Redeeming Love

I read Redeeming Love - by Francine Rivers – and found this biblical/fiction story of Hosea, retold as a story during the Gold Rush in the 1850s, captivating my heart and my soul immediately.  I found myself looking at my schedule each day to see when I would be able to continue on this journey in the lives of each character in this story.

As a young child sold into prostitution, Angel now cannot grasp the love offered to her by a kind farmer, Michael Hosea.  Along with witnessing the unconditional love of God, she is tormented by her past and distrust of all men and any love at all.  Angry and bitter and certain there is no hope for redemption or love, Angel is pulled back to the dark world she was given the opportunity to be freed from.

Michael’s love as a husband, demonstrates the love God intended between husband & wife.  Not without doubt, pain, bitterness and lies, Michael’s commitment to his marriage, and his ultimate commitment to God, demonstrates how the choice to love his wife, is the only chance of turning these struggles into goodness, sweetness, happiness and truth.

Each time Angel would run away from Michael’s love, it reminded me of how many times I myself “run” from the promises of God, trying to make it on my own.  It also reminded me of God’s open arms of forgiveness, redemption, and never-ending love.

I found it a blessing to have read this amazing book – and an even greater blessing to be reminded of the perfect, unconditional love of God.

Mercies In Disguise

I was recently listening to a song by Laura Story, entitled Blessings – and it was one of those moments, when you hear a song you’ve heard many times before, but this time it is speaking directly to your heart.

Something touched me deeply and I began taking some time to reflect on the words – especially the chorus.

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

It caused me to think about how I approach my prayer life.  Do I realize the many blessings that occur in my everyday life?  Do I know of the Lord’s mercies in all that I am facing?  Do I trust Him enough to know He loves me, protects me, and allows many things to occur in my life, so I may cling to Him and His Word more and more?

I think I look too much at prayers that seem to be answered “my way” as blessings and signs of the Lord’s Mercy.  I don’t take enough time to look back at what I considered unanswered prayer and see how those particular situations brought me to a closer relationship with the Lord, a confirmation of His presence, and a time when my faith was strengthened.

I know He hears each of my words, but I also know He knows so much more than I can ever fathom, and His answers are always to unfold His will and His calling for me and my relationship with Him.

I have to remember this is not my home – this is a time to be conformed to the image of my Savior – a time to grow in wisdom and faith and a time to trust in all His ways – to prepare me for my true home.

If I would only take time to wait on the Lord – accept the trials and disappointments in my life as blessings – then I will realize the many mercies in disguise.

A Time to Chat

I gave my sweet granddaughter a tea set for Christmas along with a little book – “My Very First Tea Party.”

Once we opened the box and I showed her “how to” make tea, pour the tea, and of course sip the tea, I didn’t have to show her a second time.

Periodically she would gather her teapot and cups and come to me serving tea – smiling and enjoying this time of us ladies having tea.  
 

There’s just something so sweet about “tea time” with my granddaughter . . . I used to have many tea parties with my daughter – which involved many cups of tea, dolls and stuffed animals gathered around joining us – and her sweet chatter while sipping tea.

Whenever my son and his family visit me or I visit them – there are many times I sit with a cup of coffee with my daughter-in-law – catching up with the many things going on in our lives and just enjoying a warm beverage and some chatter.

The other night my daughter came over and we made some delicious hot chocolate – sipping and of course chatting.

A warm beverage – a sweet smile – a time to chat – seems simple – but can be so much more!

Take a moment with someone special in your life and enjoy a warm beverage - and chat!

Tell the Next Generation

Today is my son’s birthday! 

The Lord blessed me by bringing Peter into my life and I discovered a love that only can be known as a parent.  I was given an opportunity to share my life with a precious child – an opportunity to teach him about the Lord – an opportunity to see him grow into a mighty man of God!   

He serves the Lord by guiding his family in the ways of God’s Word, as an amazing husband to his wife and is teaching his children at an early age about the God that loves them so very much - he serves the Lord as Associate Pastor of Youth and Children’s Ministries - he serves the Lord with each relationship he has – sharing God’s love and wisdom with each person who crosses his path.

I am so blessed and honored to say that I am his Mom!

Ps. 78:1-7

O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth.  I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things from of old – what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us.  We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power and the wonders he has done.  He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.  Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.

New Beginnings

Nonna's Blessings

As 2012 begins, I look back at the past year and how the Lord, who is always merciful and loving, blessed me in so many ways it amazes me. 

My daughter and I just returned from a visit with my son and his family for Christmas.  It was a wonderful time spent with my grandchildren; playing games, reading books, going out to various activities, tea parties, hugs and kisses and just sitting back and hearing their chatter and laughter.  It brought such joy to me.  To have my children and grandchildren all together for the holidays was a gift in itself.

Christmas 1983

Christmas 1983

It seems just like yesterday that my own children were as young as my grandchildren – excited about Christmas surprises, goodies, and special visits. 

Now my son is married with three children, living far from home, yet never far from my heart.  My daughter is living on her own, working in NYC, and has become an amazing friend as well as daughter.  My joy comes from the fact that both serve the Lord with all their hearts.  They have realized the calling made to each of them, and have responded with full faith and obedience – opening the opportunity to realize the destiny planned for each by the Lord.

I sometimes wonder how I am so blessed . . . how a Holy God notices me . . . He knows my concerns . . . He hears my prayers . . . and He included me in his plan for his eternal purpose.   He is ever so faithful and asks that I too respond with faith – which is His gift to me to give back in return.

I anticipate a year of blessings, challenges, and opportunities to grow in faith and love.

If a resolution were to be pledged – not that I truly like resolutions, since most last approximately a month at best – I would carefully look at how I spend the many hours in each day and truly prioritize my time.

I would spend more time in God’s Word – more time in prayer – more time being still and knowing He is God.  I would wait and not be anxious – pause and listen in awe.  I would put aside whatever distracts me from His presence and realize His hand in my every day activities.  I would share His love with everyone I come in contact with.  I would truly trust Him when life seems to be full of struggles or hardships.  I would say yes, when being asked to step out of my comfort zone for His Kingdom purposes.  I would know my Lord so well that His desires would become my desires.  I would stop and look back at all the amazing answered prayers.

Perhaps this year will truly be a year of new beginnings.