A Father for All
A friend recently posted that the pastor of her church had passed away.
It wasn’t until we spoke that I understood how much this person meant to her.
She described him as someone who was like a father to her, and a grandfather to her children.
A deeply felt loss.
He was like family.
In His word, God tells us that we are His children.
His sons and daughters.
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are…”
1 John 3:1 (ESV)
His love for us is so great, that He did not want to spend eternity without us.
That would be a deeply felt loss.
Because we are His family.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 (ESV)
My friend shared her story about someone who was like a father to her.
A relationship that had an impact in her life.
Sharing our stories about the One who is our Father makes Him real to others.
If someone who doesn’t know God sees Him working in our lives, it opens the possibility to them that He can work in theirs, too.
This is not just a relationship that can impact our lives.
It is the most important relationship we will ever have.
How is God showing up for real in your life?
Friends, share your stories.
Make Him real for someone who doesn’t know Him.
He is a Father for us all.
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Loving Each Other
“Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.”
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Are You Ready?
The word is everywhere.
Local news, national news, social media.
It seems like everyone will be impacted.
What am I talking about?
The winter storm that seems to be affecting over half the country.
Now, living in the northeast, we tend to be a little more prepared for these storms, unlike our friends in the south.
But this storm has everyone talking.
Even those of us here in the north are getting prepared for the snow, ice and extreme cold.
In addition to stocking up on the usual bread, eggs and milk, water and rock salt are flying off the shelves.
My husband and I just left the store with extra batteries in case the lights go out.
Many people are concerned about losing power.
Going down my mental checklist of what I needed before the storm starts, God put a different message in mind.
Wouldn’t it be great if My Word was everywhere?
Local news, national news and social media?
Because everyone will be impacted.
I am coming back.
Unlike the uncertainty of the storm, this you can be sure of.
Why do you prepare more for a snow storm than you prepare for heaven?
Friends, we have an idea of when the storm is coming this weekend.
But we have no idea of when He will return.
“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” Matthew 24:44 (NIV)
Even though no one knows the exact day of His return, just like with the weather, there will be signs.
“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.” 2 Timothy 3:1-4 (NLT)
How do we prepare?
If we stay connected to the Source, we should have nothing to fear.
He provides everything we need.
Worried about water?
He is the Living Water.
“Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” “But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? 12 And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?” Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” John 4:10-14 (NLT)
No bread left on the shelves?
He is the Bread of Life.
“Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35 (NLT)
Worried about the lights going out?
He is the Light of the World.
“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 (NLT)
Friends, just like preparing for the storm, we should be preparing for His return.
Are you ready?
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Understand
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Wonderful Counselor
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Among Us
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Hope
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Humble Hearts
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When Less Equals More
We are an elite group.
That description is not because we are rich or famous.
Most of us come into this group with no special skill set.
We are more “jack of all trades, master of none” if you will.
Our training did not come through classes or lectures, but more from watching the models around us over the years.
Many times we cry through the tests, thinking we have the right answer only to find out the question was different than what we prepared for.
All of our time is consumed by being the best, only to find out with each passing year we return to novice status.
This seems glaringly obvious now.
It’s like starting a new job at the bottom when you have 18 plus years of experience.
Mothers of adult children, welcome!
And if you are not one, I promise that someone in your circle is.
We recognize each other now not by the Froot Loops in our hair or the stains on our shifts.
Playdates are in the rearview mirror.
No longer are we dropping our kids off at the front door, but watching them on Life360 to make sure they made it back safely to their apartment.
Instead of wearing our kids jerseys at sporting events, we look back on the Memories we posted about their first hit or dance.
There is a quiet recognition that we are in a season of less.
Less in person communication, more one word texts or requests for the Disney code that was just sent to you.
Less moments walking in the front door after school, more times walking in for a short visit just to do laundry.
Less advice being asked for about this problem or that one, more wondering if you ever taught them enough to live on their own.
Less time in their world, more time alone in ours.
Figuring out who we are in this season of life.
Our title has not changed, but our role is drastically different.
If I am being honest, I am not always handling this new role well.
Maybe I am not alone here.
But I know that God is trying to teach me something in this season.
Even though sometimes I cry through the lessons.
Here is what I am holding onto in this season of less.
Less equals more now.
- More prayers.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)
This verse hangs in our home.
When I am worried about my sons, I hold onto this.
Inserting the names of our children in this verse as we pray is the reminder that God not only has good plans for us, but also for our children.
- More gratitude
.
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.” Psalm 127:3 (NLT)
Our sons and daughters are a gift from our heavenly Father.
God knew exactly who He was choosing to be the mothers of our children, in every season of their lives.
He chose us.
Even when we are feeling unsteady, that is something to be grateful for.
- More trust.
“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4:9 (NIV)
This verse not only reveals the love the Father has for us, but also emphasizes the fact that He understands more than anyone the act of letting a child go.
When I start to worry about sending my sons into the world, I remember that God sent His only Son out of the comfort of His home into that same world.
And He was with Him step of the way.
Even when we let go, He never lets go of our children.
Or of us.
Even when our roles change, He remains the same.
In this season of less, I need more of Him.
Wishing you many blessings this Thanksgiving, whatever season you find you find yourself in.
He is with you.
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Hospitality
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