Two are Better

This is a work in progress of my grandsons (21mo and 17mo).   They were standing in front of the sink cupboard jabbering back and forth and trying to open the child safety lock.  I took a series of photos and came up with the sketch and this preliminary watercolor.

These two boys are usually in cahoots together.  What one doesn't think of the other will.  What one doesn't climb on, under, or over the other one will.   They actually clap and say 'Yay' for each other.

It would be wonderful if we all worked together like that as Christians.  Lifting each other up and over trials, challenging each other to do more for God and cheering for one another's accomplishments.  Barnabas is one of my favorite people in the Bible, his name meant encourager.

The complete scripture of Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reads, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up."  Jesus sent out his disciples in pairs (Mark 6).  This shows us we do need to depend on other Christians.  We are part of the army of God and no soldier should stand alone.

When someone says,'would you pray for ______."  Do it right then.  Don't wait - if you're like me I may forget.  A short prayer, a hug, or arm around the shoulder, can lift an enormous burden. When someone shares a worry or trial, give encouragement and a scripture if you can.  You don't have to quote it word for word, but let them know God cares. I'm amazed how someone will tell me later that those were the words or scripture they needed right then.   Of course, it wasn't me, it was the Holy Spirit in me that gave those words.

We are never forsaken by God, he is always with us (Hebrews 13:5), so if you don't have immediate words of  encouragement, just listen.  Sometimes listening is all someone needs.  If God wants you to speak - then the words will come.

Be a Barnabas today, encourage someone.
Laura

The Eyes of the Lord

There are so many injustices and inequities in our world.  Frightening things, aggravating circumstances and  unfair results.  Evil seems to triumph.  Sometimes it seems that there is little we can do or change.  But there is something in which we can take comfort.

God sees it all.   And he will triumph and avenge.  (Hebrews 10:30)

He knows our plight, our dismay and even our sorrow.  We suffer in this world because of man's sin nature.  God gave us perfection - man's corrupt desire took it away.  

But there is a hope and peace that can come even in the midst of this world.  If we bind ourselves to God, trust in him and seek his guidance, wisdom and counsel there is a solace of mind.  When we hold back nothing - and bring everything to him in prayer we receive a 'peace that passeth all understanding' (Philippians 4:6-9).

God sees the evil and the good.  He sees the righteous and knows our hearts.  Be encouraged in this world for we are His children.   He goes before us to protect us and he will not fail nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8).  "Our help cometh from the Lord." (Psalm 121:2)

Lift up your eyes to the hills
Laura

Do Not Be Weary!

Oh - dear....have you ever tried to help someone and felt the prickles of resistance?   I'm sure we all have.   Our gesture of assistance may be met by unexpected rejection or even anger.  The recipient may not understand our heart or intentions, especially when we want to share the Gospel.

Just like with children, they do not understand all the lectures or rules we set, and they may even rebel...but we continue enforcing and explaining because we love them.

It is the same when we share the Good News of Jesus. Unbelievers may revile us (Matthew 5:11) because they do not understand...but they may one day.  When we donate to various ministries, missions and causes we may never know the effect our money had, until we are heaven side - so we must continue.  When we pray for someone, we may not see the effects of that prayer, but let us never stop.

The entire scripture states, "Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men especially unto them who are of the household of faith."  (Galatians 6:9-10)

Dear friends, whatever you are doing for the Lord, if it is teaching a Sunday School class, being a prayer warrior, working in ministry, writing a blog, or being the best Christian wife, husband, parent or person you can be, don't be discouraged!   You ARE making a difference - Keep going on for the Lord!!

May you be encouraged today!
Laura                                                                      Illustration Note:  Pencil sketch w/digital coloring

Stop and Read!

I did this painting from a remembrance of my youngest granddaughter at her 2nd birthday party.  She was wearing Dora flip-flops, and a ballet tutu.  In the middle of opening presents she opened a gift from her great-grandparents, a book.  With a pile of gifts still unopened she stopped to look at the book.  She paused for what was important to her.  We all laughed and were in a little bit of awe that a simple book captivated her.  We eventually had to hide the book so she would continue opening presents.

I must confess that too often I take the 'Book' for granted.  I neglect to read and even more treasure what is within the pages of God's Word.  It is his love letter to us.  It is a history book, a poetry book, a song book, a book of the greatest wisdom ever.  A chronicle of God's  plan for us.  It brings hope, and encouragement.  It breathes the Spirit of God who desires a relationship with us.

O, how I love thy law!  It is my meditation all the day.  Psalm 119:97

Stop for what is important.  Stop and read  His book today!
Laura

God Sees Things Differently

I observed my granddaughter one day in this pose.  I smiled and asked, "what are you doing?"  Her answer was a delighted giggle.  She stayed that way for nearly a minute looking around the room.  I guess things appeared 'different.'

It reminded me of the scripture from 1 Samuel.  God sees so much more than what we ever will.

Perhaps you are struggling with a situation right now.  It may be family, finances, job, child rearing or serious illness...and you just don't understand what to do or why God will not remove you from the situation.

Yet God does not see just a single moment...he sees into our hearts, into our future. He knows what is best to strengthen us, to help us mature spiritually so that we may help someone else.
Trust that God loves you and has the best plans for you.   "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."  Jeremiah 29:11

And if we trust, God will give us a 'different' perspective.
May God bless you today!
Laura

God Sings Over Us!

Did you realize that God sings over us with an deep, passionate love?       The first time I read this scripture I cried with joy. The thought that the Lord would sing over me gripped my heart and melted away years of self-doubt and feelings of unworthiness.   Look at the entire verse:
     "The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."

   God. Sings. Over. You.    You are cherished by Him.   As a parent sings over their child to comfort and soothe, to show love and devotion, so God demonstrates His love to us.  And imagine the song of the creator!  
       Don't think about the mistakes you've made, your inadequacies, or your past. Come to Him as a child and listen to the sweet refrain of the One who made you.  Listen to the melody created just for you.  Let Him wash away your fears, and fill you with hope.  Embrace the song of the One who loves you more than anything.
     Blessings on your day.
     Laura


Illustration Note:  I painted this scene for my daughter for the invitation to her baby shower.  (She has a thing for turtles.) It was done in watercolor with digital enhancement.

Do People Know You Love Them? Say It NOW!!

 If today were your last day with someone, child or adult, will they know that you love them?

Like you, my heart has been mourning the loss of life at Sandyhook Elementary School. Like you my husband and I watched horrified and sickened as the news unfolded.  Our stomach in knots, our eyes filled with tears.  Sleep was not easy for you either, I'm sure.  I went to sleep crying for the families.

Saturday morning I had to face a rehearsal for our Children's Church Christmas Program with a dozen 4 yr old to 6th graders.  I woke early, not wanting to do the  practice. Each time I thought of looking into the eyes of the children I started weeping for those that were slain.  I went to the church very early and I prayed.  I prayed for the families in Newtown, I prayed for their community, the first responders, the clergy and grief counselors, and then I prayed for myself to get through the practice and for the children in my charge.

Then a peace that passed all understanding swept over me.

The children brought comfort amidst sadness.

God reminded me of  something that a first grade teacher at Sandyhook said when she was being interviewed Friday night after the tragedy. She had locked all her students and herself in a tiny bathroom.  Tearfully she explained (paraphrased) that she started telling her students how much she loved them, because she was fearful  they were all going to be killed and  she didn't want the last thing they heard to be gunshots, but rather someone saying, 'I love you.'

I love you.  

Our beautiful children saying the ABCs of Christmas -
L was for the King of Love

Peace surfaced for me from something so simple, but so deeply effective.  It seemed God whispered to me, 'Just let the children know you love them...you'll get through the practice.'  I started the practice out by having the children sit in a circle with me.  Then I said, "I love you. All of the adults here love you.  And God loves you most.  That's why  this Christmas program is so important.  So we can tell others that God loves them too."

For 17 years, I've been doing these Christmas programs  - the last practices are always rough and frustrating.  But Saturday's practice was indescribably polished and, dare I say, easy?  Was it all because the priority was not perfect delivery, but was to let the children know they were loved?   That no matter if they messed up their lines or missed a cue or misbehaved, we loved them.   

The children celebrating God's Gift of Love

I've always cared for the children in my classes.  But I have never felt the immediate urgency and priority to make sure that at that very moment I was with them, that very day, they knew they were loved.  That if it was the last time I could be with them, they would know I loved them.  I hugged them all after practice and Sunday's performance was awesome.  It was good to find joy again.  Like you though, I've still been mourning and overcome by tears, but now I know what I can do to make a memory for those lost at Sandyhook...

 If today were your last day with someone, child or adult, will they know that you love them?  I challenge you, in the memory of those lost at Sandyhook, to let the people you are with today, this moment, and days to come know that you love them.  Know that you care.  Look into their eyes and say, 'I love you,' then show them by your actions.  

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God

1 John 4:7

How will you show your love?  Share with me in the comments.