What Pain can do

Some experiences bring pain.

Pain brings many things. It can bring more pain, infection, scars, even death.

But even if it brings scars, it can bring healing, new, life.

The difference in how it affects us is how we take the pain, what we do with it. Do we use it as a shield, and excuse, a hiding place to keep our self away from others?

Do we use it as a weapon to drive others away, to beat down the thing or person we feel caused the pain?

Do we use it as a door to take us into another place, on another leg of our journey, to learn new experiences? To open our self to hope and truth and life?

What and how we choose affects not only us, but those around us.

What kind of parent...

Watches
Checks on
Checks in
Checks out

Mends
Fixes
Breaks

Thinks
Remembers
Forgets
Forgives

Speaks to
Speaks out
Speaks of

Gives things
Gives thought

Gives regret
Gives anger

Gives hugs
Gives peace
Gives love

Am I...?

Insufficient gratitude

As we approach Good Friday, humility overwhelms when I think about the awful torture, pain, suffering and death that Jesus took upon Himself, willingly, that we, I might have the opportunity to share in a banquet with Him, the Father and Holy Spirit.

We know that this doesn't end on Friday.

Sunday waits just beyond, with the promise and hope of a future - an eternal future - so bright and full of joy, we cannot imagine! So it is with insufficient gratitude that I offer a quiet prayer of thanksgiving, knowing that He hears me, and knows me, and still loves me in spite of who I am, or what I have done or will do...

Staying Out of the Way

In a recent conversation, I made a comment that I tend to stay out of the way rather than engage in conversation, or wander into someone else's space.  As I pondered that thought, I realized that has been my way all of my life.  In my family growing up, in my friendships, in most of my relationships of any kind I have let others have the floor and I wait for a pause, or a request for help, and then I enter. 

I suppose I have been comfortable with this way.  On the occasion where I have tried to take the floor, thinking perhaps I do want attention (because I think we all do), my words didn't make it very far before they were spoken over or misconstrued.  So I go back to the safety of my corner where thought meets silence and fear and passivity get along just fine.

Then I read about how we are supposed to be salt and light and I wonder how?  Who me?  Intrude upon someone else's way of thinking?  Speak to something - of something, Someone greater than any of this?  I look at the girls that I am caring for, and they have little fear in inviting friends to youth group or church activities, or talking about what they believe.  It is not my work, but the Holy Spirit's work in them, helping them in this battle we call Life.  And I am greatful that they know a better way. 

So in my out-of-the-way place, I watch the work of the One who is The Way, The Truth, The Light.  His questions to me is:  "Will you join Me in this work?"  How will I answer. . .

Worship. . .continued

Location, location, location? 

Is one location better than another for worship?

 There are some magnificent buildings that have been put in beautiful places for the purpose of worship.

There are quaint chapels built for quiet reflection and gatherings of communities.

Though the buildings themselves are a form of worship, built with the purpose of helping others seek God, they are not where worship begins, or ends.

The best location for worship is within our hearts.

What is Worship

Is it found in a particular type of music, or how fast or loud it is played?  It is a certain way that certain words are said or repeated?  Does it occur at a specific time of day? 

Our lives in their entirety should be our form of worship.  Is the music we listen to or play giving God glory?  Are the words we say or repeat edifying God?  Is each moment we are given, given back to the One who allows us the next breath?

This is our act of worship.

A Prayer

I found this a while back.  I wrote it several years ago for the girls, and as I read it, I realized that God is answering this even when I forget to ask.  He is faithful and true, even when I am not paying attention!

 Father, bless their sleep, my prayer

Guard their minds, their souls, their cares

Keep them still throughout this night

Wake them with the morning light

Bind their fears and grant Your peace

May Your mercy never cease

Stay with them all of their days

Bless them Lord, is all I pray

Lord of Hope, of Grace, of Love

Look on these girls from up above

Smile on them Lord, shine through them too

May they be bright lights, shining for You

May they know the love you gave

 By sending Your Son, our souls to save

Let them share Him faithfully

And allow others Your love to see

Father, bless their sleep this night

Keep their spirits shining bright

Thank You for this day we’ve spent

And for these girls who are heaven-sent.

--Holly Campbell