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When you look back at your life, do you remember yourself in places that you wish you'd never gone? Are there relationship scars in your memory that you wish you could erase from your heart? "If only I would have..." are words that seer my thinking often when I turn to look at who I once was, who I hurt, and the places I went where I should have never been. Regret is a harsh teacher, Jesus is not.
In 14 years of college ministry at The Chapel at CrossPoint, I have spoken with countless young women who are burdened with the guilt of their mistakes...wrong decisions that cost them more than they could afford. Why don't we realize that what feels like the freedom to choose SELF is really a lifetime sentence of guilt? Nothing declares to me more boldly that we were created in the image of God, than the excruciating ache of despair in the midst of our self driven choices. In their tears, in their pain - I encourage every broken girl with the truth that God's image is imbedded in her. If that were not true, she would not sense His Spirit urging her to turn to Him.
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in hell, you are there...Search me God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting."
Psalm 139:7-9,23-24
The guilt I have felt is a gift of God's Spirit leading me to Himself. I do not look back with tears of regret, but tears of awe and wonder now overwhelm me because I realize the GREAT love that pursued me into the heights of my arrogance; down in the depths of my selfish pursuits, and never let me go.
"Great is Thy Faithfulness, Oh God - My Father. Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided. All Thou has been Thou forever wilt be."
Vintage small groups are reading Psalm 119:97-112 today for our Bible study. We read independently - the same Scripture - all week long and then discuss what God has taught us when we get together after Vintage on Tuesday. I love being in step with these young women! God has used the gift of mentoring to spur me on in my relationship with Him. Their faces - their names on my heart - are a tool that God uses to remind me - young hearts are hoping in Christ in me. I cannot see His face - but I can see theirs. I look to them, and I see He is present. God knows how we need one another to grow forward. I can't help but wonder where I would be without the young women God has placed in my life.
So this morning, as I read this Psalm, joy filled my heart. I had to write. I just had to.
"Oh how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long!" God has poured joy for His Word over the sorrow of my regret apart from Him.
"I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path." Passion for what will destroy me, keeps me running toward my God.
"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." My parents no longer hold that lantern, as it was for me in my childhood. I have chosen to reach for the Word of God every day.
"I have taken an oath and confirm it, that I will follow your righteous laws." This oath is to me more vital than the vows of my marriage, because it holds me in love to every relationship - everything that is dear to me, so that I will not cause pain.
"Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end." This is my fight song. For Jesus who freely gave Himself that I might live a Kingdom life with ZEAL. Holy Spirit, you are IN ME!
Grateful this morning to inhale and exhale Truth with my Vintage Babes.
Choices are waiting to be made for King Jesus today - that need not be lost in self - but can be found - like a footprint on a lighted garden path.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Family Night
I am consumed with an aching heart for a friend of mine who is in the midst of fostering. Family is redefined for she and her husband, and their two young children.
The safe and private boundary of family has been interrupted.
Father's day included the fatherless.
Family night is no longer an event for US. US strives to be one with THEM.
Family is not a protected unit, as we would understand protection; Family has become a UNIT OF GOD extended - interrupted - stretched - strained - and redefined daily.
Conflict is inevitable.
Little children struggle with how to share, don't they? In a foster home, a loud battle of children's voices wages for a mother's attention while, silently, and without tears, this mother's heart is torn in four directions.
My tears will not stop.
Children change marriage. Nine months of preparation, gifts and baby books, do not equip a husband and a wife to love one another well in the midst of parenting. Husband and wife must learn to be married all over again when the dream of their own children comes true.
Foster children happen over night. The phone rings. The request is made. The door is opened, and little feet step over the threshold. Marriage is challenged again. Will love endure?
I grind my teeth.
Where does wisdom dwell? The eye- the mind - the heart do not invoke wisdom. Her dwelling is not with men, but with our God. What I think is good and right, home and family - is not.
"Do not be wise in your own eyes." Proverbs 3:7
"I will instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths." Proverbs 4:11
"Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars." Proverbs 9:1
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Provers 9:10
"Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." Psalm 62:1-2
I am moved to pray these verses, but it is not enough to pray with words. Prayer is just as active as faith.
My stomach turns.
We will seek God for what He would have us do. The right thing is never what I think, and seldom what I want to do.
I went to bed angry. I am angry that children are abused and fatherless. The fatherless are everywhere, aren't they? They are next door. They are across the street. They even have parents.
We must seek God to redefine family. He taught Israel. He will teach us. Family, to the Trinitarian God of the World, is not a protected UNIT. Family is to be extended, interrupted, stretched, strained and redefined daily.
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." John 15:12
http://vimeo.com/44119459
Thursday, June 14, 2012
The Buddy System Works
Hey! You're not trying to go it alone, are you? I have to ask - because...that is what I often try to do. I'm not quite sure if it's my pride, or if at times, I just don't realize I'm trying to do something alone and what I really need - is help..But - whatever the case, there are times when I try to "go it alone", and I strive terribly and then fail in the process.
So - I'm reaching out to you today with some encouragement. Please know you are not alone, nor are you meant to be.
First of all, God is with you; He knows our frame. He knows what we are made of and capable of realizing and accomplishing in flesh.
"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. ...The Lord, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31: 6, 8.
Strong encouragement to Moses, who must have thought - "HOW on earth can I accomplish what you are asking me to do???" God did not leave him without help. Moses and ...Aaron...right? Moses and...Joshua...God equipped His people with people - who, together, accomplished God's great purposes. CRAZY good stuff! Crazy good!
God did not create man to be alone in this life, He created man for relationship. You know I don't mean just marriage either, because although marriage is the ultimate earthly relationship, marriage is not everything in this life. Right? Where would we be without our friends? People who come alongside of us - even in our marriages, if you're married, - to help us grow, and serve God, and live out our faith; what a gift to our lives! You know what I'm sayin', right? Our marriage is stronger because of the godly women in our life - and the godly men in our husband's life who teach us, encourage us, and hold us accountable as we love one another. HUGE THANK YOU JESUS! Yes, I'm thanking God with you! So so good! So true and good!
And why would it be different in anything else? Scripture upon scripture I see the fortification of God's purposes through the buddy system. Consider this idea - story upon story. It's true. There is always someone or some people who come alongside of another person or people to accomplish what God is working out in them and through them. Are you thinkin' about it?
Adam and Eve
Noah and his family
Abraham and Sarah
Isaac and Rebekah
Jacob and Esau
Rahab and the spies from Israel
David and Jonathan
Should I go on? Because the Bible is filled not only with these examples, but instruction to support every one.
"Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works." Hosea 10:24
What are you trying to accomplish all by yourself? A heart issue, a faith issue, a personal goal whether spiritual or physical, a challenge in your marriage, with your children, with your family, in your home, at your work, a project, a dream.... what are you doing all by yourself that you could accomplish if you would just seek the help of someone else...someone who will love you, encourage you, and come alongside you in your efforts...???
Who do you know that loves you? and better yet - will love God with you - and pray for you in your efforts while putting hands on to the project with you... Got a name? That's a gift from God my friend! And if you don't have a name yet - keep praying...you will. God is faithful to equip us with EVERYTHING that we need to live a godly life. II Peter 1!
Do you believe what I am telling you? I hope so! I have tried too many times to go it alone, and I know that it does not work...no matter what "it" is. If you don't believe me...Listen to our God. Be encouraged! You aren't a failure for not being able to do it alone - you are God's design...and that means you were never made to do anything alone. You can't remake that image. FATHERSONHOLYSPIRIT image in you. Forever. Not alone.
"The Lord God said, "It is not good that man should be alone." Genesis 2:18
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls. for he has no one to help him up."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2
I'm with you! We need one another!
So - I'm reaching out to you today with some encouragement. Please know you are not alone, nor are you meant to be.
First of all, God is with you; He knows our frame. He knows what we are made of and capable of realizing and accomplishing in flesh.
"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. ...The Lord, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31: 6, 8.
Strong encouragement to Moses, who must have thought - "HOW on earth can I accomplish what you are asking me to do???" God did not leave him without help. Moses and ...Aaron...right? Moses and...Joshua...God equipped His people with people - who, together, accomplished God's great purposes. CRAZY good stuff! Crazy good!
God did not create man to be alone in this life, He created man for relationship. You know I don't mean just marriage either, because although marriage is the ultimate earthly relationship, marriage is not everything in this life. Right? Where would we be without our friends? People who come alongside of us - even in our marriages, if you're married, - to help us grow, and serve God, and live out our faith; what a gift to our lives! You know what I'm sayin', right? Our marriage is stronger because of the godly women in our life - and the godly men in our husband's life who teach us, encourage us, and hold us accountable as we love one another. HUGE THANK YOU JESUS! Yes, I'm thanking God with you! So so good! So true and good!
And why would it be different in anything else? Scripture upon scripture I see the fortification of God's purposes through the buddy system. Consider this idea - story upon story. It's true. There is always someone or some people who come alongside of another person or people to accomplish what God is working out in them and through them. Are you thinkin' about it?
Adam and Eve
Noah and his family
Abraham and Sarah
Isaac and Rebekah
Jacob and Esau
Rahab and the spies from Israel
David and Jonathan
Should I go on? Because the Bible is filled not only with these examples, but instruction to support every one.
"Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works." Hosea 10:24
What are you trying to accomplish all by yourself? A heart issue, a faith issue, a personal goal whether spiritual or physical, a challenge in your marriage, with your children, with your family, in your home, at your work, a project, a dream.... what are you doing all by yourself that you could accomplish if you would just seek the help of someone else...someone who will love you, encourage you, and come alongside you in your efforts...???
Who do you know that loves you? and better yet - will love God with you - and pray for you in your efforts while putting hands on to the project with you... Got a name? That's a gift from God my friend! And if you don't have a name yet - keep praying...you will. God is faithful to equip us with EVERYTHING that we need to live a godly life. II Peter 1!
Do you believe what I am telling you? I hope so! I have tried too many times to go it alone, and I know that it does not work...no matter what "it" is. If you don't believe me...Listen to our God. Be encouraged! You aren't a failure for not being able to do it alone - you are God's design...and that means you were never made to do anything alone. You can't remake that image. FATHERSONHOLYSPIRIT image in you. Forever. Not alone.
"The Lord God said, "It is not good that man should be alone." Genesis 2:18
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls. for he has no one to help him up."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2
I'm with you! We need one another!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
TweenTime
This is a message for the tweens in my life. I get to share GOD's love and TRUTH at my daughter's middle school group today. My heart overflows with excitement! Please pray with me that hearts grow to seek and serve the living God! I Thess. I:9! Here is the message:
I wonder how many times you have been asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
I love that you think about this and even dream about it with us some times. It's good to have dreams and goals that will help you achieve them. But I want to ask you something different, a question that I doubt you have been asked quite as much. You ready?
What do you want to be today? Do you know what you are and can be right now?
You are God's unique design. He planned you and purposed you, and yes, that means for right now. As children sometimes I think we focus too much on what we will be when we grow up, and in doing that we miss the power God has in us - for us - right now.
Consider King Josiah. Do you know about him? He became king of Judah at the age of 8. In the 2 Book of Chronicles, the 34th chapter, Josiah's story is told. It says, "In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David." The chapter goes on to tell how one of the priests in the temple found the book of the Law that God had given to Moses, and read it to Josiah. "When the king (Josiah) heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes" He was so upset! Can you imagine being so upset you tear your clothing? But Josiah didn't just get mad; he put his righteous anger to good use. This young king " ... removed all the detestable idols from all the territory belonging to the Israelites, and he had all who were present in Israel serve the lord their God. As long as he lived, they did not fail to follow the Lord, the God of their ancestors."
I have so much respect for this kid! He was young! He was called! He was appointed! And God gave Him everything He needed: Power, Influence, Leadership Skills, and The Word of God - to live for God and lead others to live for God.
My favorite thing about this kid - he had NO IDEA that God was going to bring through him the KING of all KINGS. Josiah is listed in Matthew 1 as one of the members of Jesus earthly family. Check it out for yourself. I am not kidding you. Did God reward Josiah or what? Not only is his story told for you and I to know him and respect him, but he is linked for eternity to the Son of God.
Now - what about you? I know what you're thinking. "This is a Bible story, lady, and besides that - this is about a king. We're KIDS!"
I hear you, but being a young person does not limit God in you. God uses kids. He used Josiah as a child, David as a child, Mary was just a young girl, Isaac the son of Abraham was a child - and even as a baby, Jesus commanded the presence of angels, shepherds, and kings. A young boy gave Jesus his lunch and fed thousands! YOU can be used of God at any age. Do you believe it? You need to. I'll tell you why.
Doubt is one of the enemy's greatest weapons against us. Curled up in the branch of a tree, the ancient beguiler whispered to Eve, "Did God really say?..." DOUBT! planted in her heart, and so she did.
THAT being said -
1. First of all, you need to know your created purpose is directly connected to Jesus.
John 15:5-6 "I am the vine you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do NOTHING." - emphasis added by me - of course.
The wonder and amazement of the created thing is not JUST the thing itself. The thing itself is just a shell without the LIFE within it.
Consider a cardboard box. It's so much fun to create something out of this scrap of nothing. Kids make forts, and robots, boats and planes - just out of cardboard. But without the kid in it - what fun is it. What does it do. It's just a thing - with no life to it. And think about this, too...put the wrong thing in the cardboard box creation - and it just doesn't work the same...you know - like your dog, or your next door neighbor, Mr. Huberduberdingleschnocker. (names changed to protect the innocent)
The box is shaped into the creator's purpose, just like you. The size of it, shape, color - nothing external about that box determines the value of it. The only - ONLY - ONNNNLLLLYYYY thing that will ever determine the value of what is inside - is the one who gives it LIFE - just like YOU.
God created you for a purpose - and that purpose is directly connected to the LIFE that is JESUS in you.
2. Secondly, you are equipped with everything you need to serve God.
God did not sell you short on materials. You have what you need now to serve God RIGHT where HE has placed you.
Think about what you are good at. The abilities and talents God has given you are for you to use and CHOOSE to serve God. But I want you to understand something else. The life inside of you - that is given to you because YOU HAVE JESUS - is a part of our God. His Spirit - what He is good at - is in you. YES! I am not joking.
The Biblical term for having a part of God in you - is your "SPIRITUAL GIFT". It's like God took a part of Himself - His ability and wrapped it up in you. Is that crazy or what? I know! You wanna know some examples of this God talent you - YES YOU - may possess right now - and be really good at - right now???
Serving. Teaching. Giving. Healing. Mercy. Leadership (Josiah!). Knowledge. Faith. Wisdom.
These are only examples. You can read about more in Romans 12 and I Corinthians 13, and even there you won't find all of the things God can make us able to do by His Spirit. The possibilities are HUGE!
Any ideas about what you are good at? What God might have given you as a part of Himself for here on earth? Ask someone what they think. Others can sometimes identify our gifts from God better than we can.
The real question is...are you using this gift? Because...we alllll need you to! Not when you grow up either. We need you now! In your home; in your school, on the ball field, at the park, hanging out wherever you are...the part of God that He placed in you - with your physical talents and abilities - in the shape and size and design of YOU...is needed NOW.
3. Which brings me to my third point. You have been chosen and appointed with purpose.
Chosen means selected specifically, and appointed - well - this just seals the deal because that means the decision was made beforehand. Careful thought was given to the choice - of - you. ILOVETHAT! How do I know that? Good question! A disciple is a follower. Jesus had 12 disciples originally, but now - he has many disciples. We are his disciples. John 15 was written to the disciples, or followers, of Jesus. He said to us, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit - fruit that will last."
This isn't farming. This fruit is the stuff of God - the stuff that eternal life is made of. We are capable, because of Christ, of producing eternal things. YES! I know! I'm freaking out with you! Cause I thought I would only ever be good at making brownies! They're gone in minutes!
4. So what do we do with this great information? My next to last point... I know you're getting antsy, so I'll be quick. Here is point #4. Ask God to accomplish what He has given you to wish for. What do I mean by that? Well, Jesus said, you can ask for what you wish. John 15:7-8. But this doesn't mean an Ipad for you to play with or your own phone. This wish of ours - that God wants to bring about - is placed in us by God's Spirit too.NOTHING of God is for self. Everything of God is for others.
Jesus said, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you" - because remember, you always have a choice... - "...ask whatever you wish." So, God's Word in us will direct our wishing. For example: Reading about King Josiah - GIVE ME SOME OF THAT INFLUENCE! Right? King Josiah rocked for the kingdom of God. God's Word in our hearts - changes our desires. Which brings me to my very last point.
5. It's not about us. Serving others will glorify God and bring you JOY.
Our world is sooooo much about becoming and doing for self glory. Hard not to be! Stuff and popularity are powerful tools of the enemy. You, however, can overcome that lame duck power if you have God's Word in you and you want to overcome it. Remember - it's a choice.
Jesus said, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15:9-13
Your created purpose is directly connected to Jesus. What Jesus did for us - He wants you and I to do for others. He changed the WORLD! And He's still doing it - by His Spirit - and through His disciples that choose Him.
Think about it. The way God has made you - the place He has set you down on earth - your chosen and appointed life and time in 2012...What are you going to do with it?
Don't think small. Think great! God didn't say don't ask for great things. He said nothing is greater than laying your life down for your friends. Ask Him to show you how you can do this very great thing today.
We are all waiting and hoping on Christ - IN YOU.
LOVE!
I wonder how many times you have been asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
I love that you think about this and even dream about it with us some times. It's good to have dreams and goals that will help you achieve them. But I want to ask you something different, a question that I doubt you have been asked quite as much. You ready?
What do you want to be today? Do you know what you are and can be right now?
You are God's unique design. He planned you and purposed you, and yes, that means for right now. As children sometimes I think we focus too much on what we will be when we grow up, and in doing that we miss the power God has in us - for us - right now.
Consider King Josiah. Do you know about him? He became king of Judah at the age of 8. In the 2 Book of Chronicles, the 34th chapter, Josiah's story is told. It says, "In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David." The chapter goes on to tell how one of the priests in the temple found the book of the Law that God had given to Moses, and read it to Josiah. "When the king (Josiah) heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes" He was so upset! Can you imagine being so upset you tear your clothing? But Josiah didn't just get mad; he put his righteous anger to good use. This young king " ... removed all the detestable idols from all the territory belonging to the Israelites, and he had all who were present in Israel serve the lord their God. As long as he lived, they did not fail to follow the Lord, the God of their ancestors."
I have so much respect for this kid! He was young! He was called! He was appointed! And God gave Him everything He needed: Power, Influence, Leadership Skills, and The Word of God - to live for God and lead others to live for God.
My favorite thing about this kid - he had NO IDEA that God was going to bring through him the KING of all KINGS. Josiah is listed in Matthew 1 as one of the members of Jesus earthly family. Check it out for yourself. I am not kidding you. Did God reward Josiah or what? Not only is his story told for you and I to know him and respect him, but he is linked for eternity to the Son of God.
Now - what about you? I know what you're thinking. "This is a Bible story, lady, and besides that - this is about a king. We're KIDS!"
I hear you, but being a young person does not limit God in you. God uses kids. He used Josiah as a child, David as a child, Mary was just a young girl, Isaac the son of Abraham was a child - and even as a baby, Jesus commanded the presence of angels, shepherds, and kings. A young boy gave Jesus his lunch and fed thousands! YOU can be used of God at any age. Do you believe it? You need to. I'll tell you why.
Doubt is one of the enemy's greatest weapons against us. Curled up in the branch of a tree, the ancient beguiler whispered to Eve, "Did God really say?..." DOUBT! planted in her heart, and so she did.
THAT being said -
1. First of all, you need to know your created purpose is directly connected to Jesus.
John 15:5-6 "I am the vine you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do NOTHING." - emphasis added by me - of course.
The wonder and amazement of the created thing is not JUST the thing itself. The thing itself is just a shell without the LIFE within it.
Consider a cardboard box. It's so much fun to create something out of this scrap of nothing. Kids make forts, and robots, boats and planes - just out of cardboard. But without the kid in it - what fun is it. What does it do. It's just a thing - with no life to it. And think about this, too...put the wrong thing in the cardboard box creation - and it just doesn't work the same...you know - like your dog, or your next door neighbor, Mr. Huberduberdingleschnocker. (names changed to protect the innocent)
The box is shaped into the creator's purpose, just like you. The size of it, shape, color - nothing external about that box determines the value of it. The only - ONLY - ONNNNLLLLYYYY thing that will ever determine the value of what is inside - is the one who gives it LIFE - just like YOU.
God created you for a purpose - and that purpose is directly connected to the LIFE that is JESUS in you.
2. Secondly, you are equipped with everything you need to serve God.
I Peter 4:10
2 Peter1:3
God did not sell you short on materials. You have what you need now to serve God RIGHT where HE has placed you.
Think about what you are good at. The abilities and talents God has given you are for you to use and CHOOSE to serve God. But I want you to understand something else. The life inside of you - that is given to you because YOU HAVE JESUS - is a part of our God. His Spirit - what He is good at - is in you. YES! I am not joking.
The Biblical term for having a part of God in you - is your "SPIRITUAL GIFT". It's like God took a part of Himself - His ability and wrapped it up in you. Is that crazy or what? I know! You wanna know some examples of this God talent you - YES YOU - may possess right now - and be really good at - right now???
Serving. Teaching. Giving. Healing. Mercy. Leadership (Josiah!). Knowledge. Faith. Wisdom.
These are only examples. You can read about more in Romans 12 and I Corinthians 13, and even there you won't find all of the things God can make us able to do by His Spirit. The possibilities are HUGE!
Any ideas about what you are good at? What God might have given you as a part of Himself for here on earth? Ask someone what they think. Others can sometimes identify our gifts from God better than we can.
The real question is...are you using this gift? Because...we alllll need you to! Not when you grow up either. We need you now! In your home; in your school, on the ball field, at the park, hanging out wherever you are...the part of God that He placed in you - with your physical talents and abilities - in the shape and size and design of YOU...is needed NOW.
3. Which brings me to my third point. You have been chosen and appointed with purpose.
Chosen means selected specifically, and appointed - well - this just seals the deal because that means the decision was made beforehand. Careful thought was given to the choice - of - you. ILOVETHAT! How do I know that? Good question! A disciple is a follower. Jesus had 12 disciples originally, but now - he has many disciples. We are his disciples. John 15 was written to the disciples, or followers, of Jesus. He said to us, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit - fruit that will last."
This isn't farming. This fruit is the stuff of God - the stuff that eternal life is made of. We are capable, because of Christ, of producing eternal things. YES! I know! I'm freaking out with you! Cause I thought I would only ever be good at making brownies! They're gone in minutes!
4. So what do we do with this great information? My next to last point... I know you're getting antsy, so I'll be quick. Here is point #4. Ask God to accomplish what He has given you to wish for. What do I mean by that? Well, Jesus said, you can ask for what you wish. John 15:7-8. But this doesn't mean an Ipad for you to play with or your own phone. This wish of ours - that God wants to bring about - is placed in us by God's Spirit too.NOTHING of God is for self. Everything of God is for others.
Jesus said, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you" - because remember, you always have a choice... - "...ask whatever you wish." So, God's Word in us will direct our wishing. For example: Reading about King Josiah - GIVE ME SOME OF THAT INFLUENCE! Right? King Josiah rocked for the kingdom of God. God's Word in our hearts - changes our desires. Which brings me to my very last point.
5. It's not about us. Serving others will glorify God and bring you JOY.
Our world is sooooo much about becoming and doing for self glory. Hard not to be! Stuff and popularity are powerful tools of the enemy. You, however, can overcome that lame duck power if you have God's Word in you and you want to overcome it. Remember - it's a choice.
Jesus said, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15:9-13
Your created purpose is directly connected to Jesus. What Jesus did for us - He wants you and I to do for others. He changed the WORLD! And He's still doing it - by His Spirit - and through His disciples that choose Him.
Think about it. The way God has made you - the place He has set you down on earth - your chosen and appointed life and time in 2012...What are you going to do with it?
Don't think small. Think great! God didn't say don't ask for great things. He said nothing is greater than laying your life down for your friends. Ask Him to show you how you can do this very great thing today.
We are all waiting and hoping on Christ - IN YOU.
LOVE!
Saturday, June 2, 2012
stay at home mom
You gave me a job.
I gave it back.
Because you gave me a child.
Twice.
I loved them more.
You have always
provided all we need
And more.
I will pursue nothing
without you.
You are the Giver.
My hands are open.
My heart is
Longing for you,
and no vain pursuit will satisfy.
Lord, what would you have me do?
The laundry is done.
Cupboards are full.
The house is clean,
quiet
empty for hours
of the day.
Fills these hands.
Please.
Give me good work to do.
Work that will last beyond
books on shelves no longer studied,
and recylcled
papers
written on - long ago,
now stale with
old ideas.
You are the Giver.
Of every good and perfect
Gift.
I wait for you.
Because you have never
left me
unsatisfied.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
teaching my child about sex.
I am always hungry to learn.LOTS to learn in this life of which I have NO CLUE! Right? Ya with me in that? My daily prayer: "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things from your law." I walked in ignorance for too long to trust my own way of thinking.
However - we can't have our eyes opened to God's law, or in other words, His precepts, - unless we are reading it, right? So, I look forward to time reading, studying, learning - realizing what God would have me learn for today...and possibly what may be comin' round the corner.
Last summer I had the amazing privilege of teaching my daughter about sex. What a moment for us together with our God. She was wide eyed, inquisitive, soft hearted, and so amazed. (I used Before I Was Born, by Carolyn Nystrom. Great book for teaching the miracle of life!) This was a beautiful moment for me to see understanding come to my daughter's eyes, as I had hoped no one else had reached her mind and heart before God's design for sex could make a first impression. My hand in hers - my eyes to hers - our hearts together - we pressed into the truth and miracle of how life begins and God's design for sex in marriage.
I knew this "talk" was not going to be entirely easy or lovely for me, since I did not adhere to this design in my own life. (I told a little bit of my story to our college group - Vintage - at our church). If she would ask did I wait for marriage to have sex - I knew I would not lie to her - but tell her my story of living a part from God's Word. And ask she did. I was amazed that as she listened to me tell of how I chose my own way - and hurt other people - and lived almost like two different people with my friends who loved God - and with my friends who did not - that her eyes welled up with tears. And then I told her how I had been married before her dad, and chose myself over God so that I could have this other man. She began to sob.
"Why are you crying, baby?" I asked her.
"I just never thought you would do THAT."
I hugged her and cried with her.
And then she said, "I know this isn't right - but somehow I feel I have a dad out there."
Now this - THIS - to my amazement! God had prepared me for this moment - this statement - this thought seizing her mind... I knew that I knew, that I knew, in my gut - before I even told her I had been married before - I JUST KNEW that she would feel connected to him because she was connected to me. That I would think this and plan for this is all the help of the Spirit of God! Because I was ready for what came next.
I took her little hand in mine...that God shaped exactly like my mother-in-laws...and I said..."WHOSE hand do you see in your own?"
She said, "Nana's," as she sniffled and wiped away her tears.
I told her, "YOUR hand is shaped exactly like Daddy's mommy. There is no way you came from anyone but Daddy. You are his child and mine, and God shaped you like Nana so you would always know it."
What a Masterful, LOVING GOD who knows my baby's heart - and shapes her for His purposes. This was grace to her - and it was grace to me. Because I did not think to protect my future children from my sin. I was only ever absorbed in me. God thought of her. He protected her. He knew one day I would have a little girl who would ache over what I had chosen to do and wonder how she was connected to what I had done.
God drew her to Himself that day. I pray He opened her eyes to more than the creation of her life in me, and to more than the truth that He is One who shaped her hands ... I PRAY that He opened her eyes to His WORD to show her a WAY to follow that is good, and right, and beautiful.
Teaching our daughters and sons about sex - or any truth of God's Word, should not exclude our own lessons. I guess I am writing more specifically to moms and dads who did follow God, His design for sex, and are ashamed or afraid to share that with their children.
It is good for our children to know that God's Word has changed our hearts and minds. We were SAVED from something, right? Some times I think they wonder - from what? I am not that woman any more...I tell my children who I used to be apart from God - what God saved me from in my past - what He keeps me from today - so they can see with their own eyes that I am WITH THEM in the learning and striving. I fight against what I could be apart from God so that I can realize the JOY of living with GOD. We do not learn independently in this family. I am not above them in understanding truth; they can learn and understand as I do, right? Biblical principles and the vocabulary to explain them are coming into my children's grasp at ages 8 and 11. The only difference as they age with me, is the years we have in experience. I want them to have more experiences of choosing God than not. And I want them to see that I want those brave choices for God, too - and that I fight for them hard as they do...
But let's say you're reading this- and you have chosen to live for God from the time you were a child - your story of God's grace in your life should be told just the same. You are still a sinner, right? You have struggled with your flesh just like anyone else.We need to tell our children of those flesh and spirit lessons - so they get that living for God is not magic that happens in us. We've been given His Spirit and living by His Spirit is always ,a choice. We always have free will, right?... Glory to God when we choose Him - and Glory to God when we can show our children the consequences of what not choosing Him looks like in our life as well.
I refuse to be prideful and fake about my fight to live for God...not with you - not with my babes...not with anyone. It is all Him. ALL. ALL. ALL! And I am soooo grateful for the people in my life who love me! and are so real with me about their fight to live for God as well. BE THAT for each other! FOR LIFE!
I know my lessons about sex - and following God's Way and His Word in everything - are far from over with my girl... But I was thinking this morning as I was putting away a cake we had made for Memorial weekend - that didn't get eaten entirely...how she has yet to realize what the temptation for sex will be like for her one day. Right? I mean she's 11 - not dating - not even revved as far as hormones go... SO - that being said, I thought about this cake...
One day I will tell her: - "I want to teach you something about sex. And I need you to trust me. I have invited a bunch of your friends over, and you are going to be the only one who knows what I am teaching about sex. They won't know. But you have to trust me, and learn this with me - and enjoy your friends in the midst of this lesson."
For this lesson, the friends will come - and together, each of them will get to make their own cake. We will mix and bake these little cakes together. Kamryn will be given the instructions not to lick or taste anything...no matter what her friends are doing, I will tell her before hand, privately, that her instruction is not to lick or taste anything. There will be all kinds of frosting, candies, sprinkles galore! But I am going to tell my girly-girl, for this lesson - for this time - she is not to eat a thing for this cake making party.
Next - when the cakes were ready to eat - her friends can enjoy the cake they had made - but I will privately give Kamryn the instruction not to eat her cake. This will probably kill her. If you know my sweet lovin' girl - you know! She'll be dying! Just think when you make frosting! Right? How can we not lick the bowl??? let alone try a piece of the cake? She will have to tell her friends, if they ask, that she was not going to eat hers - but save it. And maybe some of them will choose to do the same - maybe they would indulge and tell her what she was missing out on...No matter what - I will be firm that she can not have it. Now - I'm not going to be totally mean! I will have lots of other DELICIOUS treats for them to enjoy. It's just the cake that she will not be able to enjoy.
Later, I will explain to my daughter - this is what it will be like for her with sex. Her friends may be having sex, telling her how great it is, but God has given her the instruction not to. He has said to wait. The savoring of her own cake - that is to be God's timing.
Then - I am going to take her on an overnight weekend - JUST SHE AND I ...and we are going to eat that cake! together! And I will give her - in a tiny, beautifully wrapped box - a treasure that is hers to wear and remember waiting is worth it.
The verse attached to this ring will read, "Men have not perceived by the ear, nor has teh eye seen any God besides you, Who acts for the one who waits for Him." Isaiah 64:4
On her wedding day, if she chooses to marry, she can give this purity ring to her husband ... AND OHHHH how I pray she thinks of this lesson with me and our God as she enjoys her wedding day cake - smashed in her face or not - ...BUT even if she doesn't think of it - you gotta know - her mama will. TEARS!
Oh God draw our children to yourself...and please don't let us miss it - however you may use us! our good - our bad - ALL YOURS! Your lessons are your love in our life!
TO God be the glory for HIS TRUTH THAT LASTS!
However - we can't have our eyes opened to God's law, or in other words, His precepts, - unless we are reading it, right? So, I look forward to time reading, studying, learning - realizing what God would have me learn for today...and possibly what may be comin' round the corner.
Last summer I had the amazing privilege of teaching my daughter about sex. What a moment for us together with our God. She was wide eyed, inquisitive, soft hearted, and so amazed. (I used Before I Was Born, by Carolyn Nystrom. Great book for teaching the miracle of life!) This was a beautiful moment for me to see understanding come to my daughter's eyes, as I had hoped no one else had reached her mind and heart before God's design for sex could make a first impression. My hand in hers - my eyes to hers - our hearts together - we pressed into the truth and miracle of how life begins and God's design for sex in marriage.
I knew this "talk" was not going to be entirely easy or lovely for me, since I did not adhere to this design in my own life. (I told a little bit of my story to our college group - Vintage - at our church). If she would ask did I wait for marriage to have sex - I knew I would not lie to her - but tell her my story of living a part from God's Word. And ask she did. I was amazed that as she listened to me tell of how I chose my own way - and hurt other people - and lived almost like two different people with my friends who loved God - and with my friends who did not - that her eyes welled up with tears. And then I told her how I had been married before her dad, and chose myself over God so that I could have this other man. She began to sob.
"Why are you crying, baby?" I asked her.
"I just never thought you would do THAT."
I hugged her and cried with her.
And then she said, "I know this isn't right - but somehow I feel I have a dad out there."
Now this - THIS - to my amazement! God had prepared me for this moment - this statement - this thought seizing her mind... I knew that I knew, that I knew, in my gut - before I even told her I had been married before - I JUST KNEW that she would feel connected to him because she was connected to me. That I would think this and plan for this is all the help of the Spirit of God! Because I was ready for what came next.
I took her little hand in mine...that God shaped exactly like my mother-in-laws...and I said..."WHOSE hand do you see in your own?"
She said, "Nana's," as she sniffled and wiped away her tears.
I told her, "YOUR hand is shaped exactly like Daddy's mommy. There is no way you came from anyone but Daddy. You are his child and mine, and God shaped you like Nana so you would always know it."
What a Masterful, LOVING GOD who knows my baby's heart - and shapes her for His purposes. This was grace to her - and it was grace to me. Because I did not think to protect my future children from my sin. I was only ever absorbed in me. God thought of her. He protected her. He knew one day I would have a little girl who would ache over what I had chosen to do and wonder how she was connected to what I had done.
God drew her to Himself that day. I pray He opened her eyes to more than the creation of her life in me, and to more than the truth that He is One who shaped her hands ... I PRAY that He opened her eyes to His WORD to show her a WAY to follow that is good, and right, and beautiful.
Teaching our daughters and sons about sex - or any truth of God's Word, should not exclude our own lessons. I guess I am writing more specifically to moms and dads who did follow God, His design for sex, and are ashamed or afraid to share that with their children.
It is good for our children to know that God's Word has changed our hearts and minds. We were SAVED from something, right? Some times I think they wonder - from what? I am not that woman any more...I tell my children who I used to be apart from God - what God saved me from in my past - what He keeps me from today - so they can see with their own eyes that I am WITH THEM in the learning and striving. I fight against what I could be apart from God so that I can realize the JOY of living with GOD. We do not learn independently in this family. I am not above them in understanding truth; they can learn and understand as I do, right? Biblical principles and the vocabulary to explain them are coming into my children's grasp at ages 8 and 11. The only difference as they age with me, is the years we have in experience. I want them to have more experiences of choosing God than not. And I want them to see that I want those brave choices for God, too - and that I fight for them hard as they do...
But let's say you're reading this- and you have chosen to live for God from the time you were a child - your story of God's grace in your life should be told just the same. You are still a sinner, right? You have struggled with your flesh just like anyone else.We need to tell our children of those flesh and spirit lessons - so they get that living for God is not magic that happens in us. We've been given His Spirit and living by His Spirit is always ,a choice. We always have free will, right?... Glory to God when we choose Him - and Glory to God when we can show our children the consequences of what not choosing Him looks like in our life as well.
I refuse to be prideful and fake about my fight to live for God...not with you - not with my babes...not with anyone. It is all Him. ALL. ALL. ALL! And I am soooo grateful for the people in my life who love me! and are so real with me about their fight to live for God as well. BE THAT for each other! FOR LIFE!
I know my lessons about sex - and following God's Way and His Word in everything - are far from over with my girl... But I was thinking this morning as I was putting away a cake we had made for Memorial weekend - that didn't get eaten entirely...how she has yet to realize what the temptation for sex will be like for her one day. Right? I mean she's 11 - not dating - not even revved as far as hormones go... SO - that being said, I thought about this cake...
One day I will tell her: - "I want to teach you something about sex. And I need you to trust me. I have invited a bunch of your friends over, and you are going to be the only one who knows what I am teaching about sex. They won't know. But you have to trust me, and learn this with me - and enjoy your friends in the midst of this lesson."
For this lesson, the friends will come - and together, each of them will get to make their own cake. We will mix and bake these little cakes together. Kamryn will be given the instructions not to lick or taste anything...no matter what her friends are doing, I will tell her before hand, privately, that her instruction is not to lick or taste anything. There will be all kinds of frosting, candies, sprinkles galore! But I am going to tell my girly-girl, for this lesson - for this time - she is not to eat a thing for this cake making party.
Next - when the cakes were ready to eat - her friends can enjoy the cake they had made - but I will privately give Kamryn the instruction not to eat her cake. This will probably kill her. If you know my sweet lovin' girl - you know! She'll be dying! Just think when you make frosting! Right? How can we not lick the bowl??? let alone try a piece of the cake? She will have to tell her friends, if they ask, that she was not going to eat hers - but save it. And maybe some of them will choose to do the same - maybe they would indulge and tell her what she was missing out on...No matter what - I will be firm that she can not have it. Now - I'm not going to be totally mean! I will have lots of other DELICIOUS treats for them to enjoy. It's just the cake that she will not be able to enjoy.
Later, I will explain to my daughter - this is what it will be like for her with sex. Her friends may be having sex, telling her how great it is, but God has given her the instruction not to. He has said to wait. The savoring of her own cake - that is to be God's timing.
Then - I am going to take her on an overnight weekend - JUST SHE AND I ...and we are going to eat that cake! together! And I will give her - in a tiny, beautifully wrapped box - a treasure that is hers to wear and remember waiting is worth it.
The verse attached to this ring will read, "Men have not perceived by the ear, nor has teh eye seen any God besides you, Who acts for the one who waits for Him." Isaiah 64:4
On her wedding day, if she chooses to marry, she can give this purity ring to her husband ... AND OHHHH how I pray she thinks of this lesson with me and our God as she enjoys her wedding day cake - smashed in her face or not - ...BUT even if she doesn't think of it - you gotta know - her mama will. TEARS!
Oh God draw our children to yourself...and please don't let us miss it - however you may use us! our good - our bad - ALL YOURS! Your lessons are your love in our life!
TO God be the glory for HIS TRUTH THAT LASTS!
Psalm 119:33-40
Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statues, and I shall keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law.
Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
Make me walk in the path of YOUR commandmens, for I delight in it.
Incline my heart to YOUR TESTIMONIES, and not to covetousness.
Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in your way.
Establish your word to your servant, who is devoted to fearing you.
TURN AWAY my reproach which I dread, for your judgments are good.
Behold, I LONG for your precepts; revive me in your righteousness.
Friday, May 25, 2012
and God bless my husband.
Jabez. Cool sounding name, huh? I like it...however the meaning is a little harsh. Jabez, is a Biblical character recorded in I Chronicles. His mother had a hard time giving birth to him and named him Jabez out of that pain and anguish. Like what mother doesn't have pain in childbirth - to some degree anyway - right? Jabez must have been a whopper of a struggle.
Jabez prayed to God - hard! The Bible says, "Jabez cried out to the God of Israel.." There's some effort in that prayer, right? He's crying out to God and he says, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm (evil) so that I will be free from pain"
He did not want the meaning of his name to reflect his life. Jabez did not want to cause pain as he had in his birth. Oh I love his heart! I can just see his face the day he realized what his name meant - and understood how a name in that culture reflected who you were. Hard name to bear. BUT! Jabez knew WHO would determine the course of his life - despite his name. He knew WHO could illuminate evil in his path for his sake - and for the sake of those he loved. I LOVE THIS HEART! He's begging, "GOD! Please do not let me be what I am capable of!" Right?
Ouch. I get that. I get that to the point where I feel a pinch in my heart for the destruction I have caused in my path - and for what I know I am still - STILL - yep...even right now STILL!!! capable of destroying...even with one small strike of a letter on a keyboard...
So, I get very excited when I read the last part of this passage. Check out the happy ending of the Jabez story in verse 10.
"AND GOD granted his request."
WHAT ON EARTH!?!?!
How amazing to me! That God heard the heart cry of Jabez, and not only turned his ear to him, but gave him what he cried for.
Jabez!!!! Get out! If I could hug you! Oh I so would!
Did he know it then? Or did he just have to hold out hope and trust that God would grant what he begged for? Because Jabez didn't write the book of Chronicles, right. Hold on... Who did? Got it! Ezra or possibly Nehemiah wrote the book of Chronicles. So the life of Jabez, as member of the tribe of Judah (our Savior's physical ancestry - you know..., Jesus - Lion of Judah) - the life of Jabez was watched and recorded so that WE would know his story, his request to God - and that God answered this request.
I'm thinkin' Jabez had to just actively trust and watch his life unfold in the hand of God.
Jabez!!!! Get out! If I could hug you! Oh I so would!
Did he know it then? Or did he just have to hold out hope and trust that God would grant what he begged for? Because Jabez didn't write the book of Chronicles, right. Hold on... Who did? Got it! Ezra or possibly Nehemiah wrote the book of Chronicles. So the life of Jabez, as member of the tribe of Judah (our Savior's physical ancestry - you know..., Jesus - Lion of Judah) - the life of Jabez was watched and recorded so that WE would know his story, his request to God - and that God answered this request.
I'm thinkin' Jabez had to just actively trust and watch his life unfold in the hand of God.
What does that have to do with us?
Well - we can pray that prayer! There is a book written by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson: The Prayer of Jabez. He writes how this prayer can change our lives. Now - I'm not all about praying some mantra and "BAM!" we get it. I am all for praying and meditating on God's Word. I believe God answers prayer. I believe as His children we are desperate for Him to change our circumstances, and I believe as we read His Word and wrap the truth of it around our lives, we can't help but beg Him to accomplish HIS WORD in us - and through us.
So - whether it is the prayer of Jabez that we read and are led to pray, and focus (MEDITATE) on, and act on in faith, - IT is good, and it is powerful, and God will accomplish it. Or whether it is another passage that we are led to pray, and meditate on, and also act on in faith - it is good, and powerful, and I believe God will accomplish it.
So - whether it is the prayer of Jabez that we read and are led to pray, and focus (MEDITATE) on, and act on in faith, - IT is good, and it is powerful, and God will accomplish it. Or whether it is another passage that we are led to pray, and meditate on, and also act on in faith - it is good, and powerful, and I believe God will accomplish it.
I was led to pray the prayer of Jabez for a year. I do not have a story of great territories being gained or treasures acquired - at least of this world. I can tell you this, I learned a great deal about the pain I am capable of causing, and that God - BY HIS SPIRIT in ME - has kept me from evil. And THAT right there - if you know me at all - is amazing. amazing. amazing. My sin potential is huge, and my Father in Heaven alerted me to it time and again in the most gracious, loving, strong, and protective way - time and time again. And in the midst of that training, He strengthened my defenses - and grew my love for His Word.
One example and I will let you go - is that okay? I'll be brief!... I was praying this prayer - that Jabez prayed - in the quiet of my family room one morning. And being very still as I prayed it...slowly - thoughtfully - letting God work through each sentence with me. I thought to myself as I talked with God..."But I don't want to pray this just for me, Lord. I want to pray this for my husband, too. So - God bless my husband. Oh that you would bless Him indeed!" I cried out to God.
I sat there for a moment, letting that prayer wash over me - and thinking about what that would look like. In the stillness God made me realize this" "I have blessed your husband. Do not rob from Him what I have already given."
WHAT? WHAT? WHAT? come again on that thought. You have blessed my husband and I - ME? seriously? ME??? - I have robbed from him? Silence. NO WAY. Erase this thought. CAN'T BE TRUE!
I sat in silence and then tears began to flow as I realized how I am intended to be a blessing to my husband from God - to be his help mate. I can rob him of God's blessing in me - constantly... with my words, my attitude, my moods, day after day of effortless, complacent love.
I sat in silence and then tears began to flow as I realized how I am intended to be a blessing to my husband from God - to be his help mate. I can rob him of God's blessing in me - constantly... with my words, my attitude, my moods, day after day of effortless, complacent love.
NO. Please! NO! I saw this ugly truth so clearly, and as much as I wanted to look away I couldn't. This moment was a mirror that did not move from my eyes. I only saw more and deeper into it.
God has blessed my husband in his work. How do I rob from him? Do I consider every penny of his toil and efforts, or do I TAKE what is from GOD into my own hands and spend it without thought? without careful consideration that this money is God's blessing on his work - and it is not mine alone to claim, feel entitled to, or be careless with no matter what I think I need or deserve. Tears. Just cleansing tears as I looked at the robbery that I have been guilty of.
What a moment with my Heavenly Father! What a moment with my husband's Heavenly Father!
I am grateful God does not leave us in our guilt. Ever. AND .... He does not bring us to a place of realizing guilt without our first seeking Him. It wasn't like he dragged me like a puppy to my puddle and said, "WHAT DID YOU DO, Laura Lewis? What did you do?" God is not LIKE THAT.
He is love and grace that wraps around us in the learning, and He knows our heart, and the power of His truth is all that is needed in a lesson. No angry face. No harsh words. I was being corrected, lovingly.
I needed this moment of guilt with my God, so that He could make me more aware of the grace and love He has shown me and longed for me to see in every moment that I acted so thoughtlessly toward my husband. I have robbed my husband. I am so sorry. God has patiently waited for me to realize that my husband is blessed - what am I going to do with this blessing from our God???
I prayed: "Let your hand be with me, and keep me from evil so that I will be free from pain."
I thought about this in a new way. Love protects. God will protect me from evil, so that I will protect my husband from the evil I am so capable of.
With my Bible still open in my lap, I looked to the last part of the verse
"And God granted his request."
God bless our husbands.
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