Love - Praying For Light

We are embarking on a mission. That's right. Mission Possible 2012. It is the hope of our children's ministry that this Mission Possible project will ignite a flame within our children, our community, our country and yes even our world. Our church's children's ministry have put together some very clever tools to help families do this. Spreading the light and love of Jesus has always been a passion of my family. Mike and I served in Chi Alpha for years, strategically spreading the Light of Jesus on a dark campus in NJ. More recently my boys and I have been able to serve right here in our community.  I've written about it in several other posts like here or here.

In my curriculum we read a book called Window on the World every week. This allows us to become familiar with about 92 largely unevangelized countries and peoples of the world. It gives us ways to pray for them and what to thank the Lord for already. So along with this our church has provided information about Mali (the country that our church is currently partnering with) as well as Detroit (our youth have invested their hearts by serving there) and then of course local opportunities. Its about spreading light in a dark world. This past Sunday I sat with a precious man in his 80s who held my hand close to his chest and asked me why I love him more than his own children. As I served him a hot meal and listened to him talk...he told me about why he comes to this place to be fed. It is not always about the food (although indeed he is hungry and in need), but I think it is because he feels loved. He has stolen a piece of my heart. He told my boys that they are like little angels to him. It makes his heart feel happy when he sees them loving people. "It is a gift to be treasured!" he whispered to my boys.

So when while we cannot be in Detroit or Mali, we pray for Light. We have missionary friends in Japan, Budapest, South Africa, Nigeria...we pray for them. We sit around our table after morning devotions and pray. We pray for Light. A few years back, my 8 year old, then maybe at 5 years old..went up to everyone he would see and asked if they knew Jesus. We were surprised by some of the responses. People know about Him, but most don't really know him..and admittingly so. We need to spread the Light of this world.

Interestingly enough, we did a science experiment today. It was on light. Light travels in a straight line and it travels very very fast. The only way to stop light from traveling is...to block it with something. This led to a great discussion about the things in our lives that may block the light of Jesus shining through us. The words we say, the choices we make, the way we live our daily lives. We are supposed to be different. We are supposed to be set apart. We are in the world not of it. It is not always easy..I know.  What happens when we turn on a light after being in the dark? It hurts our eyes. It is not comfortable for those in darkness to be around the light..it is not supposed to be comfortable. How grateful are we when our eyes adjust to the light and we can finally see? Oh yes. Shine through me Lord.

If you are concerned with spreading the love of Jesus...shining his Light in a dark world..start by praying. There is certain power in prayer. Prayer does great things in the Heavenlies. Then remember to be careful not to allow things in our lives that may block the Light. Create in my a clean heart oh God...search me and know me...let me be a light in a dark world.

Living Manna

"Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions." Exodus 16:4

My children have been reading 1 Kings about the story of Elijah. I just said to them yesterday, imagine pouring out our milk onto your cereal every day and the carton never goes empty. (We go through about a gallon every two days...3 superheros go through a lot of milk.)

We have been praying for Mr. Incredible to get a job. He has been applying everywhere. Still only closed doors. Then two days ago my 8 year old reads these words in his Bible in Matthew chapter 18:20...

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” He leans over to me and says..."Does this mean that if you and I pray right now and agree and believe that the Lord will answer?" Yes! If it is God's will...absolutely! My 8 year old superhero bows his heads, folds his hands and prays...

"Please Lord, help my Dad to get a job, so we can have food to eat and money to pay bills and Dodger can get his checkup. Please help my Dad be the best nurse ever so he can get a great job as a nurse someday and make be feel better."

I prayed after him that the Lord would indeed provide for our every need. We were standing on holy ground. My boy looked up and wanted to call his Dad, right then and there. Instead he called my friend and when he told her what he had read in his Bible she responded by saying that he certainly found a golden nugget in God's Word and that she too would agree in prayer. He hung up the phone and immediately said..."Well, Mom...that's three. God's totally going to answer our prayers!"

I've been reading through the Bible chronologically. I'm in Exodus now...the Israelites are in the wilderness. God has rescued his people and they have already started to grumble. I know this story. I am aware that in our humanity we could easily grumble. I am conscious of how I respond to God in times of need. We are in times of need right now, and I continue to praise Him. I've done the grumbling thing in the past..that only serves to make me feel horrible. I've learned that lesson..so I approach the throne in love with my Rescuer! Longing for His presence!

This is hard for me to write about. He has provided in miraculous ways for my husband to go to school. We do not have any debt..praise God. We have had incredible expenses come up and while my husband's school is completely paid for...we are struggling to figure how we will make it for the next few months. I have two part time jobs and am so thankful! We are faithful to give back to the Lord a good portion of what He has so graciously given to us. It is all His! We try always, to live by the Word and walk in obedience.

In the quiet of the night last night I thought to myself that I would begin to ration our food. Only 2 cups of milk a day for each child. Only one for Mike and I. PB&J every day for lunch for all of us...we have beans and that can go a long way. One serving of food is all anyone really needs per meal. My children and friends do not need homemade cookies or cookies at all. We need to make this stretch..if in fact we are going to be able to pay our bills this month and next and next.

This morning I thanked the Lord for His provision. I read that verse I have above and know in my heart that He is indeed my Manna..He is exactly what I need. I wasn't hungry, or in need. He is my supply. My mind did wander to George Mueller and thought about when he had nothing for those orphans to eat, he prayed and thanked God for his provision. His provision of Himself. I shared with my boys at breakfast about how I think we will be eating hot meals for dinner and sandwiches for lunch. No more "leftovers" for lunch..lets save that for dinner..it will feel more like dinner and get us through the night. They were fine with that and the limit of the milk with two meals a day...water can be with lunch.

We were joyfully starting our morning with devotions when we hear a car in the drive way. Jesus stopped by today. He brought us Manna! "Food to eat!" as my 8 year old prayed. My children ran out to the van and said..."We have been praying that God would give us food...and you answered our prayer." No boys, the Lord answered our prayer...through this saint. He is our Provider, our Supply, our Manna!

I think this covers...#280-289 of my gratitude list, my 1000 Gifts.
 

Perspective

Why is trust so difficult?  My friend Denise posted something on Facebook that I just had to share. I'm not sure who wrote the piece..but I thought how perfect.

After just watching Soul Surfer for the second time, I was able to really hear some of the great truth that she spoke, both in her raw moments and in her confident moments. There was a point when she wondered why did God allow her to be bitten by that shark and to lose her arm, her dream, her "life as she knew it would be."

When I think about tomorrow I have to remember not to worry about it. This certainly isn't what I would have chosen for my family...the more difficult road. The road in which we must struggle to get by, the one that to the human eye seems impossible. NO! But with Him..all things are possible!  Every morning I have to lay it down. Lord, you have my steps, my open doors, my closed doors. You have a plan and it is good. PERIOD! I must trust! He has never failed me..NEVER not once! TRUST.

Then today, a couple of my boys were just having a rough day. I reminded them that life is not easy sometimes. In fact sometimes life is down right hard. So what do we do I asked my boys.."What do we do when life is tough?" "We pray! I guess we should pray Mom!" Yes, we sat at that table today and we prayed. We gave it all to the Lord. It is no good giving if we don't TRUST!

Sometimes things happen and we think...Wow! Really?! Meanwhile, if only we could tear back and look through to the heavenlies....what is going on behind the scenes..how exactly is God working this out for us..his children. Because I can guarantee you this...He is working it out - and it is for our good!

Enjoy the rest of this post...I did not write it..I'm "reposting" it from my friend on Facebook. I thought it was a clever way for us to get perspective!

Me: God, can I ask You a question? 


God: Sure 


Me: Promise You won't get mad ... 


God: I promise ... ... ... 


Me: Why did You let so much stuff happen to me today? ... ... 


God: What do u mean? 


Me: Well, I woke up late 


God: Yes 


Me: My car took forever to start 


God: Okay 


Me: at lunch they made my sandwich wrong & I had to wait 


God: Huummm 


Me: On the way home, my phone went DEAD, just as I picked up a call 


God: All right 


Me: And on top of it all off, when I got home ~I just want to soak my feet in my new foot massager & relax. 
BUT it wouldn't work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did You do that? 


God: Let me see, the death angel was at your bed this morning & I had to send one of My Angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that 


Me (humbled): OH 


GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road. 


Me: (ashamed) 


God: The first person who made your sandwich today was sick & I didn't want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn't afford to miss work. 


Me (embarrassed):Okay 


God: Your phone went dead because the person that was calling was going to give false witness about what you said on that call, I didn't even let you talk to them so you would be covered. 


Me (softly): I see God 


God: Oh and that foot massage, it had a shortage that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark. 


Me: I'm Sorry God 


God: Don't be sorry, just learn to Trust Me.... in All things , the Good & the bad. 


Me: I will trust You. 


God: And don't doubt that My plan for your day is Always Better than your plan. 


Me: I won't God. And let me just tell you God, Thank You for Everything today. 


God: You're welcome child. It was just another day being your God and I Love looking after My Children...  

It Is Better To Have Loved

In 1850 Alfred Lord Tennyson penned these words in his poem, In Memoriam 27 and even if you don't love poetry you probably have heard a portion of this piece:

"I hold it true, whate're befall;

I feel it, when I sorrow most;

'Tis better to have love and lost

Than never to have loved at all."

As my children buried their pet toads this week, I read this very poem to them and tried to explain that what they were feeling is beautiful. It was because they loved that they feel pain. Although I spent most of my afternoon comforting mourning boys who wear their hearts on their sleeves, it was precious to see the love in their hearts...for all things...life!

He checked the tank and gave the grave report...."I think Brendan's toad is...frozen." Brendan looked over to me with his sad eyes...as if to say..."he doesn't mean frozen does he Mom?" Then my youngest came back and said with tears.."Mine is frozen too Mom!"

A flood of memories hit me. I was a freshman in high school, had come home from school and found my great Aunt had died on her bedroom floor. I was in shock. Called my parents at work and said that she had fallen out of bed and wouldn't move. I couldn't say the words I knew to be true. Death was hard to speak about.

My sweet Shane had gone to feed the toads and noticed that Toto was "frozen" so he went back to pick up Hopper and he was still alive. Shane held him, placed him on the table and Hopper hopped once. Thinking all was well, Shane looked at Hopper's belly to watch him breathe...and right there in his hand..Hopper took his last breath. Oh there was heart ache!

Then Kyle frantically searched the tank for Darky. It has been a little chilly in the mornings so the toads tend to bury themselves in the dirt to keep warm. We couldn't find the toad. I suggested we take the tank outside and bury the other toads. We went outside, the boys made crosses for the grave sites. Shane dug Hopper's grave. All the while crying. I'm sure wondering why this had to happen. What a sad day. Then as he went to get his "frozen" toad out of the tank he saw movement...it was Darky..Kyle's toad.

What mixed emotions. This from a boy who has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, this from a boy who has an enormous heart and who knows how to express his feelings and emotions. Who loves deeply! He didn't know how to act. What he knew to be true, that Darky was "frozen" like the rest of them, was no longer truth. I watched everything transpire in Kyle's mind and heart. Elated that his toad had survived (God knew what he was doing), but sorrowful for his brothers...Kyle quietly pick up his toad...cried mixed tears...and decided to let him go.

He placed Darky by our neighbor's Oak tree with his homemade cross. Said his goodbyes as the other boys looked on. What a beautiful sight. The other two boys were happy for Kyle and happy for Darky...LOVE in the purest fashion. Kyle was cautious about his reaction...LOVE...displayed through the purity of compassion. We all wished Darky well as he hopped away...alive. Kyle placed his cross at the base of the tree and told Darky to stop by and "remember to thank Jesus every day for what He did...He saved you Darky."  Wow...this from my boy who has been diagnosed with ASD. He is indeed...special.

We went back to mourning...the loss. As I watched my 8 year old dig the hole that he would place his "friend" in...it hit me...this is a moment of growth. I saw a little man out there with that shovel. As he ever so gently placed Hopper in that grave, letting one of his own tears drop on Hopper's belly (LOVE physically displayed),  he instinctively said some of the most beautiful sentiments. "I love you Hopper. I remember when we played in the backyard and you hopped in the grass, and when I set up the obstacle course for you with all of the containers...you were so happy. I hope I see you again...in Heaven...I think you knew about Jesus...he did right Mom, how could he not know? I will never forget you Hopper."

We prayed for Shane and we thanked God for Hopper. What a joy it was to know him and we are thankful we showed him love. I looked at my son..tears flowing down his face. So many questions, so many memories. Memories of deaths past...his Pa and his Meme. Then the questions..."Mommy what if Dodger dies? Mommy please tell me you won't die?" I know he knows that death is a part of life...we've had this conversation before. I just let him ask questions, answered each one the best I knew how and held him close..all the while knowing that this is a lesson in life and LOVE.

It was hard for all three boys. They were broken for each other. I watched my little superheros come to the rescue of each other. It was one of the highlights of my Mommy life. The words of comfort that they gave to one another. "Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep." Romans 12:15

I could see Jesus in all of my boys that day. I could feel His presence and was thankful for the wisdom he granted me for that moment. I knew that this was a big deal...LOVE is a big deal!

My sweet Brendan. Most tender of all hearts, most selfless of all three. He took this so hard. As he took one last look...he says to me. "Mom, I'm thinking of all the things I didn't do. I didn't feed him like I should, I didn't play with him as often as Kyle & Shane, I don't think he knew how much I loved him. Is it my fault he is dead?" Looking at me, longing for me to rescue him with my words. I did the best I could. He whispers in my ear so his brother could not hear..."I don't know if I believe toads go to Heaven Mom...they do not have a soul...they really don't have a Savior."

No my son, but they do have a Maker.

As Brendan tries to take my advice and think about the good things about having his pet, I know this child is totally thinking of the most recent death that he had to experience...his grandmother. He cried so hard at the funeral. He is also very aware that his Pop is going to be 94 this month. One of the questions he asked was how I think the toads died. I have no idea...we talked about the toads' age and life expectancy.

He prepared the grave...so much harder for Brendan...my boy who wears his heart on his sleeve. My deep thinker. He had to give Toto some comfort, even in his death...he had to wrap him up..it was the only decent way.....LOVE...respectful. "Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices in strips of linen." John 19:40

Questions were asked, fears were relieved, hearts were in pain. Pain, because we love so deeply. As one boy mentioned..."I wish I didn't love my pets! It wouldn't hurt then if they die."

Ahhh...but it is better to have the memories of the love you have shared, then to have never loved before. Imagine NOT having those memories at all! Imagine not LOVING at all!!  How very sad that would be. Those very memories will soon turn to joy. I promise. For now, it hurts...I know.

Tomorrow it will get a little easier, and we will think about LOVE a lot. We will be conscious about how we demonstrate love, how we spread love and how we don't. We might be more mindful of making memories...memories made out of LOVE that live on...after the grave. Oh boys, it really is better that you have LOVED and loved deeply.

The Power of Words

As I reflect this week on all that I am grateful for, I keep reaching over to the lamp next to my bed and picking up this card. I have this amazing spirit filled friend whom the Lord uses mightily to saturate my soul in my love language..words of encouragement. I know whenever I receive something from her, it is because the Lord Almighty has spoken to her obedient heart...and I'm always incredibly blessed. I do hope she doesn't mind me sharing her personal sentiments to me with the readers of this blog. I just felt like it was a huge part of my 1000 Gifts..my gratitude this week..and I couldn't pass it by..I had to pass it on.

There is amazingly great power in words...

 as they fall off of the page and into my heart I read these POWERFUL words...

 "Your difficult times end up being an encouragement for others because we always see God do IMPOSSIBLE things to answer your prayers." WOW! God!!! To You be all the Glory & Honor! That my life song may be a blessing to others - what an encouragement to "remain faithful to waiting on God."

I've been teaching on Hope this past year at our Bagels & Blessings. As always the Lord is faithful to teach me so I can effectively teach others. To Him be the Glory!!

Then she goes on to pray provision over me....that "He do things that blow my mind!...He rewards my patience as I wait on Him...and Healing will take place in all of us!" Thank you Lord for such saturating my soul..for friends that really pray for me!!

Then look at this final paragraph..."Lord take this IMPOSSIBLE situation and SHOW OFF with it!...Show the world...NOTHING is too hard, too difficult, too impossible...another opportunity Lord, do it...BIG!!" Even as I type, these powerful Spirit-filled words move my heart that tears are falling once again.

We do have a very BIG God...who cares immensely...and who has a PERFECT plan. Even when I do not see where my next foot will fall...I walk by faith..not by sight!! He has ordered my steps and He will provide for each one. We continue to look for part time employment for my husband and I am about to embark on a new endeavor with teaching guitar. We understand fully that we are living on 5 loaves and 2 fish. If I remember the event as it is written in the Word...they had enough and even some left over. GO God!!! Do it BIG!

Thank you Father for...

270. Caring for little me and my little family, that you would place us on the hearts of others whom you trust to obey your will.

271. All the persons that are you. The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.

272. The words of a friend, moved by the Spirit, that have saturated my soul with encouragement.

273. Your provision, and your Word that says..you will continue to provide for our every need.

274. Making memories with my arrows....the bonus..education.

275. Scripture memory...as each member of my family pours into your word...it becomes alive and active in us.

276. The mystery that You are Lord...although you have revealed Yourself fully, I keep wanting more and more of you.

277. Your perfect plan that includes, hope and a future.

278. A husband who is trying and working so hard...hold on to Him Lord as he continues to hold on to you!

279. Teachable moments in Your curriculum...lessons on love, hope and giving. ♥

Amen!

....and the gifts keep growing on...

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

This would be our court jester...he is a hoot!

The traditional fanfare playing in the background...

Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

Sir Michael & Lady Lisa of Willow Oak Castle

Cordially invite the Sir Zack & Lady Susan

and the entire McDonald Family for a Medieval Feast.

We will be celebrating on the 29th day of January in the 

2012 Year of our Lord.

This is in fact how it all started. Completing our homeschool studies on the Medieval Era only warranted a celebration. So in fact, we worked together as a family, as a classroom,  to make something special. My only rule was that Sir Michael had to cook within a very strict budget and my children had to come up costumes on their own. We chose to celebrate with our friends who are like family to us..the same family we celebrated Christmas Eve with...living life with the McDonalds is always special & packed full of fun!! Indeed we had a blast!!

First they had to prepare. Brendan researched Court Jester, found some really great jokes too. Like..

Who built King Arthur's round table?....Sir Cumference! He made a great Court Jester.

Kyle wanted to be a Wizard..& convinced we can do anything with construction paper!

Shane loves this cape - he wanted to be a monk. He loves Jesus after all! 

Look at their finished projects...I'm so proud...they did an amazing job...with no help from Mom or Dad. In fact, they even made our costumes. 

The Monk, The Court Jester and the Wizard...we off to a good start!

Now we wait for our friends to arrive...

and did they ever arrive in style! 

We took a moment to hug, laugh and then of course start our photo shoot. Yes, people were staring as they drove down the street, but isn't that all part of the fun!

This woman next to me is Susan and I'm eternally grateful for her friendship. She has been a wellspring of encouragement to me for almost 8 years. Kindred spirits she and I share. Grateful for her wisdom especially when it comes to homeschooling. Always cheering me on..always reminding me of the important things. 

Here are our precious kids! Just look at them all!! Bravo kids...bravo!

Oh and then there is Zack! Apparently young Zack in the above picture didn't want to be the only boy with stockings...so his Dad was kind enough to oblige. So glad he didn't get pulled over on his way to our house.

He is always ready to strike a pose!

Zack with oldest daughter Riley...she was the brains behind all of their costumes. I've watched this girl grow up, and you know as a teenager, she could have been anywhere else on a Saturday, but she chose to be with her family and not only enjoy the festivities, but be a pivotal part of it. It blessed my heart to have her here with us. I love this girl!!

Now onto the menu. So glad that Susan decided to make some authentic Medieval food. I don't think our food was quite authentic..it was more for the fun...here is what we had for our feast.

Sallet of Lemmons

The lemons would be our appetizer and pallet cleanser. That was probably my favorite dish and Kyle's too.

We did smoke turkey legs...for the first time...

 & Baked potatoes...which I don't think was authentic, but it had that rustic 1500s feel about it...and they were delicious.

 Mr. Incredible's favorite was what Susan made....

Pottage of Turnips with Powder Douce.

 This was Applemoyse...yum! Apples, cinnamon, ginger, egg yolks, sugar...yum!

So we feasted until we were full. We laughed and the court jesters were there to entertain us with riddles and tricks. The children all tried the food....they didn't all like it, but they tried it! 

After we feasted..we sat by the fire pit and roasted..shhh...don't tell...marshmallows...just because we all like that and it was fun! Not very Medieval however! 

Then I popped tons and tons of popcorn..and we watched...

and we laughed and laughed and everyone enjoyed this film so much! What a perfect ending to a perfect night!! Now..we move on to the Renaissance...learning about famous artists...I'm thinking maybe an art show of some kind when we are done with that. It might be kind of fun to have some fun appetizers and invite friends to display their art work..make like an open house...ooohhh...my wheels are spinning.

Hey, if you want to host your own Medieval Feast and are curious about the recipes we used...leave a comment and I'll be happy to send them to you.