Moving Day

Empty nest syndrome… yep. That’s what I’m about to face as my oldest ( and last in the nest) child moves into his own place next week.  Most people respond  “ How great! I can’t wait till mine grow up and move away.”  I can tell you that I don’t EVER think I have or will ever say that. I enjoy my relationship with my adult  kids, and hate the fact that they are  “ away” from home. I’ll miss those late night chats, sharing highs and lows every day, and even though my son hasn’t been around much these past few years, just the thought that he came ” home” every night was comforting. The truth of the matter is he’s only moving 15 minutes away. And I AM excited about his new home, but it  just won’t be the same!

 As I pondered these things, I began to think about MY relationship with MY heavenly Father. I wonder if this is how God feels when I  “ move away” from Him?  You know, those dry spells in your quiet time when it’s hard to ” feel  “God’s presence? Or those times when you simply forget to spend time with Him, because other things get in the way. Does God miss those times we talk, those quality moments when I share what’s on my heart and I know He’s listening? Does He shake His head and wonder why I’m running around like a chicken with my head cut off, when I could be talking with Him, and seeking His guidance?

Like the perfect parent that He is, my Father gently reminded me that He desires that time with me, even more than I do with my own children! James 4:8 reminds me that the more time I spend with Him, the more I will experience His Presence!  ” Come near to God, and He will come near to you.”

He reminds me that He is always there to listen to me, and that when I have anxious moments, I just need to share them with Him and He will give me peace (Philippians 4:5-7)

   And though I may briefly wander from home, the Lord doesn’t move, or change the locks (or the garage code) while I’m gone! He welcomes me back with open arms; the door is always open. He promises never to leave me! And the very best part is that  He’s promised me a special new home someday too, except He won’t be 15 minutes, or 2  hours, or 18 hours away. He’ll be right there with me!

 Psalm 73:23- 24, 28a ” Yet, I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory” (v28)  But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge.

‘Tis the season

Well, the ” big” day is over, presents are now unwrapped and perhaps broken. Stores are full of people either returning those unwanted items, or cashing in on their gift cards. Did Christmas pass you by again this year without really remembering the most important gift of all? 

I like to reflect back on Christmas Eve 1985.  A  few months before, I had asked Jesus to be Lord of my life. And as I sat at  the Christmas Eve service that year, in a room filled with candle light, listening to the words of John 1:1, it dawned on me for the first time; this is the celebration of Jesus’ birth! This is the celebration of God’s greatest gift! How could I have missed it all those years?

Do you find your self in the same spot? Life gets busy, the message can still get muddled, in spite of knowing Christ.  But don’t worry. Even if you let the holiday celebrations take over, even if you missed it… it’s not too late. Experience the peace that passes all understanding, and celebrate the gift of  Jesus, not just on one day but EVERYDAY!

2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

A Time to Serve

Every year, during Vacation Bible School, we encourage the children to take part in an outreach project. We’ve bought ” Goats for Ghana”, collected money for an agricultural project in Nicaragua, and collected medicine that was sent overseas. This year’s project, “Surfin in With School Supplies” conincided with the church’s Backpack Buddies project. The children brought in a ton of  school supplies for the local elementary school that we are partnering with.

Last Thursday was the culmination of that particular project and I was excited to be able to take part in it! We hosted a family cookout  at the school and distributed those backpacks to all the children!

I can’t express what it meant to see those cute faces proudly clutching  their full backpacks as they waited for their food to come off the grill! It was so much fun meeting teachers and families who were so grateful for everything.  And what a priviledge it was to serve along with my brothers and sisters in Christ,who were flipping burgers ( and getting rained on!), serving salad, painting faces and greeting all those who came!  Although rain and lightning threated us for a short time, we persevered!

Thursday was all about being Jesus in the neighborhood. And what a joy it was to experience that! Paul  tell us in Colossians 3:23 that whatever we do, do it with all our heart as working for the Lord, not for men. When we serve others, we are serving Him! And how exciting is that? 

Think about how can you be Jesus in the neighborhood, and don’t miss out on the JOY it brings!