Freedom in Our Praise

Most of the Psalms were written during wilderness times; the Epistles,  in prison.  We can take comfort in knowing that when we are in the fire, God is about to use us in a mighty way. 

"About Midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God..." In their darkest hour, they didn't forget God nor grow angry with Him.   They knew from Whom their help came from and they knew their freedom was in their praise. 

The rest of that Scripture states, "And the other prisoners were listening to them." Others are watching us as we endure life's storms.

"Suddenly there was an earthquake that shook the foundations of the jail.  All the doors  immediately flew open, and everyone's chains came off. "

May we be like Paul and Silas, confident that God will never  forsake us even in the toughest of times.  Our continual worship of Him will invoke His presence into our lives. Not only will it bring our freedom, but an open door to share the Gospel message to those who have watched our calm endurance. 

(Acts 16:25-26, Philippians 4:4-7, 1 Peter 2:9, Hebrews 13:15)

Fatherless

 

 

 

 

Alone and abandoned; the smiles you fake

He brought you into this world, but you feel you’re a mistake

 

Can’t recall when he last held you or was ever truly there

Emotionally he’s absent; he seems to never care

 

You strive for his approval; long for his concern

He lets you down as always; you wonder when you’ll learn

 

Nails of sadness pierce your heart---day after day

You feel forsaken…you hope it will change

 

I can see the emptiness---with you I have cried

I understand the loneliness of being denied

 

I share in the pain of being forsaken

I relate with the nails and the abuse you have taken

 

I want to carry every burden that is weighing you down

I want to give you hope and a smile for your frown

 

I want to assure you, you are here for a reason

These sorrowful times are only for a season

 

You felt you were fatherless, but your real daddy is Me

For I’m the one who formed you before you ever came to be

 

I have great plans for you…I’ll mend your broken heart

If you give your life to Me, I will never depart

 

Sweet child, I love you---more than you can understand

Despite your brokenness, please trust Me and take My hand

 

I’ll lead you down the path of Truth that will surely make you free

No matter what comes down that road, you can always count on Me

 

Though trials come into your life, and it seems there is no way

There is a peace I have for you---to get you through each day

 

Please don’t listen to the lies you hear---that your life is not worth while

For I don’t regret creating you…I’m proud that you’re My child

 

Stages

Dear Alyssa,

 

"Every new stage a child goes through, a mother is going through one too."  Boy, isn’t that the truth?  I remember you starting your first day of Kindergarten at the comfort of our kitchen table.   I loved knowing you were right there with me where I could protect your innocence with what you heard and saw.  I could shelter your heart from the "mean" of the world.  Home was a haven deliberately filled with words of kindness, songs of worship, laughter, and safety. 

 

Seasons later changed.  The teacher hat no longer fit me.   Third grade came.  You were everything cute on that first day of school.  While you hobbled down the hallway with your oversized backpack of goodies, I suddenly was attacked with a backpack full of "mom worries."  This was my time to trust God, in new ways, with my most precious gift: one of my children.  I would learn that you would be exposed to unkind people and ugly situations, and that was okay.  That’s how life works.  No, I wouldn’t be there when it happened, but as soon as school was over, I would be there to kiss the “boo-boo’s” and wipe the tears.  

Then I apparently blinked or something because just like that... another scene change.  Tonight is 8^th grade graduation. You will be a high schooler in the fall.  Wow!  How did that happen?   You truly have grown into such a beautiful, young lady.  You are sensitive to others and to our God.  I am so very proud of you; and not the cliché “mommy goggles” kind of proud. J  You truly are a beautiful person, inside and out.

Alyssa, “boo-boo’s” continue throughout life.  It’s not going to be the scraped knee at recess or a friend who wouldn’t share the ball.  The goodbyes, the transitions, the making of new friends can feel overwhelming.  The challenges with tougher schoolwork, responsibilities, and friendships may seem insurmountable at times.  I get it.   The whole "Every new stage a child goes through, a mother is going through one too” quote – YEP.  I’m feeling it.  I know what you’re going through, and in my own mom kind of way, my heart is walking it with you.  And guess what?  I’m here for you through all these “ouchies” too.  Always.  

 

Love, Mom
 

Lord, I thank You for entrusting Alyssa into my hands - to care for her, to raise her to know You, to help her learn to hear Your voice, and ultimately to one day return her back to You.   I ask for Your help, Your guidance, Your wisdom.  I want to present You with a daughter one day that has made You proud with her life.  I pray for protection and long life for Alyssa.  May Your hand of blessing and favor follow her everywhere she goes.  I commit her once again to You; that she would live a life unashamed of You - a life recklessly abandoned to Your will.  Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t9u-LOa3OI