The picture above so perfectly fits and describes my story—uphill, downhill, round and round, exciting, and scary, bright spots and dark spots. My “joyful journey” has sometimes been an amazing thrill ride and sometimes just a big downward spiral! But, the emotional, mental, and physical struggles are all part of the story, and through it all, I see clear reflections of God’s amazing grace.
No, not like this one, and nothing like the ones that ocurred during April and May--the ones that made us take cover in the bathtub!
The one we experienced throughout Memorial Day weekend seemed more like this:
It all began on Friday, at 12:45 PM, when four kiddos arrived with big smiles, generous hugs and noisy excitement, over-joyed to spend the weekend with us.
First came lunch preparations, and then clean-up. Second on the agenda was wild and crazy fun in the pool. (It wasn't a time of quiet reflection.) Those "blissful" moments were interrupted by a wasp sting for the 6-year old. By the time I got him comforted, cared for, and quieted down, the others were also coming inside for protection against any further enemy attacks!
So, then it was time to dry-off, re-dress, and deposit wet things in the tub. All were a bit chilled from the cool pool, and subdued by the frightening experience of the littlest one.
The next best thing was to cuddle them all into soft blankets and start one of their favorite Veggie Tale videos. It didn't take long for the giggles to begin and the blankets to loosen their hold on them. Thus ended another possibility of quiet reflection.
After the video, another round of noisy playtime ensued. A table game was attempted with my full attention being requested by the small-fry, while the others pursued much noisier and more active forms of recreation. But, one-by-one, curiosity overtook their original focus, and soon it was a whole tableful of noisy players, arguing over the rules and competing for being right on who did what and shouldn't have! So much for another attempt at an escape from noise-central.
Almost as soon as the game was declared over, due to the futility of resolving conflicts, their much-adored "Grandpa" arrived on the scene, and I escaped to the grocery store. Aaahhh...peace and quiet--well, at least peace, at last.
Grandpa took the kiddos to the park to run off their pent-up tension and get their bodies back in action. When I returned they had just gotten out of the pool--again--all refreshed and starving! Pizza and salad, along with a choice of chips and juices kept them occupied (although not quiet) for awhile.
After supper and clean-up, it was time for another video to quiet them down before bedtime. Later, when we tucked them in to recharge their batteries, we heard not a beep nor a peep, for they were fast asleep--off in their own quiet dreamlands. Aaahhh, finally a time of peace and quiet reflection. As we revisited the events of the day, we realized anew the joyful contentment and deep satisfaction we have found in the role of "grand-parenting".
Whrew! That was just Day One of our four-day whirlwind! Guess I'll have to finish this epic tale later--time for me to get ready for work!
Severe thunderstorms, funnel clouds and hail the size of tennis balls bombarded the Dallas and Fort Worth areas overnight, smashing car windows, damaging roofs and leaving thousands of homes and businesses without electricity Wednesday.
The storms in Texas were among a series that threatened a swath of the central U.S. on Tuesday night and early Wednesday, killing more than a dozen people. Man Found Dead In Oak Lawn After Night Of Storms In Dallas-Fort Worth
A man was found dead Wednesday morning at an apartment complex in the Oak Lawn area of Dallas. The deceased, wearing only shorts, was discovered shortly before 7 a.m. by an apartment manager assessing damage from Tuesday’s storms. According to Dallas Fire-Rescue representative Jason Evans, police found the victim surrounded by downed tree limbs and power lines, and believe he likely was electrocuted. "Based on what we see, Evans said, I think everyone would assume that it was the downed power lines, but it may also be that he was struck by an object, a tree." He was declared dead at the scene. At the apartment complex where the deceased lived, Dallas Fire-Rescue had responded to a downed power line around 10 p.m. on Tuesday. Firefighters cordoned off the area and made sure no one approached the line. A neighbor of the victim said he and the man were out surveying storm damage before parting about 10:30 p.m. and returning to their homes. Other neighbors reported hearing someone screaming, about 15 minutes later, but did not investigate because of the violent storms, Evans said.
In Dallas, a few blocks away from where the man died, fire-rescue crews were sent to an apartment complex near the Dallas North Tollway and Lemmon Avenue where a roof had collapsed. The Red Cross was preparing to help displaced residents.
In Irving, a police officer was struck by lightning about 10:30 p.m. as he laid road flares on Loop 12 near Shady Grove Road. He was hospitalized overnight but was listed in good condition.
No other serious injuries were reported from Tuesday’s dangerous supercell storms, though there were numerous reports of tornadoes in cities including Dallas, Grapevine and Highland Park. Homeowners took shelter as warning sirens blared through the night.
A funnel cloud was reported near Lancaster High School, and radar detected a developing tornado near Duncanville, WFAA-TV (Channel 8) said. Few of the funnels touched down as they passed across the region for about four hours, but winds estimated at up to 70 mph damaged buildings, trees and power lines.
Oncor Electric Delivery reports that nearly 34,000 customers across the area are without power this morning, after a peak of 70,000 just after the storms passed through.
Dallas police dispatchers, having problems with their radio system that were apparently weather-related, directed patrol officers to report to fire stations on their beats.
The Trinity Railway Express suspended service, and Dallas Area Rapid Transit reported service interruptions because of power outages, WFAA reported.
Hail damage was reported throughout the city, including at the TPC
Four Seasons at Las Colinas golf course, which hosts the HP Byron Nelson Championship this week. The greens were pelted by hailstones, causing four thousand three-inch divots.
In Watauga, Argyle and Denton, hail was widespread, with some as large as softballs reported near Seagoville. The storms smashed car windows and stripped roof tiles from homes. Damage to some homes included lost roofs as well.
At Irving High, part of the roof was blown off the school's gymnastics center and onto the football field. At other schools, skylights were shattered by the storm. Two schools in Irving ISD were without power this morning; Britain Elementary opened late, and classes were canceled at Lamar Middle School.
Near the intersection of Rufe Snow Drive and Interstate 820 in North Richland Hills, high winds damaged a vacant antique shop. Rooftop air conditioning units and other debris were scattered through the parking lot. North Richland Hills Fire Department battalion chief Charles Groggan said there was damage throughout the city.
At Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, play was halted at the Rangers-White Sox game in the top of the fourth inning. Initially, fans took cover in the concourses, but they soon were sent into the stadium’s lowest levels for better protection. The game eventually resumed, ending around 1:30 a.m. with an 8-6 White Sox win.
At Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, about 10,000 passengers were stranded by the storms overnight, airport spokesman David Magana said. Rainfall was intermittent but heavy at times, with a half-inch falling in less than an hour at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
Travelers there were moved away from windows and pulled from planes about 8:30 p.m. because of hail and the threat of tornadoes. Cots, blankets and toiletries were made available to travelers, he said, and concession areas stayed open through the night. American Airlines canceled 286 departures and arrivals at its D/FW hub, spokesman Tim Smith said.
On Wednesday morning, crews began inspecting 62 American planes and 27 American Eagle aircraft for possible damage, he said. He did not have figures on how many planes were damaged in Tuesday night's storm. Magana said flight operations were returning to normal Wednesday.
Operations at Dallas Love Field were also getting back on track after being suspended for about two hours Tuesday night, airport spokesman Jose Torres said. Flights at Dallas Love Field airport were halted about 8 p.m., and crews were scanning aircraft for hail damage. Southwest Airlines spokesman Brad Hawkins said eight planes in Dallas suffered hail damage, which could lead to flight delays or cancellations.
We were at church tonight for a small group leaders' meeting when we heard the tornado warning sirens wailing. Stepping outside to check out the skies, we heard loud speakers reporting multiple tornadoes sighted, and to take cover immediately. I froze, and didn't want to leave the safety of interior areas at church, but everyone else wanted to make a run for home, so we did--driving fast and feeling very edgy to say the least.
Arriving home, we immediately headed to our tornado shelter--the bathtub of our interior bathroom, which is our most-highly recommended, best place of refuge. And, there we sat--together--in the tub, surrounded by pillows and blankets, to wait it out until the warning was lifted--about 45 minutes. Larry had his Blackberry cell-phone which showed the map of the storms, and his laptop computer, tuned into a local radio station to give us continual reports.
When the warning expired at 9:15 we climbed out of the tub and parked ourselves in front of the TV in the living room. Now it's showing us that another major storm system is headed toward us. So far, it looks like this next storm system isn't as likely to spawn tornadoes, although the warning is that there still could be a repeat performance of the same storm activiy that already ocurred. It may be a long, tough night here.
In case you happen to see the news on this recent storm activity, our area is in the same swath of severe storms that has also swept through the Oklahoma City region tonight, doing some major damage. So, even though it has been scary for us, we are safe, and have no damage around us. It still sounds awful outside (constant thunder and lightning with heavy rain and hail. Dallas had baseball-size hail tonight!
New tornado warnings are being reported now, but for an area just southeast of us. Since the wind is blowing the storm directly eastward, this one is not likely to hit us.
The current weather map shows us directly in the center of the severe thunder storm area, but doesn't indicate any tornado approaching yet--just damaging wind gusts with almost constant lightning flashes.
Whrew--what a night!
Oh, new report . . . We are under severe storm warning until 11:45 PM. Here, when you get a "severe storm warning", it means major thunder & lightning storms potentially capable of spawning tornadoes. Oh joy!
Yes, indeed it did! We're still here, even though it was predicted that we were to be raptured yesterday. I would have welcomed that event, since I look forward to "going home" to Heaven, to be with Jesus forever and ever. Even though it didn't happen when someone thought it would, someday it will happen, just as the Bible says. However, the Bible also states that no one knows the day or the hour, not even the Son of God knows exactly when God will say: "Today's the day!"
So, I'm not surprised that it didn't happen yesterday. However, that day is certainly coming. Are you ready? Here's what you need to know to be sure you are ready for what's coming:Tonight we are under a "tornado watch", along with the prediction of severe storms headed our way. Our TV is on and we are receiving frequent updates on the proximity and time line of the approach of the tornados, which were already spotted in the skies west of us. Of course, as they get closer to us, we will receive the warning to take cover. The areas immediately west of us are already under the "take cover' warnings.
God has already given us the warning that His day of wrath and judgment is coming, and the Bible gives us a list of signs to be watching for, so that we will know when this day is imminent.
Those signs are already occuring.
God has also told us that His wrath and judgment is not intended for those who believe in Him and have invited Him into their hearts and lives. He says that those who trust in Him for their salvation will be saved from this horrible punishment, but those who have not put their trust in Him will not escape this horrible punishment for rejecting His Son, Jesus, the Christ--the Messiah.
Which camp are you in? What do you believe? Does it match up with what the Bible says (printed above)? Have you put your trust in Jesus? Have you invited Him into your life? If you received the warning that a tornado or a hurricane was approaching, would you take the necessary precautions to protect yourself against the impending disaster? What will you do with this warning of God's impending judgement--His punishment for those who have rejected His own Son Jesus?
The impact of God's coming wrath and judgment will be far worse than anything you can imagine, far worse than anything anyone has ever lived through prior to this event. There won't be any warning siren before it starts to happen, and when it starts, it will be too late to escape from it.
"Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'Peace and safety', destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape."
And, Sunday's comin' . . . or, at least, I think it is. (There are those who think everything will change big time tomorrow.) gonna change big time  
Hmmm, I wonder how many people will refrain from getting anything else done today and tomorrow?
Well, well! It looks like our fine-feathered friend has decided to mind his manners! Millard is noticeably uneasy about allowing an intruder to share his private pond, but at least he was not going for the kill tonight! ...
I was glad to see that the newcomer didn't attempt to go for a swim, since the last time Millard saw a stranger dare to enter his own water space, he nearly drowned the poor visitor. Tonight it was simply a peaceful stand-off for awhile; then the visitor just relaxed and settled down for a rest. Millard, on the other hand, never moved from his tense position of keeping a watchful guard over his territory, and maintaining a safe distance from this unwelcome guest. ... Oh Millard O'Mallard! I wonder if it has occurred to you yet that you don't belong in this "pond" either! . I just hope the new guy doesn't invite a bunch of other friends over for a party here. That might cause some problems.
I started this post yesterday, but wasn't able to finish it. So, now it's "tomorrow", and I didn't just get home from DaySpring, as indicated below. Instead, it's a fresh new day, and I should be getting the laundry done instead of sitting here blogging. So, now it's back to the stuff of life I must get done--a time for doing the laundry.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ....
Another day of service is finished at DaySpring Assisted Living. I always come home tired but happy. I so deeply enjoy spending days there (twice a week)! When I get home it's time to start dinner preparation, but instead I sit down with a diet Coke (over lots of ice), and just kick back until Larry gets home. And, as I relax with my cold drink, I unwind and reflect on my day. .
Now, as I sit here looking through my blog, I am noticing various aspects of it that I chose when I designed it, and it occurs to me that it really does depict my life and my heart--not only in the personal pictures that I've displayed, but even in the choices I made for the background of my blog. .
First, I note that the picture I chose for the heading "reflects" fun and special lighting. Having fun with life is important to me. It helps so much to balance out the yucky side of life. I have always been attracted to special lighting--it moves me in a powerful way! I try to fill my surroundings with as much light as I can let in, and spiritually speaking, Jesus is truly the light of my life. Just as reflection is plainly seen in the picture, I want my life to reflect the light and love of Jesus. .
Next, I notice the scripture placed directly below the big picture. I deliberately choose scripture, the very word of God, to be the guide for how I live my life. I see it as the only true and reliable basis for surviving and enjoying life in a very broken world. .
Then, off to the side is the picture of downtown Dallas. That picture represents our many moves to a new place to live, which we (my husband and me) believe are directed by God. He shows us; we trust and follow His leading; and He adds His blessing every time! This move to Texas has been no exception to that pattern. .
The flower pictures that line the right border represent all the beauty that God continually brings along life's journey. He planned and created a beautiful world. Flawed human beings messed it up, but God continually produces new growth and beauty as we give our lives to Him in full surrender, like a seed must be buried in the ground before new life can bloom. .
The picture of my husband and me represents the bonding and blending that happens only in choosing to love, honor, and grow together in a committed partnership. .
The great variety of pictures displayed throughout the entire blog illustrate the great variety of life experiences--happiness, sadness, fun, sickness, adventure, trials, change, growth, etc., that are all part of life's journey. .
When you scroll to the bottom of the blog, you realize that it's been a journey through the desert! What a contrast to the picture at the top of the blog! Life is full of contrasts--good and bad, fun and sad, easy and hard . . . it changes constantly! Yet, in the midst of it all, there can be peace and joy. The desert experiences can draw us close to God or cause us to pull away from God. It's really a choice that God leaves up to us. Springs of water can dry up, but even a desert can bloom! .
Notice the bus in the picture of the desert journey . . .
We are not in this journey alone. We travel in community with others who are experiencing the same kinds of things we go through, and they understand a lot more than we give them credit for. Sure, we may have different circumstances, but we can find commonality in the journey, and we can help each other along the way. .
In the times of life when you are discouraged and depressed, stay close to God for your comfort and renewal, and reach out to others for support and encouragement. .
In the times of life when you are feeling good and doing well, when you are enjoying the abundance of "life is good",stay close to God, continually being refreshed, so that you can reach out to others who are experiencing discouragement and depression, and share with them the encouragement and support you have also received. .
Life is a cycle and there is a time for everything. Bloom where you are planted, and nourish those who need a boost. When you wilt, let others nourish you. But, no matter what season of life you are in, no matter what condition your heart is in, draw close to God. Lean on Him; stay in contact with Him; keep on believing in Him; keep on keeping on--no matter what! .
Remember: There is a time for everything, and God makes everything beautiful in His time.
"There is a time for everything,
a season for every activity under the sun.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to lose.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace. .
God has made everything beautiful for its own time.
He has planted eternity in the human heart
but, even so, people cannot see the whole scope
of God's work from beginning to end."
Last night when we returned home from an evening with our small group Bible study, we were delighted to find an unexpected visitor waiting for us. Apparently the visitor was just out for an evening jaunt and noticed that we had a pool. So, he proceeded to take a refreshing dip while waiting for us to return.
We really enjoyed his visit with us. Although we were strangers to each other, and he really didn't have much to say, I enjoyed his visit immensely and hope he will return.
Did I mention his name? No? That's because I didn't actually catch his first name before he had to run--or should I say fly? I think his last name is Mallard, or O'Mallard--something like that. I called him Millard--Millard O'Mallard.
Return Guest
Our new friend came back tonight. I guess Millard really likes our place. In fact, he evidently thinks of our pool as his own private pond. A stranger came by to join him tonight and Millard was really mean to him. He immediately grabbed the visitor by the neck and hung on, biting him and trying to drown him! After a few moments of Millard's unacceptable behavior toward a friendly stranger, the new visitor quickly took off! I don't expect that he'll be back.
Last night Millard seemed nice enough, but I sure didn't expect that he would have such bad manners toward other visitors, in a home that wasn't his to start with! After just one visit he seems to think he owns the place!
Our new friend came back tonight. I guess Millard really likes our place. In fact, he evidently thinks of our pool as his own private pond. A stranger came by to join him tonight and Millard was really mean to him. He immediately grabbed the visitor by the neck and hung on, biting him and trying to drown him! After a few moments of Millard's unacceptable behavior toward a friendly stranger, the new visitor quickly took off! I don't expect that he'll be back.
Last night Millard seemed nice enough, but I sure didn't expect that he would have such bad manners toward other visitors, in a home that wasn't his to start with! After just one visit he seems to think he owns the place!
If today is your "Sabbath Day", may it be a day of rest for you.
You may feel like you're living in the middle of a "storm", but you can find rest for your soul when you give your life over to Jesus, and let Him be your "Haven of Rest" in the midst of the tempest that surrounds you.
It's off to DaySpring for me today--another day to love on, and be loved on by, a bunch of wonderful people, in a wonderful place!
DaySpring Assisted Living is the kind of place where I would want to live, if the day comes that I should need a place to live and be cared for, outside of my own home, or the homes of my own family.
The following was written by a friend of mine, and published on her blog, "Elizabeth Embracing God". It is one of the best of the very best pieces I have ever read on the "joys" of motherhood.
"I will take all of these sillies [referring to her children] any day of the week. They are funny, they are smart, they ask more questions than I can answer.
At least one is mad at me at all times for something I could not follow through on or do, yet they wrap their arms around me and tell me they love me.
They are in my space all the time.
They use up all the shampoo and don't tell me.
They wash their clothes and then leave them to sit in the laundry room.
They call me late at night and want to go and have coffee.
They thank me for making their lunch, even if it's not such a good one.
They thank me for sitting and listening, even when my brain is half asleep.
They mess up my well-made bed to wrestle.
They push delete, and then ask what that button is for.
They don't remember to rinse the cereal out of the bowl, only to be discovered by me hours later.
They leave socks and undies behind the bathroom door.
My bathtub is a play yard of super heroes, boats, planes and trains.
My office, my desk, my personal space is covered with little notes saying "i love you momu" and precious little drawings on my important papers.
They whisper while I am sleeping..."can I get you anything mommy?" I pretend to stay asleep because I know that a sweet little hand will be tapping my shoulder with the loudest whisper you have ever heard.
They eat my sandwich I made a head of time.
They bring their friends over and stay late, always asking if I will join them.
They tell me a friend has a problem and would love to talk with you.
They will use my office for their hard work, and ask if I can come back later to my own office.
They drink milk by the gallons, and eat cereal by the dozens of boxes.
They don't like sleeping with a pillowcase, so they remove it.
They prefer to wear the same socks every day, so I have to sneak in and trade them out for clean ones. He will wear the same jeans every day, they are his favorites so while he sleeps I wash them and hang them up just as they were.
They ask me to help build their lego sets, over and over and over. I think I can build them in my sleep. I find them in my bed at night. An elbow on a lego is the worst pain.
I watch YouTube video's with them and laugh over the corny clips.
I stand in the kitchen, while they sit and laugh at me.
They tell me not to sing, or not to dance, but I always do. I am awkward, I am learning when to fade in and out. Sometimes I get those mixed up so they tell me.
I can ask them questions about God and they open up their hearts to share their own story. Stories unfold around that kitchen counter. Stories unfold while sitting on the red sofa with just one lamp on. Stories unfold on the edge of my bed. Always I will listen and ask questions. I try not to be shocked when they ask me to be objective. I try not to laugh when I see something so hilarious and funny, and no one else sees the silliness of it all.
Today I sit back and watch as each one gathers for the afternoon dinner. Taking time to drive home for a meal with mom. Sitting before running off to work knowing that this moment may come and go quickly as the food is delicious, but they all came to say "thanks mom I love you".
This is how my life looks daily and although there are times I want to wake up and start over I look at my life as a mother and know I would not trade for one moment one lego, or one late night, or one tear.
Thanks be to God for his wonderful gifts. All five and the others who show up in my home so I can love and mother them too."
Thanks for sharing, Elizabeth, and for allowing me to repost it on my blog.
yet, it meant far more to me than just another lovely rose on Mothers Day.
The rose was given to me at church yesterday. As I walked in I saw two young girls just ahead, ready to hand out fresh-cut, long-stemmed roses to the women as they entered. The girl on my left had a red rose; the girl on my right had a yellow one.
I wondered which one would reach out to me first. Of course, my first thought was, "Yellow is my favorite color, so I hope for that one, but I really like red roses just as well." At that same moment, the girl closest to me quickly stepped toward me and smiled sweetly as she handed me the yellow rose, and quietly said, "Happy Mothers Day."
I leaned down, flashed her my biggest smile, and exclaimed, "Oh, thank you--yellow is my favorite color." It was only as I stood back up and glanced beyond her, into the gymnasium that doubles as our sanctuary, that I noticed the table spread with roses--all of which were red.
While I was walking around, and again while seated during the service, looking around at other women holding roses, I never saw another yellow rose. My heart was fully aware of God's little nudge to remind me that He loves me. I frequently notice these little nudges from Him, and my heart responds, "Hi, Lord, I love you too."
I love it when He gives me little reminder nudges.
Today I'm basking in the glow of yesterday!
I think it just gets better every year!
The only thing I can think of that would
definitely make it better is to be surrounded by
all of my "kids and
"grandkids, including all those that we've adopted throughout the years. So, you're all invited for next year's Mothers Day celebration. Come one, come all!
Mom went home to heaven on December 7, 2003. I still miss her. There are still times I long to pick up the phone and talk with her. Like today--how I long to tell her "Happy Mothers Day". How I long to tell her that I love her and miss her. Instead, I can only ask Jesus to relay that message to her. So, I did that.
I love you, Mom. ... ...
I miss you a lot. ...
This yellow rose is for you.
This phrase was impressed upon me this morning after reading another blogger's beautiful prose: "Partakers of Grace With Me", written by the wife of our former pastor in Oregon.
As I walked toward my bedroom to have my daily Bible-reading, those three words formed in my mind and took root in my heart. Then, as I began to read chapter one in the Gospel of Luke, I asked God to show me "beauty from ashes".
Luke 1:8-15(a), 18, 24(a)-25: "One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary and burn incense in the Lord's presence. While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying. Zechariah was in the sanctuary when an angel of the Lord appeared, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was overwhelmed with fear. But the angel said, 'Don't be afraid, Zechariah! For God has heard your prayer, and your wife, Elizabeth will bear you a son! And you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice with you at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. . . . Zechariah said to the angel[in disbelief], 'How can I know this will happen? I'm an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.' . . . Soon afterward his wife, Elizabeth became pregnant . . . 'How kind the Lord is! she exclaimed. He has taken away my disgrace of having no children!' " From the ashes of sadness and disgrace(in that culture), God brought a beloved son who would bring the beauty of joy and gladness into their lives and to those around them.
Luke 1:26-35, 38(a), 46-50 "In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married . . . Gabriel appeared to her and said, 'Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!' Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 'Don't be frightened, Mary,' the angel told her, 'for God has decided to bless you! You will become pregnant and have a son, and you are to name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And He will reign over Israel forever; His kingdom will never end!' Mary asked the angel, 'But how can I have a baby? I am a virgin.' The angel replied, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby born to you will be holy, and He will be called the Son of God.' Mary responded, 'I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever He wants.'[Elizabeth said to her] 'You are blessed, because you believed that the Lord would do what He said.' Mary responded, 'Oh, how I praise the Lord. How I rejoice in God my Savior! For He took notice of His lowly servant girl, and now generation after generation will call me blessed. For He, the Mighty One, is holy, and He has done great things for me. His mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all who fear Him.' "
When Mary chose to accept God's plan for her life, God brought beauty from "ashes". From a human viewpoint she would be disgraced as a pregnant and unwed mother, yet God turned her "shame and disgrace" (only as perceived by others) into incredible blessing--as the mother of the Son of God, who came to bless the whole world!
Beauty from ashes . . . Jesus came to bring beauty from the ashes of human mistakes and failure, from shame and disgrace, from our mess-ups and foolishness. We have all failed in various ways. We have all made mistakes and messed up what God originally intended for the people He created. However, we can all be changed into something beautiful, just as the lowly catepillar is transformed into a lovely butterfly. But, it must humbly cocoon itself before the transformation will take place. The result will be a beautiful, brand new existance of freedom and grace. That's what God wants to do in our lives. That's why He sent Jesus to earth--to save us from ourselves--our natural state of flawed humanity. When we invite Him to be in control of our lives, He will bring beauty from ashes.
I guess there won't be any dancin' around the may pole today -- it's pouring rain outside and very windy!
"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!"
I'm sure there are many in the state of Texas who are very thankful for this rain. Me? I much prefer sunshine, but I guess all sunshine and no rain would not be good for any of us.
"Into every life a little rain must fall." Some are very thankful for it, and some wish it would go away. Some need it badly, and some have had far too much of it. How's it going with the rain in your life? Are you "dancin' around a maypole" in your heart today, or are you "sitting quietly under an umbrella", wishing the rain in your heart would go away?
"Take your burden to the Lord, and leave it there."
"Come unto me, all you who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"(says the Lord).
No, not like this one, and nothing like the ones that ocurred during April and May--the ones that made us take cover in the bathtub!
It all began on Friday, at 12:45 PM, when four kiddos arrived with big smiles, generous hugs and noisy excitement, over-joyed to spend the weekend with us.
