Wedding Day Dilemmas

My wedding day was beautiful! A wonderful groom, a perfect wedding (almost), family and friends that love us and I got married!

Getting there was not so easy. My groom and I had a to-do list the day of the wedding. We were going to run our separate errands, and meet back at the church later that day.

I am from a large family (oldest of seven siblings). So, the siblings that were not participating in the ceremony were to help run our errands. Bradley had my little brother, Daniel, a sports loving ten year old, and I had nine year old Stacie -a diva waiting to happen.

The last thing I had told my loving groom was be back at the church as soon as you can.

By habit, and ability, my list was much longer than his.

I had to run across town, and pick up our rings from the jeweler. There had been a delay, and they were ready that very day. I was picking up items for the reception and the ceremony that were last minute thoughts.

Bradley’s big job was to pick up our marriage license from downtown and get his and my brothers tuxedo. Granted he had to go through the biggest festival in town to get there. Labor Day weekend was a tough time to get around. However, he did get his jobs accomplished with time to spare.

I have finished my errands, arrived at the church, and unloaded all the packages, checked on the reception site, only to see all the balloons we had placed in there the night before were now on the floor. It was a humid fall day, and the helium did not hold up. And, now, it was beginning to rain.

I needed a little more sunshine, a little cooler temperature, and I needed new balloons. Where was groom? He was not there. Was he okay? No cell phone – how did we communicate back then???

The problems were taken care of, the church was fully decorated, and all was set. Except, my groom was still missing. Hadn’t he had enough time to get around and complete his jobs?

Just before I was to prepare getting into my gown, my groom finally arrived. I was sure that had been some problem. Nope – the delay was a jaunt through the fair and a game of basketball. When my husband-to-be realized he had made really good time; he decided to enjoy the free time, and play with his soon to be brother-in-law. After all, he did arrive to the church “On Time”.

UNBELIEVABLE! Didn’t he know the stress I was having fixing all the problems? Why could he stop and play and I am running around with way too much on my mind?

Needless to say – I got over it. I had said one thing, and he heard something entirely different. Many friends had arrived early to help me with all the extra things that needed done.

All our friends and family were awaiting the celebration of our marriage. And, we were ready for the ceremony – that was all that mattered.

How many times in life does God feel the same way? How many times did He intend one thing, and we heard much different interpretations of his Word.

It is a good thing to seek His Word, ask for directions, and make sure to ask the right questions to make sure we are doing what God wants us to.

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 (New Living Translation)

The Grace Lesson

When I was a little girl, about 10 years old, I had an experience I will never forget. It has been a big life lesson…

I had just flipped the restroom light switch, and found the bulb was burned out. I had seen my parents change this light many times. It did not look so difficult. I got a new light bulb, and stood on the edge of the bathtub, and began unscrewing the screws in the globe surrounding the light. It was going smoothly, until I tried to reach the last screw – it was just barely too far for me to reach – I almost had it loose, when CRASH!!!! The glass globe went crashing to the floor and shattered everywhere.

My parents rushed to see what the commotion was about. I knew they would be upset with me. First, they made sure I was not hurt. I waited in my bedroom expecting the punishment would arrive soon. They cleaned up all the broken glass, and changed the bulb.   Instead of a punishment, my dad let me know that he knew it was an accident, and he appreciated me trying to be more responsible and helping myself. He had been encouraging us to do more things on our own. I was shocked! (My mom was shocked, too.) I was not receiving a punishment, but, being encouraged to continue to be independent.

Many years later, in a similar story, I had the chance to pass the same grace onto my own children.  I had just returned from a shopping trip, and bought some new home décor items. I had placed them carefully in my trunk, and asked my kids to help unload them. Well, as kids do, they were not as careful as they should have been. And, several bags got roughed around a bit.

I began inspecting my purchases, and realized one of my wall pictures (metal art) was broken. A leaf had broken completely in half. I was disappointed. This beautiful picture had not made it to my wall, yet, and was already broken. Immediately, I had flashbacks of that moment in my parents’ home with the light globe. I knew this was my chance to give my kids a memory of their own.

They both had my attention, and neither knew which one broke this item. They were apologizing, when I told them accidents happen. But, we need to be careful with valuables. They had the same look of shock,  that I had when I was a little girl. After we shared big hugs, I told them my story.

I decided to put the wall hanging up anyway, and put a piece of scotch tape on the broken leaf. Every time I see the wall hanging, it is a reminder to me of the grace our Heavenly Father gives us.

If we all got we deserve, we would have nothing. It is a blessing that our Father sent His Son to die on the cross for each of us to have the freedoms we have today!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV

Nuggets of Faith

I had been getting ready for work and the kids were getting ready for school. I generally keep two TVs tuned to my favorite news channel. That way I am sure not to miss any important information as I am getting ready for the day ahead.  

On this particular morning my youngest son, 7 year old, River ran to tell me of the awful thing he heard on the news. He told me of a plane that crashed and five passengers were killed.

It would have been easy to just nod and return to my busy morning. But, I felt this needed a little more attention. I sat down with him and explained how that was awful news. My two boys and I sat down and prayed for the families of those five passengers. We prayed for them to be comforted, we prayed for Christ to make Himself evident in this situation. We also prayed for any family member or friend that might not be saved; to be witnessed to in a special way.

This really seemed to calm River. Sometimes the fast answer is not always the best answer. I am constantly asking myself what I can do to better prepare my boys for the Spiritual battles that lay ahead.

By praying daily, those answers come easier and more naturally.

All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.  2 Corinthians 1:5 (The Message)

Perceptions: What You Want To See

One of my very fondest memories is the night I received my marriage proposal. It is such a romantic memory. Bradley had planned to propose to me on New Year’s Eve at the stroke of midnight.

We had attended a Sunday School Class Singles Party that evening. About a quarter to midnight, he told me he would like to go for a walk outside. We left the party we were at and he led me across the street to a small creek, surrounded by a grassy area, and trees. As midnight was quickly approaching my boyfriend began to profess his love for me. He was so nervous, and reminded me of a kid on his first date. It was so sweet. He bent down on one knee and asked me to be his wife, and I accepted. There was music playing in the background, we were standing under a moonlit sky, and right at the stroke of midnight fireworks began to go off. No, this was not my imagination.

However, my sweet husband was also not quite that romantic. You see the creek we were standing in was really a drainage creek; the music came from a  car that drove by that had music blaring, and the fireworks – they were real – but what else do you expect from a New Year’s Celebration?

You see, since I was a little girl I dreamed of a prince charming whisking me off to happily ever after. Okay, not quite so dramatically. Even right after he proposed I told him what my perception was – giving him much more credit than he actually planned. But that is the story of my engagement.

Perception is a funny thing.

Do you perceive things that are not quite what was meant? It is easy to change things to mean whatever you want, but, it is not always the right thing to do. For instance, sometimes it is really easy to want the Bible to say what makes life easier for you. But, in reality, maybe it should not be interpreted that way. Maybe it is just an excuse to make something okay that you struggle with.

But they delight in the law of the Lord,
      meditating on it day and night. Psalm 1:2

The Gift on our Step

When my husband and I were young in our marriage we struggled with finances. I remember back to some of the hard times we went through. The second year we were married, right before Thanksgiving, we were standing in our kitchen looking over a table full of groceries. We were smiling and holding each other. We were speaking of the amazement of the predicament we were in.

All this food was not ours. We were helping collect groceries for needy families to fill Thanksgiving baskets. When, in fact, our cupboards were practically bare. We only had a couple of can goods left in our pantry, and very few odds and ends in the fridge. But, it was just my husband and I, and we would get through until the next payday, which was over a week away.

The following day, we were to take all of this food and deliver it to the ministry that was going to feed those families in need. My husband and I had not told anyone of our own situation. Somehow, when looking over all that food on our table – we knew we would be taken care of anyway. We giggled at the irony of the situation, but knew that God always provides.

When we returned home from the delivery, we found a gift on our doorstep. It was a bag full of groceries. In addition to that wonderful gift, my mom showed up at our home later that day. She told us to come with her. She was being quite secretive. We went with her, and she took us to a grocery store. She began filling her shopping cart, and told us that it was all for us. She and my dad just knew we were struggling; without a word from us. God works in amazing ways.

One of the main reasons we hadn’t told our family that we were struggling, was because we knew our families were not made of money. They were living paycheck to paycheck much like us. We did not want to burden them, and they had more mouths to feed. I am the oldest of 7 children. My parents still had 6 children living at home. The precious gift my parents were able to give to us was more valuable than just the cost of groceries. But, the thought and sacrifice that went along was priceless.

Someone else made a BIG sacrifice for you. Have you thanked Him lately?

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 (New American Standard Bible)

Baby Faith

I remember as clear as if it were only yesterday. I was due to have my first sonogram; I was about 22 weeks pregnant with our first child. It was an easy task to figure out we were having a little boy. I heard his tiny little heartbeat, saw his tiny fingers and toes. It is truly amazing how God created us, and plans each and every detail of our being.  I was so caught up in the moment, so filled with happiness, when the sonogram tech got a very concerned look. She found something very puzzling, took several pictures, and then excused herself to consult with a doctor.

A doctor and the sonogram tech came back into the room and showed me the pictures of my precious baby – then they pointed out a mass on his brain. It was a sizable cyst. They said they wanted to schedule a follow up appointment immediately after the weekend.

This was the first, and only appointment my husband was unable to attend. He could not get off from work. I had to leave the hospital that day, muster up everything I had, and call my husband. All I knew for sure was that something was wrong with our precious baby. We didn’t know what it meant. But, a cyst on the brain sounded pretty serious.

I called my husband, and he came right home. We shared a lot of tears, and a lot of prayers that weekend. It seemed a lifetime the few days that had to pass for our next doctors’ appointment. We just kept praying that everything would be okay. We attended  our Sunday School Class and Church Service – shared with our friends the serious medical issues that were facing our unborn child, and received a lot of comforting words and prayers.

Monday morning could not have come soon enough. We arrived at the same hospital I had just been in a few days ago. A doctor greeted us at the door, and directed us to a boardroom with several other doctors already seated. We sat down, holding each others hands, and just praying quietly that all would be okay. The doctor began to explain what was found on the original sonogram pictures. They explained that our baby boy had a large cyst on his brain. They went on to tell us that our little boy would not be able to live a normal life. He would have physical and mental disabilities. They were encouraging us to have an abortion. They said it would only be fair to our child, because he would never live a normal life. This news was chilling. Without hesitating, my husband and I were certain that an abortion was not the answer. Whatever the outcome, we would take whatever God gave us.      

The doctors shifted gears a little, and began talking about the sonogram pictures that were taken a few days earlier, and discussed many of the side effects that would surely face our baby. They explained that there are many babies with this condition, and a great number of them do not live past a few years old. We assured them again that we were going to continue with the pregnancy regardless.

They performed another sonogram to compare pictures. They were shocked at what they found. Two and then three doctors came into the room, all of them taking turns with the sonogram machine, printed pictures, and asked us to meet them in the board room again.

We sat anxiously waiting. The doctors began explaining that the size of the cyst could change over time, but never disappear. And even when shrinking over time would occur, the same side effects would be certain. But, they continued to go on, stumbling over their words; when one of the doctors asked if we believed in God. We assured them that we did, and they attributed what they saw on that sonogram as a miracle! The cyst had completely disappeared. Even though they witnessed this miracle – they went on to say that the same side effects were still possible at birth or after. We chose to believe that God brought us this far – he would completely heal our child!

By the way, our little boy, Hunter, is now 14 years old, and is and has been a perfectly healthy, active kid. We just can’t bear to think what our lives would have been like if we had listened to those doctors so many years ago. 

Faith is hard to maintain in difficult times, but, God often rewards faithful servants with joy that is like none other.

"Because you're not yet taking God seriously," said Jesus. "The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, 'Move!' and it would move. There is nothing you wouldn't be able to tackle."  Matthew 17:20 (The Message)

Braided Trust

When I was about 7 years old, I loved to make friendship bracelets. I had saved up my allowance to buy some new materials to make more bracelets. I had two options at the store. I could buy a small roll, use only a little of my money and make a few bracelets for myself, or I could buy a large spool and spend all my money. Then I could make some new bracelets, give some away, and make my money back by selling the extras to some of the neighborhood kids. I went for the latter.

I was so proud of my new purchases. I went right outside with all these materials, and sat on a wall outside my friends building. I began to make many bracelets. I tied one on my wrist, and began to put the rest of my finished products into a bag. Pretty soon, a neighbor girl I wasn’t very familiar with came to visit with me. She noticed the bracelets, and complimented them. I told her I was selling them for a quarter. We talked for quite some time. I was just finishing up the very last bracelet, and realized I needed to use the restroom. She agreed to watch the bracelets until I got back.

I hurried and took care of business, and when I returned, the girl was gone, and so were my bracelets.  I knocked on the apartment door that she lived in, and she answered. I asked about my bracelets, and she said she had left them on the wall.

They were gone, and I was so upset. Not just because all my money was lost, but I put a lot of hard work and effort into those bracelets. Not to mention this new “friend” I made was untrustworthy.

I walked home slowly and began to cry, I tried to fight back the tears, but there was no use. I told my mother what had happened. That became a very valuable lesson in my life. My mother talked to me about trust, and how trust is earned.

This reminded me of the trust we need to place in our Heavenly Father. He has done everything to earn our trust. But, how many times do we give Him the feeling of being robbed. He has given us everything we have. How much do we give back to Him? Time, money, attention – or even a relationship…

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
   don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
   he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
   Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
   your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
   give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
   your wine vats will brim over.
But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline;
   don't sulk under his loving correction.
It's the child he loves that God corrects;
   a father's delight is behind all this. Proverbs 3:5-12 (The Message)

From the Mouths of Babes

My grandmother was a very strong, determined woman. I loved my grandmother dearly. For years I tried to share with her how much Jesus loved her. I would get the same response over and over again. She would point out that she had sinned too much in her life, and she could not get into Heaven. As much as we tried to tell her she was mistaken – she would simply change the subject.

From the time I was a little girl until I had small children of my own, that is the way our conversations went whenever they turned to churchy subjects. When my oldest son was 6 years old, that changed.

My grandmother had become very ill. She had many ailments, and frequent doctor appointments. She did not drive, and needed help even getting in and out of vehicles. I began taking her to doctor appointments, grocery shopping, and taking care of whatever errands she needed done.

I was having a very frustrating morning. We were running late, and I needed to get my children to school, and get my grandmother to an appointment. We rushed out of the house, got my youngest dropped off at preschool, and continued to the elementary school – only to realize there was no school that day.  So, Hunter would have to spend the day with me running my grandmothers errands. He was thrilled to be out of school, and more excited to see his great grandmother.

We arrived at my grandmothers’ house with very little time to spare. Both were very excited to see each other. On the way to the appointment, my grandmother began chatting with Hunter. She asked what he had done the weekend before. He brought up church, and some of the activities that he had been involved in. She made some comment about not going to church.

I sat driving and praying that my little boy would be some encouragement to her interest in the faith that was so precious to us. Amazingly, he actually shared the plan of salvation with my grandmother – and she listened. At one point, she asked me if what he was saying was correct – it was. They talked for 25 minutes all the way to the doctor. This was more time than she ever allowed for such a conversation.

To my knowledge this was the first time, my grandmother was open enough to listen. At least we know she heard what God wanted for her.

It is amazing who God will use in any situation. My grandmother passed away soon after that conversation. No one knows if she actually made a decision to follow Christ. But, we know that she was given every opportunity.

That was my 6 year olds very first witnessing opportunity; very precious memories.

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

Lifetime Seeds

I was just 12 years old when my dad took me to my first Christian concert. It meant a lot to me that this was just me and my dad. I am a daddy’s girl, and time spent together is so special.

We arrived at Youth For Christ about half an hour before the concert. There were so many teenagers who were excited about being there. I was instantly taken with the atmosphere, the kids, and the fun environment.

We found our seats, sat down, and talked briefly before the concert began. I’m not sure who was enjoying the concert more, my dad seemed very entertained. We were listening to the piano and songs of David Meece – it was the Candle In The Rain Tour. Before we realized it, the intermission had begun.

My dad decided to buy a souvenir. He let me choose a concert button. I wore that button on my denim jacket for the next couple of years, along with all the additional buttons and pins I began to collect.

That night was only the beginning of the new world my dad had opened for me. I began to go to all the concerts and rallies that were held at Youth For Christ. Ultimately that became the hub of my Christian walk. I learned what it meant to live for Christ, to stand up for my beliefs, and most of all I learned being a Christian is FUN!

I made friends there that are still my friends today. I thank my dad for introducing me to that whole new world. It was our special moment. I know that was God’s way of planting seeds to last a lifetime.  

Is there someone you can impact in a similar way? Think about who you can influence today.

 “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit.  

Matthew 7:15-17 (New Living Translation)

A Stranger Beside Me

The first night I met my husband to be – I never really met him. Let me explain. I was having lunch on a work break with my best friend, Shelley and her boyfriend, Lance. Lance had a friend there – my mysterious crush…

We sat at the same table, we ate the same food, we were shoulder to shoulder for over an hour. Yet, we were never introduced.

How often does that same situation happen with people who seemingly know Christ. They attend a church service, or go to a church social, have friends who know Christ – but, they never really meet Christ. Perhaps their friends never introduce them to Christ.

Are you that person, or are you the friend. Think of the responsibility we have as Christians to share about the One who saves.

In my case with this crush, the worst that could have happened was probably that I would never be introduced to this man. Therefore I would not have had a date with him; a minor consequence to say the least, in the big scheme of life.

But, think of the consequences of not introducing a friend to Christ. Is an eternity in Hell worth saving you a little embarrassment, or fear of rejection?

How about those around you, have you introduced them to your best friend, Jesus Christ?

Do you attend church to worship the One who saves or are you simply visiting and being social?

"If you love me, show it by doing what I've told you. I will talk to the Father, and he'll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can't take him in because it doesn't have eyes to see him, doesn't know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be in you! John 14:15-17 (The Message)

A Fleeting Moment

I was about 11 years old when a moment captured me forever. My mother and I were sitting side by side at a picnic table out in the park. It was Easter morning and our church was having a special Sunrise Service. The pastor was preaching, and mom and I were looking out at the landscape in front of us. I was taking it all in as I was listening to the message being delivered. I was looking at the beautiful clouds, basking in amazement at all of His creation.

My mother and I, nearly at the same time, grabbed each others hands, and asked if the other saw the same thing. What was so amazing is that the clouds formed into the shape of praying hands. As quickly as they appeared, outstretched arms became clear and reminded us of Jesus’ open arms. It was like He was welcoming us to enjoy all that He created. My mother and I shared such a sacred moment. No one else noticed these clouds – but, my mother and I saw the very same thing. God had given us that special gift to share.

God’s timing is amazing. He reveals Himself at the time and the place that is perfect. My mother was a very new Christian, growing in her faith, and in her walk with Christ. I know that moment was for my mom. A little encouragement, and reminder that God is always there. Whether good times, or bad times, happy times or sad times; He is there to help us through.

What are you waiting for? Return to your God! Commit yourself in love, in justice! Wait for your God, and don't give up on him—ever! Hosea 12:6 (The Message)