to the fact of God’s creative purpose, and never confuse or cloud it with our own intentions. If we do, God will have to force our intentions aside no matter how much it may hurt. A missionary is created for the purpose of being God’s servant, one in whom God is glorified. Once we realize that it is through the salvation of Jesus Christ that we are made perfectly fit for the purpose of God, we will understand why Jesus Christ is so strict and relentless in His demands. He demands absolute righteousness from His servants, because He has put into them the very nature of God.Beware lest you forget God’s purpose for your life.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

Thank you Tory, sorry God.

Kindergarten

Well, another school year has started, but this time I have a kindergartner. Seems strange to me...oddly fun and exciting...but yet strange. I guess that is because I never pictured myself having one again. I mean I had life all figured out! My child was grown, I was going to travel with my best friend and do what I wanted to do (emphasis on "I"). Wow, was that plan ever off...lol. But I know He has a plan for me every step of the way and a reason for why I have the children I do and He knows the lessons I need to learn. Maybe I need to be more like a Kindergartner...

The old saying goes that everything I needed to know I learned in Kindergarten. So trustful at that tender age of our caregivers. We learn to be accepting of others, sharing, caring, how to stand in line and wait your turn, speak nicely to people. At this age, they are such sponges, sucking up everything you say and do wanting to please you. They want to learn more and more and explore with excitement what is around them.

Well, why should I be any different for our Father in heaven? Sometimes we get so lost and tied up in this grown up world that we forget the basics. Isn't that what we learned back in kindergarten? The basics?

Be kind to one another, be accepting of each other. Stand in line and wait your turn, follow directions. Care about others around you. Let your speech be as sweet as pie lest you have to eat your own words...ahh yes the basics.

So next time someone is rude to you, has road rage, or is simply not being nice, remember, you learned the basics. Let your light shine for Him that you may be a beacon of His love for others to see!