fragile

Yesterday

this child

fell from her bike,

I heard 

the smack of her helmet

against the road.

She sat 

dazed and crying.

I monitored her closely for the next hours, pestering her with questions to see if she was alert, peering into the bright blue windows of her soul, watching, worrying, wondering.

We all know that life is fragile, that changes can happen in an instant.

I'm very  thankful, that I insist on helmets. This one is cracked.

Thank you Lord!

everyday miracles

The common ailment of being just too busy 

is cured by occasional enjoyment of a natural wonder

albeit as simple as the flowers growing in the beds against the house.

And, really, there is nothing simple

about the flowers growing.

Alanna Faith D'Addazio

A few days ago, a wee infant girl was laid to rest. Family and friends stood around the grave to pay tribute to this child.    Worthy to be loved, worthy to be cherished, worthy to be honoured. 

 

 She was born and died on the same day, July 21st 2009.  40 weeks under her mother's heart, 10 hours in her parents arms, and forever and ever with her Lord.

We wonder about this loss. Her parents will never see her smile, never see her learn to walk and to talk, will never see her off to school, off to work. The intense grief over a life that ended too early. 

What is the goal of our lives? To leave an imprint? That wee Alanna Faith did.  To be loved? That she was! Ultimately? To worship the Lord? That she is doing now and forever.

Tiny child, how your mother's arms ache for you, how your father wishes to protect you and to love you. How your siblings would have loved to watch you grow.  How the sorrow is written all over the faces of your parents.  I stood there at the funeral and wished I could say the right thing, to share some of the grief.  I  choke up and shed tears  but the grief is theirs. What can I do but pray for them?

Lord wrap your arms around this family.  They have been a testimony of your grace. Help them to  focus on the eternal and give them peace for the temporal.

Amazing Grace

We had an amazing sermon in church yesterday by Dr. deVisser.

Jeremiah 3:6- 4:2

The Cure for Backsliding

1. (vs 19)Remembering the Lord's intentions. 

He had given his people a beautiful land and blessed them greatly. An image of a husband and wife in the honeymoon stage is given.  Today we should remember that Christ died for us to give us eternal life.  He has blessed us with countless gifts.  God has promised us His faithfulness and that regardless of our failings He never fails. Remember that when your faith is low. 

2. (vs 21)Recognize  the pain of separation.

The Israelites turned to idols, expecting prosperity from them. At some point they realized that this was not giving them what their souls needed.  Just as the prodical son started to realize that the life he had chosen was empty and foolish. Living in sin does not pay. Today we have our own idols.  Each one of us can take some time to think about this.  What are my idols? Perhaps my home? My children...don't I wish for them to be smart and successful, artistic? talented? My self? What takes up most of my thoughts and energy? Do I devote as much time to the worship of my God as to the other things in my life?

3. Answering the call.

God doesn't mince words. He still calls the Isrealites unfaithful, but He promises to "cure you of your backsliding".  He doesn't deny guilt but promises to cure. How close are we to the Lord? Do we pray for a daily increase in our faith and fellowship? In Phillipians 3 Paul says "everything is a loss compared to knowing Christ my Lord"! Is that how I live my life?  If our main goal is serving God everything else will fall into place.

4. (vs 24-25) Assess the damage.

Be ashamed of your sin. Sin leaves scars. you can't just go back to the honeymoon phase.  There is loss.  Consequences. Think of the idols in our own lives. How does the pursuit of them hurt us and our families?

5. (ch4:1,2) Expect new blessings.

God promised that he would bless not only Israel but also the nations surrounding them.  Restoration is possible. He can bless us too and use us, scars and all, to bless those around us.

Don't settle for a 2nd  best life by not being fully committed to your Lord. God always loves us without compromise.

chats

Walks give opportunity for discussions.

Norah: "the worst is when your brain tells you not to hit your brother and you just do it anyways"

Mom: "it is called sin, and we all do it. Children, moms and dads, opas and omas, ministers, people in the Bible, even the apostle Paul talks about that in the Bible"

Marten: "well Tommy sins the most!"

Mom: "why would you say that?"

Marten: "cause he does...and that rhymes"!

little ones

Tiny sparrows fallen from a nest are huddled in the grass.

The parents are anxiously twittering about, busily carrying food to the delinquents.

It is a rainy day, and we help the wee ones by putting a basket roof over their heads.  Mama and papa bird are ok with that and can easily access their babies.

I wonder if they appreciate our concern.  Do they realize that we are trying to help? Likely not.

Their creator cares for them, perhaps the children's care for them can reflect that.

How many parents don't feel they are in the same predicament?  Wishing their little ones were safe in their nests.  God bless the little ones and God bless those who love them.