Be Ready

The world had been waiting to see the end result of what was predicted about May 21, 2011.  Some to laugh and mock those believing this teaching, while others were “preparing” by marching through the streets with signs, t-shirts, and tracks – stating this is the “Day of Judgment”.  Now the “date” has been changed and is expected to be in October.

I find sadness in each of these groups of people.  The mockers – were they laughing at this particular teaching or at the understanding that the Lord will actually someday come back – or both?  Those who believe this was the day – were they “preparing” in a way that is biblical and in agreement to what the Lord calls us to do while we are on this earth?

Scripture states: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.  But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.  So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” – Matthew 24:42-44

This teaches us that the Lord Jesus will return; no one knows when and yet we are to “be ready”.

What does “be ready” mean?  It means to search God’s Word for truth – embrace the teaching that Jesus is Lord & Savior and accept him into your heart.  It means to continually study his Word, spend time in prayer and allow yourself to know, truly know, God.  It means to allow Him to conform you into His image - daily as you grow in faith and understanding.  It means to share your faith with others so many can come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Lord & Savior.

It does not mean trying to out-guess what scripture says you do not know – it does not mean to cause many to panic and do foolish things – focusing more on a man’s teaching rather than the Word of God.  If the Lord say’s that he will come when we do not expect him, I would trust that we cannot figure it out, no matter what “system” we use.

I pray that if nothing else – the proof of this false teaching will cause many to wonder, search, & study to know the truth – God’s truth.

“And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.  And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” – Romans 8:27-30

Be Ready.

Unbroken

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

By: Laura Hillenbrand

Having been long interested in the resilience and commitment of veterans of war, I am drawn to stories regarding survivors of the atrocities of these wars.  Perhaps its hearing of the courage and will to persevere along with the determination to survive just one more day that reaches somewhere deep within my heart.

I heard an interview with Laura Hillenbrand, regarding her newly released book, Unbroken.  I knew at that moment this book was to be added to my “need to read” list.

This true story of Louis Zamperini drew me into a life of an unruly young boy growing into a rambunctious young man and finally coming into his own, only to be forced to grow up so much faster than anyone should have to. I was taken along on a journey of survival and strength beyond measure.

Sure, it’s a story of World War II, young boys becoming men, with a will to survive the horrors of Japanese POW camps.  But it’s so much more; it reveals the soul yearning to survive and always reaching towards redemption, but most times not truly grasping it, even running away from it.

The impeccable research by the author resulted in detail that brings the reader personally to each moment, almost able to smell the air in each scene.  So much so, Louie once told his friends, “When I want to know what happened to me in Japan, I call Laura.”

I find myself often thinking of Louie Zamperini – as a mother, would I have had the faith and strength to stay strong and hold on, even when faced with the news of my son’s most likely death; as a wife, would I myself have remained faithful for so long or turned away from the stranger now in my life; as a friend, would I have been able to remain true in spite of possibly losing the friend I hoped would return; as an American, touched at how much our military sacrifices for our nation’s principles and beliefs; as a Christian, knowing how true redemption can overcome more than we are physically and emotionally able to bear.

Redemption – the only way to complete healing and absolute true freedom.

A must read.

Mother's Day

I can remember it as if it was yesterday – receiving a phone call from my doctor telling me that my pregnancy test was positive.  Way back then, we had to go to the Dr., then to a lab, and wait patiently for our test results – none of this quick “pink or blue” or “positive or negative” deal on a stick.  From that moment on, my anticipation of actually being a mother and raising a child was overwhelming and yet exciting. 

January 7, 1979 my son was born.  After 30 hours of labor – and an unplanned cesarean birth – nothing mattered except that I was given a precious boy to love, teach, guide, and share my life with!

Three and a half years later, on June 3, 1982 my daughter was born.  And although she was a planned cesarean birth – she decided to kick up some labor four days earlier than her planned birth date – just to be sure her birth would also have some stories to share.

For 32 years I have been blessed with the name “Mommy.”  Together my children and I have been through many trials, joys, blessings and absolutely loving moments.  I have so many beautiful memories and am still building on what will one day become a lifetime of wonderful stories to tell generations ahead. 

Becoming a grandmother – “Nonna” to my grandchildren – only added to the amazing experience of being a mother.  As of now, I have 7-year-old and 4-year-old grandsons and a 1-year-old granddaughter.  I can’t even begin to describe the joy this has been for me.

My children were given to me as a gift and I was given the opportunity to prepare them for whatever the Lord had in store for their future.  Wherever I may have failed, the Lord must have stepped in, since both my son and daughter have grown into God-loving, God-serving adults and are each amazing blessings to me and so many others.

So on this Mother’s Day, a day when most pamper and bless their Mom, I am already blessed beyond words with the privilege to have been given children and grandchildren to share along my journey.  I await each day with great expectation to see what the Lord has planned for each of us.