Laughter or Tears? Sometimes Both

Our daughter's birthday is today. I gave her several gifts and a sparkly purple card. We are taking her to one of her favorite restaurants for dinner. I'm excited she was born! But she's not. She doesn't like adding another year to her age. It depresses her. Sigh. If only I was her age again! I wouldn't get lightheaded when I stand up from squatting down to clean out the cat boxes. I could stay awake later than 9 p.m. every night. I wouldn't need pills for high blood pressure and pain that bounces from my hips to my head. So. I'm laughing but she's crying. Over the same event! We are different, all right.

If you have a loved one who's vastly different from you, that's a good thing. It means you complement one another. When she's crying, you can encourage her. And when you're depressed, she can lift you up. If you both have Jesus in your lives, better yet. He shares in every little and big event, whether it brings laughter or tears. He's the Best Friend anyone can have. Is Jesus in your life? If not, contact me and we can chat about Him.

A Strange Phenomenon of Love

When our 14-year-old cat, Happy, got sick recently, I noticed a strange phenomenon.  I've begun talking to her more, cuddling her more, and my soul has brimmed with more love for her than when she was healthy. I wondered why my heart had grown two sizes for this sick little girl. 

Then it hit me . . . 

In the last year I've spent more time researching what was wrong with Happy and taking her to the vet than I did during the previous 13 years of her life. And since none of my other cats have ever been this ill, I've spent more money on Happy than any of them. 

Because Happy needs me to a greater degree than my healthy kitties, I've invested more in her than in the others. So, I love her more. 

Of course we know that God doesn't love one of his kids more than the others. He doesn't play favorites. But I wonder if he draws closer to us, investing more attention on us when we are hurting. 

I'd like to think so...

If you're hurting or sick today, take comfort in the fact that Jesus is near you and with you. He has invested his very life and blood to make you his own, and he dearly loves you. 

When Your Child Is Far From Home

Lord, you see the empty pages in my sister’s heart, where her child lived, played, and grew. Now she’s gone from her embrace, and my friend struggles to trust You with her. Please dip your pen into Your well of endless love, and write love letters of grace across her heart today. Give her words meant only for her, filling the pages of her soul with the sweet poetry of peace.

The pages of hope have yellowed, curled, and all but turned to despair. Write a new story for my friend, a story of Your commitment to her child’s well-being and peace.  Whisper words of safety, fulfillment, and dreams realized. Show her Your plan to rescue her child from the plans of the enemy. Let her clearly see her beloved child at your feet and before Your throne, serving You.      

If my friend is tempted to obsess over lost opportunities, give her hope that You’ve not written the last chapter in her child’s life yet. Reassure her that You have many people who can relate Your kindness and love into her daughter’s heart. Bring those people to her, please, Father. You know the very ones she’ll listen to. Protect her from wrong influences and deceptive voices. 

Please fill up my friend’s heart in ways that mean the most to her, whether a special song on the radio, a flower in bloom, or a call from a dear friend. You are the master of custom-made favors.  Give my friend the ones she needs today, to keep her hopes focused on You.

And bring her child back home—home to her, and home to You

In Jesus’ Name, so be it.   

References to Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 6:16; Isaiah 30:18

The above prayer is a chapter from my newest book, Touchable God: Finding the Lord's Friendship Through Prayer.  I hope, if your child is far from home, you found encouragement in it. It is one of 25 prayers for friends in crisis included in the book. I also share 20 stories of my own journey to an intimate walk with Jesus.

Why Dreaming Big Dreams doesn't always work

Do you ever think—like I do—that  all the talking and writing and teaching about “fulfilling your destiny” and “dreaming big dreams” doesn't always work? In fact, hearing those phrases might make some folks—like you and me—feel badly about themselves?

                Why? Because the troubles attacking us, our families, our churches and our nation take every ounce of strength and faith we have to simply get through each day without falling apart. We have no power left over for dreams and visions and goals for the future.  

                At certain times in our lives the pressures mount past the ceiling of our ability to dream.  Jesus knew these times would come when he told the parable of the two houses. He spoke of the “winds and floods and rains that beat vehemently upon that house.” And Paul even wrote once that “the problems were so heavy, I despaired of life!”

                If you’re experiencing a test that’s taking ALL your energy and ALL your faith simply to hold fast to the truth that God is good and he’s on your side, don’t feel badly that you’re not moving toward those sparkling aspiration with huge strides. Accept God’s grace for this fiery ordeal. And then rest in his love.

     Always remember:

         *Not quitting is sometimes the same as winning first                               place!

         *Not walking away is sometimes a huge victory!

         *Not giving up is sometimes worth a trophy!

      

Better days will show up on the calendar. The sun will shine again. Trials and tests don’t last forever. But in the meantime, let yourself be okay with using ALL your energy and what wee bit of strength you have to simply hold fast. 

“Hold fast to the profession of your faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised” (Hebrews 4:14).

If you are having one of those days, weeks or years in your life, I want you to know that I care, Jesus cares, and He is here to help you. You don't need to share details, but if you'd like me to pray for you, simply say "I am," or "yes" in the comment box and I will bring you to the throne of God's grace when I pray. 

Does Jesus Care about Little Things?

Which of this list would  You consider little?


     1. Your cat or dog is losing weight and you don't have money to take her to the vet.

     2. You AREN'T losing weight, even though you've cut back on sweets and second helpings.

     3. Your blog stats have dropped in the last month.

Would you pray for any or all of the above? Why or why not?

One of my goals in writing Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top was to help friends overcome the erroneous idea that God only cares about big things in our lives. Yet, what is big to God? And what is little to God? 

Since He cared enough to send Jesus to die in our place and purchase us for God's family with His sinless blood,  how much more will He care for us now that we are in His family? Surely everything that concerns us, also touches His father's heart.

Never think that the trifles in your life are unimportant to the Lord. He is always thinking about you, and wants to help you with every detail of your life. You are His child, and He cares for you. Bring Him ALL your concerns, not just the ones you think are big.

Today my friend Janette Dolores has a lovely review of Two Scoops on her blog. I'd be delighted for you to pop over there and say 'howdy!'

Have a lovely weekend,