I copied these pictures from a Facebook page. I like them because I’m devoted to “family.” See that couple standing under a knarled old tree? ~~ Here’s a picture of my son with my great-grandson.
We rarely remember a dream (right?). Well, last night, I had a vivid dream and it went on-and-on. I was alone in a room. I had a couple of bags but I remember that I was sitting at a table focused on “paperwork.” I was “proofing” or making comparisons in the paperwork. I was waiting for the train. Occasionally, I would walk into the other room to check to see if I missed the train. After an extended period of time, I moved into the lobby and someone asked if they could buy me a cup of coffee. I said, “it’s free.” It was then that I experienced an extremely painful cramp in my right leg. I awakened screaming in pain! “Oh Lord, oh Lord!”
Obviously, I was wide awake and limped into the kitchen for an Aleve. The kitchen and living room were so hot I was forced to turn on the air-conditioner.
This morning I saw this item (or something similar) advertised on TV. The commercial sounded great–about a foot and leg massager–but I’ll suffer in (almost) silence. My feet and legs are really hurting this morning.
My legs hurt and my heart is broken!! There’s an old saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me.” WORDS DO HURT ME!!
Appointed For Such a Time as This
I was seven months pregnant, sitting on the sofa in my family room, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. Two planes just crashed into the World Trade Center … on purpose.
My baby will be here in two months, I thought to myself. What kind of evil world is he about to enter? Will he even have a chance?
I called a friend. She was as stunned and heartbroken as I was. We processed our thoughts out loud … and we prayed.
Fast forward about 10 years.
Smartphones became the newest thing. Suddenly, the internet was literally in the palm of our hands and so was our access to sin. The thought of raising my boys in this technology-obsessed age began to overwhelm me.
I called my friend (the same one I called after 9/11). She understood my fears and allowed me to process my thoughts out loud again.
Even if my boys aren’t trying to look up something inappropriate, what if a classmate jokingly shows it to them? And then they’re hooked. What then?
“In what kind of world are we raising our children?” I asked her. “Will my boys even have a chance?”
God knew we would face the challenges we face today. If we continue to pray and stand on the principles found in His Word, God will give us the same wisdom and favor He gave Joseph.
My friend and I ended our conversation praying for our children.
Fast forward another 10 years.
It’s 2020. I’m driving home from work, still trying to process what I just saw. Empty milk, meat and toilet paper aisles, not to mention checkout lines winding halfway through the store. Perhaps you saw it too. It felt apocalyptic. What in the world? A pandemic?
I called my friend (yep, the same faithful one). I voiced my thoughts: “In two months, my baby is supposed to graduate from high school. What kind of world will he enter?”
We reminded one another of this truth: God knows all things. He knew this was going to happen … and that we would all be a part of it.
In Jeremiah 1:5, God says to Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Before Jeremiah was even born, God knew Jeremiah would be the “weeping prophet” and speak out against evil during crazy times in Israel’s history.
God also created Esther knowing full well her plight would not be easy. He knew she would become an orphan and that she’d be in a beauty contest competing for the title of queen. But as Esther’s uncle reminded her, she was born “For such a time as this,” and so are we (Esther 4:14, NIV).
God knew my oldest son would be two months away from his high school graduation, and my youngest son would be one lesson away from getting his driver’s license — all during a pandemic.
God knew our plans, and He knew they would be changing. God even knew that racial tensions would erupt in the midst of a pandemic.
But God has given us and our children everything we need … not just to make it through this season, but to thrive and be His voice of hope.
As I pulled up to my house that evening after work, my friend and I did what we always do during uncertain times. We closed in prayer.
None of this fazes God.
Before He created you and me, He knew us and what was in store for us. We have been appointed “for such a time as this.”
Lord, thank You for the hope we have in You. When You created us, You knew the difficult times we would find ourselves in. Equip us and allow us to be Your voice of hope to the world around us. Please cover us with Your peace and protection. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Ephesians 2:10, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (NKJV)
Esther 4:14, “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (ESV)
Humor me? While searching clipart for another blog message, I found this image. I love it!! That’s my extended family; they are interwoven. I am trying to shed light in the darkness.
The faithful few who read my blog messages are undoubtedly weary of the narratives about “climbing the family tree.” Change of pace: Sending you love and virtual hugs.
Recently, I learned there is a Red Hat Society chapter here in Waco–and one of the RV Park residents is a “Red Hatter.” When things “get back to normal,” perhaps I’ll be able to join the group? I still have a few purple outfits and two red hats. Years ago, I gave the majority of my Red Hat Society wardrobe to a thrift shop that supported a battered women shelter. ~~~ (“Old” pictures.)
Remember when I wrote about my garden? I would spend hours in the yard tending the plants. I miss my garden!! I “know” spending time outdoors enjoying fresh air and sunshine was good for me. The exercise was valuable. For several months, I have enjoyed neither. I have a pretty yard here in Waco; I have lots of blooms on lots of rose bushes. No maintenance required.
You agree with me that I have been “stuck in a rut“? Too much sitting!! DEPRESSION AGGRESSION.
Three Quarters & Counting 