A Beautiful Symphony

By Pat

I've always known God is a music lover. If not, He wouldn't have endowed certain people with beautiful voices, or the ability to play a musical instrument or compose. When you add those talents together, you have a symphony orchestra. If used separately, a concert pianist. But any way you look at it, what a wonderful sound it is to hear lovely music, and how God must enjoy listening!

I have envisioned God listening to a stirring classical piece...sitting back, eyes closed, just relaxing, much as I do. But recently, I was struck by a sound that made me realize I could be wrong. I was kneeling at my little granddaughter's bed one night not long ago, helping her with her prayers, and as she repeated my words (and even remembered to add a person I didn't remind her about), I knew without a doubt that THIS was God's favorite music. Hearing His little ones stumble their way though a bedtime prayer, learning to end their day with thanks, must make God smile beautifully. And since we are all God's "little ones," I believe with all my heart that the sounds of our voices lifted to Him in prayer are, indeed, a beautiful symphony.

Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.

Be Still and Rest!

By Pat

Boy, life sure can be tiring. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually tiring, even exhausting at times. so much to do, so little time. Responsibilities can take over our lives in no time at all. Add to that the burdens we bear for others. We worry about and pray for our friends, families and loved ones on a daily basis. (At least, we should!) This can add to the weighed-down feeling we already have from our own lives.

Jesus promised us rest."Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28). Well, here I am, Lord! Where's my rest? I still have just as much to do, and I still feel so heavy with burdens. Help me, Lord! Bless this one, bless that one, help me get done...These things I utter as I blow through my day, frantic to get everything finished.

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What Can God Do Through You?

By Pat

In Mark 5:1-20, we learn the account of the demon-possessed man who encountered Jesus. We read about the classic battle of good vs. evil, and that, of course, Jesus triumphs over evil by sending the man's evil spirits into a herd of pigs who rush down a steep bank and are drowned.

I have read this story many times, and the overriding theme to me has always been the great healing power of Jesus, and His ability to overcome evil. But this morning when I read it, a point I had never noticed before stood out to me. The grateful man, now free of his demons, begged Jesus to let him go with Him, but Jesus said no. He had other plans for the newly freed man. He told him to go and tell everyone what Jesus had done for him, and the man obeyed. It wasn't what he had in mind, but never the less, he did what Jesus told him to do.

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What's In Your Suitcase?

By Pat

Imagine for a moment that your heart is a suitcase, containing and carrying all the character traits you need for life. What's in there?

Well, just like a real suitcase, you may have to rearrange, or add or subtract items in order to have the perfect combination of necessary things to make the right balance. Do you need to add mercy and patience? Well, they might not fit unless you eliminate pride and envy. Could you stand a little more devotional time with God? You might have to get rid of some laziness so you'll have more room in there. What about tolerance, and deeper love for your brothers and sisters? Better unpack and discard judgmentalism. Need more forgiveness? Get rid of bitterness and grudges.

Allow God to repack your suitcase, but remember...you can't expect Him to add new and beautiful things unless you are willing to give Him the things that do not belong in a Christian suitcase. Out with the old...in with the new!

Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.

Equally Worthy

By Pat

Out little granddaughter is developmentally disabled, and as she gets older it becomes more obvious that she is not on the same level intellectually and behaviorally as other children her age. An outside observer probably sees and hears her and notices only how behind she is, but those of us close to her know her and can see how much progress she has made in her special "early intervention" classes and her speech therapy.

We who care for her rejoice at what she has learned, and celebrate each little bit of improvement she makes. I firmly believe that God sees each of us like this; as different, unique and special children who are equally worthy of His love and grace. What a wonderful thing to know, and what a wonderful God we serve! I thank and praise God for His unbiased love for all of His beloved children!

Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.