Children are such a blessing…
“Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me” (Mark 9:37).
The Joy of Little Children
Monthly Archives: February 2010
Week #2: Some Unposted Pictures
As we continue on with our series of unposted pictures, I first want to reflect on what the Lord did during that second week.
Life had been so full and busy those last few weeks before we left, that we still had more preparations to do on our new sessions, which we were giving at The Christ-Led Family Conference. We needed the Lord’s strength even more, and we felt it! This was the younger five’s first time giving sessions, and they did an incredible job. The Lord’s hand of blessing was very evident! We had the privilege of ministering at a Sunday evening service through music, testimony, and Dad preaching.
We saw the Lord clearly at work as Dad sought Him for where to go next. Flagstaff had been rescheduled due to a winter storm, with tons of rain predicted for Arizona and California. It seemed anywhere we’d go we’d be met with lots of rain. The Lord allowed us a special time at the Joshua Tree National Park, with a brief hike before a rain storm. We had our first real night of camping; it seemed we were out in the middle of nowhere, with no cell phone and Internet access. It was a special time together as a family. The next day, we had plans to hike, but those were changed when we had a part that was broken on the water pump. It was a little disappointing, but as we drove back to “civilization,” we had a request from someone who wondered if we could do a Wednesday evening church service (this was Tuesday). We could see why the Lord brought us back; we were thrilled for another opportunity to share!
Sarah
“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye” (Psalms 32:8).
A Heartbreak
It’s always a delight to me when young ladies want to talk after the girls’ session at conferences. It seems the majority of the time it’s older girls in their teens sharing with me, but at one city, there were several little girls, maybe ages 8 or 9. Instead of what you might expect “thanks so much: I really enjoyed it!” I was surprised: they had solid questions. My heart broke over one such girl.
I share many things through Womanhood, but one aspect is having a good relationship with your parents and being open and honest with them. I also encourage that you should be able to tell your parents anything and to not hide things. This girl asked me how she could be open and talk when her mom won’t listen. When I asked how her mom wouldn’t listen, she said her mom will tell her just “to get over it.” This little girl’s eyes brimmed with tears as she talked. Oh, how my heart hurt! If only this mom knew what her words were doing to her daughter. I encouraged her to find a time when her younger brothers and sisters were in bed for the night and work at sharing her heart with her mom again. Please, dear moms, listen to your girls, don’t think anything is too silly, and work on that precious relationship. It’s so important!
My own mom is wonderful in listening to me: and she knows how I like to talk :-). She’s made it a priority to nurture that relationship and develop it.
Sarah
“Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile” (Psalms 34:11-13).
Thank You for Praying
Thank you for praying! The funeral on Tuesday was such a blessing. I admit I feel tremendous pressure when we conduct a funeral. It is the concluding event of someone’s life, and the family likely will have certain expectations for the service. How do you give due honor to the one who died, without idolizing him? Only the Lord Jesus can give that sort of direction, and gratefully He did. So thank you so much for praying.
The man who died was such an encouragement to me. He was the picture of a faithful servant. I never heard a complaining word, and others who knew him for many years said they never did either. Even in the later years of such physical suffering, he didn’t complain. He loved his wife of 55 years, and she felt cherished by him. He faithfully attended church every Sunday he was in our nursing home.
He worked hard all his life doing manual labor during the heat of Kansas’ summers and the cold of our winters. He didn’t make much money, but he paid off their first house’s mortgage early, and then through the years bought nicer homes and cars debt free. He knew how to be careful with his money and not waste it on frivolous things.
To top it off we were able to share Christ with all who attended. We were so blessed to be asked to help them. The children sang two songs, which were deeply appreciated. I am so grateful to the Lord for His allowing us to be a part of our nursing-home church. Again, thank you for praying.
“Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications” (Psalms 86:6).
Steve
February Corners
We were able to send out the February Dad’s and Mom’s Corners yesterday; they are a little late (we like to send them out the first week of the month) due to our trip. May you be encouraged by what Dad and Mom have to share this month!
Many blessings,
Sarah
P.S. At some point soon, Dad’ll be doing a blog post on the funeral; thank you for lifting up dear, sweet Mrs. B.
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).
Fifty-Five Years
Just a quick post … Most of the family will be involved in a funeral today at 1:30 p.m. A dear, elderly man left this earth Thursday night. He had been at the nursing home we minister at for awhile, and then he was moved to another home, but his wife faithfully came back to the nursing home every Sunday for church.
Please lift up Mrs. B, a sweet lady, suddenly a widow after fifty-five years of marriage. If only you could have seen her at the visitation: she was radiantly resting in the Lord Jesus. She faithfully cared for Mr. B throughout these years of his failing health, and she herself has to use a walker. To lose Mr. B, is like losing half of herself; they had been one for so many years. As she talks of him, her face radiates the love they shared, but she is at peace with him being gone. Please pray for this dear woman, and that Jesus would be glorified through the message Dad shares and the music the younger five sing/play.
Love,
Sarah for the rest
“For I know that my redeemer liveth…” (Job 19:25).