Blog, Monday, March 11, 2013

LORD, Tonight, I am thinking about YOUR people. I loved seeing the homeschool kids and parents today. We talked about people needing people. During this month, I am trying to help folks to prepare for more joy-filled life, because of what Jesus did for them, and does for them, and will do for them! Isn't that what Easter season is all about? 

LORD, I have to be honest with you, I haven't always liked Easter or Christmas. Not the days or the true reasons for the seasons, but ... anyway, maybe more on that later! Easter, especially is a key for us to restore to YOUR planned day of REAL HOPE, REAL LIFE, and REAL JOY. 

LORD, I don't want to appear silly or flippant about these eternal themes, but YOU know that is who we are. My poodle, Molly, makes the kids laugh as I tell my " Molly Stories." This picture has Molly, on top of Maggie. They didn't start out as friends, but became inseparable, if not friends. When Maggie died, Molly grieved, missed her, stopped eating, and we thought we would lose her too. Just a pup, but still unable to assimilate the separation and loss she had suffered. 

LORD, many of your "human puppies" grieve too. We face personal pain and our own deaths with confusion more than we care to admit. Often disease and pain, illnesses are able to steal the very hope that YOUR Resurrection insures for us. Oh, Molly got better, but we know that she life, or death, or why she misses Maggie. 

My prayer tonight is for a friend from my ministry time in Illinois. Jis name is Jay Stopher and he is hurting, has had very tough surgeries, and, tonight, Jay needs your healing, your love, and your peace. I told him that I'd pray to YOU, so I am. LORD, I believe IN you, and I believe YOU and your promises. I also know YOUR people believe, so we, LORD, lift up Jay and all who hurt, or are lonely, or who aren't ready to say goodbye. 

Here is what I know LORD, I have never believed in you more than I do right now! I also believe tonight that lots of your kids love you even through their fears, doubts, and pains. LORD WE LOVE YOU TONIGHT.