I found myself completely unprepared for a conversation at my front door tonight. Twenty four hours ago a mom on our block asked me to watch her seven year old daughter. Her husband had been out of work and now they needed to move out of their home and while she packed could her daughter stay with me. This turned into spending the night, watching her today, and a very bizarre conversation tonight.
In preparation to go trick-or-treating I asked both girls to shower and wash their hair. I could tell when I began to blow dry the little girl's hair she was not sure how to act. I asked if anyone had ever dried her hair before she said "No." For the last 7 years no one had ever taken time to blow her hair. This new knowledge sent a dart of sadness into my heart.
We went with trick-or-treating, to a fall festival, she spent the night, went with us to church, and the girls played all day. Periodically she would come to me give me a big hug and thank me for the things I would normally do for Katie Beth. She was so grateful.
At six o'clock her mom came to pick her up and she started crying. She did not want to leave. I was not expecting this reaction. Her mom's response was "I know you would rather live with Katie Beth." Again I was shocked. My neighbor then shares with me that her sister's seven month old is now legally theirs and would Brad & I like to adopt him. I am even more shocked. I promise to get her information for people who can help her put him up for adoption. And now the bombshell, she reveals that she is expecting again.
At this point you could have blown on me and I think I would have fallen over. My heart was just going nuts trying to process the hurting daughter, the unwanted seven month old, and the news that another child was being thrown in with her current four. I was totally undone. Brad came home to see them walking down the street and find his wife sobbing on the floor.
This whole thing does not add up for me Lord. Why do they get more kids while we are left with our desire for more children unmet? As you can imagine this started a flood of questions for God accompanied by overwhelming feelings. Brad held me as I cried and cried. Eventually he said, "Deana you are being flooded with thoughts. Where are these from. Remember today's sermon. " He was right. I was being attacked by a flood of thoughts that were stealing my joy and peace. I was letting circumstances and feelings undermine my trust in God.
We sat down to the table for dinner. I read tonight's study. The words were indeed timely.
Joy In November
These things have I spoken . . . that your Joy may be full.
The hallmark of a true follower of Mine is Joy.
Not a surface pleasure at life's happenings, a something that is reflected from without, but a welling up from within of that happiness that can only come from a heart at peace, secure in its friendship with Me.
Joy, strong and calm, attracts men to Me.
How many who claim Me Lord reflect a dull Christ, and wonder that the world turns rather to the glitter and tinsel of that world's pleasures.
Truly My followers deny Me in so doing. I am a Glorified Christ. A Christ of Triumphant Conquest.
Alas! My followers point too often to the grave-clothes of the tomb. Still learning to love and laugh.
I know to laugh and love even in the days with pain sounds a bit pollyanna. However, I had already gone to my Father for healing. By trusting him with my future peace and joy were restored and hope was planted.
Proverbs 24:14 Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
In preparation to go trick-or-treating I asked both girls to shower and wash their hair. I could tell when I began to blow dry the little girl's hair she was not sure how to act. I asked if anyone had ever dried her hair before she said "No." For the last 7 years no one had ever taken time to blow her hair. This new knowledge sent a dart of sadness into my heart.
We went with trick-or-treating, to a fall festival, she spent the night, went with us to church, and the girls played all day. Periodically she would come to me give me a big hug and thank me for the things I would normally do for Katie Beth. She was so grateful.
At six o'clock her mom came to pick her up and she started crying. She did not want to leave. I was not expecting this reaction. Her mom's response was "I know you would rather live with Katie Beth." Again I was shocked. My neighbor then shares with me that her sister's seven month old is now legally theirs and would Brad & I like to adopt him. I am even more shocked. I promise to get her information for people who can help her put him up for adoption. And now the bombshell, she reveals that she is expecting again.
At this point you could have blown on me and I think I would have fallen over. My heart was just going nuts trying to process the hurting daughter, the unwanted seven month old, and the news that another child was being thrown in with her current four. I was totally undone. Brad came home to see them walking down the street and find his wife sobbing on the floor.
This whole thing does not add up for me Lord. Why do they get more kids while we are left with our desire for more children unmet? As you can imagine this started a flood of questions for God accompanied by overwhelming feelings. Brad held me as I cried and cried. Eventually he said, "Deana you are being flooded with thoughts. Where are these from. Remember today's sermon. " He was right. I was being attacked by a flood of thoughts that were stealing my joy and peace. I was letting circumstances and feelings undermine my trust in God.
We sat down to the table for dinner. I read tonight's study. The words were indeed timely.
Joy In November
These things have I spoken . . . that your Joy may be full.
The hallmark of a true follower of Mine is Joy.
Not a surface pleasure at life's happenings, a something that is reflected from without, but a welling up from within of that happiness that can only come from a heart at peace, secure in its friendship with Me.
Joy, strong and calm, attracts men to Me.
How many who claim Me Lord reflect a dull Christ, and wonder that the world turns rather to the glitter and tinsel of that world's pleasures.
Truly My followers deny Me in so doing. I am a Glorified Christ. A Christ of Triumphant Conquest.
Alas! My followers point too often to the grave-clothes of the tomb. Still learning to love and laugh.
I know to laugh and love even in the days with pain sounds a bit pollyanna. However, I had already gone to my Father for healing. By trusting him with my future peace and joy were restored and hope was planted.
Proverbs 24:14 Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
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