He Alone

You've kept track of my every toss and turn
      through the sleepless nights,
   Each tear entered in your ledger,
      each ache written in your book.

--Psalm 56:8 (The Message)

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 The Lord will comfort Israel again
      and have pity on her ruins.
   Her desert will blossom like Eden,
      her barren wilderness like the garden of the Lord.
   Joy and gladness will be found there.
      Songs of thanksgiving will fill the air.

--Isaiah 51:3 (NLT)

When my children were younger tears came for lots of different reasons.  They were either hungry, tired, had an injury, lost a toy, someone called them a bad name, or their sibling was doing something they didn't like.  (That probably happened more than anything!)  Most often the comfort was easy, and the tears came to a stop in short order.  Mom's arms were the perfect comfort.

Today the tears come because of bigger problems and deeper hurts, and the they can't always whisked away with a hug from mom or a chat with a friend.  This weekend an old baseball teammate of Kyle's died in a car accident.  That's big.  Death of an acquaintance, and of one so young, hits home hard.  Grief is real.  It's hard for a mom just to take away the hurt.

 

But one thing I know, I can guarantee Alyssa and Kyle that the best place for them to turn is to the great and awesome Comforter, Jesus Christ.  He alone understands every hurt, can fill every loneliness, and mend any relationship.  He can comfort like no other.

 

He alone keeps track of every one of their tears.

He alone can turn mourning into gladness.

He alone can be their refuge and shelter.

He alone.

Oh Lord, you are the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace  You are our refuge and strength, our comfort, and in control over everything in our lives.  You, Lord, kept track of Alyssa and Kyle's every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, and each of their tears are entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle come to know you as their very best friend, and the one in whom they turn when they are hurting, lonely, or struggling with the circumstances of life.  May they know the comfort of feeling your tender and loving arms around them when times are hard.  You alone will turn their mourning into gladness, and make beauty from ashes.  Joy will be found in you, our Precious Savior.

 

Wordless Wednesday

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Out of the Depths

Out of the depths I call to You, Yahweh! 
Lord, listen to my voice;
let Your ears be attentive
to my cry for help.
Psalm 130:1 (HCSB)

"Olaf didn't have such a great spring break."--Lyssa

Lyssa arrived back to her college dorm, after having spring break at home, to find one of her "friends" gone.  I'm not sure how she handled it but it reminded me of some our long-lost pets of the past.  Hamsters, turtle, rabbit, frogs, and fish, many of which are buried somewhere in the back yard.  Many time there were tears, heartache, and grieving.

Lyss and Zoe, Easter 2013

Seeing as our family dog, Zoe, is 15 years old, I have a feeling that sometime in the near future we'll have to say good-bye to her as well.  I'm pretty sure that won't be an easy loss for any of us.

Grieving is always hard.  Sometimes the grief is over broken relationships, unattained goals, hurtful words, unfulfilled expectations, and sometimes death.  Each causing tears or heartache, fear and loneliness.  My prayer is that when Alyssa and Kyle face these "bumps in the road", they will know  that they can cry out to Jesus and that He will hear their pain, sense their questions, and speak to their condition.

"Out of the depths I call to You, Yahweh!"...the best way to survive the hard things of life!

Lord, teach my children to pray, so that when they face trials or experience grief, they will automatically call to you and sense your attention and presence. I pray that out of the depths Alyssa and Kyle will seek your face, sense your comfort, and experience your peace that passes all understanding.  My tendency is to pray for protection from the hard things of life, but I know that trials, grief, and conflicts are inevitable.  So, in those hard times, may Alyssa and Kyle, call on you, Precious Savior, and sense you arming them with strength and filling them with love and hope for better days.  You are the God who sees, hears, and knows, and I give you praise!

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Lessons in Comfort

"I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found none."  Psalm 69:20

Our kids are learning some tough lessons about life and death.  Within the last few months we've had way too many reasons to grieve and need comfort.  (One experience is written about here.)  Our most recent, is the death of a friend as he was out golfing last week, leaving behind his wife, 16 year old son, and 13 year old daughter.  Oh the grief.

Hopefully, in these lessons Alyssa and Kyle are learning about the Great Comforter, and whom they can find refuge, shelter, hope and peace. 

What I do know, is that out of our receiving comfort, we can in turn give comfort.

As our son heard the news of the death of his friend's father, he took a moment (even in the middle of the school day) to text his friend a note of sympathy and comfort.  I have to admit that I was so proud of him when he told me he had done that.  It's often so easy to feel uncomfortable and worry about what to say.  Instead, he took the time to say something that would give comfort, and to let his friend know he was thinking about him.  Yeah, Kyle!

Some days we'll need comfort, and some days we'll give it.  Every day it is available in God!

Lord, be of comfort to Alyssa and Kyle in the hard times they experience in life.  May they find you alone to be their strength, refuge, shelter, and hope.  You know their every tear and wipe it with your loving and tender hands.  As they know the comfort of your love, may Alyssa and Kyle be comforters to those in need around them.  May they never be afraid of saying the right thing, but just be brave to pass on words of encouragement, offer their arms to comfort and hug, and be a loving presence to those in need.  Thank you, Lord, for being the Great Comforter, and being available to us in our times of need.  We come to you, and rest in the shelter of your arms.

God of Comfort

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."  Psalm 23:4

Last Thursday brought some unexpected news that has rocked our world.  A teammate on Kyle's baseball team died from an accidental drowning at a nearby lake.  The life of this 15 year old has come to an end way too soon.  A senseless tragedy that we can't explain or even comprehend.

Through these last days we have been learning lessons on God's comfort, His sovereignty, and His strength.  There are, and will be, hard things in life, and I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know to Whom they can turn when life doesn't make sense, and the hurts feel way too overwhelming.  God is with us.

 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."  2 Corinthians 1:3-4

We are praying for God's comfort to fall afresh on this dear family as they walk these days of grief and loss.  May they come to know Jesus as the God of all comfort, and truly sense His near presence.


Lord, I know that when we walk through the shadow of death, you are with us.  I pray for this family, and their loss, and that you shower them with your comfort and peace.  As well, be near to Kyle as he has to learn about grief in this new and profoundly close way.  Help him to know you are near Him, and you know his deepest pain and hurt.  In the quiet, when Kyle doesn't understand this part of your plan, speak tenderly into his thoughts and remind him of your sovereignty, your grace, and your ever present help in these times.  You are the God of all comfort, and in these times we depend on your abiding presence,

Tear Tracker

You've kept track of my every toss and turn
      through the sleepless nights,
   Each tear entered in your ledger,
      each ache written in your book.

--Psalm 56:8 (The Message)

 The Lord will comfort Israel again
      and have pity on her ruins.
   Her desert will blossom like Eden,
      her barren wilderness like the garden of the Lord.
   Joy and gladness will be found there.
      Songs of thanksgiving will fill the air.

--Isaiah 51:3 (NLT)

When my children were younger tears came for lots of different reasons.  They were either hungry, tired, had an injury, lost a toy, someone called them a bad name, or their sibling was doing something they didn't like.  (That probably happened more than anything!)  Most often the comfort was easy, and the tears came to a stop in short order.  Mom's arms were the perfect comfort.

Today the tears come because of bigger problems and deeper hurts, and the they can't always whisked away with a hug from mom or a chat with a friend.  I can guarantee Alyssa and Kyle that the best place for them to turn is to the great and awesome Comforter, Jesus Christ.  He alone understands every hurt, can fill every loneliness, and mend any relationship.  

He alone keeps track of every one of their tears.

He alone can turn mourning into gladness.

He alone can be their refuge and shelter.

He alone.

Oh Lord, you are the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace  You are our refuge and strength, our comfort, and in control over everything in our lives.  You, Lord, kept track of Alyssa and Kyle's every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, and each of their tears are entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle come to know you as their very best friend, and the one in whom they turn when they are hurting, lonely, or struggling with the circumstances of life.  May they know the comfort of feeling your tender and loving arms around them when times are hard.  You alone will turn their mourning into gladness, and make beauty from ashes.  Joy will be found in you, our Precious Savior.

When They Cry

"Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, O Lord my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day."  1 King 8:28

"A teardrop on earth summons the King of heaven."  --Charles Swindoll

Nothing breaks a mom's heart more than seeing one of her children in tears, and knowing there is nothing that she can do to keep them from whatever it is that is causing them pain.  Being hurt is a natural part of life, and something that I can't keep them from.  Oh how I wish I could.  But one thing I can do is teach them to whom they can run to for constant comfort, abiding peace, and an understanding like no other. 

His name is Jesus.

"Give all your worries and cares to God, 
for he cares about you. "  1 Peter 5:7

Dear Jesus, you are the he Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.  Please wipe away the tears of Alyssa and Kyle.  Help them to not let their hearts be troubled, and to trust in You.  When they are worried, and filled with anxiety or grief, may they know that you love and care about them like no other.  You are their refuge and strength.  Thank you, Lord, for hearing the cry of your children.

Head Held High

"My head is high, God, held high; I'm looking to you, God;
   No hangdog skulking for me"  Psalm 25:1-2 (The Message)

Lyssa & Friends 1999

The mama bear comes out in me when I see either of my kids discouraged, defeated, or hurt by other people in their lives.  On the other hand, I do know that it is bound to happen.  So it's important that I teach Alyssa and Kyle whom they can run to when the world around them seems to kick them in the shins.

"No hangdog skulking" (ha!  I loved that phrase)  Look to God!

He alone will be their friend when they are alone, their comfort when they are sad, and their place of refuge and encouragement when they are discouraged or beaten down.

Hold your heads high, Lyss and Kyle!  Jesus loves you!

Lord, you alone know the hearts of all men (1 King 8:39).  You alone, O LORD, make us dwell in safety.  (Psalm 4:8) You are wooing Alyssa and Kyle from the jaws of distress, into a spacious place where they can find your comfort. (Job 36:16)  Lord, help our children to hang their heads high even when they've been wounded, scorned, lied to, or laughed at.  In those moments, remind them the truths of your Word, the hope of your presence,  and the depths of your love.  Strengthen Alyssa and Kyle, dear Jesus, when the world seems to knock them around.  For you will deliver them from all their troubles, and their eyes can look in triumph on their foes. (Psalm 54:7)

I Hold You?

"Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world."  James 4:8 (NLT)

 "I hold you, Grammy!"...Lyss 1995

One of my favorite phrases, that Alyssa used to pipe up and say when she was just a little tyke, was "I hold you."  She'd walk up to me, or her dad, and raise her arms and plead for us to gather her up in our arms.

"I hold you?"

Oh melt a mother's heart.  Some days I ache to hear her say it just one more time.

"I hold you."

Though her words were not spoken in quite the right way, we always got the gist. 

I know that if Alyssa were to come to Jesus, and say "I hold you?"  He would know exactly what she meant.  He would respond with open arms saying "Yes, I will hold you, dear daughter of mine!"

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."  James 4:8 (ESV)

Lord, thank you for always holding your children.  I know that you want Alyssa and Kyle to draw near to you.  You're waiting for every opportunity to hear them say "I hold you."  And with each moment that they ask for you to hold them, you will lovingly hold out your arms, pick them up, and draw them close to yourself.  Fill Alyssa and Kyle with a longing for your presence, dear Jesus.  Oh, how I pray that they hunger and thirst for you, and long for the love, and comfort that they need. May they call on your name, seek you as their refuge, an ask you to hold their lives in your hands. You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. (Psalm 86:5)  Amen!

 

God our Comforter

Today’s verse: “I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.” Jeremiah 31:13b (NLT)

God is the great Comforter. At first, when we were focusing on that last night in our YIPPS prayer time, I struggled with knowing how that related to my kids. Besides the death of a great-grandparent three years ago, and the many hamsters, fish, turtles, and hermit crabs we’ve “laid to rest”, my children haven’t been faced with huge losses in their lives. For this, I’m truly grateful.

However, as we went to prayer last night, giving God thanks for being our Comforter, I was reminded that there are probably things in my children’s lives that need God’s loving touch and comfort. Some of those things I may be totally unaware of. Broken friendships, hurtful lies, feelings of worthlessness, rejection, or fear could all be on the list. And as they grow older, I’m sure that those feelings are intensified and can snowball into something “huge” in their minds, and they may not always know how to handle them. Unfortunately, so many youth turn to unhealthy things to fill this hurt in their hearts.

• Drugs & Alcohol
• Cutting
• Huffing (Inhalent Abuse)
• Premarital Sex
• Suicide

Here’s just a few statistics I found today...

• In the U.S., it's estimated that one in every 200 girls between 13 and 19 years old, or one-half of one percent, cut themselves regularly. Those who cut comprise about 70 percent of teen girls who self injure.
• Nearly 5,000 teenagers commit suicide each year.
• Suicide is the third leading cause of death among those aged 15-24.

The hurts must feel so great in order to get to this point of tragedy in a person’s life. I pray that my children never have something so great in their lives that they are moved to try one some of these things to cover up the feelings down in their hearts. I pray for God’s protection over them. At the same time, I ask for God’s guidance that I can be aware of the signs that may appear when my kids are hurting (because they will go through things that cause pain). If it won’t be me, I hope that there are other people in my children’s lives that recognize the signs of them crying out for help. They need to know how to go to God who showers His people with comfort, and can be the Healer of their deepest pain.

God is the only one who can turn their sorrows into joy.
Be their comforter, dear Jesus!

Lord, turn my children’s mourning into joy. Comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing. Protect them, dear Jesus, from things that will bring deep hurt and cause them to feel the need to go find relief and happiness in other things. They will have trials and tribulations in this world, but you can help them overcome each and every one of them. I pray Lord, that with each tear, they look to you for comfort, understanding, peace, and strength. May they find in you a listening ear, a compassionate heart, and the balm to their soul. Lord, help me as a parent to recognize the danger signs of deep wounds, and give me the wisdom to know how to meet their needs in those circumstances. Place encouragers in their lives that show them how to go you, Jesus, and lay all their cares at your feet. Lord, be their Protector, Comforter, Healer, and true Joy. For this I pray in earnest…Amen.