Sunday, March 2, 2014

Verbal Attacks

I have been thinking so much about how words not only wound, but how they slash deeply, bringing us to tears in Abba Father's arms. 

For some reason, I have become the punching bag for someone I love deeply.  Interesting Brian is not the target, but me. 

The other day I was blasted with the blame for everything, when, in fact, none of it was within my control.  My silence apparently made the other person feel they could go on and on and on.  It was one of those divine moments where the Holy Spirit kept my mouth shut. 

You see, my greatest desire for this person is for them to run into the arms of Jesus and find the peace they long for. 

Isn't that what we do though - we attack the things or people who are where we want to be?   The response should be to ask questions, learn from others rather than verbally assault.

I wonder if this is how Jesus felt as He hung on the cross - sad, wounded, yet still wanting everyone to accept the love He offers?

God always grants me the wisdom in these situations.  I am VERY thankful of that.  He also gives me an extra dose of loving. I am VERY thankful for that too.

God loves each of us so much - He is my Abba Father, my Savior and my Comforter.  He is amazing.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Scripture

I love Scripture.  Each time it seems there is something new!

Psalm 50: 14 - 15  Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.

There is a progression here - a matter of the heart.  God wants me to have a thankful heart.  He wants me to be obedient.  When I am doing both of those things - then (and only then) am I in a right relationship with Him. 

When the days of trouble come (and they will!) I can call out to Him and He will get me through.  He doesn't say immediately or that it will be easy.  He does say "I will deliver you".

My response to Him then is to honor and praise Him. 

He is my Abba Father.  He loves me so much. He wants a relationship with me, He doesn't want me to be the Lone Ranger!!  He provides me with family and friends who point me to Him, who encourage me when I am sad, who rejoice with me in the good times.

At the moment things seem a bit chaotic.  But, I have the assurance that God is working to bring glory and honor to His name.  And that is all that matters.

God is awesome!!

 

Friday, February 21, 2014

A Daddy's Love

David puts Grace to bed and I love to listen in!!

She gives her kisses then David carries her into her room. Through the wall I can hear him singing to her.  He sings praise songs and the old hymns (ones he grew up with that I had no clue he was even paying attention!)

What a wonderful memory Grace will have - how much her Daddy loves her.  And he is reminding her as she drifts off to sleep just how much her Heavenly Father loves her too.

Abba Father is so amazing.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Praying through yucky stuff

Every year I (Vicki) read through the Bible.  This year I changed plans and am reading through the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice.  I am really enjoying the back and forth.  Each day as I sit my prayer is for a new insight, a new truth to apply to my life. 

Exodus 9:16 - But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.

These words, through Moses, were to the Pharaoh who had a very hard heart.  God was using someone who had no relationship with Him to bring glory to God. He takes anything, even my disobedience, to bring beauty from ashes.

So, I am thinking my prayers have been off.  So often I pray that horrible situations go away.  I think my prayers should be for God to strengthen me to get through the situation, that His power would be evident in the miracles He will perform, that His name will be glorified.  God wants us trust Him for miracles.  We have not because we ask not.

In Romans Paul says "For we know all things work together for good for those who love God and called according to His purpose."  How often do I forget that?  He uses all things - pharaohs, cancer, bad situations.  He is LORD - He can use anything and everything.  He will as long as we trust.

Throughout my life I have been privileged to witness miracles in our lives.  I know God will continue to perform miracles.  We need to trust Him.  Oh Lord, grow my faith. 

God is so amazing.

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Catching up the end of 2013

Nope, we didn't fall off the face of the earth, nor did we run away (though at times it was tempting!!).  The last few months have been a roller coaster of emotions. 

Brian's father Don passed away in December after a courageous battle with cancer and heart issues.  The in and out of the hospitals, the hope, the discouragement, the fears and the tears.  So many emotions.  We rejoice he is out of pain.  Yet he is greatly missed. 

As only God can do there have been reconciled relationships.  God is the only one who can bring beauty from ashes.  He is the One who deserves all of our praise and honor.

Christmas was low-key.  We are planning on scaling back even more next year - focusing on what is important, relationships.

Brian, myself, Kara and Forrest had the opportunity to visit San Diego from the 26 - 29 of December (had to use those hotel points and free admission to Sea World before they expired!)

We spent most of Friday and Saturday morning at Sea World.  Saw lots of the exhibits, the Shamu and Clyde and Semour shows but the highlight for Forrest was meeting Elmo.  I have never seen such a big smile on his face!!

We visited the beach though the water was very cold.  We also took the ferry over to Coronado Island.  We had a very nice dinner over there.

Forrest was a trooper.  I don't remember being quite so tired with our children though!!

We are so excited to see what God is going to do in and through us in 2014.  We have the blessing of watching our children and grandchildren grow and learn.  We are blessed to have wonderful family surrounding us.  I have no doubt God is going to do great and mighty things.

God is amazing!!